South Korea Responds to U.S. Tariff Proposal on Forced Labor Goods South Korea's Blue House stated on June 3 that it will take all necessary measures to ensure that the balance of benefits under the existing Korea-U.S. tariff agreement is not disrupted in response to the U.S. Trade Representative's (USTR) announcement of high additional tariffs on 60 trading partners, including South Korea.A Blue House official said in a media briefing, "The government will actively respond to the upcoming submission of comments and public hearings scheduled for July, while taking into account the ongoing Section 301 investigation into overproduction."On June 2, the USTR released the results of its investigation, citing insufficient efforts by countries to prevent the import of goods produced through forced labor, which has created an unfair competitive environment.The USTR proposed additional tariffs of 10% or 12.5% by country, with South Korea facing a 12.5% additional tariff. This announcement comes approximately three months after the USTR initiated the relevant investigation.Last year, South Korea committed to a total investment of $350 billion (approximately 534 trillion won) in the U.S. during tariff negotiations, successfully reducing the previously announced 25% reciprocal tariff to 15%. Currently, like other countries, South Korea is subject to a temporary 10% global tariff.Based on the findings of the forced labor investigation, the USTR plans to finalize the implementation of the proposed measures following public hearings scheduled for July 7.The Blue House official noted, "Since the initiation of the USTR's Section 301 investigation into the import ban on products made with forced labor on March 12, the government has been closely communicating with the U.S. through submissions of comments and bilateral consultations."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-03 16:36:00

Nexon's Mintrocket Unveils 'Bancho the Chef' Expanding 'Dave the Diver' IP Nexon subsidiary Mintrocket has announced a new game titled 'Bancho the Chef,' expanding the universe of 'Dave the Diver.' According to the gaming industry, Mintrocket unveiled the trailer for 'Bancho the Chef' during Sony Interactive Entertainment's online showcase, 'State of Play,' on June 2. 'Bancho the Chef' features Bancho, a sushi master from Mintrocket's marine adventure game 'Dave the Diver,' which was released in June 2023. The game explores Bancho's story before he meets the protagonist, Dave. Nexon Mintrocket is expanding its intellectual property (IP) with multiple games centered around 'Dave the Diver.' Since its release in 2023, 'Dave the Diver' has become a hit, surpassing 8 million in global sales. On June 18, the first downloadable content (DLC) for 'Dave the Diver,' titled 'In the Jungle,' will be released. While Mintrocket has provided content updates since the game's launch, this will be the first major paid expansion DLC.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-03 16:33:00

Jeon Ji-hyun Returns to the Screen After 11 Years with 'Goonche' Jeon Ji-hyun, who captivated audiences with her role in the film 'Assassination,' has made her return to the screen after 11 years. Her latest film, 'Goonche,' directed by Yeon Sang-ho, has been officially invited to the Midnight Screenings section of the 79th Cannes Film Festival. Through her character, who embodies cold rationality, responsibility, and decisive action, Jeon aims to re-establish her presence that audiences have been eagerly awaiting."It's been 11 years since I last appeared on screen. The COVID-19 pandemic caused the film industry to slow down significantly, which naturally reduced opportunities to review scripts. During that time, I focused on series work, but I found the script for 'Goonche' to be intriguing. After working on longer series, I felt a bit bored, but reading Yeon Sang-ho's script reignited my desire to make a film. It was a movie I wanted to see myself. It was intense and thrilling," she said.This marks Jeon Ji-hyun's first official invitation to the Cannes Film Festival. Although she had previously visited as an ambassador, this is her first time walking the red carpet for a Korean film in which she starred. "The Cannes I visited before wasn't really Cannes," she remarked."It's a dream for every filmmaker to showcase their work at Cannes, and 'Goonche' was presented there for the first time. This is my first time attending Cannes with a Korean film. Although I've been there as an ambassador, this is my third visit, and the previous times didn't feel like Cannes. Haha. This time, I was able to take fun photos with Go Kyung-pyo, and I felt empowered as an actress. It was our own red carpet, and I was so excited. There was tension, but also moments of relaxation, and since I am comfortable with Kyung-pyo, we took playful photos together. The positive reactions and the promotional opportunities for the film were just perfect."Jeon Ji-hyun is known as a master of genre films, having excelled in works such as 'Blood,' 'The Thieves,' 'Berlin,' 'Assassination,' and dramas like 'Kingdom: Ashin of the North,' 'Jirisan,' and 'North Star.' She expressed her desire to work with leading creators in Korean genre films, stating, "I want to be an