AJU PRESS ASIA FIRST NEWS AGENCY

Journalist

&
""
Latest by
  • Record 8.32 Million Foreign Tourists Visit Seoul in First Half of 2026
    Record 8.32 Million Foreign Tourists Visit Seoul in First Half of 2026 In the first half of 2026, Seoul welcomed a record 8.32 million foreign tourists, who also set a new high for credit card spending.According to the Seoul city government, the number of foreign visitors from January to June increased by 21.3% compared to the same period last year. Among them, the largest group was from China, totaling 2.47 million, followed by Japan with 1.5 million, Taiwan with 880,000, and the United States with 620,000.During the same period, foreign tourists' credit card spending reached 5.6172 trillion won, marking a 56.8% increase from the previous year. Both the number of visitors and credit card spending are at all-time highs. Monthly credit card spending surpassed 1 trillion won for the first time in April and continued to exceed that mark in May and June.Notably, the increase in spending is outpacing the rise in visitor numbers. The city attributes this trend to a growing number of tourists who are not only visiting major attractions but also engaging with K-content, festivals, the Han River, and experiences related to food, beauty, and wellness, thereby extending their stay and spending opportunities.In terms of spending by sector, shopping accounted for the largest share at 46.4%, followed by healthcare and wellness at 24.4%. Food and beverage made up 13.1%, while accommodation represented 10.7%.Regionally, 65.0% of total spending occurred in three areas: Gangnam, Jung-gu, and Mapo. Gangnam alone accounted for 29.3% of all foreign credit card spending, followed by Jung-gu at 28.4% and Mapo at 7.3%.The Han River is also evolving into a destination for experiential tourism, combining performances, festivals, and activities. The 'Seoul Spring Festival 2026' expanded its reach across the Han River, attracting 7.06 million visitors, including 1.17 million foreigners, with sales from businesses at Han River bus docks increasing by 257% compared to the previous year.In the second half of the year, the city plans to enhance 'night economy' initiatives, allowing foreign tourists to enjoy Seoul not just during the day but also in the evening and at night by expanding night tourism content in the Han River and urban areas. The city aims to connect major tourist attractions with nearby dining, shopping, and cultural experiences to increase tourists' mobility and length of stay.To translate the increase in visitor numbers into tangible tourism revenue and boost the local economy, the city is accelerating the development of high-value tourism sectors such as medical tourism, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions), and premium tourism.In the medical tourism sector, the city plans to establish a one-stop platform connecting medical services, visas, accommodation, and tourism, and to increase the number of medical tourism coordinators from 108 to 1,000.In the MICE sector, the city will expand 'bleisure' tourism programs that combine business and leisure, allowing international conference participants to experience more of Seoul before and after their business schedules. The Seoul MICE Plaza will also enhance its role as a workation hub to encourage extended stays and repeat visits.Cho Seong-ho, head of the Seoul Tourism and Sports Bureau, stated, "We will continue to expand diverse tourism content to sustain the growth of tourism in Seoul. In the second half of the year, we will closely link experiential tourism content with local businesses, allowing tourists to enjoy various parts of Seoul and ensuring that the benefits extend to local economies and neighborhoods."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-29 15:00:10
  • Iran Shifts to Preemptive Strikes Against U.S. Military Bases
    Iran Shifts to Preemptive Strikes Against U.S. Military Bases Iran has launched a preemptive strike, marking a significant shift in its military strategy. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced on July 29 that it fired multiple ballistic missiles targeting U.S. military bases in the Middle East. Previously, Iran had only retaliated against preemptive strikes from the U.S. or Israel. However, this time, Iran initiated the attack without any prior provocation from either country. According to U.S. military officials, all the missiles launched were intercepted. Unlike previous attacks that had seen some success, this time, the Iranian missiles were all thwarted, raising speculation that Iran may have intentionally used older missile models. This action signals that Iran can strike first without escalating the conflict. Nonetheless, this airstrike breaks Iran's long-standing strategy of 'defensive retaliation,' demonstrating its capability to launch preemptive attacks. This development complicates the calculations for the U.S. and Israel, who have previously held the upper hand in initiating strikes. Notably, the attack occurred shortly after a meeting between President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, where they discussed their shared goal of preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Trump indicated that failure to reach an agreement could lead to renewed military action. This context suggests that Iran's actions may serve as a warning to the U.S. against initiating new military operations. This is not the first time Iran