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President Lee: We Will Eradicate the Distribution of Illegal Footage 이재명 대통령은 20일 “불법촬영물 유통의 뿌리를 반드시 뽑겠다”며 불법촬영물과 성착취물의 유통·확산 구조를 근본적으로 차단하겠다고 밝혔다. 이 대통령은 이날 페이스북에 ‘불법촬영물 유통의 뿌리를 반드시 뽑겠습니다’라는 제목의 글을 올려 “성평등가족부와 방송미디어통신위원회, 경찰청이 함께 불법사이트를 심층 분석하고 이를 토대로 불법사이트 통합대응 방안을 마련했다”고 말했다. 이 대통령은 그동안 정부가 피해자의 요청에 따라 불법촬영물 삭제를 지원해 왔지만 기존 대응에는 한계가 있었다고 진단했다. 이 대통령은 “삭제 요청에 응하지 않거나 지워진 영상을 다시 게시하고, 사이트를 옮겨 다니며 범죄를 이어가는 행태를 막기에는 한계가 있었다”고 지적했다. 그러면서 단순히 피해 영상과 게시물을 삭제하는 방식에서 벗어나 불법촬영물 유통이 반복되는 구조 자체를 차단하겠다고 강조했다. 이 대통령은 “이제는 방식을 전환하겠다”며 “게시물 삭제에 그치지 않고 범죄가 반복되는 구조 자체를 끊어내겠다”고 밝혔다. 이어 “불법촬영물 유통 사이트를 근본적으로 무력화하고 유통과 확산 전 과정을 차단하는 방향으로 대응을 본격 전환할 것”이라고 말했다. 특히 해외에 서버를 두고 운영되는 불법사이트에 대해서도 끝까지 추적해 책임을 묻겠다는 방침을 밝혔다. 이 대통령은 “결코 예외는 없다”며 “해외에 서버를 두고 수사망을 피해 숨어 있더라도 가용한 모든 수단과 역량을 동원해 끝까지 추적하고 반드시 법에 따라 엄중한 책임을 묻겠다”고 경고했다. 아울러 “타인의 인격과 존엄을 짓밟아 돈벌이로 삼는 파렴치한 범죄가 대한민국에서 더 이상 발붙이지 못하도록 하겠다”고 덧붙였다. 정부는 이날 불법촬영물을 직접 제작하지 않았더라도 유포사이트를 개설한 행위만으로 처벌할 수 있도록 하는 내용의 불법사이트 통합대응 방안을 발표했다. 불법사이트에 유통되는 성착취물을 삭제하고 수사 증거를 확보하기 위해 수사기관의 해킹을 가능하게 하는 방안도 통합대응책에 포함됐다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-20 21:44:00 -
Shinan County Strengthens Human Rights Protection in Island Communities Shinan County is enhancing its human rights protection framework by focusing on village leaders, such as the head of the village, who are closest to the residents. On August 19, Shinan County conducted a 'Mobile Human Rights Education for Village Safety Guardians' at the Imja-myeon office, targeting village heads and relevant stakeholders. The training aimed to raise the human rights awareness of village leaders, who regularly communicate with residents, and to enhance their ability to detect and respond to potential human rights violations in their communities. The session was led by Park Hyun-jung, a human rights officer from Gwangju, who used real-life examples to facilitate the training. The format encouraged dialogue and participation, moving away from a one-sided lecture style to improve understanding among attendees. Particularly, the training addressed common human rights violations that may be overlooked in daily life and provided specific methods for village leaders to implement human rights protections in their communities. Considering the geographical characteristics of the widely dispersed island region, Shinan County is strengthening a field-based human rights protection system by utilizing village heads, women's associations, and community self-governing committees as 'village safety guardians.' The initiative goes beyond mere awareness-raising; it includes practical training on necessary response measures in the event of human rights violations, ensuring that prevention and initial responses can be effectively managed at the village level. This training is part of a series of mobile human rights education sessions that began in February in Jido-eup. The county plans to continue regional training and on-site counseling in the second half of the year, expanding the target audience. Choo Yang-ji, head of the Administrative Support Division, stated, “This training in Imja-myeon has been an opportunity to enhance the human rights sensitivity of village leaders and strengthen their on-site response capabilities. We will continue to expand regional training and on-site counseling in the second half of the year to create a community where all residents are respected.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-20 21:44:00
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Kim Yo-jong: Seoul's War Games Are Over, Criticizes President Lee Kim Yo-jong, the Deputy Director of the Workers' Party of Korea, stated on August 20 that Seoul's reduced participation in the U.S.-South Korea joint exercise, 'Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS),' reflects its unfortunate position of being unable to engage in the war games it once enjoyed. She particularly directed harsh remarks at President Lee Jae-myung.In a statement released through the Korean Central News Agency, Kim said, "The fate of a puppet army that has entrusted its command authority to its master is to be unable to voice any objections, even as U.S. forces follow unilateral orders from their commander-in-chief without any coordination between the two sides."She further criticized, "The situation in South Korea, which has become unable to engage in the 'war games' it wanted most, vividly illustrates the master-servant relationship of the 'Korea-U.S. blood alliance' they boast about."Additionally, Kim accused President Lee of hypocrisy, saying, "While he flatters Trump by expressing respect for his 'decision to reduce exercises' and calling it a 'difficult decision,' he turns around and talks about 'self-defense' and 'independent military capabilities' in preparation for the 'worst-case scenario,' revealing the contradictory and anxious psychology of South Korea."She emphasized, "The reality that U.S. security support is no longer free is something the world is witnessing. To win the favor of a heartless master, one might have to offer up everything they have."Kim also suggested, "Perhaps it would be better to take this opportunity to thoroughly learn about one’s subservient position and seek answers for survival. It is time for the 'puppet' to recognize its fated position of having nowhere to go."Meanwhile, North Korea launched a ballistic missile on the eve of the UFS's conclusion, coinciding with President Donald Trump's proposal for dialogue with Kim Jong-un. 2026-08-20 21:36:00
