Key battlegrounds in spotlight as South Koreans prepare to go to polls SEOUL, June 2 (AJP) - South Koreans will go to the polls nationwide on Wednesday for this year's local elections to choose more than 4,200 officials including metropolitan mayors, provincial governors, local government heads and education superintendents, as well as fill other vacancies. Polling stations across the country will be open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Seoul is considered the biggest battleground. As the country's political and economic center, major state institutions including presidential office Cheong Wa Dae, the National Assembly, the Supreme Court and the Constitutional Court, are all located in the capital. As of June 2025, 284 of the country's top 500 companies or 56.8 percent had their headquarters in Seoul. The Seoul Metropolitan Government's annual budget stands at around 51 trillion won (US$33.6 billion), accounting for nearly 10 percent of the national budget. In Seoul, Chong Won-o of the ruling Democratic Party (DP) faces former incumbent Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon of the main opposition People Power Party. According to a poll conducted by Korea Research for broadcaster MBC last week, Chong garnered 41 percent support, compared with 37 percent for Oh, putting the race within the margin of error. Compared with the previous survey conducted earlier in the week, Chong's support fell 2 percentage points while Oh's rose by 2 percentage points. Chong previously served three terms as mayor of Seongdong-gu, one of Seoul's districts. His political profile surged after President Lee Jae Myung publicly praised him on social media, saying, "He seems to work even better than I do." Oh, a four-term Seoul mayor, is seeking a fifth term. The southern port city of Busan, the country's second-largest city, is another battleground in the elections. Three former presidents — Kim Young-sam, Roh Moo-hyun and Moon Jae-in — built their political careers in the southeastern city of 3.2 million people. In Busan, DP candidate Chun Jae-soo is facing former incumbent Busan Mayor Park Heong-joon of the PPP. In multiple opinion polls commissioned by media outlets and released through May 27, the final day before the publication ban on election polls took effect under the Public Official Election Act, Chun led Park by as much as more than 10 percentage points, though the gap had been narrowing steadily. Still, the Busan mayoral race remains difficult to predict. In past elections, Democratic Party candidates who had consistently led in pre-election polls — and even won broadcasters’ exit polls — later lost after vote counting began. Chun ran for the National Assembly three times in Busan beginning in 2006 under the Democratic Party banner before finally winning a seat a decade later. He served three terms in Busan. Park previously served as a lawmaker in the 17th National Assembly and secretary-general of the National Assembly. He served as Busan mayor from the 38th through 39th terms and is seeking a third consecutive term. The Daegu mayoral election is also drawing unusual attention. No Democratic Party-affiliated candidate has ever been elected mayor of Daegu, but this year's race is unexpectedly close. Former Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum of the DP is facing former Finance Minister Choo Kyung-ho of the PPP. According to the Korea Research's poll, Kim received 40 percent support, while Choo garnered 41 percent. Compared with another previous poll, Kim's support dropped by 3 percentage points while Choo's rose by 4 percentage points. Kim is a former four-term lawmaker who served as interior minister and later prime minister under the Moon Jae-in administration. He remains the first and only Democratic Party lawmaker ever elected from Daegu. Choo is a former three-term lawmaker who served as deputy prime minister for economic affairs and finance minister under the Yoon Suk Yeol administration. By-elections for 14 parliamentary seats are also being held alongside the local elections, prompting the media to dub them a "mini general election." South Korea's National Assembly has 300 seats in total. Among the 14 constituencies, the by-elections in Pyeongtaek in Gyeonggi Province and Buk district in Busan are attracting particular attention because major presidential hopefuls are running there. In Pyeongtaek, recent polls showed DP candidate Kim Yong-nam and Cho Kuk, candidate of the minor Rebuilding Korea Party (RKP), locked in a neck-and-neck race within the margin of error. Kim, a former prosecutor, served as a lawmaker in the 19th National Assembly under the Saenuri Party, the predecessor of the People Power Party, before leaving the conservative party and joining the Democratic Party. Cho currently leads the RKP, the third-largest party in the National Assembly, and previously served as senior presidential secretary for civil affairs and justice minister under the Moon administration. In Busan's Buk district, DP candidate Ha Jung-woo and independent candidate Han Dong-hoon are engaged in a tight race. Ha is an artificial intelligence expert who previously served as head of AI Lab and chief of the Cloud AI Innovation Center at South Korean tech company Naver. He also served as the presidential secretary for artificial intelligence (AI) policy and future planning under the Lee Jae Myung administration. Han, a former prosecutor, served as justice minister and leader of the PPP under the Yoon Suk Yeol administration. He was expelled from the party after clashing with the pro-Yoon leadership following Yoon's impeachment. 2026-06-02 17:48:50