actress who is not limited to a specific genre.""I don't think being confined to one genre makes an actress a good one. Since childhood, I believed that an actress should act well, and I pondered what sets me apart from other actresses. I realized that the market needs to be broad. I thought that if I could work beyond Korea and in a wider world, it would be different. So, I took opportunities to work overseas when I could. This led me to action roles, as I believe there are enough aspects to connect with audiences through action without relying solely on dialogue. I think those elements have helped me in doing a zombie film," she added.One intriguing aspect of 'Goonche' is the dynamic between the ex-wife and current wife working towards the same goal. Jeon Ji-hyun admitted that she initially found this relationship setup unfamiliar. However, after watching the completed film, she found the structure of pursuing a common goal, despite being in different places, to be fascinating."At first, I wondered if such a setup was necessary. It can be uncomfortable for the ex-wife and current wife to drive the story together. The husband acting as a mediator might also seem strange. But after filming and seeing the finished product, I found it interesting to explore that relational dynamic. The fact that they are in different places but moving towards the same goal was compelling. Beyond the relationships, I appreciated the shared objective. I think the director's intended message about relationships comes through in this aspect," she explained.Kwon Se-jeong is a central character who guides the audience through the film. However, Jeon Ji-hyun believes that this character should be seen as someone who makes judgments and choices alongside the audience, rather than just being labeled as a strong female character."Compared to the female characters in Yeon Sang-ho's other works, I feel that 'Goonche' hasn't showcased enough yet. Kwon Se-jeong adapts to situations, but I felt there was a lack of agency in solving events. Kwon Se-jeong is the center of the film, guiding the audience and prompting them to ponder and understand her choices, so I felt a bit disappointed that I couldn't fully express myself as an actress in this character," she noted.Meeting audiences again through film after a long time, Jeon Ji-hyun expressed surprise at the changed theater culture. Unlike past stage greetings, she noted the energy created by the interaction between audiences and actors."I was surprised during the stage greetings. Nowadays, it feels more like a fan meeting. In the past, we would greet the audience in front of the screen and say, 'See you next time,' but now there's a culture of interaction that impressed me. I was truly touched by the orderliness and manners of Korean audiences. It feels like the culture has matured significantly," she said.Her return to film is also connected to changes in the film industry. The production environment has shifted since COVID-19, leading to fewer opportunities to review scripts and a natural focus on dramas and series. Jeon Ji-hyun mentioned that she considers the audience's time and money when choosing films."The film industry has changed significantly. After COVID-19, the production environment has altered, which has naturally led to a focus on dramas. With films, I feel a greater sense of responsibility. I believe I need to create works that audiences want to see, rather than just what I want to do. It's not easy for them to take the time and spend money to watch a film. I feel I have to take on that responsibility. I always want to make films that I want to see. While it may not always align, I felt that when I saw Yeon Sang-ho's work, it matched my desire. That was a significant factor for me," she explained.After meeting audiences again through film, Jeon Ji-hyun's thirst for the screen has grown. Although she hasn't been inactive during the past 11 years, reflecting on that time has left her with a sense of regret."Having made a film after a long time has made me want to work on films more frequently. I want to meet movie audiences again. I didn't think much about it being 11 years, but now that I realize it, I feel a bit regretful about the time I spent not making films, even though I wasn't completely inactive," she said.Kwon Se-jeong was a character that Jeon Ji-hyun could portray at this stage in her life. She expressed her desire to take on roles that reflect her age and emotions she can understand now."I don't think I could have played the character of Kwon Se-jeong if it weren't for this moment in my life. I wanted to portray a character that fits my age. I still feel the same way. I want to explore emotions that I can express and understand now," she concluded.'Goonche' also holds the potential for expanding the K-zombie genre. Jeon Ji-hyun believes that compared to the sci-fi genre, zombie films have already established themselves as a genre that audiences can accept and enjoy."There is a K-zombie genre. I feel that while sci-fi is still somewhat challenging for audiences to accept and realize, zombie films have already found their footing. I believe it is a genre that can resonate and be enjoyed. I think there will be opportunities to challenge it in the future," she said.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-03 16:30:00