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Mango Manifleece Opens First Store in Busan at Shinsegae Centum City The fashion brand Mango Manifleece (MMP), which has primarily operated online, has officially opened a store at Shinsegae Centum City.On August 20, Shinsegae Centum City announced the opening of the new Mango Manifleece store on the fourth floor of the department store's New Contemporary zone. This is not a temporary pop-up store but a permanent retail location.This store marks the first offline presence for Mango Manifleece in the Busan and Gyeongnam region, where it has not previously operated even in a pop-up format.With this opening, the brand now has a total of five offline locations, including three in Seoul and one in Daegu, and this is the first time it has entered the Shinsegae department store network.To celebrate the opening, the store is offering an exclusive pre-sale of its 2026 Fall Collection. The initial release includes 40 styles and 123 items (SKUs) based on color. The official launch date for the Fall Collection at other offline locations and online channels is set for August 25, with sales at the Centum City store starting five days earlier.The opening event runs until August 26, during which all clothing will be discounted by 20%, and accessories will be offered at a 10% discount.Customers will receive gifts based on their purchase amounts. Those spending over 200,000 won will receive a paisley bag, while those spending over 400,000 won will receive a half belt. All customers making purchases by the 26th will receive essential socks, and the first customers to buy by the 23rd will receive a concho card wallet.A representative from Shinsegae Centum City stated, "Starting from the 27th, prices will return to normal, and there are currently no confirmed plans for subsequent promotions."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-20 21:32:00
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North Korea Launches Short-Range Missiles Amid Trump Dialogue Proposal North Korea Launches Short-Range Missiles Amid Trump Dialogue ProposalNorth Korea fired over ten short-range ballistic missiles on August 20, marking its 12th launch of the year and the first in eight days. This launch occurred just one day before the conclusion of the UFS exercises, coinciding with U.S. President Donald Trump's proposal for dialogue with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.Minister Kim Jung-kwan: Significant Progress in U.S. Investment TalksOn August 20, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Kim Jung-kwan announced that there has been substantial progress in negotiations regarding a major U.S. investment project. Speaking to reporters upon his return from a visit to the United States, he stated, "There is mutual understanding between the two countries regarding the announcement of the first U.S. investment project in September." He added that while there are still discussions and procedures to finalize, it seems likely that the announcement will occur in September. Kim noted that discussions at the ministerial level have led to significant advancements during his visit to the U.S., including a mutual understanding regarding a 15% tariff cap, with a potential announcement expected within the next two weeks.Special Prosecutors Indict Former Prosecutor General Shim Woo-jungThe second special prosecution team, led by Special Prosecutor Kwon Chang-young, announced on August 20 that former Prosecutor General Shim Woo-jung and former Chief of the Planning and Coordination Bureau Jeon Mu-gon have been indicted without detention. The special prosecution team stated that both individuals were charged with engaging in important duties related to insurrection and abuse of authority. Last month, the team sought arrest warrants for Shim and Jeon, but the court denied the request, citing no risk of evidence destruction or flight.Samsung Electronics to Announce Record Shareholder Return SoonSamsung Electronics is reportedly planning to announce a record shareholder return of 100 trillion won, the largest in its history, by the end of August. Industry sources indicate that the company will finalize its shareholder return plan, including special dividends, during a board meeting later this month. This strategy is seen as a response to increased cash generation from a semiconductor boom, allowing for both significant investments and expanded shareholder returns.People Power Party Initiates Disciplinary Actions Against MembersOn August 20, the People Power Party initiated disciplinary actions against four non-mainstream members, interpreted as an effort by party leader Jang Dong-hyuk to strengthen his control. According to the party, the longest-serving member, lawmaker Jo Kyung-tae, received a suspension of party rights for two years and six months, while lawmakers Kwon Young-jin, Jin Jong-o, and Seo Beom-soo received suspensions of one year and six months, two years, and ten months, respectively. There are indications that these members may contest the disciplinary actions. 2026-08-20 21:32:00
