Police Intensify Investigation into Seosomun Overpass Collapse Police investigating the Seosomun overpass collapse have begun a thorough inquiry into the construction company involved in the demolition work. According to Yonhap News on June 2, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's special investigation unit summoned representatives from Heung-Hwa, the construction firm responsible for the demolition, for questioning. This marks one week since both the police and the Ministry of Employment and Labor launched their investigations following the collapse. During the questioning, investigators are expected to focus on how the demolition work has been conducted, the safety management systems implemented by the construction company, and the circumstances surrounding the incident on the day of the collapse. The police also plan to summon officials from the oversight firm, Seong Engineering, later this week. Additionally, arrangements are being made to question the site manager and safety officers from Heung-Hwa's subcontractors. Four safety management personnel from Heung-Hwa have already been charged with negligent homicide in connection with the incident. Park Jeong-bo, the chief of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, stated at a briefing the previous day, "We are meticulously analyzing the materials obtained from the site inspection and search warrants to determine whether those charged bear any responsibility for the fatal incident." As the police continue to investigate the structural issues that may have led to the overpass collapse, there are speculations that the inquiry could expand to include officials from the Seoul city government, who are currently considered witnesses.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-02 20:30:00

Court Hears Motion to Lift Travel Ban on Moss Tan Amid Defamation Investigation A court hearing was held on June 2 to determine whether to suspend a travel ban on Moss Tan, a professor at Liberty University, who is under police investigation for allegedly defaming President Lee Jae-myung. Tan did not attend the hearing. According to Yonhap News, Tan's legal representatives requested the Seoul Administrative Court to lift the travel ban, arguing that the right to freedom of movement is constitutionally protected. Attorney Lee Ha-sang, representing Tan, claimed that the travel ban was flawed both substantively and procedurally, leading to irreparable harm. He stated, "To restrict travel based on a lack of specific evidence regarding the purpose of travel is an unconstitutional assertion," adding that they would provide supporting documents if necessary. In contrast, the Ministry of Justice argued that the travel ban should remain in effect. A representative from the ministry stated, "Tan's side claims he needs to travel for lectures in the U.S., but they have not substantiated the specific purpose or timing of his travel. Vague assertions of necessity do not prove irreparable harm." The representative further noted that while Tan claims to be cooperating with investigators, he appears to be refusing to attend without legitimate reasons, suggesting that the request should be denied. Tan, who served as the U.S. Department of State's International Criminal Justice Ambassador during the Trump administration, has stirred controversy by alleging that China interfered in South Korea's elections and that President Lee had been incarcerated as a youth. The police, who charged Tan with defamation last July, requested his attendance after he announced plans to monitor and verify alleged election fraud in South Korea ahead of the June 3 local elections. After Tan submitted a notice of absence, the police applied for the travel ban to the Ministry of Justice, prompting Tan to file a lawsuit to cancel the ban along with a request for a stay. The travel ban refers to restrictions placed on foreigners preventing them from leaving the country. A hearing for the main lawsuit filed by Tan's side to cancel the travel ban is scheduled for June 10.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-02 20:24:00