South Korea's June 3 local elections seen as key test for Lee government and party leaders SEOUL, June 03 (AJP) - South Korea’s June 3 local elections are shaping up as a crucial political test one year after the launch of President Lee Jae Myung’s government, with the outcome expected to affect the administration’s governing momentum as well as the futures of several major political figures. The elections, the first nationwide vote since the change in government, are widely viewed as more than a contest over local power. Political observers say the results could trigger broader changes across both liberal and conservative camps ahead of the next presidential race in 2030. The ruling Democratic Party of Korea said Tuesday it classified nine of the country’s 16 metropolitan mayoral and gubernatorial races, including the western port city of Incheon, Gyeonggi Province and Gangwon Province, as leaning in its favor. Party officials said they expect to win at least nine regions and as many as 15. The main opposition People Power Party said it held advantages in conservative regions, including the southern city of Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province, while describing nine regions, including Seoul and the southern port city of Busan as battlegrounds. The conservative party projected it could win between two and 11 races. A victory for the ruling party would likely strengthen the Lee administration as it enters its second year in office and give the government and the party greater justification to push ahead with reform legislation. A poor showing for the ruling bloc, however, could weaken the administration early in its second year and force the Democratic Party to slow its legislative drive in the National Assembly, where it currently holds a majority. The elections are also expected to have major implications for the political futures of ruling party leader Jung Chung-rae and main opposition leader Jang Dong-hyeok. Both leaders have faced criticism for relying heavily on hard-line supporters while seeking to maintain control of their parties, making them vulnerable to internal backlash if the election results disappoint. Regional strongholds are seen as particularly important. Jung could face a weakened position within the ruling party if it fails to hold North Jeolla Province, while Jang could suffer a major political setback if conservatives lose Daegu, long considered the heartland of South Korea’s conservative movement. The North Jeolla gubernatorial race has drawn attention after independent candidate Kim Kwan-young, who was expelled from the Democratic Party over a controversy involving chauffeur service payments, mounted a reelection bid. Some ruling party supporters have framed the race as a referendum on Jung’s leadership. Several heavyweight politicians running in local races and parliamentary by-elections are also seen as trying to position themselves for future presidential bids. Former Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum, the Democratic Party’s candidate for Daegu mayor, could emerge as a major presidential contender if elected. Analysts say a victory in the conservative stronghold would bolster his image as a symbol of national unity. Meanwhile, Oh Se-hoon, the People Power Party’s candidate for Seoul mayor, is seeking a fifth term. A win could strengthen his standing as a leading conservative presidential hopeful capable of appealing to both hard-line conservatives and moderates following the political fallout from former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s martial law declaration and subsequent impeachment. Attention is also focused on parliamentary by-elections involving former Justice Minister Cho Kuk and former ruling party leader Han Dong-hoon. Cho, running for a National Assembly seat in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, is viewed by liberal observers as a potential future presidential contender if he returns to parliament. His party, the Rebuilding Korea Party, currently holds 12 seats in the National Assembly. Han, running as an independent candidate in Busan’s Buk-gu after being expelled from the People Power Party, is also seen as a possible future presidential candidate if elected. Political analysts say his return to parliament could reignite tensions with Jang and reshape the conservative opposition bloc, particularly if Han pushes a reform agenda centered on his opposition to Yoon’s martial law declaration. Both Cho and Han have pledged to remain in their constituencies and prepare for the 2028 general elections if they lose Tuesday’s races. 2026-06-03 16:21:38