Debate Over Retail Law Revisions Gains Momentum After Elections Amid Pushback Discussions on amending the Retail Industry Development Act to change mandatory closure days for large supermarkets to weekdays and allow early morning deliveries are expected to gain traction after the June 3 local elections. This comes amid growing concerns that offline retail regulations do not align with changing consumer environments. However, pushback from labor groups and small businesses remains a variable in the legislative process.According to the retail industry on June 2, the National Assembly's Committee on Trade, Industry, Energy, and Small and Medium Enterprises has recently presented the amendment to the Retail Industry Development Act and referred it to a subcommittee for review. The proposals include those from Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Dong-ah and People Power Party lawmaker Kim Sung-won.The two proposals differ in the scope of regulatory relief. Kim Dong-ah's proposal maintains offline sales regulations for large supermarkets but allows online deliveries during mandatory closure days and restricted hours. In contrast, Kim Sung-won's proposal goes further by permitting early morning deliveries and abolishing restrictions on late-night operations and mandatory closure days. Both proposals, however, agree that the existing regulatory framework needs to be revised as the focus of retail has shifted from offline to online. Notably, concerns have been raised that regulations originally intended to protect traditional markets and small retailers have created a disadvantage for large supermarkets compared to e-commerce companies like Coupang.According to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy's report on major retail companies' sales trends released on May 27, online retail sales increased by 7.5% compared to the same month last year, while offline sales grew by only 6.7%. Specifically, large supermarket sales dropped by 6.6%. Consequently, voices within the large supermarket sector have expressed that mandatory closure days and late-night operation restrictions place them at a competitive disadvantage in the online delivery market.In this context, research supporting regulatory relief has emerged. Last month, the Korea Development Institute (KDI) analyzed cases where mandatory closure days for large supermarkets were changed from weekends to weekdays in Seoul, Gyeonggi, and Busan. The study found no evidence that this change led to decreased sales in traditional markets. In fact, some sectors reported increased sales due to the customer attraction effect of large supermarkets.KDI posited that traditional markets are not in direct competition with large supermarkets across all areas. Therefore, even if large supermarket sales increase due to the weekday change, it does not necessarily lead to a corresponding decrease in traditional market sales.However, significant challenges are anticipated before any legal amendments are finalized. Labor groups have opposed the allowance of early morning deliveries, arguing it infringes on workers' rights to rest. The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions' supermarket union recently criticized the National Assembly for advancing the Retail Industry Development Act amendment, stating, "The government and ruling party are pushing workers and small business owners to the brink," and labeled the expansion of early morning deliveries as a pro-chaebol policy that only fills the coffers of retail conglomerates.There are interpretations that the political sphere's hesitance to engage in related discussions is influenced by the anticipated backlash ahead of the local elections. As a result, discussions may resume post-election under the pretext of enhancing industrial competitiveness and consumer benefits.Meanwhile, there are also calls for regulatory relief for large supermarkets to be accompanied by coexistence programs for traditional markets. KDI suggested that if joint promotional events and increased availability of local specialties could link the customer attraction of large supermarkets with traditional markets and local businesses, regulatory relief could stimulate consumption and increase foot traffic in those areas. They advised that discussions on changing mandatory closure days should consider the coexistence structure of the local retail ecosystem.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-02 17:48:00

