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Yoon Suk Yeol Sentenced to 30 Years for Pyongyang Drone Incident The Democratic Party of Korea on June 12 described the 30-year prison sentence handed to former President Yoon Suk Yeol for treason and abuse of power as "the right outcome." Yoon was accused of ordering a drone incursion into Pyongyang to create a pretext for declaring martial law during the December 3 incident. Party spokesperson Kim Han-na stated in a written briefing, "The first trial sentencing for treason and other charges against defendant Yoon Suk Yeol is a stern judgment by the judiciary against a crime that used national security as a tool for extending power." Kim emphasized that the ruling proved that Yoon's actions harmed South Korea's military interests and constituted a serious foreign exchange crime that benefited an enemy state. She added, "National security belongs not to those in power but to the people," and pledged that the Democratic Party would steadfastly work to protect the constitutional order, the lives of citizens, and peace on the Korean Peninsula. Kim Byung-joo, a member of the National Assembly and a former Army general, expressed on Facebook, "As someone who has dedicated my life to protecting South Korea's security, I believe that a 30-year sentence for Yoon is still too lenient." He characterized the Pyongyang drone incident as more than just an abuse of command authority, stating, "It was an incident where the Commander-in-Chief directly induced provocations from North Korea to create a justification for declaring martial law." He further asserted, "Today's ruling is just the beginning of accountability," insisting that there should be no leniency for those who sought to undermine the constitutional order and use citizens as pawns in a war. Park Joo-min, another lawmaker, also took to Facebook to declare, "Yoon Suk Yeol is a traitor in South Korean history," asserting that the maximum possible sentence should be imposed on the remaining defendants in the insurrection case to prevent such individuals from rising again.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-12 15:48:00 -
Lee's approval rating falls below 60% as controversy over local elections deepens SEOUL, June 12 (AJP) - President Lee Jae Myung's approval rating fell to 57 percent, the lowest level so far this year, according to a survey of over 1,000 adults conducted by pollster Gallup Korea early this week and released on Friday. Some 57 percent said Lee is doing a good job, down 7 percentage points from a similar survey conducted just before the June 3 local elections. After months of strong approval ratings since early February, his support slipped below 60 percent for the first time. Some 35 percent disapproved of him, while the remaining 8 percent were undecided or declined to answer. Gallup Korea attributed the decline in his support to disruptions during early this month's local elections, in which some voters were unable to cast ballots due to shortages in ballot papers, among other reasons. In fact, among those who disapproved, the top reason was election-related irregularities and poor management, cited by 16 percent, followed by economic concerns at 14 percent and dissatisfaction with real estate-related policies at 9 percent. Meanwhile, support for the ruling Democratic Party (DP) also dropped by about 4 percentage points to 41 percent, while that of the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) rose by 7 percentage points to 29 percent. Other minor parties including the centrist Reform Party (RP), the liberal Rebuilding Korea Party (RKP), and the left-wing Progressive Party each had 2 percent support, while 20 percent supported none of the parties. 2026-06-12 15:42:25 -
Three Illegal K-Webtoon Sites Shut Down Through Korea-Vietnam Cooperation Through close international cooperation between South Korea and Vietnam, three illegal K-webtoon distribution sites have been shut down. On June 12, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security announced the closure of these sites, which caused annual damages estimated at about 207.2 billion won, and the arrest of two operators. The illegal sites, identified as 'Hari***', 'Manhwa***', and 'Kun***', were confirmed to have been operated by Vietnamese nationals since January 2023. They illegally translated domestic webtoons into English and distributed them without authorization to users worldwide, including in Asia, North America, and Europe, generating revenue through banner ads on their sites. The total number of webtoons distributed illegally through these sites reached over 14,700, with K-webtoons accounting for approximately 70% of that total. The annual visitor count for these sites was reported at 1.1 billion, leading to an estimated annual loss of around 207.2 billion won for the industry. The Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security plans to proceed with prosecution once the investigation of the two suspects is completed. The Ministry of Culture, along with the Korea Copyright Protection Agency (Vietnam Office) and Naver Webtoon, intends to actively cooperate with the Ministry