Commemorating the 150th Anniversary of Baekbeom Kim Gu: A UNESCO Recognized Figure 2026 marks the 150th anniversary of the birth of Baekbeom Kim Gu. June 26 also serves as a reminder of the day he was assassinated at the Gyeonggyeong Hall. While the death of one individual signifies an end, for some, it marks the beginning of an era. This is true for Baekbeom Kim Gu.This year, UNESCO designated Kim Gu as a '2026 World Commemorative Figure.' He is the third Korean to receive this honor, following Jeong Yak-yong and Father Kim Dae-geon, and the fourth global independence activist recognized after Gandhi, Ho Chi Minh, and Mandela. This recognition is not merely ceremonial; it indicates that the world is once again calling upon Kim Gu. While we have often expressed our respect for him, how well do we truly understand his life?This question is at the heart of Im Soon-man's novel, 'Lying Down in the Baekbeom Mountains.' This work is not just a historical novel; it seeks to restore the conscience of an era and poses an ethical inquiry to us today.Im Soon-man, a former journalist who served as an editor at the Kukmin Ilbo, dedicated nearly ten years to this project, spending five years on research and interviews and three years on writing. As a result, the novel features no fictional characters; all figures are real, and events are meticulously based on historical records. Although it is a novel, it approaches history with greater depth.The narrative does not dazzle readers with ornate language. Instead, its simplicity creates a deeper resonance. The stripped-down prose brings into sharper focus Baekbeom's solitude and resolve. It does not glorify failure or excuse defeat, allowing readers to see not a hero, but an unyielding human being.The novel consists of 24 chapters, beginning with the suffering of Kim Chang-soo, who was born into a lowly status, and covering his failures in past examinations, the Cheeha Incident, Donghak activities, exile, the struggles of the Shanghai provisional government, the actions of Lee Bong-chang and Yun Bong-gil, the founding of the Korean Liberation Army, the division of the nation after liberation, and culminating in his final moments at Gyeonggyeong Hall. While it flows chronologically, it essentially traces the trajectory of human ethical choices.Notably, the titles of the first two chapters are symbolic: 'I Offer My Life' and 'I Receive Your Life.' These are not merely records of armed struggle; they signify that the independence movement is, at its core, an ethical responsibility where one person sacrifices their life, and another bears the weight of that sacrifice.In the scene leading up to Yun Bong-gil's act of resistance, Kim Gu is not just a leader; he is a person sending others to their deaths, fully aware that they may not return. Thus, the independence movement is framed not as a strategy but as an ethical imperative.Im Soon-man does not portray this scene merely as a heroic tale; instead, he reveals the weight of human emotion. Baekbeom does not guarantee victory; he simply does what must be done.One of the most memorable scenes in the novel involves his time with Zhu Aibo, a Chinese woman who sheltered him after Yun Bong-gil's act of resistance. They live together as if they were a couple.The author writes: 'Spending the night on the boat with the teacher, Zhu Aibo falls into thought. She senses that behind his few words and stoic demeanor lies the weary past of someone who has crossed great mountains. Though outwardly dry, she feels a shared flow of time that brings them together, like water flowing into the sea.'This scene humanizes Baekbeom, reminding us that before he was a revolutionary, he was simply a man.The greater the person, the deeper their loneliness.Another significant moment in the novel is the description of 'rice.' 'Rice is food given by heaven. Made from the earth's strength and human sweat, rice resembles the life-giving nature of heaven. It is a blessing because it follows the natural order.'This statement encapsulates the essence of Baekbeom's philosophy. Before grand ideologies, the fundamental human act of feeding the hungry and maintaining one's humanity takes precedence. The quest for a nation must ultimately be about preserving life.Thus, Baekbeom stood not as a politician but as a guardian of ethics.He resolved to travel to Pyongyang to prevent the division of the nation, despite widespread predictions of failure, which ultimately came true. Yet he stated, 'If I go to North Korea and fail, a record of that failure will remain, and if such attempts continue, someone will eventually surpass that failure.'This statement reflects the dignity that today's politicians have lost. He prioritized what needed to be done over the likelihood of success, focusing on responsibility rather than self-interest. Baekbeom was that kind of leader.He viewed division not as an ideological issue but as a temporal one. He understood that without communication, war would ensue, and over time, hatred would become entrenched. Therefore, he went, fully aware of the potential for failure.This is Baekbeom.And finally, Gyeonggyeong Hall.On June 26, 1949, Baekbeom was shot by Army Second Lieutenant Ahn Du-hee at Gyeonggyeong Hall in Seoul. He was killed in the very heart of the nation he had longed for in a liberated Korea. It was one of history's cruelest ironies.The novel does not exaggerate this moment; it presents it with a calm demeanor, making it even more chilling. 