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  • Reflections on Liberation Day: A Call for Cultural Sovereignty in Music
    Reflections on Liberation Day: A Call for Cultural Sovereignty in Music On Liberation Day, I attended the 81st anniversary celebration in Seongnam. Despite the rain, the enthusiasm of the citizens filling the seats was heartening. This was the same venue where, two years ago, I composed the independence musical 'Pechika,' and the songs 'Jangbuga' and 'Chuljeongga' resonated powerfully, bringing tears of determination and joy to the audience.However, as I listened to Elgar's grand 'Pomp and Circumstance March,' a poignant question crossed my mind. Why, on this sacred altar where we celebrate the restoration of our nation's light, must we borrow the melody that embodies the expansion and hegemony of the British Empire to honor our liberation? This very piece faced fierce criticism and debate from local intellectuals and the cultural community in 2020 during the UK's largest classical festival, 'BBC Proms,' for being an anachronistic anthem praising colonial rule and slavery.Throughout the music, I was reminded of the countless independence fighters and patriots who bled and perished in the harsh winds of Manchuria and Primorye. What they sought to protect was not a foreign symphony but the songs of their homeland, imbued with the scent of the earth and the essence of our people, blending the sorrows and joys of the marketplace.Before this strange and shameful scene, akin to placing British food on the ceremonial table for our patriots, I painfully realized that we have long lost the rightful questions we should have been asking, hidden behind the cowardly name of 'familiarity' and the powerless silence of 'tradition.'◆ The Shadow of K-Culture: National Music and Cultural Sovereignty IgnoredHow can we deny the noble value of Western classical music? I do not intend to blame specific local governments or arts organizations. Rather, this reflects a regrettable self-portrait born from a historical lack of awareness and uncritical practices in the music industry. Public symphony orchestras and conductors funded by taxpayers should, at the very least, research and perform a robust repertoire of national compositions on Liberation Day as part of their public duty.Yet today, national music has been pushed out of the public arts and cultural foundations, precariously relying on the tearful sacrifices of small private artists. As the world revels in K-Culture, our roots and soul—national music—remain coldly marginalized in the darkest corners behind the dazzling lights of K-Pop. A tree with withered roots cannot bloom for long. We must no longer tolerate this contradiction of the K-Culture era in the name of cultural sovereignty.However, we cannot solely blame the system and environment. I humbly acknowledge that performances dealing with national spirit have been dismissed as 'boring and stiff.' Therefore, creating dynamic and sophisticated stages that anyone, regardless of age or gender, can cheer for is the true responsibility bestowed upon today's artists.◆ Breaking the Silence Before the National Anthem: A Complete Liberation Through 'Discerning Intelligence'Whenever we confront the national anthem, entangled with the controversies surrounding composer Ahn Ik-tae's pro-Japanese stance and the allegations against lyricist Yoon Chi-ho, we are met with a heavy wall of silence.This is not a call to immediately deny and overturn everything. I only hope that with each time we sing the national anthem, we awaken our 'discerning intelligence.' If this does not lead to a 'transformative intelligence' that breaks the old familiarity and corrects practices, the day we dream of complete independence, liberation, and cultural freedom will never come.◆ Reflection Beyond Conflict and Defense: The Courage of Future Generations to Advance HistoryThe recurring controversies in the entertainment industry regarding family ties to pro-Japanese collaborators reveal that the scars of unresolved history continue to shake us today. We cannot hold descendants accountable for the burdens of a lineage they did not choose.However, moving beyond silence and defense to leave a proud legacy for future generations is an urgent task of our time. If the descendants of pro-Japanese collaborators find the courage to participate in the great journey of cultural independence and liberation, it would mark the true beginning of historical healing and reconciliation. This would be the most moving stage of reconciliation our society could face and a significant advancement in history.