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Kim Wol-yong Calls for 1 Trillion Won Investment in Lifelong Education In response to the rapidly changing demographic structure and the AI and digital era, there is a growing call for significant national investment in adult lifelong education. The National Institute for Lifelong Education (NILE) announced plans to hold the first-ever 'Korea Literacy Policy Exhibition' to present a new vision for lifelong learning, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of its adult literacy support program."With a declining school-age population and an increasing elderly demographic, a 1 trillion won budget for lifelong education is necessary"During a press briefing on August 20 at NILE's smart conference room, Kim Wol-yong, the head of NILE, stressed the urgent need for increased funding for lifelong education.Kim pointed out that there are 1.4 million people who cannot read Hangul and 4 million who lack digital skills, highlighting the significant number of uneducated seniors. He noted, "While substantial funds are allocated to primary and secondary education, the learning needs of adults who have graduated from school are being neglected, leading to increased intergenerational conflict and alienation. We must open up university and school infrastructure to the public and usher in an era of lifelong education with a budget of around 1 trillion won."According to NILE data, the number of elementary, middle, and high school students in South Korea is projected to decrease by approximately 36% from 2005 to 2025, while the population aged 65 and older is expected to increase by 2.4 times. Furthermore, the results of the fourth adult literacy survey revealed that 7.35 million adults (16.6%) lack basic literacy skills necessary for daily life, and the first adult digital literacy survey indicated that 47.2% of adults, or 20.27 million people, struggle with using digital devices.Kim emphasized the need for a two-track approach to education that utilizes retired teachers and opens university resources to the public, creating a comprehensive educational system that spans a lifetime.20th Anniversary of Literacy Education: First 'Policy Exhibition' on August 27-28 in CheongjuTo share this policy necessity with the public, NILE will host the 'First Korea Literacy Policy Exhibition' from August 27 to 28 at the OSCO Convention Center in Cheongju, with the Ministry of Education as the organizer and the Chungcheongbuk-do provincial government as a sponsor. This exhibition will spotlight the achievements of the adult literacy support program since its inception in 2006.Approximately 2,000 adult literacy learners from across the country are expected to attend the event, which will feature a documentary titled 'Learning Literacy' that captures the genuine journeys of learners achieving new dreams through education, as well as a musical gala show based on award-winning works from a national poetry contest.Additionally, the exhibition will include an awards ceremony for the national adult literacy poetry contest, a conference aimed at enhancing the capabilities of literacy teachers, and a national gathering of literacy educators.Corporate Collaborations: 'Hangul Sunshine Bus' to Reach Underserved CommunitiesBeyond simple viewing, 29 diverse experiential booths will be set up. Numerous private companies, including Naver, L'Oréal Korea, Staedtler Korea, and Hana Bank, will collaborate to create these booths. On-site digital literacy education will cover practical topics such as digital shopping, mobile banking app usage, and hands-on experiences with AI home appliances.In particular, the 'Hangul Sunshine Bus,' an AI and digital literacy education bus, will visit areas with limited access to digital education facilities, welcoming visitors to experience tailored educational programs through various digital devices set up inside the bus.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-20 17:48:00
Sonno Run Trip to Feature Nighttime Running Event in Gyeongju on October 4 Sonno International announced on August 20 that it will host the 'Sonno Run Trip 180K in Gyeongju,' a running festival set against the backdrop of the scenic night view of Bomun Lake, on October 4.This event marks the fourth stage of the 'Sonno Run Trip 180K' project, which connects 10km running courses from 18 Sonno Hotels and Resorts across the country into a single journey. The Sonno Run Trip features a concept of 'traveling while running in nature,' combining local natural environments with wellness, and has recently gained significant popularity among runners.The previous event, 'Sonno Run Trip 180K in Vivaldi Park,' held on August 5 in Hongcheon, saw over 