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Kiwoom Securities Maintains 'Buy' Rating on LS Amid Strong Market Conditions Kiwoom Securities has maintained its 'buy' rating on LS, forecasting strong performance in the second half of the year due to favorable market conditions and rising copper prices. However, the firm has adjusted its target price from 700,000 won to 500,000 won, reflecting the stock performance of its listed subsidiary LS Electric and the valuation of its unlisted subsidiary LS Cable.In a report released on the same day, analyst Son Ye-bin noted, "LS Electric is experiencing explosive growth in its orders for transformers and switchgear, and is expected to continue improving its performance in the second half. With copper prices recently reaching an all-time high of $14,000 per ton, LS Cable and LS I&D are also anticipated to see profitability improvements due to rising product prices in the latter half of the year."He added, "LS MnM is seeing a rebound in precious metal prices after a weak second quarter, while sulfuric acid prices remain stable, suggesting a continued solid performance in the second half. Considering these factors, we expect quarterly operating profits to remain robust at around 400 billion won."Additionally, he mentioned that the company has already retired 500,000 shares in August of last year and February of this year, and currently holds 3,465,097 shares, which is 11.1% of its total issued shares. Following the introduction of mandatory share buybacks this year, discussions regarding additional share retirements are expected to intensify in the latter half of the year.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-19 08:08:00 -
First K-Stay Expo to Showcase Shared Accommodation Startups Those preparing to start a shared accommodation business will have a chance to gather essential information on everything from property listings to interior design, cleaning, laundry, and tax matters at a dedicated event. This marks the first specialized expo for shared accommodation in South Korea, featuring companies and experts who will introduce products, services, and practical know-how necessary for operating accommodations.The Korea Guesthouse Association announced on the 18th that the 'K-Stay Expo 2026' will take place on October 9-10 at the Art Hall 2 of the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) in Seoul, with support from Airbnb.Over 40 companies and organizations related to the shared accommodation business will participate in the event. The sectors represented will include interior design, appliances and furniture, cleaning and laundry, hygiene and safety, tax, and fire safety.Prospective entrepreneurs and current operators will have the opportunity to compare products and services from various vendors on-site and receive expert consultations. Items such as interior decor, mattresses, and coffee machines suitable for accommodations will also be showcased. Some companies plan to offer on-site promotions, including discounts during the expo.There will also be lectures sharing operational experiences and know-how. Current shared accommodation operators and field experts will serve as speakers, providing practical information on property selection, customer attraction, and cost management.Specifically, topics will include how to find competitive accommodation listings, space presentation, marketing strategies, and tax-saving methods for the hospitality industry. Changes in policies related to shared accommodation and market outlook will also be key subjects of discussion.As the number of inbound tourists continues to rise, the demand for accommodations among foreign visitors is diversifying. Projections indicate that the number of foreign tourists visiting South Korea will exceed 20 million this year, with travelers increasingly interested in experiencing local culture and daily life through shared accommodations.Chae Bo-young, president of the Korea Guesthouse Association, stated, “As we approach an era of 30 million inbound tourists, the role of shared accommodation in meeting diverse lodging demands is becoming increasingly important. I hope this expo provides operators and prospective entrepreneurs with the necessary information and know-how, supporting the healthy growth of the domestic shared accommodation industry.”Seo Ga-yeon, country manager of Airbnb Korea, remarked, “This event, which brings together key players in the domestic shared accommodation ecosystem, will serve as a significant platform showcasing the scale of the shared accommodation industry. We hope it aids prospective entrepreneurs in entering the market smoothly and helps existing operators run their accommodations successfully, especially with large international events like the World Youth Day approaching next year.”Admission to the expo is free, and pre-registered attendees will receive priority entry and exclusive merchandise benefits.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-19 08:04:00
