Democratic Party Criticizes Oh Se-hoon for Low Attendance at Cabinet Meetings The Democratic Party criticized Oh Se-hoon, the candidate from the People Power Party, for claiming he would attend cabinet meetings and advocate for the five key demands of Seoul citizens if elected mayor. "Who would believe that he is looking out for the rights of Seoul citizens?" said Cho Seung-rae, head of the Democratic Party's central election campaign, during a press conference on May 31. Cho pointed out that since the launch of the people's sovereignty government, there have been 56 cabinet meetings held up to May 26, but Oh has only attended two, citing his busy schedule. "While he could engage in discussions based on logic and evidence that would satisfy the citizens of Seoul and the nation, he claims to protect their rights without even attending the meetings. At this point, he should not be attending at all," he remarked. He added, "Even university students receive an F grade if they miss more than four classes in a 16-week semester. Isn't Oh also deserving of an F grade?" Furthermore, Cho criticized Oh for recycling his campaign promises from four years ago, questioning, "What has he been doing for the past four years that he now asks for another chance to work?" Earlier in the day, Oh stated at a press conference that he would attend the cabinet meeting immediately after the start of the ninth elected term to explain the 'five key demands of Seoul citizens' to the president and ensure their rights are protected. On the same day, Cho also provided insights into the electoral landscape ahead of the local elections. Regarding the gubernatorial race in North Jeolla Province, he noted, "The election is progressing in a chaotic manner, but the public is beginning to understand the reasons behind the disciplinary action against independent candidate Kim Kwan-young, which will likely benefit Democratic candidate Lee Won-taek." Regarding the by-election for the Busan Buk-gap parliamentary seat, he commented, "Independent candidate Han Dong-hoon may appear flashy, but many are expressing concerns about the negative impact he is causing in the community. I am confident that Democratic candidate Ha Jung-woo will win the election."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-31 17:18:00

Defense Minister Ahn Kyubak Discusses Japan-Korea Military Agreement at Shangri-La Dialogue Defense Minister Ahn Kyubak announced on May 31 that discussions regarding the Korea-Japan Mutual Logistics Support Agreement (ACSA) took place during the recent defense ministerial meeting between South Korea and Japan. He emphasized the need for public understanding and persuasion, indicating a cautious stance on the matter. During a press briefing at the Shangri-La Hotel in Singapore, where the 23rd Shangri-La Dialogue is being held, Ahn responded to questions about whether ACSA was discussed in the previous day's meeting with his Japanese counterpart. "Since it was a meeting between the defense ministers of both countries, I am limited in what I can disclose," Ahn said. "The ACSA is a mutual logistics agreement, which requires understanding and persuasion from both peoples, and I believe we must proceed with caution." Although the ACSA was not an official agenda item for the Korea-Japan defense talks, it was reportedly raised by the Japanese side during the discussions. The ACSA would allow the two countries to exchange military supplies such as ammunition, food, and fuel in times of crisis. This agreement is seen as a measure to institutionalize military cooperation between South Korea and Japan, a sensitive issue for South Korea due to historical grievances. Plans to establish the ACSA were initially considered during the Lee Myung-bak administration, following the signing of the General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) between the two countries. However, the GSOMIA was abandoned just before its signing due to public opposition, leading to the suspension of the ACSA as well. Japan has since strongly advocated for the ACSA, while South Korea has maintained a cautious approach. In addition, Ahn highlighted his discussions with a U.S. congressional delegation during the Shangri-La Dialogue, emphasizing South Korea's commitment to an early transfer of wartime operational control. "I conveyed to the U.S. lawmakers that there would be no difficulties even if the transfer of operational control were to occur tomorrow," Ahn stated. "The U.S. lawmakers appeared to understand and be satisfied with our preparations for the transfer." Ahn also noted that South Korea and the U.S. agreed in 2020 that 94% of the conditions for the transfer of operational control had already been met, providing a comprehensive explanation of South Korea's capabilities.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-31 17:09:00

