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  • Korea and Brazil strike critical mineral agreement
    Korea and Brazil strike critical mineral agreement SEOUL, July 29 (AJP) -President Lee Jae Myung on Tuesday placed a newly signed South Korea-Brazil critical minerals agreement at the center of Seoul's strategy to deepen economic ties with Latin America's largest economy, saying cooperation on strategic resources, next-generation aircraft and K-beauty could unlock the two countries' untapped partnership. Speaking at a South Korea-Brazil business roundtable in Sao Paulo during his state visit, Lee said the two countries possess complementary strengths at a time when artificial intelligence, technological rivalry and supply-chain realignment are reshaping the global economy. "Considering the size of our economies, the potential for bilateral economic cooperation is very significant," Lee said. "Yet the current volume of trade remains very small compared with that potential." Lee identified three sectors where the two countries could achieve "big outcomes" together: the joint development of next-generation civil aircraft, resilient critical mineral supply chains and the fast-growing beauty industry. The business roundtable followed Monday's summit with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, where the two leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation in strategic industries. A key outcome was a Joint Statement on Critical Strategic Minerals, adopted as an annex to the leaders' joint declaration and incorporated into Paragraph 12 of the joint statement. The agreement commits the two countries to building resilient and diversified supply chains for critical minerals, including rare earth elements, while promoting local processing, value-added manufacturing and broader industrial cooperation instead of simply expanding raw-material trade. It also recognizes that critical and strategic minerals are indispensable for the global energy transition, digital technologies and sustainable economic development, while affirming each country's sovereignty and policy autonomy over mineral development. The declaration calls for closer cooperation across the entire value chain—from upstream mining and mineral extraction to midstream refining and downstream manufacturing—and encourages the two governments to identify concrete investment opportunities, promote technology exchanges and establish institutional mechanisms to support long-term collaboration. The agreement reflects a broader shift in global supply chains as countries seek to diversify away from concentrated sources of critical minerals essential for batteries, semiconductors, electric vehicles and other advanced industries. Lee described Brazil as a natural strategic partner, citing its abundant reserves of nickel, iron ore and other critical minerals, as well as its leadership in hydropower, wind and solar energy and bioethanol production. "South Korea possesses world-class capabilities in artificial intelligence, semiconductors, biotechnology, automobiles and steel," Lee said. "If Korea's unrivaled innovation and manufacturing capabilities combine with Brazil's abundant resources, our two countries can become optimal partners leading stable supply chains and future industries." Beyond minerals, Lee proposed expanding cooperation in aerospace, noting Brazil's global competitiveness in regional passenger aircraft manufacturing. "If our companies join forces, South Korea and Brazil can grow together into leading aircraft manufacturing nations capable of shaping the global aviation market," he said. Lee also highlighted K-beauty as another promising area of collaboration, saying the industry's growing popularity offers significant opportunities for bilateral investment and market expansion. The president argued that rapidly intensifying competition for technological leadership, driven by the AI revolution and the restructuring of global supply chains, has made strategic partnerships more important than ever. "The global industrial and economic order is changing rapidly," Lee said. "As uncertainty grows, finding partners that can create synergies by leveraging each other's strengths has become more important than ever." He added that his discussions with Lula underscored the need to translate the two countries' economic potential into concrete projects and expressed hope that the business forum would generate new investment and commercial partnerships. The roundtable brought together senior executives from major South Korean companies, including Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung and Korean Air Chairman Walter Cho, as well as Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan. Brazilian Vice President Geraldo Alckmin, who also serves as minister of development, industry, trade and services, attended alongside leading Brazilian business representatives. Brazil is South Korea's largest trading partner in South America, but Seoul has increasingly sought to broaden the relationship beyond traditional trade by pursuing cooperation in advanced manufacturing, clean energy, aviation and strategic mineral supply chains. Lee is visiting Brazil on the first leg of a three-country South American tour that will also take him to Chile and Argentina as Seoul seeks to deepen economic and strategic engagement with resource-rich Latin American economies. 2026-07-29 07:23:51
