Weak Iranian missiles — not ship armor — explain limited damage to HMM Namu: experts SEOUL, May 28 (AJP) - South Korea's conclusion that the cargo ship HMM Namu—damaged near the Strait of Hormuz on May 4—was likely hit by Iranian missiles has raised a simple question: how did a commercial vessel survive two direct strikes with only minor damage? Defense experts say the answer lies not in the ship's structural strength, but in the missiles' limited performance. The question arose after Seoul announced Wednesday that the two unidentified projectiles that struck the South Korean vessel were likely Noor-class anti-ship missiles, developed and produced by Iran. Investigators said the warhead found at the scene matched the section marked in red in a manufacturer’s catalog image of an anti-ship missile, while other debris appeared to be engine components. “For now, multiple pieces of evidence point toward Iran,” First Vice Foreign Minister Park Yoon-joo said at a briefing. The Noor is a mainstay of Iran’s anti-ship arsenal, developed in the early 2000s by reverse-engineering the Chinese-made C-802 cruise missile. The weapon uses “sea-skimming” technology, flying just 5 to 15 meters above the water’s surface to evade radar detection. Investigators said this low-altitude flight profile aligns with the damage sustained by the HMM Namu, which was reportedly struck near the waterline on the lower section of its hull. Experts cautioned, however, against interpreting the absence of casualties and the relatively limited damage as evidence that the Chinese-built container ship possessed exceptional defensive capability. Jeong Kyung-woon, a researcher at the Korea Military Affairs Institute, said standard anti-ship cruise missiles are designed to sink warships with compartmentalized structures and typically carry warheads containing around 450 kilograms of explosives. “If an ordinary commercial vessel were hit by two such missiles, it would be torn apart,” Jeong said. He said the scale of damage to the Namu suggests the missiles may have carried warheads with only a fraction of the typical explosive power. “The level of damage seen on the Namu appears normal, considering that the warhead of the Iranian anti-ship missile is estimated to have had about one-tenth the power of a standard anti-ship cruise missile,” he said. Jeong added that merchant ships are generally designed for cargo transport and safe navigation, not to withstand missile strikes. The Noor missile has repeatedly drawn attention from military analysts and foreign media because of its past use by Iran-backed groups. It is often cited in connection with the 2006 attack on the Israeli Navy corvette INS Hanit off the coast of Lebanon, when Hezbollah reportedly used an Iranian-supplied anti-ship missile to strike the vessel. The British military journal Wavell Room has also described the Noor as part of what it called the “Houthi model” of proxy warfare, pointing to Iran’s long-running transfer of missiles and components to members of its so-called “Axis of Resistance,” including groups in Syria, Hezbollah in Lebanon and Houthi rebels in Yemen. Kim Houng-yu, a member of the Korea Defense Industry Association, offered a similar assessment, saying the limited damage was more likely due to shortcomings in the missile system than the ship’s strength. “One of the two missiles did not explode,” Kim said, noting that a warhead must detonate properly through its fuse to achieve its intended destructive effect. “Since Iran faces severe restrictions on importing military hardware or securing proper supply chains, it is highly probable they are relying on crude, locally produced alternatives manufactured in makeshift facilities,” Kim explained. “In my view, it was not that the ship was strong enough to withstand the strike, but that the missile’s performance was fundamentally deficient.” Following the announcement, Park summoned Iranian Ambassador to South Korea Saeed Koozechi to the Foreign Ministry in Seoul later Wednesday. However, Park also acknowledged the difficulty of determining whether the attack was intentional, saying it would be “extremely difficult” to establish intent unless Iran itself acknowledges it. Koozechi expressed regret over the damage to the Korean vessel but denied any Iranian involvement. “I would like to express regret over the damage suffered by the Korean vessel,” he told reporters. But when asked whether Iran would apologize, he said Tehran “denies everything” related to the incident and had “absolutely no involvement.” During Thursday’s press briefing, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Park Il again stopped short of identifying the specific actor responsible, saying it remains “very difficult” to determine who inside Iran carried out the attack. The remarks suggested that Seoul is not yet able to specify whether the strike was conducted by Iran’s regular military, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Houthi rebels or other Iran-backed militia groups. The ministry also stressed that the government’s response would take into account the safety of Korean vessels and crew members still operating near the Strait of Hormuz, the protection of Korean nationals and companies in the Middle East, energy supply chain stability and broader South Korea-Iran relations. “At the time of the incident, military tensions around the Strait of Hormuz were extremely high, and vessels from other countries, including China and France, were also attacked around the same time,” Park said. “The government will respond while taking those circumstances into account.” The case comes as South Korea continues diplomatic efforts to ensure the safe passage of Korean-linked vessels near the Strait of Hormuz, a key maritime route for global energy shipments. 2026-05-28 17:17:12

