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Special Prosecutors Indict Yoo Byung-ho for Abuse of Power in Audit Cover-up Yoo Byung-ho, an audit commissioner facing allegations of conducting a lenient audit regarding the relocation of the presidential residence, has been indicted while in custody.On August 7, the second special prosecutors' team announced that Yoo was indicted on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of the exercise of rights.The special prosecutors' team alleges that while serving as the Secretary General of the Board of Audit and Inspection under the Yoon Suk Yeol administration, Yoo abused his authority to suppress the audit of the presidential office, which was the subject of the investigation.According to the special prosecutors, after taking office as Secretary General, Yoo allegedly consolidated control over the Board of Audit and Inspection using his personnel and inspection powers, and improperly intervened in the audit of the presidential residence relocation while communicating with the presidential office.Specifically, it is reported that in February and March 2023, Yoo instructed audit staff to prohibit requests for documents from the presidential office, ban interviews with officials from the presidential office, and prevent direct investigations of related companies.The special prosecutors believe these directives contradict relevant regulations and Yoo's own emphasized audit methods, thereby obstructing the independent exercise of audit authority by auditors and compelling them to act outside their obligations.During the Yoon Suk Yeol administration, the Board of Audit and Inspection was investigating allegations related to the selection of construction companies and expenditure during the relocation of the presidential office and residence. This inquiry followed a public audit request made by civic groups in October 2022.Notably, the involvement of 21Gram, a company operated by Kim Tae-young, who is known to have connections with Kim Geon-hee, emerged as a contentious issue during the audit process. 21Gram had sponsored exhibitions organized by Kobana Contents, a company previously run by Kim Geon-hee, and was responsible for the design and construction of office spaces.As a result, the audit staff deemed it necessary to directly investigate representatives of construction-related companies, including 21Gram, and issued attendance requests. However, according to the special prosecutors' investigation, the Board of Audit and Inspection abruptly withdrew these requests and switched to written inquiries following Yoo's directives.The special prosecutors explained that the audit staff were aware of numerous allegations raised during the presidential residence relocation process. They had approached the substance of these allegations by securing objective data and reviewing legal principles, concluding that direct investigations were unavoidable, which led to the issuance of attendance requests. However, it was confirmed that these requests were retracted due to Yoo's instructions.After conducting audits for approximately two years, the Board of Audit and Inspection released a report in September 2024 regarding illegal allegations related to the relocation of the presidential office and residence and the use of funds. Following this, concerns were raised about the inadequacy of the investigation into the selection of construction companies, leading to ongoing controversy over a 'shoddy audit.'The special prosecutors suspect that the Board of Audit and Inspection failed to adequately clarify the involvement of 21Gram, which lacked a comprehensive construction license, in the overall construction of the presidential residence, despite having identified such circumstances during the audit process. In May 2024, the audit committee of the Board of Audit and Inspection deemed the initial audit report insufficient and requested supplementary investigations, which eventually led to delayed direct investigations of 21Gram representatives.Yoo was arrested on July 20. He filed a request for a review of his detention on August 4, but the court rejected it. Throughout the special prosecutors' investigation, Yoo has denied all allegations.Even after indicting Yoo, the special prosecutors plan to continue their investigation into the allegations surrounding the presidential residence relocation. A spokesperson for the special prosecutors stated, "We will do our utmost to clarify the full extent of the public concerns raised regarding the presidential residence during the remaining investigation period."In response to Yoo's indictment, the Board of Audit and Inspection issued a statement expressing regret for causing public concern regarding its independence and the fairness, objectivity, and neutrality of its audits, stating, "We feel a grave sense of responsibility beyond mere apology and will observe the upcoming trial process with a serious and humble attitude."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-07 14:24:00 -
