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  • U.S. Trade Tensions Rise as Key South Korean Trade Position Remains Vacant
    U.S. Trade Tensions Rise as Key South Korean Trade Position Remains Vacant At a critical time when trade tensions from the U.S. are escalating, South Korea's trade policy leadership is vacant following the dismissal of Yeohan Gu, head of the Trade Negotiation Headquarters at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, on August 15. Minister Kim Jeong-kwan immediately traveled to the U.S. for urgent discussions amid pressing issues such as investment in the U.S. and Section 301 tariffs.The focus now is not on the controversy surrounding the circumstances of Ye's dismissal, but rather on ensuring South Korea's trade negotiation power remains intact. Negotiations with the U.S. have entered a particularly sensitive phase. The U.S. has raised concerns about the pace of South Korea's investment commitments and the ongoing risk of additional tariffs under Section 301. A 12.5% Section 301 tariff related to forced labor has already been imposed on South Korea. Additionally, results from an investigation into overproduction under Section 301 are expected to be announced by the end of this month. If additional tariffs are implemented, the 15% tariff ceiling that South Korea and the U.S. have painstakingly established could be put to the test.Moreover, the issue of trade does not end with tariffs alone. The U.S. is also demanding faster progress on the $350 billion investment commitment. Multiple issues, including project selection, tariffs, non-tariff barriers, and supply chain restructuring, are all interconnected. This situation requires solving a complex equation that is far more intricate than traditional trade negotiations, where concessions in one area could yield gains in another.In this context, the vacancy in the Trade Negotiation Headquarters should not be prolonged. Trade negotiations cannot simply restart from square one with a change in personnel. The established negotiation channels, logic, and response scenarios with the U.S. must continue without interruption. The Ministry of Trade has decided to activate an emergency response system led by Deputy Minister Park Jeong-seong, aiming to minimize the immediate gap while also expediting the selection of a successor.Minister Kim's visit to the U.S. should not be limited to merely managing the situation. Above all, he must clearly demand the reliability of the tariff system agreed upon by South Korea and the U.S. last year. If new tariffs emerge and undermine existing agreements, companies will struggle to formulate investment and export strategies. It is crucial to maintain negotiation power until the very end to ensure that the results of the Section 301 overproduction investigation do not disrupt the balance of benefits established by previous agreements.Rushing into investments in response to U.S. demands is also inadvisable. While it is necessary to show goodwill towards the U.S., the $350 billion investment has significant implications for our economy and businesses. The viability of investment projects, participation of our companies, and the benefits to domestic industries must be thoroughly evaluated. If hasty decisions are made to avoid tariff pressures, it may extinguish immediate fires but could lead to greater costs in the long run.The government's overall response system also needs to be restructured. This is not solely an issue for the Ministry of Trade. Financial, diplomatic, and presidential offices must operate under a unified strategy. Tariffs and investments should not be negotiated separately; instead, a comprehensive package strategy that includes shipbuilding, semiconductors, energy, and supply chains should be developed to ensure that the U.S. views South Korea as a partner to collaborate with rather than a target for pressure.In a trade war, the most dangerous factor is not the pressure from the opponent but our own confusion. The sudden vacancy of a key operational leader must not lead to a gap in negotiation strategy. Minister Kim's urgent visit to the U.S. should serve as a starting point to fill that gap. The government must quickly normalize its trade command structure and send a consistent message to the U.S. What is needed now is not hasty concessions but a meticulous strategy and unwavering negotiation power. There can be no allowance for even a single day of vacancy on the trade front, where South Korea's national interests are at stake. 2026-08-17 15:08:00
  • Jared Kushner Meets with Hamas and Netanyahu to Seek Gaza Peace Breakthrough
