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Why North Korean leader keeps putting his daughter in spotlight SEOUL, August 14 (AJP) - In one of the world's most closed societies like North Korea, what matters may lie in what happens before a successor is ever named. For decades, the isolated country's hereditary Kim dynasty has shown that power is not simply passed down when the previous leader dies. It has to be prepared, groomed and carefully managed to prevent any chaos. That process now appears to be underway for current North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's daughter Ju-ae. In recent years, the teenage girl has increasingly appeared at the center of major state events and other occasions from military ceremonies and missile launches to official commemorations. In her latest public outing, she joined her father at a cemetery honoring Korean War veterans at the end of July, again standing prominently by his side. That was more than a family appearance. She was being introduced to the rituals North Korea uses to highlight its own history of military victory, revolution and sacrifice while emphasizing the legitimacy of the ruling Kim family. That little distinction would matter, as it is tempting to look at photos of Ju-ae standing beside her father and assume that North Korea has already picked its next leader. But the evidence is not quite that simple. Neither is it reasonable anymore to dismiss her appearances as the ordinary publicity given to the leader's daughter. Something more deliberate may be happening. Ju-ae has made frequent public appearances since she first appeared in November 2022, when she accompanied her father at the test launch of a ballistic missile. Since then, state media have used increasingly respectful terms to describe her, moving from "precious child" and "respected child" to "beloved daughter" and, most recently, the more exalted term "hyangdo," meaning "guidance." The shift in language could signal a potential path toward hereditary succession. Official events have also repeatedly placed her close to her father, with some senior officials appearing to kowtow to her, even though she holds no known official party or state position and remains largely a symbolic figure. That may be precisely where her importance lies in a country like North Korea, where even small details and gestures at official events can carry a message. Where someone sits, who walks first, who bows and who stands beside the leader can all reveal their standing in the power hierarchy power hierarchy of the renegade country. But succession is a delicate matter even in this family-run regime, so Kim, who is widely seen as bold and unpredictable, has appeared particularly careful in preparing Ju-ae for the spotlight through highly calculated moves, gradually making her familiar to the public rather than simply presenting her as his daughter. Doubts also remain, though, over whether Ju-ae's gender could pose an obstacle, as North Korea has never been ruled by a woman. The country is a deeply male-dominated society, with the military and party elite being almost entirely male, meaning a woman's ascent to the throne would be an unprecedented shift. Nevertheless, bloodline may matter more than gender in North Korea. The Kim family has long stressed the "Mt. Paektu bloodline," which holds that power should remain within the family lineage of regime founder and Kim's grandfather Kim Il-sung. Although Kim junior has reportedly suffered from several chronic diseases, as his father Kim Jong-il did before his sudden death in 2011, he is still relatively young and in no rush to name a successor, meaning any succession plan could change over time. It is also possible that North Korea has other children unknown to the outside world. South Korean intelligence has not ruled out the possibility of an older son, though there is no evidence that he is being secretly groomed for leadership. But another dynastic succession may be tougher than it may seem to be. It cannot simply be settled by a leader's edict, as that does not mean the North Korean elite and public accept it. The transfer of power would also need to be justified. That is why, even if Ju-ae is being groomed as the leader, it does not guarantee that she will eventually succeed her father. The real test will come later. To truly become his successor, she would need an official role in the Workers' Party and build relationships with senior military officials, allowing her to establish a track record of her own. Most importantly, the men who run North Korea’s power structure would need to accept her as their leader after Kim Jong-un is gone. That would be a far higher bar to clear than simply appearing beside him in public. North Korea has already gone through three hereditary transfers of power within the Kim dynasty. If Ju-ae eventually becomes the successor to the throne, it would be the fourth. The bigger question may not be whether North Korea has already chosen its next leader, but it may be whether the regime is preparing the public to accept another Kim as leader. Whether Ju-ae will eventually take power remains uncertain. But it is increasingly clear that her father wants North Koreans to grow used to seeing her by his side. And that may be the clearest sign of all about what is coming. 2026-08-14 15:01:49
