South Korea's local election turnout reaches 57.4% by 5 p.m. SEOUL, June 03 (AJP) - Voter turnout in South Korea’s June 3 local elections reached 57.4 percent as of 5 p.m. (0800 GMT) Wednesday, sharply higher than the level recorded at the same point in the previous local elections, according to the National Election Commission. The commission said 15,052,860 people had cast ballots nationwide during the 11 hours since voting began at 6 a.m. When combined with 10,564,571 early, overseas, shipboard and absentee voters, the total number of ballots cast reached 25,617,431 out of 44,649,908 eligible voters. The turnout was 9.8 percentage points higher than the 47.6 percent recorded at the same hour during the 2022 local elections. South Jeolla Province posted the highest turnout at 63.6 percent, while the southwestern city of Gwangju recorded the lowest at 51.5 percent. The election commission updates turnout figures hourly based on data collected from polling stations nationwide about 10 minutes earlier. At polling stations across the country, voters said they cast ballots despite frustration with political rhetoric and uncertainty over campaign promises. Grace Ryu, a 28-year-old resident of Seoul’s Songpa District, said she had doubts about whether candidates would follow through on their pledges. “Even after looking at the campaign promises, I couldn’t clearly tell what they were actually trying to accomplish, and seeing candidates focus on attacking each other made me question whether their policies would really be implemented,” she said, adding: “Still, I think not voting means giving up my rights voluntarily. I believe it’s important to vote based on my own judgment first and then speak about policies afterwards.” At a polling station in Maehwa-dong, Siheung, south of Seoul, 32-year-old voter Jung So-ri said that she hoped the election would lead to policies that provide tangible support for people struggling with economic difficulties. “I hope more policies come out that genuinely help ordinary people, whether in the economy or welfare sectors, so that everyone can worry a little less about their future and sleep more peacefully at night during these difficult times,” she said. She emphasized that voting was both a responsibility and a way for citizens to have a voice in politics. “I believe voting is a basic duty for citizens. Only by voting do people earn the right to speak about politics, and I think it is essential for the development of both the community where I live and the country as a whole,” Jung said. 2026-06-03 17:34:45

China Opposes U.S. Tariffs on Imports Linked to Forced Labor The Chinese government has expressed strong opposition to the United States' plan to impose additional tariffs on imports from 60 economic regions, including China and South Korea, citing concerns over forced labor. During a regular briefing on June 3, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning responded to questions regarding the Trump administration's proposed tariffs, stating, "There is no so-called 'forced labor' in China," and added, "We oppose using this as a pretext for political manipulation." Mao emphasized that China consistently opposes all forms of unilateral tariff measures, asserting that "tariff wars and trade wars do not benefit either side." She further stated that economic and trade issues should be resolved through dialogue and negotiation based on equality, respect, and mutual benefit. Previously, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) proposed imposing additional tariffs of 10% or 12.5% on 60 economic regions that fail to prevent the trade of products produced through forced labor. Among these, 54 economic regions, including South Korea, China, Japan, the United Kingdom, Australia, Brazil, and Vietnam, would face a 12.5% tariff, while six regions, including the European Union, Canada, and Mexico, would be subject to a 10% tariff.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-03 17:33:00

Song Eon-seok: High Voter Turnout Signals Serious Warning to President Lee and Democratic Party Song Eon-seok, the floor leader of the People Power Party, stated that the voter turnout for the 9th nationwide local elections reached 57.4% by 5 p.m., surpassing the turnout of the previous local elections. He argued that this reflects a public sentiment that demands a serious warning to President Lee Jae-myung and the Democratic Party, who are perceived to be mismanaging the country.In a live broadcast on People Power Party TV on June 3, Song noted, "This election marks one year since President Lee took office, and the public agrees that his administration has been marked by arrogance and overreach." He suggested that the Democratic Party may be worried about the rising voter turnout on election day, interpreting President Lee's active encouragement for voter participation on social media as a sign of his anxiety.He further speculated, "If the public delivers a decisive message in this local election, it could prevent President Lee from achieving his long-desired goal of having charges against him dropped." He expressed concern that President Lee is feeling pressure regarding this issue.Song also pointed out that many voters supporting the People Power Party still harbor concerns about potential election fraud related to early voting. While he acknowledged that agreeing to the existence of fraud is difficult, he emphasized that there is a consensus on the poor management of the election process.He remarked, "Our supporters did not participate much in early voting, which is why we expect a strong turnout on election day. The Democratic Party interprets high early voting rates as favorable to them." He added that among the younger generation, support for the Democratic Party is notably low, while support for the People Power Party is high, suggesting that young voters who participated in early voting may also lean towards the People Power Party.Song noted that high early voting rates were observed in the Gyeongbuk region and questioned whether it is accurate to interpret this as advantageous for the Democratic Party, emphasizing the need to consider regional differences.He concluded by highlighting that areas previously identified as competitive in polls, such as Seoul, Gangwon, and Chungnam, have seen significant increases in voter turnout. He urged voters in Incheon and Gyeonggi, where polling results have consistently favored one side, to make their voices heard by going to the polls.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-03 17:30:00