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Investment Competition Top 0.32%: Yu Ju-wan of Wisdom Partners Says Market Requires 'Response' Rather Than Prediction ◆Aju Economy Major News▷'Investment Competition Top 0.32%' Yu Ju-wan, Head of Wisdom Partners WM Division, Says 'The Stock Market Requires Response Rather Than Prediction... View Fear as a Buying Opportunity'- Yu Ju-wan, head of Wisdom Partners' investment management division, has demonstrated his investment capabilities by ranking in the top 1% for two consecutive months in the Kiwoom Securities real investment competition.- He employs a strategy of focusing on leading stocks in sectors with high trading volume and demand, analyzing the U.S. stock market and news releases daily from 6:30 a.m.- In short-term trading, he strictly adheres to a 5% stop-loss principle, while in long-term investments, he buys quality stocks that have fallen excessively compared to their earnings in a staggered manner, responding to market conditions.- Regarding the second half of the year, he emphasized the importance of response over prediction and recommended maintaining a certain level of cash reserves, identifying promising investment areas such as semiconductors centered around Samsung Electronics, aerospace, and undervalued automotive parts.- Yu stated his goal to grow as a professional private banker by combining Wisdom Partners' analysis capabilities based on its public offering and institutional network with his practical trading experience to manage client assets directly.◆Major Reports▷The Era of Interest Rates - As the sensitivity of financial markets to interest rates increases, overshadowed by AI growth, the burden of corporate borrowing and U.S. fiscal deficits has emerged as a key variable in the market.- Stabilizing market interest rates is crucial to alleviate the burdens on financial investors and the U.S. government, with expectations for a downward stabilization of long-term U.S. Treasury yields.- The cooperation between the U.S. and Japan, efforts by U.S. authorities to ease long-term bond supply pressures, and stable consumption, employment, and inflation are positive factors for stabilizing U.S. Treasury yields.- In the short term, the volume of Treasury issuance and geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and Iran may limit interest rate declines, but both bond supply pressures and Middle Eastern tensions are likely to ease gradually.- Following a rapid rebound in the stock market, a short-term pause may occur, but as U.S. interest rates stabilize downward, a rally in the stock market is expected to continue, with growth stocks benefiting significantly from the easing of interest rate pressures.◆Major Disclosures After Market Close (August 18)▷Korea Advanced Materials Decides on 3 Billion Won Public Offering Capital Increase▷Axion Group Decides on 2.8 Billion Won Public Offering Capital Increase▷Exchange Requests Significant Market Fluctuation Inquiry for Hanju ART▷EoFlow Decides on 2 Billion Won Convertible Bond Issuance▷NeoImmuneTech Receives Report on NT-I7 and Keytruda Combination Therapy Phase 1b/2a Results▷TerraView Signs 950 Million Won Semiconductor Inspection Equipment Supply Contract▷ChabioTech Decides on 80.3 Billion Won Acquisition of Cha Healthcare Shares▷Bonn Faces Allegations of Embezzlement and Breach of Trust Amounting to 100 Million Won◆Fund Trends (As of August 14, Excluding ETFs)▷Domestic Equity Funds: +14.6 Billion Won▷Overseas Equity Funds: +10.3 Billion Won◆Key Schedule for Today (August 19)▷Japan: Core Machinery Orders (June)▷Eurozone: Consumer Price Index (July, Final)* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-19 08:00:20
