GTX Samsung Station Rebar Omission Controversy: Safety or Political Attack? The controversy surrounding the omission of rebar in the GTX-A complex transfer center near Samsung Station in Gangnam, Seoul, has emerged as a critical safety issue in the lead-up to the June 3 mayoral election. Jung Won-o, the Democratic Party's candidate for mayor of Seoul, criticized the administration of Oh Se-hoon, stating it symbolizes poor construction practices and a lack of safety awareness in the city. In response, Oh Se-hoon, the People Power Party's candidate, and the Seoul city government argued that the city's comprehensive CCTV recording system allowed for the early detection and proactive response to construction errors. The debate has also reached the National Assembly's Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee, where discussions have centered on whether there was a cover-up or adherence to procedures, escalating the issue into a political battleground. The controversy began when it was revealed that some columns in the underground level five of the GTX-A Samsung Station section of the Yeongdong-daero development lacked the required rebar as per design specifications. The construction company, Hyundai Engineering & Construction, discovered this during a review of the blueprints last October and reported it to the city. Seoul City does not deny the omission of rebar but maintains that while there was a construction error, structural safety was not compromised. According to structural engineers, the columns can still bear sufficient loads, and by applying reinforcement methods using steel plates and fireproof coatings, safety can be enhanced beyond the original design standards. Jung Won-o: Major Flaws Should Have Halted Construction Jung has characterized the situation not merely as a construction error but as a failure of Seoul's safety management. After visiting the construction site on May 17, he stated, "This is a clear case of poor construction," criticizing that significant flaws were allowed to progress to the third underground level without completing safety reinforcements. He particularly questioned the decision to continue construction despite the major flaws, asserting, "Common sense dictates that when significant flaws occur, construction should be halted entirely for objective verification and safety reinforcements before resuming." He raised concerns that the work was pushed forward to meet deadlines. Jung also demanded that Oh disclose when he was first informed of the issue and what actions were taken, directly challenging the reporting structure and accountability of the mayor's office. Jung's team is framing the issue within the broader context of responses to heavy rain, snow, and sinkhole problems, suggesting it reflects a structural issue within the entire safety system of Seoul. Oh Se-hoon: Safety is a Scientific System, Not Just a Slogan Oh has firmly rebutted Jung's and the Democratic Party's claims of safety negligence. On May 20, he stated on social media, "Jung Won-o and the Democratic Party are shooting arrows of 'safety negligence' at me and the city. I want to ask who has truly been negligent about safety." He emphasized the importance of why Hyundai Engineering & Construction reported the rebar omission themselves, questioning, "Is it common for a primary contractor to voluntarily report the mistakes of a subcontractor on a large construction site?" Oh noted that he had instructed that all major construction processes be recorded with CCTV and body cameras to prevent repeated accidents at construction sites. He claimed that the city's comprehensive CCTV recording and preservation system was what led to the self-reporting by the construction company. Since 2022, Seoul City has implemented a 'process recording management system' for public projects exceeding 10 billion won, ensuring that key construction scenes are recorded on video to allow for immediate tracking of issues when they arise. Oh stated, "It is a tightly woven net that cannot be hidden or covered up, and safety is not just a slogan but a scientific system." He added that the city began reinforcement measures immediately after becoming aware of the issue in November and reported a total of 51 cases related to rebar omission and safety measures in official documents over the following six months. He criticized the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and the Korea Railroad Corporation for being irresponsible, stating, "After receiving dozens of documents over the past six months, they now question why they were not informed sooner." Seoul City: Six Months of Reporting and Expert Verification Seoul City has also countered claims of concealment, stating on May 21 that it reported the rebar omission to the Korea Railroad Corporation three times in official documents between November of last year and January of this year. Additionally, the city reported a total of 51 cases of progress and safety measures in six subsequent reports. Furthermore, the city conducted external expert advisory meetings and site inspections until March of this year, confirming through an emergency safety inspection led