Lee Myung-bak Supports Park Hyung-jun in Busan Mayoral Race Former President Lee Myung-bak visited Busan on May 31 to urge citizens to support Park Hyung-jun, the People Power Party's candidate for mayor. According to Park's campaign committee, Lee's visit was part of a series of endorsements from former conservative presidents, following a visit by former President Park Geun-hye on May 27. Lee attended a worship service with Park at the Suyeongro Church in Haeundae, then moved to a nearby pork soup restaurant where they shared a meal. After dining, they visited the traditional market in Haeundae, meeting with merchants and local shoppers. At the market, Lee stated, "The city needs a mayor who works, not just a politician who speaks." He added, "Even when I was a mayor in Seoul with an opposition party, I chose a working mayor, which led to Seoul's development. The future of Busan depends not on who the president or ministers are, but on who the mayor of Busan is." He emphasized, "We can all see that Park is leading Busan toward a future-oriented development. If he is given another four-year term, we can increase the population, attract young people, and establish Busan as a hub for advanced industries." Lee urged the citizens of Busan to wisely choose Park Hyung-jun, a capable mayor who can finish what he started. In response, Park expressed gratitude for Lee's visit and promised to deliver a victory in return. He noted, "Currently, there is a growing trend of civic unity and conservative consolidation in Busan. I urge all citizens to come together as one, especially with the support of former President Lee. We will stop the current government's reckless actions in Busan and ensure the preservation of democracy and national dignity in South Korea."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-31 17:09:00

Banks Tighten Loan Standards Amid Domestic and Export Challenges As high exchange rates and oil prices increase financial burdens on companies, banks are implementing comprehensive loan management strategies. With the possibility of further interest rate hikes by the Bank of Korea, banks are tightening loan assessments, particularly for industries facing economic challenges, as a proactive risk management measure. According to the financial sector on May 31, Bank A has identified new key management industries for the first half of the year, including the cast iron pipe manufacturing sector, textile fabric and retail textile products, and duty-free shops. The textile industry, in particular, is experiencing structural decline due to intensified price competition with low-cost production countries like China and Southeast Asia. Duty-free shops are also struggling to recover profitability to pre-COVID-19 levels, impacted by a slowdown in the Chinese economy and a decrease in daigong (personal shoppers). Bank B has added the metal manufacturing sector to its list of key management industries. This sector is commonly classified as a vulnerable industry due to oversupply. The ongoing influx of low-priced Chinese products has eroded profitability, compounded by a decline in demand due to the global economic slowdown. The proactive management of vulnerable sectors by banks is driven by a noticeable increase in corporate insolvencies. According to the Financial Supervisory Service, the amount of non-performing loans at domestic banks rose by 1.1 trillion won in the first quarter of this year compared to the previous quarter. Among these, corporate loans accounted for a 1 trillion won increase, leading the upward trend. The burden of delinquencies is also growing. The delinquency rate for corporate loans at the four major banks (KB Kookmin, Shinhan, Hana, and Woori) doubled from 0.23% at the end of 2022 to 0.46% in April of this year. The delinquency rate for small and medium-sized enterprises saw an even larger increase, rising from 0.26% to 0.59% during the same period. A financial sector official stated, "We are strengthening monitoring based on industry ratings and outlooks. Given the recent significant increase in corporate loans through productive finance, we will enhance post-management and prepare for potential credit risks." Looking ahead, banks are expected to tighten their corporate loan assessments further. With the Bank of Korea signaling the possibility of interest rate hikes within the year, companies may face additional burdens from high exchange rates, high oil prices, and now high interest rates. In fact, the Bank of Korea's '2026 Q1 Financial Institution Loan Behavior Survey' indicated that the credit risk index for large corporations in the second quarter rose by six points compared to the previous quarter. Professor Kim Dae-jong of Sejong University remarked, "If key industries are neglected, the ripple effects on local economies and employment can be significant. Therefore, sound management by banks and government policies that support traditional industries are necessary."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-31 17:03:00

