AJU PRESS ASIA FIRST NEWS AGENCY

Journalist

Kim Bongcheol
  • President Lee Visits Veterans at Central Veterans Hospital
    President Lee Visits Veterans at Central Veterans Hospital President Lee Jae-myung visited the Central Veterans Hospital on June 6 after attending the Memorial Day ceremony, where he met with veterans receiving treatment.Deputy Spokesperson Ahn Gyu-ryeong provided details of the president's visit in a written briefing.The Central Veterans Hospital, established in 1961 under the Korea Veterans Welfare Medical Corporation, offers medical care and rehabilitation services to veterans. It operates a regional emergency medical center and provides integrated nursing and medical services.Upon arrival, President Lee and First Lady Kim Hye-kyung received a warm welcome from veterans and their families. The president greeted each patient individually, inquiring about their well-being and even kneeling to shake hands with those in wheelchairs.The couple then moved to the seventh-floor ward of the Central Building, guided by Hospital Director Shin Ho-cheol, where they met with veterans to check on their treatment progress and health status, offering words of comfort.President Lee expressed deep gratitude for their sacrifices and dedication to the nation, wishing them a speedy recovery. During the visit, a light-hearted exchange occurred when Vietnam War veteran Hwang Dae-sik, who served in the White Horse Division, remarked, "The hospital is very comfortable and nice." President Lee responded, "But you should recover quickly and be discharged," prompting laughter in the room.The president reiterated his appreciation, stating, "Thanks to your sacrifices and dedication, South Korea is recognized as a country in the world today." First Lady Kim also wished the veterans good health.After concluding their visit, the president and first lady stopped by the nursing station to encourage the medical staff and express their gratitude for their hard work.President Lee emphasized that honoring veterans is a fundamental duty of the state and urged that veterans and their families be carefully looked after to ensure they have a comfortable experience during their hospital stay.Additionally, the president and first lady presented gift sets of red ginseng to approximately 8,800 veterans and their families currently hospitalized in veterans hospitals and affiliated medical institutions across the country.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-06 14:42:00
  • President Lee: Building a Nation Honoring Fallen Heroes
    President Lee: Building a Nation Honoring Fallen Heroes President Lee Jae-myung stated on Memorial Day, June 6, that the government will work diligently to overcome crises with the people and create a proud Republic of Korea, a nation that the fallen heroes and patriots longed for. In his speech at the 71st Memorial Day ceremony held at the National Cemetery in Seoul, President Lee emphasized, "The strength of the Korean people to unite as a larger 'us' in the face of national crises will enable us to overcome any challenge." He highlighted that creating a society where peace and prosperity abound is the best way to honor the sacrifices of the fallen heroes and to further illuminate their noble spirit. Full text of President Lee Jae-myung's speech on Memorial Day: Dear citizens, To the national veterans and bereaved families, On this 71st Memorial Day, I pay tribute to the noble sacrifices of the patriots and fallen heroes who dedicated their lives for the Republic of Korea. I extend my deep respect to the national veterans and their families who have devoted themselves for all of us. Today, we are joined by the families of the late Sergeant Lee Jae-seok, who sacrificed his life in the sea after giving his life jacket to save another, and the families of the late Warrant Officers Jeong Sang-geun and Jang Hee-seong, who held onto the helicopter controls until the end to protect the safety of the people. I take this opportunity to express my heartfelt condolences. Our citizens and the Republic of Korea will forever remember the noble spirit of the deceased. Dear citizens, Today is a day for all of us to remember, record, and take responsibility for the noble spirit of those who sacrificed their lives for the nation. We stand on the foundation of 'all tomorrows' that they sacrificed. Independence activists dedicated their lives to reclaiming our lost nation. The fallen heroes fought through smoke and fire for the country and the people. Democratic citizens stood against the violence of dictatorship, building a strong democratic nation. Without their noble sacrifices and dedication, the Republic of Korea, which the world admires today, would not exist, nor would our free and peaceful daily lives be possible. Honoring the spirit of our ancestors and giving them the respect they deserve is a historical and social duty we must fulfill. Respect for dedication is the driving force that sustains our national community and propels us forward. If the sacrifices made for all are overlooked, who will step forward for the community in the face of future crises? Therefore, special sacrifices for all must be accompanied by appropriate special compensation and recognition. Recognition and compensation are not just words; they must be enacted. The government of the people is steadily fulfilling the