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Mayor Min Hyung-bae Inspects Yeosu World Island Expo Preparations With just 16 days until the opening of the 2026 Yeosu World Island Expo, Min Hyung-bae, the mayor of Gwangju Metropolitan City, visited the main venue in Dolsan, Yeosu, on August 20 to assess the final preparations.The site inspection focused on the actual movement pathways for visitors, examining exhibition and convenience facilities, transportation measures, and the operation of performances and events.During the visit, Mayor Min checked the installation and operational readiness of exhibition halls, convenience facilities, and outdoor stages.He specifically monitored the visitor experience from entry to the exhibition halls, through rest areas and dining facilities, to the performance venues, identifying potential inconveniences and safety issues along the way.A meeting held within the theme island discussed anticipated traffic conditions during the expo, response strategies, major event and performance plans, and emergency response systems for various sectors.As the opening approaches, the focus has shifted from merely confirming facility installations to ensuring seamless coordination among transportation, safety, exhibitions, performances, and visitor convenience during the actual event.Mayor Min Hyung-bae stated, “The remaining 16 days until the opening should be used to refine our preparations on-site. I urge everyone to ensure that visitors experience no inconveniences from the moment they enter until they leave.”He added, “Above all, we must prioritize safety and enhance our on-site responsiveness to ensure that transportation, convenience facilities, exhibitions, and performances operate cohesively. Let’s prepare thoroughly to make this expo a successful event that showcases the value of islands to the world.”Gwangju Metropolitan City, Yeosu City, and the expo organizing committee plan to hold a 'Preview Day' on the 29th, allowing citizens to participate and assess the venue under conditions similar to the actual expo.During Preview Day, they will evaluate visitor entry and exit, movement pathways, transportation systems, exhibition and performance operations, and the use of convenience facilities, addressing any identified shortcomings before the opening.The 2026 Yeosu World Island Expo is an international event aimed at promoting the ecological and cultural value of islands and their future potential, with Gwangju Metropolitan City and Yeosu City focusing on final preparations centered on visitor safety and convenience.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-20 21:28:00
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President Lee Appoints Kim Hwae-seung as Head of Cheong Wa Dae Press Office 이재명 대통령이 20일 청와대 춘추관장(보도지원비서관)에 김회승 전 한겨레신문 논설위원을 임명했다. 동아일보 출신이었던 김상호 전 춘추관장에 이어 언론인 출신을 재차 발탁했다. 청와대에 따르면 이 대통령은 김회승 신임 춘추관장 임명안을 최종 결재했다. 청와대 춘추관장은 언론 소통 업무를 총괄하며 출입기자단 취재 활동을 지원하는 역할을 맡는다. 김 관장은 한겨레신문에서 재정금융팀 차장, 정책금융팀장 등을 지냈다. 한겨레경제연구소 연구위원과 편집국 사회데스크를 거쳐 경제에디터, 편집국 총괄부국장으로 활동했으며 최근까지 한겨레신문 미디어본부 논설위원을 지냈다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-20 21:28:00
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Gimhae to Host 'You and Me Green Consumption' Event on August 22 Gimhae City announced on August 20 that it will hold the 'You and Me Green Consumption' event on August 22 in collaboration with the Gyeongnam Green Purchase Support Center to promote the purchase of green products in celebration of Energy Day.The event aims to provide citizens with information about green products and to spread an eco-friendly consumption culture.It will take place in two sessions at the lobby of the Hwapocheon Wetland Science Center, from 10 a.m. to noon and from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The main activities include finding green products in a supermarket, writing down practical methods for everyday life, spinning a green product roulette, and making insect mirror keychains.The Hwapocheon Wetland Science Center, operated by the city's Environmental Policy Division, was chosen as the venue because the Gyeongnam Green Purchase Support Center, which is co-hosting the event, is located there.Energy Day, which inspired this event, was established by the Citizens' Coalition for Energy in 2004, marking the day in 2003 when the highest electricity consumption in history was recorded at 47,385 MW on August 22.Participation does not require prior registration; visitors to the science center can join on-site. There are no fees or age restrictions.However, since the event falls on a Saturday, citizens planning to attend should first make a reservation to visit the science center. It is essential to confirm the separate registration process for the