of Public Security to ensure a smooth copyright certification process for local prosecutions. Additionally, the webtoon industry is calling for a thorough investigation into the operators of illegal webtoon sites. The Korea Digital Content Creators Association (Hancong) and 134 authors affected by illegal distribution through Newtoki and Booktoki filed a criminal complaint with the police on June 11, coinciding with the extradition of the operator of 'Manamoa' to South Korea, and held an emergency press conference. The complaint involved 134 authors who collectively experienced illegal distribution of webtoons and web novels through Newtoki and Booktoki. They urged the police to conduct a swift and thorough investigation into the Newtoki operator, as well as to clarify the relationships between Newtoki, Booktoki, and Manamoa, identify accomplices and facilitators, trace advertising revenue flows, investigate the structure of illegal gambling site inflows, and uncover potential money laundering activities. Minister Choi Hwi-young stated, "We will continue to strengthen international cooperation to combat illegal distribution of K-content and solidify the foundation for overseas copyright protection, ensuring that K-content is recognized for its rightful value worldwide."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-12 15:42:00 -
For BTS fans, following them 'Into the Sun' is worth every second — even 3 months SEOUL, June 12 (AJP) — While much of South Korea was painted red in celebration of the national football team's opening victory at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the country's second-largest city turned purple as BTS fans flooded Busan for a two-day concert marking the group's 13th anniversary. For many ARMY members, the concerts were more than another stop on BTS's world tour. They marked an emotional return to the very venue where the group bid farewell before answering the nation's call for military service four years ago. Fans arrived from every corner of the globe. Some, however, had barely left South Korea since BTS launched its comeback year with a special event in Seoul in March. "It feels unreal," said Vuyo Matiwane, 36, from South Africa. "It's been almost three months of waiting, but I'm just as excited as I was for the comeback live event and the first tour concerts in Goyang." Matiwane chose to remain in South Korea after attending BTS's Gwanghwamun event in March and the group's opening concerts in Goyang in April. She said the wait for Busan had felt endless, making it difficult to believe the anniversary weekend had finally arrived. Hours before showtime, Busan was already buzzing with anticipation. Fans filled hotels, shopping districts and tourist landmarks as the city prepared for BTS's return. "The atmosphere in Busan is amazing," Matiwane said. "The city is buzzing with 'ARIRANG.' Every corner is painted in shades of purple and themed around the tour. ARMY from all over the world are here." Matiwane had also visited Busan for BTS FESTA last year while the members were completing their military service. The experience was memorable despite the group's absence, she said, making this year's anniversary celebrations even more meaningful. "I'm excited and emotional at the same time," she said. "I think what ARMY means to BTS and what BTS means to ARMY is not a feeling that can easily be put into words." Asked what she would say to BTS if given the chance, Matiwane delivered a message on behalf of fans in her home country. "South Africa is eagerly waiting for its turn to have a concert," she said. "Until then, I'll follow you 'Into the Sun.'" For some fans, even not having a ticket was not enough to keep them away from Busan. "A lot has changed in my life over the past 13 years, but BTS has been a constant," said Liu, a Singaporean fan in her 30s. "That's why being in Busan for this anniversary feels emotional." Moreau, 29, from France, said Busan felt different from any BTS concert experience he had encountered in Europe. "I've attended several BTS concerts, but coming to Busan feels like experiencing the heart of the fandom," he said. "The excitement throughout the city is unlike anything I've ever seen." Moreau said BTS's music helped him gain confidence when he was younger, making the journey particularly meaningful. "Looking around the stadium, I see people of every age and background sharing the same joy," he said. "It's proof that music can bring the world together in a very real way." For Olivia Bennett, 24, from the United Kingdom, visiting South Korea for BTS had long been a dream shared by many international fans. "Busan is full of people from different cultures, yet everyone seems connected through the same music," she said. Bennett said BTS's messages of hope, self-acceptance and resilience were reflected in the diversity and openness of the fan community. "I've made friends here from countries I've never even visited before," she added. Anticipation had also been building online. After a fan-run BTS news account shared a preview video of the stage setup at Busan Asiad Main Stadium, social media quickly filled with messages of excitement. "Nostalgia