◆ The Unyielding Melody of K-Spirit: The First Step Toward the Centennial of LiberationLast year, for the 80th anniversary of liberation, I planned a symbolic performance with an 80-member orchestra, investing 20 million won of my own money, but I was met with indifference. This year, I prepared 30 million won to apply for a project, but only received cold rejections.Recalling the dedication of our independence fighters who bled and perished in the harsh snowfields, the despair and loneliness of today do not justify halting my steps. Moreover, I believe it is my duty and calling as an educator to show my students an unwavering spirit in the face of any trials.As the Year of the Red Horse approaches, before the 81st anniversary of liberation comes to a close, I wish to awaken the spirit and vitality of our nation, obscured by foreign influences, and dedicate a grand stage of liberation infused with our unique breath and the essence of Arirang to the spirits of our forebears. On this exhilarating journey toward the 100th anniversary of liberation, I eagerly anticipate the joyful participation of the K-Culture independence fighters of this era, proclaiming, 'Here are the independence fighters.'* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-15 22:52:00
  • President Yoon Proposes New Vision for Peace and Opportunity on Liberation Day
    President Yoon Proposes New Vision for Peace and Opportunity on Liberation Day President Yoon Calls for New Liberation Focused on Hope, Opportunity, Balance, and PeacePresident Yoon Suk-yeol on August 15 proposed a journey to end the war and transform the Korean Peninsula's unstable armistice into a peace regime. He urged the initiation of discussions among the parties involved to conclude the long-standing conflict.In his speech at the 81st Liberation Day ceremony, President Yoon outlined three key principles for his policy on the Korean Peninsula: "inclusive peaceful coexistence," "stable peaceful coexistence," and "responsible peaceful coexistence." He stated, "Today, one year later, I want to present a blueprint to move beyond principles to practice," emphasizing the need for mutual respect and an end to unnecessary confrontations between the North and South.He called for a reduction of hostility in perceptions, norms, and institutions, expressing hope that both sides would sit down together for peaceful coexistence and joint growth. He stressed that this is not about concessions but the beginning of coexistence.President Yoon also promised to establish institutional safeguards to control military tensions and prevent accidental clashes. He stated, "We need to create systems to manage tensions and conflicts, and take proactive and continuous peace measures while comprehensively reviewing the security situation around the Korean Peninsula."He expressed his intention to encourage North Korea's response to create a stable Korean Peninsula, hoping that their steps would lower military tensions in border areas and serve as a foundation for building trust and stability.President Yoon remarked, "Peace on the Korean Peninsula will promote stability and cooperation in Northeast Asia and serve as a milestone toward a world without nuclear weapons," suggesting that discussions should begin among the parties to end the long-standing war and to find effective ways to halt North Korea's nuclear capabilities.In terms of South Korea-Japan relations, he expressed a desire to expand practical cooperation based on a sincere acknowledgment of historical issues. He noted that over the past year, the two countries have built a foundation of trust through shuttle diplomacy and have broadened cooperation in supply chains, energy, and advanced industries. He also mentioned the expansion of exchanges between future generations.President Yoon introduced a new national vision of an "irreplaceable South Korea" and a "new liberation." He stated, "We need a new liberation that will elevate South Korea to the next level, a country that the world needs, a nation that all countries want to cooperate with, and an irreplaceable South Korea that no other country can substitute."To achieve this, he announced plans to completely reallocate national resources and capabilities and to redraw the growth map. He aims to expand growth hubs concentrated in the metropolitan area across the entire country and to enhance growth potential through active investment in future industries.He emphasized, "When the results of innovation and opportunities for future growth are evenly distributed, a bold vision will illuminate every corner of the people's lives and foster courage for new challenges."Kim Min-seok Achieves Majority Vote in Honam, Expanding Lead Over Jeong Cheong-raeKim Min-seok, a candidate for the leadership of the Democratic Party, continued his winning streak by securing a majority of votes in Honam, a region expected to influence the party convention's outcome, significantly widening the gap with rival Jeong Cheong-rae. Before the Honam primary, the difference between the two candidates