Candidates Rally for Votes Ahead of June 3 Local Elections in Gyeonggi Province On June 2, a day before the June 3 local elections, candidates for the Gyeonggi governor position campaigned vigorously across key locations in the province, urging voter participation and support. Choo Mi-ae, the Democratic Party candidate, visited Uijeongbu and Seongnam to rally support, while Yang Hyang-ja, the People Power Party candidate, embarked on an overnight campaign visiting all 31 cities and counties. Cho Eung-cheon, the Reform Party candidate, focused on attracting voters by criticizing the two major parties. Choo urged voters in Uijeongbu, Seongnam, Gwangju, Icheon, and Yongin to cast their ballots, stating, "Please vote for victory. We must achieve a major transformation to spread Gyeonggi Province's growth energy throughout the region." She emphasized the importance of supporting not just her but also the Democratic candidates in all 31 cities and counties, saying, "Choo Mi-ae alone cannot win the governorship. Please choose Democratic candidates across all municipalities." Choo concluded her campaign with a final rally in Nahyeok Street, Suwon, starting at 7 PM. Yang, under the slogan "31 cities and counties, 31 hours of commitment," began her intensive campaign the previous day, visiting various locations including Bucheon, Gwangmyeong, Anyang, and Yongin. Starting early in the morning, she greeted commuters in front of the Gapyeong County Office at 8 AM. Yang stated, "Elections are ultimately about changing the lives of citizens," and pledged to create a Gyeonggi Province where small business owners can thrive. She also campaigned in Hwaseong City with support from party leader Jang Dong-hyuk, targeting her voter base. Cho appealed to centrist voters, highlighting his experience as a lawmaker in the challenging northeastern region of Namyangju from 2016 to 2024. He declared, "If you vote for number 4, an unexpected miracle will happen." He called for support for the Reform Party, asserting the need to check the power of the two major parties to restore politics and the rule of law in South Korea and to advance Gyeonggi Province. Cho urged every citizen to exercise their precious right to vote, stating, "I hope everyone will go to the polls." He plans to conclude his campaign at 9 PM alongside Park Yun-ok, a candidate for the Reform Party in Namyangju.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-02 22:09:00

Jung Won-oh Urges Voters to Support Lee Jae-myung for Presidential Success Jung Won-oh, the Democratic Party's candidate for Seoul mayor, appealed for support on June 2, the last day of official campaigning ahead of the June 3 local elections, stating, "If you wish for President Lee Jae-myung's success, please vote for me." At his final rally held in the evening at Cheonggye Plaza, Jung said, "By voting, you can choose a Seoul that will succeed alongside President Lee Jae-myung." He emphasized the vision of creating a Seoul where the dreams of young people are revived and that becomes a bucket-list destination for people worldwide. Jung urged voters to select a mayor who acts rather than just speaks, one who can prove results and keep promises. He added, "Please ensure your friends also vote, as every vote counts." Targeting his rival, Oh Se-hoon of the People Power Party, Jung criticized him for neglecting safety and failing to fulfill housing and economic pledges. He highlighted his own achievements in transforming Seongsu-dong, a former industrial area, into a global attraction while boosting local job creation and economic activity. "A candidate who disregards safety is unfit to be mayor," Jung stated, asserting that just as he made Seongsu safe, he would ensure that Seoul becomes the safest city. He called on voters to choose someone committed to creating a secure Seoul. Jung stressed the importance of having a ruling party mayor to effectively collaborate with President Lee for the city's development. He questioned, "Can we tolerate seeing Oh hurl insults at President Lee during cabinet meetings?" and reiterated his plea for votes. The ruling party's leadership also rallied behind Jung, with Jung Cheong-rae stating, "We need to elect a Democratic mayor, a Democratic city council, and a Democratic district chief to ensure alignment with the president. This election is about empowering President Lee." He warned that failing to eliminate remnants of insurrection in this election could lead to a resurgence of corruption and political turmoil in South Korea, urging citizens to make their choice wisely. Democratic lawmakers united in support of Jung's candidacy. Park Joo-min, who faced Jung in the party's primary, remarked, "If housing, public transport, and welfare in Seoul are lacking, who should we replace? We must remove Oh Se-hoon, who has harmed Seoul." He called for the election of Jung Won-oh to advance the city alongside the Lee administration. Seo Young-kyo, chair of the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee, referenced allegations against Oh regarding the funding of a public opinion poll, stating, "I will take the lead in the trial against Oh Se-hoon. Please ensure that only Jung Won-oh is elected." Han Jeong-ae, policy chair, criticized Oh, saying, "With the KOSPI rising and exports booming, these benefits must reach you through the Seoul city government. Can we allow the mayor to obstruct the president's efforts for the people?" Former National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-sik also took the stage, asserting that Jung, who has proven his capabilities in Seongdong, must be elected. He noted President Lee's successful track record from his time as Seongnam mayor to his current presidency. After concluding his rally, Jung moved to conduct a walking campaign in Nonhyeon-dong and Cheonho-dong in Gangnam District. The final event of the official campaign is scheduled for 11:40 p.m. at the transfer center in Bokjeong Station, Songpa District, where Jung will share his reflections on the campaign and express his commitment to creating a completely new Seoul.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-02 21:48:00