promises made here on Memorial Day last year. The amendment to the 'Independence Activists Law' to expand compensation for the families of independence activists has passed the National Assembly and will take effect next year. Spouses of veterans who have passed away will receive living support funds. We are also making progress in our commitment to establish a comprehensive veterans medical system by gradually expanding contracted medical institutions. We are preparing to designate semi-veteran hospitals in Gangwon and Jeju, where there are no veterans hospitals, to ensure the best medical benefits. We will keep our promises and ensure that we repay the noble sacrifices made for all. In addition to honoring those who protected the community, it is also our crucial duty to hold accountable those who betrayed the community for personal gain. When we elevate dedication and condemn betrayal, we can achieve a just integration for the sustainability and development of our national community. Through the 'Pro-Japanese Property Recovery Act' enacted on June 2, we will investigate and recover the unjustly accumulated wealth of pro-Japanese collaborators and hold them accountable while setting a precedent to prevent recurrence. Just as we must honor those who protected the past, we must also give due recognition to the 'uniformed citizens' who are safeguarding the present. Thanks to the dedication of military personnel, firefighters, police, and coast guard officers, our citizens can enjoy peace of mind in their daily lives today. The government will firmly support 'uniformed citizens' so that they can focus solely on their essential duties for the nation and the people without any shortcomings. We will ensure that soldiers who are injured during service can receive recognition as veterans upon discharge. We are also providing family support allowances to all 'disabled veterans' who were relatively neglected until now. We promise to continue to carefully monitor their treatment and firmly improve any shortcomings. Dear citizens, From our predecessors to the present, whenever the national community faced a critical crisis, we, the Korean people, have united to overcome hardships. That spirit continues through the sacrifices of the fallen heroes and is vividly etched in our hearts today. The Republic of Korea is once again riding the waves of crisis. Just as we were normalizing a nation torn apart by civil war, the high waves of the Middle Eastern conflict have hit us hard, significantly impacting our economy and lives. However, I am confident that we can overcome any crisis because the strength of the Korean people to unite as a larger 'us' in the face of national crises is unwavering. The government will work with the people to overcome this crisis and strive to create a proud Republic of Korea, a nation that the fallen heroes and patriots longed for. A country where everyone can enjoy an equal life regardless of where they live, a safe country where everyone can live without fear, a hopeful nation where a better tomorrow is anticipated, a Republic of Korea filled with peace and prosperity, where we live together harmoniously. I am convinced that creating such a proud nation is the right way to honor the sacrifices of the fallen heroes and to further illuminate their noble spirit. Once again, on this 71st Memorial Day, I pay tribute to the noble sacrifices and dedication of the fallen heroes and patriots. Thank you.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-06 11:06:00
  • President Lee Calls for Unity and Accountability on Memorial Day
    President Lee Calls for Unity and Accountability on Memorial Day President Lee Jae-myung emphasized the importance of honoring those who protected the community while also holding accountable those who betrayed it for personal gain. Speaking at the 71st Memorial Day ceremony held at the National Cemetery in Seoul, he stated, "When we elevate dedication and punish betrayal, a just unity for the continuity and development of the national community becomes possible."He particularly highlighted the recently enacted "Pro-Japanese Property Restitution Act," which aims to investigate and recover assets unjustly accumulated by pro-Japanese collaborators, ensuring accountability and preventing future occurrences.President Lee promised, "Special sacrifices for all must be met with appropriate special rewards. I will make promises that can be kept, and once made, I will ensure they are fulfilled, repaying the noble sacrifices made for everyone."He continued, "Today is a day to remember and honor the noble spirit of all who sacrificed their lives for the country, and we must express our heartfelt condolences to fulfill our responsibilities. We stand today on the 'all tomorrows' they sacrificed for."He noted that honoring the spirits of the fallen is a social duty for the living, stating, "Recognizing dedication is a driving force for maintaining and advancing the national community."President Lee warned, "If dedication for all is ignored, who will step forward for the community in the face of future crises? Recognition and rewards must be demonstrated through action, not words."He mentioned that the government is steadily fulfilling promises made on last year's Memorial Day, including a bill to expand compensation for the families of independence activists, which is set to pass in the