Voter Turnout Reaches 54.7% in Local Elections, Up 9.3% from 2022 As of 4 p.m. on June 3, the voter turnout for the 9th nationwide local elections has reached 54.7%. According to the National Election Commission, approximately 24.4 million of the 44.6 million eligible voters have cast their ballots. This figure includes votes from early voting, absentee voting, and maritime voting conducted from May 29 to 30. This turnout is 9.3 percentage points higher than the 45.4% recorded at the same time during the 2022 local elections. At that time, 20.1 million voters participated out of 44.3 million registered voters. The current local elections have seen a high participation rate from the early voting phase. The final early voting turnout was 23.51%, which is 2.89 percentage points higher than the 20.62% recorded in the 2022 elections. On the first day of early voting, the turnout at 4 p.m. was 9.25%, up from 8.22% at the same time four years ago. Voting began at 6 a.m. and will close at 6 p.m. Voters must present a photo ID, such as a resident registration card, driver's license, or passport, to cast their votes. The main voting for the 9th local elections runs from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. This election will determine the heads of metropolitan and local governments, education superintendents, and members of regional councils, with some areas also holding by-elections for the National Assembly.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-03 16:21:00

Reports of Disruptions and Assaults at Polling Places During Local Elections On June 3, during the 9th nationwide local elections, numerous reports of disruptions and election interference were made to emergency services across polling places in South Korea. Incidents ranged from attempts to photograph ballots to allegations of election fraud and even assaults on election officials, creating a tense atmosphere near polling locations. According to Yonhap News, as of 3 p.m. on election day, there were 312 reports related to the elections made to emergency services, with 53 of those concerning election interference. At a polling place in Yeongdeungpo-gu, a woman in her 70s caused a disturbance by claiming that her ballot had already been marked. Police are currently investigating her claims as a one-sided report. In Gwanak-gu, a man in his 30s created a scene when he was stopped from attempting to photograph his ballot inside the voting booth. In Sejong, a man in his 40s was prevented from showing his completed ballot to others after he tried to remove it from the ballot box. Reports of suspected election fraud also emerged. In Gangdong-gu, a report was filed claiming that ballots were printed in duplicate, but the election commission confirmed it was a simple mistake by an election worker. At a polling place in Gochon-eup, a woman in her 60s caused a scene, claiming her preferred candidate was not on the ballot, and subsequently assaulted the election official who intervened. In Gwangju, a man in his 70s reported to police that he received only two ballots when he should have received three, alleging that fraudulent activity was occurring. However, a system check confirmed that three ballots had indeed been printed, leading to the conclusion that it was a misunderstanding. An assault incident was also reported in Guro-gu, where a man in his 60s, having arrived at the wrong polling place, struck and pulled the arm of an election official who was trying to guide him to the correct location. Police are set to investigate potential violations of the law. Additionally, there were reports of conflicts between observers and voters at some polling places, attempts to photograph inside polling locations, and public displays of ballots, highlighting ongoing tensions regarding election order. Authorities have classified election-related emergency reports as a top priority and have deployed personnel around polling places to manage the situation. Yonhap News reported that police stated they would respond strictly to any actions that disrupt voting or undermine election order, maintaining a state of emergency response until the election concludes.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-03 16:18:00

[[WNMC 2026]] Seo Hye-seung, AJP Director, Presents AI Native News Model in Marseille Seo Hye-seung, the Editor-in-Chief of Aju Media Group (AJP), introduced a Korean model for AI-native news agencies during a panel session at the 77th World News Media Congress (WNMC) held on June 3 in Marseille, France. The session, titled "How AI Is Transforming the News Experience," was moderated by Dmitry Shishkin, a former BBC World Service journalist, and featured media leaders from Germany's dpa, Ippen Digital, and India's Scroll.in. During the session, Seo highlighted AJP's advantage as a latecomer in the English news agency market, noting that it was designed from the ground up with AI in mind. She explained that Aju Economy produces about 300 articles daily, with some selected by its internal system, "AI Pick," for automatic distribution in languages such as Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, and English. This automation has resulted in a tenfold increase in publication volume for those languages and a 30% rise in English traffic. Seo defined AJP's identity as conveying "Asian substance in English," emphasizing that while language has traditionally been tied to regions, the AI era is reversing that trend. "AI is changing not only how news is created but also how readers experience it," she stated, adding that "the readers know best." Aju Media Group operates a multilingual and AI-native media organization, featuring Korean-language Aju Economy, the English news agency AJP, and the AI Business Channel (ABC), among others, in five languages. 2026-06-03 16:18:00