Actor Ha-young's Great-Grandfather Linked to Queen Min's Assassination Actor Ha-young's great-grandfather, Ahn Sang-ho, has been linked to the 1895 Eulmi Incident, during which he reportedly married a Japanese woman with the help of Gu Yeon-soo, a figure involved in the assassination of Queen Min. This revelation has led to online discussions suggesting it could lead to Ha-young's exit from the entertainment industry.On August 14, the Ilgan Sports reported that Gu Yeon-soo played a role in introducing Ahn Sang-ho to his Japanese wife, Kawaguchi Isoko. According to a 2007 paper published in the Journal of Korean National Movement Studies, Ahn met Kawaguchi while visiting the residence of Prince Eui, Lee Kang, in Tokyo. Gu Yeon-soo, who was in exile in Japan at the time, is said to have facilitated their introduction, which eventually led to their marriage.Gu Yeon-soo is recorded as having entered the palace with Japanese individuals during the Eulmi Incident and was involved in the assassination of Queen Min. Afterward, he lived in exile in Japan and later returned to Korea, where he held positions in the Iljin Society and other government roles.Gu Yeon-soo's name also appears in the context of Ahn Sang-ho and Kawaguchi's return to Korea. The Ilgan Sports noted that Kawaguchi entered Korea in 1907, staying at Gu Yeon-soo's residence, as documented in a medical text published in 1985.Previously, Ha-young's father explained the marriage between Ahn Sang-ho and the Japanese woman, stating, "I understand that Prince Eui introduced a woman he met while working in Tokyo, and I have never thought of the marriage itself as pro-Japanese." However, the recent report presents evidence that Gu Yeon-soo was involved in their marriage, which differs from the family's previous explanation.In response to inquiries from Ilgan Sports, Ha-young's representatives stated, "It is difficult to confirm the situation immediately."Following the report, netizens expressed various opinions, with comments such as, "Why does a well-known figure from that era keep coming up?" and "This seems like a level of controversy that could lead to an exit from the entertainment industry." Others remarked, "The more you dig, the more legendary it becomes."Meanwhile, in light of the growing pro-Japanese allegations surrounding her great-grandfather, Ha-young issued a handwritten apology on August 12, stating, "I learned about my great-grandfather's pro-Japanese actions while researching related materials." She has previously shared her family's history, including her great-grandfather, on various broadcasts.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-14 15:00:00
Korea's Ministry of Land to Reveal 73,000 New Public Housing Sites by Late September The South Korean government plans to gradually disclose the locations of 73,000 new public housing units in the metropolitan area, as announced in the 'August 13 Rapid Housing Supply Plan.' This information is expected to be released as early as the end of next month. The government is also considering utilizing public vacant land in urban areas, including parts of Yongsan Children's Park and greenbelt zones, for additional housing supply.On August 14, Kim I-tak, the Deputy Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, appeared on MBC Radio's 'Kim Jong-bae's Focus' and Cheong Wa Dae's YouTube channel 'Fact Factory' to explain the details of the housing supply measures announced the previous day and the timeline for implementation.During the MBC Radio segment, Kim stated, "Among the announced figures, there are 73,000 units that we plan to expedite. We aim to finalize administrative procedures quickly, with announcements potentially as early as late September or October."He added, "To conduct community consultations, we need to prepare documentation for each land parcel. Each parcel is tied to individual property rights, and if any are overlooked, it could lead to legal disputes, which is why the administrative process takes time."The government announced plans to create 27,000 new public housing units in three locations: Gangseo in Seoul, and Namyangju and Gwangju in Gyeonggi Province. Additionally, it aims to identify over 73,000 more units, bringing the total to more than 100,000 new housing sites in the metropolitan area.Regarding the potential for additional supply, Kim remarked, "It seems appropriate to say we have scoured all available land. However, I believe there is still more we can uncover."When asked if greenbelt areas could be included as potential sites, he responded, "Greenbelt areas can be included, as well as public vacant facilities in urban areas. These sites can be utilized in consultation with local governments."On the 'Fact Factory' program, Kim emphasized, "The solution to the supply shortage is indeed supply itself, and we need to accelerate this process. The main focus of this plan is to increase the supply of public housing, as well as private housing, including apartments and other types of residences across all sectors."In response to concerns that only 120,000 of the 230,000 additional units planned for the metropolitan area would actually break ground by 2030, Kim countered, "Some people think the remaining 110,000 units are fictitious, but that is not the case. These units can also be constructed after 2030."He highlighted that, when combined with