    Jared Kushner Meets with Hamas and Netanyahu to Seek Gaza Peace Breakthrough Jared Kushner, the U.S. special envoy and son-in-law of President Donald Trump, is meeting with Hamas leaders and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in an effort to break the deadlock in Gaza peace negotiations. The meetings come as both sides clash over the sequence of Hamas disarmament and Israeli military withdrawal.On August 16, Kushner met with Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya and other officials in Egypt, alongside representatives from mediating countries including Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey. It is unusual for a senior U.S. official to engage directly with Hamas leadership.The discussions aim to revive a U.S.-led 15-point roadmap focused on Hamas disarmament and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. Before meeting with Netanyahu, Kushner reportedly sought to reaffirm Hamas's commitment to the roadmap, particularly regarding disarmament.While Hamas expressed willingness to implement the roadmap, it insisted that Israel must first cease its attacks on Gaza and withdraw its troops beyond the so-called 'yellow line.' Hamas also urged mediators and the U.S.-led peace committee to pressure Israel to adhere to a ceasefire agreement and approve the roadmap.Kushner is scheduled to meet with Netanyahu on August 17, alongside former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Nikolai Mladenov, a senior representative of the peace committee. Netanyahu has stated that he cannot accept the U.S. roadmap and will not withdraw from Gaza until Hamas is fully disarmed.Middle Eastern countries, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, have issued a joint statement criticizing Netanyahu's rejection of the roadmap and calling for pressure on him. Jordan, Pakistan, Indonesia, and other ceasefire mediators have also joined in the statement.The two sides are at odds over the sequence of disarmament and withdrawal. The U.S. roadmap proposes that Hamas gradually relinquish its weapons while Israel halts its attacks and withdraws. However, Israel has resumed airstrikes in Gaza, citing Hamas's rearmament.Internal pressure from hardliners within the Israeli coalition is also complicating Kushner's mediation efforts. Itamar Ben-Gvir, the far-right Minister of National Security, criticized the recent reduction in airstrikes in a podcast, asserting that targeted assassinations should eliminate 30 to 40 individuals each night.He argued that the focus should not only be on immediate threats, stating that some Palestinian residents are 'not worth living' and 'are not even human.'Ben-Gvir has reiterated calls for the mass relocation of Palestinian residents and the reconstruction of Jewish settlements in Gaza, claiming, 'We see all of Gaza as ours' and advocating for the establishment of settlements throughout Gaza while encouraging the relocation of as many Palestinians as possible.As Netanyahu approaches the general elections on October 27, he must consider the hardliners in his coalition and right-wing voters.Gail Talsir, a political science professor at Hebrew University, noted in the Spanish daily El País that while Gaza is not a central issue in this election, it highlights the gap between Netanyahu's claims and the realities faced by the Israeli public.Recent polls indicate Netanyahu is trailing behind his main rival, former Israeli Defense Forces Chief Gadi Eisenkot, with only 38% of respondents considering him suitable for the role of prime minister, compared to Eisenkot's 49%. 2026-08-17 15:08:00
  • Parnas Hotel Reports Record-Breaking First Half Performance
    Parnas Hotel Reports Record-Breaking First Half Performance Parnas Hotel and Resort has reported its highest-ever performance for the first half of the year. This achievement is attributed to balanced growth across its main hotels and the rapid establishment of new businesses under CEO Yoon Chang.The company announced that it recorded revenue of 285.5 billion won and an operating profit of 54.3 billion won for the first half of the year. Compared to the same period last year, revenue increased by approximately 41%, while operating profit surged by about 92%. The growth in operating profit outpaced revenue growth, indicating improved profitability.This performance is seen as a result of reducing reliance on a single business location and enhancing the competitiveness of its overall portfolio. A key factor driving the growth in the first half was the Westin Seoul Parnas, which opened in September last year. The hotel generated 69.9 billion won in revenue and 5.3 billion won in operating profit during the first half.After achieving operational profitability in its first quarter, the hotel recorded an operating profit margin of 13.4% in the second quarter, quickly stabilizing its revenue structure. The occupancy rate for the second quarter was 91.5%, establishing a strong presence in the premium hotel market in Seoul, despite being less than a year old. Key business segments, including food and beverage and events, have also stabilized.The Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas, a core existing business, continued to perform steadily, with revenue of 104.3 billion won and operating profit of 18.7 billion won in the first half. The occupancy rate for the second quarter reached 91.8%. Notably, food and beverage revenue increased by 15.9% compared to the same period last year. The fine dining restaurant Hinotsuki's sushi omakase, Sushi Kanesaka, received a Michelin one-star rating about 15 months after its opening in November 2024, enhancing its culinary competitiveness.Parnas Hotel Jeju recorded revenue of 22.4 billion won in the first half, despite operational constraints due to facility upgrades for guest rooms and indoor and outdoor swimming pools. There was a notable increase in foreign