event and the weekend visit to the science center. City's Green Product Purchase Rate at 29.7%... "Below Self-Imposed Plan"The law promoting the purchase of green products mandates that public institutions must purchase green products when available.Heads of public institutions are required to establish and announce their green product purchase implementation plans within two months of the start of each fiscal year.Gimhae City's 2026 purchase implementation plan is published on the Climate Energy Environment Ministry's website and the city's official website. As of August 20, the city reported a green product purchase rate of 29.7%. This figure is subject to change as it is a mid-year tally and may differ from the final results at year-end.Regarding last year's performance, a city official stated, "We met the government's joint evaluation target, but it was slightly below our self-imposed purchase implementation plan." This indicates that while the legal evaluation criteria were met, the city did not reach its own goals.Gimhae City also has a separate ordinance promoting the purchase of green products under Article 11 of the same law.Additionally, this event for citizens is not a regular occurrence. A city official noted, "There are no plans for future events, and it seems this will be a one-time event this year."How this four-hour campaign connects to the fundamental goal of spreading a culture of green consumption remains a challenge for the future.The official expressed hope that the event would provide families with a meaningful opportunity to understand the significance of green consumption and learn practical methods for everyday life, adding, "We will continue to create more diverse opportunities for citizens to practice green consumption in their daily lives starting from this event."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-20 21:16:00
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61.7% Oppose Current President's Re-election Bid As the government and National Assembly express their intent to pursue constitutional amendments, public opposition to allowing the current president to run for re-election is nearly double that of support.On August 20, Realmeter released the results of a survey conducted from August 18 to 19, which polled 1,017 individuals aged 18 and older nationwide. The survey found that 46.0% supported a constitutional amendment for a four-year re-election system or term limits, while 50.9% opposed it, with 3.1% unsure. The results fell within the margin of error.However, when asked whether the amendment should apply to the current president, allowing for re-election, 61.7% opposed this idea, while only 34.7% supported it.The survey was conducted using a random digit dialing (RDD) method with 100% mobile sampling, achieving a response rate of 3.7%. The margin of error is ±3.1 percentage points at a 95% confidence level. More details can be found on the website of the National Election Survey Deliberation Commission. 2026-08-20 21:16:00
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Kazakhstan to elect first Kurultai under new constitution SEOUL, August 20 (AJP) - Voters in Kazakhstan choose all 145 seats of the Kurultai on Sunday, filling the single-chamber legislature that replaced the country's two houses of parliament and completing an institutional change written into a constitution that took effect seven weeks ago. The Central Election Commission has registered 12,605,788 voters and 545 candidates across seven party lists. Every seat is contested in one nationwide district under closed-list proportional representation, with a threshold of 5 percent of valid votes. Deputies serve five years. This is the first national vote under the new constitutional order, and the first in which every seat in the legislature is filled by election. The old Parliament paired an elected lower house, the Mazhilis, with a Senate of 50 members, 10 of them named by the president. Neither chamber exists now, and the Kurultai has no appointed seats. The new body passes legislation, approves the national budget, oversees the executive and may consider confidence in the government. Its consent is required for presidential nominees to the newly created post of Vice President, to the office of Prime Minister, and to senior positions including the Constitutional Court, the Central Election Commission (CEC) and the Supreme Audit Chamber. The same constitution creates a second new institution alongside it. The Halyk Kenesi, or People's Council, is designated the highest consultative body, and its members are appointed by the president rather than elected. Its 126 seats are split evenly three ways, among ethnocultural associations, major public organizations, and local assemblies and regional public councils. It meets in full session at least once a year, with a standing presidium known as the Toralka working between sessions. Its powers reach into the legislative process. The council may submit draft laws to the Kurultai and may initiate national referendums, which places an unelected body alongside the elected one. It absorbs two institutions now