Vigloo Launches AI Animation Tab to Accelerate Short Drama IP Expansion Short drama platform Vigloo is accelerating its expansion into AI-based content by launching a dedicated animation tab. This new feature will categorize AI animation and AI live-action dramas separately, enhancing its multi-format IP strategy in the short-form content market.On May 28, global content platform Spoon Labs announced the establishment of the animation tab on its short drama platform Vigloo, marking a significant expansion of its AI-based content lineup.The creation of the animation tab aims to improve viewer accessibility by separating AI-produced content into an independent category. Vigloo plans to enhance its multi-format IP operations, which currently includes about 30 AI animations out of a total library of approximately 400 titles. The platform intends to gradually increase the proportion of AI live-action dramas as well.Along with the new tab, Vigloo unveiled two new AI titles. The AI 3D animation "The Demon Lord's Marked Bride: Returning for Blood," which was previewed on May 14, tells the dark fantasy romance of a bride who was sacrificed to a demon by her family on her wedding day but returns for revenge after gaining the demon lord's mark. The production utilizes AI to enhance the visual and directorial elements, creating a fantasy world and character expressions that would be challenging to achieve with live-action.The AI live-action drama "Married the Ex Gang Leader!" released on May 28 targets the Japanese market. It reflects unique Japanese subcultures, such as the bosozoku (street gang) and yankii culture, in its male protagonist's character, aiming to cater to local romance content demands.Vigloo is expanding its strategy by reinterpreting popular original works based on a strong IP ecosystem of webtoons and web novels in Korea and Japan, as well as producing spin-offs of verified drama IPs. In the U.S., the company is building a production system centered in Los Angeles, focusing on English original content that reflects North American viewer preferences, including supernatural romance, romantic comedies, and revenge romances targeting women in their 30s and 40s.AI content is also a core strategy for the platform in terms of production efficiency. Vigloo aims to fill 30% of its entire library with AI content by concurrently producing AI-based 2D and 3D animations of existing IPs and new AI live-action short dramas. The AI production structure is said to reduce costs by up to 90% compared to traditional methods while allowing for rapid supply of diverse genres and formats.A representative from Vigloo stated, "Separating AI animation into its own tab instead of mixing it with the general lineup is part of our content expansion strategy based on OSMU (One Source Multi Use), aimed at broadening our portfolio into the animation sector."They added, "We believe that as the quality of AI-produced works improves, viewers are beginning to open their wallets. Vigloo expects to maximize production efficiency using AI technology and expand genres that can express both live-action and animation, providing richer content to viewers."Spoon Labs CEO Choi Hyuk-jae remarked, "AI is a tool that expands the possibilities of content beyond the distinction between live-action and animation. Vigloo will evolve into a multi-format platform that transcends formats, genres, and markets, leveraging its AI production capabilities."Vigloo, which launched the first AI short-form animation in Korea last December, is simultaneously pursuing the animation adaptation of live-action short drama IPs and the production of original AI live-action dramas. The company aims to accelerate content supply and broaden IP utilization in the short drama market based on AI production methods.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-28 17:12:00

Snowflake Unveils AI Integration Solution to Eliminate Data Silos Global AI data cloud company Snowflake announced its participation in the SAP Connect Day for Data and IT Innovation, held on May 28 at the Conrad Seoul Hotel. During the event, Snowflake showcased its technological capabilities for efficiently analyzing SAP data on the Snowflake platform. Ham Jae-won, a director at Snowflake, spoke at the Data & AI track session, discussing the integration strategy with SAP Business Data Cloud (BDC) centered on autonomous business agents built with Snowflake AI under the theme "Enhancing SAP Data with Intelligence." The two companies recently launched the "SAP Snowflake" and "SAP Business Data Cloud Connect for Snowflake" solutions. SAP Snowflake enables the use of Snowflake applications within the SAP BDC environment. SAP customers