was only 1.48 percentage points.On August 15, So Byeong-hoon, head of the Central Party's Election Management Committee, announced the results at the Wonkwang University gymnasium. Kim received a total of 139,307 votes in Jeollanam-do and Jeollabuk-do, surpassing Jeong's 79,033 votes. Song Young-gil received 23,749 votes.Regionally, in Gwangju, Kim garnered 57.04% (86,558 votes), while Jeong received 31.84% (48,324 votes), and Song received 11.12% (16,874 votes). In Jeollabuk-do, Kim achieved 58.39% (52,749 votes), Jeong 34.00% (30,709 votes), and Song 7.61% (6,875 votes).Before the vote counting, the candidates emphasized their connections to Honam and appealed for support by referencing the late former President Kim Dae-jung, a symbol of Honam politics. Kim stated, "I worked as the secretary to the party leader during President Kim's administration 20 years ago. The Honam AI Mega Project is my dream and a historic gamble for President Yoon, and I will ensure its success." He added, "With President Yoon's firm commitment to the development of Jeollabuk-do, I will independently create a mega plan for Jeollabuk-do and become Mr. Saemangeum."Jeong introduced himself as "the son-in-law of Honam, with my mother born in Jeollabuk-do," and highlighted the advancements made possible by the internet established by Kim Dae-jung, stating, "Thanks to the internet, we became an internet powerhouse, and with a cultural policy of support without interference, we became a cultural powerhouse with BTS. The convergence of President Kim's internet and President Yoon's AI presents a golden opportunity for the rise of South Korea." He asserted, "Once betrayed, one will betray again. I am confident that I, Jeong Cheong-rae, will be the one to remain loyal to President Yoon until the end."Song appealed, "Please hold the hand of a son of Honam, and I will become the new center of Honam politics following President Kim." He emphasized his experience as the first young recruit brought in by President Kim, serving as a secretary to the late President Roh Moo-hyun, the head of the overall election campaign for former President Moon Jae-in, and the head of the overall election campaign for President Yoon. He declared, "With the end of judicial reform, Jeong is no longer needed; I will now lead judicial reform."The Democratic Party will conduct a primary in Seoul and Gyeonggi Province on August 16, followed by a party convention in Daejeon on August 17 to establish a new leadership. The final election results for the party leader will reflect 70% of votes from party members and 30% from public opinion polls.People Power Party Demands Explanation for Dismissal of Trade ChiefThe People Power Party criticized President Yoon Suk-yeol's dismissal of Yeo Han-goo, the head of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy's Trade Negotiation Headquarters, as "irrational governance."In a statement on August 15, party spokesperson Jo Yong-sool questioned, "Is it acceptable to leave a key position responsible for negotiating with foreign countries vacant without even providing a specific reason?"Jo pointed out that the Yoon administration had promised a $350 billion investment in the U.S. without public consensus last year and is now facing pressure from the U.S. to expedite that commitment. He criticized the administration for abruptly dismissing the person responsible for those negotiations without any explanation.He added, "The government remains silent, citing the judgment of the appointing authority without revealing specific reasons for the dismissal. What secret are they trying to hide? The Yoon administration must clearly explain to the public why they replaced the trade chief in the midst of U.S. trade negotiations without an alternative plan."Lee Jun-seok, leader of the Reform Party, also commented on Facebook, "While reports indicate that the Trump administration is applying pressure regarding U.S. investments, the government dismissed Yeo Han-goo. Regardless of the reasons for the dismissal, the U.S. is bound to misunderstand this action."Lee urged the immediate appointment of a successor to ensure there is no gap in U.S. negotiations, warning that any disruption in U.S. diplomacy could have a more significant impact on the South Korean economy than the recent turmoil in the stock market.According to the Ministry of Industry, President Yoon dismissed Yeo at midnight on the same day. This unilateral dismissal of a civil servant is an unusual move in political appointments, but specific reasons for the dismissal have not been disclosed.Government Expresses Disappointment Over Japanese Officials' Yasukuni Shrine VisitsOn August 15, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs criticized the Japanese political figures' offerings and visits to the Yasukuni Shrine, stating, "We cannot contain our