existing supply plans, a total of 1.5 million units will be under construction in the metropolitan area by 2030, averaging 300,000 units per year, which is significantly higher than the average of 299,000 units during the Park Geun-hye administration.The government plans to reduce the time from the announcement of public housing sites to the start of construction from the current average of 68 months to 37 months, cutting it by 31 months. This will be achieved by implementing a 'one-stop package' approach, allowing related procedures to be processed simultaneously rather than sequentially.Kim noted, "This approach will not only apply to this plan but will also set a standard for future projects. We can expedite the 1.35 million units already announced using the same method."To facilitate additional supply in Seoul, the government will negotiate with the city to utilize parts of Yongsan Park.Kim explained, "Yongsan Park is approximately 1 million pyeong, similar in size to Yeouido, and the Children's Garden is about 90,000 pyeong. Besides the Children's Garden, there are also returned sites like Camp Kim and embassy residences."He added, "There is a strong demand for housing for young people and future generations, which is why we are considering utilizing parts of Yongsan Park in discussions with the city."In response to claims by Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon that the government announced the supply plan without sufficient consultation with the city, Kim stated, "We have been in continuous discussions with city officials and will continue to do so moving forward."The plan includes starting construction on 26,000 redevelopment and reconstruction units in Seoul this year and next, with a goal of increasing the annual construction scale to 30,000 units thereafter. The Taereung Golf Course site has completed domestic procedures related to national heritage, and land surveys will begin in the second half of this year, aiming for construction to start in 2029.Kim requested prompt legislative action on a housing law amendment that would improve regulations for local housing cooperatives, which could expedite the supply of about 50,000 units. The plan also includes converting vacant office spaces in urban areas into residential facilities, aiming to supply approximately 15,000 units within one to two years, and the Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH) plans to provide over 5,000 modular homes annually to foster the related market.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-14 14:56:00
Dangerous Chemicals Found in Counterfeit Perfumes, Risking Vision Loss Counterfeit cosmetics, including luxury perfumes, have been found to contain harmful substances such as methanol and lead, prompting consumer warnings. Notably, methanol levels in some counterfeit perfumes were detected at up to 484 times higher than safe limits.On August 14, the Korea Consumer Agency reported that an investigation by the Chungnam Provincial Police uncovered safety violations in 34 counterfeit products from overseas brands, with 11 (32.4%) exceeding safety standards for harmful substances.The investigation included 18 perfumes, 6 hand creams, 5 lipsticks, and 5 other cosmetics such as body mist and foundation. The agency tested these products for preservatives, methanol, heavy metals, and fragrances.Among the perfumes, methanol was detected in 6 samples at levels ranging from 73.7% to 96.9%. Considering the current allowable limit for methanol in commercial cosmetics is 0.2%, these levels exceeded the standard by 368 to 484 times.Legitimate perfumes use ethanol as a solvent for fragrances, while counterfeit products often substitute it with the more toxic methanol to cut costs. According to the Consumer Agency, ethanol costs about 110,000 won per liter, while methanol is approximately 14,000 won, making methanol about eight times cheaper. Methanol can cause vision loss if absorbed into the body and may lead to central nervous system disorders with prolonged exposure.Among the 6 hand creams tested, 3 contained methylchloroisothiazolinone (CMIT) and methylisothiazolinone (MIT), preservatives that are not permitted in cosmetics.In the lipstick samples, one out of five contained lead at 31.0 µg/g, exceeding the safety standard of 20 µg/g. Additionally, one body mist sample showed 0.6 µg/g of CMIT, which is banned for use. Lead can cause cardiovascular issues when absorbed through the skin, while CMIT and MIT can trigger allergic skin reactions and respiratory or eye irritation at certain concentrations.The Consumer Agency emphasized that the trade of counterfeit goods disrupts market order and infringes on brand intellectual property rights, posing significant risks to consumer safety and health.They plan to share the investigation results with relevant authorities, including the Intellectual Property Office, and to promote campaigns to prevent the purchase of counterfeit products. Consumers are advised to be cautious of products with unclear origins or prices that are significantly lower than market rates. If a counterfeit product is purchased, consumers should stop using it immediately and request a refund from the seller.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-14 14:56:00