can immediately access Snowflake's features, including marketplace, applications, disaster recovery, and core agent AI. SAP Business Data Cloud Connect for Snowflake allows existing Snowflake customers to access SAP data in real-time without moving or duplicating data. This integration allows for quick and efficient data consolidation and utilization, with AI models and agents operating consistently within a single governance framework that understands SAP's business context. Snowflake integrates structured and unstructured data on a single platform, providing an environment where business users can analyze data in natural language and build AI agents. The collaboration between Snowflake and SAP aims to connect Snowflake's AI capabilities directly with SAP business data, maintaining consistent security and governance in a multi-cloud environment, enabling companies to implement agent-based AI more rapidly based on core operational data. During the presentation, AI use cases applicable across various business sectors, including supply chain, finance, customer service, and HR, were also introduced. Customers can utilize these services across all business areas. For example, combining SAP inventory data with logistics and weather forecast data from the Snowflake marketplace can create integrated data that connects internal operations with external environments. The newly introduced enterprise AI integration solution also focuses on resolving companies' data silos. Many organizations have struggled to achieve enterprise-wide benefits from AI due to data being dispersed and isolated by department or system. Snowflake aims to reduce these issues through direct connections with SAP business data, supporting consistent security frameworks in multi-cloud environments. This enables companies to implement agent-based AI more quickly and expand interdepartmental collaboration and enterprise-wide AI utilization. Ham Jae-won stated, "The partnership between SAP and Snowflake presents a key strategy for companies to transition their enterprise data into a reliable AI foundation, beyond mere technological integration. Snowflake will support domestic business leaders in breaking down data silos across supply chain, finance, customer service, and other sectors, enhancing competitiveness in the era of agent-based AI."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-28 17:12:00

Porter Opens New Store at Lotte World Mall in Jamsil The Japanese bag brand Porter is making its debut in Jamsil, as Lotte Department Store opens a new store at Lotte World Mall, targeting local enthusiasts. Lotte Department Store announced on May 28 that the Porter store will open on the basement level of Lotte World Mall in Jamsil on May 29. Porter was established in 1935 by Yoshida Kichizo, a Japanese bag artisan, and launched by Yoshida Company in 1962. The brand is known for its philosophy of "one stitch, one soul" (一針入魂), emphasizing exceptional quality and practical design, which has garnered a loyal following worldwide for over 60 years. The new Jamsil store spans approximately 40 pyeong and is designed to modernly reinterpret the brand's rich history and heritage. It features a facade with soft curves and arched wall designs, incorporating warm gray and rose tones to add character, a departure from the cooler designs of existing domestic Porter stores. The store also showcases a horizontal logo signage design, previously exclusive to Japanese Porter locations. Exclusive limited-edition products will be unveiled with the opening, including the 'Topaz Series' bags, which feature a main color of Topaz Blue and are characterized by the soft touch and subtle sheen of nylon material. The series includes five popular styles and will be sold exclusively at the Jamsil location. Additionally, customers can find various popular items, including the flagship 'TANKER' series made from 100% plant-based nylon. Jeong Soo-yeon, head of the Beauty & Accessories division at Lotte Department Store, stated, "We will continue to strengthen Lotte Department Store's competitiveness by showcasing strategic collaborations with global brands and differentiated content." On the same day as the Porter store opening, Lotte Department Store will also launch the first domestic store for the global running shoe brand Saucony on the seventh floor of the Jamsil location. Saucony, a running shoe specialist founded in Pennsylvania in 1898, aims to capture the running demand in Jamsil, which is surrounded by Seokchon Lake and Olympic Park, by opening the first Saucony store in the domestic market.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-28 17:12:00