Jung Won-oh Holds Final Campaign Rally in Cheonggye Plaza On June 2, Jung Won-oh, the Democratic Party's candidate for Seoul mayor, held his final campaign rally, where supporters arrived early to show their backing. As Jung and Democratic Party leader Jung Cheong-rae appeared, the crowd erupted in cheers and applause, reaffirming their determination for victory in the June 3 local elections. Supporters began gathering at Cheonggye Plaza around 6 PM, two hours before the rally officially started, displaying blue balloons and signs reading "New Era" while taking photos with family and friends in anticipation of Jung's arrival. An hour before Jung's arrival, a video showcasing highlights from his campaign was played, marking the official start of the rally. As the event emcee, Representative Lee Jeong-heon, asked the crowd if they would unite to vote for the Seoul mayoral election the next day, supporters responded with enthusiastic shouts of "Yes" and "Jung Won-oh." Several lawmakers from Jung's campaign, including Lee In-young, Park Joo-min, Seo Young-kyo, Kim Young-bae, Kim Young-ho, Han Jeong-ae, Seo Mi-hwa, Kim Yoon, Choi Gi-sang, Lee Joo-hee, and Nam In-soon, took the stage to rally support for Jung. As Lee In-young, Park Joo-min, and Seo Young-kyo urged the crowd to "punish Oh Se-hoon" and called for accountability for his actions, supporters responded by chanting Jung's name and applauding. At approximately 8:32 PM, when Jung arrived at the rally alongside Jung Cheong-rae, supporters welcomed him with even louder chants and cheers. When Jung asked the crowd, "Who should we change (as mayor of Seoul)?" they shouted "Jung Won-oh" three times in unison, expressing their support. During the rally, Lee Jeong-heon encouraged the crowd to respond, and they continued to chant Jung's name and cheer. Jung also targeted Oh Se-hoon, questioning his approval ratings and whether it was acceptable to obstruct President Lee Jae-myung, prompting the crowd to shout, "It's at rock bottom. We cannot forgive him." As Jung concluded his speech around 8:50 PM, lasting approximately 18 minutes, supporters chanted his name, applauded, and sang the national anthem up to the fourth verse before dispersing.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-02 21:48:00

Oh Se-hoon Holds Final Campaign Rally in Sinchon "Experience matters. The person who has been working will do well, right?"On June 2, around 8 p.m., Sinchon Station's Star Square in the Seodaemun District of Seoul was filled with supporters attending the final campaign rally of Oh Se-hoon, the candidate from the People Power Party for the Seoul mayoral election. Given the proximity to several universities, many young voters in their 20s and 30s were also present.As Oh took the stage, supporters waved placards bearing his name and the number '2', cheering for his appearance. When Oh greeted the crowd with a hoarse voice, some expressed concern, saying, "Oh no, your voice is hoarse," and "You sound completely worn out."Citizens at the rally shared their reasons for supporting Oh. Jeong Myeong-seon, a woman in her 60s residing in Seodaemun, stated, "I don't support the party, but I support the person," expressing hope for Oh's victory. She explained that she was once a member of the People Power Party but left due to the corruption scandal involving former President Park Geun-hye, and recently became disillusioned with the party under former President Yoon Suk-yeol.While acknowledging that Jeong Won-oh, the Democratic Party candidate, has accumulated achievements as the head of the Seongdong District Office, she emphasized, "There are many projects like the redevelopment of Yujin Shopping Center and the light rail project that need to be completed. The person who has been working on these should finish them."The 'Main Enemy Challenge' circulating on social media, aimed at candidates in the local elections and by-elections, also emerged as a reason for supporting Oh. This challenge involves asking candidates, "Who do you consider to be South Korea's main enemy?" It has primarily targeted candidates from the ruling party, with conservative candidates responding "North Korea," while Democratic Party candidates often evade the question, becoming subjects of ridicule.Kim, a 23-year-old living in Sinchon, remarked, "Seeing Democratic Party candidates unable to say North Korea is the main enemy made me decide to vote for the People Power Party candidate," adding, "I’m not a party member, but I support them." A man in his 60s, Baek, from Mapo District, noted, "I was originally neutral, but I became concerned when I saw Democratic candidates unable to name North Korea as the main enemy," stating he did not participate in early voting but planned to vote for Oh in the main election.Park, a 65-year-old supporter who came to cheer for Oh's final rally from Eunpyeong District, expressed dissatisfaction with President Lee Jae-myung, saying, "There are many things I dislike about what this president is doing," and added, "The president and Democratic candidates have so many criminal issues that they are not worthy of my vote."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-02 21:45:00