Court Orders South Korea to Compensate Victim of Re-education Camp A South Korean court has ruled that the government must compensate a victim of the re-education camp known as Samcheong Education Center approximately 200 million won (about $150,000). On June 3, the Seoul High Court's Civil Division 33, led by Judge Lee Chang-hyung, partially upheld the victim A's claim for damages against the state in a recent appellate ruling. A was forcibly taken to the Samcheong Education Center in August 1980 for re-education. After completing the program in September of the same year, A was sent to a labor service unit where he was subjected to forced labor. In January 1981, he received a two-year protective detention sentence. In March 1981, A escaped from the detention facility but was recaptured and sentenced to four months in prison. He was released in May 1983 after completing his protective detention. In May 2022, A filed a lawsuit seeking damages from the government. The first trial ruled that the state must pay A over 220 million won. The court stated, "A was significantly deprived of his dignity as a human being and his constitutional rights to personal freedom and residence due to unlawful arrest and detention without legal procedures. The state has a duty to protect the basic rights of its citizens and is responsible for compensating all damages resulting from its unlawful actions against A." The court determined that A's lost income should be calculated for the 33 months from his arrest in August 1980 until his release in May 1983. Regarding A's escape, the court noted that while the exact duration of his escape is unclear, it should be considered a period of unjust detention due to the unlawful actions against him, and thus included in the calculation of damages. The appellate court also recognized the government's liability for damages, ruling that A, who had received a supplementary military service designation, should receive an additional payment of over 3 million won for his military service. Both parties did not appeal the ruling, finalizing the appellate court's decision.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-03 16:15:00

Voter Disruptions and Misconduct Reported During Local Elections On June 3, as the 9th nationwide local elections took place, numerous disruptions and false reports were reported at polling stations across the country. According to the National Police Agency, from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m., a total of 312 election-related calls were received nationwide. Of these, 53 involved disruptions or interference with voting, 3 were related to assaults, and 14 concerned traffic issues. Additionally, 242 other reports included false alarms. Incidents of varying severity occurred at polling places in different regions. At a polling station in Sejong City, a man in his 40s was stopped from showing his completed ballot to others instead of placing it in the ballot box. In Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, a man in his 60s attempted to leave the polling station with his ballot uncast and was restrained by election officials, subsequently shouting in protest. In Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, a woman in her 70s caused a disturbance, claiming that her ballot was already marked. In Gwanak-gu, a voter was reported to have shouted after being stopped from taking a photo of his ballot in the voting booth. In Busan, police received 25 election-related calls between 6 a.m. and 3 p.m. Of these, one involved disruption, while 24 were categorized as other reports. At a polling station in Bupyeong-dong, Jung-gu, a man in his 50s was reported to have disrupted voting while intoxicated, prompting police intervention. He was issued a strong warning and sent home at the request of election officials. In Seogwipo City, Jeju, an incident was reported where a voter was found to have one extra ballot than allowed. The election commission invalidated the excess ballot. Reports indicate that this voter had six ballots instead of the five they were entitled to, including two for the Seogwipo City congressional by-election. Outside polling stations, election-related incidents also occurred. In Uijeongbu City, a man in his 60s was arrested for vandalizing 20 election guidance banners. Police stated that he had removed the banners from around polling stations between the evening of May 30 and June 2, claiming he mistook them for illegal banners after early voting had concluded. The election commission has reminded voters that taking photos of ballots or intentionally revealing them is prohibited. Disruptions or actions that undermine the voting process at or near polling stations can also lead to issues. Police are investigating the reports to determine if any violations of the Public Official Election Act occurred.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-03 16:12:00