guests, with the number of international visitors rising by approximately 29% compared to the same period last year. The proportion of foreign guests among all visitors increased from 16.0% in the first half of last year to 23.6% this year, a rise of 7.6 percentage points.Nine Tree by Parnas absorbed demand from foreign individual travelers, achieving revenue of 51.2 billion won and operating profit of 12 billion won in the first half, marking increases of 11.8% and 21.8%, respectively, compared to the previous year. Major locations such as Myeongdong, Insadong, Dongdaemun, Pangyo, and Yongsan secured stable room demand, while proprietary content like the local experience program 'Navista' enhanced brand competitiveness.The rental business of Parnas Tower, a non-hotel segment, also reported revenue of 35.5 billion won and operating profit of 19.2 billion won in the first half, both up 7.9% year-on-year, supporting a stable revenue base.Additionally, Parnas Hotel and Resort is expanding its portfolio beyond direct ownership and operation, leveraging over 40 years of accumulated hotel management expertise and brand competitiveness. The company has entered the senior residence market as the operator of 'Sohyang Hanam by Parnas,' the first high-end senior residence in the country, and is broadening its hotel management business through projects like 'Inscape Yangyang by Parnas.' This strategy aims to transform the company into a comprehensive hospitality enterprise encompassing luxury hotels, resorts, premium business hotels, senior residences, and management contracts.A representative from Parnas Hotel and Resort stated, "This record performance for the first half is a result of the competitiveness of the entire portfolio, not just a specific hotel. The successful market entry of the Westin Seoul Parnas, along with balanced growth across key business segments, has significantly strengthened our revenue structure and business competitiveness."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-17 15:00:00
  • Jiang Zemins 100th Birthday Celebration Highlights Party Unity, Xi Jinping Emphasizes Leadership
    Jiang Zemin's 100th Birthday Celebration Highlights Party Unity, Xi Jinping Emphasizes Leadership On August 17, Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized party unity during a ceremony marking the 100th birthday of former President Jiang Zemin, attended by the top leadership of the Chinese Communist Party.According to state broadcaster CCTV, Xi delivered a significant 40-minute speech at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, praising Jiang's political loyalty to the party and listing his achievements, including the establishment of a socialist market economy, China's accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO), and the expansion of reform and opening-up policies.Xi noted that Jiang maintained a steadfast commitment to economic development during the turbulent international landscape of the late 1980s and early 1990s, stating, "He firmly upheld the central task of economic development while safeguarding the 'Four Cardinal Principles' of socialism and the leadership of the Communist Party, continuing the reform and opening-up process."He further emphasized that Jiang was unwavering in his communist ideology and dedicated to the development of the Communist Party and the people, urging others to emulate Jiang's strong political convictions.As attention turns to next year's 21st National Congress of the Communist Party, where Xi's potential fourth term is under scrutiny, analysts interpret the celebration of Jiang's legacy as a means to reinforce party leadership and unity under Xi's administration. The South China Morning Post also noted that the event showcased the political continuity of the Chinese leadership ahead of the upcoming leadership reshuffle.The ceremony saw the attendance of all seven members of the Politburo Standing Committee, including Xi, as well as former Premier Wen Jiabao and retired senior leaders like Wang Qishan and Zeng Qinghong. Jiang's family members were also present, although former President Hu Jintao was absent.On the eve of the ceremony, the People's Daily published a lengthy article under the name of the Central Party History and Literature Research Institute, honoring Jiang's significant achievements while stressing the need to uphold the party's leadership. The article compared Jiang's political accomplishments with Xi's governance, highlighting how Xi has inherited and developed Jiang's legacy.It stated, "Jiang consistently emphasized the need to firmly uphold the authority of the Party Central Committee. History has repeatedly shown that there must be a core within the entire party, and the Party Central Committee must also have a core; leadership without a core is unreliable."The article also underscored that China's ability to withstand unprecedented shocks and challenges during Xi's leadership is fundamentally due to the direction and guidance provided by the Party Central Committee, with Xi at its core, and the scientific leadership of Xi Jinping's Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era.In the new journey of Xi's era, it called for a stronger defense of the authority and centralized leadership