Oh Se-hoon Launches Final Campaign Push Ahead of Local Elections Oh Se-hoon, the People Power Party candidate for Seoul mayor, launched an all-out effort to secure votes on June 2, one day before the June 3 local elections. He was joined by lawmaker Na Kyung-won and Supreme Council member Shin Dong-wook at a rally held at Namseong Market in Seocho-gu. During the rally, Oh emphasized the need to hold the Lee Jae-myung administration accountable. He addressed the crowd, saying, "You must have felt frustrated when the microphone wasn’t working properly. If we don’t make President Lee Jae-myung wake up this time, we will face two more years of this frustrating situation until the next general election." He pledged, "If elected, I will ensure that in the first week of my new term, I will play a key role in correcting real estate policies at the Cabinet meeting." Oh appealed for support, urging residents of Dongjak and Seocho to go to the polls and help him achieve a decisive victory, stating, "With your support, I can win overwhelmingly." Lawmaker Na also criticized the Lee administration, saying, "The incompetence of the Lee Jae-myung government has reached its peak. You must judge them." Meanwhile, Oh continued his final offensive against Democratic Party candidate Jeong Won-o. Speaking to reporters during a previous rally in Yangcheon-gu, he accused Jeong of raising safety issues as a distraction from his lack of vision and policy shortcomings, calling it a strategy to cover up his deficiencies. Earlier that morning, at Hyochang Park, Oh called for Jeong's resignation, stating, "Jeong has evaded debates and discussions, and I believe that alone warrants a negative evaluation. If he wants to manage Seoul, he must create opportunities for self-verification. Jeong has lost his qualifications and is unprepared. He should resign now, labeling all unfavorable comments as 'negative campaigning.'" On the same day, Oh began his campaign at Yeouido Station in Yeongdeungpo-gu and continued a relay tour through Yongsan-gu, Mapo-gu, Jung-gu, Eunpyeong-gu, Gangseo-gu, Yangcheon-gu, Guro-gu, Geumcheon-gu, Gwanak-gu, and Dongjak-gu to gather support. He concluded his campaign with a final rally at Sinchon Star Square in Seodaemun-gu. After the rally, he engaged with citizens at Gwanghwamun Square, the Garden of Gratitude, and the Youth Street in Jongno until the end of the day. 2026-06-02 20:24:00

Controversy Erupts Over Jeong Won-o's Resume as Seoul Mayor Candidate A debate has erupted regarding the resume of Jeong Won-o, the Democratic Party's candidate for Seoul mayor. Recently, a comment posted on a real estate community website drew attention to Jeong's background. The commenter, identified as A, stated, "Out of curiosity, I searched for his resume on a portal site and burst into laughter at the endless list of impressive credentials." A detailed Jeong's background, noting he was born in Yeosu, served as vice president of the student council at the University of Seoul, held various roles including chief secretary to a district mayor, aide to lawmaker Im Jong-seok, head of the Roh Moo-hyun campaign, deputy spokesperson for the Democratic Party, director of the Seongdong Urban Management Corporation, and has been elected three times as the district mayor of Seongdong. A pointed out, "The glaring fact is that he has never received a salary from the cold, hard capitalist market in the private sector." A characterized Jeong as a "perfect born-to-be politician," stating, "From his college days in his twenties to now in his fifties, he has only filled his plate through student movements, party activities, and local governments funded by taxes. If they argue that competing for power in their own league is a form of social life, I have nothing to say, but it is light-years away from the ordinary social life we know, filled with commuting hell and performance pressure." A also critically interpreted the characteristics of politicians who have built their careers primarily through student movements, party activities, and public office, claiming that many mainstream Democratic Party politicians share similar backgrounds. A asserted, "The resumes of mainstream Democratic politicians, aside from a few exceptional cases or those appointed in this administration, are eerily similar to Jeong's. The only experiences they can list on their resumes are struggles, chairmanships, aides, and campaign managers. Which private company would welcome them? Therefore, when they enter the election arena, they literally fight for their lives. They resort to smear campaigns, incitement, flip-flopping, and shameless tactics. Even if they are criticized, they never back down..." Meanwhile, the debate over politicians' 'social experience' has been ongoing in the political arena for some time. Some argue that individuals who have gained political expertise through student movements, civic groups, party activities, and staff roles are well-equipped for policy-making. In contrast, others criticize politicians lacking experience in private enterprises, self-employment, or industrial fields, suggesting they may not fully understand the realities of the economy and citizens' lives. Recently, discussions about whether 'career politicians' or 'politicians with social experience' are more suitable have been actively taking place online, transcending party lines.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-02 20:03:00

