Song Eon-seok: President Lee Should Focus on Citizens' Lives, Not Stock Indices Song Eon-seok, the floor leader of the People Power Party, urged President Lee Jae-myung on June 1 to focus on the lives of citizens rather than engaging in social media disputes over stock market reports. In a post on Facebook, Song criticized President Lee for responding to media reports that highlighted concerns about the concentration of the semiconductor industry and the struggles of other sectors. Earlier, President Lee shared a report from a securities firm on X (formerly Twitter), stating that excluding semiconductor stocks, the KOSPI index is essentially at the 4,100 to 4,200 range. He argued, "No one says Son Heung-min is an ordinary person if you exclude his soccer skills," and questioned why the overall stock index should be calculated without considering semiconductors, a key industry. Song described the president's behavior as "truly leisurely" in light of recent incidents, including an explosion at a defense facility that resulted in casualties. He acknowledged that while semiconductors are crucial, the weakening competitiveness of other industries and market polarization are concerning issues. "Above all, the president should focus on the lives of the people, not the stock index numbers," Song said, emphasizing that citizens are currently suffering from high inflation, high exchange rates, and high interest rates. He criticized the government for ignoring the public's pain, referring to it as the "cost of success." He added that the anticipated tax increases, rising rents, and interest rates following the local elections are contributing to growing public anxiety. "People are more worried about next month’s tax bills, lease expirations, and loan repayments than stock market gains," he noted. Song expressed concern that the recent surge in credit loans, which increased by over 2.6 trillion won in just one month, and the largest rise in overdraft balances in five years indicate a troubling trend of increased borrowing to invest in the stock market. He warned that if stock prices fluctuate, it could pose significant economic risks to ordinary citizens and households. "President Lee should not boast about rising stock indices as a political achievement but should recognize the warning signs in the economy. Priorities should be on stabilizing prices, reducing tax burdens, alleviating rent pressures, stabilizing real estate, lowering interest burdens, and ensuring stable employment," he emphasized.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-01 17:48:00

National cemeteries see surge of visitors as South Korea commemorates Korean War SEOUL, June 1 (AJP) - Visitors have been flocking to national cemeteries across the country to pay tribute to fallen soldiers and war heroes, as June is observed as the month commemorating the Korean War (1950~1953). Many visitors paid tribute with flowers and moments of silence at the Seoul National Cemetery in southern Seoul, where soldiers and others who died for the nation are laid to rest. The Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs plans to hold various events, programs, and memorial services for veterans and their families across the country as part of efforts to raise awareness of the sacrifices and contributions of war veterans, independence fighters, and national merit recipients. 2026-06-01 17:43:44

Korea and Africa Strengthen Ties at Foreign Ministers' Meeting "There is an East African proverb that says, 'When spider webs unite, they can tie up a lion.'" Foreign Minister Park Jin made this remark during his opening speech at the Korea-Africa Foreign Ministers' Meeting, which commenced on June 1 at the Lotte Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul. He emphasized that by combining experiences and strengths, Korea and Africa can find better solutions to the challenges they face today and turn them into opportunities. Minister Park also announced that based on the outcomes of this meeting, discussions will begin for the 2029 Korea-Africa Summit. The inaugural Korea-Africa Summit was held two years ago in June 2024. The meeting was attended by representatives from 50 countries, including African foreign ministers, as well as heads of four regional international organizations: the African Union (AU), the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This is the first time the South Korean government has invited all 54 African countries and four regional international organizations, with 50 countries and four organizations gathering in Seoul. Minister Park noted, "We have gathered at a crucial time when the global order is rapidly changing," adding that the world is facing complex challenges in various areas such as supply chains, energy, and food security, which continue to heighten uncertainty in the global economy. He continued, "In this transitional period, individual countries face limitations in their responses, and the impact of crises