  • Dow Jumps 1% Amid Strong Earnings, Nasdaq Falls on Semiconductor Declines
    Dow Jumps 1% Amid Strong Earnings, Nasdaq Falls on Semiconductor Declines The three major U.S. stock indices closed mixed on July 28, as traditional industrial stocks like Coca-Cola and Boeing lifted the Dow, while semiconductor stocks fell sharply amid ongoing concerns over AI investments.The Dow Jones Industrial Average finished up 537.24 points, or 1.03%, at 52,747.32. The S&P 500 rose 15.60 points, or 0.21%, to close at 7,428.78. In contrast, the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite dropped 55.17 points, or 0.22%, ending at 24,876.91.Market trends showed a clear shift of funds from semiconductor stocks to sectors like consumer goods and healthcare, which saw relatively smaller gains.The Philadelphia Semiconductor Index plummeted 4.5%, marking a nearly 25% decline from its record high close on June 22. Micron Technology fell 8.9%, AMD dropped 8.1%, and Intel decreased by 5.9%. Broadcom also saw a 0.7% decline. However, Nvidia managed to recover from earlier losses, closing up 0.3%.Concerns over Alphabet's large-scale AI investment plans have heightened worries about the return on investment, as major tech companies like Microsoft and Meta prepare to announce their earnings. Investors are particularly focused on whether the expansion of AI data center investments will translate into actual revenue and profit growth.In contrast to the semiconductor sector, companies that exceeded market expectations performed well. Coca-Cola raised its annual revenue and net income forecasts, resulting in a 5% increase in its stock price. Boeing's shares rose 4.8% due to improved cash flow. IQVIA, a clinical trial services company, surged 14% after raising its annual profit outlook.On the other hand, Corning, a specialty glass manufacturer, saw its stock drop 12% as its revenue forecast fell short of market expectations.By sector, healthcare rose 2.4%, consumer staples increased 2.0%, and materials gained 1.7%. Technology stocks fell 1.4% due to the weakness in semiconductor shares. Among S&P 500 constituents, the number of advancing stocks was about 2.5 times that of declining stocks, indicating a generally positive market sentiment.Among large tech stocks, Apple closed up about 1% at $340.08, reaching an intraday high of $342.89, which marked its market capitalization surpassing $5 trillion for the first time. Microsoft rose 1.1%, and Alphabet increased by 2.2%. Amazon, Meta, and Tesla experienced slight declines.The sharp drop in international oil prices eased pressure on both the stock and bond markets. Concerns over oil supply disruptions have lessened following a temporary halt in military clashes between the U.S. and Iran.Brent crude for September delivery closed down 4.8% at $84.09 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) fell 4.1% to $79.26, both reaching their lowest levels in about two weeks.The decline in oil prices has alleviated some inflation concerns, leading to a drop in U.S. Treasury yields. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note fell to 4.604%, while the yield on the more sensitive two-year note dropped to 4.275%.Market participants are closely watching the Federal Reserve's interest rate decision set for July 29. According to the CME FedWatch, the market sees a 71% chance that the Fed will keep rates unchanged, while a 29% probability exists for a 0.25 percentage point increase.Microsoft and Meta are scheduled to report their quarterly earnings on July 29, while Apple and Amazon will follow on July 30. Investors are expected to scrutinize not only these companies' earnings but also the scale of their AI-related investments and future profitability outlook.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-29 07:10:00
  • Houthi Rebels Claim Missile Attack on Saudi Vessel in Red Sea
    Houthi Rebels Claim Missile Attack on Saudi Vessel in Red Sea The Iran-aligned Houthi movement in Yemen has claimed to have fired a ballistic missile at a Saudi vessel operating in the Red Sea, forcing it to turn back. The actual impact and damage from the alleged attack have not been confirmed.Yahya Saree, a spokesperson for the Houthis, announced on July 28 that they targeted the Saudi vessel 'NCC Ghazal' with a ballistic missile.Saree asserted that the vessel violated the Houthi's declared ban on Saudi-related ships and ignored prior warnings. He stated that the ship halted its operations and turned back after the missile attack.The NCC Ghazal is an oil and chemical tanker operated by the Saudi state shipping company Bahri.The Houthi's claims have not been independently verified, and Saudi authorities, along with the vessel's operating company, have not commented on the attack or any potential damage.On July 20, the Houthis declared their intention to prevent Saudi-related vessels from operating in the Red Sea and have since claimed to have attacked several Saudi ships in the region.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-29 07:00:00
  • Netanyahu and Zelensky Meet in Washington After Three Years, No Formal Talks Held