National Assembly this year and take effect next year. He also noted that the government is on track to provide living support for spouses of veterans.The president pledged to expand veteran hospitals, stating, "We are progressing without delay on our promise to sequentially expand contracted medical institutions to establish a comprehensive veteran healthcare system. We are also preparing to designate quasi-veteran hospitals in Gangwon and Jeju, where there are currently none."He specifically acknowledged military personnel, firefighters, police, and coast guard members, asserting, "We must give due recognition to the uniformed citizens who protect our present. The government will firmly support them so they can focus on their essential duties for the nation and its people."President Lee also addressed the 12·3 martial law incident, stating, "Today, South Korea is once again facing waves of crisis. Just as we normalized a nation brought low by insurrection, we are now confronted with the high tide of war in the Middle East, which is significantly impacting our economy and lives."He added, "However, the strength of the Korean people lies in our ability to unite as a greater 'us' in the face of national crises, and we can overcome any challenge. The government will work alongside the people to overcome this crisis and strive to create a proud Republic of Korea that our fallen heroes and patriotic spirits long for."President Lee concluded by emphasizing, "Creating a world where we live well together in peace and prosperity is the true way to honor the sacrifices of our fallen heroes and to further illuminate their noble spirit." 2026-06-06 10:51:00
  • President Lee Jae-myung Attends Memorial Ceremony on Memorial Day
    President Lee Jae-myung Attends Memorial Ceremony on Memorial Day President Lee Jae-myung attended the 71st Memorial Day ceremony in Seoul on June 6, honoring the sacrifices and dedication of those who have given their lives for the nation and comforting veterans and their families.This year marks the 71st Memorial Day ceremony, themed "We Will Remember, Record, and Fulfill Our Responsibilities." The theme emphasizes the importance of remembering the sacrifices made for the nation and community, and continuing the noble spirit of those who have served to achieve peace and prosperity together.The event was attended by over 3,000 participants, including First Lady Kim Hye-kyung, veterans, their families, government officials, and uniformed personnel.Notably, the families of the late Sergeant Lee Jae-seok, who died while rescuing a stranded man in Incheon last September, and the late Corporal Jeong Sang-geun and Corporal Jang Hee-seong, who lost their lives in a helicopter crash in February, were also invited.The ceremony began at 10 a.m. with a nationwide siren to commemorate the occasion, followed by a moment of silence, national tribute, flower offerings, incense burning, a themed video presentation, letter readings, the awarding of certificates to veterans, commemorative speeches, performances, and the singing of the Memorial Song.During the national tribute, Choi Il-sang, a disabled veteran and former Paralympic table tennis player, read the pledge of allegiance to the flag.The themed video reflected on how today's South Korea is built upon the sacrifices of those who fought for independence, defense, and democracy. A letter from the mother of the late Sergeant Lee Jae-seok, Baek Yeon-jae, will also be read.The commemorative performance will feature Han Hee-na, a Korean War veteran, sharing her recorded memories of the war, with her granddaughter Han Da-hee reading excerpts on stage.Following this, musical actor Choi Jeong-won, a citizen choir, and military vocalists will perform "My Friend," after which all attendees will stand to sing the Memorial Song.In his commemorative speech, President Lee will emphasize how the Korean people have united to overcome crises throughout history and pledge to create a proud South Korea that the fallen heroes envisioned. 2026-06-06 09:54:00
  • Blue House Responds to Resignations of Election Commission Leaders
    Blue House Responds to Resignations of Election Commission Leaders Blue House officials expressed that they take the resignations of National Election Commission Chairman Noh Tae-ak and Secretary General Heo Cheol-hoon on June 5 seriously. A Blue House spokesperson stated, "The Election Commission must provide sufficient explanations that the public can accept regarding the significant concerns raised during the election process, along with strict follow-up measures." The spokesperson further emphasized the need for responsible actions to review overall election management and implement reforms to restore public trust. Additionally, the Blue House congratulated National Assembly Speaker Cho Kuk on his appointment and reiterated its commitment to collaboration with the National Assembly. Blue House Spokesperson Kang Yu-jeong conveyed congratulatory messages to Speaker Cho and Vice Speakers Nam In-soon and Park Deok-heum in a written briefing. Kang stated, "The Blue House will closely communicate and cooperate with the National Assembly to address the pressing tasks of restoring livelihoods, promoting economic growth, and fostering national unity. The Yoon Suk-yeol administration is committed to fulfilling its responsibilities alongside the National Assembly to achieve tangible results that the public can feel." Earlier, Speaker Cho was elected as the Speaker of the 22nd National Assembly, receiving 267 votes in favor out of 276 members present. His term will last until May 2028.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-05 18:21:00