Hanwha Systems to Equip Navy Vessels with Electro-Optical Observation Devices Hanwha Systems will supply electro-optical observation devices (EO·IR) to the Navy. The company plans to enhance navigation capabilities during nighttime and adverse weather conditions by applying technology previously used in the Army's light armed helicopters to naval vessels.On August 14, Hanwha Systems announced that it signed a contract with the Defense Technology Quality Agency last month to begin the 'Electro-Optical Observation Device (EO·IR) Installation Project for Support and Rescue Vessels.'This initiative is part of the 'Maximizing Existing Power Performance Project,' aimed at quickly addressing issues in weapon systems that are already operational or in production.The EO·IR devices will be installed on a total of four vessels, including one support vessel, two surface rescue vessels, and one submarine rescue vessel currently operated by the Navy. The EO·IR technology will be utilized to identify surrounding terrain and structures even in challenging visibility conditions such as nighttime or inclement weather.Combat vessels are typically equipped with electro-optical tracking systems (EOTS) for targeting and control, allowing for visual confirmation of surface targets during nighttime or adverse weather. In contrast, non-combat vessels like support and rescue ships lacked such equipment during their construction, leading to difficulties in safe navigation and operational execution in limited visibility.This project will incorporate Hanwha Systems' 'Target Acquisition and Designation System (TADS)' technology, which was developed for light armed helicopters. TADS is a key electro-optical device that supports reconnaissance, target detection, identification, and engagement. It meets stringent military requirements for operational environments ranging from minus 35 degrees to plus 55 degrees Celsius, as well as indirect lightning conditions, and has passed military specification compliance assessments and mass production system validations.Hanwha Systems aims to leverage its existing defense standards to expedite the operational deployment within two years. The acquired surveillance footage will be integrated with operational video transmission systems to enhance command and control efficiency by enabling real-time sharing with command centers and friendly vessels.Yoo Moon-ki, head of Hanwha Systems' Marine Business Division, stated, "We will do our utmost to proactively identify the military's requirements and provide optimal solutions to maximize the performance of existing forces." Meanwhile, Hanwha Systems has been developing and supplying electro-optical equipment to the military for approximately 40 years. Earlier this year, the company signed a business agreement with Canada's PV Labs to advance electro-optical and infrared (EO·IR) sensor technology, marking an expansion of its business.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-14 14:52:00
Ruling Party Condemns Lawmaker for Diminishing Gwangju Uprising The Democratic Party of Korea has launched a fierce attack on Lee Jin-sook, a lawmaker from the People Power Party, for allegedly undermining the historical significance of the May 18 Gwangju Uprising. The party has submitted a resolution calling for her expulsion, intensifying pressure on the lawmaker.During a Supreme Council meeting held on the morning of August 14, the Democratic Party publicly criticized Lee for hosting a forum at the National Assembly Library on August 13 aimed at reexamining the Gwangju Uprising.Acting Party Leader Han Byeong-do stated, "Lee proceeded with the forum alongside those who have distorted and belittled the May 18 incident. To mock the citizens' struggle, which defended democracy with blood and tears against state violence, under the guise of academic reexamination is to distort historical truth and deny the legitimacy of our democratic republic."Supreme Council member Hwang Myeong-seon added, "Denying the May 18 incident and praising Chun Doo-hwan is no different from denying Nazi state violence and praising Hitler in Germany. This is a clear act of constitutional destruction that insults the democratic spirits who fell victim to state violence."Another Supreme Council member, Park Kyu-hwan, criticized Lee for glorifying Chun Doo-hwan, whom he called the architect of the massacre, as a figure who helped democracy take root. He insisted that immediate expulsion procedures against Lee should commence.The Democratic Party has announced its intention to push for Lee's expulsion through a resolution that emphasizes the need to uphold the spirit of May 18 and honor the sacrifices made to protect democracy.Park Gyun-taek and Lee Joo-hee, the party's floor spokesperson, spoke to reporters after visiting the National Assembly's legislative office, stating, "Despite the existence of the Gwangju democratic spirits who sacrificed themselves to defend democracy, Lee has not hesitated to deny their legacy. It is embarrassing to even call her a colleague in the National Assembly."They further asserted, "Lee is unqualified to serve as a lawmaker. She must resign immediately, and we have no choice but to call for expulsion procedures against a politician who falls short of standards. We will pursue her expulsion as a party line."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-14 14:52:00
