NVIDIA's Jensen Huang Strengthens Alliances in South Korea for Physical AI Jensen Huang, CEO of NVIDIA, is set to explore business opportunities across South Korea's artificial intelligence (AI) ecosystem. His strategy involves diversifying alliances in the 'Physical AI' sector by meeting with major corporate leaders, as well as representatives from the gaming industry and AI and robotics startups. According to industry sources, Huang will begin a four-day official visit to South Korea on June 5. This marks his return to the country approximately seven months after visiting Gyeongju during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit last October. This visit has a different focus compared to last year. In 2025, Huang's trip centered on strengthening partnerships with Samsung Electronics and SK to ensure the supply chain for high-bandwidth memory (HBM). He also collaborated with Hyundai Motor Company to secure graphics processing units (GPUs) essential for next-generation autonomous driving, emphasizing hardware partnerships. This year, the focus shifts to identifying new partners for Physical AI in the South Korean market and expanding the AI infrastructure ecosystem. Discussions with Koo Kwang-mo, chairman of LG Group, are expected to center on integrating NVIDIA's AI chip solutions into home appliances, robotics, and manufacturing processes. Collaboration in the robotics sector is also set to become more concrete. Huang and Park Jung-won, chairman of Doosan Group, will participate in a ceremonial first pitch and at-bat during a Doosan Bears baseball game on June 7. NVIDIA is currently engaged in various collaborations with Doosan's key subsidiaries, particularly aiming to launch intelligent robotic solutions next year and an industrial humanoid by 2028. Additionally, Huang will meet with Kim Taek-jin, CEO of NCSoft, and Jang Byung-kyu, chairman of Krafton, to discuss collaborations on AI PC chipsets and capturing the next-generation gaming market with digital humans. While NVIDIA leads the global market in AI computation within servers, it lacks competitiveness in the Physical AI sector, which interacts with real-world environments. Although NVIDIA produces advanced GPUs, it currently faces a shortage of 'real-world data' necessary for training and operating these systems. South Korean companies, which have accumulated world-class practical data and hardware capabilities in manufacturing and robotics, are viewed as optimal partners to fill this gap for NVIDIA. Jang Byung-tak, a professor at Seoul National University’s Department of Computer Science, stated, "Huang's visit signifies that South Korea, possessing both large-scale manufacturing infrastructure and high-quality industrial data, is the best testing ground and strategic partner for completing the Physical AI ecosystem. When NVIDIA's powerful computing capabilities combine with the precise manufacturing technologies and robotic data of South Korean companies, the true era of Physical AI will begin to unfold."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-04 18:30:00

Concerns Rise Over Budget Cuts for K-On-Device AI Semiconductor Project The South Korean government's K-On-Device AI semiconductor technology development project is facing increased concerns as its budget has been reduced by approximately 200 billion won from the initial plan, and the project timeline has been delayed by about three months.The government has stated that it will actively support this technology development, which involves an investment of several hundred billion won, to ensure it leads to semiconductor mass production and integration into finished products.According to the semiconductor industry on June 4, the K-On-Device AI semiconductor technology development project is set to be announced in June, with full-scale operations expected to begin in July. This is about three months later than initially planned, as the government aimed to start the project in March.The project's budget has also been scaled back. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy confirmed on June 2 that the total budget for the K-On-Device AI semiconductor technology development project has been finalized at 800.23 billion won. The government will contribute 511 billion won, while the remaining budget will come from private sector investments. This represents a reduction of about 20% from the original budget proposal of 1 trillion won.The K-On-Device AI semiconductor technology development project will involve domestic fabless companies designing AI semiconductors based on industry needs, with production carried out by local foundries. This initiative aims to connect semiconductor demand companies with fabless firms and foundries. The project will focus on developing customized AI semiconductors for four key industries: automotive, Internet of Things (IoT) and home appliances, machinery and robotics, and defense.Concerns have been raised that the budget cuts may undermine the project's effectiveness. On-device AI semiconductors require significant investment from design to validation and mass production, leading to fears that budget reductions could result in a scaled-back project scope and diminished support. Notably, about 30% of the total project budget is expected to be funded by demand companies. With the overall budget shrinking, there are worries that the financial burden on these companies will increase, potentially reducing their willingness to participate in the project.Experts emphasize the necessity of follow-up support that extends beyond research and development to actual mass production and product integration. They argue that