varies by country, but the ripple effects are deeply interconnected. In this context, close cooperation between Korea and Africa is more important than ever." He highlighted President Lee Jae-myung's sincere commitment to cooperation with Africa, referencing the president's first face-to-face meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at the G7 summit in Canada shortly after taking office last June, as well as his visits to Egypt and South Africa in his first year in office. On June 2, President Lee is scheduled to meet with about 20 ministerial-level officials from African countries and international organizations attending the Korea-Africa Foreign Ministers' Meeting. Minister Park co-chaired the meeting with Ghana's Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who, in his welcoming remarks, described the meeting as a reflection of the growing strength and strategic importance of the Africa-Korea relationship, as well as a demonstration of their shared commitment to building partnerships. The Foreign Ministers' Meeting was themed "Korea-Africa Partnership for Joint Response in a Global Transition Period." Following the opening ceremony, the meeting was divided into two sessions. The first session focused on "Strengthening Economic Cooperation: Promoting Shared Prosperity and Sustainable Growth," reviewing the current status of cooperation in trade, investment, infrastructure, science and technology, education, food security, and supply chains, and discussing ways to enhance economic cooperation between the two sides. The second session addressed "Joint Response to Global Challenges: Korea-Africa Solidarity," exploring ways to expand practical cooperation in areas such as development cooperation, climate change, health, peace and security, and human exchanges. Minister Park held individual bilateral meetings with all attending foreign ministers to discuss various issues, including the entry of Korean companies, responses to supply chain crises, and the protection of overseas citizens, while seeking ways to enhance bilateral relations. On June 2, a Korea-Africa Business Forum will be held at the Lotte Hotel in Seoul as a side event of the Foreign Ministers' Meeting, with over 300 participants, including business leaders, government officials, and diplomats from Korea and Africa. Following Minister Park's opening remarks, Sung Kim, President of Hyundai Motor's Strategy Planning Division, and Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General of AfCFTA, will each deliver keynote speeches. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-01 17:42:00

Japanese Automakers Standardize Quality Criteria for Parts Amid Raw Material Shortages Japanese automakers, including Toyota, Honda, and Nissan, have agreed to standardize the criteria for determining defective automotive parts. Minor scratches or blemishes that do not affect functionality and are not easily noticeable when installed in vehicles will no longer be classified as defects, allowing for their actual use in production. This decision comes as the worsening situation in the Middle East has raised concerns over the procurement of naphtha, a key raw material for plastics and interior components, prompting a relaxation of Japan's traditionally strict quality standards to reduce material waste. The Nihon Keizai Shimbun reported on June 1 that eight Japanese passenger car manufacturers, along with parts suppliers, are working together to establish unified standards for defective parts. The Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, which includes 14 major automakers, and the Japan Automobile Parts Industry Association, comprising around 450 parts suppliers, are collaborating on this initiative. Both parties plan to gradually implement the new standards for each part by the end of 2026. The core of the new standards is that minor defects that do not impact performance will not be excessively classified as defects. Previously, parts suppliers often discarded components with small black spots or scratches, even if they posed no functional issues. Under the new guidelines, as long as the parts meet national standards and do not have significant functional or aesthetic problems, automakers will accept them. This aims to reduce overly stringent defect classifications and increase the yield of parts. For instance, about 60% of defect classifications for plastic connectors used in automotive electronics are due to the presence of black dots. By standardizing the criteria to exclude these as defects, it is estimated that Japan could reduce waste by 10,000 discarded parts each month. This change is also expected to shorten inspection times. Similarly, headlight components with small bubbles will be deemed acceptable as long as they do not affect functionality or appearance. The adjustment of quality standards by the Japanese automotive industry is largely driven by concerns over raw material supply from the Middle East. As tensions in