South Korea denies report of alliance rift over wartime control transfer SEOUL, May 28 (AJP) - South Korea's Defense Ministry on Thursday dismissed as "groundless" a local media report claiming that President Lee Jae Myung's push for an early transfer of wartime operational control (OPCON) could lead to the dismantling of the current South Korea-U.S. Combined Forces Command (CFC) structure. The ministry said U.S. Forces Korea had raised no objection to plans for a future combined command led by a South Korean four-star general following the transfer of wartime operational control. "I would like to say that since the visit to Korea in January by a senior U.S. official, there has been no proposal from U.S. Forces Korea to change the existing agreement," Defense Ministry spokesperson Jeong Bit-na said. Jeong added that Seoul and Washington would "continue to maintain the current Combined Forces Command structure" after the OPCON transfer in order to preserve a strong combined defense posture. She also expressed "strong regret" over the report. The remarks came after a South Korean newspaper reported that U.S. military officials had raised concerns that an accelerated OPCON transfer — before South Korean forces fully meet required military capability conditions — could complicate wartime command arrangements under a future combined command led by a South Korean general. Under the current system, the commander of the Combined Forces Command is a U.S. four-star general, while a South Korean four-star general serves as deputy commander. Under a 2018 agreement, the allies agreed to retain the combined command structure after OPCON transfer while placing a South Korean general in command and a U.S. general in the deputy role. The allies are currently conducting assessments and certification procedures for the future command's operational capabilities. The debate reflects broader tensions over the pace and conditions of the OPCON transition, which has long been one of the alliance's most sensitive issues. South Korea assumed peacetime operational control of its military in 1994, but wartime operational control remains under the U.S.-led combined command structure established after the 1950-53 Korean War. Lee has made the transfer a major defense priority, framing it as a matter of sovereignty and "self-reliant national defense." Earlier this week, Lee called for the process to move forward "swiftly" and said South Korea already possesses sufficient military capabilities to defend itself. The issue has drawn renewed attention since Combined Forces Command Commander Gen. Xavier Brunson said during a U.S. Senate hearing last month that "political expediency should not precede conditions" in discussions over OPCON transfer, emphasizing that military readiness should remain the primary standard. Some South Korean military analysts and former officers have warned against accelerating the transition amid growing regional security threats from North Korea, China and Russia. "Recovering wartime operational control is the right direction," said Nam Dong Woo, a retired South Korean Navy brigadier general. "However, the South Korean military must be thoroughly prepared before taking back OPCON. Since this issue has a major impact on South Korea's security, it should never be approached with the mindset of 'if this fails, we can do better next time.'" The OPCON issue has repeatedly resurfaced under successive South Korean administrations. During the presidency of Roh Moo-hyun, Seoul and Washington agreed to dissolve the CFC and adopt a parallel command structure after OPCON transfer, though the plan was later delayed. Under Moon Jae-in, the allies instead agreed on the current Future Combined Forces Command model, which would preserve a unified combined command structure after the transfer. 2026-05-28 17:11:37

K-pop quartet's new album draws attention after their hit song 'Supernova' SEOUL, May 28 (AJP) - K-pop girl group aespa returned on Thursday with a new full-length album "LEMONADE," unveiling what the quartet described as a more mature musical identity and a new phase in the expanding universe that has defined their rise as one of K-pop's leading global acts. The 10-track album was released at 1 p.m. through major music-streaming platforms, marking aespa's first studio album since "Armageddon" in May 2024. The release arrives after a breakthrough period for the group. "Supernova," one of the double title tracks from "Armageddon," dominated South Korea's music charts in 2024, topping Melon's chart for 15 consecutive weeks and helping aespa win "Group of the Year" at Billboard Women in Music 2025. "We felt a lot of pressure because the first full-length album received so much love, but we prepared with excitement," leader Karina told reporters. "We consulted a lot with the company and worked hard to show a more grown version of ourselves." Since debuting under SM Entertainment in November 2020, aespa — consisting of Giselle, Karina, Ningning and Winter — have become one of the defining K-pop acts, combining a futuristic virtual-world concept with aggressive genre experimentation. "LEMONADE" features double title tracks "WDA (Whole Different Animal)" featuring rapper G-Dragon and "LEMONADE," alongside songs spanning dance, rock, hyperpop, R&B and pop-rock. The album also includes a collaborated song with American rapper Ty Dolla $ign. According to their agency, the album centers on "Complaexity," a concept describing intertwined parallel universes within aespa's ongoing fictional storyline. In the group's narrative, cracks formed between overlapping worlds become a metaphor for transforming disruption into opportunity. "I hope people feel like a new door has been opened when they listen to this album," Winter said. The two title tracks present sharply contrasting styles. "WDA" leans into darker