the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, which is leading the project, must understand the unique characteristics of the AI semiconductor industry and reflect these in project execution. One industry representative stated, "Even if domestic fabless companies secure technological capabilities, without the adoption and mass production support from demand companies, it will be difficult to enhance industrial competitiveness. The government needs to establish specific follow-up policies that support validation, market access, and connections with demand companies after development."In this context, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Kim Jeong-kwan has stated, "We will spare no effort in providing comprehensive support, including R&D, validation, mass production, financial assistance, and regulatory improvements, to ensure that the developed chips can be integrated into finished products in key industries such as automotive."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-04 18:30:00

Kolon Mobility Group Acquires AutoHub Selca to Enter Auto Auction Business Kolon Mobility Group, a domestic importer of vehicles, is entering the auto auction business. On June 4, Kolon Mobility Group announced that it has acquired a 100% stake in AutoHub Selca, a company specializing in auto auctions. AutoHub Selca operates a large auction house in Anseong, Gyeonggi Province. With this acquisition, Kolon Mobility Group aims to complete an integrated value chain covering the entire lifecycle of vehicles, from new car purchases to resale. The company will also strengthen its procurement channels for its used car platform, '702 Certified Used Cars.' Industry experts believe that this value chain development will serve as a significant opportunity to enhance various business areas, including rental cars, vehicle repairs, and warranty extensions. Kolon Mobility Group has declared its goal to achieve a corporate value of 1 trillion won by next year through business model diversification. Choi Hyun-seok, CEO of Kolon Mobility Group, stated, "The acquisition of AutoHub Selca is a strategic decision to fundamentally enhance the competitiveness of the 702 Certified Used Cars business and to set a new standard in South Korea's used car market." According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the domestic used car market is expected to reach approximately 2.42 million units annually by the end of 2024, surpassing the new car market, which stands at around 1.67 million units. 2026-06-04 18:24:00

Kim Hye-kyung: Korea and France as Close Partners Through Culture "The mutual understanding built on trust and friendship between our two countries is deepening and expanding every day. Now, we have become close partners who understand each other through cultural and artistic exchanges in our daily lives," said Kim Hye-kyung on June 4 at the 140th anniversary celebration of Korea-France diplomatic relations held at Deoksugung Palace in Seoul. Kim noted, "140 years ago, we opened our hearts to each other despite the distance and differences in language and culture." She expressed gratitude for France's support during the Korean War, stating, "France was a significant force in protecting our freedom and peace as a member of the UN forces. The noble sacrifices and dedication of French youth during that time remain in the hearts of our people. I would like to take this opportunity to express my deep gratitude once again." She added, "The French people love Korean cultural content and K-pop, while we highly appreciate French literature and art through the works of Victor Hugo, Monet, and Rodin. I hope this event becomes a precious time for our hearts to connect and unite." The event was attended by approximately 80 guests, including Philippe Bertoux, the French Ambassador to South Korea; Choi Hwi-young, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism; actress Jeon Ji-hyun; and Felix from the K-pop group Stray Kids. Ambassador Bertoux remarked, "The signing of the Korea-France Treaty of Commerce and Navigation in 1886 was a historic treaty that marked the beginning of our diplomatic relations." He continued, "With President Emmanuel Macron's state visit to Korea in April, our relationship has been elevated to a global strategic partnership. Through this, our soft power will be strengthened through mutual exchanges." The celebration featured a performance by soprano Jo Sumi and French pianist David Kadouch.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-04 18:18:00

Kioxia Surpasses Toyota, Nvidia Outpaces Apple as Semiconductor Sector Reshapes Market Caps in Korea, U.S., and Japan Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the market capitalization landscape of stock exchanges in the U.S., South Korea, and Japan. Previously dominated by smartphone, internet platform, and automotive companies, the market is now led by AI semiconductor and memory firms. In the U.S., Nvidia has overtaken Apple to become the world's largest company, while in South Korea, Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix are driving stock market gains. In Japan, memory manufacturer Kioxia Holdings is challenging Toyota Motor Corporation, climbing to the upper echelons of market capitalization. According to the Korea Exchange, the KOSPI index reached 8,801.49 as of June 2, marking a 226.1% increase from a year earlier when it stood at 2,698.97. The surge in demand for AI semiconductors has propelled Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, with their stock prices soaring by 534.7% and 1,037.3%, respectively, significantly outpacing the KOSPI's overall growth. As of June 2, these two companies accounted for approximately 