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  • Kim Hye-kyung Engages with Brazils First Lady, Celebrating Cultural Ties
    Kim Hye-kyung Engages with Brazil's First Lady, Celebrating Cultural Ties 김혜경 여사가 27일(현지시간) 잔자 룰라 다시우바 브라질 대통령 부인과 예술작품을 관람하며 양국 전통문화가 공유하는 공동체 정신과 화합의 의미에 대해 공감대를 나눴다. 안귀령 청와대 부대변인은 이날 서면 브리핑을 통해 김 여사와 잔자 여사가 브라질리아에 있는 연방회계감사원 문화센터를 방문했다고 밝혔다. 김 여사는 이재명 대통령과 함께 브라질을 국빈 방문 중이다. 2003년 설립된 연방회계감사원 문화센터는 예술을 매개로 국민에게 친근하게 다가간다는 목표 아래 전시와 교육, 워크숍 등을 운영하는 공간이다. 브라질 공공기관의 문화적 개방성을 상징하는 장소로 평가받는다. 김 여사는 잔자 여사에게 “지난 2월 한국의 전통시장과 문화시설을 함께 둘러보며 한국 문화를 소개해 드린 기억이 생생하다”며 “오늘은 브라질의 문화를 직접 경험하게 돼 매우 기대된다”고 말했다. 이에 잔자 여사는 “브라질의 문화와 전통을 나누게 돼 매우 기쁘다”며 “이번 일정이 양국의 우애가 한층 깊어지는 뜻깊은 시간이 되기를 바란다”고 화답했다. 두 여사는 문화센터 관계자의 안내를 받아 ‘빛의 축제: 대중 축제와 브라질 미술’을 주제로 한 전시를 관람했다. 전시에는 브라질 전역에서 매년 6월과 7월 개최되는 전통 축제 ‘페스타 주니나’와 ‘페스타 줄리나’에서 영감을 받은 작품들이 소개됐다. 두 축제는 가톨릭 성인의 축일과 농촌 수확 문화에서 유래했다. 가족과 이웃이 한자리에 모여 수확한 음식을 나누고 노래와 춤을 즐기며 공동체의 결속을 다지는 브라질의 대표적인 전통 행사다. 두 여사는 브라질 북동부 지역의 야외 축제 마당인 ‘떼헤이루’를 화려한 깃발과 모닥불 조명, 계피 향 등으로 재현한 체험 공간도 둘러봤다. 잔자 여사가 “축제에서는 사람들이 모닥불을 둘러싸고 노래하고 춤추며 수확의 기쁨을 나눈다”고 설명하자 김 여사는 한국의 추석과 강강술래를 소개했다. 김 여사는 “한국에도 수확기에 가족과 이웃이 음식을 나누고 풍요에 감사하는 명절인 추석이 있다”며 “추석에는 사람들이 둥근 원을 만들어 노래하고 춤추는 강강술래를 즐기는데, 원을 이루어 마음을 하나로 모은다는 점에서 브라질의 축제 문화와 닮아 있다”고 말했다. 열기구 모양의 종이풍선을 소재로 한 작품을 관람하면서는 한국의 풍등도 화제에 올랐다. 두 여사는 소망을 담아 하늘에 띄우는 양국 문화에 비슷한 의미와 정서가 담겨 있다는 데 공감했다. 버려진 소재를 재활용해 만든 작품 앞에서는 지난 2월 두 여사가 서울공예박물관에서 함께 관람했던 전시를 떠올렸다. 김 여사는 작품에 사용된 다채로운 색채를 살펴보며 “선명하면서도 따뜻한 색감이 한국의 단청이나 민화와도 통하는 것 같다”고 평가했다. 문화센터 측은 두 여사의 방문을 기념해 양국 문화를 상징하는 직물 소재 브로치를 선물했다. 김 여사에게는 브라질의 종이풍선과 전통 모자 문양이 수놓인 브로치를, 잔자 여사에게는 한국의 갓과 부채 문양이 담긴 브로치를 각각 전달했다. 두 여사는 브라질 내 한류 확산과 한국어에 대한 관심을 주제로도 대화를 나눴다. 잔자 여사는 “브라질에서 K-드라마를 비롯한 한국 문화의 인기가 높아지면서 한국어를 배우려는 사람도 늘고 있다”며 상파울루대에 한국어문학과가 개설돼 있다고 소개했다. 잔자 여사는 아마존 지역에서 한국어를 공부하는 어린이와 대화한 경험을 전하기도 했다. 이에 김 여사는 “아마존에서도 한국어를 배우는 아이가 있다는 이야기를 들으니 세계가 하나로 가까워지고 있다는 것이 실감 난다”고 말했다. 전시 관람을 마친 두 여사는 옥수수로 만든 브라질 전통 음식을 맛보며 양국 음식 문화에 관한 대화도 나눴다. 김 여사는 “한국과 브라질이 서로 다른 역사와 전통을 지니고 있으면서도 자연의 결실에 감사하고 이웃과 기쁨을 나누는 마음은 매우 닮아 있다는 것을 느꼈다”며 “이러한 문화적 공감이 양국을 더욱 가깝게 잇는 소중한 계기가 되기를 바란다”고 밝혔다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-28 03:44:00
  • President Lee Chairs Video Conference During Brazil Visit
    President Lee Chairs Video Conference During Brazil Visit President Lee Jae-myung, on a state visit to Brazil, held a video conference with senior aides on the night of his arrival to assess domestic measures in response to rising international oil prices.During the meeting, which took place at 9 p.m. local time in Brasília, President Lee stated, "The situation in the Middle East has become unstable again, causing fluctuations in international oil prices. Given the likelihood of continued volatility, we must take proactive measures to minimize its impact on domestic prices." This marks the second time President Lee has chaired a video conference while on an overseas trip, following his visit to Italy on June 14.He directed that the price cap on oil be maintained until the situation stabilizes and urged the continuation of policies such as fuel tax cuts. He also emphasized the need to consider additional measures to alleviate the burden on citizens if conditions worsen.President Lee called for tailored support for sectors and groups directly affected by rising oil prices.He urged strict enforcement against market disruptions, stating, "Authorities must ensure that hoarding and collusion do not occur not only with oil but also with other essential goods. They should be vigilant in cracking down on market disturbances."As the peak vacation season approaches, President Lee instructed officials to closely monitor living costs and safety measures. He said, "The government should carefully review all measures related to prices and safety to ensure that citizens can enjoy comfortable time with their families."Additionally, President Lee highlighted the importance of follow-up measures related to the San Francisco AI Declaration, which he described as a national commitment for South Korea to become an indispensable leader in the AI era. He noted, "This declaration has elevated our partnership with global big tech companies to the level of an AI alliance through large-scale supply and investment cooperation."Earlier, upon arriving at Brasília International Airport, President Lee inspected the C-390 large transport aircraft from Brazil's Embraer, which will be introduced into the South Korean Air