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Actor Hong Min-ki Faces Legal Action Over Dating Violence Allegations Hong Min-ki, a rising actor known for his roles in dramas such as 'The Thief Who Stole My Heart,' 'Love on a One-Way Bridge,' and 'Study Group,' is facing legal action over allegations of dating violence, assault, and threats.On August 19, influencer A revealed on her Instagram story a legal notice sent to Hong Min-ki from a law firm, warning of impending legal action regarding illegal criminal activities.The disclosed legal document includes the name of the law firm, as well as the names of Hong Min-ki and his agency. Notably, the document states that Hong Min-ki allegedly threw a soju bottle at A on the street, shattering it.Additionally, the document claims that after A's phone was turned off and she could not be reached, Hong Min-ki made over 40 calls, suspecting her of cheating with her ex-boyfriend, and threatened, "I was going to kill both of you if I found you."The legal notice also details that Hong Min-ki exhibited symptoms of shortness of breath and panic disorder, expressing anger towards A's ex-boyfriend, shouting, "I will kill that XX," and "I will kill you if I see you," while physically assaulting A by hitting her shoulder and choking her.Furthermore, the document includes claims that Hong Min-ki suspected A of infidelity and sought evidence by secretly accessing her KakaoTalk messages, which was noted as an invasion of her privacy and secrets.Allegations of drunk driving and resulting injuries were also mentioned in the legal notice. According to the document, Hong Min-ki allegedly drove an electric scooter with A while under the influence, causing her significant injury. It also states that A expressed her anxiety about his drunk driving but he continued to drive.The legal notice released by A contains multiple allegations related to assault, threats, invasion of privacy, drunk driving, and injuries. However, it is important to note that the claims outlined in the document have not yet been confirmed as facts by law enforcement or the courts.The names, birth dates, and agency address of the recipient in the document reportedly match those of Hong Min-ki, further fueling the controversy.Hong Min-ki has reportedly completed filming for his upcoming project, 'Study Group Season 2.' If this issue gains significant public attention, it is expected to impact the drama's production team and broadcasting officials.As of now, Hong Min-ki and his agency, Pable Entertainment, have not issued any official statement regarding the matter. 2026-08-19 08:00:00
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Justice Minister Jeong Seong-ho Resigns, Citing Health and Completion of Reform Legislation Justice Minister Jeong Seong-ho submitted his resignation, citing health reasons and the completion of key judicial reform legislation. Jeong, who has served as the first Justice Minister under the Lee Jae-myung administration for the past year, expressed his intention to return to the National Assembly to support the success of the Democratic Party and the government.According to legal sources on August 19, Jeong announced on his Facebook page the night before, "I submitted my resignation due to health reasons and because the major legislation related to judicial reform has been completed."He further stated, "I believe it is desirable for the new criminal justice system to be completed under new leadership," clearly indicating his intention to resign.Regarding his future plans after stepping down, he confirmed his return to the National Assembly. He said, "I will do my best to contribute to the success of the people's sovereignty government and, ultimately, the success of South Korea and its citizens," adding, "I will help build a Democratic Party that is trusted by the public and firmly supports the government."In his statement, Jeong also emphasized the direction of future judicial reforms. He advised, "Just as a government cannot exist apart from public sentiment, reforms that do not gain the hearts of the sovereign people are also unlikely to be sustainable."He called for a practical and humble response to concerns surrounding the upcoming amendments to the Criminal Procedure Act. Jeong noted, "Many citizens, including experts, the media, and crime victims, are worried," and stressed that anticipated errors and side effects should be corrected before implementation, while issues discovered post-implementation should be addressed promptly and humbly rather than met with hostility.He added, "The National Assembly and the government are not the owners of the criminal justice system and must bear infinite responsibility for the lives of the people," pledging to actively ensure that there are no harms to the public.Reflecting on his year-long tenure, Jeong also shared his thoughts and requests regarding overall legal administration. He mentioned efforts to maintain national legal order in areas such as corrections, immigration, crime prevention, and human rights, stating, "A society without legal order is like a sandcastle," and encouraged Ministry staff to approach their work with pride and confidence.Finally, Jeong concluded his statement by expressing hope that the quicker new systems are established, the faster the new leadership will stabilize and implement reforms.The Blue House, which had initially attempted to dissuade Jeong from resigning, confirmed that after he made his resignation clear, they requested him to remain in office until a successor is appointed.The resignation of a cabinet member must go through a recommendation process by the Ministry of Personnel Management and receive final approval from the President. Once the President accepts the resignation, the Ministry of Justice will transition to an acting leadership under Lee Jin-soo.Amid speculation about the next Justice Minister, names such as Democratic Party lawmakers Park Kyun-taek and Lee Geon-tae, who represented the President in legal matters, are being discussed. 2026-08-19 07:56:00