Government Selects 30 Key Agricultural and Rural Normalization Tasks The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced on June 2 that it has adopted 30 key normalization tasks for the agricultural and rural sectors, including a comprehensive land survey and cooperative reform. The ministry plans to continue identifying additional normalization tasks in the coming phases to actively address longstanding challenges in the agricultural and rural fields. On the same day, the ministry held a meeting of the "Task Force for Agricultural and Rural Normalization" at the aT Center in Seoul. Since launching the task force in April, the ministry has operated sector-specific teams and conducted workshops for civil servants, uncovering a total of 104 improvement tasks for the agricultural and rural sectors. During the meeting, the ministry confirmed 30 normalization tasks, which include five cases of exploiting legal loopholes, 16 outdated laws and regulations, six laws that are disconnected from public sentiment, and three cases of potential unjust enrichment. To prevent exploitation of legal loopholes, the ministry highlighted the need for a comprehensive land survey and cooperative reform. It plans to take strict action against illegal activities based on the survey results while also pursuing effective institutional improvements. Additionally, the ministry aims to strengthen internal and external checks on cooperatives and reform election systems to ensure they fulfill their primary roles. To improve outdated laws and regulations, the ministry will revise policies to recognize young farmers renting their parents' land and facilities as independent operators eligible for agricultural settlement support. Furthermore, it plans to expand the introduction of foreign seasonal workers, which was previously limited to cities and counties, to autonomous districts within metropolitan areas. In addressing laws that are disconnected from public sentiment, the ministry will actively collaborate with other departments to tackle issues related to public safety, such as prohibiting drunk driving of agricultural vehicles like tractors and cultivators. To prevent unjust enrichment, the ministry intends to ensure that the benefits of tariff quotas for sugar are directed to actual consumers by shifting the focus of quota recommendations to genuine demand-driven companies. The ministry aims to quickly produce results from the normalization tasks, led by the Agricultural Industry Policy Planning Division, while accelerating the identification of subsequent tasks. Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Song Mi-ryung stated, "We will thoroughly identify and improve unreasonable or outdated systems from the perspective of the public. We will continue to uncover tasks and promptly address any issues that cause inconvenience to the public."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-02 20:00:00

Special Prosecutors Summon Former Seoul Central District Prosecutor Lee Chang-soo Over Allegations The second Special Prosecutor Team, led by Kwon Chang-young, has decided to summon Lee Chang-soo, the former Seoul Central District Prosecutor, for questioning in connection with allegations of covering up the Deutsche Motors investigation. According to a report by Yonhap News on June 2, Lee and Choi Jae-hoon, the former head of the Anti-Corruption Division at the Seoul Central District Prosecutor's Office, have been notified of their summons regarding charges of falsifying official documents. The core of the allegations is that the Seoul Central District Prosecutor's Office failed to conduct a proper investigation into the Deutsche Motors stock manipulation case, particularly in its decision not to prosecute Kim Geon-hee, the spouse of President Yoon Suk-yeol. The investigation team concluded that Kim was not aware of any wrongdoing related to market manipulation, leading to a decision of 'no charges' regarding violations of the Capital Markets Act. Subsequent to this decision, there are indications that an internal 'no-prosecution opinion' document was drafted before the case was closed, and parts of the investigation report were altered afterward. The Special Prosecutor Team believes that these modifications were made retroactively and may constitute the creation of false official documents, leading to Lee and others being designated as suspects. Lee and his associates have denied the allegations, asserting that the report modifications were merely adjustments made in response to issues raised during a media briefing, and that there was no intent to falsify or mislead. The Special Prosecutor Team is also investigating whether there was any involvement from higher-ups in the Yoon Suk-yeol administration in the decision not to prosecute Kim Geon-hee. In connection with this matter, former Prosecutor General Shim Woo-jung has been designated as a suspect for abuse of power, while Choi Jae-hoon has reportedly been questioned as a witness. The Special Prosecutor Team plans to focus on clarifying the circumstances surrounding the handling of the Kim Geon-hee case and the modifications made to the investigation report.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-02 19:36:00