Force. The C-390 acquisition is part of a project to enhance the Air Force's airlift and peacekeeping capabilities, with a total investment of 883 billion won from 2022 to 2028.Meanwhile, President Lee began his state visit at the invitation of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. In an exclusive interview with the local daily O Globo, he expressed optimism about the swift conclusion of the Korea-Mercosur trade agreement. He stated, "Since the start of negotiations in 2018, we have established a solid foundation through seven official rounds of talks by 2021. I believe our joint efforts will contribute to the rapid progress and conclusion of the Korea-Mercosur trade agreement," which involves South Korea and the four member countries of the Southern Common Market: Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-28 03:32:00
  • South Korea and Brazil Declare Year of Strategic Partnership with Expanded Cooperation
    South Korea and Brazil Declare 'Year of Strategic Partnership' with Expanded Cooperation South Korea and Brazil have declared this year as the 'Year of Strategic Partnership' and agreed to significantly expand cooperation in defense, aerospace, critical minerals, and semiconductor industries.During a state visit to Brazil, President Lee Jae-myung announced this agreement following a summit with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva at the Palácio da Alvorada in Brasília on July 27.President Lee stated, "Following President Lula's historic state visit to South Korea in February, I am making my first state visit to Brazil in 11 years as the President of South Korea. We are declaring 2026 as the year of leap for the South Korea-Brazil strategic partnership and have outlined a future vision for our cooperation through this joint statement, following the adoption of a 'four-year action plan' in February." This meeting marks the fifth encounter between the two leaders since President Lee took office.The two leaders agreed to enhance cooperation in future industries, including trade and investment, centered around the high-level 'Economic and Trade Committee' that was activated prior to the summit.Based on the signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for industrial technology cooperation, they will also pursue technological collaboration in seven areas, including supply chain fundamentals, bio-economy, sustainable fuels, industrial decarbonization, low-carbon materials, artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, automotive, shipbuilding, and batteries.In the critical minerals and energy sectors, both countries will expand cooperation across the entire supply chain, from mineral exploration to development, processing, and utilization. The plan aims to combine Brazil's abundant resources with South Korea's technological and industrial capabilities to ensure a stable supply of raw materials for South Korean companies.Through the energy cooperation MOU, they will also explore joint projects in clean energy and energy transition, including renewable energy, power grids, smart grids, and energy efficiency.In the defense sector, the two countries plan to launch a 'Joint Defense Committee' in the second half of this year and pursue an agreement on the protection and exchange of military and defense secret information.Notably, they view the upcoming integration of South Korean components into the Brazilian-made C-390 transport aircraft, which the South Korean Air Force is set to acquire, as a symbolic achievement of their defense cooperation, and they agreed to expand their collaboration into future aviation mobility.Earlier, President Lee inspected the Brazilian Embraer C-390 large transport aircraft upon his arrival at Brasília International Airport.The acquisition of the C-390 by the South Korean military is part of a project to enhance the Air Force's airlift and peacekeeping capabilities, with a total investment of 883 billion won from 2022 to 2028. The government completed the selection of the model and contract in December 2023, with the first aircraft expected to be delivered in December this year and the second and third by the end of next year.An MOU for space cooperation was also signed. The two countries agreed to streamline and simplify overlapping regulations for launch permits when South Korean private companies use Brazilian launch sites, and to collaborate in lunar exploration, satellite data sharing, and