Jung Cheong-rae Appeals for Support Ahead of Local Elections Jung Cheong-rae, the chairman of the Democratic Party's election campaign committee, held a press conference on June 2, appealing for public support just one day before the local elections. He stated, "The People Power Party must face a stern judgment from the public in this election." During the afternoon conference at the National Assembly, Jung emphasized that the People Power Party must pay a heavy price for its focus solely on political strife. He criticized the party for nominating 11 current regional leaders who were appointed during the Yoon Suk-yeol administration and for having former Presidents Park Geun-hye and Lee Myung-bak campaign for its candidates. Jung remarked, "Their presence in the election campaign is a regression to the past, an act of undermining democracy, and a disregard for the public. The three imprisoned figures must be consigned to the annals of history." He further challenged the People Power Party, saying, "These three imprisoned figures are trying to drag South Korea back to the past. To what era does the People Power Party wish to regress our country? It is time to completely sever ties with the outdated forces of Yoon, Lee, and Park." Jung asserted that despite the People Power Party's denials, the public recognizes that "President Lee Jae-myung is doing a good job." He highlighted that the capable Lee Jae-myung administration is diligently preparing for the future. He characterized the upcoming local elections as a chance to empower President Lee, establish effective local governments, and create competent local administrations. He urged voters, saying, "Please choose capable local officials who will work seamlessly with the effective Lee Jae-myung government. The Democratic Party will work as a team with these governments to accelerate South Korea's leap forward and promote local-led growth." In closing, Jung encouraged the public, stating, "If we are doing well, please support us and encourage us to continue our good work. Voting for candidate number one, the Democratic Party, is the way to give more strength to the Lee Jae-myung administration." After the press conference, Jung traveled to Yongin to support Democratic Party candidate for Gyeonggi Province governor, Choo Mi-ae, and candidate for Yongin mayor, Hyun Geun-taek. He then headed to Cheonggye Plaza in Jung-gu, Seoul, to bolster the final campaign efforts for Seoul mayoral candidate Jeong Won-o.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-02 17:42:00

Songzio and Heliot Emil reunite for falconry-inspired collection SEOUL, June 02 (AJP) - South Korean designer label Songzio, whose designs recently took center stage during BTS's "ARIRANG" comeback performance in March, has collaborated once again with Copenhagen-based fashion brand Heliot Emil on a new collection inspired by falconry. Titled "Falconry," the collection will be released on Friday after the brand's first collaboration sold out shortly after its debut last year. Drawing on themes of speed and control, it reinterprets the old practice of falconry through a contemporary lens. Bringing together Songzio's sculptural silhouettes and Heliot Emil's functional aesthetic, the designs incorporate flowing lines, layered construction and sharply defined forms. Signature metallic accents inspired by falcons' beaks and talons further reinforce the collection's emphasis on form and movement. The lineup includes biker jackets, cropped outerwear, structured T-shirts, and tailored trousers, blending practicality with bold, architectural silhouettes. To mark the launch, the two brands will host an event on Friday at Galerie Noir, Songzio's flagship store in Seoul. Attendees will include Songzio ambassadors ATEEZ member Seong-hwa and actress Choi Hee-jin, along with creative directors from both labels. Founded in 1993, Songzio has presented collections at Paris Fashion Week for more than two decades and established a presence across Asia, Europe, and North America. Its recent collaboration with BTS performance at Gwanghwamun Square this year marked another step in expanding the brand's global footprint. The new collection will be available online from Wednesday and in stores from Friday, including the brand's flagship stores in Seoul and Paris, as well as major department stores across South Korea. 2026-06-02 17:40:40