Number of Shade Structures Rises to 39,514, Sevenfold Increase Since 2019 The number of shade structures installed across the country has increased to 39,514, allowing citizens to escape the sun at crosswalks and other public areas. This marks a sevenfold increase compared to the 5,662 structures recorded in 2019, according to the Ministry of Interior and Safety.On August 7, the ministry announced that it is working with local governments to expand heat mitigation facilities, including shade structures, and is providing 30 billion won in funding for heatwave measures this year.The total number of shade structures has steadily risen from 5,662 in 2019 to 14,127 in 2020, 18,890 in 2021, 24,144 in 2022, 27,631 in 2023, 32,196 in 2024, and 34,552 last year. This year, 39,514 structures have been installed.Of these, 30,351 are foldable shade structures, while 9,163 are smart shade structures equipped with features to detect temperature and wind.Regionally, Gyeonggi Province has the highest number of shade structures at 15,221, followed by Seoul with 4,958, Incheon with 2,521, Gwangju and Jeonnam with 2,251, Chungnam with 1,915, and Gyeongnam with 1,750.The first shade structures in South Korea appeared in the summer of 2006, when black awnings were installed in temporary housing for flood victims in Pyeongchang. That same year, the National Emergency Management Agency included support for 999 residential shade structures in its summer heatwave response plan.The first urban shade structure for pedestrians was the foldable 'Seoripul Wondumak' installed in front of a crosswalk in Seocho District, Seoul, in 2015. In 2017, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport recognized shade structures as road accessory facilities, and in 2019, the Ministry of Interior and Safety established guidelines for the installation and management of shade structures in preparation for heatwaves.Recently, shade structures that incorporate local characteristics and technology have been on the rise. In Gwangjin District, Seoul, smart shade structures that detect temperature and wind are in operation, while Busan's Buk District has installed shade structures with misting devices.In Cheonan, Chungnam Province, yellow shade structures linked to 'yellow carpets' in child protection zones and dual-purpose shade structures with seating for the elderly are being utilized. Some areas even repurpose them as Christmas trees or flower pots during the winter.This summer has seen record-breaking temperatures, the highest since weather observations began in 1904. In response, the government has activated a two-tiered response system through the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters, expanding the newly introduced heatwave alert system.Kim Kwang-yong, head of the Disaster and Safety Management Bureau at the Ministry of Interior and Safety, stated, "We will continue to expand heat mitigation facilities like shade structures so that everyone can feel safe from heatwaves in their daily lives."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-07 14:24:00
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Ruling Party Launches Attack on Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon Over Real Estate Tax Reform The Democratic Party launched a strong attack on Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon on August 7, criticizing his ongoing opposition to the government's real estate tax reform plan. The party also announced the activation of a task force to develop comprehensive housing policies.Han Byeong-do, the party's acting leader and floor leader, stated during a National Assembly meeting, "Mayor Oh is the one who incited market confusion with the deregulation and re-designation of land use zones in February. Now he is raising his voice against the government."Policy chief Han Jeong-ae pointed out that at a real estate forum hosted by Mayor Oh on August 6, the criticisms focused on the government's tax reform plan, claiming it would lead to instability in the rental market and a decrease in supply. She referred to these criticisms as akin to a "21st-century Goryeo burial" and aimed at those suffering