the region have made naphtha procurement more challenging, fears of rising prices and supply disruptions for raw materials used in automotive parts have increased. The industry is now under pressure to lower waste rates and enhance the efficiency of raw material usage to ensure stable production and procurement of parts. Labor shortages and rising raw material prices are also putting pressure on parts manufacturers. According to Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, the average monthly wage for regular workers in manufacturing has risen by about 20% over the past decade to 370,000 yen. Competition from emerging overseas companies is intensifying, with Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers leveraging rapid development and cost competitiveness. Chinese parts suppliers are securing raw materials domestically and hiring skilled technicians from overseas manufacturers to produce high-quality, cost-effective components. Japanese parts manufacturers must enhance production efficiency while also adapting to trends in sustainability and electrification. Toyota has established a dedicated organization to begin evaluating parts according to the unified standards in collaboration with parts suppliers. Regular joint evaluation meetings are being held with participating automakers, including Toyota, Honda, and Nissan. Hayashi Telenph, a supplier of interior components to the Toyota Group, has set up an exhibition space within its headquarters to showcase related activities and promote the new standards among its partner small and medium-sized enterprises. The Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association and the Parts Industry Association aim to extend these unified standards to small and micro parts manufacturers, thereby enhancing production efficiency and competitiveness across the entire Japanese automotive industry.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-01 17:42:00

How shaved ice tells different stories across East Asia SEOUL, June 1 (AJP) - Shaved ice is a summer staple across Asia, but the same dessert has taken sharply different paths in South Korea, Japan and China. In South Korea, bingsu has become a luxury item, a social media prop and a marker of changing consumer habits. This summer, Four Seasons Hotel Seoul is selling its Jeju apple mango bingsu for 149,000 won, the highest price among major Seoul hotels. The Shilla Seoul charges 130,000 won for its signature apple mango bingsu at its lounge bar The Library, up 20,000 won from last year. At the other end of the market, budget cafe chain Ediya sells cup bingsu for around 4,500 won. The gap between the cheapest and most expensive shaved ice desserts in Seoul now stands at roughly 37 times. The price gap is a Korean story, but it also opens a wider question about how East Asia eats the same summer dessert in different ways. In Seoul, shaved ice can signal a hotel outing and a seasonal splurge. In Japan, kakigori still evokes summer festivals and childhood memory. In China, baobing and xuehuabing have become part of a fast-moving dessert culture shaped by street shops, toppings and social media. When the Shilla Seoul first introduced its apple mango bingsu in 2011, it cost 27,000 won. Fifteen years later, the price has increased nearly fivefold. Despite weak consumer sentiment and a shaky economy, demand for luxury hotel bingsu has remained strong, buoyed by the "small luxury" trend among consumers in their 20s and 30s. For Kim Hye-won, a 27-year-old marketing professional living in Seoul, the price hike makes sense — up to a point. She has tried The Shilla's apple mango bingsu before and plans to go back this year. "Bingsu used to be something you made at home — shaving ice, freezing milk and throwing in whatever you had in the fridge," she said. "Now it has become premium, with each place trying to differentiate itself. Even a dessert that once felt ordinary has turned into something quite luxurious." But she draws the line well below the market's ceiling. Splitting the bill with friends, she said, makes a 130,000-won bingsu at The Shilla easier to justify as a shared experience. "Going to a bar and ordering a few cocktails each can easily cost around 100,000 won," she said. "This feels more wholesome, tastier, and you get the feeling of being somewhere like The Shilla." Prices approaching 150,000 won, however, are another matter. "I haven't tried it, so I can't say for sure, but I find myself wondering whether it is really worth that much for a dessert made from milk and water," she said. Not everyone is willing to cross even that lower threshold. Choi Jin-hyeok, a 31-year-old private tutor in Seoul, said he is aware of the hotel bingsu trend — his social media feeds fill up with photos of elaborate bowls every summer — but has no intention of spending that much. "There is a certain price point that feels right to me," he said. "At Sulbing, around 10,000 won gets you something close to the bingsu