by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport that there were no structural anomalies. A city official stated, "We immediately initiated safety inspections and expert consultations upon discovering the construction error, and we comprehensively reviewed the impact on structural stability and maintenance when applying reinforcement methods," asserting that this is a case where the safety system functioned properly. National Assembly Clash: Concealment vs. Procedure The controversy also reached a head during a recent inquiry by the National Assembly's Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee on May 20. People Power Party lawmaker Yoon Jae-ok asked Acting Mayor Kim Seong-bo, "Did you not explicitly report the rebar omission 51 times through six regular reports from November 2025 to April 2026? Is it concealment if the receiving agency claims it did not see the contents?" Acting Mayor Kim responded, "There was never any intention to conceal, nor could there be. We conducted 19 expert meetings and site inspections. The key issue is whether proper follow-up actions were taken." In contrast, Democratic Party lawmaker Yoon Jong-gun criticized, "If you were already aware of the rebar omission, why was it not mentioned during the site inspections with external experts? If that is not concealment, what is?" Yoon referenced the minutes from a joint inspection meeting held earlier this year, stating, "While discussing the causes of cracks and repair methods, the omission of rebar was not mentioned at all," which he condemned. In response, Acting Mayor Kim acknowledged that while it was not discussed at that meeting, procedures were ongoing. Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Kim Yoon-deok offered a somewhat unfavorable interpretation for Seoul City, stating, "In addition to monthly progress reports, if significant issues arise that could impact the structure or major processes, separate situation reports are required by the corporation's regulations. It is difficult to view Seoul City as having fulfilled its reporting obligations." Seoul City countered that these regulations are internal standards of the Korea Railroad Corporation and that there is no separate reporting obligation under the contract. The essence of this controversy lies not merely in the rebar omission itself but in evaluating whether the city's response after discovering the issue met the safety standards expected by citizens. Whether this dispute, which has surfaced in the final stretch of the election, will be remembered as a case of a functioning safety system or as a negligent response to safety remains to be seen, pending further investigation and public judgment. 2026-05-21 13:38:49

Financial Supervisory Service Warns of Fee Discrepancies When Opening Branch Accounts for ETFs Recently, the rapid growth of the exchange-traded fund (ETF) market has led to an increase in related financial complaints, prompting the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) to issue a warning to investors. On May 21, the FSS shared key consumer warnings based on major complaint cases arising from ETF investments through specific money trusts, individual savings accounts (ISA), and pension savings accounts. According to the FSS, complaints related to ETF investments have consistently been raised regarding fees, available investment options, trading timing, and automatic sell services. The FSS noted that when investing in ETFs through pension savings accounts, significant differences in trading fees can occur depending on how the account is opened. Complaints have been received indicating that fees for trading ETFs can be up to ten times higher when accounts are opened at brokerage branches compared to those opened online. Typically, trading fees for ETFs in online accounts range from 0.01% to 0.015%, while fees for branch-opened accounts can reach 0.10% to 0.20%, with some even as high as 0.4% to 0.5%. Additionally, there have been complaints that bank branch employees did not adequately explain the potential for additional costs beyond trading fees. The FSS explained that when investing in ETFs through specific money trusts, in addition to trading fees (around 0.1%), trust fees (ranging from 0.03% to 2.0%) and early redemption fees (from 0.00% to 1.0%) may also apply. Another consumer warning highlighted the limitations on available ETF options during the transfer process of ISA accounts. The FSS stated that bank ISAs have a more restricted selection of ETFs compared to those at brokerage firms, and the available options may vary by bank. Therefore, investors should verify the availability of their desired ETFs before transferring their ISAs. Complaints have also arisen regarding the timing of ETF trades. Unlike brokerage firms, banks do not allow real-time trading of ETFs, which can lead to discrepancies between the estimated value confirmed by investors and the actual execution price. The FSS urged investors to confirm the timing of actual transactions when entering into buy or sell agreements for ETFs. Regarding automatic sell services, complaints have been reported about target profit rates being set without the investor's input and actual returns being lower than the target rates. The FSS emphasized the need for investors to verify their participation in automatic sell services and the settings for target profit rates when investing in ETFs through specific money trusts. Investors should be aware that when investing in ETFs through specific money trusts, additional trust fees and early redemption fees may apply, in addition to trading fees.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-21 13:34:19