US 'made in America' push rattles Korean auto suppliers ahead of USMCA review SEOUL, May 31 (AJP) - South Korean automakers and parts suppliers are bracing for a contentious review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), as Washington signals it may demand a sharply higher share of US-made components in vehicles sold across North America. The three countries are due to begin a joint review of the pact on July 1, six years after it took effect in 2020. A sunset clause requires them to decide whether to extend the agreement for another 16 years, leave it under annual review, or let it lapse in 2036. The United States and Mexico concluded their first bilateral round of talks late this month, with negotiators focused on narrowing the US trade deficit and shoring up American supply chains. Automotive rules of origin, steel and aluminum, and economic-security concerns dominated the agenda. According to the Wall Street Journal and other outlets, US negotiators are weighing a requirement that at least 50 percent of automotive parts and materials be US-made, and are considering lifting the existing 75 percent North American content threshold for duty-free treatment to about 82 percent. For Korean suppliers that built plants in Mexico to tap lower labor costs, a binding US-content rule would force a costly overhaul of sourcing. Hyundai Mobis supplies parts from its Nuevo León plant to Kia's Pesqueria factory, while SL runs a San Luis Potosí facility capable of producing up to one million headlamp modules a year. The Korea Automotive Technology Institute, in a February report, said the United States holds a structural advantage in the talks as the region's largest market and the top export destination for Canada and Mexico, leaving each carmaker's burden to hinge on its US production footprint and local sourcing. 2026-05-31 17:02:47

[[6·3 Local Elections]] 'Party Leader Risk' Persists as Jeong Cheong-rae and Jang Dong-hyuk Face Challenges As the June 3 local elections and National Assembly by-elections approach, concerns about the "party leader risk" surrounding Jeong Cheong-rae of the Democratic Party and Jang Dong-hyuk of the People Power Party continue to grow. Political analysts note that both leaders have contributed to negative perceptions through repeated gaffes and are increasingly relying on extreme support bases amid competition for party leadership. According to reports on May 31, with just three days until the main voting day, candidates from both parties in some regions are distancing themselves from their party leadership. On this day, Jang Dong-hyuk and Song Eon-seok, the floor leader, campaigned in Seoul, but a meeting with Oh Se-hoon, the candidate for Seoul mayor, did not materialize. Oh has emphasized since the start of the official campaign on May 21 that he would run the election based on his own brand and policies, urging the party to play a role in checking the "arrogant and tyrannical" actions of the Lee Jae-myung administration while minimizing contact with party leadership. Previously, Kim Jin-tae, the candidate for Gangwon governor, pressured Jang during a visit to Yangyang County a month ago, stating, "The party needs to provide some support," and urged him to take responsibility. Jeong's situation is not much different. Having traveled nationwide early on to gauge public sentiment, Jeong faced backlash after a gaffe involving an elementary school student while campaigning for Ha Jung-woo, the candidate for Busan North Gap, on May 3. On May 20, amid the controversy over Starbucks' "Tank Day," he made remarks suggesting a boycott of certain companies, stating, "For those campaigning for the Democratic Party, entering Starbucks could give a very negative impression to the public," which provided ammunition for opposition attacks. Political analysts suggest that the government's excessive responses have solidified support among Democratic Party loyalists but negatively impacted the opinions of moderate and conservative voters. Kim Boo-kyum, the Democratic Party's candidate for Daegu mayor, remarked, "I hope it stops at this level. The political atmosphere should not publicly pressure specific companies or criticize consumer behavior," urging the government and ruling party to trust the public and observe the situation. There are also criticisms that both leaders are focusing on hardline support bases rather than moderates in their quest for party leadership ahead of the upcoming August convention. Jeong, who is facing calls for resignation, and Jang, who is under pressure, seem more concerned with maintaining their party positions than effectively participating in the elections. Despite the risks associated with their leadership, both party leaders are expected to continue campaigning until the end of the election period. On this day, Jeong visited regions including Gurye County in Jeollanam-do and Gun-san County in Chungcheongnam-do, supporting local mayoral candidates. This strategy aims to solidify support in the Chungcheong region, which holds the key to electoral victory. While campaigning near a beekeeping center in Gun-san, Jeong stated, "Nationwide, President Lee Jae-myung's approval rating exceeds 50%. To support this president, I urge you to come out and vote for the Democratic Party." Jang, meanwhile, visited Mapo, Seongdong, and Gangnam districts in Seoul, urging young voters to participate in the election. Wearing a red apron with the slogan "freedom to drink coffee," he campaigned in the Yeonnam-dong area, appealing, "Please vote for the People Power Party on June 3, and support candidate number 2." 2026-05-31 17:00:00