being retired, the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan, created in 1995 to represent the country's ethnic groups, and the National Kurultai. Parliament passed the first reading of the constitutional law establishing the council in May, and it has not been seated. Ballots list the seven parties in an order drawn by lot, followed by an option to vote against all of them. Voters mark a single choice and cannot pick individual candidates, because seats won by a party go to the names on its registered list in the order the party set. Only registered parties may nominate, and self-nomination is not allowed. If only one party clears the threshold, the party with the next-highest total also enters the chamber. The name reaches back to the assemblies of the Kazakh Khanate, where khans were raised to power and questions of war, migration and succession were settled collectively by the leading figures of the tribes rather than by a single ruler. The word is Turkic in origin and means gathering or council, and versions of it survive in the names of legislatures and public assemblies from Bashkortostan to Kyrgyzstan. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev proposed applying it to the new parliament in January, at a session of the National Kurultai in Kyzylorda, arguing that the historical weight of the term was worth carrying into a modern institution. That body, a consultative forum he established in 2022 for officials, academics and public figures, shares the name but not the function. The Kyzylorda session was its last. Tokayev first raised the shift to a single chamber in his address to the nation in September 2025, when he proposed putting it to a referendum in 2027 and said the public discussion would take at least a year. He appointed a working group on parliamentary reform in October under State Counselor Erlan Karin. In January he told the Kyzylorda session that the changes had grown extensive enough to amount to a new constitution rather than an amendment, and a Constitutional Commission chaired by Constitutional Court head Elvira Azimova took over the drafting. The text was published Feb. 12 and went to a nationwide referendum on March 15, more than a year ahead of the original date. The CEC put support at 87.15 percent on turnout of 73.12 percent. The constitution entered into force July 1, ending the mandate of the old Parliament, and Tokayev signed the decree calling the election the same day. Adilet holds first place on the ballot and the largest list, with 186 candidates. The party held its founding congress May 7 and was registered by the Justice Ministry on June 1 under Aibek Dadebay, who had stepped down as head of the presidential executive office. Amanat, which took 53.9 percent in 2023 and held the largest bloc in the Mazhilis, voted at its congress June 12 to join Adilet, and Adilet delegates approved the accession two days later. The remaining six lists carry between 33 and 75 candidates. Auyl, an agrarian party, finished second in 2023 with 10.9 percent. Respublica, associated with business, took 8.59 percent and Ak Zhol, which campaigns on market liberalization and stronger parliamentary oversight, took 8.41 percent. The People's Party of Kazakhstan won 6.8 percent and the Nationwide Social Democratic Party 5.2 percent. Baitaq, an environmental party, fell short at 2.3 percent. Adilet did not contest that election, so the two ballots cannot be compared party for party. Of the 545 candidates, 172 are women and 373 are men, with an average age of 45.4 years, according to the CEC. The field includes 74 candidates under 35 and 19 with disabilities. Each party had to reserve at least 30 percent of its list for women, young people and persons with disabilities and must apply the same proportion when distributing the seats it wins. All seven met the list requirement. More than 10,400 polling stations will open across the country, staffed by roughly 71,000 commission members. Another 79 stations will operate at Kazakh diplomatic missions in 61 countries. Voting is in person only, with no postal or online option, and the CEC is printing 12,731,847 ballots in Kazakh and Russian, including a statutory 1 percent reserve. Campaigning began July 23 and ends at midnight on Aug. 21, with Aug. 22 set aside as a day of silence. Publication of opinion polls, forecasts and other election research has been barred since Aug. 18. The CEC had accredited 781 foreign and international observers as of Aug. 17. The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe has deployed 39 long-term and 208 short-term monitors through its Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, which is expected to release initial findings the day after the vote and a full report later. Once results are published, the president has 30 days to convene the first session, and the government surrenders its powers before the incoming chamber. Within two months of that sitting, and only with the Kurultai's consent, Tokayev must appoint a Vice President along with the leadership of the Constitutional Court, the CEC, and the Supreme Audit Chamber. 2026-08-20 20:41:14