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K-Pop Dominates Major Categories at 2026 MTV Video Music Awards 그룹 방탄소년단(BTS)을 비롯한 K팝 아티스트들이 미국 4대 대중음악 시상식 중 하나인 '2026 MTV 비디오 뮤직 어워즈(VMA)' 주요 부문 후보에 대거 이름을 올렸다. 18일(현지시간) 빌보드 등 외신에 따르면, 4년 만에 컴백한 방탄소년단은 신곡 '스윔(SWIM)'으로 이번 VMA에서 '올해의 노래(Song of the Year)'와 '최우수 K팝' 등 2개 부문 후보에 선정됐다. 앞서 '올해의 노래'는 '올해의 아티스트', '올해의 비디오'와 함께 VMA를 대표하는 주요 부문이다. 지난 2019년 VMA에 처음 후보로 올라 2관왕을 차지했던 방탄소년단이 올해 주요 부문 수상까지 거머쥘 수 있을지 이목이 쏠리고 있다. 올해 K팝 가수 중 최다 노미네이트의 주인공은 블랙핑크 리사다. 리사는 지난해 발표한 첫 솔로 정규앨범 '얼터 에고(Alter Ego)'의 수록곡이자 일본 배우 사카구치 겐타로가 참여한 '드림(Dream)'으로 '최우수 팝', '최우수 K팝', '최우수 촬영', '최우수 편집' 등 4개 부문 후보에 오르는 저력을 과시했다. 다른 K팝 스타들의 활약도 두드러진다. 신인 그룹 코르티스는 '신인상'과 '최우수 K팝' 후보에 올랐으며, 캣츠아이는 '최우수 안무' 및 '최우수 K팝' 후보로 지명됐다. 더불어 팝스타 제인(ZAYN)과 협업한 블랙핑크 지수의 '아이즈 클로스드(Eyes Closed)'는 '최우수 시각효과' 부문에, 블랙핑크의 '점프(Jump)'와 르세라핌의 '스파게티(Spaghetti)'는 '최우수 K팝' 부문 후보에 각각 이름을 올렸다. 1984년 첫발을 내디딘 VMA는 MTV가 주관하는 뮤직비디오 중심의 시상식으로 그래미 어워즈, 빌보드 뮤직 어워즈, 아메리칸 뮤직 어워즈(AMA)와 함께 미국 4대 대중음악 시상식으로 꼽힌다. K팝 가수들이 꾸준히 수상하며 영향력을 넓혀온 가운데, 지난해에는 블랙핑크 로제가 K팝 가수 최초로 '올해의 노래'를 수상한 바 있다. 한편 올해 시상식에서는 팝스타 마돈나의 11개 부문 후보 지명도 큰 화제를 모으고 있다. 마돈나는 1984년 제1회 VMA에서 웨딩드레스를 입고 전설적인 '라이크 어 버진(Like a Virgin)' 무대를 선보였던 인물로, 올해는 '올해의 아티스트'와 '올해의 비디오' 등 주요 부문 트로피를 노린다. '2026 MTV 비디오 뮤직 어워즈'는 다음 달 27일 미국 로스앤젤레스(LA) 피콕극장에서 화려한 막을 올린다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-19 07:52:00
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Nearly Half of Outdoor Advertisements in Hampyeong Are Unlicensed Hampyeong County in the Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City has found that nearly half of its outdoor advertisements are unlicensed or unreported. The county plans to legalize 1,703 of these advertisements, which meet legal requirements, over a four-month period starting in September. According to Hampyeong County, a comprehensive survey conducted from April to June identified over 5,300 outdoor advertisements, of which 2,679 were deemed legal, accounting for 51% of the total. The remaining 2,621 advertisements (49%) were identified as illegal, lacking the necessary permits or reporting procedures. To address this issue, the county will implement a 'Legalization Period for Unlicensed and Unreported Outdoor Advertisements' from September 1 to December 31. The legalization initiative will focus on the 1,703 illegal advertisements that meet current legal standards but have not completed the necessary permit or reporting processes. This includes fixed outdoor advertisements such as wall signs, pole signs, protruding signs, and rooftop signs. However, to align with the purpose of legalizing existing unlicensed advertisements, any signs installed after July 2026 will be excluded from this initiative. To encourage self-reporting, the county will waive all fees associated with permits and reporting during the legalization period. However, safety inspection fees will still need to be paid separately. To facilitate the reporting process, Hampyeong County will establish a dedicated window in the Regional Development and Urban Regeneration Team at the county office. Advertisers or business owners wishing to report can submit an application along with a building usage consent form, a location map, and site photos. After the legalization period ends, the county plans to take administrative action against any unreported illegal advertisements in accordance with relevant laws. Violations may incur fines of up to 5 million won under the Act on the Management of Outdoor Advertisements and Promotion of the Outdoor Advertising Industry. Lee Jong-il, head of the Regional Development and Urban Regeneration Team, stated, “This legalization measure aims to bring outdoor advertisements that have been in a regulatory blind spot into compliance, ensuring public safety and enhancing the urban landscape. We hope that all eligible advertisers and business owners will take advantage of the fee waiver period to report without fail.” Prior to the legalization period, Hampyeong County will send out notifications to eligible parties and utilize county newsletters and banners to inform them about the reporting procedures and timeline.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-19 07:04:00