AI Investment Surge Expected Ahead of SpaceX and OpenAI IPOs SpaceX, OpenAI, and Anthropic, leading U.S. artificial intelligence (AI) companies, are expected to drive new momentum for Asian AI supply chain firms as they prepare for their initial public offerings (IPOs). According to Bloomberg on May 30, investors believe that the IPOs of SpaceX, OpenAI, and Anthropic will trigger a new cycle of technology investment. A significant portion of the funds raised is expected to flow into Asian supply chains, including manufacturers of server components, specialty materials, cooling parts, and power equipment. Asian hardware companies are already seen as major beneficiaries of the expanding data center construction. Increased investment in AI infrastructure has boosted the stock prices of major semiconductor firms like TSMC, Samsung Electronics, and SK Hynix, propelling them into the $1 trillion market capitalization club. However, the rapid rise in the stock prices of large semiconductor firms has led some investors to be cautious about valuation pressures. As a result, analysts predict that the next phase of AI investment will broaden to include electronic components, server assembly, advanced materials, and power equipment. Ken Wong, a portfolio specialist at Eastspring Investments in Hong Kong, stated, "AI IPOs could further fuel a capital investment boom at a time when Asian semiconductor stocks appear overheated. We are currently reducing our semiconductor exposure in favor of focusing more on electronic component manufacturers." The competition for AI leadership has significantly increased investments in computing networks by major tech companies like Meta Platforms and Amazon. Bloomberg noted that the IPOs of SpaceX, OpenAI, and Anthropic could alleviate some concerns about the sustainability of funding amid rising debt levels. Fabien Ip, a market analyst at IG International, suggested that the IPOs could lead to an additional $70 billion in AI spending on top of the $750 billion already committed by major hyperscalers. He remarked that the recent performance of semiconductor companies shows a clear ripple effect towards Asia, indicating that the AI rally is expanding beyond purely AI-related stocks. Indeed, recent trends in Asian stock markets have shown strength in manufacturers of electronic components for servers and companies involved in semiconductor materials and technologies. South Korea's Samsung Electro-Mechanics and Japan's Ibiden have been among the top performers in the MSCI Asia index this year. Investors are now shifting their focus beyond large semiconductor firms to companies whose AI infrastructure spending effects have yet to be fully reflected in their earnings, according to Bloomberg. The risk of concentration in specific stocks and limits on single-stock investments are contributing to the broader spread of AI investment across the supply chain. Song Zhe, a senior investment specialist at BNP Paribas Asset Management, predicted that the next phase of the rally will be characterized by stock-specific trends rather than indiscriminate semiconductor trading. He noted that he is focusing on companies in Taiwan and China involved in advanced packaging, substrates, testing, optical connections, power, cooling, and servers, which have upward earnings forecasts that could support their valuations. Bloomberg also reported that AI applications are emerging as a new investment area. Interest is growing in so-called "physical AI" fields, such as robotics and autonomous vehicles, which aligns with NVIDIA's expansion in related businesses and has drawn attention to partner companies like LG Electronics. Power supply is identified as a critical bottleneck area. With the surge in data centers, there is increasing interest in nuclear and alternative energy sources, and rising oil prices due to the Iran conflict are stimulating demand for power-related investments, according to Bloomberg. In the South Korean market, solar company HD Hyundai Energy Solutions and nuclear-related Daewoo Engineering & Construction have shown strong performance this year. In India, the Adani Group is expanding its environmentally friendly power-based data center business, driving up the stock prices of its energy affiliates. Gian Si Cortesi, a fund manager at Gam Investment Management, assessed power supply as the "most underweighted bottleneck area." However, he warned that if AI demand does not justify the massive investment scale, companies may reduce capital expenditures, leading the market to face overcapacity and sharp valuation declines.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-31 16:57:00

Jongkundang Reports Growth Driven by Weight Loss Drug Wegovy Amid Competitive Market Jongkundang has regained its growth momentum, largely thanks to the effectiveness of its weight loss drug, Wegovy. As growth in its existing key products has slowed, Wegovy has quickly established itself as a new core product, helping to stabilize the company's performance. At the same time, Jongkundang is pursuing its own new drug development to secure long-term growth drivers. According to a report from the Financial Supervisory Service on May 31, Jongkundang recorded standalone sales of 447.8 billion won and an operating profit of 17.6 billion won in the first quarter of this year. These figures represent increases of 12% and 37%, respectively, compared to the same period last year. Of this, Wegovy, which is co-marketed with Novo Nordisk, generated approximately 48.8 billion won in sales during the first quarter, accounting for about 10% of total pharmaceutical sales. In contrast, sales of existing top products have seen some decline. The osteoporosis treatment Prolia generated about 30 