[[WNMC 2026]] 'No Map in the Age of AI'... Media Outlets Must Chart Their Own Course On the second day of the World News Media Congress (WNMC) hosted by the World Association of News Publishers (WAN-IFRA) in Marseille, France, global media executives and editors confronted a shared reality: no one knows exactly where artificial intelligence (AI) will lead journalism. Ezra Eman, WAN-IFRA's AI Media Director, diagnosed the uncertainty facing the media industry in a keynote session on June 2, stating, "No media outlet has a map." In the internet era, there was a clear direction toward digital transformation, and during the mobile age, a common goal of mobile-first strategies emerged. The social media era also had relatively clear strategies for platform utilization. However, the AI era is different. The fundamental restructuring of how information is produced, distributed, and consumed means that existing formulas for success are no longer applicable. Eman remarked, "The new world cannot be explained by existing maps," emphasizing that the challenge lies not merely in adopting AI tools but in figuring out how journalism can survive and thrive in an era where AI becomes the gateway to information for people. In fact, global media companies are choosing different paths. According to a survey presented by Eman, 56% of media outlets have adopted defensive strategies to block crawling bots from AI companies, while 31% are negotiating or have signed licensing agreements with AI firms. He noted, "There is no right answer to which strategy is correct; choices may vary based on the size and circumstances of each media outlet." What is clear, however, is that media organizations must determine their own positions within the AI ecosystem. Eman stressed, "Without control, there is no market, and no way to secure value." Whereas media companies once competed for readers' attention, they are now competing to maintain their presence within AI systems. He warned that journalism must not be reduced to mere 'ingredients' within the AI ecosystem. As generative AI summarizes, explains, and recommends article content, there is a growing risk that media content will be consumed as components of AI services. Eman stated, "We must be a destination, not just an ingredient." If media outlets limit themselves to supplying content to AI, they risk losing their relationships with readers, subscription revenue, and advertising income. However, by providing differentiated services and experiences that readers actively seek, they can maintain competitiveness even as distribution methods change. He advised, "Understand AI usage patterns, avoid commoditized content, and secure scarcity. We must accumulate unique knowledge and capabilities to respond to the age of AI agents." Ultimately, as AI proliferates, the demand for exclusive information, reliability, and authenticity will become even more critical. "The market will prefer exclusive, specific, and authentic content," he predicted. During a panel discussion, global media executives shared their various approaches to navigating this 'mapless era.' Fabrice Bakhouche, CEO of the French group Ouest-France, stated, "The impact of AI on roles, workflows, and management structures is just beginning to emerge, and no one can clearly outline its influence yet." He emphasized the importance of field-based experimentation over excessive caution. "A bottom-up approach is essential; we must not be too conservative," Bakhouche said, indicating that answers should be sought through real-world experiments rather than waiting for uncertainties to resolve. Sky News in the UK is grappling with similar challenges. Jonathan Levy, CEO of Sky News, diagnosed the media industry as undergoing changes that are "simultaneously, constantly, and accelerated." He quoted former Washington Post editor Marty Baron, describing the current situation as a "rapidly changing media consumption landscape." Sky News is pursuing a strategy of transitioning to a digital and video-centric newsroom while maintaining the essence of journalism. Levy remarked, "We are providing trusted journalism while remodeling an aircraft mid-flight." He also emphasized the importance of honest leadership that does not pretend to have all the answers, stating that providing direction and trust to team members is a key role for management during the transformation process. Reuters has opted for a more systematic approach. Jane Barrett, head of AI strategy at Reuters, assessed that the key to AI implementation lies more in the organization than in technology. "10% of change is AI, 20% is technology, and 70% is about people and processes," she said. Reuters is establishing guidelines for AI use, a governance committee, and data security systems—what she referred to as 'scaffolding'—to ensure that experimentation and innovation do not compromise trust. Barrett emphasized, "Failure is learning," highlighting the importance of fostering a culture of experimentation at the organizational level. Eman concluded his presentation by reiterating, "No media outlet has a map." Instead, what is needed now is not a perfect answer but experimentation, observation, and collaboration. He urged, "We must share signals with each other and exchange experiences of failure." While media organizations are heading toward the same destination in the age of AI, they must carve their own paths to get there. The conclusion from Marseille was clear: the absence of a map is no reason to remain stagnant.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-03 16:09:00