'The assailants took the life of Kim Gu with a gun, but they could not steal the tears of the villagers who gathered outside, weeping in droves beyond the shattered glass.'This single sentence encapsulates everything. Guns can kill people, but they cannot kill history.At that time, Seoul's population was 1.4 million, and records indicate that 1.24 million came to pay their respects. This is not just a number; it is a testament to public sentiment. The people knew who truly lived for the nation.Politically, Baekbeom failed. He could not prevent division, did not seize power, and was ultimately assassinated. However, history remembers those who, despite failing, did not compromise, more than those who succeeded.He was defeated but unbroken.The cultural power he envisioned is more urgent today than ever.'The only thing I desire for our country is the power of high culture.'Baekbeom did not wish for a nation that suppressed others through military might. He envisioned a dignified nation where no one is oppressed and no one oppresses others. In an era where BTS and K-culture are shaping the world, we are beginning to understand his words.Culture is not an ornament but a way of existence. It is not about being a strong nation but a beautiful one. That was Baekbeom's dream.Now, one question remains: How will we honor Baekbeom?Building memorial halls is necessary. Erecting statues is also important. However, the more crucial task is to keep his spirit alive in our lives today.Restoring politics as an ethics of responsibility rather than a technique of power. Rebuilding the economy not as a victory of greed but as a community of dignity. Returning education from a tool of competition to a training ground for humanity. This is true commemoration.East Asia remains unstable. The division of the Korean Peninsula, the U.S.-China power struggle, historical conflicts with Japan, and wars in the Middle East and Ukraine are shaking the world once again with a power order. Yet Baekbeom asks:Will we dominate through power or coexist through culture?The Bible states, 'Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.'Baekbeom's life was the historical embodiment of this statement. He fought for peace, endured loneliness for justice, and dedicated his life to freedom.Thus, Baekbeom is not a figure of the past. He is an unfinished sentence.Im Soon-man's 'Lying Down in the Baekbeom Mountains' asks what we should write on that unfinished sentence today. On which side will we stand? What will we live for? Can we do what must be done, even knowing the potential for failure?Baekbeom continues to ask quietly.And the Baekbeom Mountains are still waiting for that answer. 2026-04-26 09:12:18

Hyundai’s Jose Munoz Targets 500,000 Annual Sales in China by 2030 "At Beijing Hyundai, we will sell 500,000 vehicles a year by 2030, including domestic sales and exports." Hyundai Motor President Jose Munoz said at a meeting with reporters on April 24 at the China International Exhibition Center Convention Center in Beijing that the company will make this year the starting point for accelerating a turnaround in China. He said Hyundai plans to launch 20 new energy vehicles, or NEVs, by 2030 and show annual growth of 9%. Hyundai on Thursday opened the 2026 Beijing Motor Show (Auto China 2026) by unveiling the China mass-production model Ioniq V for the first time in the world. The Ioniq V features a localized interior and exterior design, a naming strategy based on planet names, a battery from China’s CATL, and Momenta’s Level 2+ driver-assistance technology, including highway driving assistance and memory parking. "China is the most important EV market, and Hyundai is one of the best-performing companies in EVs globally," Munoz said. He said Hyundai will strengthen its positioning in China by combining products, features, design, service and pricing proven in global markets with thorough localization. China is often called a tough market for foreign brands because consumers strongly prefer domestic vehicles. With the economy weakening, global automakers including Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen Group and BMW have also stepped up moves to reduce their exposure to China. Munoz said Hyundai’s Ioniq brand has been