the development of the space industry. The government plans to revise domestic regulations in the second half of this year to reduce administrative costs and waiting times for launches by South Korean companies using Brazilian facilities.Under the presence of both leaders, five documents were signed covering space, sports, education, energy, and industrial technology, while two separate MOUs on film and cybersecurity cooperation were also established. The sports cooperation MOU, the first of its kind between the two countries, includes exchanges of athletes and coaches, as well as sharing sports policies and experiences.The education MOU, signed 60 years after the cultural agreement between South Korea and Brazil in 1966, focuses on expanding Korean language education in Brazilian schools and cooperation in technical and vocational education, higher education, and AI and digital education.The film cooperation MOU, originally signed in 2015, has been updated to expand joint production events, screenings of films from each country, and exchanges of personnel in the film industry. The cybersecurity cooperation MOU aims to create conditions for South Korean security companies to enter the Brazilian and Latin American markets through incident response, joint research, policy exchange, and workforce training.Both leaders agreed to strengthen strategic cooperation on global issues, including international peace and security, peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia, AI, and climate change.President Lee explained, "Our government's philosophy is that creating peace, which eliminates the need for conflict, is the most certain and robust form of security, and President Lula deeply resonated with this idea."The Brazilian side expressed firm support for the South Korean government's efforts toward denuclearization and the establishment of lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula.The two leaders also acknowledged the necessity of the South Korea-Mercosur trade agreement. President Lee emphasized, "In an era of increasing uncertainty in the trade environment, the South Korea-Mercosur trade agreement is an urgent and important task that cannot be delayed. It will provide opportunities for South Korean companies to enter the South American market and for Brazilian companies to access the Asian market through South Korea."The South Korea-Mercosur trade agreement refers to a comprehensive trade agreement pursued by South Korea and four South American countries: Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Although officially termed a 'trade agreement' (TA) rather than a free trade agreement (FTA), it encompasses not only product tariffs but also services, investment, e-commerce, government procurement, and intellectual property, making it structurally similar to an FTA.President Lee quoted, 'A união faz a força' (together we are stronger), stating that if the two countries connect their strengths, the distance across the Pacific will no longer be a limitation but a space of possibilities for creating new opportunities.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-28 02:16:00
  • Yoon Suk Yeol Appeals Suspended Sentence for False Information Charges
    Yoon Suk Yeol Appeals Suspended Sentence for False Information Charges Yoon Suk Yeol appeals suspended sentence for false information charges Yoon Suk Yeol has filed an appeal against a suspended prison sentence for charges of disseminating false information. On July 27, Yoon's legal team submitted the appeal to the Seoul Central District Court, which had issued the initial ruling. In a statement, the defense team expressed regret over the ruling, stating, "We believe there were significant errors in the recognition of facts and application of law," and cited misinterpretation of facts, legal misunderstandings, and inappropriate sentencing as reasons for the appeal. They also noted their concern that this ruling could impose a significant disadvantage on the People Power Party, which may face a return of election expenses amounting to 40 billion won. Prosecutors seek 7-year sentence for Cho Tae-yong in appeal The special prosecutor's team investigating the December 3 martial law situation has requested a seven-year prison sentence for Cho Tae-yong, the former head of the National Intelligence Service, during his appeal hearing. On July 27, during the appeal hearing at the Seoul High Court, the prosecution