industrial hip-hop with heavy synth bass and restrained vocals, while "LEMONADE" adopts a brighter electronic dance sound driven by acid-techno synth riffs, hardstyle beats and chant-like hooks. The performances also emphasize the contrast. "WDA" focuses on hip-hop-based choreography and controlled movement, while "LEMONADE" incorporates playful gestures, including a signature move mimicking the squeezing of a lemon. "WDA has a dark and overwhelming feeling, while LEMONADE is kitschy and playful," said Giselle. "The mood of the two songs is completely different." Winter described "LEMONADE" as the track that best captures aespa's personality and confidence. "No matter how dangerous or chaotic things get, we'll grind it all up and drink it our way," she said. Other tracks on the album include "Bite," "Camouflage," "Can't Help Myself," "My Plan," "Roll," "SHAKIN," "Switchblade" featuring Ty Dolla $ign, and "Til We Die." The group's debut "Black Mamba" set YouTube records for a K-pop debut music video at the time. The quartet later expanded their fictional "KWANGYA" universe through hits including "Drama," "Next Level," "Savage," "Spicy," and "Supernova." While the four girls initially drew attention for their AI-avatar concept and digital mythology, aespa's commercial rise has increasingly been driven by their musical evolution and global reach. "Supernova" became their biggest international hit, charting on Billboard's Global 200 and earning multiple "Song of the Year" awards in South Korea. To promote the new album, aespa will hold "aespa WEEK - MAKE IT LEMONADE" from May 29 to June 7, with events planned at Banpo Hangang Park, Yeouido Hangang Park and IFC Mall in Seoul. Pop-up events are also scheduled in Los Angeles, New York and Shenzhen, followed by additional promotions in Bangkok, Taipei, and Tokyo ahead of the group's upcoming "SYNK: COMPLaeXITY" world tour beginning in August. "More than anything, I hope people find energy in our music," Karina said. 2026-05-28 17:07:28

One Day Until Early Voting: Interior Ministry, Police, and Fire Services Conduct Safety Inspections The Ministry of Interior announced on May 28 that it has conducted on-site inspections of early voting locations and finalized safety measures one day before the early voting for the June 3 local elections. Early voting allows citizens who may have difficulty voting on the official election day to cast their ballots anywhere in the country, provided they bring an identification card. This year's early voting will take place over two days, from May 29 to 30, at designated polling places across the country. Voters must present an ID that includes their date of birth and photo, such as a resident registration card, passport, or driver's license. Mobile IDs will not be accepted if they are saved as screenshots; voters must verify their IDs using the app on-site. On the same day, Minister Yoon Ho-joong visited the Sajik-dong Community Center in Jongno, Seoul, to assess the readiness of the early voting site and observe a mock voting process simulating real conditions. During the visit, he personally checked the route voters will take from entering the polling place to casting their votes, focusing on the installation of accessibility features such as elevators and ramps for individuals with mobility challenges. He also reviewed fire safety measures to prevent accidents such as electrical overloads and fires. Additionally, he attended a mock voting session conducted under conditions identical to those of the actual early voting, verifying the operation of voting equipment, including ID checks and ballot issuance. He examined the voting booths and ballot boxes for any irregularities and conducted a thorough check for illegal camera installations. Before inspecting the early voting sites, Minister Yoon visited the Jongno Police Station to discuss security measures and patrol enhancements to prevent illegal protests, disturbances, and arson on the day of early voting. The National Police Agency and the Fire Agency have established safety measures for polling and counting locations that will remain in effect until the counting is fully completed. The police will operate a 24-hour integrated situation room to manage security at polling and counting sites and oversee the transportation of ballots. The Fire Agency is also focused on establishing a rapid fire response system and eliminating fire hazards at all early voting locations. Minister Yoon stated, "We are strengthening security and patrols around early voting sites to ensure that citizens can vote with peace of mind, preparing for risks such as illegal protests, arson, and violence. Every citizen's participation in voting is the beginning of changing the future of their community, so I encourage those who may have difficulty voting on election day to participate in early voting with confidence."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-28 17:06:00