central to the company’s push to become a technology company, not just an automaker. He said Hyundai will combine Ioniq technology with localization efforts and the founder chairman’s “challenge DNA” to sustain Hyundai’s momentum in China. Munoz also pledged to deepen partnerships in China. He said that with China’s NEV tax incentives being reduced, companies cannot build fundamental competitiveness simply by importing functions and technology, and that Hyundai will work with local partners to strengthen its core capabilities. He also offered a blunt assessment of Hyundai’s struggles in China over the past decade. "We became overconfident and settled for the status quo," Munoz said, adding that the company learned humility in China and analyzed the causes of its failures through dialogue with partners and customers. He said China’s market and technology are changing faster than in the past, and that Hyundai will execute its strategy step by step with a learning mindset not only in autos but also in hydrogen and physical artificial intelligence. The Ioniq V shown Thursday includes smart AI features, distinctive exterior and interior design, and advanced electronics aimed at Chinese consumers. Heo Jae-ho, Hyundai’s chief technology officer in China, said the vehicle will include a digital ecosystem centered on a smart cabin and autonomous driving, as well as LLM-based voice recognition and personalized services from Doubao, a ByteDance subsidiary. He said Hyundai will also reflect local preferences with Chinese apps such as Baidu, Amap and WeChat, along with Dolby sound and karaoke features. Hyundai plans to build out the Ioniq V lineup to six models by 2028, using two platforms for compact and mid-to-large vehicles and offering both EV and extended-range electric vehicle, or EREV, variants. It will then expand sequentially to 20 models by 2030, depending on market conditions and China’s policies. Munoz said Hyundai’s ability to survive amid variables such as tariffs, the repeal of the Inflation Reduction Act and war in the Middle East has been driven by offering customers a wide range of choices. He said Hyundai will provide Chinese customers with flexible options including the Ioniq V, Ioniq E, a future D-segment SUV, a multipurpose vehicle and EREV models. Munoz said Hyundai can apply its global playbook in China, citing the company’s position as No. 3 in global vehicle volume and No. 2 in profitability. He said growth in China is an important opportunity, including as a hedge against risks in other regions.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-26 09:03:20

SBS ‘Unanswered Questions’ Probes Tip Claiming Body Was Not Dumped at Dumulmeori SBS investigative program ‘Unanswered Questions’ is examining a case in which a body has not been found for 100 days after a reported dumping near Dumulmeori in Yangpyeong. The episode airing April 25 focuses on unanswered questions surrounding the killing and alleged disposal of the body of a delivery driver identified as Lee Jun-woo, a pseudonym. The case surfaced after a 112 emergency call on Jan. 21 reporting that Lee, 34, had been unreachable for several days. The caller, a fellow delivery driver, said he became concerned after recalling that Lee had appeared badly injured days before he vanished. “He had a broken tooth, his face was bruised beyond recognition, and his lip was split badly enough to need stitches,” the colleague told the program’s producers. Co-workers suspected a man surnamed Seong, Lee’s same-age roommate. Witnesses said Seong had been seen assaulting Lee, though Lee had brushed off questions about abuse by saying he was “just hurt.” Seong also claimed he did not know Lee’s whereabouts, saying he thought Lee had gone gambling. Police later reviewed apartment CCTV footage from the night of Jan. 14 that appeared to show Seong dragging Lee, who looked to be dead. Police then arrested Seong on an emergency basis, the program said. In questioning, Seong told police he killed Lee and put the body in a rental car, then drove to Yangpyeong and dumped it. He said the killing happened around 3:30 p.m. Jan. 14 during an argument over gas money, and that he disposed of the body later that night near Yongdam Bridge, close to Dumulmeori. Despite extensive searches by police and fire authorities, Lee’s body has not been found for 100 days, leaving the family unable to hold a funeral, the program said. Relatives suspect the location Seong provided may not be the real site because no body, shoes or clothing have been recovered. The time Seong gave for the killing and details of the disposal have also not been clearly verified, according to the broadcast. The producers said they received a new tip claiming, “It’s Yangpyeong, but not Dumulmeori — I heard it was buried somewhere else.” The tipster also alleged Seong gave a false statement out of fear that, if the body were found, it would reveal he used tools. The tipster said Seong also made remarks that seemed to hint at an accomplice. ‘Unanswered Questions’ airs at 11:10 p.m. on April 25.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-25 22:33:19