billion won in sales, while the cognitive enhancer Gliatirin recorded 14.8 billion won, reflecting decreases of 33% and 29%, respectively, compared to the previous year. While Wegovy has become a key contributor to Jongkundang's growth, increasing competition in the weight loss drug market poses a challenge. GC Green Cross Wellbeing reported first-quarter sales of 49.1 billion won, bolstered by the distribution of its weight loss drug, Maunzaro. Additionally, domestic pharmaceutical companies are actively developing their own weight loss treatments, raising concerns about maintaining long-term competitiveness with just introduced products. An industry insider noted, "Demand for Wegovy is likely to continue for the time being, but as competing products increase, a battle for sales power will be inevitable. Currently, Wegovy's impact is primarily defensive for performance." Jongkundang is channeling its secured revenue into research and development (R&D) investments to improve its operational structure. In October of last year, it established a subsidiary, Achella, to enhance its capabilities in new drug development. Through Achella, Jongkundang is currently developing the dyslipidemia treatment CKD-508, the oral GLP-1 agonist CKD-514, and the histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) inhibitor CKD-513. Among these, CKD-514 aims to enter Phase 1 clinical trials in the second half of this year. Non-clinical results presented at last year's American Obesity Society meeting indicated that CKD-514 showed significant weight loss effects and superior oral bioavailability compared to Eli Lilly's Orforglipron, even at lower doses. A Jongkundang representative stated, "We are continuously focusing on strengthening our R&D capabilities to secure long-term growth drivers. We plan to enhance our future growth momentum based on an expanded innovative drug pipeline and global competitiveness." Jongkundang is also targeting achievements in the biopharmaceutical sector. It is currently conducting global Phase 1 and 2a clinical trials for its antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) cancer drug candidate CKD-703. The first patient has been registered in the United States, and trials are underway for patients with solid tumors, including non-small cell lung cancer. Clinical approval has also been obtained in South Korea, with patient registration expected in the first half of the year. The company plans to expand its clinical trials to Europe and other regions in the future. An industry expert commented, "Jongkundang has secured market responsiveness through stable revenue and infrastructure. If it can connect its own drug development and technology exports to future successes, its corporate value is expected to increase further."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-31 16:39:00

Dairy Industry Faces Challenges as Milk Consumption Declines Domestic consumption of white milk is rapidly declining due to low birth rates, changes in food culture, and the rise of alternative beverages. As growth in the core dairy processing business slows, the industry is seeking new avenues through dining, processed foods, and exports. According to the Dairy Promotion Association, per capita consumption of white milk fell to 22.9 kilograms last year, down 9.5% from 25.3 kilograms the previous year. This marks the lowest level since the late 1980s. While milk consumption has been decreasing annually since 2001, this is the first time it has dropped nearly 10% in just one year. The burden of raw milk prices has eased somewhat, as the association decided not to negotiate raw milk prices this year, keeping the price for drinking milk at 1,084 won per liter for the third consecutive year. However, the obligation to purchase a certain amount of raw milk remains a significant burden despite the decline in consumption. The background to this situation is the mandatory raw milk purchase quota system introduced in 2002, which requires dairy companies to buy a specified amount of raw milk. The issue lies in the fact that, despite changes in consumption patterns, the distribution of raw milk is still primarily focused on white milk. Currently, the quota allocates 88.5% for drinking milk and only 5% for processed milk. Meanwhile, demand for processed milk products such as fermented milk, cheese, cup coffee, and protein drinks is increasing. In fact, while consumption of white milk decreased last year, processed milk consumption rose to 6.4 kilograms per person, a 33.3% increase from the previous year. Industry voices are growing louder in calling for reform of the quota system to align with changing consumer trends. The influx of imported milk also poses a challenge. Since January, U.S. milk has been entering the market duty-free, and tariffs on EU milk will be completely eliminated in July. According to the Korea Customs Service, the import volume of sterilized milk last year reached 50,800 tons, more than double the 23,000 tons imported in 2021. Price-competitive imported milk is expanding its influence, particularly in the business-to-business (B2B) market, including cafes and bakeries. Dairy companies are responding by diversifying into dining, exports, and product portfolios. Maeil Holdings reported dairy processing sales of 1.09 trillion won