disappointment."The Ministry of National Defense summoned Takeshi Nagayoshi, the Japanese defense attaché in South Korea, to express its protest against Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi's visit to the shrine, the first by a sitting defense minister in two years.In a statement, the Foreign Ministry expressed, "The government is deeply disappointed by the actions of responsible Japanese leaders who continue to glorify Japan's past invasion wars and visit a shrine that enshrines war criminals, repeating outdated acts that disregard history."The Ministry urged Japanese leaders to confront history and demonstrate genuine reflection and remorse through their actions, emphasizing that this is a crucial foundation for building a future-oriented South Korea-Japan relationship based on trust.Kim Hak-jo, the International Policy Director of the Ministry of National Defense, summoned Nagayoshi to the Ministry of Defense to strongly protest Koizumi's visit to the Yasukuni Shrine, expressing deep regret over the action.He stated that the visit contradicts efforts to establish a future-oriented relationship based on trust between South Korea and Japan and conveyed serious concerns regarding the matter.On this day, which marks both Korea's Liberation Day and Japan's defeat, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi did not visit the shrine but offered a monetary donation as the president of the Liberal Democratic Party. However, four current ministers, including Koizumi, visited the shrine, and key officials from the ruling party also participated in an unusual group visit.Prime Minister Han Seung-soo Urges Preparedness for Heavy Rain Forecasts in Southern CoastPrime Minister Han Seung-soo ordered proactive preparedness measures on August 15 in anticipation of heavy rain forecasted for the southern coast.According to the Prime Minister's Office, Han instructed, "Given that heavy rainfall is expected during the vulnerable nighttime hours of the holiday period, ensure thorough preemptive checks, controls, and evacuations."He emphasized the need for thorough pre-checks and monitoring of vulnerable areas such as camping sites, underground roads, and low-lying homes, ensuring the safety of visitors and residents.Han also urged the swift dissemination of evacuation notices using available resources such as village broadcasts and sirens, and to pay attention to safety management in coastal and adjacent low-lying areas, considering rising sea levels.He instructed that relevant agencies maintain a state of emergency readiness and share information, while ensuring the safety of personnel responding on-site.The Korea Meteorological Administration forecasts rainfall from August 15 to 17, estimating 20 to 60 mm in Daejeon, Sejong, Chungnam, and Chungbuk (with some areas in Daejeon and southeastern Chungnam expected to exceed 80 mm), 50 to 100 mm in Gwangju and Jeollanam-do (with eastern Jeollanam-do's southern coast expected to exceed 200 mm), 30 to 80 mm in Jeollabuk-do, and 100 to 200 mm in the western southern coast of Gyeongnam (with some areas exceeding 250 mm).In Busan, Ulsan, and central Gyeongnam's southern coast, rainfall is expected to be between 50 to 150 mm (with some areas in Busan and central Gyeongnam exceeding 200 mm), 50 to 100 mm in Daegu and Gyeongbuk (with some areas exceeding 120 mm), and 50 to 100 mm in Jeju (with mountainous areas exceeding 200 mm and mid-mountain areas exceeding 120 mm).Magnitude 7.7 Earthquake in Indonesia's Flores Island Leaves at Least 20 DeadA magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck near the coast of Flores Island in eastern Indonesia, resulting in at least 20 fatalities and six injuries, according to AFP on August 15 (local time).According to Yonhap News, AFP reported that the earthquake occurred on the northern coast of Flores Island in the East Sunda Islands, resulting in 20 deaths across four villages, as confirmed by local rescue authorities.A representative stated, "According to reports, six people were injured, and two remain trapped under the rubble."Authorities plan to focus on locating the trapped victims, but rescue operations are facing difficulties due to landslides blocking many roads.The earthquake struck at 5:58 a.m. local time, followed by 52 aftershocks ranging from magnitudes 3.6 to 6.2. Tremors were felt across most areas of Flores Island, and local rescue teams are conducting operations throughout the island.Indonesia is located on the "Ring of Fire," a seismically active region prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-15 21:52:00
  • Seventy-Year-Old Woman Dies After Receiving 11 Implants at Gangnam Dental Clinic