    Netanyahu and Zelensky Meet in Washington After Three Years, No Formal Talks Held Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met in Washington for the first time in nearly three years, engaging in a brief conversation. The Times of Israel reported that the two leaders shook hands and spoke before the memorial service for the late U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham on July 28. This marked their first face-to-face meeting since September 2023. Both leaders attended the memorial service after holding private discussions with former President Donald Trump. While the two sides considered holding a separate summit during their visit to Washington, no formal talks materialized. Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba also met in Washington to discuss bilateral issues. Cohen stated, “We discussed various challenges facing both countries, including the threat from Iran.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-29 06:55:00
  • Saudi Arabia Intercepts Drones Targeting Oil Facilities for Second Day
    Saudi Arabia Intercepts Drones Targeting Oil Facilities for Second Day Saudi Arabia intercepted multiple drones targeting its oil facilities for the second consecutive day. The kingdom claimed the drones were launched from Iraq and attributed the attacks to local militias supported by Iran.Turki Al-Maliki, spokesperson for the Saudi Ministry of Defense, announced on social media platform X on July 28 that "the air defense system intercepted several drones aimed at oil facilities in the eastern region."Al-Maliki asserted, "This attack also originated from Iraqi territory and was carried out by militias supported by Iran."He warned, "Saudi Arabia has the legitimate right to defend itself and its critical infrastructure, and it retains the right to respond at an appropriate time and place."On the previous day, Saudi Arabia reported intercepting several drones heading toward oil facilities in the eastern region and the capital, Riyadh, claiming they were also launched from Iraq.The Saudi Foreign Ministry has urged the Iraqi government to take measures to prevent its territory from being used for attacks against neighboring countries.The Iraqi government has ordered an investigation into the incidents and stated it will not allow its territory to be used for attacks on other nations.Saudi Arabia has not disclosed specific armed groups involved in the attacks or provided evidence to support its claims.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-29 06:45:00
  • Netanyahu Calls Meeting with Trump One of the Best, Reaffirms Goal to Prevent Irans Nuclear Armament
    Netanyahu Calls Meeting with Trump One of the Best, Reaffirms Goal to Prevent Iran's Nuclear Armament Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described his meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump as "one of the best meetings ever." The two leaders reaffirmed their shared goal of preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.In a video released after their meeting at the White House on July 28, Netanyahu stated, "We had a great meeting with President Trump," adding that they exchanged views on various issues in a spirit of full cooperation and mutual support.He continued, "We coordinated on matters crucial to Israel's security and future," and emphasized their agreement to work together to stop Iran's nuclear armament.This meeting marked the first face-to-face encounter between the two leaders since the onset of the war in Iran. The discussions were not open to the press.Israeli officials later clarified that the issue of the so-called 'Mount of Pickaxes' near Iran's Natanz nuclear facility was not discussed during the meeting.Chipi Hotovely, head of Israel's National Public Diplomacy Directorate, denied reports that Netanyahu visited the U.S. to convey information regarding the Mount of Pickaxes. Hotovely stated, "We are cooperating with U.S. intelligence agencies through existing channels, and a summit was not necessary to convey information."Before the meeting, President Trump expressed his awareness of the situation at the Mount of Pickaxes during an interview with Fox News, showing displeasure with related reports. He also warned that if an agreement with Iran is not reached, military action against the facility could be considered.White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt described the meeting as "positive and productive," but did not disclose specific details of the discussions.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-29 06:40:00
  • Trump Meets Zelensky and Netanyahu to Discuss Ukraine Defense and Iran Nuclear Issues
    Trump Meets Zelensky and Netanyahu to Discuss Ukraine Defense and Iran Nuclear Issues President Donald Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on July 28. The discussions with Zelensky focused on strengthening Ukraine's air defense and peace negotiations with Russia, while the meeting with Netanyahu addressed issues related to Iran. Both meetings were held privately at the White House, differing from Trump's usual practice of taking questions from the press before meetings with foreign leaders. During his meeting with Zelensky, Trump discussed enhancing Ukraine's air defense capabilities and the ongoing peace negotiations with Russia. Zelensky later shared on social media that they discussed the U.S. approval for producing interceptors for the Patriot air defense system in Ukraine. He also noted that they explored