reiterated its request for a seven-year sentence, the same as in the initial trial, for charges including dereliction of duty, violation of the National Intelligence Service Act, and perjury. The prosecution argued that the defendant attempted to justify the martial law and conceal illegal arrest orders, urging the court to recognize all charges previously deemed not guilty in the first trial as guilty. In his final statement, Cho expressed his distress over being accused of evading responsibility, stating, "I regret not being able to prevent the martial law, and while I acknowledge my shortcomings, I have never lived my life evading responsibility." Japanese Prime Minister emphasizes importance of communication with China Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has reaffirmed the importance of maintaining dialogue with China amid strained relations. During a press conference on July 27, following the conclusion of a special session of the National Diet, Takaichi stated, "China is an important neighboring country," and emphasized a consistent approach to fostering a constructive and stable relationship since taking office. She highlighted the necessity of communication to address issues between the two nations, saying, "Given the concerns and problems in Japan-China relations, it is crucial to engage in dialogue at all levels. I look forward to the upcoming APEC summit in November." This statement is seen as a reference to a potential meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the APEC summit scheduled for November in Shenzhen, as tensions between Japan and China have escalated since Takaichi's remarks last November regarding intervention in Taiwan. National Assembly Speaker urges transparency in football association National Assembly Speaker Cho Jung-sik met with Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Choi Hwi-young to discuss the upcoming hearing regarding the Korea Football Association on July 30. According to Yonhap News, during their meeting on July 27, Cho urged the ministry to play a responsible role in ensuring transparency and fairness within the football association. The discussion focused on the controversy surrounding the selection process for the national team coach, which has led to a hearing by the National Assembly's Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee. The hearing aims to closely examine the operational status of the football association and the selection process for the national team coach, with both ruling and opposition party members participating to address public concerns. President Lee expresses condolences over wildfires in France and Spain President Lee Jae-myung expressed his condolences regarding the large wildfires occurring in France and Spain, describing them as an "unexpected disaster." On July 27, through a post on X (formerly Twitter), President Lee stated, "I am deeply saddened to hear about the significant damage caused by the ongoing wildfires in France and Spain." He also paid tribute to the firefighters and responders risking their lives to combat the fires, saying, "I commend those dedicated to firefighting and rescue efforts." Lee concluded by wishing for a swift resolution to the wildfires and for those affected to regain stability and return to their normal lives as soon as possible.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-27 22:00:00
  • All 57 Candidates to Retake General Mechanical Engineer Practical Exam Due to Question Leak
    All 57 Candidates to Retake General Mechanical Engineer Practical Exam Due to Question Leak The Korea Industrial Human Resources Corporation announced that all candidates will retake the General Mechanical Engineer practical exam to prevent any compromise of fairness following a question leak.According to the corporation, it was confirmed that the questions for the '2026 Second General Mechanical Engineer Practical Exam' were disclosed a day prior, on July 25, at the exam venue.The corporation identified that due to negligence by staff and examiners at one testing site, the exam papers were opened and used before the exam, and the information was subsequently shared on online communities for candidates.As a result, the corporation decided that the leak could severely impact the fairness of the exam and equity among candidates, leading to the decision that all 57 candidates who took the exam on July 26 would be required to retake it.The retake