    Seventy-Year-Old Woman Dies After Receiving 11 Implants at Gangnam Dental Clinic A 75-year-old woman died after undergoing surgery to receive 11 dental implants at a clinic in Gangnam, Seoul. Her family was reportedly shocked after reviewing CCTV footage of the incident.According to MBN, the woman, referred to as A, went into cardiac arrest just 16 minutes after receiving anesthesia. She was transferred to a university hospital but ultimately passed away. After her funeral, the family requested the CCTV footage from the clinic, but the clinic refused to provide it, citing privacy concerns, allowing only for the footage to be viewed on-site.The family noted in their records that at 4:18 p.m., the attending physician began administering medication, with three doses given within the first minute. After the ninth dose, A suddenly raised her hands, prompting the medical staff to strap her wrists to the chair.Emergency room records indicate that the clinic used 16 doses of the local anesthetic articaine on A. While articaine is commonly used in dental procedures, the maximum single dose is 7 mg. A weighed 54 kg, meaning the maximum allowable dosage would be approximately 380 mg. However, A received 16 doses, totaling 1,088 mg, which is three times the safe limit.The National Forensic Service has reportedly suggested that A's death was likely due to toxic reactions from the articaine.On August 3, a 60-year-old man, referred to as B, also suffered cardiac arrest and died while undergoing implant surgery at the same clinic.According to police, B, who lived in Jincheon, visited the clinic after seeing advertisements for implants priced between 250,000 and 350,000 won each. During his first surgery on June 29, he had 17 teeth extracted and received eight implants. He was scheduled for a second surgery on August 3 to receive ten more implants but went into cardiac arrest after the sixth implant was placed.Medical records indicate that B was administered 3 cc of the sedative midazolam, 1 cc of the anesthetic ketamine, and 7.5 ampoules of the local anesthetic lidocaine.Despite the incident involving A, the clinic continued to operate until B's death.The clinic has been known for its low implant prices, reportedly quoting A between 250,000 and 350,000 won per implant. According to an analysis by the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, the average cost of implants at 70,268 medical institutions nationwide last year was 1,188,000 won.The Korean Dental Association has raised concerns about so-called 'dumping clinics' that lure patients with low prices and then perform excessive procedures, disrupting the quality of dental care.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-15 20:56:00
  • Prime Minister Han Seung-soo Urges Preparedness for Heavy Rain Forecast in Southern Coast
    Prime Minister Han Seung-soo Urges Preparedness for Heavy Rain Forecast in Southern Coast Prime Minister Han Seung-soo has called for proactive measures in response to forecasts of heavy rain in the southern coastal region. According to the Prime Minister's Office, Han instructed officials on the 15th to ensure thorough preparations for monitoring, control, and evacuation, considering that rainfall is expected to be concentrated during vulnerable nighttime hours over the holiday period. He emphasized the need to ensure the safety of visitors to campgrounds and residents, urging thorough pre-checks and monitoring of landslide-prone areas, underpasses, and low-lying homes. Han also advised the swift dissemination of evacuation information using available resources such as village broadcasts and sirens, and he stressed the importance of managing safety along coastlines and adjacent low-lying areas, taking into account rising sea levels. He urged related agencies to maintain a state of emergency readiness and to share information effectively while ensuring the safety of on-site response personnel. The Korea Meteorological Administration has forecasted rainfall from the 15th to the 17th, estimating 20 to 60 mm in Daejeon, Sejong, Chungnam, and Chungbuk (with some areas in Daejeon and southeastern Chungnam expected to exceed 80 mm), 50 to 100 mm in Gwangju and Jeonnam (with eastern Jeonnam coastal areas expected to exceed 200 mm and western Jeonnam coastal areas and Jirisan region expected to exceed 150 mm), 30 to 80 mm in Jeonbuk, and 100 to 200 mm in western Gyeongnam coastal areas and near Jirisan (with some areas exceeding 250 mm). In Busan, Ulsan, central Gyeongnam coastal areas, and inland Gyeongnam (excluding areas near Jirisan), rainfall is expected to be between 50 to 150 mm (with some areas in Busan and central Gyeongnam expected to exceed 200 mm), 50 to 100 mm in Daegu and Gyeongbuk (with some areas exceeding 120 mm), and 50 to 100 mm in Jeju (with mountainous areas expected to exceed 200 mm and mid-mountain areas exceeding 120 mm). * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-15 20:32:00
  • Lottery Ticket Purchased on Way to Farm Wins First Prize