K-BBQ draws fresh attention as Jensen Huang's Seoul dinner plan puts samgyeopsal in spotlight SEOUL, June 02 (AJP) - Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang’s reported plan to visit a Samgyeopsal (pork belly) restaurant, a staple of Korean barbecue (K-BBQ), during his upcoming trip to Seoul has turned a casual dinner itinerary into a cultural talking point, putting the charcoal-grilled pork menu back in the spotlight as one of South Korea’s most visible dining experiences for foreign visitors. Huang is expected to visit South Korea this week after appearing at the Computex trade show in Taipei, where Nvidia hosted a separate dinner with Korean technology partners. Korean media reports have suggested that he could hold an informal “Samgyeopsal Somaek” gathering, pairing grilled pork with soju and beer, accompanied by conglomerate leaders in Seoul. The attention surrounding the possible meal reflects a broader pattern. For many foreign visitors, Korean barbecue is no longer just a restaurant option. It has become one of the easiest ways to experience Korea at the table — by grilling meat, sharing side dishes, and learning how people eat together here. A similar effect was seen after Huang’s earlier “Kkanbu” fried chicken gathering in Seoul with Samsung Electronics Executive Chairman Jay Y. Lee and Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Chung Eui-sun. After news of the meeting spread, the franchise Kkanbu Chicken briefly topped search rankings on food delivery platforms such as Baemin and Coupang Eats, while some branches reportedly paused delivery orders due to overwhelming demand. The episode showed how quickly a high-profile dining scene can turn into consumer interest. Korean barbecue, often referred to overseas as K-BBQ, has garnered popularity among foreign gourmets as it offers more than grilled meat. The table itself becomes part of the appeal: the charcoal or gas grill stove in the middle, the sound of meat cooking, the Banchan (side dishes) spread across the table, the lettuce wraps, and the small acts of serving others. For Koreans, much of this feels ordinary. For many first-time foreign diners, that ordinariness is what makes the meal stand out. A 37-year-old freelance designer based in Ilsan said her earliest memory of samgyeopsal came from a weekend family dinner. “It was not a special day, but I still remember the smell of meat cooking on the grill and my parents cutting the meat for me,” she said. “In Korea, barbecue is something people become familiar with from childhood.” She said grilled meat appears in many everyday settings — office dinners, gatherings with friends, family meals, post-exam outings, payday meals and nights when someone needs comfort. “When Koreans say, ‘Let’s go eat meat,’ it does not always mean just filling the stomach,” she said. “It often means sitting down together and talking.” That everyday role helps explain why barbecue occupies a different place in Korean food culture. Around the grill, people naturally take on small roles. Someone turns the meat. Someone cuts it. Someone passes side dishes or fills a glass. A well-cooked piece is often offered to another person first. These gestures are rarely explained in Korea because they are part of the routine. But for foreign diners, they can be the part of the meal that feels most different. Unlike restaurant meals that arrive fully prepared from the kitchen, K-BBQ often continues at the table. Diners wait for the meat, turn it, cut it, wrap it and combine it with garlic, ssamjang, kimchi or other side dishes. The meal gives people something to do together before they even begin eating. Lukas, a 29-year-old visitor from Germany, said he first saw Korean barbecue in Korean dramas and YouTube videos before trying it in Seoul with a Korean friend. “What surprised me most was that customers cook the meat themselves,” he said. “In Germany, food usually comes from the kitchen already prepared. But with K-BBQ, it felt like the meal was still happening at the table.” He said the format felt different from German barbecue, which is often held outdoors and is usually less centered on one shared grill at the table. “Everyone was watching the same grill and waiting for the meat,” he said. “That was different for me. It felt like the time at the table mattered as much as the food.” The format can also be awkward at first. For diners unfamiliar with Korean barbecue, even simple questions — when to turn the meat, how long to wait, what to eat together — can require help from friends or staff. But that learning process can make the meal more social. “At first, I was a little nervous,” Lukas said. “I worried that I might burn the meat. But the workers there told me when to turn it over, and the staff stayed alongside me to help me get used to the grilling. After a while, I got the hang of it and ever since, I am pretty good at grilling in Korean BBQ.” A moment that stayed with him was when his friend made a Ssam, placing meat, garlic and ssamjang inside lettuce before handing it to him. “It was very new to me when one of my friends made me this big lettuce wrap, you can't see that kind of generosity in Germany often,” he said. “It was very interesting experience and it felt less like just eating food and more like being welcomed.” This sense of intimacy is something global audiences have grown familiar with through pop culture. Global cultural icons like BTS have frequently broadcasted their love for K-BBQ on reality shows like "In the