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Lee Yong-dae's Dating Rumors Resurface Amid Witness Account in Itaewon Lee Yong-dae, a former national badminton player, and Yoon Chae-kyung, a former member of the girl group APRIL, are back in the spotlight due to past dating rumors and a recent sighting in Itaewon.On August 18, a witness reported seeing Lee Yong-dae dining with a woman at a restaurant in Itaewon, Seoul.According to the witness, Lee was accompanied by a woman identified as A. The two shared a meal and displayed some physical affection. Later, a man joined them, and the three left the restaurant together.The witness noted that the woman with Lee bore a striking resemblance to Yoon Chae-kyung, although it was not confirmed on-site whether she was indeed Yoon.The witness stated, "The overall appearance and vibe of the woman felt different from the Yoon Chae-kyung I knew, so I thought, 'This could be another woman who looks like Yoon Chae-kyung.'"As the identity of the woman could not be confirmed, it remains unclear whether she was Yoon Chae-kyung.The renewed interest in Lee's companion stems from their previous dating rumors.In November of last year, a media outlet reported that Lee Yong-dae and Yoon Chae-kyung had been dating for about a year, despite an age difference of eight years.At that time, Yoon's agency, PA Entertainment, stated regarding the dating rumors, "It is difficult to confirm as it is a private matter," neither confirming nor denying the relationship.Recently, Yoon Chae-kyung attracted attention by sharing updates with fans on social media.During an 'Ask Anything' session, she wrote, "I was betrayed by the person I trusted the most, and I still can't get over it. It's hard to believe that such a person exists in this world, but I have to accept it. I'm amazed by their character, as every word that comes out of their mouth is a lie, and they don't even apologize. But someday, it will all come back to them. Let's be happier together."When a fan commented, "Sister, good things will come your way from now on. It's a waste for a beautiful sister to be sad over a bad person," Yoon replied, "I'm lucky to know now."Yoon later posted a photo with the caption, "You should never take back someone who cheats. It's not that they won't cheat again; they just get better at not getting caught," which drew attention.However, Yoon did not mention any specific person in that post, nor did she directly address her relationship with Lee Yong-dae. Therefore, no connection has been confirmed between her social media posts, the past dating rumors, and the recent sighting.As of now, the only publicly confirmed fact is that dating rumors between Lee Yong-dae and Yoon Chae-kyung have surfaced, and Yoon's side has stated, "It is difficult to confirm as it is a private matter." Additionally, it remains unverified whether the woman seen with Lee Yong-dae was Yoon Chae-kyung. 2026-08-19 07:00:00
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National Table Tennis Players Gather in Haenam for Upcoming Tournaments Table tennis players from across the country, including students and recreational athletes, will gather in Haenam, South Jeolla Province, this August. Approximately 15,000 participants are expected for two national tournaments, which are anticipated to invigorate the local economy during the summer season.Haenam County announced that it will host the '59th Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism National Boys and Girls Student Table Tennis Championships' from August 19 to 26 at the Haenam Usul Gymnasium.This student tournament is a professional sports event where young athletes from across the nation will compete, providing a platform to showcase the skills of promising players who may lead the future of Korean table tennis.Following the student tournament, recreational table tennis players will visit Haenam.The '33rd Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism National Recreational Table Tennis Tournament' will take place in the same location from August 29 to 30. This event will feature table tennis enthusiasts from around the country competing and engaging in a sports festival that transcends regions and generations.Both tournaments are expected to attract around 15,000 participants, including student athletes, coaches, referees, and recreational players.In preparation for the large influx of athletes and officials, Haenam County is conducting pre-event inspections