from economic hardship.She added, "The current housing supply crisis in Seoul is a result of Mayor Oh's actions," noting that the number of apartment and villa construction starts in the city has dropped by one-third since 2023.Han Jeong-ae also expressed concerns that Mayor Oh's statements suggest ongoing discrepancies with the government regarding the supply of idle land, green belts, and parks in the city.Floor spokesperson Jeon Soo-mi also criticized Mayor Oh, stating, "The cause of the housing supply crisis in Seoul is Mayor Oh. He should stop the false narrative about supply and cooperate for real supply."She emphasized, "Mayor Oh is not a promoter of supply but rather a suppressor of it, blocking even the government's efforts to provide housing that he himself has failed to deliver."Meanwhile, Jeon Soo-mi held a briefing at the National Assembly, stating, "This tax reform plan aims to gradually normalize taxation on high-value properties and non-residential multi-homeowners, establishing fairness and equity in taxation. The Democratic Party will closely communicate with the Lee Jae-myung administration to develop a comprehensive housing policy that encompasses taxation, finance, and supply through the party's 'Housing Market Stabilization Task Force.'"* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-07 14:20:20
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Telecom Stores Open as Cooling Centers Amid Heatwave KT and LG Uplus are opening their stores nationwide as cooling centers to help citizens escape the heat.On August 7, KT announced that it is operating 410 stores across the country as heat shelters, including 213 in Seoul designated as 'Climate Companion Shelters,' 127 in Busan as 'Neighborhood Climate Shelters,' and 70 in Daejeon as 'Cold Wave and Heat Shelters.'KT is collaborating with local governments to provide easily accessible stores where citizens can rest or seek refuge from the heat. Each store entrance features a certification plaque from the local government to help citizens easily identify these shelters.LG Uplus is also operating its stores as spaces where customers can take a break from the heat. Regardless of any specific heat shelter designation, the company has made its stores available for customers to rest during the summer.A representative from LG Uplus stated, "We operate our stores as convenient spaces for customers at all times and will continue to strive to make it easier for customers to use our stores."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-07 14:20:20
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Pharmaresearch Reports Record Earnings but Shares Decline Pharmaresearch is experiencing a decline in its stock price despite reporting record earnings for the quarter.According to the Korea Exchange, as of 2:11 PM on August 7, Pharmaresearch's shares were trading at 379,500 won, down 15,000 won (3.80%) from the previous trading day.The company announced that its consolidated revenue for the second quarter reached 178.7 billion won, with an operating profit of 66.5 billion won. These figures represent increases of 27.1% and 19%, respectively, compared to the same period last year. Net profit rose by 33.7% to 56.2 billion won, and the operating profit margin stood at 37.2%, marking the highest quarterly results in the company's history.The stable domestic demand for its flagship product, Rejuran, and expansion into the European market contributed to the improved performance. Exports in the second quarter amounted to 84 billion won, a 62% increase from the same period last year, accounting for 47% of total revenue. Medical device exports reached a record high of 32.2 billion won, with growth continuing in established markets such as Japan, Turkey, Australia, and Hong Kong.The cosmetics division also showed growth, with sales reaching 60.2 billion won, of which exports accounted for 43.6 billion won.For the first half of the year, cumulative revenue and operating profit were reported at 324.8 billion won and 123.8 billion won, respectively. The company plans to continue its overseas growth in the second half by establishing a local base in France and expanding into the North American market.However, the market perception is that despite achieving record results, the company has not met already high expectations, leading to profit-taking activities.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-07 14:20:10