1,000 participants sign up quickly, reflecting the high enthusiasm for the project.Building on the excitement from Vivaldi Park, the Gyeongju event will take place at Sonno Cam Gyeongju under the theme 'Bomun Lake Starlight Race.' The course will be divided into two options: a general running course of 9km and a pet-friendly running course of 7km. The general running course starts at Sonno Cam Gyeongju, passing key landmarks along the Bomun Lakeside, including Mulneoul Bridge, Hoban Bridge, and Silla Bridge. Designed as a flat, scenic route with minimal elevation, it is suitable for both beginners and experienced runners. The 7km pet-friendly course allows participants to run alongside their pets, expanding the options for attendees.On the day of the event, photo zones and experience booths will open at 3 p.m., followed by the main race starting at 6:30 p.m.The Gyeongju Run Trip will implement an RFID-based automatic timing system to provide accurate completion records for participants. After the race, a lucky draw will offer prizes such as accommodation vouchers for Sonno Cam Gyeongju and Galaxy Watches. Additionally, a special after-performance will celebrate the one-year anniversary of the Sonno Cam Gyeongju's renovation.Participants will receive access to the 'Sonno Cam Gyeongju Wellness Pool and Spa,' which was selected as a wellness tourism site in Gyeongsangbuk-do this year, ensuring a perfect relaxation experience after running. For those seeking a more leisurely schedule, a package combining two nights' accommodation and race entry will also be available.All participants will receive functional T-shirts, gym bags, and LED accessories. Pet participants will also receive leashes and LED blinkers for safety. Finishers will be awarded medals and energy kits. Registration is available on a first-come, first-served basis through the official Sonno Hotels and Resorts website and major online travel platforms.A representative from Sonno International stated, 'We hope participants enjoy a unique experience running while appreciating the nighttime scenery of Bomun Lake, a world-class tourist city with a millennium of historical and cultural value. We will continue to present differentiated travel culture through the Sonno Run Trip project, combining the unique resources and wellness of each region where Sonno Hotels and Resorts are located.'* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-20 17:48:00
Park Jong-jun Acknowledges Charges in Appeal Hearing for Obstructing Arrest of Yoon Suk Yeol Park Jong-jun, the former head of the Presidential Security Service, bowed his head in acknowledgment of all charges against him during the first appeal hearing on August 20. He is accused of systematically obstructing the execution of an arrest warrant for former President Yoon Suk Yeol at the presidential residence in Hannam-dong, Yongsan, following the declaration of a state of emergency on December 3.The Seoul High Court's Criminal Division 1, presided over by Judge Yoon Seong-sik, held the first appeal hearing for Park and three others charged with obstructing special public duties and abuse of power.In the first trial, the court recognized the charges of obstructing special public duties and sentenced Park to four years in prison, Kim Sung-hoon, the former deputy chief, to five years, and Lee Kwang-ho, the former head of the security headquarters, to two and a half years. Kim Shin, the former head of the family department, who was responsible for on-site operations, received a one-year sentence with a two-year probation.Following the first trial verdict, all defendants and the special prosecutor's team led by Special Prosecutor Cho Eun-seok filed appeals.During the appeal, Park's defense team withdrew their claim of innocence and stated they would only contest the severity of the sentence. Park stated, "Throughout my 30 years of public service, I have tried to uphold the law and principles, but I deeply regret and apologize for causing confusion among the public and the risk of physical conflict between state agencies due to my shortcomings."In contrast, Kim's defense team argued against the severity of the sentence and claimed factual errors and legal misunderstandings, stating they would contest some charges. Kim's lawyer asserted that the allegations regarding the deletion of phone records by former President Yoon were not an instruction to destroy evidence but rather a request for normal security measures, and questioned the credibility of key witness Kim Dae-gyeong, the former head of the support headquarters.The special prosecutor's office appealed the first trial's decision, which found some charges against Kim not guilty, citing factual errors and legal