of the Party Central Committee, especially in times of crisis and upheaval.Moreover, with just over 20 years remaining to achieve the goal of fully building a modern socialist country, it urged closer unity around the Party Central Committee led by Xi, advocating for the comprehensive implementation of Xi Jinping's Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and a deeper study and application of Xi's thoughts on party building.Meanwhile, the funeral arrangements for former Premier Zhu Rongji, who led China's economic reforms during Jiang's era, are also underway. According to Xinhua News Agency, Zhu's remains will be cremated on August 18.Zhu passed away at the age of 98 on August 12 in Beijing while undergoing treatment for illness. He served as Premier from 1998 during the latter part of Jiang's presidency, overseeing state-owned enterprise restructuring, government reform, and leading negotiations for China's WTO accession.Reports indicate that in tribute to Zhu, flags will be flown at half-mast on August 18 at Tiananmen Square, Xinhua Gate, the Great Hall of the People, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and various party and government locations across provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities, as well as in Hong Kong, Macau, and overseas embassies. 2026-08-17 14:52:00
  • Cristiano Ronaldo Hints at Retirement After 2026-2027 Season
    Cristiano Ronaldo Hints at Retirement After 2026-2027 Season Global soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo, who plays for Al Nassr, has hinted that he may retire at the end of the upcoming 2026-2027 season.In an interview with the U.S. lifestyle magazine Vogue published on August 17, Ronaldo stated, "This year will probably be the last year of my soccer career. I want to leave a great legacy behind." Until recently, just before the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, Ronaldo had avoided confirming his retirement plans. After Portugal's 1-0 loss to Spain in the Round of 16, he remarked, "This game might be my last World Cup," but added, "I still have plenty of time to think about other aspects. I won’t make hasty decisions and will spend time with my family." While he had previously shown caution regarding his future, it seems his mindset has shifted following a private wedding with his long-time partner, Georgina Rodriguez. The couple, who officially acknowledged their relationship in 2017, are raising five children together: twins Eva and Mateo, daughters Alana and Bella, and Ronaldo's eldest son, Cristiano Jr.Ronaldo mentioned, "I have already planned my future. There are so many things to do that it’s hard to pick just one. The void left by soccer will be significant, so I need to fill my time in various ways. There will be plenty to keep me busy after retirement." He added, "I want to enjoy more, travel frequently, and play and watch padel, which I really love. After 25 years of many sacrifices, I want to fully enjoy what I and my family have achieved during that time." Ronaldo began his professional career in 2002 with Sporting Lisbon in Portugal and has played for top European clubs including Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus. He has also represented Portugal since 2003, leading the national team to victories in the UEFA European Championship and the Nations League, while personally winning the prestigious Ballon d'Or five times, leaving a significant mark in soccer history.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-17 14:48:00
  • Court Rules No Pension Division for Marriages Under Five Years Due to Separation
    Court Rules No Pension Division for Marriages Under Five Years Due to Separation A recent court ruling has determined that individuals who separate before divorce and have a marriage duration of less than five years are not entitled to pension division benefits.According to legal sources on August 17, the Administrative Division 3 of the Seoul Administrative Court, led by Judge Ho Seong-ho, ruled in favor of A in a lawsuit against the National Pension Service (NPS) seeking to annul a decision denying a pension adjustment.A married B in 1992 and divorced in 2000. A had been enrolled in the national pension system from 1989 to 2015 and began receiving old-age pension benefits in 2018.In 2024, B requested the NPS to grant a division of A's old-age pension. The NPS determined that their marriage lasted 83 months and set the pension division ratio at 50%, instructing A to pay B a portion of the pension.However, A contested this decision and appealed to the National Pension Review Committee. The committee ruled that approximately three months of the recognized marriage period did not constitute a genuine marital relationship and excluded that time from the pension division calculation.A argued that this assessment was inaccurate and subsequently filed an administrative lawsuit.Under the National Pension Act, a former spouse can receive a division of retirement pension benefits if the marriage lasted more than five years and the former spouse is eligible for old-age pension benefits. Periods of separation or abandonment that do not reflect a genuine marital relationship are excluded from the marriage duration.A contended that since B left in 1995, they had not lived together, resulting in a marriage duration of less than five years.The court sided with A, stating that B does not qualify for pension division rights. It explained, "Based on the resident registration records and the claims of both parties, they began living separately around 1995, and there was no cohabitation after at least March 1996, nor any exchanges that could be considered maintaining the marriage until their divorce in February 2000."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-17 14:44:00