People Power Party Calls Controversial 5·18 Forum 'Inappropriate,' Internal Disciplinary Discussions Planned The People Power Party stated on August 14 that the forum held by Representative Lee Jin-sook on the May 18 Democratic Movement, in collaboration with a right-wing group, was "inappropriate" and expressed a commitment to prevent a recurrence. The party plans to discuss potential disciplinary actions internally.During a press briefing at the National Assembly, Chief Spokesperson Choi Eun-seok revealed that prior to the forum, floor leader Jung Jeom-sik had requested its cancellation, but it went ahead regardless. Jung believes the event was inappropriate and hopes such incidents do not happen again. The day before, Lee referred to the May 18 Democratic Movement as a "disturbance" during the forum co-hosted with the civic group New History National Movement, sparking controversy.Despite opposition from the party, criticism has emerged from leadership regarding Lee's decision to proceed with the forum. Within the ruling party, there were calls for Lee's expulsion and disciplinary measures just before the event. The Democratic Party of Korea submitted a resolution to the National Assembly's legislative office, urging Lee's expulsion over the distortion and denigration of the May 18 Democratic Movement.In contrast, Lee maintains that there was nothing wrong with the forum. On her Facebook page, she stated, "The Lee Jae-myung administration has proposed including the spirit of the May 18 Gwangju Democratic Movement in the preamble of the Constitution as its top national agenda item," arguing that it is contradictory to refuse to discuss the May 18 Movement while proposing its inclusion in the Constitution. She added that claiming there is no need for further discussion because everything has already been settled is an attempt to force recognition of the May 18 Movement as a sacred issue.Choi further explained that the party has previously agreed to include the spirit of the May 18 Movement in the Constitution and is firmly committed to inheriting all democratic movements in modern history. While the party views the forum as inappropriate, he noted that there was no way to forcibly prevent an individual member's forum. Regarding the possibility of disciplinary action from the party's ethics committee, he stated that no decisions have been made yet, emphasizing that while it is not definitively concluded, there is a consensus that the event was inappropriate and that internal discussions will be necessary. 2026-08-14 14:48:00
Gunpo City Council Officially Changes Bus Stop Name for First Time in 35 Years Gunpo City Council announced that the name of the bus stop near Gunpo City Hall will be updated to include 'Gunpo City Council.' On August 14, the council stated that the existing bus stop name 'Gunpo City Hall·Sanbon Station' will be changed to 'Gunpo City Hall·Gunpo City Council.' The name change process is currently underway, starting with the bus stop signs and some guidance facilities, with updates to route maps and internal bus announcements planned to follow. Gunpo City aims to complete the related updates by November at the earliest, and by the end of the year at the latest. This name change initiative was prompted by a request from the city council to Gunpo City in May of last year. While the existing bus stop name includes 'Sanbon Station,' the actual station entrance is about 300 meters away, requiring a 5 to 7-minute walk. There have been concerns that passengers may confuse the bus stop's location since the subway station is not immediately visible from where the bus lets passengers off. In contrast, the bus stop is adjacent to both Gunpo City Hall and Gunpo City Council, making it more logical to provide accurate location information for public transport users. The city acknowledged the need for the name change but indicated that adjustments to the bus stop signs, as well as announcements and internal postings on the buses, would require budget and scheduling considerations. The city council has continued to advocate for improvements, sending a formal request to the city in July this year, emphasizing the need to reduce confusion for public transport users and provide clearer guidance on the council's location. As a result, the name change process is now in progress. This marks the first time in 35 years that the name of the bus stop adjacent to the council has been officially updated. Since the first city council was established on April 15, 1991, it has been located next to the city hall, but the previous bus stop name did not indicate the council's location. For residents and public transport users, this change will enhance convenience by allowing them to confirm that the city hall and city council are located in the same area just by looking at the bus stop sign. Most importantly, citizens visiting the council for the first time or seeking assistance with civil complaints and legislative activities will find it easier to identify their destination through the updated bus stop name. Lee Woo-cheon, the chair of the city council, stated, "As the city hall and city council work together for the citizens, it is essential that public transport guidance accurately reflects their actual locations. I hope this name change will make it easier for citizens to find and access the council." He added, "We will continue to address and improve even the small inconveniences that citizens experience in their daily lives."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-14 14:44:00