misunderstandings. They pointed out that even if Kim did not attend the pre-meeting, he was involved in the installation of barriers on-site and directly exercised physical force against the officers executing the warrant, establishing a sequential and implicit conspiracy regarding the overall crime.The special prosecutor's office also argued against the severity of the sentences for all defendants, stating, "This is a serious crime that undermined the lawful criminal justice process by mobilizing state agencies and personnel, damaging public trust in the rule of law, yet the defendants have not shown remorse during the investigation and trial process, denying their actions entirely." They criticized the original sentence as excessively lenient.After hearing both sides, the court ordered both parties to submit written statements by September 2, detailing their positions on the legality of the security measures regarding the phone and the extent of Kim's involvement in obstructing the arrest.Additionally, the court decided to separate the proceedings for Lee and Kim, who do not require further evidence investigation, and will proceed with the decision-making process later. Upon this decision, Lee and Kim quickly exited the courtroom.The court accepted witness requests from Park's side for Ahn Mo, the former head of the planning and management office, and from Kim's side for Kim, the former head of the support headquarters, and announced that hearings would continue on September 9 and 11 for witness examinations.Before the hearing, the court approved the special prosecutor's request for live broadcasting, stating that the seriousness of the matter, the public's right to know, the fairness of the trial, and the protection of the defendants' privacy were all considered in allowing the broadcast from the start to the end of the trial. 2026-08-20 17:44:00
Ticket Scalping Spreads from Concerts to Theaters: Can It Be Stopped? 공연과 스포츠계의 고질적인 병폐였던 암표 문제가 영화관으로 옮겨붙었다. 최근 화제작 '오디세이' 개봉과 맞물려 아이맥스(IMAX), 4DX, 돌비시네마 등 이른바 '특별관'의 명당 좌석을 선점한 뒤 온라인에서 웃돈을 얹어 되파는 부정 거래가 기승을 부리고 있다. 일반 상영관에 비해 좌석 수가 한정되어 있고 특수 포맷에 대한 관객 선호도가 뚜렷하다 보니, 암표상들의 집중 타깃이 되며 표를 구하지 못한 일반 관객들의 불만이 가중되는 상황이다. 관람객들의 피해가 커지자 영화진흥위원회(위원장 한상준, 이하 영진위)가 공공 차원에서 처음으로 칼을 빼 들었다. 영진위는 관객 피해 예방 및 공정한 관람 환경 조성을 위해 지난 18일부터 특별관 입장권 부정 거래 정황을 수집하는 상시 제보 창구를 개설하고 본격적인 실태 파악에 돌입했다. 제보 대상은 △특별관 예매 티켓의 웃돈 거래로 피해를 입은 경우 △중고거래 플랫폼이나 사회관계망서비스(SNS), 티켓 거래 사이트 등에서 암표 거래 게시글 및 정황을 확인한 경우 △매크로 프로그램 이용이 의심되는 비정상적인 대량 예매 사례를 인지한 경우 등이 모두 포함된다. 제보를 희망하는 관객은 해당 영화명과 상영관(지점), 상영 일시, 좌석 정보와 함께 중고거래 판매 게시물 캡처, 대화 내역, 거래 인터넷주소(URL) 등 증빙 자료를 영진위 전용 이메일로 제출하면 된다. 영진위 공정성장센터 측은 "일부 암표상의 부당 이득 취득 행위는 영화 관객의 정당한 관람 기회를 박탈하고 산업 전반의 신뢰를 훼손하는 심각한 문제"라며 "제보자의 신원과 내용은 관련 법령에 따라 철저히 보안이 유지되므로 적극적인 제보를 당부한다"고 밝혔다. 영진위가 전면에 나선 배경에는 개별 극장의 단속만으로는 점차 교묘해지고 조직화되는 암표 유통을 원천 차단하기 어렵다는 구조적 한계가 깔려 있다. 암표 거래의 1차 방어선인 극장가 역시 지속적인 모니터링을 이어왔다는 입장이다. CGV 측은 "일부 업체의 비정상적인 예매 행위와 티켓 부정 거래 가능성에 대해 상시 모니터링을 진행하고 있다"며 "공정한 예매 환경을 저해하는 행위가 확인될 경우 이용약관에 따라 계정 이용 제한 등 필요한 조치를 취하고 있다"고 밝혔다. 극장가 입장에서는 영화관 암표가 새롭게 불거진 이슈가 아닌 만큼, 이전부터 자체 시스템을 통해 지속적으로 단속을 벌여왔다는 설명이다. 그러나 극장들의 지속적인 자체 조치에도 대형 화제작이 개봉할 때마다 매크로 등을 동원한 대규모 암표 거래가 되풀이되자 결국 영진위가 개입을 시작했다. 다만 현 단계에서 즉각적인 행정 처분이나 단속 효과를 기대하기는 턱없이 부족한 실정이다. 실제로 18일 상시 제보 창구 개설 이후 암표 관련 제보가 접수되고 있으나 영진위가 직접적인 제재를 가할 법적 권한은 없다. 영진위 측은 이번 조치에 대해 "현황 파악과 향후 방향 설정을 위해 자료를 수집하는 것이 주된 목적"이라며 "당장 법령을 적용해 암표상에게 제재를 가하거나 시행할 수 있는 조치가 없는 것은 맞다. 접수된 건들은 확인 후 유통 구조와 피해 실태를 분석하고 있다"고 현 상황의 한계를 인정했다. 당장의 처벌 권한이 없음에도 영진위가 구체적인 팩트 수집에 나선 이유는 결국 '법적 근거 마련'을 위한 뼈대 구축 작업이다. 문체부가 암표 근절을 주요 정책 과제로 추진하고 있는 가운데 영화 분야에서도 제도 마련을 위한 움직임이 본격화한 것이다. 최휘영 문체부 장관은 최근 '국민과 함께하는 두 번째 업무보고'에서 경제성장 엔진 육성과 지역 정주 여건 혁신 등 6가지 핵심 아젠다를 제시하며, 국가 정상화 과제의 일환으로 공연·스포츠 분야 암표 근절을 강하게 짚었다. 오는 28일 시행되는 개정 공연법과 국민체육진흥법에 따라, 매크로 사용 여부와 무관하게 모든 부정 거래를 금지하고 최대 판매 금액의 50배에 달하는 과징금을 부과하는 강력한 기준이 마련됐다. 문체부는 향후 민간협의체 운영을 통해 주요 행사의 모니터링과 단속을 대폭 강화할 방침이다. 영진위가 취합하는 제보 자료는 향후 주요 온라인 거래 플랫폼 및 관계 부처와의 업무 협의, 유통 방지 시스템 개선 그리고 궁극적으로는 실효성 있는 '법 제도 보완'을 이끌어낼 필수적인 기초 자료로 활용될 예정이다. 문체부가 공연과 스포츠 분야의 암표에 50배 과징금이라는 철퇴를 내린 가운데 영진위의 이번 실태 조사가 영화 관람권 역시 강력한 법적·제도적 제재 테두리 안으로 편입시키는 마중물이 될 수 있을지 영화계 안팎의 이목이 쏠린다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-20 17:36:10
Joint Chiefs of Staff Reports North Korea Fired Unknown Projectile, Possible Ballistic Missile The Joint Chiefs of Staff announced that North Korea fired an unknown projectile into the East Sea on August 20. There are discussions about the possibility that it could be a ballistic missile.According to Yonhap News Agency, the Joint Chiefs of Staff are currently analyzing the specifications and range of the North Korean projectile. If confirmed as a ballistic missile, this would mark the first launch in eight days.Furthermore, this launch occurred during the ongoing joint military exercise between South Korea and the United States, known as the 'Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS),' which runs from August 17 to 21. 2026-08-20 17:36:00