is hitting," one fan wrote, recalling BTS's 2022 performance at the same venue before the members began military service. Another commented: "If the stage lights are half as bright as that renovation, we'll need sunglasses in Busan. Can't wait to see BTS turn a stadium into a concert galaxy." The Busan concerts come amid the global success of BTS's fifth studio album, "ARIRANG," which recently spent a third consecutive week atop the Billboard 200 chart. For the fans who traveled thousands of kilometers — and for some, waited nearly three months across multiple Korean cities — the weekend represents more than another concert or another chart milestone. It is a celebration of BTS's 13-year journey and a reminder of the bond that continues to connect millions of fans across generations, cultures and continents. 2026-06-12 15:41:05 -
Na Kyung-won Calls for By-Election if Elected Seoul Mayor Na Kyung-won, a member of the People Power Party, stated on June 12 that if she were the elected mayor of Seoul, she would immediately declare a by-election at Jamsil Olympic Park in response to the shortage of ballots during the June 3 local elections.During a press conference at the National Assembly with fellow lawmakers Park Chung-kwon, Cho Seung-hwan, and Choi Soo-jin, Na emphasized that problematic electoral districts in the June 3 elections must undergo by-elections.She remarked, "Just because the number of voters who could not cast their ballots is not enough to change the election outcome, it does not mean that the constitutional illegality of blocking the voting rights of citizens is overlooked. The validity of an election lies not in the margin of votes but in the constitutional legitimacy of the process."Na criticized the current Public Official Election Act, which recognizes election invalidation only when violations are deemed to have affected the election outcome. She called it a "harsh contradiction" that the Election Commission, responsible for the errors, places the burden of proof on voters who were unable to vote.She urged the Election Commission to conduct partial by-elections on its own authority without waiting for a court ruling. Na introduced a bill the previous day aimed at allowing the invalidation of elections in full or in part when voters' rights are infringed due to the Election Commission's fault, regardless of the election results.Furthermore, she argued that the Election Commission requires a level of reform akin to disbandment. She stated, "It is an organization that can no longer be repaired. We must dismantle the Election Commission and completely rebuild it into a fair and trustworthy electoral governance system that the public can rely on." She also suggested that the minimal management functions granted by the constitution should remain, while delegating the execution of elections, which involve substantial budgets and manpower, to other agencies.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-12 15:39:00 -
Samsung Biologics, union to resume talks next week SEOUL, June 12 (AJP) - Samsung Biologics and its labor union will resume negotiations next week in a bid to narrow differences over wage increases and personnel system reforms that have strained relations at the South Korean contract drugmaker for months. The two sides agreed to meet on June 16, industry sources said Friday, after the union pressed management to return to the bargaining table and the company responded earlier in the day. Management has proposed first holding working-level discussions on the collective agreement to close gaps on contentious issues, before chief negotiators take up wages and benefits in separate talks. The company also suggested the two sides jointly devise measures to restore customer trust and repair its external image. Tensions escalated after talks collapsed, prompting about 60 workers to stage a partial walkout in late April. A full strike followed from May 1 to 5, drawing about 2,800 participants, and workers have since waged a work-to-rule campaign by refusing overtime and holiday shifts since May 6. The union also plans to hold a vote among members late this month on whether to withdraw from Samsung Group's supra-enterprise union and revise its bylaws. A proposed amendment that would place decisions on the scope and disbursement of "living cost support" under the executive committee has stirred internal criticism that leaders are seeking to manage finances arbitrarily without a full membership vote. 2026-06-12 15:36:56 -