52% of the KOSPI's market capitalization. With the focus on AI benefiting the semiconductor sector, the status of these companies in the South Korean stock market has risen significantly. Once regarded primarily as a smartphone-centric IT company, Samsung Electronics has emerged as a key beneficiary of the expanding demand for memory semiconductors in the AI era. Recently, it has entered the top 10 global market capitalization rankings, competing with major tech giants. SK Hynix's transformation is even more dramatic. As a key supplier of high-bandwidth memory (HBM) to Nvidia, it is now considered one of the biggest beneficiaries of the AI era. Analysts note that the company has shifted from being heavily influenced by the DRAM market to becoming a central player in AI infrastructure expansion. Just two years ago, SK Hynix was far outside the top 100 in global market capitalization but has recently climbed to 12th place, joining the ranks of leading global technology firms. The positive outlook for the semiconductor sector is also boosting expectations for the South Korean stock market. Global investment bank Goldman Sachs recently raised its 12-month target for the KOSPI from 9,000 to 12,000, citing a longer-than-expected favorable semiconductor environment and improved corporate profit forecasts. This adjustment comes less than a month after the target was increased from 8,000 to 9,000. While Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix lead the South Korean market, Nvidia is effectively dominating the U.S. market. Nvidia's market capitalization recently surpassed $5.2 trillion, making it the world's largest company. In 2017, Nvidia's market cap was approximately $117 billion, accounting for just 3.4% of the total market cap of the seven major U.S. tech companies (M7). However, by virtually monopolizing the market for AI training graphics processing units (GPUs), Nvidia's value has skyrocketed. It now represents 22.5% of the total M7 market capitalization, a significant increase of about 6.6 times over nine years. This shift underscores how AI has completely altered the power dynamics of the U.S. stock market. In Japan, AI is also shaking up the stock market landscape. The spotlight is on Kioxia Holdings, a NAND flash memory company. For a long time, Japan's stock market has been dominated by automotive and industrial firms, with Toyota Motor Corporation symbolizing Japanese manufacturing and holding the top market cap. However, Kioxia's recent stock surge has disrupted this status quo. The company's shares recently rose by over 7%, pushing its market cap past 45 trillion yen at one point, allowing it to surpass Toyota and become the second-largest publicly traded company in Japan. Just a year ago, Kioxia was ranked 169th in market capitalization. Market analysts believe that the changes brought about by AI in the stock market are unlikely to be temporary. Kim Young-geun, a researcher at Mirae Asset Securities, stated, "Kioxia is reducing its sensitivity to economic fluctuations by increasing its revenue share from data centers and establishing a stable profit structure through a disciplined supply strategy. This change will positively impact the entire memory sector." He maintained target prices for Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix at 550,000 won and 3,800,000 won, respectively. 2026-06-04 18:15:00

Gentle Monster Launches Veggie Collection at Pop-Up Store in Seoul On June 4, the pop-up store located in Seoul's Seongsu-dong, known as House Nowhere, drew attention with a unique display. A giant broccoli character, 'Vegimon,' was seen peacefully resting with a small onion on its head, creating a whimsical atmosphere reminiscent of a farm. Moving past Vegimon, visitors encountered the true stars of the event: ten new eyewear styles from Gentle Monster's Veggie collection. This collection reinterprets the 'Farm Girl Core' trend, which has recently taken the global fashion and lifestyle market by storm. The Farm Girl Core aesthetic emphasizes a natural and rustic vibe, contrasting with urban sophistication. The Veggie collection features organic shapes inspired by vegetables like tomatoes and bell peppers, with all products designed to be foldable. Notably, many attendees were drawn to the 'Radi 02' model with round metal frames, worn by K-pop star Karina in a campaign video, and the 'Topi 02' model, which boasts curves reminiscent of a bell pepper. The pop-up store was filled with characters that enhanced the atmosphere, featuring various vegetable characters placed throughout the space, creating an illusion of walking through a farm. The interactive photo booth was a popular spot, allowing visitors to create their own Vegimon character and receive a photo card. This area was bustling with young visitors eager to take pictures with the Vegimon plush toy. Gentle Monster's latest project aims to reach beyond the domestic market and target a global audience. On June 5, the Veggie collection will simultaneously launch in six major cities worldwide, including Shanghai, Beijing, Tokyo, Bangkok, and New York, welcoming fans around the globe. Customers purchasing Veggie collection products at the pop-up store will receive a limited-edition 'Vegimon keychain' as a gift, while the collection will also be available on the official website and in physical stores. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-04 18:15:00