Counterfeit Cosmetics Flooding Social Media, Methanol Levels 484 Times Higher Than Safety Standards Recently, counterfeit cosmetics imitating famous international brands have been circulating at low prices on social media platforms. Some of these counterfeit perfumes have been found to contain methanol levels up to 484 times higher than safety standards.The Korea Consumer Agency reported on August 14 that an investigation into 34 counterfeit cosmetics seized by the Chungnam Provincial Police revealed that 11 products contained harmful substances, including methanol and lead, exceeding safety limits.The investigation included 18 perfumes, six hand creams, and five lipsticks. Among these, six perfumes showed methanol levels ranging from 73.7% to 96.9%, which is 368 to 484 times higher than the current allowable limit of 0.2% for methanol in cosmetics.While genuine perfumes typically use ethanol as a solvent for fragrances, counterfeit products often resort to toxic methanol to cut costs. Methanol absorption in the body can lead to vision loss and, with prolonged exposure, may result in central nervous system disorders.Harmful substances were also detected in hand creams. Of the six products tested, three contained prohibited preservatives, methylchloroisothiazolinone (CMIT) and methylisothiazolinone (MIT), at levels of up to 15.1 µg/g and 5.7 µg/g, respectively. One body mist also showed CMIT levels exceeding safety limits.In one lipstick, lead was found at 31.0 µg/g, surpassing the safety standard of less than 20 µg/g. Both CMIT and MIT can cause allergic skin reactions and respiratory or eye irritation at certain concentrations. Lead exposure can hinder growth and lead to cardiovascular diseases.The Consumer Agency urged consumers using counterfeit cosmetics from unclear sources to stop using them immediately and dispose of them. It also emphasized the importance of purchasing from certified retailers, such as official websites or stores, and being cautious of products priced significantly lower than the market average, as they may be counterfeit. 2026-08-14 14:44:00
Kazakhstan joins Korea's list of countries eligible for foreign worker visa SEOUL, August 14 (AJP) - Kazakhstan has been added to the list of countries eligible to send workers under South Korea's E-9 visa program, which allows companies facing labor shortages to hire foreign workers. At a government meeting on Friday chaired by Lim Ki-keun, who is in charge of policy coordination under the Prime Minister's Office, Kazakhstan became the 18th country entitled to send E-9 visa holders given to non-professional laborers to South Korea under the country's employment permit program, joining Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, East Timor, Indonesia, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Thailand, Uzbekistan and Viet Nam. With the decision, Kazakhstan became the fourth Central Asian country to do so, after Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, with laborers expected to arrive here as early as 2028 once relevant procedures are finalized. The government said Kazakhstan was selected based on on-site inspections and other assessments, with the aim of diversifying such countries amid growing demand for foreign workers in South Korea. Kazakhstan also reportedly promised to cooperate on measures to prevent illegal stays here. As a separate measure, restrictions will also be eased on foreign workers' movement between construction sites. Currently, workers who are assigned to individual construction sites can move to another site only in limited circumstances, but under the revised rules, they will be allowed to move between sites run by the same employer provided the sites meet the relevant requirements. At the same time, tougher regulations will apply to employers that violate labor laws. Currently, if a violation occurs at one site, only that site is subject to restrictions. Under the revised rules, the restrictions will apply to all sites operated by the same employer. The new rules will take effect in March 2027 after a six-month grace period. "The addition of Kazakhstan along with the revised rules will help the government respond more quickly and efficiently to worsening labor shortages at industrial worksites," Lim said. AJP Takeaways: - Kazakhstan became the 18th country eligible to send workers to South Korea under the Employment Permit System on Aug. 14, 2026, allowing workers holding E-9 visas to enter South Korea for nonprofessional jobs. - Kazakhstan became the fourth Central Asian country in South Korea's work permit program, joining Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. - Workers from Kazakhstan are expected to begin arriving in South Korea as early as 2028, after the two countries complete the necessary procedures and establish related infrastructure. - South Korea will ease restrictions on foreign workers moving between construction sites operated by the same employer, provided the destination sites meet relevant requirements. - From March 2027, employers that violate labor laws will face restrictions across all construction sites they operate, rather than only at the site where the violation occurred. 2026-08-14 14:43:48