Hyundai Motor Union Declares Stalemate in Wage Negotiations, Plans Strike Vote The Hyundai Motor labor union has announced a stalemate in this year's wage negotiations, prompting the initiation of strike procedures. On June 12, the company and union held their 11th negotiation session at the Ulsan plant headquarters but failed to reach an agreement, leading to the declaration of a stalemate. The union explained that the management repeatedly stated it was "difficult" without presenting any proposals regarding wages. The union is demanding a basic salary increase of 149,600 won (excluding seniority raises) and a performance bonus equivalent to 30% of last year's net profit. Additionally, they are seeking job security guarantees related to the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI), implementation of a full salary system, an increase in bonuses from 750% to 800%, extension of retirement age, and new hiring. Following the stalemate declaration, the union plans to file for dispute mediation with the Central Labor Relations Commission on June 15. They will hold a temporary delegate meeting on June 23 to determine the direction of the strike and conduct a strike vote among all members around June 25. If the Central Labor Relations Commission determines that the differences between the two sides are significant and decides to halt mediation, the union can legally strike if more than half of the members vote in favor. Last year's negotiations concluded after the union conducted three partial strikes.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-12 15:36:00 -
Deputy Prime Minister Gu Yoon-cheol Addresses Youth Employment Challenges at Bootcamp Gu Yoon-cheol, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, described the recent drop in youth employment rates as a "serious situation" and emphasized the need to enhance job readiness for young people through talent development in advanced industries. On June 12, Gu visited Hanyang University alongside Vice Minister of Education Choi Eun-ok to tour the "Advanced Industry Talent Development Bootcamp" and engage in discussions with university officials, participating companies, trainees, and experts. The Advanced Industry Talent Development Bootcamp is a collaborative initiative between universities and companies to develop training programs aimed at cultivating practical talent in advanced fields. Hanyang University is currently running an artificial intelligence (AI) bootcamp in partnership with companies like Hyundai NGV, Salesforce, and Saltlux, as well as a semiconductor-AI convergence bootcamp. After listening to presentations from students on their projects, including a "Large Language Model (LLM) Car Maintenance Sticker Detection and Classification System" and an "Industry Data-Based Revenue Analysis and Management Model," Gu encouraged the trainees to actively integrate AI capabilities into their practical work. During the discussions, Gu noted, "According to the employment trends released yesterday, the youth employment rate (43.8%) has decreased compared to the same period last year, while the unemployment rate (7.2%) has increased, indicating a worsening situation for youth employment." He added, "To quickly improve the employment conditions felt by young people, we will expedite the implementation of key tasks outlined in the 'Youth New Deal Promotion Plan' announced at the end of April and actively identify additional support measures." He further stated, "The 'Youth Leap Talent Development Bootcamp' initiative established through the Youth New Deal Promotion Plan is a core project aimed at supporting skill development in advanced industries or fields preferred by young people, targeting non-students." He urged for prompt action on pre-selection processes for universities and participants. Experts attending the meeting emphasized the importance of providing timely skills that meet industry demands through hands-on training programs like bootcamps to maintain and expand youth employment in the AI era. They also suggested that additional support policies are necessary to ensure that the programs lead to actual employment and diverse career paths. Gu concluded, "In a rapidly changing environment where the skills required of young people are evolving, the bootcamp initiative is a very meaningful model. We will continue to strengthen support so that young people can develop the skills needed for future industries through education and vocational training experiences and utilize them for employment."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-12 15:33:00 -
Vietnam Coach Kim Sang-sik Discovers Talents Ahead of 2026 ASEAN Cup Vietnam national football team coach Kim Sang-sik made an unexpected discovery at Nam Dinh Stadium. Instead of attending a match at Ninh Binh Stadium featuring key players from the national team, he chose to watch the game between Nam Dinh FC and Ho Chi Minh City Police FC, allowing him to assess the competitiveness and potential of players who have recently emerged as strong contenders. The Vietnam national team is currently preparing for the 2026 ASEAN Cup and the 2027 Asian Cup. On June 11, local time, the daily newspaper Culture and Sports reported that Coach Kim attended the match at Tien Truong Stadium to evaluate not only established players like Suan Son and Van Bi from Nam Dinh FC but also the rising talents from Ho Chi Minh City Police FC. The match proved to be a fruitful outing for Coach Kim. Selecting players for the national team is a critical task as Vietnam prepares for the upcoming tournaments, and new talents have been consistently emerging throughout the season. Among the teams, Ho Chi Minh City Police FC stood out as they have been recognized for making significant strides in the V-League towards the end of the season. Currently, Ho