Shin Young Securities Plans to Retire 32% of Shares and Increase Cash Dividends Shin Young Securities plans to retire 32.01% of its outstanding shares and increase cash dividends to enhance shareholder returns. According to a filing with the Financial Supervisory Service on June 4, the company will present its plan for the retirement and utilization of its treasury stock at the annual general meeting scheduled for June 19. Shin Young Securities holds a total of 8,422,754 shares of treasury stock, which accounts for 51.23% of its issued shares. Of this, the company plans to retire 5,262,283 shares (32.01%) within the statutory deadline. Based on the closing price of 188,400 won on that day, this amounts to approximately 999 billion won. The shares to be retired are from the existing preferred stock. Shin Young Securities acquired these shares during the process of converting preferred stock into common stock in April 2024 to protect the rights of preferred stock investors. This decision follows a recently enacted amendment to the Commercial Act, which mandates that treasury stock acquired after the law's implementation must be retired within one year. Treasury stock acquired before the law's implementation must be retired or managed according to a plan approved by the shareholders' meeting by September 2027. Shin Young Securities has proposed its treasury stock retirement plan to shareholders more than a year ahead of the legal deadline. The company stated that this move aims to address market concerns regarding the high proportion of treasury stock and to clarify uncertainties about future utilization plans. After the retirement, the remaining treasury stock of 3,160,471 shares (19.22%) will be used for shareholder returns and employee performance compensation. The specific timing and method of disposal will be finalized with shareholder approval before September of next year. The company is also increasing its dividends. Shin Young Securities has decided to raise the cash dividend for common stock by 2,500 won (50%) from the previous year, bringing it to 7,500 won per share. As a result, the total dividend amount will increase by approximately 20 billion won compared to the previous year. A representative from Shin Young Securities stated, "We plan to retire a significant portion of our treasury stock within the legal deadline and actively utilize the remaining shares as a means of returning value to shareholders. We will proactively respond to the capital market's demand for enhancing corporate value and the intent of the Commercial Act amendment."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-04 18:12:00

Starbucks Faces Backlash Over Controversial Marketing Campaign "We have terminated the employee involved as of today. We had no way to prevent this. We would appreciate your understanding and will manage our staff better in the future." This apology was issued by an individual claiming to be a manager after a controversy erupted when a restaurant employee mocked customers online. This four-sentence statement has since become a reference point for corporate apologies, often cited in online communities as a model for acknowledging mistakes, taking responsibility, and promising to prevent recurrence. An effective apology demonstrates an understanding of the wrongdoing and shows corrective actions taken.By this standard, Starbucks Korea's response to the 'Tank Day' marketing controversy last month was swift. Shinsegae Group Chairman Jeong Yong-jin dismissed Starbucks Korea CEO Son Jeong-hyun and the responsible executives on the day of the incident. The following day, he issued a public apology stating, "I acknowledge that I have taken lightly the pain and sacrifices of all those who have dedicated themselves to democracy, and I take full responsibility for this mistake." He also promised to provide education on historical awareness and ethical standards to all employees. The apology included all the essential elements: accountability, acknowledgment of wrongdoing, and a commitment to prevent future issues.However, unlike previous cases, the phrase "we had no way to prevent this" does not apply to the 'Tank Day' marketing incident. The event was planned by Starbucks Korea's commerce team and went through approvals from the team leader, responsible staff, department head, and CEO. No one raised concerns about terms like 'Tank Day' or 'bang on the desk' during this process. It has been confirmed that there were instances where approvals were granted without reviewing attached files. There were clearly multiple opportunities to prevent damage to the company's image and boycotts, but internal mechanisms failed to function each time. This cannot be simply attributed to a minor mistake or lack of sensitivity from the staff.Moreover, while there used to be a legal review process for such marketing phrases, this time that step was skipped. Jeong Sang-jin, Shinsegae Group's Chief Management Officer, acknowledged, "Due to the prioritization of marketing immediacy, the legal review process that was previously in place was not followed, revealing a lack of social and historical sensitivity within Starbucks Korea." In prioritizing rapid execution, they bypassed basic verification procedures. Despite holding the title of the 'undisputed number one' coffee franchise, the internal processes were evidently lax.Risk management is not about writing an apology after a crisis occurs; it is about preventing issues from arising internally before they escalate. Starbucks, in particular, is a brand known for frequent marketing campaigns. Seasonal events, merchandise, and promotions often involve phrases that directly connect with consumers. Even minor expressions can clash with social contexts. If phrases that could trivialize historical events or be interpreted as hate speech are not filtered out, a 'second Tank Day' controversy could arise at any time.On May 26, Chairman Jeong