SOOP" or "Run BTS." For millions of international fans, watching the world’s biggest pop stars take turns flipping pork belly, managing the smoke, and feeding one another wraps (ssam) has turned an exotic dining habit into an aspirational lifestyle. Academic research also supports the idea that Korean popular culture can turn interest in Korean food into actual consumption. A 2023 PLOS ONE study on samgyeopsal consumption in the Philippines found that utilitarian and hedonic motivation, Korean influence, and attitude were associated with actual behavior toward eating samgyeopsal among Filipino respondents. A separate 2025 study of Korean drama viewers in Türkiye found that 77 percent of respondents began trying Korean food after watching Korean dramas, though the survey sample was heavily female and concentrated among younger viewers. For K-BBQ, that link between media and dining is useful because the meal is easy to understand visually. Meat is placed on the grill, flipped, cut, wrapped and shared. The table changes as the meal goes on. For people who first see Korean food through dramas, YouTube or social media, barbecue offers a scene that is easy to remember and easy to recreate. That has helped Korean barbecue become more than a menu item in overseas cities. Many diners visit K-BBQ restaurants not only to eat Korean food, but to try a Korean-style group meal — one built around a shared grill rather than individual plates. Still, the same features that make K-BBQ distinctive can make it harder to expand. Restaurants need ventilation systems, staff who can guide first-time customers, consistent meat quality and enough side dishes to support the full meal. Operators also have to decide how much to adapt to local dining habits without making the experience feel generic. There is also a risk that K-BBQ abroad becomes reduced to unlimited meat, loud interiors and novelty. The stronger version of Korean barbecue is not just about volume. It is about the way the meal gives people a reason to stay at the table longer, talk more and take care of small things for one another. For Korean diners, turning meat, cutting pieces, passing banchan or making a wrap for someone else may not feel special. For foreign diners, those same gestures can become the memory they take from the meal. That may be why Korean barbecue has continued to travel well. It is not only a way to eat Korean meat. It is a way to see how Koreans gather, share and spend time around food. 2026-06-02 17:39:19

Shangri-La Dialogue Highlights Japan's Growing Security Role Amid Regional Concerns In recent discussions, China has criticized Japan's strengthening of its defense capabilities as a form of "new militarism." However, there are also positive sentiments regarding Japan's security role in the Asia-Pacific region. Amid concerns that U.S. engagement in the Indo-Pacific may waver, there is growing hope that Japan can help counter China and support regional stability, although fears persist that Japan's expanded military role could trigger an arms race in the region. The Yomiuri Shimbun reported on May 31 that during the Shangri-La Dialogue, an Asian security conference held in Singapore, China's criticism of Japan as a "new militarism" did not resonate with other Asia-Pacific nations facing China's maritime expansion. Instead, there was a prevailing atmosphere that appreciated Japan's defense cooperation. While China toned down its criticism of the U.S. at the conference, it continued its offensive against Japan. Meng Xiangqing, a professor at the National Defense University leading the Chinese delegation, questioned Japan's qualifications for international defense cooperation, stating, "Is a country that has not overcome militarism qualified to speak of defense cooperation?" Following Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's remarks in the National Assembly regarding Taiwan, China has launched a media campaign portraying Japan as embodying "new militarism." Contrary to China's assertions, reactions from the conference were different. Gilbert Teodoro, the Philippine Secretary of National Defense, criticized China for misusing history to unjustly malign Japan. He defended Japan, stating, "Japan is undoubtedly a model for the world." Australia also emphasized the importance of expanding defense cooperation with Japan. Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Richard Marles told reporters, "Operational cooperation with Japan has significantly increased." Australia is enhancing its defense collaboration with Japan, including the decision to introduce upgraded Mogami-class frigates into its Maritime Self-Defense Force. Southeast Asian nations expect Japan to complement U.S. military presence in the region. The Asahi Shimbun reported on June 2 that former Singaporean Deputy Foreign Minister Bilahari Kausikan described Japan as an "anchor" supporting U.S. military presence in the Indo-Pacific. Southeast Asian countries, wary of leaning too heavily toward either the U.S. or China amid their rivalry, hope Japan can contribute to maintaining regional balance. The Nihon Keizai Shimbun reported on May 31 that a survey conducted in April by the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute among ASEAN experts revealed that for the first time in two years, more than half preferred China over the U.S. if forced to choose between the two. The strategic calculations of Southeast Asia are becoming increasingly complex due to U.S. prioritization and China's economic pressure. While there are growing calls for Japan to expand its role, Southeast Asia is not fully embracing this shift. The Asahi Shimbun reported on June 2 that a senior ASEAN official expressed uncertainty about Japan's future direction in response to Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi's speech suggesting Japan's defense enhancement would contribute to regional stability, stating, "We do not want an arms race to escalate in this region." An official from an Indonesian think tank also pointed out that Japan has not adequately explained to Southeast Asian nations the reasons behind its military buildup. Japan is pursuing a shift in its post-war security policy through the acquisition of counterstrike capabilities, increased defense spending, and expanded arms exports. The Japanese government explains these measures as responses to China's military expansion, North Korea's missile threats, and changes in the U.S. role. However, concerns remain among Asian nations that have experienced Japan's past aggression that Japan's military role expansion could provoke an arms race in the region. As China's criticisms of Japan fail to gain significant traction, expectations for Japan's security role are growing. However, experts emphasize that for this role to foster regional trust, Japan must clearly communicate the objectives and direction of its defense enhancements to neighboring countries.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-02 17:39:00

Final Campaign Push Ahead of June 3 Local Elections in South Korea On June 2, one day before the June 3 local elections and National Assembly by-elections, Jung Cheong-rae, leader of the Democratic Party, and Jang Dong-hyuk, leader of the People Power Party, visited Gangwon Province and South Chungcheong Province, respectively, to rally support. The two leaders then returned to Seoul, a key battleground, to encourage voter turnout. Jung campaigned vigorously in Jeongseon and Yeongwol, aiming to reclaim the governorship of Gangwon Province with candidate Woo Sang-ho. Addressing the residents, he stated, "How much do we want to win that I came to Gangwon on the last day? The Democratic Party can fully support the laws and budgets necessary for the eradication of insurrection forces and the development of Gangwon." He characterized the local elections as a chance to strengthen President Lee Jae-myung, overcome martial law and insurrection, and elect capable officials. He promised, "For Gangwon to develop, we need budgets and laws. I will do everything that candidate Woo asks for." Jung also criticized former Presidents Lee Myung-bak and Park Geun-hye, who have been campaigning to consolidate conservative support. He remarked, "Can we accept that those who were impeached by the people and imprisoned for corruption are now wandering around the election scene? We must show that their presence is useless for the normalization of the Republic of Korea and for an effective local government." Meanwhile, Jang toured Cheongyang, Gongju, Dangjin, and Cheonan, focusing on the central region. He campaigned intensively in South Chungcheong Province, having visited the area three times in recent days. In addition to South Chungcheong, he made four visits to Daejeon and one to Sejong over 13 days, totaling eight visits to the Chungcheong region. While campaigning in Dangjin with candidate Kim Tae-heum, Jang urged voters to "entrust the future of a great South Chungcheong to candidate Kim, so we can create a strong province." He criticized Democratic Party candidates, stating, "They couldn’t say a word in debates and don’t even know their own pledges or addresses. They just put up sticks as candidates." He emphasized the need to judge the arrogance of President Lee and the Democratic Party through voting. On the final day of campaigning, both leaders returned to Seoul to encourage citizen participation in voting. Jung held a press conference at the National Assembly, urging voters to support the Democratic Party's candidates, saying, "Vote for the number one candidate from the Democratic Party to give a strong boost to this capable government. Power comes not from the barrel of a gun but from the ballot box. We must severely judge the anti-constitutional and anti-democratic forces." He planned to support candidate Jeong Won-o's final campaign rally in Cheonggye Plaza in central Seoul. Jang also held a press conference at the party headquarters in Yeouido, stating, "This election will determine my life and the future of the Republic of Korea. I will protect the homes, properties, and freedoms of the people. Please gather your strength for the People Power Party, number two on the ballot." Later in the evening, he planned to visit areas with many young voters, such as Jongno 3-ga Station and Hongdae, to encourage them to exercise their voting rights. Additionally, Han Byeong-do, the Democratic Party's floor leader, and Song Eon-seok, the People Power Party's floor leader, visited their respective strongholds in North Jeolla and South Gyeongsang Provinces to secure votes. Han accompanied candidate Lee Won-taek throughout the day, providing full support as Lee competes against independent candidate Kim Kwan-young. 