Political Distortion of the Gwangju Uprising Must End, Leaders Urged The Gwangju Uprising marks its 46th anniversary, yet certain political factions continue to distort and undermine its historical significance. Despite the government's legal and institutional recognition of the pro-democracy movement, including Supreme Court rulings and investigations, extreme claims and political exploitation persist. This ongoing lack of social consensus regarding the tragic history of democracy reflects the backwardness of South Korean politics. The events of May 18 are no longer open to political interpretation. The violent suppression of citizens by the military regime in May 1980 was a pivotal moment that changed the course of South Korean democracy, a fact that has been legally and historically established. It has been designated a national memorial day and is recognized as a core value of democracy, even being discussed for inclusion in the preamble of the constitution. However, during election seasons, some politicians resort to strategic manipulation or repeat controversies surrounding the Gwangju Uprising. Statements influenced by extreme factions emerge, unverified conspiracy theories resurface, and remarks that reopen wounds for victims and their families continue. Critics argue that politicians are using historical issues not for social unity but as a means to consolidate their support base. The problem is that this distortion goes beyond mere verbal missteps. It fosters distrust in the history of democracy, exacerbates generational conflicts, and undermines public standards across society. In an age where provocative claims spread rapidly through platforms like YouTube and social media, irresponsible remarks from politicians carry even greater repercussions. The words of public figures are not merely personal opinions; they convey societal messages. Moreover, statements from lawmakers and party leaders come with the heavy responsibility of upholding national unity and democratic values. Even more concerning is the inability of the political sphere to rise above partisan logic regarding historical issues. While they react vehemently to distortions from opposing factions, they often remain silent or downplay inappropriate remarks from their own side. On historical matters, there should be no division between the ruling and opposition parties. The entire political landscape must draw a clear line against distortions and denigrations that undermine the fundamental order of democracy. Germany legally punishes the denial of Nazi crimes, and several European countries apply strict standards against historical distortion. This is rooted in the understanding that political exploitation of the past can threaten democracy itself. South Korea has also established laws to penalize distortions of the Gwangju Uprising, yet controversies continue to arise within political calculations. This underscores the need for politicians to cultivate a minimum ethical awareness regarding history. Particularly, conservative politicians must feel a heavier sense of responsibility. The Gwangju Uprising represents a historical challenge that South Korean conservatism must confront. If they continue to adopt ambiguous stances out of fear of hardline supporters, they will struggle to gain the trust of moderates. A healthy conservatism that respects democracy and constitutional order should not hesitate to draw lines against historical distortion. The progressive camp must also move away from treating the Gwangju Uprising as a proprietary asset of a specific faction. The history of democratization is not the exclusive domain of any political group but belongs to the entire nation. The Gwangju Uprising is not just a story of Gwangju. It serves as a reminder of the tragedy when state power is turned against its citizens and a commitment to ensure such events never happen again. In light of this history, a minimum level of responsibility and restraint is necessary. If the political sphere continues to engage in distortion and conflict, it is ultimately the trust in democracy and national unity that will suffer. History is not a tool for politics. Especially the history of democracy, written in blood, must be treated with the utmost respect. The political arena must now remove the Gwangju Uprising from the battleground of conflict. This is the minimum dignity that politicians must uphold when discussing democracy.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-21 13:33:00