has adopted such a stance. Earlier this month, Iran attacked three oil tankers, including one registered in Qatar, near the Strait of Hormuz. This occurred just before Trump departed for Turkey to attend a NATO summit, and there had been no direct preemptive strikes from the U.S. or Israel at that time. This was also during a period of ongoing negotiations between the U.S. and Iran following the funeral of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Additionally, Iran announced that it had halted the operations of three oil tankers transiting the Strait of Hormuz for allegedly using 'illegal routes.' Thus, the attack on U.S. military bases appears to be a calculated move by Iran, aligning with its diplomatic schedule. The backdrop to Iran's changing response is a stalemate in negotiations. The U.S. and Iran had agreed last month to cease hostilities, but they remain divided on key issues such as control of the Strait of Hormuz and Iran's nuclear development. Iran is unwilling to relinquish control and nuclear ambitions, while the U.S. insists on reopening the strait and halting nuclear development. Amidst this impasse, Trump has struggled to propose effective solutions, allowing Iran to capitalize on the situation. Meanwhile, Iran's proxy forces have also ramped up their offensive actions. The Houthi rebels in Yemen declared a blockade on Saudi oil tankers and attacked vessels in the Red Sea, while Iran-aligned militias in Iraq attempted strikes against U.S. and Saudi energy facilities. This indicates a proactive reorganization of the 'axis of resistance' led by Iran. Five months into the conflict, the frontlines have expanded beyond Iran and the Gulf region to include Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, the Red Sea, and the Caspian Sea. In this context, the recent preemptive strike is not merely a show of force but a declaration of Iran's intent to seize the initiative in the conflict. Trump has previously adopted a diplomatic approach characterized by being tough on the weak and lenient on the strong. Now, Iran, which had been on the defensive, has shifted to an offensive posture. How Trump responds will likely determine the future of negotiations.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-29 15:00:00
  • BTS Declines to Submit for Grammy Awards, Implicitly Boycotting New Asian Pop Category
    BTS Declines to Submit for Grammy Awards, Implicitly Boycotting New Asian Pop Category Group BTS has announced that they will not submit their work for this year's Grammy Awards. This decision comes in light of the Recording Academy's establishment of a separate category for Asian pop music, including K-pop, leading to interpretations of a de facto boycott of the Grammys.BTS members RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook shared on their social media on July 29, "We have decided not to submit for the Grammys this year."They added, "We hope that music can be heard and loved for what it is, rather than being divided by region or language," expressing gratitude to their fans, known as ARMY, and everyone who supports them.This marks the first time BTS has publicly stated their refusal to submit for the Grammys. The phrase, "rather than being divided by region or language," has garnered attention, particularly in the context of the recent announcement of a new category for Asian pop music at the Grammy Awards.The Grammy Awards, organized by the Recording Academy, are considered one of the major music award ceremonies in the U.S., alongside the Billboard Music Awards and the American Music Awards.Previously, the Recording Academy announced the creation of a Best Asian Pop Music Performance category for the 2027 awards, which will include genres such as K-pop, J-pop, and C-pop.However, some critics argue that separating K-pop, which has already achieved significant success in the global music market, into a distinct category could create barriers to entry for major categories. There are concerns that categorizing musical achievements by language and region may exclude non-English-speaking and Asian artists from mainstream award categories.BTS has had a complicated relationship with the Grammy Awards. They were nominated for a Grammy for three consecutive years from 2021 to 2023, aiming to become the first K-pop group to win, but they did not secure a win. Despite their global streaming success and influential fanbase, they have faced ongoing debates regarding the conservative judging structure of the awards and barriers for non-English-speaking artists.The album they have chosen not to submit, their fifth studio album 'ARIRANG,' debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart upon its release in March. The title track 'SWIM' also entered the Billboard Hot 100 at number one, with other tracks from the album charting as well.This refusal to submit is particularly noteworthy amid the controversy surrounding the new Grammy category. BTS's statement about hoping for music to be appreciated for its essence reflects their concerns regarding the classification of K-pop into a separate category.It remains to be seen how BTS's decision will influence the submission choices of other K-pop artists. As K-pop's influence in the global music market continues to grow, the debate surrounding the Grammy's new Asian pop category is likely to persist.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-29 15:00:00
  • SK hynix is todays chip profit king, But what next?