  • President Yoon Highlights Sacrifice of Korean War Veterans at U.S.-Korea Remains Ceremony
    President Yoon Highlights Sacrifice of Korean War Veterans at U.S.-Korea Remains Ceremony President Yoon Suk Yeol stated on June 5 that the repatriation of remains at the U.S.-Korea joint ceremony for Korean War veterans marks a significant milestone in strengthening the alliance built on the sacrifices of those who served. This ceremony, held for the first time in South Korea, took place at the Seoul Airport's state guest hall. In his commemorative speech, President Yoon emphasized the importance of the event, saying, "This is a meaningful occasion for the first mutual repatriation of remains of Korean War veterans, which both South Korea and the U.S. have steadfastly protected together." He added, "The remains of ten of our soldiers, who have waited alone in distant Hawaii, have finally returned to the embrace of their homeland," and expressed his commitment to honor the remains of three U.S. soldiers with the utmost respect as they return home. During his speech, President Yoon underscored the significance of the U.S.-Korea alliance. He remarked, "The effort to return not only our own soldiers but also those of our allied nations to their families is the strongest testament to the bond forged in blood between our nations. The trust that has upheld the U.S.-Korea alliance, even after decades, is the solid root that sustains it." He further stated, "With the strong U.S.-Korea alliance as our foundation, South Korea is writing a new history of prosperity that astonishes the world. I am confident that if our two nations join hands and move forward unwaveringly toward the future, we can establish complete peace on this land and bloom the flowers of mutual prosperity." On this day, a transport aircraft carrying the remains of ten South Korean soldiers entered the Korean Air Defense Identification Zone (KADIZ) and arrived at the ceremony site under the protection of domestically produced KF-21 fighter jets and U.S.-made F-35A stealth fighters. At the event, President Yoon presented an unidentified soldier's dog tag to symbolize the remains of unidentified South Korean soldiers, expressing his determination to identify their names and families. The remains of U.S. soldiers included a reproduction of an "Arirang scarf" made by a U.S. soldier during the war, wishing for his mother's health. Attendees included Minister of National Defense An Kyung-bak, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Jin Young-seung, and the chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, along with U.S. representatives such as Acting U.S. Ambassador to South Korea James Heller and United Nations Command and U.S.-Korea Combined Forces Commander Javier Brunson. The Blue House noted that the participation of Major Park Byung-jun, whose great-grandfather and grandfather were recognized for their contributions to the independence movement and as Korean War veterans, respectively, added to the significance of the event, as he served as the pilot of the first F-35A during the escort mission, symbolizing a legacy of patriotism and dedication across generations.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-05 18:15:00
  • President Lee: Stock Market Stabilization is Key to Pension Reform
    President Lee: Stock Market Stabilization is Key to Pension Reform President Lee Jae-myung stated on June 5 that "the normalization of the stock market has significantly reduced the need for pension restructuring and the associated pain of that process."He made these comments while sharing an article on X (formerly Twitter) that discussed how the recent strength in the domestic stock market could delay the depletion of the National Pension Fund.President Lee emphasized that "the normalization of stock valuations, which are representative assets of South Korea, is a good means for painless pension reform," adding that "the normalization of South Korea will continue."The article indicated that the improvement in the National Pension Fund's returns due to the strong domestic stock market could push back the projected depletion date of the fund. According to Kim Yong-ha, a professor at Soonchunhyang University, if the increased fund size from last year to this year is taken into account, the depletion date could be delayed from 2071 to 2095, a difference of 24 years.This projection assumes that the fund's average annual return will be 5.5% starting next year, while other variables, such as demographic changes and long-term economic growth rates, remain consistent with the figures used during last year's pension reform discussions.The article reported that the National Pension Fund has grown from 1,458 trillion won at the end of last year to approximately 1,800 trillion won by the end of May this year.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-05 18:03:00
  • President Yoon to Address Vatican on June 14, Requesting North Korea Visit