Negative Campaigning Dominates Upcoming Local Elections in South Korea As the June 3 local elections approach in South Korea, the political climate in key battlegrounds is becoming increasingly contentious. Candidates are hitting the streets to meet voters, and political parties have mobilized their full support. It is natural for the intensity to rise as the election date nears, as democracy thrives on competition, and elections are the most visible manifestation of that competition. However, this local election is becoming overly focused on personal attacks and allegations against opponents rather than policy competition. Voters are eager to hear visions and plans for improving their communities, yet the campaign landscape is dominated by negative tactics aimed at exploiting the weaknesses of rival candidates. In critical areas like Seoul and Busan, emotional and aggressive exchanges are overshadowing policy debates. In the Seoul mayoral race, the People Power Party and the Democratic Party have been relentless in launching various allegations and controversies against each other. Issues such as personal life controversies, accountability for city governance, and allegations of construction material omissions are being raised, while serious discussions about how to improve citizens' lives are being pushed to the background. The conflict has escalated beyond individual candidates, with central party leadership joining the fray, transforming the local elections into a national political battleground. Since the official campaign began, party leaders have hurled strong accusations at each other, labeling opponents as "incompetent," "irresponsible," and questioning their "moral integrity." Each campaign is intensifying its attacks, leading to growing fatigue among voters. The Busan mayoral election is similarly contentious. During public debates, allegations of bribery involving the Unification Church and controversies over real estate profits have taken center stage, with candidates spending significant time attacking one another. The Incheon mayoral race is also marked by intensified clashes over allegations of hidden virtual assets, with discussions of potential legal actions surfacing. Across the country, elections are increasingly resembling exposés rather than policy debates. Additionally, there is concern over the rapid spread of unverified claims and sensational videos on social media platforms and YouTube during this election. In the past, candidate disputes primarily occurred in debates or official campaign events, but now, short edited videos and online posts are circulating in real-time, swaying public opinion. If the election devolves into a competition for views rather than a contest of policies and visions, the biggest victims will ultimately be the voters who need accurate information to make informed decisions. While scrutiny of candidates is necessary, as their morals, qualifications, and past actions are crucial factors in voters' decisions, it is not inherently problematic to raise allegations. However, if the focus remains solely on attacks and counterattacks, the election risks becoming a battle of emotions rather than a competition for the future. Local elections are fundamentally about issues closest to residents' lives, addressing matters such as transportation, housing, welfare, education, urban development, and safety. The focus should be on what kind of city to build, what kind of administration to implement, and what actions to take for youth, the elderly, and small businesses. Yet, voters are increasingly exposed to commentary and investigative articles attacking rival candidates rather than to platforms of promises. Politicians often claim they seek voters' choices. Therefore, they must first provide reasons for voters to choose them. Rather than fixating on undermining opponents, candidates should explain what they can offer. Elections should prioritize promises over attacks and policies over political strife to restore voter trust. As the election draws closer, the level of attacks is likely to escalate further. However, what voters will ultimately remember is not how much they attacked their opponents, but what promises they made for their communities and what visions they presented. This is why there is hope that this local election will remain a contest of policies rather than a competition of smear tactics. 2026-05-21 13:30:31

[[6·3 Local Elections]] Jeong Cheong-rae Calls for Cleanup Lineup in Gyeonggi with Lee Jae-myung, Choo Mi-ae, and Kim Byeong-wook On May 21, Jeong Cheong-rae, the head of the Democratic Party's election campaign committee, visited Seongnam to support Gyeonggi governor candidate Choo Mi-ae and Seongnam mayor candidate Kim Byeong-wook. He urged voters to create a cleanup lineup in Gyeonggi alongside President Lee Jae-myung, emphasizing that the country can only achieve normalization by eliminating insurrectionist forces. Speaking near Seohyeon Station, Jeong stated, "The Gyeonggi governor and Seongnam mayor must be from the Democratic Party, working seamlessly together like cogs in a machine with the president." He added, "The insurrection is still ongoing," criticizing the People Power Party by asking, "Is this a nomination for insurrection or an insurrection for nomination?" He described the upcoming election as a decisive moment to drive the 'Yoon Again' forces out of South Korea, asserting that this is essential for the country's normalization. Jeong pledged that the Democratic Party would continue to robustly support the Lee Jae-myung administration and ensure that the needs of Gyeonggi residents and Seongnam citizens are met through legal and institutional support. In response, Choo stated, "I will work with you to open a proud future for Gyeonggi Province." Kim also expressed his ambition to become an effective mayor of Seongnam, working alongside the Lee Jae-myung administration.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-21 13:27:57