Hanwha Aerospace Explosion Investigation Concludes; Police Begin Safety Probe A joint investigation into the explosion at Hanwha Aerospace's Daejeon facility has concluded, with police now focusing on determining the cause of the incident that resulted in seven casualties, including five fatalities. According to Yonhap News, the Daejeon Police Agency conducted a joint investigation with fire officials, the National Forensic Service, the Ministry of Employment and Labor, and the Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency starting at around 10 a.m. on June 2. The investigation lasted approximately six hours and 40 minutes, concluding at 4:40 p.m. The explosion occurred at 10:59 a.m. on June 1 in the cleaning room of Building 56 at the facility. At the time, workers were reportedly cleaning tools used for manufacturing projectiles, which were contaminated with gunpowder. Five workers died, and two others sustained serious injuries. Police focused their investigation on the suspected ignition point, examining the site for evidence while removing collapsed walls and steel structures with heavy machinery. However, most evidence was destroyed, limiting visual confirmation of the cause. The police plan to send debris collected from the site to the National Forensic Service for detailed analysis. It was also noted that there were no closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras inside the building, prompting investigators to analyze footage from external cameras. To confirm the identities of the deceased, police have requested DNA analysis from the families of the victims. An autopsy was also conducted on the same day. Yoo Seung-sik, head of the scientific investigation unit at the Daejeon Police Agency, stated, "We will only be able to determine the presence of flammable materials after the detailed examination of the collected evidence is completed. We will announce the identities of the deceased as soon as we receive confirmation from the forensic agency, and we may conduct additional joint investigations if necessary." The dedicated investigation team has already interviewed two individuals: an employee who returned to work after receiving treatment for injuries and another who was off duty on the day of the incident. The cleaning team initially consisted of eight members, with one member responsible for safety management and another being a new hire who had joined with the two deceased contract workers. Police have confirmed that they are investigating the circumstances leading up to the explosion, including the cleaning procedures, the composition of cleaning agents, and whether safety guidelines were established and followed. Additionally, police have obtained some documents from Hanwha Aerospace related to the cause of the accident and safety management practices through voluntary submission. A police official told Yonhap News, "We will continue to conduct witness interviews and gather materials, keeping all possibilities open as we investigate the cause of the accident."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-02 19:24:00

Chairman Jin Young-seung Inspects Military Readiness Ahead of Local Elections Chairman Jin Young-seung conducted a readiness inspection of key military units in the capital region one day before the local elections. According to a report by Yonhap News on June 2, Jin visited the Army Capital Corps and the Marine Corps’ 2nd Division to assess their operational readiness for coastal and river defense operations and to encourage the troops. He first visited the Army Capital Corps headquarters in Anyang, Gyeonggi Province, where he reviewed their operational readiness. Jin received briefings on coastal defense operations, procedures to counter threats from enemy drones, and the status of responses to illegal fishing in the neutral zone of the Han River estuary, emphasizing the need for maintaining a robust operational posture. "In the event of enemy provocations, respond decisively based on principles and standards, and become a military that earns the trust of the people," he urged. During his visit to the Capital Corps, discussions were also held regarding the transfer of operational control of the Marine Corps’ 2nd Division to the Marines, which is part of the government's plan to restructure the Marine Corps into a 'quasi-fourth military force' by returning operational control of the Army-held Marine Divisions 1 and 2 to the Marines. Earlier, Jin visited the Marine Corps’ 2nd Division coastal defense unit in Gimpo, Gyeonggi Province. He instructed them to maintain enhanced surveillance and defense readiness to prevent surprise attacks as they serve as the gateway to Seoul. He also urged field commanders to pay special attention to the safety management of soldiers during the hot summer months.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-02 19:24:00

Wi Sung-lak Meets U.S. Deputy Secretary of State, Emphasizes Importance of U.S.-South Korea Alliance Wi Sung-lak, Director of the National Security Office, met with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Alison Hooker on June 2 during her visit to South Korea.The Blue House issued a press release stating, "Both sides welcomed the upcoming discussions on the security sector of the U.S.-South Korea Joint Fact Sheet and expressed hope for productive consultations over the next two days to accelerate related discussions."Additionally, the two reaffirmed that the U.S.-South Korea alliance is a cornerstone for peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula and in the Indo-Pacific region. They agreed to maintain close communication and cooperation regarding the situation on the Korean Peninsula as well as international developments, including the situation in the Middle East.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-02 18:27:00