ways to accelerate diplomatic efforts to end the war with Russia. Earlier this month, at the NATO summit in Ankara, Trump indicated his willingness to provide Ukraine with the necessary approvals for producing Patriot interceptors. Following his meeting with Zelensky, Trump met with Netanyahu to discuss the situation regarding Iran. This was the first face-to-face meeting between the two leaders since the onset of the conflict involving Iran. Netanyahu's office described the meeting as productive, stating that both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. However, specific details of their discussions were not disclosed. Before the meeting, Trump expressed displeasure over reports that Netanyahu would provide information regarding the underground facility known as 'Mountain of Pickaxes' near Iran's Natanz nuclear site. In an interview with Fox News, Trump criticized the premature disclosure of information about activities at the Mountain of Pickaxes, asserting that he is well aware of what is happening there. He also warned that if no agreement is reached with Iran, military action against the site could be considered. White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt stated that both meetings were positive and productive, but did not reveal any specific agreements reached.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-29 06:35:00
  • Trump Threatens to Attack Irans Infrastructure if No Deal is Reached
    Trump Threatens to Attack Iran's Infrastructure if No Deal is Reached President Donald Trump claimed that discussions with Iran are progressing well, but he reiterated threats to attack key infrastructure such as bridges and power plants if a deal is not reached.In a phone interview with Fox News on July 28, Trump stated, "We have been having very good conversations with Iran," adding that "the core of the discussions is the nuclear issue." He warned, "Iran knows that if they don’t agree, I will attack. Most major bridges will disappear in two hours, and power plants will be gone in a day." Trump expressed a desire to avoid military action, saying, "If possible, I would like to avoid attacking," while pressuring Iran to reach an agreement. However, he noted that desalination facilities would be excluded from potential targets to prevent harm to civilians.On the same day, Trump showed displeasure regarding reports that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would share information related to Iran's so-called 'Gokgangsan' during his visit to the White House. Trump remarked, "Netanyahu doesn’t need to tell me that. Why is he making it public instead of speaking directly to me?" He added, "I know exactly what is happening at Gokgangsan, and if no agreement is reached, we will have to eliminate Gokgangsan as well." Gokgangsan is a subterranean facility near Iran's Natanz nuclear site, which has been suspected of being related to Iran's nuclear program, although its exact purpose remains unverified.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-29 06:25:00
  • Oman Proposes Joint Management of Hormuz Strait to Iran
    Oman Proposes Joint Management of Hormuz Strait to Iran Oman, a coastal nation of the Hormuz Strait, has proposed a plan for joint management of the strait by regional countries. This plan suggests that shipping companies voluntarily cover costs necessary for navigation safety. Iran, however, has opposed the idea of shared management and has presented its own proposal to strengthen its control over the area.According to Reuters on July 28, Oman recently delivered its joint management proposal for the Hormuz Strait to Iran, backed by support from Gulf nations.Oman's proposal aims to prevent Iran from having sole control over the strait, suggesting instead that shipping companies voluntarily contribute to costs related to navigation safety, environmental protection, and search and rescue operations. This differs from mandatory tolls imposed on vessels for passage.Oman's plan is reportedly inspired by the management system of the Malacca Strait, where coastal nations such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore jointly manage the waterway. Shipping companies contribute to maintaining navigation safety facilities like buoys and lighthouses.Iran has rejected Oman's joint management proposal.Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister, stated on state television that Iran has proposed a temporary plan that places the entire direction of one shipping lane and part of the opposite direction within Iranian waters. He warned that if Oman does not accept this, Iran would maintain its blockade of the Hormuz Strait.Iran has also claimed it will not recognize existing routes established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), arguing that most of these routes are in Omani waters, making it difficult for Iran to adequately monitor passing vessels.The IMO has stated it is not involved in the current discussions, emphasizing that any new routes or maritime traffic management plans must be formally submitted for review by member countries. The IMO established international routes through the Hormuz Strait in 1968.Oman has consistently opposed Iran's push for mandatory tolls. During an IMO board meeting on July 9, the Omani delegation stated, "We do not support vessel tolls," while also noting that voluntary cost-sharing related to navigation support services is worth considering.The Hormuz Strait is a critical maritime route, with about one-fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) passing through it. Recent military clashes between the U.S. and Iran have heightened calls for a stable management plan for the strait.As the U.S. and Iran have recently ceased mutual attacks, mediating countries are continuing discussions for a ceasefire and the resumption of shipping operations.U.S. President Donald Trump mentioned he is having "good conversations" with Iran, suggesting the possibility of an agreement. However, he warned that if negotiations do not yield results, he may resume military strikes against Iran.Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also spoke with the foreign ministers of Oman and Saudi Arabia the previous day to discuss safety in the Hormuz Strait and regional stability.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-29 06:20:00
  • Seoul Education Chief Jeong Geun-sik Advocates for Lifelong Basic Education
    Seoul Education Chief Jeong Geun-sik Advocates for Lifelong 'Basic Education' Jeong Geun-sik, the Superintendent of the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education, outlined the direction for the second phase of Seoul's education administration during a press conference on July 22. In a subsequent exclusive interview on July 23, he presented a detailed vision for the future of education in Seoul. In light of recent controversies, including the popular drama 'True Education' and the situation at Paichai High School, Jeong cautioned against private retribution and unilateral punitive measures. Instead, he proposed 'educational solutions' and 'institutional safeguards' as alternatives. He declared a new paradigm of 'basic education' that extends the scope of public education from primary and secondary levels to encompass lifelong learning, opposing the trend of budget cuts justified by declining school-age populations.Addressing School Conflicts Through Dialogue, Not PunishmentThe drama 'True Education,' which highlights the decline of educational authority, has gained immense popularity, coinciding with heightened tensions at Paichai High School, leading to increased fatigue within the education sector. While many citizens demand immediate and severe punishment, Superintendent Jeong emphasized the need for a reflective approach to address the underlying issues. Regarding the recent conflicts in education, including the situation at Paichai High School, Jeong stated, "Simply imposing harsh penalties and criticism will not resolve fundamental problems." He stressed the importance of engaging in thorough discussions to find common ground, even if it takes time. He argued that the essence of education lies in uniting the educational community and fostering reconciliation, rather than succumbing to societal anger through immediate disciplinary actions. Jeong also distanced himself from the sensationalized portrayals of private retribution and extralegal control depicted in 'True Education,' asserting that conflicts in education should be resolved through mutual understanding and public systems to restore broken trust. To support this, he promised to deploy a '100-member legal team for teachers' in cases of false child abuse reports and to transition to a school and education support center-based response system (SEM119) for handling complaints, ensuring teachers can teach without fear. On the issue of student smartphone regulations, which have become a common source of conflict, he emphasized the need for voluntary agreements rather than outright bans. He noted, "Students desire freedom of use, while parents seek regulation, indicating a need for intergenerational dialogue." He advocated for students to engage in discussions to reach self-imposed agreements rather than imposing unilateral bans. He added that while the development of a so-called 'Alpha Phone (Edu Phone)' with control features for essential school communication is being considered, there are significant concerns regarding monopolistic practices by specific companies, necessitating a cautious approach.Expanding 'Basic Education' from Early Childhood to SeniorsThe primary focus of Jeong's second term is the establishment of 'basic education.' This represents a paradigm shift where the state takes responsibility for essential education necessary for the sustainability of the national community, moving beyond mere knowledge transmission. Jeong stated, "Basic education is essential for maintaining a healthy democratic republic and ensuring the sustainability of our society." He explained that the framework of passive compulsory education, which previously only covered primary and secondary schools, must be broken to guarantee necessary learning from early childhood through to senior education. He plans to include early childhood education for children aged 3 to 5 within the public education system and significantly expand education for parents and seniors, ensuring that the state supports both the starting and concluding points of education. Addressing the looming 'budget freeze' due to declining school-age populations, Jeong expressed concern over the government's and budget authorities' moves to cut local education financial grants. He firmly