bowed his head and promised two things: to make today’s apology a starting point rather than an end, and to regain public trust through actions rather than words. For Jeong's promises to resonate with consumers, the first step must be a thorough review of internal systems. This does not mean simply adding more approval layers. It means establishing procedures to identify and halt problems, fostering an environment where dissent can be voiced, and implementing a verification system that reflects social sensitivity.As Jeong stated, consumer trust cannot be restored through apologies alone; it must be accompanied by action. Brand trust is rebuilt when consumers are assured that similar incidents will not happen again. For Starbucks to be seen as a space for enjoying coffee rather than a battleground for ideological conflicts, it must first demonstrate what changes have been made following the apology. 2026-06-04 18:12:00

Special Prosecutor's Investigation Targets Yoon Suk Yeol Ahead of First Summons The second comprehensive special prosecutor team, led by Kwon Chang-young, is narrowing its investigation into former President Yoon Suk Yeol ahead of his first face-to-face questioning scheduled for June 6. The special prosecutor is summoning key figures involved in the emergency martial law declared on December 3 and the relocation of the presidential residence, including former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, former Minister of the Interior and Safety Lee Sang-min, and former Chief of Staff Kim Dae-ki, to clarify the facts surrounding the allegations and determine what charges to apply against the former president. According to legal sources, the special prosecutor summoned both Kim and Lee as suspects for questioning on June 4. Kim faces allegations of rebellion and organizing a criminal group under military law, while Lee is accused of abuse of power. On the same day, Kim Dae-ki also underwent additional questioning. The focus of the special prosecutor's investigation is the upcoming questioning of former President Yoon, who is accused of directing the National Security Office and the National Intelligence Service to justify the martial law to allied countries, including the United States, immediately after its declaration (abuse of power). Initially, the special prosecutor considered making Yoon's appearance public but opted for a closed summons due to objections from his legal team. Legal experts believe this investigation will extend beyond merely confirming the allegations regarding the justification of martial law. The trajectory of the special prosecutor's investigation suggests a focus on reconstructing the entire command structure of the emergency martial law, with Yoon at its center. In fact, the special prosecutor is investigating Kim Yong-hyun under the charge of rebellion under military law. They believe that Yoon, Kim, and military leaders colluded to deploy armed forces to the National Assembly and the Election Commission. They are also examining evidence that suggests the formation of a so-called 'Second Investigation Division' alongside former Army Intelligence Commander Roh Sang-won to seize control of the Election Commission. The special prosecutor has also applied the same rebellion charges to former Special Warfare Command Chief Kwak Jong-geun and former Capital Defense Command Chief Lee Jin-woo, expanding the investigation to the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The special prosecutor has classified the allegations related to the Joint Chiefs of Staff as a 'first recognized case' and has charged former Chairman Kim Myung-soo and other leaders with serious offenses related to insurrection. There is speculation within and outside the legal community that the special prosecutor aims to establish a 'three-tier command structure' linking Yoon, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and field commanders. This involves not only confirming that troops were deployed to the National Assembly and the Election Commission but also identifying who issued the orders, how they were communicated, and how they were executed. Amid allegations that some units did not follow normal command and control procedures during the martial law, the special prosecutor is also reportedly reviewing related facts. The necessity of examining whether the military command and control system (C4I) was operational during the emergency martial law and the routes of troop movements has been raised in this context. The investigation into the relocation of the presidential residence is also directed at Yoon. The special prosecutor is investigating the circumstances under which 2.8 billion won was illegally diverted from the Ministry of the Interior and Safety's budget during the 2022 relocation process, questioning whether the presidential office requested or pressured for the budget diversion and examining allegations that civil servants who opposed the diversion faced personnel disadvantages. Further questioning of Yoon is anticipated. The special prosecutor plans to summon former National Intelligence Service Deputy Director Hong Jang-won on June 11 to clarify the circumstances surrounding the delivery of the martial law justification messages. They have recently indicated that evidence suggests preparations for the emergency martial law were ongoing for an extended period. Attention is focused on how far the special prosecutor can pursue charges against Yoon. Currently, the publicized allegations involve abuse of power, but the special prosecutor is also investigating the possibility of charging Yoon with being the leader of rebellion under military law. Legal experts suggest that the scope of charges could expand depending on the testimonies and evidence obtained. Whether the rebellion charges applied to Kim Yong-hyun, Kwak, Lee, and others can be linked to Yoon will likely be a pivotal point in the ongoing investigation. Yoon's first summons is expected to mark the beginning of the comprehensive special prosecutor's investigation reaching its peak.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-04 18:06:00