2026-06-02 17:39:00

Video Shows Student Throwing Cup Noodle on Street, Sparks Outrage A video showing a female student discarding a cup noodle on the street has sparked public outrage. Recently, a local business owner shared the video on social media, asking, "Can everyone take a look at this? What kind of upbringing does this child have? I can see the parents in her actions," and urged adults to be role models in front of children. The footage shows the student walking down the street while eating cup noodles. She stops in front of a store, drinks the remaining broth, and without hesitation, throws the cup onto the ground before walking away. The video shocked viewers as it depicted her acting without looking around or searching for a trash can. The video quickly spread across various online communities and social media, garnering tens of thousands of views. Some users expressed disbelief, commenting, "Is this real? It looks so staged," and "I can't believe she threw it away so casually." Others reacted with dismay, saying, "I'm shocked by what I just saw," and "Is this what we call eating and littering at the same time?" Comments included, "I've never seen anything like this in my life," and "She didn't even try to hide it; it's like she has no conscience at all. Shouldn't she at least pretend to look for a trash can?" While many criticized the student's actions, some voices emphasized the need for better public order and civic education. One user noted, "I'm more worried that she seems unaware that her behavior is wrong." Under current laws, littering on the street can result in fines. While specific regulations vary by local government, discarding items like cigarette butts, drink cups, and food containers can lead to penalties.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-02 17:30:00

South Korea makes final all-out push for Canada's submarine bid SEOUL, June 2 (AJP) - South Korea is stepping up efforts to win Canada's next-generation submarine procurement project, as Ottawa is expected to select its preferred bidder by the end of June for a deal estimated to be worth US$40 billion. The final race for the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project, or CPSP, has increasingly narrowed into a competition between South Korea's "One Team" bid led by Hanwha Ocean and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, and Germany's Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, or TKMS, a long-established player in the diesel-electric submarine market. South Korea's push gained momentum this week as presidential chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik attended a business roundtable in Toronto, where companies from the two countries signed three memorandums of understanding in satellite communications, launch sites and defense vehicles. The business event came as Germany and Norway moved to counter Hanwha Ocean's key selling point — faster delivery — by offering to delay some of their own submarine deliveries to make room for Canada. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said TKMS could deliver four submarines to Canada by 2036 if it wins the bid, according to an interview with Canada's CBC News on the sidelines of CANSEC 2026, Canada's largest defense exhibition held in Ottawa last week. "They say they can, and I have only had good experiences with them, so I trust them," Pistorius told CBC News. "They promise only what they can actually achieve." TKMS has proposed its Type 212CD submarine, a model jointly developed by Germany and Norway. But the submarine remains in the design stage and has yet to enter operational service, raising questions over whether the German side could meet Canada's urgent delivery timeline. Hanwha Ocean, by contrast, has emphasized from the early stages of the competition that it can deliver four KSS-III submarines to Canada by 2035. That date is crucial for Ottawa, as the Royal Canadian Navy aims to retire all four of its aging Victoria-class submarines by 2035. Only one of the four is currently believed to be available for operations, making replacement an urgent priority. Pistorius said Germany and Norway, both existing customers of the Type 212CD, had agreed to delay one submarine each from their own orders to allow Canada