Song Eon-seok Calls for Public Support in Local Elections Song Eon-seok, the floor leader of the People Power Party, launched a strong critique against the government and ruling party on the first day of the official campaign for the June 3 local elections. During a press conference at the National Assembly on May 21, Song stated, "This local election will determine whether we will check the arrogance and self-righteousness of the Lee administration and the Democratic Party or allow it to continue unchecked." He continued his criticism regarding the proposed special investigation law aimed at dismissing charges. "If the Democratic Party wins, they will argue that the public supports the dismissal of charges and will push forward with a special investigation to eliminate the president's alleged crimes. We must prevent this at all costs," he urged. Song escalated his rhetoric by addressing the potential for a "tax bomb" following the local elections. He warned, "The Democratic Party is already laying the groundwork for increased capital gains tax, the elimination of long-term holding exemptions, property tax hikes, and the introduction of a financial transaction tax. If they win, they will claim public support for these tax bomb policies and implement them fully." He added, "While our People Power Party has made mistakes, I urge you to consider whether the Democratic Party is truly doing well and what will happen if they win. A vote for the Democratic Party is a vote to give up your home and property. To stabilize real estate, prevent tax bombs, and ensure a functioning economy, please vote for the People Power Party." Following the press conference, Song is scheduled to travel to Busan for a joint launch ceremony for the 'People Power Party Busan Victory' campaign and to support Park Min-sik, the candidate for Busan's Buk-gu district. In response to a question about whether the visit was aimed at influencing the local election dynamics in Buk-gu, Choi Soo-jin, the spokesperson for the central election committee, stated, "Buk-gu is a crucial battleground, so we are going there." Choi also emphasized, "Today marks the start of our campaign, and we will provide active support from the central party. We are focusing not only on local government positions but also on by-elections, as increasing the number of National Assembly members is a key goal for us in this election."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-21 13:25:13

Seoul Mayoral Candidates Clash Over GTX Construction Plans Jung Won-o, the Democratic Party's candidate for Seoul mayor, announced on May 21 that he would halt construction of the GTX-A express railway if elected. His opponent, Oh Se-hoon of the People Power Party, criticized this stance, claiming it disregards the desires of citizens who want the project completed and would hinder the city's development. During an appearance on MBC Radio's "Kim Jong-bae's Focus," Jung expressed concerns about the missing rebar in the GTX-A line at Samsung Station, stating, "If I become mayor, I will stop the construction for now. If it’s not safe, isn’t it just a house of cards?" He emphasized the importance of a solid foundation, noting that the underground level five, where cracks have appeared, is crucial. "If that part is flawed, no matter how well the upper structure is built, it will lead to significant problems, and fixing it would require tearing everything down and starting over," he reiterated his commitment to halting the project. In response to Jung's comments, Oh accused him of acting against the city's progress. On Facebook, Oh remarked, "He is just like former Mayor Park Won-soon, predicting a stagnant Seoul and a dark decade of lost opportunities." Oh further criticized Jung for ignoring the urgent wishes of citizens in Seoul and the surrounding metropolitan area who are enduring inconveniences due to ongoing construction. He pointed out that the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, under the Lee Jae-myung administration, conducted a trial operation of the GTX-A line for 17 days despite being aware of the rebar issue, asserting that there are no safety concerns. "We cannot entrust Seoul to Mr. Halt King," he concluded.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-21 13:22:27