Voter Turnout Reaches 57.4% by 5 PM in Local Elections, Up 9.8 Percentage Points from Four Years Ago As of 5 PM on June 3, the voter turnout for the 9th nationwide local elections stood at 57.4%. According to the National Election Commission, 25,617,431 of the 44,649,908 eligible voters participated in the elections. This figure includes votes cast during early voting, absentee voting, and shipboard voting conducted from May 29 to 30. Regionally, South Jeolla Province recorded the highest turnout at 63.6%, while Gwangju had the lowest at 51.5%. Other notable turnouts included Seoul at 59.1%, Busan at 58.1%, Daegu at 59.9%, Incheon at 54.6%, Daejeon at 56.3%, Ulsan at 59.9%, Sejong at 58.6%, Gyeonggi at 54.6%, Gangwon at 61.9%, North Chungcheong at 56.4%, South Chungcheong at 55.8%, North Jeolla at 60.2%, North Gyeongsang at 57.8%, South Gyeongsang at 60.9%, and Jeju at 53.8%. Voting for the local elections took place from 6 AM to 6 PM on the same day. All citizens aged 18 and older were eligible to vote, but they could only cast their ballots at designated polling stations in their registered areas. Voters were required to present a valid form of identification that includes a photo and date of birth, such as a resident registration card, driver's license, or passport. Mobile identification was also accepted, but saved image files or screenshots were not permitted. In this local election, a total of 4,227 positions are being filled, including 16 heads of regional governments, 16 education superintendents, 227 heads of local governments, 933 regional council members, and 3,035 local council members. Additionally, by-elections for the National Assembly will be held in 14 districts, including Pyeongtaek in Gyeonggi Province and Busan North Gap.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-03 17:21:00

Goldman Sachs Raises KOSPI Target to 12,000, Driven by Semiconductor Growth Global investment bank Goldman Sachs has strengthened its optimistic outlook for the South Korean stock market. The firm has raised its KOSPI target to 12,000, citing expected performance improvements driven by artificial intelligence (AI) semiconductors. On June 3, Reuters reported that Goldman Sachs, in a recent report, maintained a positive view on the South Korean market and increased its 12-month KOSPI target from 9,000 to 12,000. This adjustment suggests a potential upside of approximately 36% from the current index level. Goldman Sachs particularly highlighted the stock markets in South Korea and Taiwan. The demand for AI semiconductors is expected to significantly boost corporate profits, with companies showing strong performance growth receiving high valuations in the market. Timothy Moe, Goldman Sachs' Asia-Pacific equity strategist, stated, "Companies demonstrating profit growth are being rewarded by the market." The semiconductor sector is identified as a key driver of the South Korean stock market's strength. With the AI semiconductor supply chain centered around Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, South Korea is leading the rally in Asia. According to Goldman Sachs, the MSCI Asia-Pacific index (excluding Japan) has risen 27% this year, but would have declined by 4% without the contributions from South Korea and Taiwan. Goldman Sachs also positively assessed the South Korean market's relative resilience to energy price shocks resulting from the Iran conflict. In contrast, some South Asian countries, which are heavily reliant on energy imports, are seen as more vulnerable to rising oil prices. However, the firm issued a warning regarding the potential overheating of the stock market. The recent surge in leveraged ETF funds indicates an increase in speculative demand, and the upward trend is concentrated in certain AI and semiconductor stocks, raising the likelihood of short-term corrections. Goldman Sachs noted, "While the AI semiconductor rally may continue, the risk of a pullback is also increasing." 2026-06-03 17:21:00