Lee Jae-myung Vows Tough Punishment for Syringe Hoarding as U.S.-Iran Talks Eyed Lee Jae-myung: Syringe hoarding is antisocial; violators will be punished President Lee Jae-myung said he would deal sternly with companies accused of stockpiling syringes after a special crackdown by health authorities found widespread violations.  In a post Friday on X, formerly Twitter, Lee said he had instructed the Cabinet to keep up enforcement and to take all possible follow-up steps, including swift investigations, strict punishment and maximum administrative penalties, for confirmed violations.  He said making money by exploiting a community crisis is an “antisocial” act that will be “severely punished.”  Earlier, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety said a special nationwide inspection of syringe sellers, aimed at stabilizing distribution, found 32 distributors violated a government notice banning syringe hoarding.  U.S. delegation may head to Pakistan for talks; Iran issues denial As Washington and Tehran send mixed signals on whether to resume peace negotiations, there is speculation the two sides could meet as soon as this weekend in Pakistan.  Yonhap reported that The New York Times, citing two senior Iranian officials, said Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is expected to meet U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and President Donald Trump’s eldest son-in-law, Jared Kushner, in Pakistan this weekend.  The officials said Araghchi headed to Islamabad carrying a written response to a U.S. peace proposal. They said Iran has publicly maintained it would not hold talks until the U.S. blockade of Hormuz is lifted, but has privately explored ways to restart negotiations through mediators including Pakistan. Araghchi arrived in Islamabad on April 25 local time.  Lee Jin-sook drops out of Daegu mayor’s race, pledges support for party nominee Lee Jin-sook, the former chair of the Korea Communications Commission who was cut from the People Power Party’s primary for Daegu mayor, said Friday she will not run in the June 3 local election.  With Rep. Joo Ho-young also having declared he will not run, the party’s internal turmoil over the Daegu race appeared to ease.  Yonhap reported Lee told a news conference at the party’s Daegu office that she was stepping down as a preliminary candidate. She said that once the party selects its nominee on Saturday, she will help that candidate defeat the Democratic Party contender and “protect Daegu from the reckless Democratic Party administration.”  While calling the party’s decision to cut her unfair, she said she would not run as an independent.  Trump administration allows firing squad and other methods for federal executions The Trump administration said it will allow the firing squad as a method of execution for federal death sentences.  Yonhap and Reuters reported Friday that the Justice Department said in a recent report it would add the firing squad, the electric chair and gas asphyxiation as alternative methods, citing difficulties obtaining lethal injection drugs.  Lethal injection remains the most common method of execution in the United States, but the department said it plans to broaden the options.  The department also said it would restore procedures for using pentobarbital, the drug adopted for executions during the first Trump administration. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-25 21:42:18

Iran Foreign Minister Delivers Tehran’s Ceasefire Terms to Pakistan Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi delivered Tehran’s position on ending the war to Pakistani officials, according to reports. Yonhap reported that after arriving in Islamabad on the 25th, Araghchi met with Pakistan’s army chief, Asim Munir, and conveyed Iran’s perspective and considerations on a ceasefire. Munir is seen as a key figure mediating U.S.-Iran talks. The two sides were reported to have discussed the latest developments related to a ceasefire and ways to cooperate to strengthen peace and stability in West Asia. Reuters also reported that Araghchi told Pakistani officials of Iran’s reserved stance toward U.S. demands and outlined Iran’s negotiating requirements. Iran’s Foreign Ministry said Munir thanked Araghchi for Iran’s trust in Pakistan as a neighboring country and said Pakistan would willingly continue its mediation efforts until results are achieved.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-25 21:39:15