    SK hynix is today's chip profit king, But what next? SEOUL, July 29 (AJP) - SK hynix achieved something no major semiconductor company has done before: it became the world's most profitable chipmaker – albeit with little fanfare. Its record-breaking 76.1 percent operating margin in the second quarter surpassed those of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) and Micron Technology, demonstrating how an early bet on artificial intelligence memory has turned the South Korean company into the industry's earnings powerhouse. Yet investors focused instead on what it failed to deliver. Shares plunged more than 16 percent during Wednesday session -- their steepest one-day decline on record -- after operating profit fell just short of lofty market expectations, despite nearly doubling from the company's previous quarterly record set only three months earlier. The stock was at 1,354,000 as of 2:00 p.m. down more than half from its all-time high of 2,987,000 won reached on June 25. The great selloff underscored how expectations for AI winners have risen almost as quickly as their profits. SK hynix generated a 76.1 percent operating margin in the April-June quarter, comfortably ahead of TSMC's 60.3 percent in its June quarter and Micron's roughly 52 percent on a non-GAAP basis in its latest reported quarter. Samsung Electronics which reports its final second-quarter results also is expected to deliver a chip-making profit margin of more than 60 percent. All the frontier chipmakers have benefited from the AI infrastructure boom, but their profit engines are fundamentally different. TSMC dominates contract manufacturing for advanced processors designed by customers such as Nvidia and Apple. Micron has expanded its position in high-bandwidth memory while maintaining broad DRAM and NAND flash businesses. SK hynix singularly has concentrated on the most profitable segment of the AI supply chain: HBM, the premium memory stacked alongside AI accelerators that has become one of the industry's biggest bottlenecks. HBM commands premium pricing because of its technological complexity, advanced packaging requirements and close collaboration with AI chip designers throughout development. Unlike commodity DRAM, where prices largely fluctuate with supply and demand, HBM pricing is shaped by technology leadership and scarcity. That distinction is critical. Profitability in HBM depends less on manufacturing efficiency than on being first to commercialize each new generation while supply remains constrained. SK hynix widened that advantage by becoming the first company to mass-produce HBM3E and beginning volume shipments of next-generation HBM4 during the second quarter. It has also completed sample deliveries of HBM4E and remains on track for mass production in 2027. Being first to scale a new HBM generation allows a supplier to establish pricing before rivals qualify competing products. With Samsung Electronics and Micron still progressing through qualification for their latest HBM offerings, SK hynix has operated in a market with considerably less direct competition than the industry's "three-way HBM race" often implies. The company's advantage extends beyond manufacturing. HBM is not purchased from a standard price list. Instead, it is co-developed with AI accelerator makers—chiefly Nvidia—months or even years before commercial production, tied closely to each processor roadmap. Those relationships create high switching costs and long-term supply commitments, making HBM revenue considerably more predictable than conventional DRAM, where customers can change suppliers relatively easily and prices are driven largely by spot-market conditions. Defending the AI investment narrative During Wednesday's earnings conference call, SK hynix dismissed concerns that improving AI model efficiency could reduce demand for AI infrastructure. "We view these developments not as a slowdown in AI investment, but as a transition toward improving the utilization and monetization of AI infrastructure built over the past several years," the company said. The company expects spending by hyperscale cloud providers to remain robust beyond next year, arguing that temporary delays caused by power shortages or slower data-center construction will not alter the long-term trajectory of AI investment. Reflecting that confidence, SK hynix reaffirmed plans to invest more than 40 trillion won this year to expand manufacturing capacity. "Our capacity expansion is based on demand visibility secured through long-term customer partnerships and will be carried out in stages with investment efficiency in mind," the company said. After rallying nearly 400 percent over the past two years, SK hynix had become one of the market's