Government Selects K-Science Projects Combining Heritage and Technology The Ministry of Science and ICT has selected a range of research and development (R&D) projects that combine South Korea's unique historical, cultural, and environmental assets with advanced science and technology. The initiative aims to pioneer new research fields by integrating these assets with technology, ultimately leading to global technological leadership. On May 28, the Ministry announced the selection of candidate projects for the 2026 "Our Science (K-Science)" initiative during a meeting at the L Tower in Seocho-gu, Seoul, attended by representatives from four ministries and agencies, including the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the National Heritage Administration, the Rural Development Administration, and the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute. This initiative seeks to link South Korea's unique historical, cultural, and environmental assets with scientific technology, aiming to lead research and explore new fields. The focus is on integrating Korean identity into science and technology, promoting both the acquisition of original technologies and the creation of social and cultural value. Earlier, Park In-kyu, head of the Science and Technology Innovation Bureau at the Ministry, explained the rationale behind the K-Science policy during a press briefing in March, stating, "Just as Jane Goodall became a global brand through her lifelong research on chimpanzees, Korea must cultivate its own unique research themes." The selected candidate projects include: the Ministry of Culture's "K-Museum Technology Development," the National Heritage Administration's "K-Genome Platform Construction," the Rural Development Administration's "Small and Medium K-Smart Farm," and the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute's "High Astronomy Convergence Research." The Ministry of Culture's "K-Museum Technology Development" project aims to digitize approximately 2.53 million artifacts held by the National Museum of Korea and expand into an AI-based cultural content industry. It will develop technologies for precise exploration of ancient tombs, AI-based environmental control in storage facilities, the construction of cultural heritage significance data, and AI agent-based content creation. The government expects this will lead to citizen-oriented services such as digital twin exhibitions and AI curator services. The National Heritage Administration's "K-Genome Platform Construction" project will analyze ancient human genomes from Korea alongside modern Korean genomes and disease data to reconstruct the origins, migrations, and disease changes of Koreans. The government plans to build a small language model (SLM)-based agent platform to analyze the historical migration routes, living environments, and diseases of ancient Koreans in high resolution, which will be utilized for exhibition and educational content. The Rural Development Administration's "Small and Medium K-Smart Farm" project focuses on developing a Korean-style smart farm model suitable for domestic small-scale farms. It aims to connect the world's first greenhouse technology recorded in the agricultural book "Sangga Yurok" from the Sejong period with modern smart farm technology to promote the scientific and cultural value of Korean agricultural technology. The project will also establish a foundation for global dissemination in connection with discussions on international standards for smart agriculture based on the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). The Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute's "High Astronomy Convergence Research" project will verify and analyze approximately 25,000 records of ancient astronomy documented in historical texts such as the Samguk Sagi, Goryeo Sa, and Annals of the Joseon Dynasty. The institute plans to use this data for scientific research on long-period variable stars and solar activity, as well as to digitally restore ancient astronomical heritage and create educational content. The selected candidate projects will undergo a budget review process before being finalized as part of the 2026 "Our Science (K-Science)" initiative. The government also plans to support science culture dissemination consulting for each project starting in the second half of this year. Park stated, "We designed the 'Our Science (K-Science)' policy to promote science and technology policies that the public can actively participate in and feel. We will work with relevant departments to ensure that the public can directly see and experience the process of advancing these research and development projects."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-28 17:02:00

'I Am Solo' Season 31's Ok-soon Closes SNS Account Amid Rumors SBS Plus and ENA's 'I Am Solo' Season 31 participant Ok-soon addressed rumors surrounding her on May 28 during a live broadcast on the YouTube channel 'Chonjang Entertainment TV.' Ok-soon explained her decision to close her social media accounts, stating, "I can handle the negative comments directed at me, but they have also targeted my friends. That’s why I decided to shut down my SNS." She expressed her distress, saying, "It’s okay for people to criticize me, but please don’t talk about my family or friends." Regarding the controversy over her name change, Ok-soon clarified, "I never liked my original name. I didn’t change it to hide my past; I changed it because there are many administrative procedures for a flight attendant, like obtaining