Hanwha Aerospace Explosion Investigation Concludes; Police Begin Safety Probe Police conclude joint investigation into Hanwha Aerospace explosion; safety probe begins Seven people, including five fatalities, were reported in the explosion at Hanwha Aerospace's Daejeon facility, prompting police to launch an investigation into the cause. According to Yonhap News on June 2, the Daejeon Police Agency conducted a joint investigation at the explosion site with the fire department, the National Forensic Service, the Ministry of Employment and Labor, and the Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency. The investigation lasted approximately six hours and concluded around 4:40 PM. The explosion occurred at 10:59 AM the previous day in a cleaning room of Building 56, resulting in the deaths of five workers and injuries to two others. Reports indicate that workers were cleaning gunpowder residue from manufacturing tools for projectiles at the time. Police focused their investigation on the suspected ignition point, examining the site for evidence of the cause and the presence of flammable materials. However, much of the evidence was destroyed, limiting visual confirmation. Chairman Jin Young-seung inspects military readiness ahead of local elections Chairman Jin Young-seung of the Joint Chiefs of Staff inspected military readiness at key units in the capital region one day before the local elections. According to Yonhap News, on June 2, Jin visited the Army Capital Corps and the Marine Corps 2nd Division to assess their coastal defense operations and encourage the troops. Jin first visited the Army Capital Corps headquarters in Anyang, Gyeonggi Province, to review operational readiness. He received briefings on coastal defense operations, procedures for responding to drone threats, and the status of illegal fishing in neutral waters of the Han River, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a robust operational posture. During the visit, discussions also took place regarding the transfer of operational control of the Marine Corps 2nd Division to the Marine Corps, in line with the government's plan to reform the Marine Corps into a 'quasi-fourth military force.' Earlier, Jin visited the Marine Corps 2nd Division's coastal defense unit in Gimpo, Gyeonggi Province, instructing them to maintain heightened surveillance and readiness to prevent enemy surprise attacks. NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang to visit Seoul National University; eager to meet students Jensen Huang, CEO of NVIDIA, will visit the AI research center and robotics lab at Seoul National University during his trip to South Korea. He has expressed a desire to meet with students directly, according to reports. Huang is expected to arrive in South Korea on the evening of June 4 and plans to visit the university's AI research center and robotics lab on June 8, with details still being finalized with the school. Professors from the research centers will accompany Huang, and demonstrations of key research areas are anticipated. As the competition for AI talent intensifies, there is significant interest in the messages Huang will convey to the next generation of researchers in South Korea. A representative from Seoul National University stated, "The format of the meeting is currently under discussion with NVIDIA." This visit follows approximately two months after Huang's daughter, Madison Huang, a senior director of robotics marketing at NVIDIA, visited the robotics lab at the university, where she observed robot demonstrations and met with researchers. Court denies Kim Se-ye's request for release; maintains detention over defamation case Kim Se-ye, the head of the Garosero Research Institute, who is accused of defaming actor Kim Soo-hyun, had his request for a review of his detention denied by the court. According to Yonhap News on June 2, the 8th Criminal Division of the Seoul Central District Court, presided over by Judges Cha Seung-hwan, Choi Hae-il, and Choi Jin-sook, dismissed Kim's request for a review of his detention after a hearing on charges of defamation, threats, and attempted coercion, stating, "There is no reason for the request." Kim had filed the request five days after his detention on May 31, seeking a review of the legality and necessity of his detention. During the one-hour hearing, Kim, with his hands bound, claimed that his detention was leading to defamation against the late Kim Sae-ron. With Kim's detention upheld, police, who have been investigating the case for over a year, are expected to conclude their investigation into Kim's alleged pressure on Kim Soo-hyun's side and soon forward the case to prosecutors. Court hears arguments on travel ban for Professor Tan; government cites lack of evidence A court hearing was held on June 2 regarding whether to suspend the travel ban imposed on Professor Tan (Korean name: Dan Hyun-myung) of Liberty University, who is under police investigation for allegedly defaming President Lee Jae-myung. Tan did not attend the hearing. According to Yonhap News, Tan's legal representatives argued before Judge Wi Ji-hyun of the Seoul Administrative Court that the right to freedom of movement is constitutionally protected and requested the suspension of the travel ban. In contrast, the Ministry of Justice argued for the continuation of the travel ban. A representative from the Ministry stated, "Tan's side claims the need to travel for lectures in the U.S., but they have not provided specific details about the timing or purpose of the trip, making it difficult to prove any irreparable harm from the ban." The representative added, "While they claim to be cooperating with the investigation, it appears they are refusing to appear without legitimate grounds, suggesting the request should be denied." The main trial for the cancellation of the travel ban is scheduled for June 10.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-02 21:42:00