    Lottery Ticket Purchased on Way to Farm Wins First Prize On August 15, interest is growing in the winning numbers for the 1235th Donghaeng Lottery, while the story of a winner of the 325th Pension Lottery 720+ first prize (one ticket) and second prizes (four tickets) is making headlines.In a story posted on the Donghaeng Lottery winners' bulletin board on July 27, the winner of the 325th Pension Lottery 720+ first prize shared, "I regularly buy lotto and pension lottery tickets to prepare for retirement. I have a small farm in Ansung as a hobby, and on my way to check on it, I stopped by a well-known lottery retailer to buy both lotto and pension lottery tickets. Due to the nature of my work, I often travel to different regions and tend to buy lottery tickets from well-known retailers in those areas."The winner recalled, "A few days later, my spouse checked the winning numbers for the pension lottery and, to our surprise, we found out we had won the first prize. My spouse, with a trembling voice, shared the news, and I couldn't believe it at first, thinking, 'Did we really win?'"He expressed relief and joy, stating, "Most importantly, I feel a great sense of relief and happiness knowing that I can alleviate concerns about retirement and my children's wedding expenses."When asked about the types of lottery tickets he usually buys, the winner, who purchased the tickets at a retailer in Ansung, replied, "I often buy lotto and pension lottery tickets."Regarding plans for the winnings, he stated, "I plan to use it for retirement funds."Meanwhile, the winning numbers for the 1237th lotto will be available for viewing after 8:35 PM today (15th).* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-15 20:28:00
  • Personal Data of 180,000 Individuals Leaked from Sogang University, Including Park Geun-hye
    Personal Data of 180,000 Individuals Leaked from Sogang University, Including Park Geun-hye Personal information of 180,000 students and staff members, including phone numbers and email addresses, has been leaked from Sogang University, with the data of graduate Park Geun-hye also included.On August 15, Sogang University announced on its website that it had confirmed signs of a data breach due to an external attack from an unidentified source. The university stated that it took urgent measures in accordance with its security breach response procedures after becoming aware of the incident.The leaked information includes student ID numbers, names, affiliations, email addresses, phone numbers, and encrypted integrated passwords. However, Sogang University noted that the specific items leaked may vary for each individual.The breach affected not only current students and staff but also graduates, dropouts, and those who had previously attended Sogang University and retook entrance exams. It has been confirmed that the personal data of Park Geun-hye, who graduated in 1970 from the university's electronic engineering program, was also compromised.According to a link provided on Sogang University's website to check for potential data leaks, entering Park Geun-hye's student ID and date of birth reveals that her personal information has indeed been leaked.Sogang University stated that it was attacked due to abnormal access from an overseas server and has completed urgent response measures, including blocking the attack IP, restricting service access, and network separation, in accordance with the Ministry of Education and the Personal Information Commission's data breach response manual.The university emphasized that it takes this matter very seriously and will fundamentally reassess and strengthen its security measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-15 20:16:00
  • President Yoon Suk Yeol Mourns the Passing of Baseball Legend Baek In-cheon
    President Yoon Suk Yeol Mourns the Passing of Baseball Legend Baek In-cheon President Yoon Suk Yeol expressed his condolences on the passing of former baseball coach Baek In-cheon on August 15. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), President Yoon wrote, "I extend my deepest condolences on the news of the passing of the legendary coach Baek In-cheon, who made history in Korean professional baseball." He noted, "Coach Baek set an astonishing record of a .412 batting average in 1982, the inaugural year of professional baseball in Korea, rewriting the history of the sport. This record, which still stands today, demonstrates how exceptional a player he was." Yoon added, "Not only as a player but also as a coach, he dedicated a long time to guiding younger players and contributed to the development of Korean professional baseball. His passionate love for the game will remain in our memories for a long time." The president conveyed his respect and gratitude to the coach, who shone brightly in an era of Korean