Iran Foreign Minister Meets Pakistan Army Chief as Truce With U.S. Holds Iran’s foreign minister, whose country is in a temporary truce with the United States, met with a key Pakistani figure in Islamabad, Pakistan’s role as a mediator drew renewed attention. Yonhap reported on the 25th that Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with Pakistan’s Army Chief Gen. Asim Munir in the Pakistani capital. Munir has been involved in U.S.-Iran talks aimed at ending the war and is described as a central figure in Pakistan’s government. Details of the meeting were not disclosed, but observers said Iran and mediator Pakistan likely discussed a second round of talks on ending the war. The New York Times, citing two senior Iranian officials, reported that Araghchi would meet in Pakistan with U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump’s eldest son-in-law, to keep negotiations going. The United States and Iran previously held a first round of talks in Islamabad on April 11-12, but they collapsed. A second round expected on April 21 also did not take place.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-25 20:45:14

Michael Jackson Estate Rejects New Child Sex Abuse Claims as Money-Driven Lawsuit New allegations have surfaced that the late pop star Michael Jackson sexually abused minors during his lifetime, claims his estate has forcefully denied as a bid for money. People and other outlets reported on April 24 (local time) that four siblings from the Cascio family said in a recent interview with The New York Times that Jackson sexually abused them when they were children. The siblings filed a lawsuit on Feb. 27 in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California against Jackson’s estate and related parties. Court records list the plaintiffs as Edward Joseph Cascio, Dominic Sabini Cascio, Marie Nicole Forte and Aldo Cascio. Defendants include The Michael Jackson Company, John Branca, John McClain, MJJ Productions, MJJ Ventures, Herman Weisberg and others. The Cascio family was previously reported to have been close enough to Jackson to be described as his “second family.” They met him through their father, who worked at a Manhattan hotel in New York where Jackson often stayed in the 1980s. The siblings said they later visited Jackson’s Neverland home and spent time with him over the years. In their complaint, the plaintiffs allege Jackson abused them over an extended period in the United States and during overseas tours, at Neverland and at the Cascio family’s home in New Jersey. They also allege Jackson emotionally manipulated them from a young age and conditioned them to defend him against outside allegations of sexual abuse. The complaint also alleges Jackson provided them alcohol and drugs and exposed them to pornography. The plaintiffs say some of the alleged abuse began when they were about 7 or 8 and continued into their teens. The siblings had publicly defended Jackson when earlier abuse allegations emerged, and after his death they said in broadcast interviews that he had not behaved inappropriately toward them. They said they came to view their past experiences differently after watching the 2019 HBO documentary “Leaving Neverland.” The lawsuit also involves a dispute over a 2020 settlement. The siblings are reported to have received a total of $16 million in an agreement with Jackson’s estate. The plaintiffs contend the settlement was coercive and unfair, while the estate argues the agreement includes an arbitration clause and should be handled through arbitration rather than a public trial. Jackson’s estate rejected the allegations. Estate attorney Martin Singer said in a statement to People that the lawsuit was a “desperate attempt” to get money. He said the Cascio family had defended Jackson and asserted his innocence for more than 25 years, and argued the suit is a strategy to extract a large payout from the estate and related companies. Jackson faced multiple child sexual abuse allegations during his life but was acquitted in a 2005 criminal trial. He died in June 2009. The new claims have drawn renewed attention ahead of the May 13 South Korea release of the biographical film “Michael.” * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-25 20:36:24

Lottery Winner Says Set Purchase Led to Pension Lottery 720+ First Prize, Four Second Prizes "As soon as I saw the first ticket was a second prize, I figured the first prize must be in the set, so I checked the rest." With attention focused on Donghaeng Lottery’s Lotto draw No. 1221, a winner of Pension Lottery 720+ draw No. 302 — one first-prize ticket and four second-prize tickets — has shared a story that is drawing interest. In a post on Donghaeng Lottery’s winners’ board, the winner said they usually wait a week or two before checking results, but that day the pension lottery “kept catching my eye,” prompting an earlier check. "As soon as I saw the first ticket was a second prize, I figured the first prize must be in the set, so I checked the