last year, roughly on par with the previous year's 1.09 trillion won, while its dining segment, which includes operations like Paul Bassett and Crystal Jade, saw sales rise to 213.6 billion won, an increase of 7.7 billion won from last year. Binggrae is accelerating its efforts in overseas markets. Although domestic sales of refrigerated products have declined, exports increased to 72.8 billion won, up from 71.1 billion won the previous year. Binggrae is expanding sales of Melona and banana-flavored milk in the U.S., China, and Vietnam and established a subsidiary in Australia last December. Namyang Dairy Products achieved a turnaround with sales of 914.1 billion won and an operating profit of 5.1 billion won last year, attributed to a 25.6% increase in the share of other segments, including Chocoemong and Take Fit. An industry insider stated, "The decline in white milk consumption is not a temporary phenomenon but a structural change. It is time to reorganize the raw milk supply structure and overall business portfolio to align with consumer trends."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-31 16:39:00

Evaluation of Lee Jae-myung's First Year in Office Highlights Economic Growth and Political Challenges As President Lee Jae-myung approaches his one-year anniversary in office, elders from various fields have positively assessed his communication with the public and improved economic indicators. However, they expressed disappointment over cooperation with opposition parties and the deepening polarization, urging the administration to address these issues during the remainder of its term. On May 31, Aju Economy gathered evaluations from four prominent figures in politics, economics, diplomacy, and society regarding the government's performance since its inception. Jeong Dae-cheol, chairman of the Constitutional Council, stated, "President Lee enjoys popular support. His frequent communication with the public is commendable," highlighting the administration's high approval ratings and communication skills. President Lee has engaged directly with citizens through town hall meetings and live broadcasts of cabinet meetings, receiving positive feedback for these innovative approaches. Jeong emphasized that the president and the ruling Democratic Party need to make greater efforts to cooperate with opposition parties like the People Power Party. He remarked, "Currently, politics resembles a state of war," and noted that the lack of collaboration and integration in politics is primarily the ruling party's responsibility. He suggested, "The majority party should give and take to revitalize politics." Joo Hyung-hwan, former Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, acknowledged the challenges posed by trade pressures from the U.S. but praised the visible economic indicators, citing a $900 billion export figure, a 2.6% growth rate, and a KOSPI index of 8000, thanks to a booming semiconductor market. However, he cautioned that the high exchange rates, inflation, and interest rates have severely impacted the economy, exacerbating polarization. He stressed the need for more stable macroeconomic management, advocating for targeted fiscal expansion while maintaining reasonable stability. He also called for a fundamental shift in industrial policy based on artificial intelligence to transform the industrial structure established during the heavy chemical industry era of the 1970s. Opinions also emerged that the Lee administration has performed well in foreign affairs and security. Yang Mu-jin, chair professor at the University of North Korean Studies, remarked, "The administration has pursued practical diplomacy centered on national interests. The U.S.-Korea alliance has helped maintain a balance in relations with Japan and China." He noted that the defense cooperation with the U.S. has been effective, stating that the U.S. tariff pressures are not unique to South Korea but affect the entire world, thus downplaying their significance. He added that the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine and U.S. sanctions against Russia have limited South Korea's ability to restore relations with Russia, predicting that once the war concludes, it will only be a matter of time before relations are normalized. Concerns have also been raised regarding the government's judicial and prosecutorial reforms, with some viewing them as excessive. Kim Hyun, former president of the Korean Bar Association, expressed concern that the abolition of the prosecution office could hinder effective criminal investigations, significantly infringing on citizens' basic rights. He warned that the introduction of a law against judicial distortion could allow anyone to file complaints against judges and prosecutors, potentially jeopardizing the integrity of the judiciary and leading to political pressure. He lamented that over the past year, the rule of law has deteriorated, judicial independence has been compromised, and the principle of separation of powers has been undermined. He emphasized that the separation of powers is crucial for protecting democracy and citizens' rights, urging legislative, judicial, and executive branches to exercise restraint to ensure citizens can live without fear.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-31 16:27:00