Credit Card Loans Decline for Two Consecutive Months Amid Increased Refinancing and Cash Services Due to strengthened management of household loans by financial authorities, the outstanding balance of credit card loans in South Korea has decreased for two consecutive months. In contrast, refinancing loans and cash services have seen increases, indicating ongoing repayment burdens for vulnerable borrowers.According to the Korea Credit Finance Association on August 20, the outstanding balance of credit card loans from nine major card companies (Samsung, Shinhan, Hyundai, KB Kookmin, Lotte, Woori, Hana, BC, and NH Nonghyup) was recorded at 42.7957 trillion won at the end of July, a decrease of 113.6 billion won from the previous month’s 42.9093 trillion won.The balance of credit card loans began to decline in June after reaching an all-time high in May, influenced by the financial authorities' stricter management of household loans. The credit finance industry aims to keep the growth rate of household loans, including credit card loans, at around 1.5% this year.However, indicators reflecting the repayment burden of borrowers at high risk of default have risen again. The balance of refinancing loans, which are taken out by borrowers unable to repay their existing credit card loans, increased by 995 billion won (6.4%) to 1.648 trillion won at the end of July.Additionally, the balance of revolving credit, which is a form of payment service, rose by 438 billion won to 6.8759 trillion won. During the same period, the balance of cash services, a type of short-term card loan, increased by 2.409 trillion won to 7.0251 trillion won.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-20 17:36:00
Korean National Assembly Passes Bill to Set Fair Value for Mergers The National Assembly has passed a bill amending the Capital Markets Act to determine the merger value of listed companies based on 'fair value' rather than market price at a specific point in time. This change aims to prevent controlling shareholders from intentionally lowering stock prices to create favorable merger conditions, thereby enhancing protection for minority shareholders.According to the Financial Services Commission on August 20, the amendment to the Capital Markets and Financial Investment Act passed the National Assembly after being reviewed by the Political Affairs Committee on May 14 and the Legislation and Judiciary Committee on July 29.Under the current law, when a listed company merges with an affiliate, the merger value is primarily based on market price. This is calculated using the arithmetic average of closing prices from the previous day of either the contract date or the board resolution date, averaged over the last month, week, or day, with a permissible discount or premium of up to 10%.The issue with relying solely on market price is that controlling shareholders may intentionally choose a low stock price point or have an incentive to suppress stock prices ahead of a merger.The amendment stipulates that for mergers, spin-offs, significant asset transfers, and comprehensive stock exchanges, fair value will be determined by considering market price, asset value, and income value comprehensively.Asset value will be calculated by dividing net assets by the total number of issued shares, while income value can be assessed using discounted cash flow (DCF) or dividend discount models (DDM). This approach aims to reflect not just the stock price at a specific point in time but the intrinsic value of the company.The method for calculating the buyout price for shareholders opposing mergers will also change. Currently, if no agreement is reached between shareholders and the corporation, the market price is applied, followed by a court ruling. The amendment will require consideration of market price, asset value, and income value.To enhance procedural fairness, the board of directors will be required to prepare and disclose an opinion statement regarding the purpose and expected effects of the merger, as well as the appropriateness of the value. This provision elevates the current regulatory content to a legal requirement.Additionally, companies will need to obtain evaluations from an objective third party regarding the fairness of the merger value or transaction terms and disclose the results. In cases of mergers between affiliates, they must also disclose any related party transactions, such as debt guarantees, collateral provisions, and concurrent positions held by executives.The Financial Services Commission stated, “With this amendment, minority shareholders will be able to assess the validity of mergers by reviewing public documents, and it can be utilized for rights remedies if necessary, in conjunction with the shareholder loyalty obligations under the amended Commercial Act.”The amendment is expected to take effect three months after its promulgation, following government transmission and approval by the Cabinet. The Financial Services Commission plans to promptly revise subordinate regulations in line with the law's implementation.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-20 17:32:10