K-Shipbuilding Shines at Posidonia 2026 in Greece "Posidonia is a rare stage where shipowners from around the world can meet. This year, with its largest scale ever, expectations for orders are high." On June 2, the Metropolitan Expo in Athens was bustling with attendees for Posidonia 2026, following the official opening the previous day. The event kicked off with numerous meetings and consultations between global shipowners, shipbuilders, and equipment suppliers, creating a lively atmosphere filled with technical presentations and business discussions. Held biennially, Posidonia is considered one of the top three maritime exhibitions in the world, alongside Germany's SMM and Norway's Nor-Shipping. Posidonia 2026, which began on June 1 and runs for five days, is the largest in its history, featuring 2,227 companies from 83 countries and covering an exhibition area of 45,000 square meters. More than 40,000 visitors are expected to attend during the event. Among the global companies present, the prominence of K-Shipbuilding stood out. This year, the Korean Pavilion, organized by the Korea Marine Equipment Association (KOMEA) in collaboration with the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), brought together the domestic shipbuilding and maritime industry. Major South Korean shipbuilders, including HD Hyundai, Samsung Heavy Industries, Hanwha Ocean, and HJ Shipbuilding, along with equipment manufacturers and the Korean Register (KR), showcased the Korean shipbuilding and maritime ecosystem. As a result, the Korean Pavilion attracted significant attention from global shipowners and industry representatives from early in the morning. Notably, the KR exhibition area, set up in an independent booth, hosted multiple Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing ceremonies. With the recent tightening of environmental regulations led by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the role of classification societies in supporting ship certification and decarbonization strategies has become increasingly important. As the verification and certification of eco-friendly ships and alternative fuel technologies are essential, the demand for collaboration between domestic and international companies is also on the rise. A KR representative stated, "More than 10 MOUs are expected to be signed at this year's event," adding, "Foreign shipowners are showing high interest in digital platforms that can assist in making practical decisions in response to the recently intensified carbon reduction requirements." However, many of the MOUs signed during the event focused on collaboration among domestic companies, with limited tangible business partnerships with global shipowners. This was somewhat disappointing given the significance of the world's largest maritime exhibition. This year, the three major South Korean shipbuilders emphasized 'liquefied natural gas (LNG) and eco-friendly technology' as key themes at Posidonia. The growing demand for LNG, driven by energy security concerns and stricter environmental regulations, has prompted a focus on LNG carriers, Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs), and autonomous navigation technologies to target global shipowners. HD Hyundai showcased LNG carriers with capacities of 178,000 cubic meters and 174,000 cubic meters, equipped with wind-assisted propulsion systems. Hanwha Ocean and Samsung Heavy Industries also introduced a diverse portfolio of energy carriers, including LNG carriers and VLCCs. Chinese companies also made a significant impact at the event, with over 200 firms participating, marking the largest representation from a single country in history. The most notable presence was from the China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC), the largest shipbuilding group in the world, formed by the merger of CSSC and China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation (CSIC) in September 2022. At this event, CSSC set up its first integrated booth since the merger, showcasing an overwhelming presence with large ship models and digital displays. The booth attracted a crowd of visitors eager to explore the exhibition space. These companies are reportedly expanding their local sales networks targeting Greece, the world's largest shipowning nation, and are planning large receptions and business contracts during Posidonia. An industry insider remarked, "While the presence of Chinese companies is undeniably growing, South Korean shipbuilders still maintain a competitive edge in high-value sectors such as LNG carriers, eco-friendly ships, and autonomous navigation technologies. Ultimately, the future of the shipbuilding market will be determined by technological prowess rather than price." Meanwhile, this year's Posidonia featured not only shipbuilders and KR but also companies from other sectors, including power, engines, and paints. Notably, paint manufacturer KCC participated in Posidonia for the tenth time, showcasing a product portfolio that responds to environmental regulations and the demand for improved vessel operational efficiency, including antifouling, anti-corrosion, and topcoat paints. 2026-06-02 21:42:00