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Korean Lawmakers Face Disciplinary Action Over Controversial Remarks 국민의힘 중앙윤리위원회는 7일 '부산 돌려차기' 사건 피해자 앞에서 부적절한 발언으로 논란을 일으킨 서범수·진종오 의원에 대해 징계 절차를 개시했다. 윤리위는 이날 오전 비공개 회의를 연 뒤 보도자료를 통해 이같이 밝혔다. 앞서 서 의원은 지난 4일 '부산 돌려차기 사건' 피해자가 참석한 토론회에서 토론 시작 전 진 의원에게 "돌려차기 한번 하지"라고 말했다. 진 의원은 "저는 발보다 손을 잘 쓴다"고 답했다. 이후 논란이 커지자 서 의원과 진 의원은 피해자와 국민에 사과의 뜻을 밝혔다. 이후 국민의힘 원외당협위원장들은 두 의원에 대한 징계요구서를 제출했다. 또 윤리위는 징계 절차가 개시됐던 조경태·권영진·진종오 의원에 대해 사실관계 조사를 위한 질의서를 발송하기로 했다. 6선 조 의원은 야당 몫 국회부의장 선출 과정에서 다른 당 의원들에게 자당 소속인 박덕흠 국회부의장 낙선 전화를 했다는 이유로 윤리위에 제소됐다. 권 의원은 상임위원회 배분 과정에서 정점식 원내대표의 멱살을 잡는 등 물의를 빚어 제소됐고, 친한(친한동훈)계 진 의원은 6·3 국회의원 부산 북갑 보궐선거에서 한동훈 무소속 후보를 지원했다는 이유로 윤리위에 제소됐다. 한편 이날 우종환 윤리위 부위원장과 황경성 위원이 사퇴 의사를 밝히면서 윤리위 내홍이 계속되고 있다. 최근 위원 2인이 추가 임명되면서 7인 체제가 됐던 윤리위는 다시 5인 체제가 됐다. 우 부위원장과 황 위원은 성명을 통해 "금일 윤리위 회의 석상에서 윤 위원장에 윤리위 파행 봉합과 신뢰 회복을 위해 동반 사퇴를 요청드렸지만 윤 위원장은 사퇴 의사를 사실상 거부했다"고 밝혔다. 이어 "윤리위 내홍에 대해 책임을 지겠다는 무거운 마음으로 사퇴를 하려고 한다"며 "각종 의혹의 중심에 서있는 윤 위원장도 더 큰 의혹으로 역사에 지울 수 없는 오명을 남기기 전에 스스로 명예로운 선택을 하라"고 요구했다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-07 14:20:10
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Go Sang-baek Appointed as New Head of Korea Health Industry Development Institute Go Sang-baek, a professor at Yonsei University’s Wonju College of Medicine, has been appointed as the new head of the Korea Health Industry Development Institute. Recognized as a policy expert in digital healthcare and medical science, Go will oversee the institute's efforts in health technology innovation and the development of the biohealth industry for the next three years. The Ministry of Health and Welfare announced on August 7 that Go will officially take office on August 10 as the 11th president of the Korea Health Industry Development Institute. His term will run from August 10, 2026, to August 9, 2029. The appointment followed a selection process that included document reviews and interviews conducted by the institute's executive recommendation committee, culminating in the final decision by the Minister of Health and Welfare. Born in 1967, Go graduated from Yonsei University’s College of Medicine and earned a master's degree in medicine from the same institution, followed by a doctorate from Konkuk University. He has served as a professor at Yonsei University’s Wonju College of Medicine since 2004 and has held key positions in the fields of healthcare and digital health, including director of the Yonsei University Institute of System Science and Convergence Research, head of the Medical Science Research Office at the Future Campus, and president of the Korean Society of Digital Health. Currently, he is a member of the National Bio-Innovation Committee and serves on the Policy Development Committee of the Korean Academy of Medical Sciences and as a regular member of the Policy Division of the Korean Academy of Science and Technology, actively bridging academia and policy. The Ministry of Health and Welfare stated, "Given Go's deep expertise in the medical field and extensive experience in policy, we expect him to effectively advance key policies such as health technology innovation and the development of the biohealth industry, significantly contributing to the growth of the health industry."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-07 14:16:10
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President Lee Calls for Military Trust Restoration After Coup President Lee Jae-myung awarded promotions to newly appointed generals on August 7 at the Blue House, receiving their reports and presenting them with the Three Swords insignia.During the ceremony, President Lee congratulated Army General Lee Sang-ryeol (Commander of Ground Operations), Air Force Lieutenant General Park Heung-jae (Head of the Air Force Academy), Army Lieutenant General Yoon Han-il (Chief of Staff of Ground Operations Command), and Navy Lieutenant General Jo Chung-ho (Deputy Chief of Naval Staff) as he presented them with their insignia.The Three Swords insignia symbolizes the unity of the Army, Navy, and Air Force in achieving the three principles of national defense, unification, and prosperity, and is awarded upon promotion to brigadier general.Upon promotion to major general or general, recipients receive a flag adorned with their rank, name, date of award, and the president's name.After the ceremony, President Lee urged the newly promoted generals to fulfill their responsibilities during these challenging times, as conveyed by Senior Spokesperson Kang Yu-jeong in a written briefing.President Lee emphasized the need for a long-term effort to restore trust in the military due to its past under military rule, stating, "The task of regaining the public's trust has resurfaced due to the insurrection stemming from the December 3 emergency martial law situation. The process of restoring trust will not be easy, but I ask for your efforts."He added, "While it may be frustrating that a few have tarnished the honor of the whole, restoring trust is an essential duty for the military. There will be rewards for effort and dedication. I ask the leadership to commit responsibly."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-07 14:08:00