April Auto Insurance Loss Ratio Improves Slightly to 85.4% 4월 자동차보험 손해율이 지난해보다 소폭 개선된 것으로 나타났다. 올 초 인상된 자동차보험료가 일부 반영된 데다 사고 건수도 줄어든 영향으로 분석된다. According to the insurance industry on May 21, the average loss ratio for auto insurance among the four major companies—Samsung Fire & Marine, Hyundai Marine & Fire, DB Insurance, and KB Insurance—was 85.4% in April, a decrease of 0.3 percentage points from 85.7% in the same month last year. The rise in auto insurance premiums earlier this year appears to have had some effect, along with a reduction in the number of accidents compared to the same month last year. However, due to a deterioration in loss ratios throughout the first quarter, the cumulative loss ratio for April stands at 85.8%, an increase of 2.5 percentage points compared to the same period last year. An industry official stated, "Considering the expected increase in accidents due to rising traffic volume in May, along with issues such as excessive medical treatments for minor injuries and rising costs for parts and repairs, the outlook for future loss ratios is somewhat negative."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-21 13:21:00

Samsung Electronics and Labor Union Reach Tentative Agreement Ahead of Strike Samsung Electronics and its labor union reached a tentative agreement just before a planned strike. The key points include utilizing 10.5% of the semiconductor division's operating profit for special management performance bonuses and abolishing the cap on these bonuses. This effectively institutionalizes a performance bonus system linked to operating profit. The union initially demanded a 15% payout of operating profit and the removal of the cap, which the company largely accepted after negotiations.While the immediate crisis of a strike has been averted, this agreement could have significant repercussions for corporate management. In capital-intensive industries like semiconductors, fixing a portion of operating profit as bonuses could undermine future competitiveness. There is concern that this could lead to a 'poisoned chalice' scenario, where short-term conflict resolution creates long-term issues.The semiconductor industry operates on a different level compared to traditional manufacturing. The cyclical nature of the market is extreme, and most profits during boom periods must be reinvested in facilities and research and development to survive. Samsung Electronics is heavily investing tens of trillions of won in advanced processes and securing competitiveness in HBM and foundry services. Companies in the U.S., Taiwan, and China are also competing for semiconductor dominance with national support. In this context, tying a portion of operating profit to a fixed distribution structure could reduce investment capacity.There are worries that this could set a 'bad precedent.' Industries such as shipbuilding, power equipment, and defense are already experiencing a supercycle. HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and Hanwha Ocean have secured several years' worth of orders, while companies like Hyosung Heavy Industries and LS Electric are achieving record performances due to increased demand for power infrastructure from AI data centers. The defense sector is also thriving with strong exports to the Middle East and Europe.If unions in these sectors demand similar arrangements based on Samsung Electronics' agreement, companies could face substantial performance bonus burdens during boom periods, leading to recurring labor disputes during downturns. Performance bonuses should be determined flexibly, taking into account management performance, future investments, and market conditions. Fixing them as a percentage of operating profit would significantly undermine corporate autonomy.It is essential to acknowledge the contributions of workers. The global competitiveness of Samsung Electronics' semiconductor business stems from the dedication of on-site engineers and research personnel. The principle that appropriate rewards should follow achievements is valid. However, the method of distribution is crucial. If the structure undermines corporate sustainability and investment competitiveness, the burden will ultimately fall back on the workers.The South Korean semiconductor industry is in a survival competition with TSMC, Intel, and Chinese companies. Labor disputes over performance bonus distribution will only benefit competing nations. While profit generation is a primary goal for companies, they must also invest for the future. Especially in capital-intensive industries, profits during boom periods should be accumulated as investment resources for future downturns.There are concerns that Samsung Electronics' agreement could trigger a dangerous domino effect across the industry. While performance bonuses are necessary, they should not stifle future investment. What is needed now is not a short-term distribution logic but a balanced approach that ensures the long-term survival of companies and the competitiveness of the industry.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-21 13:18:22