we used to eat at home with our parents. You can get fruit toppings and all kinds of extras for 20,000 or 30,000 won. Paying five times that for something that is, at its core, a frozen dessert to cool you down — that is just not something I would do voluntarily." The contrast between the two consumers reflects a broader split in the South Korean market. Hotels have responded by competing on ingredients, presentation and scarcity. Four Seasons Seoul's flagship bingsu features more than two whole Jeju apple mangoes piled on shaved organic milk ice, topped with a hollow mango sphere that releases mango-elderflower sauce when broken open. According to industry sources, about 85 percent of hotel bingsu customers are not hotel guests but visitors who make reservations specifically for the dessert. In South Korea, bingsu has moved far beyond its older image as a simple summer snack. People are not only buying shaved ice, but also the hotel lounge, the photo, the shared outing and the sense of participating in a seasonal luxury trend. Japan's shaved ice culture follows a different logic. Kakigori dates back to the Heian period, when shaved ice was a luxury enjoyed by the aristocracy. Ice was a precious commodity, stored in insulated facilities and served with natural sweeteners. As ice production and distribution improved, the dessert gradually became more widely available, turning what had once been an elite indulgence into a popular summer treat. That history still shapes modern kakigori. While high-end kakigori shops have emerged in cities such as Tokyo, the dessert remains strongly associated with summer festivals, neighborhood stalls and seasonal rituals. At matsuri, kakigori is sold alongside yakitori, yakisoba and other street foods — typically inexpensive, colorful and tied to the atmosphere of the season. For many Japanese consumers, the value of kakigori lies less in luxury than in timing and memory: it is something eaten because summer has arrived. A dessert that began as an aristocratic luxury has, over centuries, become part of everyday seasonal culture. Korea's bingsu has spent the past decade moving in the opposite direction, with part of the market turning an everyday dessert into a premium experience. China's shaved ice culture connects older traditions with the speed and visual intensity of today's social media food culture. Baobing, literally "shaved ice" in Mandarin, has long referred to a simple dessert made by shaving ice and topping it with syrup, beans, fruit, jelly or condensed milk. Some food references trace Chinese shaved ice desserts back more than 1,000 years, though modern baobing is more commonly understood as an everyday summer refreshment than an elite delicacy. Its appeal has traditionally rested on practicality and abundance: ice as a cooling base, topped with whatever was local, seasonal or inexpensive. In recent years, traditional baobing has been joined by xuehuabing, or snow ice, in which frozen milk or fruit mixtures are shaved into thin, ribbon-like layers and finished with colorful toppings such as mango, taro balls, mochi and flavored sauces. Social media platforms, particularly Douyin and Xiaohongshu, have helped drive the trend, with visually striking bowls spreading quickly online and encouraging dessert shops to compete through color, texture and topping combinations. The differences are not just about toppings or texture. They reflect the kind of summer each market has learned to sell. South Korea has pushed shaved ice upward into the realm of premium experience. Japan has kept it anchored to seasonal ritual. China has turned it into an accessible visual dessert built for circulation. The same ice, in other words, has become a different kind of summer story in each country. 2026-06-01 17:39:13

SK Group chairman attends GTC Taipei to solidify Nvidia partnership, discuss customized AI memory SEOUL, June 1 (AJP) - SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won attended the GTC Taipei 2026 keynote on Monday, reinforcing the South Korean conglomerate's ongoing artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure partnership with Nvidia. Accompanied by SK hynix CEO Kwak Noh-jung, Chey observed Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang's presentation, which outlined the U.S. chipmaker's "Vera Rubin" mass production roadmap and future AI platforms. This marks the third major engagement between the two executives this year, following meetings in Silicon Valley in February and at GTC San Jose in March. During his visit to Taiwan, Chey is scheduled to meet with industry partners to discuss SK hynix's strategy for next-generation AI memory. SK hynix, a primary supplier of High Bandwidth Memory (HBM) chips, is shifting its focus from supplying standard products to co-developing customized HBM (cHBM) solutions tailored to specific client architectures. To address the growing processing demands of advanced AI systems, SK hynix also plans to introduce new memory technologies in the future, including High Bandwidth Flash (HBF) and 3D Stacked DRAM on Logic. 2026-06-01 17:35:53