Yeosu's Employment Crisis Response Area Extended for One Year; Dangjin Newly Designated The designation period for Yeosu, a city in South Jeolla Province facing a downturn in the petrochemical industry, as an employment crisis response area will be extended for one year. Dangjin, a city in South Chungcheong Province, has been newly designated as a response area due to job losses primarily in the steel and metal product manufacturing sectors.On August 20, the Ministry of Employment and Labor held the 6th Employment Policy Council of 2026, chaired by Minister Kim Young-hoon, where the designation of employment crisis areas and response areas was discussed and approved.The employment crisis response area system was introduced in July of last year to provide government support before employment shocks from industrial downturns are reflected in statistics. Areas are designated if the number of insured workers in key industries declines for three consecutive months compared to the same month the previous year, or if a leading company plans to restructure more than 10% of its regular workforce.Although Yeosu did not meet the criteria for designation as an employment crisis area, the ongoing struggles in its key petrochemical industry led to an extension of its response area designation until August 27 of next year. This follows its initial designation on August 28 of last year, resulting in a one-year extension of support.Dangjin has been designated as a response area from August 21 to August 20 of next year, considering the job losses in the steel and metal product manufacturing sectors.This inclusion of Dangjin, which is heavily reliant on the steel industry, follows the ongoing restructuring in Yeosu's petrochemical sector. The policy aims to prevent the downturn in manufacturing from impacting the local job market.In total, eight areas have been designated as response areas, including Gwangsan District in Gwangju, Pohang in North Gyeongsang Province, Seosan in South Chungcheong Province, Nam-gu in Ulsan, Gwangyang in South Jeolla Province, and Jemulpo District in Incheon.Being designated as a response area allows for expanded support, including employment maintenance subsidies, vocational training, and livelihood stability assistance. If employers provide paid leave and maintain employment, the government’s support ratio increases from the usual 50-66% to 60-80%.The support limit for the National Tomorrow Learning Card has been raised from 3 million won to 5 million won over five years, with the self-burden rate reduced to 0-20%. The limit for vocational training living expense loans has increased from 10 million won to 20 million won, and the limit for livelihood stabilization loans has risen from 20 million won to 25 million won.During the council meeting, recent employment conditions and response strategies were also discussed. Last month, the number of employed individuals increased by 108,000 compared to the same month last year, but the employment rate for those aged 15 and older fell by 0.1 percentage points to 63.3%. The youth employment rate dropped by 1.6 percentage points to 44.2%, and declines in employment in manufacturing and construction sectors continued.In response, the government plans to expand youth work experience programs and establish the 'K-New Deal Academy,' along with a new 'Youth First Employment Support System (K-Youth Guarantee).' For middle-aged individuals, the government will gradually expand mandatory re-employment support services and provide career transition support linked to training and work experience.The council also discussed evaluations and improvement plans for this year's publicly funded job projects. The government will consider the evaluation results of 188 publicly funded job projects from last year to reform low-performing projects and coordinate similar and overlapping initiatives.Additionally, the focus will be on inclusive growth through investments aimed at responding to industrial transitions, strengthening labor market competitiveness, enhancing job support for youth and local communities, and addressing low birth rates and aging populations.Minister Kim Young-hoon stated, "The discussions on job policy direction, innovation in employment services, and responses to regional employment crises are all core tasks aimed at creating a country where everyone can work happily. We will faithfully reflect the opinions presented in the council to ensure that policies lead to tangible results on the ground."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-20 17:32:10