highest-conviction AI trades. Investors were pricing in continued margin expansion and another earnings beat. Even a modest miss against consensus was enough to trigger profit-taking, despite the company posting one of the strongest quarterly results ever recorded by a semiconductor manufacturer. Some analysts also believe the market is beginning to look beyond today's record margins. Memory remains the semiconductor industry's most cyclical business, and extraordinary profitability inevitably attracts additional investment. As Samsung and Micron qualify HBM4 and HBM4E products and industry capacity expands, investors are increasingly debating how long today's scarcity-driven pricing can last. The durability question For decades, memory profitability rose and fell with commodity pricing cycles. In the AI era, however, earnings are increasingly determined by leadership in specialized products such as HBM, where technology, customer relationships and ecosystem integration matter as much as manufacturing scale. Whether SK hynix can sustain its exceptional lead is the next question. Unlike TSMC's foundry business, whose moat has been built over decades of process-node leadership, SK hynix's HBM advantage is inherently more cyclical. Its lead is measured in product generations rather than decades, making investors increasingly focused on when rivals will catch up rather than how far ahead the company is today. 2026-07-29 14:58:11
  • Hong Eui-rak, New CEO of Korea Gas Corporation, Aims to Strengthen Future Growth
    Hong Eui-rak, New CEO of Korea Gas Corporation, Aims to Strengthen Future Growth Hong Eui-rak, who was appointed as the new CEO of Korea Gas Corporation (KOGAS), stated on July 29 that the decades of accumulated liquefied natural gas (LNG) value chain, national supply network, and global business experience are vital national assets for South Korea. He emphasized his commitment to enhancing KOGAS's competitiveness and solidifying its future growth foundation through financial recovery and increased corporate value.In his inaugural speech, Hong remarked, "KOGAS is not merely a company that imports and supplies natural gas; it is a strategic public enterprise that supports the industry and the lives of the people while ensuring national energy security."Hong was officially appointed as the 19th president of KOGAS after being elected at an extraordinary shareholders' meeting on July 23, followed by the recommendation of the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy and presidential approval. A graduate of Korea University with a degree in agricultural economics, he has previously served as a member of the National Assembly and as the Deputy Mayor of Daegu.During his time in the National Assembly, he gained extensive experience in energy policy and industry as a member of the Committee on Trade, Industry, Energy, Small and Medium Enterprises. His term as CEO will last for three years, until July 28, 2029.On this day, he presented a vision of "Connecting the Future of Energy in South Korea," outlining three key management directions: enhancing the status and value of KOGAS, establishing its role as a bridge energy provider, and redesigning the company as an AI-based energy platform.Hong noted, "With the rapid advancement of AI technology and the restructuring of the global energy supply chain, the ability to provide stable energy supply is becoming a key factor in national competitiveness." He emphasized the need to develop natural gas as a bridge energy source that complements renewable energy, promoting a balanced energy transition that achieves both energy security and carbon neutrality.He also stated, "By leveraging AI and data, we will enhance core functions such as demand forecasting, supply chain operations, and global trading, redesigning KOGAS as an energy platform company integrated with AI. Safety will be prioritized as the foremost value in all management activities, and we will establish an AI-based safety management system."Furthermore, he added, "We will build a public enterprise that earns greater trust from the people based on integrity, financial soundness, trust between labor and management, and coexistence with local communities."After his appointment, Hong visited the central control center to assess the current status of natural gas supply in light of geopolitical risks, including recent developments in the Middle East. He also inspected the cybersecurity monitoring center and information systems office to review the cyber response systems for critical national energy infrastructure and the status of AI transformation.During his visit to the local supply management office, he checked the operational status of natural gas supply facilities and safety management systems in preparation for extreme heat and heavy rainfall.Hong concluded, "Both energy security and AI innovation ultimately depend on safe operations. The competitiveness in the AI era begins with stable energy supply, and we will work to create KOGAS as a company that connects the future of energy in South Korea."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-29 14:57:00