The Boyz Seek Legal Action Amid Allegations Against One Hundred Label K-pop idol group The Boyz, which boasts a global fanbase, has filed for a temporary suspension of their exclusive contract with their agency, One Hundred Label. This comes as MBC's 'PD Notebook' focuses on various allegations surrounding the company. The Boyz have taken legal action, claiming they have not received settlement payments for several months. This has led to other artists under the same agency, including Lee Mujin, Chen Baekhyun, and Lee Seung-gi, also terminating their contracts, escalating the situation. One Hundred Label is an entertainment company where MC Mong is involved in production, and Chairman Cha Ga-won is the primary investor. Known for amassing significant assets through the construction industry, Chairman Cha entered the entertainment sector in 2023, quickly gaining attention by signing prominent artists like SHINee's Taemin and EXO's Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin. However, beneath its glamorous exterior, the company faces serious allegations regarding unpaid settlements. According to 'PD Notebook,' One Hundred Label and its affiliates received over 115 billion won in advance payments. This money was paid upfront by record distributors and concert planners who believed in the intellectual property value of the artists. Yet, some artists are demanding contract terminations due to not receiving their payments. The production team of 'PD Notebook' claims to have obtained three years' worth of accounting records from an insider who closely managed the company's finances. These documents reportedly indicate that large sums of advance payments were transferred from the company's accounts to Chairman Cha's personal account. While tracing the flow of company funds, 'PD Notebook' also received tips suggesting that some of this money was funneled to MC Mong. The informant alleged that these funds were used for MC Mong's overseas gambling activities. In response, MC Mong strongly denied the allegations during a TikTok live broadcast, stating, "Company funds for illegal gambling? What nonsense is this? Check my accounts!" He directly criticized 'PD Notebook.' However, 'PD Notebook' claims to have captured evidence of tens of billions of won being transferred to Las Vegas through illegal currency exchanges. Allegations have also emerged that MC Mong and Chairman Cha used a private jet provided by a casino and stayed in luxury villas while accessing exclusive gaming rooms. The fallout from the unpaid settlements extends beyond the artists. The production team reported that external staff, including freelance cameramen, costume cleaners, and cleaning assistants for idol accommodations, are also voicing their grievances. Some have reportedly had to sell equipment or have their vehicles seized due to unpaid production costs. The number of confirmed victims is in the hundreds, with the total damages estimated to exceed 10 billion won. Ahead of the 'PD Notebook' broadcast, One Hundred Label announced a firm stance against the spread of false information and malicious posts. The company's legal representative stated, "We are acutely aware of the indiscriminate dissemination of defamatory, false, and insulting posts, and we will take legal action." Chairman Cha Ga-won is also expected to address the large-scale unpaid settlement issue directly in front of the 'PD Notebook' cameras. What has been happening behind the glamorous facade of the K-pop industry? The episode titled 'MC Mong and Chairman's K-pop Trade Secrets' will air today at 10:20 PM.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-02 21:33:00

Jung Cheong-rae: 'I Did My Best with a Heart to Move Heaven... Now, I Will Encourage Voting' Jung Cheong-rae, the leader of the Democratic Party, reflected on his campaign efforts on June 2, a day before the June 3 local elections, stating, "I did my best with a heart to move heaven." He characterized this local election as pivotal for resolving insurrection and shaping the future of South Korea while urging voters to participate. After the conclusion of Jung Won-o's support rally in Seoul's Cheonggye Plaza, Jung told reporters, "The official campaign is now racing toward its final destination. I have worked hard to do everything I could and have given my all." He added, "I moved with a heart to move heaven. I will spend tonight with the mindset of doing my best and leaving the rest to fate," indicating plans to encourage voter turnout through legal means on June 3, when campaigning is prohibited. Jung emphasized the importance of this local election in supporting President Lee Jae-myung and eliminating the remnants of insurrection, asserting that South Korea must move forward toward a brighter future. "This election is about empowering President Lee and clearing away the remnants of insurrection to advance toward the future of South Korea," he said. "We have done our best, and now we await the people's judgment." He also noted that in key battleground areas, the election is expected to be closely contested, and he plans to work to increase voter turnout on the day of the election, June 3. "In competitive regions, the outcome can be decided by a very small margin. Therefore, we must encourage voting tomorrow," Jung stated. "Ultimately, we need as many people as possible to come out to vote. I will conduct a campaign to encourage turnout through legal means."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-02 21:33:00