South Korean bond yields surge on hawkish BOK remarks amid lingering Middle East conflict SEOUL, June 1 (AJP) - South Korean government bond yields surged following a double blow of U.S. President Donald Trump's rejection of a draft peace memorandum of understanding with Iran and hawkish remarks from the Bank of Korea (BOK) governor. The local currency, in contrast, erased early losses to close slightly higher as a clearer path toward interest rate hikes cushioned the market. The three-year government bond yield rose 5.9 basis points to 3.790 percent, its highest level since November 2023, while the 10-year yield jumped 10.6 basis points to 4.174 percent, returning to levels last seen in late May. Earlier in the morning, BOK Governor Shin Hyun-song emphasized during a policy dialogue at the BOK International Conference that South Korea's economic growth momentum remains robust, expanding the central bank's room to respond to inflation. The comments triggered a massive sell-off in the fixed-income market as investors interpreted the remarks as a clear signal for upcoming rate hikes. "The growth is very strong here in Korea," Shin said. "First-quarter growth is super strong, especially when measured in terms of gross domestic income rather than gross domestic product." "It poses fewer impediments to adjusting monetary policy in light of inflation," Shin said, adding that it gives the central bank a lot more leeway to conduct monetary policy. The upward trajectory of bond yields was already anticipated, as optimism for peace dimmed after President Trump announced on Sunday that he would not sign the draft peace memorandum with Iran. South Korea, which relies on the Strait of Hormuz for nearly 70 percent of its total crude oil imports, suffered a heavier blow than other major economies; this geopolitical friction, compounded by the BOK governor's hawkish rhetoric, sent bond prices tumbling. Conversely, the local currency showed resilient strength, defying expectations of a synchronized drop. The won opened down 0.8 won at 1,508.8 won per dollar and breached the 1,510 mark intraday, but steadily recovered after the conclusion of the conference's morning session to close up 3.6 won at 1,504.3 won per dollar. Rate hike expectations following Shin's remarks were fully priced into the market, effectively offsetting the headwinds stemming from the uncertainties in the Strait of Hormuz. "The central bank's tightening stance appears to be supporting the local currency," a foreign exchange market official said on the condition of anonymity. 2026-06-01 17:34:47

Vietnam to Participate in Seoul Food 2026 to Expand Exports to South Korea Vietnam's major food and beverage companies, including Vinamilk, the country's largest dairy firm, will participate in the Seoul International Food Industry Exhibition (SEOUL FOOD 2026) from June 9 to 12 at KINTEX in Goyang, South Korea. This event comes as both countries aim to expand economic cooperation, targeting a trade volume of $150 billion by 2030. The exhibition is expected to serve as a platform for collaboration in the food and beverage sector between Vietnam and South Korea. On June 1, the Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency (VIETRADE) announced that it would send a delegation of Vietnamese companies to the SEOUL FOOD 2026 as part of its 2026 National Trade Promotion Program. The Seoul International Food Industry Exhibition, organized by the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), is one of Asia's leading food exhibitions and has been held annually since 1983. Last year, Vietnam showcased its culinary offerings under the theme "Food of VIỆTNAM" at the exhibition, introducing various Vietnamese dishes to South Korean consumers. This year, 28 Vietnamese food and beverage companies will participate, with a dedicated pavilion covering over 180 square meters. This initiative is part of Vietnam's key trade promotion efforts with South Korea, aimed at enhancing brand visibility, expanding export opportunities, and strengthening business collaborations with international buyers and global distribution networks. The pavilion will highlight the diversity and competitiveness of Vietnam's food and beverage industry while showcasing the achievements in high-value food development and processed food sectors to international buyers. Additionally, the Vietnamese delegation will include various agricultural and food processing export companies, such as Vinamilk, Westfood, Napuz, Big C Food, DH Food, WANA, and DACE. These companies will showcase a range of products, including dairy, processed fruits, health foods, spices, beverages, and agricultural products. They plan to highlight their product competitiveness in line with global trends in ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) management and sustainable consumption through