DP sweeps local elections but defeats in key races signal challenges ahead SEOUL, June 4 (AJP) - The ruling Democratic Party (DP) swept 12 of 16 metropolitan mayoral and gubernatorial races in this year's local elections on Wednesday, claiming an overall victory, but the results exposed growing vulnerabilities in Seoul and other battlegrounds that could reshape the political landscape. While the liberal party regained ground nationwide under President Lee Jae Myung, analysts said even a handful of defeats in high-profile races suggested voter dissatisfaction with the ruling camp despite its numerical advantage. The DP suffered a particularly painful loss in Seoul, widely regarded as the symbolic center of South Korean politics and a key barometer of centrist public opinion. The party also lost several closely watched parliamentary by-elections held simultaneously with the local elections including a tight race in the Buk district of the country's southern port city of Busan, where independent candidate Han Dong-hoon defeated DP candidate Ha Jung-woo in a dramatic reversal. Political observers said the mixed outcome reflected sophisticated "split-ticket voting" by the electorate, with voters backing the ruling party in many regional races while supporting conservative or independent candidates in strategically important contests. Despite losing Seoul, the DP lawmakers significantly improved their standing in the capital's district-level races. The party won 17 of Seoul's 25 district mayor posts, reversing the political map from the 2022 local elections, when conservatives held 17 districts and the Democrats controlled only eight. Still, defeats in Seoul and conservative strongholds raised concerns inside the ruling camp about waning support among moderates and voters in the capital regions. The June 3 elections also highlighted signs of changing political dynamics in the conservative stronghold of Daegu. DP candidate Kim Boo-kyum earned 45.05 percent of the vote in the Daegu mayoral race, an impressive improvement compared with the party's performance in the 2022 election. People Power Party (PPP) candidate Choo Kyung-ho won the race with 53.92 percent. In the previous local elections in 2022, PPP candidate Hong Joon-pyo won the Daegu mayoralty with 78.75 percent, while the DP candidate received only 17.97 percent. Although Kim fell short of victory, party officials viewed the result as evidence that regional political barriers in the country's southeast may be weakening. Attention is now shifting to the DP's upcoming national convention, expected as early as August, where party leader Jung Chung-rae is widely expected to seek another term. Jung is expected to argue that leading the party to victories in 12 metropolitan races justifies his reelection, while critics inside the party point to losses in Seoul and major by-elections as evidence of strategic failures. Potential challengers include Prime Minister Kim Min-seok and former party leader Song Young-gil, according to party officials. The results also intensified pressure on the PPP's leader Jang Dong-hyeok. Calls for Jang's resignation emerged within the party after conservatives failed to prevent the DP from dominating the nationwide gubernatorial races. However, Jang rejected demands to step down, saying Thursday that he would continue leading the party and seek a "new path" together with party members. Conservative lawmakers nonetheless argued that the party's overall defeat overshadowed gains in the parliamentary by-elections, where the opposition and independent conservative candidates secured several important victories. Lawmakers from the two major parties who spoke with AJP emphasized different priorities. The DP lawmaker stressed "humility," while the PPP lawmaker emphasized "unity." Rep. Kim Kyo-heung, a three-term politician from the DP, acknowledged the mixed public sentiment reflected in the election. "Even though the DP won the local elections overall, it lost the Seoul mayoral race, candidate Ha's race in Busan, the by-election in Pyeongtaek, and the mayoral elections in Ansan, Seongnam, and Yongin,” Kim said. "The DP governors, mayors, district heads, city council members, district council members and county council members elected in this election must remain humble," he added. A three-term lawmaker from the PPP said the opposition faced structural disadvantages. "In my experience, the first election held one year after a presidential election is always extremely difficult for the opposition," the lawmaker said. Yoon Sang-hyun, a five-term lawmaker from the PPP, said the local elections had been winnable for the party but that it lost because of internal divisions and a lack of vision. Yoon said the party had called for judgment against President Lee Jae Myung, but "that alone was not enough because we failed to speak about hope together." He said the only way for the PPP to win nationwide elections again was for politicians who share conservative values to unite, rather than divide into rival factions and fight each other. "If we split the party in two while fighting over who is pro-Yoon and who is anti-Yoon, we will once again forget why voters punished us yesterday," he added. 2026-06-04 18:05:54