First Arrest Warrant Issued by Special Prosecutors for Former KTV Head Lee Eun-woo Lee Eun-woo, the former head of the Korea Policy Broadcasting System (KTV), faces a critical moment as he is accused of insurrection propaganda related to the December 3 martial law. This marks the first attempt by the second comprehensive special investigation team, led by Special Prosecutor Kwon Chang-young, to secure an arrest warrant, focusing on a charge that lacks legal precedent. The Seoul Central District Court, presided over by Chief Judge Lee Jong-rok, began the warrant hearing at 10 a.m. on May 21 to assess the necessity of Lee's arrest. Lee arrived at the court at 9:16 a.m. dressed in a black suit, heading straight to the courtroom without responding to questions from reporters. Special Prosecutors Kwon Young-bin and Kim Jung-min attended the hearing. Kwon stated to reporters outside the court, "The citizens who rushed to the National Assembly were the key figures in stopping the insurrection on December 3. The act of continuing to propagate insurrection against such citizens must be severely punished." He added, "We have confirmed the charges by supplementing aspects that were not investigated in the first insurrection special investigation, and given the seriousness of the matter, we filed for the warrant. It was particularly necessary to verify the fairness and objectivity of the media among government agencies." Lee is accused of repeatedly broadcasting news that justified the martial law and related proclamations from December 3 to 13, 2024, while selectively blocking or deleting news that criticized or attempted to halt the martial law, thereby propagating insurrection. The comprehensive special investigation team claims that Lee continued to support and protect insurrection forces, including former President Yoon Suk Yeol, even after the martial law was lifted, leading to the warrant request on May 18. This is the first arrest warrant request in the 82 days since the special investigation team was established. The key issue in this case is whether the charge of insurrection propaganda can be substantiated. There is no precedent for this charge being recognized as a valid reason for arrest, making the court's decision highly anticipated. Kwon emphasized, "There is currently no precedent for insurrection propaganda charges, and this is the first attempt by the comprehensive special investigation team. We will explain to the court that insurrection propaganda is a significantly serious criminal act." The special investigation team argues that the essence of the case lies not merely in the direction of reporting but in the fact that a state-run broadcaster justified an unconstitutional martial law and continued to support it. In contrast, Lee's defense team asserts that KTV's role is to promote policies and denies the allegations, questioning whether the broadcasts can be interpreted as promoting insurrection and legitimizing it. Lee's defense reportedly submitted a 100-page opinion document in preparation for the hearing, stating, "KTV's identity is that of a policy promotion broadcaster," and questioning the interpretation of its broadcasts as promoting insurrection. The relationship with previous trials is also a major point of contention. Previously, the insurrection special investigation team (led by Special Prosecutor Jo Eun-seok) charged Lee with abuse of authority for ordering the deletion of KTV subtitles containing statements from politicians criticizing the constitutionality and legality of the martial law shortly after it was declared. Lee was indicted without detention in December of last year, and the case is currently awaiting a first-instance verdict on June 26, following a sentencing hearing on May 15. At that time, the insurrection special investigation team decided not to prosecute on the charge of insurrection propaganda, citing the timing of the offense and the potential chilling effect on press freedom. However, the comprehensive special investigation team decided to reopen the investigation after reviewing the case records and confirming evidence that Lee supported insurrection forces even after the martial law was lifted. This has led to concerns in the legal community about potential "double prosecution," as some argue that the same actions are being investigated again while a trial is ongoing. The special investigation team strongly refuted this claim. Kwon stated, "The term double prosecution is something said by those who do not understand the law. Given the protected legal interests, the nature of the acts, and the social facts, this is a separate case and does not constitute double prosecution." The court is expected to consider the degree of evidence supporting the charges, the similarity to existing cases, and the extent to which journalistic actions can be subject to criminal penalties during the warrant hearing. This hearing is anticipated to be a turning point for the comprehensive special investigation. If the warrant is issued, the investigation can accelerate into the involvement of state agencies and public media before and after the martial law. Conversely, if denied, it could raise questions about the validity of applying a charge of insurrection propaganda without precedent and significantly hinder the investigation's momentum. A decision on Lee's arrest could be made as early as that evening.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-21 13:13:38