  • P&G Expands Talent Development Programs for Korean Professionals
    P&G Expands Talent Development Programs for Korean Professionals Global consumer goods company P&G announced on July 29 that it is supporting the global advancement of Korean talent through talent development programs, including research and development (R&D) training and internship opportunities linked to employment.According to P&G Korea, fragrance expert No Su-jin recently completed a training program at the P&G Singapore Innovation Center and has begun her career as a full-fledged perfumer. Perfumers specialize in developing scents for products, with only a few hundred professionals working in this field worldwide.No, a graduate of a domestic university, completed a specialized program at the French fragrance school ISIPCA before joining P&G in 2024. Following her training in the perfumer development program and mentorship from master perfumers, she is now responsible for developing scents for fabric and home care products in the Southeast Asian market.Currently, P&G employs over 20 perfumers who develop fragrances for major brands such as Downy and Febreze. The company also operates a global R&D system that facilitates collaboration among perfumers and researchers from around the world. Additionally, P&G Korea recently conducted a program for participants in its '2026 Internship Program' to visit the P&G Asia Pacific headquarters in Singapore.A representative from P&G Korea stated, "We will continue to support talented individuals from diverse backgrounds to grow into global experts."Meanwhile, P&G Korea's Febreze has launched three new scents for its 'Febreze Beach Bathroom' line to help manage bathroom odors during the summer, expanding its product range to a total of six offerings.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-29 14:54:10
  • Ministry of SMEs Establishes Cooperation Channel with Brazil to Support K-Startups Entry into South America
    Ministry of SMEs Establishes Cooperation Channel with Brazil to Support K-Startups' Entry into South America The Ministry of SMEs and Startups announced that on July 28, local time, Deputy Minister Noh Yong-seok held a bilateral meeting with Brazilian Deputy Minister of SMEs Thiago Nakasio Pereira in São Paulo, Brazil, to discuss cooperation between the two countries.The meeting aimed to outline the implementation of the 'Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Small and Medium Enterprises and Startups' signed during Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's state visit to South Korea in February, and to build momentum for K-SMEs' entry into South America following the recent summit between the two nations' leaders.Brazil, the largest economy in South America, is considered a gateway for entering the region. It is also a country where South Korean SMEs have seen steady growth in exports. According to the Ministry of SMEs, exports from small and medium enterprises to Brazil increased from $762.98 million in 2023 to $813.77 million in 2024, and reached $876.13 million last year.During the meeting, both deputy ministers agreed on the necessity of cooperation to enhance the competitiveness of small and medium enterprises and startups, deciding to establish an 'official cooperation channel for SMEs and venture companies.'They also expressed a shared commitment to promote the exchange of startup policies. Deputy Minister Noh introduced the Ministry's 'Everyone's Startup Project,' the recently opened Startup Venture Campus (SVC) in Seoul, and the global startup festival 'ComeUp,' proposing to enhance policy exchanges in the startup sector. Brazil expressed its intention to adopt South Korea's expertise in related policy support and its technology guarantee system for innovative SMEs.Deputy Minister Noh stated, "This meeting will solidify the cooperative relationship between the two countries' policies supporting SMEs and startups, and we will spare no effort in providing policy support to help our companies secure new growth engines in the South American market, including Brazil."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-29 14:54:10
  • Qurient Receives Approval for Clinical Trial of Mocetinostat and Trodelvy Combination