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Seoul zoo's special meal for a hungry monkey A monkey eats a special summer meal prepared by zookeepers at Seoul Grand Park in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province, on Aug. 7, 2026, as scorching heat continues across the country on Ipchu, which traditionally marks the beginning of autumn on the Korean calendar. 2026-08-07 14:05:13 -
Labor Minister Emphasizes Role of Mid-Sized Companies in Job Creation Labor Minister Kim Young-hoon met with representatives from mid-sized companies on August 7, stating, "Mid-sized companies are the backbone of our economy and play a crucial role in regional economies and quality job creation." He added, "We will closely examine the various challenges faced by these companies and strive to provide practical solutions."During a policy meeting at the Korea Mid-sized Enterprises Association in Mapo, Seoul, Kim noted, "Mid-sized companies drive the growth of small businesses and enhance industrial competitiveness." He expressed gratitude for the efforts of mid-sized business leaders in maintaining a robust growth ladder from small to large enterprises.This visit marks Kim's second meeting with the association since September of last year. He aimed to share key policy directions and listen to the voices of mid-sized companies, which play a pivotal role in job creation and production and export activities.At the meeting, Kim outlined the core strategies for employment and labor policy in the second half of the year, which include: establishing safe and fairly compensated workplaces, expanding intergenerational coexistence jobs for youth and middle-aged workers, and addressing disparities to enable collective advancement in industrial transformation.Specifically, he plans to implement intensive management of target companies and industries to eliminate repeated accidents and activate special task forces to prevent heat-related and asphyxiation accidents. Measures to expand the wage differentiation payment system to combat wage arrears and the exploitation of subcontracting processes will also be pursued.For the youth, Kim proposed support for public jobs, new industries, and entrepreneurship in small and mid-sized enterprises, as well as expanding job experiences through the K-New Deal Academy led by large companies and establishing the K-Youth Guarantee program. For middle-aged workers, he suggested expanding re-employment support obligations and early career planning, along with discussions on extending retirement ages for intergenerational coexistence.Regarding industrial transformation, he aims to reduce labor market disparities through measures such as equal pay for equal work, preventing the misuse of comprehensive wage systems, supporting companies that shorten actual working hours, and improving retirement benefit systems. Plans to establish a social safety net for special employment workers and freelancers, along with follow-up measures for basic employment stability in industrial transitions, are also in the works.Kim particularly emphasized the role of mid-sized companies in youth employment, stating, "Mid-sized companies have a high proportion of youth hires and are preferred workplaces for young people. I urge them to actively participate in government support programs to expand hiring so that youth employment policies can be felt on the ground."In response, Choi Jin-sik, president of the Korea Mid-sized Enterprises Association, remarked, "Through innovative employment and labor policy paradigms that align with the changing industrial environment, the development of companies and the fulfillment of labor must create a virtuous cycle. We need to establish a sustainable growth base that encompasses youth and future generations."Kim concluded, "The answers to our policies are always found in the field, and I hope the association will lend its experience and wisdom as a policy partner. The government will also spare no effort in providing policy support to create an environment where companies can invest in their people."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-07 14:04:10