  • Traffic Congestion on Highways as Travelers Return to Seoul from Busan
    Traffic Congestion on Highways as Travelers Return to Seoul from Busan On the last day of the three-day Liberation Day holiday, heavy traffic is reported on highways leading to Seoul. The Korea Expressway Corporation predicts that congestion will peak between 4 and 5 p.m.According to the Korea Expressway Corporation, the total traffic volume on highways nationwide is expected to reach 5.05 million vehicles today. An estimated 420,000 vehicles are expected to travel from provincial areas to the Seoul metropolitan area, while 380,000 vehicles will head in the opposite direction.As of 10 a.m., the estimated travel times from major cities to Seoul are as follows: 5 hours and 40 minutes from Busan, 5 hours and 20 minutes from Ulsan, 4 hours and 40 minutes from Daegu, 4 hours and 40 minutes from Mokpo, 4 hours from Gwangju, 4 hours and 30 minutes from Gangneung, and 2 hours from Daejeon.In the opposite direction, travel times from Seoul to Busan are estimated at 5 hours and 20 minutes, 5 hours to Ulsan, 4 hours and 20 minutes to Daegu, 4 hours to Mokpo, 3 hours and 40 minutes to Gwangju, 3 hours to Gangneung, and 1 hour and 50 minutes to Daejeon.As it is the last day of the holiday, congestion is expected to be concentrated towards Seoul.The Korea Expressway Corporation anticipates that congestion towards Seoul will begin around 10 to 11 a.m., peak between 4 and 5 p.m., and clear up around 9 to 10 p.m. The eastern and Seoul-Yangyang expressways are expected to experience significant traffic delays.In contrast, traffic flow towards provincial areas is expected to remain smooth.The corporation advises drivers heading back to Seoul to check real-time traffic information before departing, as congestion is expected to worsen in the afternoon, peaking around 4 to 5 p.m.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-17 14:44:00
  • Kim Jong Un Attends Liberation Day Events, Ignores Peace Proposal from President Yoon
    Kim Jong Un Attends Liberation Day Events, Ignores Peace Proposal from President Yoon Kim Jong Un attended circus performances and sports cultural events on Liberation Day, accompanied by his daughter Ju-ae. He did not respond to President Yoon Suk Yeol's official proposal for multilateral discussions on ending the war.According to the Korean Central News Agency, a comprehensive circus performance celebrating the 81st anniversary of the country's liberation was held at the Pyongyang Circus Theater on the 16th, with Kim in attendance.The performance featured various acts, including tightrope walking and aerial acrobatics, which have won awards at international circus festivals. Kim expressed satisfaction with the performers' achievements and praised their contributions, as reported by the agency.Kim also took commemorative photos with officials from the national circus troupe. On the same day, he attended a sports cultural event where he watched swimming and diving competitions. His daughter Ju-ae and wife Ri Sol-ju accompanied him during these events.North Korean state media, including the Korean Central News Agency and Rodong Sinmun, released photos showing Ju-ae sitting next to Kim in the VIP section while watching the performances.Attending the events with Kim were senior officials, including Jo Yong-won, Ri Il-hwan, Ju Chang-il, and Jong Kyong-tack, as well as Premier Pak Tae-sung, Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui, Defense Minister No Kwang-chol, and military advisor Pak Jong-chun.While North Korean media have been reporting various commemorative events for Liberation Day, they have not mentioned President Yoon's speech proposing multilateral discussions to end the Korean War as of the morning of the 17th.In his Liberation Day address on the 15th, President Yoon stated, "We will embark on a journey to end the war and transform the unstable armistice system on the Korean Peninsula into a peace system," urging parties involved to begin discussions to end the long-standing conflict.North Korea appears to be emphasizing its friendship with Russia on Liberation Day. State media previously reported on congratulatory messages exchanged between Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Rodong Sinmun also noted that Andrei Belousov, Russia's Defense Minister, attended a Liberation Day banquet held by the North Korean embassy in Russia on the 14th.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-17 14:40:00
  • Real Estate Project Financing Delinquency Rate Hits 10-Year High