eco-friendly production processes, sustainable raw material usage, and environmentally friendly packaging. A representative from VIETRADE stated, "We expect that participation in SEOUL FOOD 2026 will actively promote the excellence of Vietnam's food industry and create new business opportunities in the South Korean and global markets." The exhibition is anticipated to provide Vietnamese companies with opportunities to expand their distribution networks in South Korea and discover new trading partners, thereby strengthening their presence in the South Korean and global markets. It is also expected to play a positive role in expanding food trade between the two countries, leveraging the Korea-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (VKFTA). Meanwhile, economic exchanges between South Korea and Vietnam have become closer following President Lee Jae-myung's visit to Vietnam in April, with both countries aiming to achieve a trade volume of $150 billion by 2030. As a result, the significant participation of major Vietnamese food and beverage companies in this exhibition is expected to further enhance economic cooperation in the food and beverage sector between the two countries. 2026-06-01 17:30:00

Food retailers launch BTS-themed products SEOUL, June 1 (AJP) - South Korean food companies Paldo and hy have launched 28 products under ARIH, a food and beverage brand themed with K-pop group BTS, the companies said Monday. Paldo is a South Korean instant noodle maker, while hy is a food and beverage company known for its probiotic products. The companies said BTS took part in the brand from the planning stage. ARIH is built around the concept of balance and health in everyday life. The brand name comes from a Korean word meaning "beautiful" or "graceful," with the final "H" standing for harmony, happiness and health. The lineup consists of three product categories: Modern Noodle, a stir-fried noodle product combining elements of pasta and ramen; Postbiotic Energy Drink; and Dual Biotic Soda, a low-sugar, low-calorie take on soda. The products were released in South Korea on Monday through hy's online mall hyFredit and Naver Smart Store. The companies plan to expand sales to other online marketplaces, convenience stores and major retail chains. ARIH first entered the overseas market through Walmart in the U.S. on April 24. The companies said the brand received a bestseller badge on Walmart's online store within three days of its launch, with some areas seeing temporary shortages due to strong demand. Paldo and hy plan to expand ARIH to additional markets, including Japan, Mexico and Canada. 2026-06-01 17:27:43

Calls for Transfer of North Korean Provinces Committee to Unification Ministry There is a growing call within the political sphere to transfer the North Korean Provinces Committee, currently under the Ministry of Interior and Safety, to the Ministry of Unification, aiming to consolidate operations and completely overhaul its functions. This discussion comes as North Korea rapidly shifts its approach to inter-Korean relations, emphasizing a 'state-to-state' framework, which has raised concerns about the committee's unclear identity and lack of real authority, leading to perceived budget waste. In a report published on May 27, the investigative team at Aju Economy examined the operational status of the North Korean Provinces Committee, highlighting issues such as late arrivals and allowances being paid near members' homes, reigniting debates about the committee's viability. Following this report, lawmakers have repeatedly argued that the committee's functions should be transferred to the Ministry of Unification to enhance effectiveness in light of changing inter-Korean relations. Notably, independent lawmaker Choi Hyuk-jin has been a strong advocate for this transfer. In an interview with the investigative team on June 1, Choi elaborated on the necessity of transferring the North Korean Provinces Committee to the Ministry of Unification. He previously pointed out during a National Assembly audit in December that restructuring such organizations could save over 10 billion won annually, suggesting that it would be more prudent to abolish the committee and transfer its responsibilities to the Ministry of Unification. Choi emphasized that the North Korean Provinces Committee has become largely ineffective. He noted, "The President recently called for restructuring budgetary allocations that are maintained without results, as well as formal and symbolic institutions. By that standard, the North Korean Provinces Committee should be the first to undergo serious review. Initially, there were governors for Hwanghae Province, South and North Pyongan Provinces, and South and North Hamgyeong Provinces, but these no longer align with the current administrative divisions in North Korea (Pyongyang Directly Governed City, three special cities, nine provinces), and the Ministry of Unification is already handling support