Oh Se-hoon Appeals for Support in Final Campaign Rally in Sinchon Oh Se-hoon, the People Power Party's candidate for Seoul Mayor, made a passionate appeal for support during his final campaign rally on June 2, stating, "My dream is to create a Seoul that evokes pride and admiration from people around the world." During the rally held near Sinchon Station in the Seodaemun District, he emphasized, "I will lay the groundwork for Seoul to become one of the top three cities in the world within four years." Taking the stage with clenched fists, Oh declared, "The significance of this election lies in making Seoul a city that ranks third globally in terms of pride. Seoul has risen to sixth place in global city competitiveness. I will repay this change with overwhelming results." Oh's choice of Sinchon for his final rally is seen as an effort to encourage young voters, who have shown strong support for him and the People Power Party but have lower turnout rates. He remarked, "The encouragement and support from young people have given me the most energy during the campaign, which is why I chose Sinchon for my last rally. Every time I visited universities, I returned energized by your support. I have seen a bright future for South Korea." He also highlighted his vision for a 'top three global city' to resonate with young voters. Oh noted that through the 'Seoul Run' program he introduced during his previous term as mayor, over 900 students have enrolled in universities this year, stating, "The ladder of social mobility has begun to be restored." He promised, "If you give me four more years, I will strengthen the ladder of social mobility, ensuring that young people can start from an equal starting line in Seoul." Oh continued to criticize President Lee Jae-myung's administration and the qualifications of his opponent, Democratic Party candidate Jeong Won-o. He stated, "President Lee has lost humility and become arrogant. If this continues, the rule of law and democracy in South Korea will begin to crumble. I urge you to channel your overwhelming support to guide President Lee back on the right path." He added, "Seoul cannot become a practice course for novice drivers. We cannot entrust the city to an unqualified and unprepared candidate. Please protect Seoul." After the rally, Oh announced plans to move to Gwanghwamun Square for a 'Garden of Gratitude' event, inviting supporters to join him, saying, "Please accompany me to Gwanghwamun Square. I want to conclude this campaign with you in the Garden of Gratitude." According to election law, the use of loudspeakers is prohibited after 9 p.m., marking the end of Oh's official rally in Sinchon. However, he plans to continue campaigning until midnight in Jongno and Dongdaemun, appealing for support from citizens.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-02 21:30:00

New Residency Environment Evaluation Committee Holds First Meeting, Expands Resident Representation The participation of residents in the evaluation of their training environment is set to increase. According to Yonhap News on June 2, the Ministry of Health and Welfare announced the establishment of the fourth Residency Environment Evaluation Committee, which held its first meeting at the Korean Hospital Association in Mapo-gu, Seoul. The committee was created to review various aspects of the residency training environment. Changes to the committee's composition were made following the amendment of the law aimed at improving the training environment and status of residents in March of this year, leading to the formation of the fourth committee. The committee consists of 15 members, including one representative from the Korean Medical Association, four from the Korean Hospital Association, four from the Korean Association of Resident Physicians, three from the Korean Academy of Medical Sciences, two experts designated by the Minister of Health and Welfare, and one ex-officio member from the ministry. To ensure that residents' opinions are more actively expressed during the evaluation process, the number of representatives recommended by resident organizations has increased from two to four, while the number of representatives from the Korean Hospital Association has risen from three to four. During the meeting, the committee elected Yang Dong-heon, the president of Kyungpook National University Hospital, as its chair and discussed the operational schedule for the year. The ministry plans to discuss various topics with the fourth committee, including the restructuring of the residency training system to strengthen regional, essential, and public healthcare, as well as improving the quality of training education and evaluation. Lee Hyung-hoon, the second vice minister of health, stated, "There is a growing demand for the qualitative enhancement of residency training and the restructuring of governance, as well as the training of personnel for regional, essential, and public healthcare. The government will do its utmost to ensure that related policies are effectively implemented in the training field."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-02 21:30:00