    Real Estate Project Financing Delinquency Rate Hits 10-Year High The risk of insolvency in the real estate project financing (PF) market is rising, prompting a second round of selective measures. Following previous restructuring efforts to reduce the scale of PF, the focus will now shift to providing funding for viable projects while closing down those with low recovery potential.According to data submitted by the Financial Supervisory Service to Park Seong-hoon, a member of the National Assembly's Political Affairs Committee, the overall delinquency rate for PF loans in the financial sector was recorded at 4.65% at the end of the first quarter of this year. This marks a 0.77 percentage point increase from the end of last year (3.88%) and is the highest level since the end of Q3 2016 (4.95%).By sector, delinquency rates remain at historically high levels. The delinquency rate for PF loans at securities firms surged from 28.38% at the end of last year to 30.43% at the end of Q1 this year, a jump of 2.05 percentage points, reaching its highest point since the end of 2016 (32.6%). Notably, the delinquency rate for bridge loans at securities firms reached 46.93%, while the delinquency rate for main PF loans stood at 23.18%.Bank PF delinquency rates also increased from 0.82% at the end of last year to 1.32% at the end of Q1, the highest since the end of 2017 (1.36%). Insurance companies saw their delinquency rates rise from 1.68% to 2.27% during the same period, the highest level in 11 years since the end of 2014 (2.39%).In this context, the comprehensive real estate finance measures announced by financial authorities on the 13th are expected to accelerate the selective measures in the PF market. The government plans to expand public guarantees for viable projects while establishing a 3 trillion won fund to support the normalization of distressed projects through KAMCO. Additionally, the syndicate loans from banks and insurance companies will be increased from 1 trillion won to 5 trillion won. The financial sector's own normalization fund will also be raised from 7.3 trillion won to 10 trillion won.Particularly, the Financial Services Commission has decided to implement immediate measures, including the establishment of the KAMCO fund starting this month, which is expected to lead to the resumption of new PF loans or refinancing of existing loans for projects deemed viable. While the financial sector has been cautious in its approach to PF loans, it is anticipated that funding decisions will now be more closely scrutinized based on guarantees, land acquisition, permits, and sales potential.However, it is expected to take time for the benefits to reach local projects or early-stage bridge loans. Financial institutions may be reluctant to provide funding to projects with uncertain viability, even if they are included in the policy support measures. Ultimately, this policy is likely to lead to a 'selective normalization' that reconnects financing to viable projects while increasing pressure to close down marginal ones.A financial sector official stated, "Even with expanded public guarantees, there is little incentive for financial companies to actively engage with projects that have not secured land or completed permits, or that have low sales potential. Financial institutions may apply stricter criteria to assess the risks of early-stage projects." 2026-08-17 14:32:00
  • Election Commission Special Investigation Set to Launch Amid Voting Irregularities
    Election Commission Special Investigation Set to Launch Amid Voting Irregularities The launch of a special investigation by the Election Commission to probe the ballot shortage during the local elections is imminent. Following over two months of preliminary investigations by the joint investigation team focusing on individual allegations, the special investigation is expected to concentrate on whether the leadership of the Central Election Commission issued, reported, or approved directives.According to legal sources on the 17th, the National Recommendation Committee for the Election Commission's special investigation has recommended Lee Tae-han, former head of the Criminal Division 4 at the Southern District Prosecutors' Office, and Lee Hyuk, a former prosecutor at the Seoul High Prosecutors' Office, as candidates for the special prosecutor to President Yoon Suk-yeol. The president must appoint one of the two by the end of the day. If he fails to do so, the senior candidate will be appointed as the special prosecutor.Once appointed, the special prosecutor will take up to 20 days to form a team and set up an office before commencing the main investigation. If the full preparation period is utilized, the investigation is expected to begin in early next month. The investigation team may consist of up to 165 members, with a maximum duration of 150 days for the main investigation.The investigation targets outlined in the special prosecutor law include the ballot shortage and allegations of manipulation of voting statistics during the local elections, as well as issues related to overseas trips by Election Commission officials, irregular hiring and promotion benefits, and preferential contracts with specific companies, totaling 12 items.Among these, the special prosecutor is expected to prioritize the allegations of voting statistics manipulation. During the joint investigation, it was confirmed that directives