    Qurient Receives Approval for Clinical Trial of Mocetinostat and Trodelvy Combination Qurient is set to begin a clinical trial combining mocetinostat and Trodelvy. The trial aims to validate the synergy observed in preclinical studies and evaluate the treatment efficacy for triple-negative breast cancer.On July 29, Qurient announced that it has received approval from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety for the Investigational New Drug (IND) application for the combination trial of mocetinostat (Q901) and Trodelvy (active ingredient: sacituzumab govitecan).This clinical trial, led by Yonsei University Severance Hospital, will assess the safety and efficacy of the combination therapy in patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).Notably, this trial is significant as it is the first clinical study to combine mocetinostat with a payload antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) targeting topoisomerase I (TOP1), which has shown synergy in preclinical efficacy evaluations.ADCs are recognized as one of the fastest-growing modalities in the oncology market. Global pharmaceutical companies are pursuing combination therapies as a key strategy to expand the treatment scope of approved ADCs and overcome resistance.Triple-negative breast cancer is a challenging form of breast cancer that lacks hormone receptors (HR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), limiting treatment options. Trodelvy is currently used as a standard therapy for metastatic triple-negative breast cancer, and this trial will evaluate whether the combination with mocetinostat can enhance treatment efficacy and broaden the patient population.Preclinical mechanistic studies have shown that mocetinostat selectively inhibits CDK7, suppressing the overactivation of the MYC transcription factor, which is frequently observed in triple-negative breast cancer. The drug has demonstrated efficacy across various TNBC models. Additionally, it has shown synergy with TOP1 inhibitors by inhibiting DNA damage repair (DDR) pathway genes, suggesting a dual mechanism to target cancer.Data presented at the 2026 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) meeting from the ASCENT-03 and ASCENT-04 trials indicated that Trodelvy improved progression-free survival in patients with DNA homologous recombination repair mutations. The company stated that these results support the combination strategy of mocetinostat and Trodelvy, which induces homologous recombination repair deficiency.Nam Ki-yeon, CEO of Qurient, expressed optimism, stating, "The combination of CDK7 inhibitors and TOP1 inhibitor-based ADCs has already shown strong evidence in preclinical studies, and we are excited to confirm this in clinical trials. We hope mocetinostat will provide a new treatment option for patients with high unmet needs in triple-negative breast cancer."Meanwhile, Qurient is a biotech company established in 2008 by the Korea Pasteur Research Institute, with Donggu Bio Pharmaceutical as its largest shareholder.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-29 14:51:00
  • Toss Reaches 26.6 Million Monthly Users, Faces Profitability Challenges
    Toss Reaches 26.6 Million Monthly Users, Faces Profitability Challenges Toss, operated by Viva Republica, is accelerating its platform expansion, leveraging its large user base. However, as the company expands its business, the challenge lies in how quickly it can convert the increased user traffic into revenue.As of the end of June, Toss reported 26.6 million monthly active users (MAU), with an average monthly usage time of 155 minutes per user, ranking among the top in the banking and finance app sector.Toss is enhancing the integration of its financial services through a 'one app' strategy, which consolidates offerings from its key financial subsidiaries, including Toss Bank and Toss Securities.To broaden user engagement, Toss is also expanding into new business areas. The number of subscribers to its facial recognition payment service, FacePay, has surpassed 6 million, and the company is extending its reach into the offline payment market through Toss Place.Despite this growth, profitability has not kept pace with the expansion. Toss's operating profit for the first quarter of this year was 37.1 billion won, down from 70.8 billion won in the same period last year. On a standalone basis, the company reported an operating loss of 62.1 billion won.Increased costs associated with service enhancement, employee salaries, transaction fees, and IT infrastructure, along with higher marketing expenditures to attract users, have contributed to this decline.Cash flow has also worsened. For the first quarter, standalone operating cash flow and free cash flow were recorded at -7.9 billion won and -25.7 billion won, respectively, indicating a shift to negative figures.The