will take place from July 31 to August 5. Candidates can choose their preferred date and location within the corporation's affiliated institutions during this period.Details regarding the schedule, locations, and application methods for the retake will be announced through the national qualification exam portal 'Q-Net' and will also be communicated directly to the candidates. Additionally, the corporation plans to provide a compensation payment to the candidates affected by the incident, in accordance with internal guidelines.In response to the incident, the corporation has initiated a special internal audit to determine the exact cause of the leak and plans to impose strict penalties on the staff and examiners responsible. Furthermore, to prevent similar incidents in the future, the corporation intends to comprehensively improve its overall work processes, including the management procedures for exam questions.A corporation official stated, "We sincerely apologize for the decline in trust in national qualification exams and for the concern caused to the affected candidates and stakeholders. We will do our utmost to implement related measures swiftly to restore public confidence in national qualification exams."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-27 21:56:00
  • China Strongly Opposes U.S. Forced Labor Tariffs, Calls It Typical Protectionism
    China Strongly Opposes U.S. Forced Labor Tariffs, Calls It Typical Protectionism The Chinese government has strongly opposed the U.S. administration's decision to impose additional tariffs on 60 countries, including South Korea and China, under the pretext of 'forced labor.'According to Yonhap News Agency, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce issued a statement on July 27 expressing strong regret over the U.S. tariff imposition.On July 23, the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) announced final measures to impose so-called 'forced labor tariffs' ranging from 10% to 12.5% on economies worldwide, with a 12.5% tariff rate specifically applied to Chinese products.This action follows a ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court that deemed previous tariffs based on the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) illegal, as well as the expiration of import duties under Section 122 of the Trade Expansion Act.The ministry's spokesperson stated, 'China has consistently opposed forced labor and has established relevant laws and systems to strictly prevent and crack down on forced labor practices.'They further asserted, 'The United States has long politicized the issue of forced labor. Imposing unilateral tariffs under this pretext is a typical act of unilateralism and protectionism. China firmly opposes this.'The Chinese side also referenced past agreements between the two countries, pointing out that the U.S. actions contradict those agreements. The spokesperson claimed, 'The U.S. has repeatedly stated its intention to replace tariffs based on the now-defunct IEEPA and import duties under Section 122 of the Trade Expansion Act with Section 301 tariffs, and it clearly promised that alternative tariffs on Chinese products would not exceed 20% during U.S.-China economic and trade negotiations.'Additionally, they noted that China's so-called fentanyl tariffs and reciprocal tariffs remain in effect, stating, 'We will closely monitor and comprehensively assess the U.S. follow-up actions and reserve the right to take all necessary measures.'They urged U.S. authorities to 'correct their erroneous actions and withdraw unilateral tariff measures,' expressing hope for continued dialogue based on mutual respect and equality to address both sides' interests and implement the consensus reached in economic and trade negotiations.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-27 21:24:00
  • Prosecutors Seek 7-Year Sentence for Jo Tae-yong in Appeal Over Emergency Martial Law Perjury