for defectors and research in preparation for unification." He continued, "Given that access to North Korean regions is impossible, the committee lacks any real administrative authority. Therefore, I believe it is reasonable to abolish the North Korean Provinces Committee and transfer its duties to the Ministry of Unification." Some have argued that the North Korean Provinces Committee and the Ministry of Unification cannot merge due to their respective constitutional bases in Articles 3 (territorial clause) and 4 (peaceful unification clause). Choi countered this by stating, "These two clauses are complementary principles that together form South Korea's North Korea policy and unification policy." He added, "The North Korean Provinces Committee and the Ministry of Unification can be seen as addressing different aspects of this constitutional spirit. While some administrative adjustments may be necessary during the transfer of organizations or functions, I do not believe that the philosophies of the two institutions are fundamentally incompatible." Choi emphasized that this could serve as an opportunity to more organically connect and clarify the 'principle of legitimacy' and 'principle of peaceful unification' enshrined in the South Korean Constitution." To understand the backdrop of the strong calls for reform of the North Korean Provinces Committee, it is essential to consider its historical context. Established shortly after the government was formed in 1949, the committee originated from the concept of 'unrecovered territories' that emerged during the division at the 38th parallel and the Korean War. At that time, the Syngman Rhee administration recognized the entire Korean Peninsula as territory of the Republic of Korea and viewed the North Korean region as something that must be recovered eventually. The North Korean Provinces Committee was an administrative mechanism to implement this territorial awareness and unification orientation. Since then, it has officially undertaken tasks such as research and investigation of North Korean regions, promoting harmony and communication among North Korean residents, supporting the settlement of defectors, preserving intangible cultural heritage, and nurturing the next generation of leadership. To facilitate these efforts, it operates a large honorary position structure, including five vice-governors and honorary mayors, county heads, and township heads. However, as the division has persisted for over 70 years and inter-Korean relations have evolved, questions have been raised about whether the committee is fulfilling its original purpose. While there are calls for both abolition and transfer of the North Korean Provinces Committee in the political arena, some scholars express a more cautious perspective on the matter. Jeon Gap-saeng, director of the Cold War Peace Center at Sungkonghoe University, expressed in an interview with the investigative team on June 1 that the North Korean Provinces Committee, with its unique historical background, has become somewhat ineffective after enduring a long period of systemic competition. He noted that the general public finds it difficult to perceive the committee's actual activities, and it tends to operate as a formal position, akin to a 'reward appointment' following elections, depending on the administration in power. However, Jeon took a reserved stance regarding the proposal to transfer the North Korean Provinces Committee under the Ministry of Unification. He stated, "The basic unit of the North Korean Provinces is the 'province,' which is an administrative district. Moving it to the Ministry of Unification, without considering the inter-Korean exchange aspect, is challenging." He highlighted the limitations of approaching the issue without considering the historical context of an organization founded on territorial recognition. Jeon also pointed out the ambiguity in the current government's perception of North Korea. He noted the coexistence of views within the government that regard North Korea as 'two states' while officially not recognizing it as a state, suggesting that this may have political implications and considerations related to elections. Nevertheless, he remarked, "North Korea is showing a trend of thoroughly restructuring its relations with the South as a 'state-to-state' relationship while reorganizing its constitution and related organizations." He emphasized the need for South Korea to reassess its systems in light of these changes in North Korea. He concluded by stating, "It is essential to consider the constitutional amendment issue, the long-standing perception of division, and the sentiments of those whose hometowns are in the North. Abolishing the North Korean Provinces Committee in the short term may not be easy, but there is a need to gradually adjust the committee's role to align with the changed reality of inter-Korean relations."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-01 17:27:00