from the Central Election Commission were involved, suggesting that the investigation may extend beyond individual actions of frontline staff to the involvement of the leadership.The joint investigation team found evidence that Election Commission staff had incorrectly entered the number of voters and subsequently adjusted the figures without following normal correction procedures. It was also confirmed that the Central Election Commission had communicated a directive stating that, in principle, errors in voter numbers should not be corrected on election day, and if the errors were not significant, adjustments could be made in subsequent reports.The joint investigation team has charged the Central Election Commission officials responsible for drafting and disseminating this directive with offenses related to public electronic record forgery and is currently tracing the process of its creation, reporting, and approval. It has also been reported that when inquiries about incorrect entries arose in Gimpo, Gyeonggi Province, the Central Election Commission provided materials detailing how to adjust the figures.In the special investigation, determining who established this 'adjustment reporting' method and whether the Central Election Commission leadership was informed or approved it will be key issues. The investigation will also seek to clarify whether similar methods were used to handle voter number errors in past elections.The ballot shortage incident, which directly triggered the launch of the special investigation, is also expected to shift focus from the staff to the leadership. The joint investigation team conducted searches of the Central Election Commission, the Seoul Election Commission, and the election commissions of Songpa, Seocho, Gangnam, Gwangjin, and Dongjak districts in June, continuing to investigate related officials.The election officer and the first election manager of the Songpa District Election Commission have been charged for failing to take appropriate measures despite anticipating the possibility of a ballot shortage, while the election officer of the Gangnam District Election Commission is under investigation for neglect of duty.The special prosecutor is expected to review the decision-making process that led to the printing of ballots for only 50% of the number of voters. Key areas of investigation will include how the decision to reduce the printing volume was made and whether concerns about potential shortages were communicated to the Central Election Commission leadership.As a result, investigations into former Central Election Commission Secretary General Heo Cheol-hoon and other members of the leadership at that time are likely to intensify during the special investigation phase. Both Noh Tae-ak, the former chairman of the Central Election Commission, and Heo resigned in response to the ballot shortage incident.Allegations regarding Noh's overseas trips with his spouse are also expected to be significant cases for the special prosecutor. The joint investigation team has been investigating the circumstances under which Noh took his spouse on overseas trips during his tenure and used Election Commission funds for related expenses.The joint investigation team is examining the decision-making process for selecting travel destinations and the involvement of Election Commission staff in carrying out unofficial schedules for the spouse. The special prosecutor will seek to confirm whether Noh was directly involved in the selection of travel destinations, the accompanying of his spouse, and the execution of the budget.Recent investigations into contract irregularities at the Election Commission are also likely to be transferred to the special prosecutor. The joint investigation team conducted searches on the 14th at the Central Election Commission, the Seoul and Gyeonggi Election Commissions, and bidding companies, investigating allegations of preferential treatment for companies linked to former Election Commission officials.The special prosecutor law explicitly includes allegations of preferential contracts and collusion with companies as investigation targets, which may expand the investigation to include not only individual contract processes but also whether current and former officials were involved in providing preferential treatment to specific companies within the Election Commission.After the special prosecutor is launched, securing investigative personnel and addressing legal controversies will be significant challenges. Following the establishment of large-scale special investigation teams last year and this year, it is anticipated that it will be difficult to secure additional personnel from the prosecution and police.The issue of prosecutor investigation authority, arising from the implementation of the revised Criminal Procedure Act in October, is also a variable. The special prosecutor law stipulates that the previous version of the Criminal Procedure Act applies, allowing the special prosecutor's investigation to proceed. However, there are concerns that the defense may challenge the special prosecutor's authority based on the abolition of prosecutor investigation rights under general law.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-17 14:28:00