professional baseball from its inception. He concluded with, "I pray for the repose of his soul." Baek passed away early the previous morning at his home in Cheonan after suffering cardiac arrest. He was transported to a nearby hospital, where he regained blood pressure and pulse following CPR. However, he remained in critical condition and was transferred to Dankook University Hospital, where he fought for his life in the intensive care unit for a day before ultimately passing away. Baek was the only player to achieve a .400 batting average, finishing with a .412 average while playing as both a coach and player for the MBC Cheongryong in the inaugural season of professional baseball in 1982. He had a 23-year career in both Korean and Japanese professional baseball. The Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) plans to hold a funeral for the late coach, honoring his contributions to the advancement of Korean baseball, making him the second recipient of the KBO funeral honors in history. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-15 20:00:00
  • Kim Min-seok Achieves Majority Vote in Honam, Expands Lead Over Jeong Cheong-rae
    Kim Min-seok Achieves Majority Vote in Honam, Expands Lead Over Jeong Cheong-rae Kim Min-seok, a candidate for the leadership of the Democratic Party, continued his winning streak by securing a majority of votes in Honam, a region expected to influence the party convention. This victory significantly widened his lead over Jeong Cheong-rae, with the gap between the two candidates previously at just 1.48 percentage points before the regional primary.On August 15, So Byeong-hoon, head of the party's central election management committee, announced the results at a joint candidate presentation held at Wonkwang University in Iksan, Jeonbuk. Kim received a total of 139,307 votes, surpassing Jeong, who garnered 79,033 votes. Song Young-gil received 23,749 votes.Regionally, in Gwangju, Kim achieved 57.04% (86,558 votes), while Jeong received 31.84% (48,324 votes), and Song obtained 11.12% (16,874 votes). In Jeonbuk, Kim secured 58.39% (52,749 votes), Jeong 34.00% (30,709 votes), and Song 7.61% (6,875 votes).Before the vote counting, the candidates emphasized their connections to the region and referenced the late former President Kim Dae-jung, a symbol of Honam politics, to rally support. Kim stated, "I worked as the secretary to the president when Kim Dae-jung was in office 20 years ago. The Honam AI Mega Project is my dream and a historic opportunity for President Lee Jae-myung, and I will ensure its success." He added, "With President Lee's firm commitment to the development of Jeonbuk, I will independently create a mega plan for the region and become Mr. Saemangeum."Jeong introduced himself by saying, "I am the son-in-law of Honam, as my wife's family is from Gangjin, Jeollanam-do, and my mother was born in Jeonbuk." He noted, "Thanks to the internet established by President Kim, we became an internet powerhouse, and with a cultural policy of support without interference, we became a cultural nation represented by BTS. The convergence of President Kim's internet and President Lee's AI presents a golden opportunity for the rise of our nation." Jeong asserted, "Once betrayed, one will betray again. I am confident that I, Jeong Cheong-rae, will remain loyal to President Lee until the end."Song appealed, saying, "Please hold the hand of a son of Honam. I will become the new center of Honam politics, following President Kim." He emphasized his experience, stating, "I was the first young blood recruited by President Kim, served as a secretary to the late President Roh Moo-hyun, and was the head of the campaign committee for former President Moon Jae-in. Who are the roots of the Democratic Party?" He also declared, "With the end of prosecutorial reform, Jeong is no longer needed; we must now start judicial reform, and I will lead that effort."Meanwhile, the Democratic Party will conduct a regional primary in Seoul and Gyeonggi on August 16, followed by a party convention in Daejeon on August 17 to establish a new leadership. The final election results for the party leader will reflect 70% of votes from party members and 30% from public opinion polls. 2026-08-15 19:32:00
  • Hong Jun-pyo Criticizes Lee Jin-sook for Dismissing May 18 Movement