Korean American Congress Members Face Mixed Results in California Primary Korean American members of Congress received mixed results in California's primary elections. On June 2, Dave Min (Democrat) secured his place in the general election for California's 47th District with 44.7% of the vote based on 50% of ballots counted. Min's closest competitor, Republican Jenny Rae Le Roux, and other Republican candidates collectively garnered less than 40% of the vote, suggesting a strong likelihood of Min's victory in the general election. In contrast, Young Kim (Republican), who goes by the Korean name Kim Young-ok, faced a tough battle in California's 40th District. After redistricting, she was defeated by fellow Republican Ken Calvert, who received 36% of the votes, while Kim managed only 21.6%. Esther Kim-Barrett (Democrat), also of Korean descent, placed third with 15.7%. This primary election also highlighted the impact of Proposition 50, a redistricting measure passed by Democrats last November aimed at increasing their seats in the House of Representatives. In San Diego's 48th District, where incumbent Darrell Issa (Republican) announced he would not seek re-election, nine Democratic candidates competed, raising concerns about vote splitting. However, a Democratic candidate advanced to the general election. In the 22nd District, incumbent David Valadao (Republican) confirmed his place in the general election, while Democratic candidates collectively surpassed 50% of the vote. However, an unexpected twist occurred in the 6th District, where Kevin Kiley, who left the Republican Party to run as an independent in protest of redistricting, led with 26.9% of the votes based on 47% counted. Republican Michael Stansfield and Democrat Richard Pan were in a close race for second and third place, with 22.1% and 21.2%, respectively, raising the possibility that Democrats might not field a candidate in the general election. In the gubernatorial race, Republican Steve Hilton led with 27.6% of the votes based on 55% counted, narrowly ahead of Democrat Javier Becerra at 25.5%. Neither candidate has yet secured a spot in the general election. If Hilton wins, he would become California's first Republican governor since Arnold Schwarzenegger's re-election in 2006. Conversely, if Becerra is elected, he would be the first Latino governor in nearly 150 years. In the Los Angeles mayoral race, incumbent Karen Bass secured her place in the runoff with 36.5% of the vote. Reality TV star Spencer Pratt, backed by former President Donald Trump, was in second place with 29.2%, while Nitya Raman, known as the "Mom-Dani of the West," followed closely with 21.4%. The California primary allows all candidates to run regardless of party affiliation, with the top two advancing to the general election on November 3. However, as ballots are still being counted and many mail-in votes remain, final results in some competitive districts may take longer to determine.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-03 17:15:00

Ottogi Launches 'Jin Ramen Slightly Spicy' in Cup and Bowl Formats Ottogi announced on June 3 that it will expand the availability of its 'Jin Ramen Slightly Spicy' in both cup and bowl formats. Initially launched as a bag noodle product, 'Jin Ramen Slightly Spicy' was first introduced as a limited edition in May of last year. Due to positive consumer feedback, it was officially released as a regular product in September of the same year. The flavor offers a level of spiciness that falls between the original Jin Ramen's mild and spicy varieties, garnering favorable responses from consumers. The new products will be available in two sizes: a large cup and a small cup, providing convenient options for consumers at home, in schools, offices, and outdoor settings. With this launch, all three varieties of Jin Ramen—mild, slightly spicy, and spicy—will now be available in both bag and cup formats. Ottogi plans to enhance its marketing and promotional efforts around the 'Jin Ramen Trio' concept. Jin Ramen is Ottogi's flagship noodle brand, first introduced in 1988 with mild and spicy bag noodles. The product line has since expanded to include cup and bowl noodles. In 2024, Ottogi obtained halal certification for its production facility in Vietnam, establishing a foundation for global expansion. The brand is currently exported to over 60 countries worldwide. An Ottogi representative stated, "Since its official launch last year, Jin Ramen Slightly Spicy has received a positive response from consumers, and we are excited to offer it in cup and bowl formats for greater convenience. We will continue to strengthen the competitiveness of the Jin Ramen brand through product development that reflects consumer preferences."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-03 17:15:00

Voters from 110-Year-Old Grandmother to Island Fishermen Cast Meaningful Ballots On June 3, the main voting day for the 9th nationwide local elections, polling stations across the country were filled with stories that held more significance than just a single vote. From unique locations like a pottery shop and a gateball court transformed into polling places to island residents who traveled by boat, first-time voters, and a 110-year-old voter, a diverse group of citizens exercised their precious right to vote. One notable polling station was a pottery shop in Jangseong County, South Jeolla Province, where voters passed through aisles of ceramics and household goods to reach the voting booths. In another area, a gateball court, typically a leisure space for residents, was repurposed as a polling site, creating an unusual but engaging scene. According to Yonhap News, a 110-year-old woman participated in the elections in Gwangju's Dong-gu. She stated, "I have voted in every presidential and local election since the time of President Syngman Rhee. At 110 years old, I hope all citizens will come out to vote as well." Many young people also cast their ballots for the first time. An 18-year-old high school senior, identified as Lee, remarked, "I don’t know the names of the candidates well, but I voted for someone who I believe can address housing prices and youth employment issues." The participation of foreign nationals also drew attention. At the Daelim 2-dong Community Center, a line of permanent residents waited to vote. Foreign nationals with certain qualifications, such as those who have held permanent residency for over three years or are registered in the local foreign resident registry and are at least 18 years old, are allowed to vote in local elections. A 30-year resident of Korea, identified as Mr. Lee, who is of Korean-Chinese descent, expressed pride in participating in his first election, stating, "Even though I am not a Korean citizen, the fact that I can vote gives me a sense of pride." Voting enthusiasm was also high in the remote island regions of the West Sea. Residents of Baengnyeongdo and Yeonpyeongdo adjusted their fishing schedules or took boats to reach polling stations. Some fishermen prioritized voting over their crab-catching season, and in Ongjin County, the voter turnout exceeded 65% by 3 p.m., the highest among the 11 counties and districts in Incheon. This local election highlighted that voting is not merely a political choice but a fundamental right and a process of community engagement, as voters of all ages, professions, nationalities, and living conditions came together to cast their valuable ballots.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-03 17:12:00