to receive earlier deliveries. The remaining two vessels, he said, could be produced at an accelerated pace by TKMS. Marte Gerhardsen, state secretary at Norway's Ministry of Defense, also said bringing Canada into the program would strengthen the overall submarine fleet, even if Norway has to wait longer for one of its submarines. "We do not think of the submarine fleet as a Norwegian fleet, a German fleet and a Canadian fleet," Gerhardsen told CBC News. "We think of it as a common fleet." Germany has also offered a broader economic package tied to the submarine bid, including investments in military and non-military projects in Canada, according to CBC News. The proposals reportedly cover carbon capture, LNG exports, torpedo production and hypersonic missile development. South Korea has also pledged similar industrial cooperation if it wins the contract, but Germany is seeking to differentiate its proposal by stressing that many of its projects could begin within two years. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Defense Procurement Minister Stephen Fuhr have said both Germany's Type 212CD and Korea's KSS-III meet the Royal Canadian Navy's requirements, with a decision expected by the end of June. Carney said last week that the decision goes beyond military requirements. "It is certainly about economic impact, the broader economic benefits," Carney told reporters. Hanwha is seeking to frame its submarine bid as part of a wider defense and industrial partnership with Canada. Representatives from Algoma Steel, Hanwha and Ontario-based auto parts makers recently signed an agreement at a Martinrea International facility near Toronto. Under the plan, Algoma would supply steel to a Canadian consortium if Hanwha wins the submarine contract. Algoma joins Hanwha and the Automotive Parts Manufacturers' Association, which agreed recently to jointly develop and manufacture fighting vehicles for the Canadian Armed Forces and allies. In a separate pact, Hanwha has also agreed to invest in Algoma. The proposed Canadian joint venture would be 51 percent Canadian-owned and use domestic steel and workers, with Hanwha providing expertise, technology and experience, as well as investment. "They are not just interested in supplying submarines to Canada," Martinrea chairman Rob Wildeboer said. "They want to do much more in working with industry in Ontario and Canada to develop defense capabilities." Korea also used CANSEC 2026 as a final opportunity to promote its submarine bid. Hanwha Ocean put its proposed KSS-III Batch-II model at the center of its campaign, stressing that Korea already operates a proven submarine platform. The Korean Navy's 3,000-ton Dosan Ahn Chang-ho submarine has also played a supporting role. After completing a 14,000-kilometer voyage across the Pacific, the submarine arrived at the Esquimalt naval base in Victoria, British Columbia on May 23. The strategy has drawn attention in Canada, with local media quoting one Canadian naval official as comparing the experience of boarding the Korean submarine to switching from a 1999 Honda Civic to a new Tesla. With the final decision approaching, the competition is increasingly becoming not only a submarine procurement race, but also a test of which country can offer Canada a broader strategic and industrial partnership. 2026-06-02 17:26:28

President Lee Pledges Enhanced Cooperation with Africa President Lee Jae-myung met with a delegation of African foreign ministers on June 2, pledging to strengthen cooperation with African nations.During the meeting at the Blue House, President Lee welcomed senior representatives from 19 African countries, including Egypt and Kenya, as well as officials from three regional international organizations, including the African Union. Foreign Minister Park Jin and National Security Office Director Wi Sung-lak were also present.President Lee expressed hope for the regularization of Korea-Africa summits, stating, "It would be great if the Korea-Africa summit could become a regular event. I hope that foreign ministers' meetings can be held frequently to explore areas where our countries can cooperate and assist each other on shared issues."He noted, "Africa is a continent with significant growth potential and development possibilities, but there has been a sense of regret that we have not focused enough on it in the past. I want to emphasize that since my inauguration, the South Korean government has taken a special interest in various African countries."Additionally, he referenced Korea's history as a nation that emerged from colonial rule, saying, "We have walked a bit faster from a similar situation to the countries you represent. The people of South Korea, including myself, have a deep admiration for Africa and a desire to engage with it."Meanwhile, the government has been hosting the '2026 Korea-Africa Foreign Ministers' Meeting' at the Lotte Hotel Seoul since the previous day.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-02 17:21:00