pressure on profitability is likely to continue in the near term due to ongoing investments in new services and user acquisition. Toss has injected significant funds into its subsidiaries, including a 50 billion won capital increase for Toss Place last year.Experts suggest that for Toss to rebound, it must create a virtuous cycle where user growth translates into increased revenue and profits. The ability to convert user traffic into actual revenue through advertising, payments, and financial product brokerage will be crucial for Toss's future growth.Yook Seong-hoon, a senior researcher at NICE Credit Rating, stated, "Toss is expected to continue facing operating losses and poor free cash flow in the short term due to its strategy of upfront investment in sales costs for user acquisition. We plan to monitor whether the invested costs lead to improvements in user metrics and whether profitability can recover based on that."A Toss representative commented, "We are making proactive investments to create synergies with new businesses such as service enhancement, offline payments, and FacePay. Based on our large user base and high app engagement time, we aim to strengthen the growth structure of key revenue sources such as advertising, payments, and financial brokerage in the future." 2026-07-29 14:48:10
  • Yoon Suk Yeols Appeal Hearing on Drone Incursion Held Behind Closed Doors
    Yoon Suk Yeol's Appeal Hearing on Drone Incursion Held Behind Closed Doors Yoon Suk Yeol, sentenced to 30 years in prison for allegedly deploying drones in Pyongyang to justify the declaration of martial law, faced the first session of his appeal hearing behind closed doors.On July 29, the Seoul High Court's Criminal Division 1, led by Judge Yoon Seong-sik, convened the initial hearing for Yoon, former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, former National Defense Intelligence Command Chief Yeo In-hyung, and former Drone Operations Commander Kim Yong-dae, who are charged with treason and abuse of power.However, the hearing was switched to a closed session just 26 minutes after it began. The court cited concerns over national security and the potential leak of military secrets, but the defense team strongly objected, arguing that the right to a public trial is a constitutional guarantee.The court stated, "This case involves numerous military secrets and national security-related matters, and the first trial was also conducted in private with mutual consent. Currently, there are no circumstances that warrant a different judgment, so we will proceed with the appeal hearing in private as per Article 109 of the Constitution."In response, the defense team emphasized the principle of a public trial, asserting that not allowing public access to the proceedings undermines the rights of the defendants, especially given the severe 30-year sentence imposed in the first trial. They argued that the core details of the case are already widely known through media coverage, making a complete closure of the proceedings unnecessary.The defense also criticized the special prosecutor's written submissions, claiming they merely echoed the judge's previous comments, raising concerns that the judge's remarks may have influenced the special prosecutor's desire for a closed session.Despite the defense's objections, the court maintained its decision for a closed hearing, stating, "The nature of what is reported in the media and what is presented in court by the prosecutor and the judge is entirely different. If there is any possibility that public access could jeopardize national security, that must be our primary consideration."However, the court acknowledged the importance of public trials and indicated that it would consider allowing approximately 30 minutes of public proceedings starting from the next session, without discussing confidential matters. The court also promised to provide an opportunity for the defendants to express their views at an appropriate time, referencing the sealed indictment and the criteria for public sentencing in the first trial.Yoon and others were indicted by the special prosecutor's team in October 2024 for allegedly orchestrating a series of drone incursions into Pyongyang to provoke North Korean military responses, thereby creating a pretext for declaring martial law and leaking military secrets.The first trial court determined that the drone incursion operation severely compromised South Korea's military interests. It found Yoon and Kim jointly guilty of treason, sentencing both to 30 years in prison. Yeo received a 15-year sentence, while Kim Yong-dae was sentenced to three years in prison, with a five-year probation.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-29 14:48:00