Special Prosecutor Summons Former Interior Minister for Budget Misappropriation Inquiry The second comprehensive special prosecutor team, led by Kwon Chang-young, has summoned Han Chang-seob, the former Vice Minister of the Interior and Safety, as part of its investigation into allegations surrounding the relocation of the presidential residence. This move comes a day before the first interrogation of Lee Sang-min, the former Interior Minister, regarding the alleged misappropriation of funds for the residence's construction. According to legal sources on June 3, the special prosecutor's team began questioning Han at 10 a.m. as a witness. Han was appointed as the first Vice Minister of the Interior and Safety shortly after the Yoon Suk Yeol administration took office in May 2022 and worked alongside Lee until his retirement in August 2023. The special prosecutor's team is investigating whether the Interior Ministry's budget was illegally diverted during the construction of the presidential residence. Lee is accused of being involved in the misappropriation of approximately 2.8 billion won to pay the construction company 21Gram for the relocation project. Additionally, the team is looking into whether Lee retaliated against Interior Ministry officials who opposed the budget diversion. Reports indicate that the special prosecutor's team has obtained statements from ministry officials suggesting that Lee instructed personnel to "send away" those who opposed the budget diversion. Some officials reportedly expressed their reluctance to accept the budget diversion orders, requesting instead to be reassigned. The special prosecutor's team appears to be confirming the decision-making process behind the budget diversion and the circumstances surrounding personnel actions at that time. The team plans to interrogate Lee as a suspect on the morning of June 4. In the afternoon of the same day, they will question Kim Dae-ki, the former Chief of Staff to the President, and on the morning of June 5, they will interrogate Yoon Jae-soon, the former Secretary for General Affairs at the Presidential Office. Both Kim and Yoon are accused of instructing the Interior Ministry to cover the construction costs for the presidential residence, which they were not obligated to do. A court issued arrest warrants for both individuals on May 22, citing concerns over potential evidence destruction. The special prosecutor's team intends to focus on whether the Presidential Office and the Interior Ministry were involved in the budget diversion to cover construction costs and whether there were any retaliatory actions against opposing officials.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-03 17:12:00

When Will the Results of the June 3 Local Elections Be Announced? The main voting for the 9th nationwide local elections concluded at 6 p.m. on June 3, drawing attention to the timing of exit poll results and the counting schedule. According to the National Election Commission and broadcasting companies, KBS, MBC, and SBS will announce the results of the exit polls at 6 p.m. However, predictions of winning candidates and estimated vote percentages can only be reported starting at 6:15 p.m., 15 minutes after polls close, in accordance with election law. Counting will begin immediately after the polls close. The National Election Commission plans to officially declare the start of counting around 6:20 p.m., followed by the opening of ballot boxes, sorting of ballots, and verification procedures. Initial counting results will vary by region but are expected to be available around 7:30 p.m. The timing for revealing winning candidates will depend on the dynamics of each region. In areas with significant vote margins, outcomes may be determined before midnight, while close races could extend counting into the early hours of the following day. The broadcasting industry and the election commission anticipate that results in some regions may be available by 3 to 4 a.m. on June 4. This local election may see a longer counting process compared to the 2022 local elections due to the introduction of verification procedures starting with the 2024 general elections. This verification involves election workers manually checking ballots that have passed through sorting machines, which enhances accuracy but may slow down the counting speed. In this election, voters will elect regional heads, local heads, education superintendents, and members of regional and local councils, with some areas also holding by-elections for the National Assembly. Voter turnout and counting progress on election day can be monitored through the National Election Commission's election statistics system.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-03 17:12:00