a U.S. visa and passport. I informed my parents and changed my name after leaving the company when I had more time." She added, "I don’t participate in community discussions, but my friends have been very supportive, feeling sorry for me. Many of the claims made on anonymous boards are not true." Ok-soon also denied rumors that she left her job to get married, stating, "That’s not true. I am very ambitious about my career." She specifically addressed her breakup with Young-ho, the final couple from the show, saying, "After filming, Young-ho and I were dating well, but I had to go abroad for personal reasons, and we broke up early in the broadcast. The rumors about marriage, pregnancy, and meeting his parents are all false; I have never met his parents, and there was no opposition from them." Previously, the show had sparked controversy when Ok-soon, Jeong-hee, and Young-sook appeared to ostracize or gossip about Soon-ja.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-28 16:58:00

Justice Ministry Reports Passage of 38 Livelihood and Safety Bills in One Year The Justice Ministry reported significant achievements, noting that 38 livelihood and safety bills have passed the National Assembly in the year since the launch of the Lee Jae-myung administration (the People’s Sovereignty Government). According to data released by the Justice Ministry on May 28, a total of 79 bills under its jurisdiction have passed the National Assembly in the last three years (from June 2023 to May 2026). Notably, nearly half of these bills, 38 (48.1%), were passed in the past year (from June 2025 to May 2026). This marks a 65% increase compared to the same period last year (23 bills) and over a 111% increase from two years ago (18 bills). A Justice Ministry official explained that this success is the result of the ministry's operational mobilization under the directive of Minister Jeong Seong-ho to prioritize legislation directly affecting people's livelihoods, as well as effective persuasion of both ruling and opposition parties. The legislative focus has been sharply aimed at protecting vulnerable populations. One of the most notable achievements is the 'Stalking Victim Protection Order System,' passed in March. Previously, victims had to go through investigative agencies to receive protection, but now they can directly request restraining orders from the court. Additionally, a system providing real-time location information of offenders (passed in December 2025) has been established, creating a practical safety net for victims against retaliatory crimes. Management of high-risk sexual violence offenders has also been significantly strengthened. Under a bill passed in April, offenders deemed at high risk of reoffending will be assigned a dedicated probation officer, regardless of the victim's age. Furthermore, support for victims of serious crimes such as murder and robbery has been expanded to include public defenders, and minors or disabled victims can receive assistance without a separate application, reinforcing the state’s protective responsibility. The Justice Ministry has also updated outdated legal frameworks that failed to reflect societal changes. The provision that exempted family crimes from punishment has been revised to align with contemporary realities, and the qualifications of immoral heirs have been revoked, leading to a comprehensive revision of civil law for the first time in 67 years (passed in February 2026). This is seen as a historic decision to address criticisms that the law has not kept pace with modern family dynamics. Additionally, amendments to commercial law have expanded the duty of loyalty for corporate directors to shareholders and mandated the buyback of treasury shares, enhancing transparency in capital markets. Revisions to the lease protection law have also made it mandatory for landlords to disclose details of opaque management fees for small business owners. In response to organized fraud that drives ordinary citizens to the brink, the ministry has focused not only on judicial punishment but also on economic sanctions. Legal grounds have been established for the state to confiscate and recover profits from specific fraud crimes, such as voice phishing, multi-level marketing, and rental fraud, returning them to victims. The pinnacle of these legislative achievements is the enactment of the Anti-Japanese Property Recovery Act, passed in May. This law revives the Anti-Japanese Property Investigation Committee after 16 years, initiating a systematic recovery process. Notably, the scope of recoverable assets has been expanded to include not only properties obtained through pro-Japanese activities but also profits gained by descendants from disposing of these assets, enabling substantial restitution. Recovered assets will be prioritized for the welfare of independence activists and their families. Minister Jeong Seong-ho emphasized, "The results reflect the core keywords of the Lee Jae-myung administration: public safety, livelihood, and reform. We will ensure that the passage of these bills leads to swift implementation and system establishment so that citizens can feel the changes in their daily lives."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-28 16:58:00