rest," the winner wrote. "At first I couldn’t believe it, so I scanned the QR code again and again. When I was sure, I felt a little scared more than happy. When I told close friends, they sincerely congratulated me." The winner added, "I’ve always thought I was unlucky, but this kind of good fortune finally brought me peace of mind. Life has been tough, so I want to put everything down for a while, rest and focus on self-improvement." The tickets were bought at a lottery retailer in Cheongwon-gu, Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province. Asked what they typically buy, the winner said they purchase small amounts of Lotto and Pension Lottery tickets each week. On plans for the winnings, the winner said they intend to repay loans. Winning numbers for Lotto draw No. 1221 can be checked after 8:35 p.m. on April 25.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-25 20:21:17

Trump Administration Expands Federal Execution Methods to Include Firing Squad The Trump administration said it will allow firing squads as a method for carrying out federal executions. According to Yonhap News Agency and Reuters on the 25th, the U.S. Justice Department said in a recent report that it will add firing squads, the electric chair and gas asphyxiation as alternative methods, citing difficulties obtaining lethal-injection drugs. Lethal injection is currently the most common execution method in the United States. The department said it plans to broaden the available options. The Justice Department also ordered the restoration of procedures for using pentobarbital, a lethal-injection drug adopted during the first Trump administration. The department said executions using pentobarbital do not violate the Eighth Amendment’s ban on “cruel and unusual punishment” and meet constitutional standards. In a statement, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said the previous administration, the Biden administration, “failed to meet its duty to protect the American people” by refusing to carry out the maximum penalty for the most dangerous criminals, including terrorists, child killers and those who kill police officers.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-25 19:30:15

Singer Soyou’s Hannam-dong Villa Draws Attention for 13 Million Won Monthly Rent Singer Soyou’s upscale villa in Seoul’s Hannam-dong neighborhood has been shown publicly, drawing attention to the city’s ultra-high monthly rental market. A video titled “Soyou’s home revealed: 13 million won monthly rent” was posted Thursday afternoon on the YouTube channel “Lee Chang-sub&Jeo Chang-sub.” The video shows Lee Chang-sub visiting Soyou’s home. Soyou said she has lived there for six years and is preparing to move soon. The home is part of a cluster of luxury villas in Hannam-dong. Soyou said she pays rent in a lump sum once a year, a payment method known as “annual rent.” She said the going terms are a 100 million won deposit and about 13 million won in monthly rent, adding that her price is “a bit lower” because she moved in early. At 13 million won a month, the rent totals 156 million won a year. That is separate from the 100 million won deposit and amounts to an annual cash outlay comparable to the jeonse price of a mid-sized apartment. According to the Korea Real Estate Board, the average monthly rent for apartments in Seoul in January was 1.504 million won, and the average in Yongsan-gu was 2.681 million won. A 13 million won monthly rent is about 8.6 times the Seoul average and about 4.8 times the Yongsan-gu average. Hannam-dong is widely seen as one of Seoul’s premier residential areas, with high-end complexes such as Nine One Hannam, Hannam The Hill and Parc Hannam. The area also has many embassies and foreign institutions, alongside demand from high-income professionals, business executives and entertainers. A 244-square-meter unit at Nine One Hannam sold for 15.65 billion won in March, recorded as the highest-priced apartment sale in Seoul this year. Soyou said the area has many embassies and that the building previously drew mostly foreign residents. She also said tenants were screened carefully, adding that “even entertainers were selected” and that move-in conditions were strict. Soyou said she once thought she would live there until she got married, but she no longer plans to marry and does not feel she needs to stay. She also said she has had an experience with a sasaeng fan coming to her home. In the real estate market, some analysts say rents in Hannam-dong’s ultra-high-end housing go beyond basic housing costs and are closer to a “privacy fee.” They cite factors including Han River views, access to central Seoul, large floor plans, security systems and the makeup of residents as creating a pricing structure distinct from the broader rental market.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-25 18:12:23