opposed the economic logic of mechanically reducing education budgets based on declining student numbers. He emphasized, "We cannot close classrooms or halt essential infrastructure investments for school safety simply because student numbers are decreasing." He argued that the need for advanced financial investment is more pressing than ever, as public education must expand its responsibilities to include AI-based future classrooms, personalized education, and mental health support. Jeong also raised his voice against criticisms labeling student public transportation subsidies as 'cash handouts.' He asserted, "Attending school is compulsory education; it is natural for the state to support students' mobility, whether they walk or need to take a vehicle due to distance." He criticized the older generation for viewing free rides for seniors as acceptable while opposing support for students' right to travel as mere handouts, calling it a painful mistake driven by political calculations.Reforming College Entrance Exams to Focus on Student Well-beingJeong expressed a strong commitment to reforming the college entrance examination system, which he believes hinders innovation in primary and secondary education. He pointed out the limitations of the current system, which relies heavily on multiple-choice exams taken simultaneously by all students nationwide, stating that this model is unsustainable in the long term. He argued that the actual proportion of students entering college based on exam scores is gradually decreasing, and thus the entrance system must be restructured to fully reflect students' growth and capabilities. As alternatives, he proposed the establishment of written and essay-type evaluations and absolute grading, predicting that AI technology could be the key to resolving fairness issues in assessments. Jeong explained, "The biggest barrier to written and essay evaluations is the concern over subjective grading, but by introducing an 'AI grading system (Chaeum AI)' trained on vast data, we can significantly enhance objectivity in evaluations and alleviate concerns over arbitrary grading." Regarding the full implementation of the high school credit system, he promised to gather feedback from schools through a monitoring group and to support the system with a focus on educational demand and significant financial investment. Furthermore, he identified 'teachers' research capabilities' as a core driving force for college entrance reform and future education. Jeong noted that there are over 880 teachers with doctoral degrees in the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education, yet teachers in South Korea are often viewed solely as instructors rather than researchers. He stated, "To teach well, research must be conducted in parallel," advocating for providing teachers with time to focus on research and increasing budget support for teacher learning communities to foster a culture of research within the teaching profession. Finally, Jeong identified 'enhancing students' mental health' as his top priority for his four-year term. He emphasized, "Before learning, children's mental health must be prioritized for growth and the opening of various possibilities." He vowed to reverse the rising trend of student suicides driven by excessive academic pressure and isolation. He concluded, "To achieve this, I will successfully establish a 'Mental Recovery Campus' that integrates healing and learning, ensuring that no child is left behind in warm Seoul education."Jeong Geun-sik, Superintendent of the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education, was born in 1957 in Iksan, Jeollabuk-do. He graduated from Jeonju High School and earned his bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in sociology from Seoul National University. He began his teaching career as a full-time lecturer in sociology at Chonnam National University in 1985 and served as a professor in the sociology department at Seoul National University from 2003 to 2023, dedicating nearly 40 years to nurturing future scholars. He has engaged in extensive academic activities, serving as a visiting professor and researcher at institutions such as Harvard University, Kyoto University, the University of Chicago, and Free University of Berlin. In 2004, he served as president of the Korean Society for the History of Sociology. During his tenure at Seoul National University, he held various key positions, including deputy director of the Kyujanggak Institute for Korean Studies, chair of the council, and director of the Institute for Unification and Peace Studies. Since March 2023, he has remained at the university as an emeritus professor. Beyond academia, he has been deeply involved in addressing significant historical issues in Korean society and promoting peace. He served on the Commission on the Truth and Reconciliation for the Japanese Colonial Era in 2005 and chaired the second Truth and Reconciliation Commission from December 2020 for two years, mediating complex social conflicts and fostering reconciliation. Elected as the 23rd Superintendent of the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education in October 2024, he successfully secured re-election in this year's election, leading the administration of Seoul education that encompasses the entire life cycle. 2026-07-29 06:05:00