    President Yoon to Address Vatican on June 14, Requesting North Korea Visit President Yoon Suk Yeol will visit the Vatican on June 14 to meet with Pope Leo XIV and deliver a speech on the theme of 'Peace on the Korean Peninsula and the World.'National Security Office Director Wi Seong-rak announced this during a briefing on the president's travel schedule at the Cheong Wa Dae on June 5.This visit marks the first time a South Korean leader has visited the Vatican since Pope Leo XIV ascended to the papacy about a year ago in May 2025.Wi stated, "Through President Yoon's speech at the special mass at St. Paul Outside the Walls, we aim to express South Korea's commitment to global peace and solidarity, seeking the Vatican's support for this initiative."He also highlighted that the upcoming World Youth Day (WYD), scheduled to take place in Seoul in August 2027, will be a key agenda item. This event will be the second WYD held in an Asian country and the first in a nation where Catholicism is not the majority religion.There are speculations that President Yoon may request a visit to North Korea during his meeting with Pope Leo XIV in connection with the 2027 event.A senior official at the Cheong Wa Dae remarked on the possibility of discussing North Korea, saying, "We are aware of the significant expectations for discussions regarding inter-Korean relations and the situation on the Korean Peninsula, but it is premature to specify the details of any discussions at this time."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-05 15:57:00
  • South Korea and U.S. Discuss Nuclear Submarine and Enrichment Agreements
    South Korea and U.S. Discuss Nuclear Submarine and Enrichment Agreements On June 5, the Blue House announced that South Korea and the United States have resumed discussions on security agreements related to the introduction of nuclear-powered submarines and the acquisition of rights for uranium enrichment and spent fuel reprocessing. A senior official from the Blue House described the recent talks as "very productive and beneficial."During a briefing with reporters at the Chunchugwan, the official stated, "We will accelerate the discussion process and aim to achieve concrete results by the end of the year."The official noted that representatives from various sectors participated in discussions regarding enrichment reprocessing and nuclear submarines, as well as umbrella (nuclear umbrella) agreements. "We intend to expedite discussions to make progress," the official added.Regarding nuclear submarines, the official emphasized, "There has been no significant change regarding the construction of nuclear submarines in South Korea. This issue has been discussed under the same premise, and there are no plans for a reconfiguration of this matter."The official also mentioned that amending the Korea-U.S. nuclear agreement would require new frameworks for enrichment reprocessing and nuclear submarines. "We aim to reach necessary agreements and make adjustments as needed to facilitate progress," the official stated.The discussions on nuclear submarines and enrichment reprocessing are based on South Korea's commitment to denuclearization, and there are no additional denuclearization conditions, the official clarified. "We must, of course, uphold our denuclearization commitments and seek further cooperation with the United States on that basis," the official concluded.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-05 15:45:00
  • South Korea Expects Constructive Role from Xi Jinpings Visit to North Korea
    South Korea Expects Constructive Role from Xi Jinping's Visit to North Korea On June 5, the South Korean government expressed hope that Chinese President Xi Jinping's upcoming state visit to North Korea will play a constructive role in regional stability. The Blue House stated, "We are closely monitoring the situation and expect China to take a constructive role regarding the Korean Peninsula issues." The government added that it hopes exchanges between North Korea and China will contribute positively to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, emphasizing ongoing diplomatic communication with China on these matters. A senior official from the Blue House told reporters that they do not view Xi's visit as a sign of a North Korea-China-Russia alliance, but rather as a high-level exchange between North Korea and China. The official clarified, "We do not interpret this as a movement involving the three countries, and we are uncertain how it connects to the U.S.-China summit." A representative from the Unification Ministry stated, "Our policy for peaceful coexistence on the Korean Peninsula supports dialogue and seeks to avoid confrontation. We hope President Xi's visit will advance peaceful coexistence on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia." Earlier, a spokesperson for the International Liaison Department of the Communist Party of China announced that Xi will visit North Korea from June 8 to 9 at the invitation of Kim Jong Un, General Secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and Chairman of the State Affairs Commission. This visit marks Xi's second trip to North Korea since Kim Jong Un took power and the first since June 2019. The last meeting between the leaders of North Korea and China occurred about nine months ago when Kim visited Beijing to attend the 80th anniversary of China's victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-05 15:18:00