Korean Golfers Aim for US Women's Open Title After Six-Year Hiatus Korean golfers are set to reclaim the US Women's Open title, the most prestigious major in women's golf, after a six-year gap. The 81st US Women's Open will take place from June 5 to 8 at the Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, California. Known for its long history, the tournament boasts a total prize purse of $12 million, with the winner receiving $2.4 million, making it one of the highest-paying events in women's golf. The Riviera Country Club, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, will host the US Women's Open for the first time since 1964. The event also serves as a precursor to the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympics, as the venue will be used for the Olympic golf competition. Out of 156 participants, 23 are from South Korea, making it the second-largest contingent after the host country, the United States, which has 40 players. The US Women's Open has been a successful tournament for Korean players. Since Se-ri Pak won the title in 1998 with her famous barefoot performance, Korean golfers have consistently excelled. Notable champions include Inbee Park, who has won twice, as well as Kim Ji-yoon, Lee Jeong-eun, Choi Na-yeon, Jeon In-ji, Park Sung-hyun, Kim A-rim (2020), and others, totaling 11 victories by 10 different players. However, the last victory came in 2020, when Kim A-rim won. In the 2024 tournament, all Korean participants failed to finish in the top 10 for the first time in 27 years, marking a disappointing moment for the nation. This season, the atmosphere is different. Korean players have combined for three wins and 33 top-10 finishes across 13 tournaments, showcasing their strong performance. The player to watch is world No. 3 Kim Hyo-joo, who is experiencing a 'second prime' in her career. She secured back-to-back victories at the Fortinet Founders Cup and the Ford Championship. Although she withdrew from the LA Championship in April due to neck pain, she regained her form with a sixth-place finish at the Chevron Championship, the first major of the season. On May 10, Kim Hyo-joo won the NH Investment & Securities Ladies Championship, marking her first domestic victory in four years and seven months, bringing her total KLPGA wins to 15. She has since taken a month off to prepare for the upcoming tournament. If Kim Hyo-joo wins this tournament, it will be her second major title, following her victory at the Evian Championship in 2014 as a non-member. Additionally, she would become the sixth Korean player to achieve double-digit LPGA Tour wins, joining the ranks of Se-ri Pak (25 wins), Inbee Park (21 wins), Ko Jin-young (15 wins), Kim Sei-young (13 wins), and Shin Ji-ae (11 wins). Consistent performer Yang Hee-young will make her 20th consecutive appearance at the US Women's Open. Shin Ji-ae, who is currently competing on the Japan LPGA Tour, aims for her 13th LPGA win, her first since February 2013. Other past champions, including Jeon In-ji, Park Sung-hyun, Kim A-rim, and Lee Jeong-eun, will also compete, alongside top players like Ko Jin-young, Kim Sei-young, Yoo Hae-ran, Choi Hye-jin, Hwang Yu-min, and Yoon In-na. Players from the KLPGA Tour and promising amateurs are eager to create their own 'Cinderella stories.' In the past, players like Yoo So-yeon (2011), Jeon In-ji (2015), and Kim A-rim (2020) have won as non-members, earning direct entry to the LPGA. This year, five players, including KLPGA Tour money leader Kim Min-sol, as well as Hong Jeong-min, Yoo Hyun-jo, Lee Da-yeon, and Ko Ji-won, have secured spots by ranking within the top 75 in the world. National team member Oh Soo-min and amateur Lee Seung-hyun, who qualified through Canadian regional qualifiers, will also participate in the US Women's Open. Top-ranked players are also in strong form. World No. 1 Nelly Korda is aiming for her second consecutive major title after winning the Chevron Championship. World No. 2 Atthaya Thitikul and Karis Davidson, who secured her spot by winning the ShopRite Classic, are also among the competitors. Defending champion Maya Stark from Sweden is looking to repeat her victory. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-02 18:21:00