Chi Minh City Police FC has climbed to fifth place in the league and has reached the National Cup finals. Given the challenges and internal changes they faced during the season, their achievements have exceeded expectations. Their 4-2 victory over Nam Dinh FC showcased this transformation, with the team scoring four goals in the first half to effectively seal the match. Raphael Uchig opened the scoring, followed by goals from Mateus Felipe, Lee Williams, and Jia Bao, who netted a goal just before halftime, extending the lead to 4-0. Notably, the scoring was not concentrated among specific players. Contributions came from forwards and defenders alike, highlighting the team’s overall organization and balanced strength. If Coach Kim was searching for new resources for the national team, he certainly found noteworthy players. Jia Bao, in particular, made a strong impression. Having previously been selected for the national team under Coach Kim, he demonstrated stability in defense and scored a goal, showcasing his growth. He found the net against Nam Dinh FC goalkeeper Tran Nguyen Main, proving his competitiveness on both ends of the field. Lee Williams, a Vietnamese-American player, also caught attention with his scoring ability and active contributions that shifted the game's momentum. With excellent physical attributes, aerial prowess, and a modern playing style, Williams is being considered as a potential attacking resource for the national team, especially if he completes his citizenship process in the coming months. In goal, Patrick Le Zhang reaffirmed his value. Although he conceded two goals, he made several crucial saves throughout the match, thwarting Nam Dinh FC's attacking efforts. Despite multiple scoring opportunities for Nam Dinh FC, Le Zhang's interventions were decisive. Having already obtained Vietnamese nationality, he is regarded as a strong candidate for the national team goalkeeper position. Meanwhile, Nam Dinh FC, led by coach Bu Hong Viet, suffered a painful defeat at home, concluding their season. Once considered a contender for multiple trophies, the team ended the season without lifting any silverware. Ultimately, one of the biggest beneficiaries of the match was Coach Kim, who gained valuable insights into the performance of existing national team players and the potential of those who have emerged strongly at the season's end, providing essential data for future team selections.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-12 15:30:00 -
HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Appeals Ruling on KDDX Security Penalty As Hanwha Ocean has been effectively selected as the preferred bidder for the 7.8 trillion won KDDX detailed design and lead ship construction project, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries has filed an appeal against the ruling that dismissed its request to prohibit the application of a security penalty. With the selection of the KDDX contractor approaching, there is growing interest in whether this legal dispute will introduce new variables into the process. On June 12, defense industry sources reported that HD Hyundai Heavy Industries submitted the appeal to the Seoul Central District Court the previous day. The company had filed the request for a temporary injunction in response to the Defense Acquisition Program Administration's (DAPA) decision to extend the security penalty measures for one year until December. However, the court dismissed this request on June 5. The security penalty stems from an incident in which nine employees of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries leaked KDDX conceptual design materials from Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering, Hanwha Ocean's predecessor, between 2012 and 2015. Eight of these employees were convicted in November 2022, while one was convicted in December 2023. DAPA has applied a 1.2-point security penalty during the bidding process due to this incident. Initially, DAPA indicated that the penalty would end in November of last year based on the eight individuals who had received confirmed convictions. However, following the final conviction of the last individual in September of last year, DAPA decided to extend the 1.2-point penalty until December of this year. As a result, while HD Hyundai Heavy Industries outperformed Hanwha Ocean by approximately 0.6 points in technical scores, the security penalty ultimately allowed Hanwha Ocean to surpass HD Hyundai Heavy Industries by 0.5867 points in total scores, leading to its selection as the preferred bidder. HD Hyundai Heavy Industries argues that DAPA's extension of the penalty period until December is unjust. If the appeal is accepted, it could introduce variables into the KDDX contractor selection process. Meanwhile, DAPA has stated that it will proceed with the subsequent procedures as planned, independent of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries' appeal. The agency aims to officially select the preferred bidder by early next month and finalize the main contract by the end of next month or early August.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-12 15:30:00