of venues and facilities, focusing on safety management. The county aims to ensure that athletes can perform at their best by meticulously managing the tournament operations and venue conditions.There is also significant interest in the economic impact of these large-scale sports events. It is expected that visiting teams and officials will utilize local accommodations, restaurants, and tourist attractions during their stay in Haenam.Haenam County has been promoting a 'spoonomics' policy, linking sports and the local economy by attracting various national competitions and training camps in sports such as soccer, basketball, volleyball, and badminton. The strategy aims not only to host events but also to extend the stay of teams in the area, thereby enhancing economic benefits through lodging, dining, and tourism.Noh Bong-jin, head of the sports marketing team at Haenam County's Sports Business Division, stated, "I hope that student athletes and recreational players from across the country can showcase their skills and create wonderful memories in Haenam. We will continue to strive to attract various national sports events to elevate Haenam's status as a sports city and invigorate the local economy."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-19 06:52:00
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17th Anniversary of Former President Kim Dae-jung's Death Commemorated in Gwangju On the 17th anniversary of the death of former President Kim Dae-jung, memorial events honoring his spirit of democracy, peace, and human rights took place across Gwangju, South Korea. A memorial service was held on the morning of August 18 at the Kim Dae-jung Nobel Peace Prize Memorial Hall in Mokpo. The event was attended by over 100 local dignitaries and citizens, including Min Hyung-bae, the Mayor of Gwangju, Song Hyung-gon, the Chair of the City Council, Kim Dae-jung, the Superintendent of Education, Kang Seong-hwi, the Mayor of Mokpo, and Lee Hyung-wan, the Chair of the Mokpo City Council. The service began with remarks from Kim Seon-tae, the Deputy Director of the Kim Dae-jung Nobel Peace Prize Memorial Hall, followed by flower offerings, commemorative speeches, and a tribute performance by soprano Moon Anna. Attendees reflected on the values of democracy, peace, and human rights that Kim Dae-jung championed. Following the memorial service, a special exhibition marking the 17th anniversary of his passing was inaugurated at the memorial hall's convention center. After opening remarks by Kim Jeong-hyun, the director of the memorial hall, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held, allowing attendees to leave messages of remembrance and peace on the ribbon. This special exhibition aims to highlight Kim Dae-jung's life and political philosophy, revisiting his commitment to democracy, human rights, and peace on the Korean Peninsula. The memorial fervor continued in Gwangju. At 6:30 PM, a memorial service and tribute performance were held at the Bitgoeul Citizen Culture Center, organized by the Kim Dae-jung Gwangju Memorial Committee. Mayor Min Hyung-bae, Moon Gi-jeon, the Chair of the Kim Dae-jung Gwangju Memorial Committee, and Bae Gi-seon, the Secretary General of the Kim Dae-jung Foundation, attended to honor the legacy and spirit of the late president. Citizens joined soprano Hong Seon-hee in singing the tribute song 'You Are Us.' At 7 PM, the memorial play 'Death Row Inmate Kim Dae-jung' was staged. The play depicts Kim Dae-jung's life from his arrest on May 17, 1980, to his exile in the United States in December 1982, showcasing his struggles and convictions for democracy while facing threats to his life under a military regime. Moon Gi-jeon, Chair of the Kim Dae-jung Gwangju Memorial Committee, expressed hope that the event would share the humanity and self-reflection of 'human Kim Dae-jung,' who maintained his love for humanity despite the anguish and fear of death he faced as a death row inmate. He added that he hopes it serves as a moment to reconsider the meaning of 'active conscience' that President Kim emphasized. Mayor Min Hyung-bae highlighted that Kim Dae-jung raised the issue of discrimination against the Honam region as a matter of justice and equality that South Korea must address, paving the way for local autonomy. Min Hyung-bae stated, 'The equal opportunities that President Kim Dae-jung longed for are awakening the potential of Gwangju. Together with 3.2 million citizens, we will create a just and prosperous Gwangju, where those who have lived righteously can thrive, and overwhelming growth leads to a better life for our citizens.'* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-19 06:44:00