    Prosecutors Seek 7-Year Sentence for Jo Tae-yong in Appeal Over Emergency Martial Law Perjury Special prosecutors have requested a seven-year prison sentence for Jo Tae-yong, the former head of the National Intelligence Service, in his appeal trial related to perjury during the emergency martial law situation on December 3. During the appeal hearing held on July 27 at the Seoul High Court, presided over by Judge Yoon Seong-sik, the prosecution reiterated its request for a seven-year sentence for Jo, who faces charges of dereliction of duty, violations of the National Intelligence Service Act, violations of the National Assembly Witness Protection Act, and perjury. This request matches the sentence sought in the first trial. The prosecution argued, "The defendant attempted to justify the emergency martial law and conceal the fact of illegal arrest orders," urging the court to recognize all charges previously deemed not guilty in the first trial as guilty. In his final statement, Jo expressed, "I was most flustered and found it hard to accept when I was questioned by investigators on the night of December 3 about evading responsibility. I regret not being able to prevent the emergency martial law, and while I acknowledge my shortcomings in handling the situation, I have not lived my life evading responsibility." The court is scheduled to deliver its ruling on Jo's appeal on August 19. Jo was indicted for providing false testimony to the Constitutional Court, claiming he had not received any documents related to the martial law from former President Yoon Suk Yeol, and for submitting a similar response in an official document under the National Intelligence Service's name. In the first trial, two of the charges were found guilty, resulting in a sentence of one year and six months for Jo. However, he was acquitted of charges related to failing to report to the National Assembly about plans to mobilize the military to block the Assembly and arbitrarily detain politicians, based on reports from former National Intelligence Service Deputy Director Hong Jang-won. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-27 21:24:00
  • Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Emphasizes Importance of Communication with China Ahead of APEC
    Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Emphasizes Importance of Communication with China Ahead of APEC Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi reaffirmed her commitment to maintaining dialogue with China, which is currently facing a stalemate in relations.According to Yonhap News, during a press conference held on July 27 at the Prime Minister's Office in Tokyo, Takaichi stated, "China is an important neighboring country," and emphasized that her administration's policy of promoting a comprehensive strategic reciprocal relationship has remained consistent since she took office.Takaichi particularly highlighted the importance of dialogue in addressing issues between the two countries. She remarked, "Given the concerns and problems in Japan-China relations, it is crucial to communicate and engage at all levels through various opportunities. We will continue to communicate and respond calmly and appropriately from the perspective of national interests. I look forward to the APEC summit."These comments are seen as a reference to a potential meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the APEC summit scheduled for November in Shenzhen, China. Following Takaichi's remarks last November suggesting intervention in the event of a Taiwan crisis, tensions between Japan and China have persisted, raising questions about whether the upcoming APEC meeting could serve as a turning point for improving relations.Since taking office in October last year, Takaichi has cited the revitalization of Japan-South Korea shuttle diplomacy as a key diplomatic achievement. She also reflected on her visit to South Korea in May, where she attended a traditional fireworks display in Andong, the hometown of President Lee Jae-myung. She expressed, "It was the first time I had seen such fireworks. I was very moved."Meanwhile, Takaichi adopted a cautious stance regarding the recent decline in cabinet approval ratings. A poll conducted by the Yomiuri Shimbun revealed that her cabinet's approval rating dropped by 12 percentage points to approximately 57%, marking the first time it has fallen to the 50% range since her inauguration in October last year.In response, Takaichi stated, "I will refrain from commenting on the results or factors of the opinion polls," adding, "I will work humbly and seriously for the country and the people without being swayed by the numbers."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-27 20:52:00
  • Yoon Suk Yeol Appeals Suspended Sentence for False Statements