    Hong Jun-pyo Criticizes Lee Jin-sook for Dismissing May 18 Movement Hong Jun-pyo, a former mayor of Daegu, criticized Lee Jin-sook, a member of the People Power Party, for holding a forum to reexamine the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement, stating that it denies the spirit of the times.On August 15, Hong posted on his social media, saying, "The May 18 incident has long become a myth. To deny and belittle it is to reject the spirit of the times. Any attempt to use a tragic history for personal political gain must not be tolerated."He recalled his military service in June 1980 at a base in Buan, North Jeolla Province, shortly after the May 18 incident, describing the events as horrific. "Those who exploit the May 18 incident deserve condemnation, but the incident itself should not be criticized," he asserted.Hong added, "I have called for the list of May 18 activists to be publicly disclosed as national merit recipients, but I have never belittled or criticized the May 18 incident itself," and questioned Lee, asking, "Are you a lonely warrior? A Don Quixote who has forgotten the spirit of the times?"On the same day, Park Soo-min, another member of the People Power Party, expressed on Facebook that denying or undermining the historical significance of the May 18 Democratization Movement is a self-inflicted harm to the values of freedom and democracy that must be upheld. He emphasized that it also disregards the spirits of innocent citizens who sacrificed for democracy.Park warned that if such incidents continue within the People Power Party, it would leave political scars on a party that is struggling to regain public trust. He stated, "Lee's mistakes are significant. Clear accountability is necessary for incorrect historical awareness and actions, regardless of political affiliation."Finally, he urged Lee to promptly and clearly apologize to the nation, history, citizens, and party members, asserting that conservatism strengthens not by covering up mistakes but by reforming itself.Previously, on August 14, Lee held a public forum titled 'Reexamining the May 18 Democratization Movement' at the National Assembly Library. The event featured prominent New Right scholar Lee Young-hoon, a former professor at Seoul National University, and Heo Hwa-pyeong, who led the 12.12 coup as the chief secretary to then-Defense Security Command chief Chun Doo-hwan, both of whom faced criticism for belittling the May 18 movement.In response, Lee held a press conference on August 14, arguing that discussions to explain and reflect on the May 18 incident are essential for the younger generations who did not experience it directly, stating that prohibiting such discussions is an infringement on freedom of expression.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-15 19:16:00
  • Ansan Mayor Lee Min-keun: Todays Freedom and Peace Are Built on the Sacrifices of Many Heroes
    Ansan Mayor Lee Min-keun: Today's Freedom and Peace Are Built on the Sacrifices of Many Heroes On August 15, Ansan Mayor Lee Min-keun emphasized that "the freedom and peace we enjoy today are built on the sacrifices and dedication of countless heroes who did not waver in their pursuit of independence during the harsh oppression of Japanese colonial rule."Mayor Lee made these remarks during the 81st Liberation Day ceremony held at the Ansan Cultural Arts Center, attended by over 1,200 people, including members of the Liberation Association, their families, veterans' organizations, and local citizens.The event featured a pre-ceremony performance and video by the Ansan National Studies Qigong Association, followed by a national tribute, awards for descendants of independence activists and Liberation Association members, commemorative speeches, celebratory performances, singing of the Liberation Day song, and a chant of "Manse!"Moon Hae-jin, head of the Ansan chapter of the Liberation Association, noted, "This year marks the 150th anniversary of the birth of Kim Gu, a significant figure in our history. We must choose solidarity in the face of division and embrace inclusivity in the face of hatred, working together to create a South Korea that contributes to world peace through the power of culture."Attendees expressed that Liberation Day should serve not only as a commemoration of the past but also as a reminder of the values of freedom and peace that we enjoy today. There was a shared sentiment that efforts should be made to enhance respect for independence activists and members of the Liberation Association, ensuring that younger generations learn and remember the significance of liberation.Additionally, there was a consensus on the need for different generations and social classes to work together to build a future within the local community, rather than allowing conflicts to arise.Meanwhile, Mayor Lee Min-keun stated, "I will practice 'serving veterans' more diligently so that those who have dedicated themselves to the nation can be respected and take pride in their contributions." He added, "In the face of rapid changes and various challenges, it is crucial to foster unity and integration across generations, regions, and ideologies. Together, we will build a strong South Korea and a more resilient Ansan, no matter the crisis we face."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-15 18:44:00