KakaoBank Launches Service to Easily Find and Apply for Volunteer Activities KakaoBank announced the launch of its 'Find Volunteer Activities' service, allowing users to search and apply for volunteer opportunities directly through its app.This service is notable for integrating public volunteer-related services via the Ministry of the Interior and Safety's 'Digital Service Opening' initiative.Users can access information from three services: the '1365 Volunteer Portal,' 'e-Youth Youth Volunteer Dovol,' and 'Social Welfare Volunteer Certification Management (VMS)' all in one place.As a result, KakaoBank customers aged 14 and older can find and apply for desired volunteer activities without visiting each site separately.Users can search for volunteer opportunities based on criteria such as location and areas of interest, and they can also view their past activity history and accumulated volunteer hours.The service incorporates artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance convenience, summarizing key details such as activity descriptions, schedules, and application requirements. Customers who participate in volunteer activities can write reviews or check feedback from other users.A KakaoBank representative stated, "We launched this service to help youth in need of volunteer activities and customers interested in volunteering find relevant information more conveniently. We will continue to provide services that can assist our customers in their daily lives."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-20 17:32:10
Debate Erupts Over Chief Justice's Written Recommendation for Supreme Court Nominees Cho Hee-dae, the Chief Justice of South Korea, has submitted a written recommendation for Supreme Court nominees to President Lee Jae-myung, prompting a divide between conservative and progressive lawyer groups.The conservative group, the Lawyers' Association for Human Rights and Unification of Korea, stated on August 20 that the controversy surrounding Cho's written recommendation is "merely a practice and not a legal obligation."Hanbyeon asserted, "The power to recommend Supreme Court justices is a unique authority granted solely to the Chief Justice by the Constitution," adding that "the recommendation can be made in person or in writing, and there is no legal requirement enforcing one method over the other."The group also referenced the circumstances surrounding Cho's written recommendation, stating, "The head of the court's administrative office reported to the National Assembly that 'the Chief Justice requested a meeting with the President, but the Blue House did not provide that opportunity, and the written recommendation method was agreed upon in consultation with the Blue House's Chief of Civil Affairs.'" They criticized claims that this was a unilateral notification, calling it a distortion of the facts.They further noted, "The President's appointment power is merely a formal authority exercised in the capacity of the head of state," and warned that threatening to refuse the appointment based on the form of the recommendation and intimidating the Chief Justice is an unconstitutional act that undermines the separation of powers.In contrast, the progressive group, the Lawyers for a Democratic Society, condemned the abuse of the recommendation power and attempts to undermine the court's administrative office. They stated, "The recommendation is a duty and obligation assigned to the Chief Justice by the Constitution, not a private authority that can be delayed or reversed until a favorable outcome is achieved."They added, "The failure to make a recommendation for over five months and attempts to reverse the results of the recommendations are clear abuses of the recommendation power," demanding that the Chief Justice apologize for the misuse of this power and the attempts to undermine the Supreme Court Nomination Committee.Additionally, they called on the National Assembly to amend the Court Organization Act to establish specific measures to control the abuse of the recommendation power and urged the abolition of the court's administrative office and the establishment of a new judicial administrative body.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-20 17:32:00