    Yoon Suk Yeol Appeals Suspended Sentence for False Statements Yoon Suk Yeol has appealed a suspended prison sentence handed down for making false statements. On July 27, Yoon's legal team submitted an appeal to the Seoul Central District Court, which had ruled on the election law violation case. In a statement, the defense team expressed their disappointment with the ruling, stating, "We believe there are significant errors in the recognition of facts and application of law," and cited reasons for the appeal including factual misjudgment, legal misunderstanding, and inappropriate sentencing. They also expressed concern that the ruling could impose a serious disadvantage on the People Power Party, which may have to return election-related costs amounting to 40 billion won (approximately $30 million). Yoon was indicted for allegedly making false statements during a discussion at the Kwanhun Club in December 2021, where he claimed he had not introduced lawyer Lee Nam-seok to former Yongsan Tax Office chief Yoon Woo-jin. Additionally, he faces charges for statements made during an interview at the launch of the Buddhist Leaders Forum in January 2022, where he claimed he had been introduced to Jeong Jin-bok by party officials and had never met him alongside Kim Gun-hee. The court found all charges brought by Special Prosecutor Kim Min-kyu to be guilty, sentencing Yoon to 1 year and 6 months in prison, suspended for 3 years. The court explained that the ruling was based on the need to protect voters' ability to make informed decisions during the presidential election process, emphasizing the impact of false statements made by a leading candidate in a public forum. If the ruling is upheld by the Supreme Court, the People Power Party will be required to return approximately 39.7 billion won in election costs and related expenses.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-27 20:44:00
  • National Assembly Speaker Urges Culture Minister to Ensure Transparency in Football Association
    National Assembly Speaker Urges Culture Minister to Ensure Transparency in Football Association Chojung-sik, the National Assembly Speaker, met with Choi Hwi-young, the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, to discuss the upcoming hearing regarding the Korea Football Association scheduled for July 30.According to Yonhap News, during their meeting on July 27 in the Speaker's office, they discussed government-wide cooperation in sports and cultural policies.The conversation highlighted the controversy surrounding the selection process for the national team coach, which has led to the upcoming hearing by the National Assembly's Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee.On July 30, the committee will hold a hearing to closely examine the operations of the Korea Football Association and the process of selecting the national team coach. With progress in negotiations between the ruling and opposition parties, all members are expected to participate to clarify public concerns.Chojung-sik emphasized, "The issues surrounding the Korea Football Association have captured public attention due to this World Cup. I urge the Ministry to take the lead in ensuring that the association becomes a transparent and fair organization."He also requested thorough preparations for large-scale national sports and religious events. Chojung-sik noted, "The 2027 Seoul World Youth Conference is expected to attract 400,000 participants from abroad, making it a significant national event. I ask the Ministry to work closely with relevant agencies to ensure its successful hosting."He added, "Please ensure that the upcoming Asian Games in September can provide joy and inspiration to the public through meticulous preparations."They also discussed the ongoing development of the culture and arts sector. Chojung-sik commended the Ministry's staff for their efforts in increasing inbound tourism and the export success of K-content since Choi's appointment, stating, "Please create an environment where cultural and artistic creators can focus solely on their work while maintaining the competitiveness of K-content globally."In response, Choi Hwi-young remarked, "Thanks to the National Assembly's swift processing of related bills to address chronic issues in the cultural industry, such as illegal content reproduction and scalping, we have been able to implement policies boldly. As the Ministry's role and responsibilities continue to grow, I ask for ongoing attention to legislation and budgets."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-27 20:28:00