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  • Koreas Small and Medium Business Agency Seeks Participants for Startup Support Program
    Korea's Small and Medium Business Agency Seeks Participants for Startup Support Program The Small and Medium Business Agency announced on the 23rd that it will begin accepting applications for the '2026 Restart Support Headquarters Startup Specialized Education and Consulting' program starting on the 24th.This initiative aims to strengthen the capabilities of entrepreneurs who are restarting their businesses and to support their successful re-entry into the market. The program focuses on addressing issues previously raised by restart businesses, such as the lack of external expert consultation and insufficient training support for entrepreneurs.The program is open to 200 individuals who have experienced business closure or are prospective restart entrepreneurs. Applications will be accepted online until September 4.Selected participants will receive three months of common training, along with expert-tailored education and consulting based on an analysis of previous failure causes.All graduates will receive advantages during the Small and Medium Business Agency's in-depth management evaluation, including points for document evaluation and additional principal reductions for those who sign agreements for the New Start Fund. Ten outstanding graduates will also be exempted from document evaluation for the 2027 Restart Success Package.Kim Il-ho, Director of Corporate Finance at the Small and Medium Business Agency, stated, "Through the Restart Support Headquarters, we are working with private, government, and public institutions to improve public perception of restart businesses and to spread a culture of support for re-entering the market. We will do our best to create an environment where failure becomes an asset, centered around the Restart Support Headquarters."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-23 17:40:00
  • Seo Kyo-rim Wins KLPGA Championship in Playoff, Secures Fourth Victory of the Season
    Seo Kyo-rim Wins KLPGA Championship in Playoff, Secures Fourth Victory of the Season Seo Kyo-rim clinched her fourth victory of the season on the Korea Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) Tour after defeating her rival Kim Min-sol in a playoff.On August 23, at the Garden Palace Course of Pocheon Hills Country Club in Gyeonggi Province, Seo shot a 2-over par 74, with two birdies and four bogeys, during the final round of the 48th KLPGA Championship, which has a total prize pool of 1.5 billion won.With a total score of 8-under par 280, Seo tied with Kim Min-sol and secured the championship by making a birdie on the first hole of the playoff, the par-5 18th. The winner's prize is 270 million won.With this victory, Seo's cumulative earnings reached 1.286 billion won, narrowly surpassing Kim Min-sol's 1.286 billion won to take the lead in the prize money standings. She also maintained her lead in wins with four this season, as well as in points (490) and average score.Seo, who won the Rookie of the Year award last year without a victory, has claimed titles at the Celltrion Queens Masters and the Inca Financial The Heaven Masters in June, and she triumphed again at the Mediheal-Korea Ilbo Championship last week. This latest win marks her first major title and comes after two consecutive victories.Seo started the final round with a three-shot lead over Kim Min-sol but made consecutive bogeys on the 3rd hole (par-5) and the 5th hole (par-4), and lost another shot on the 7th hole (par-4) when her second shot went into a penalty area. Her three-shot lead evaporated, and she found herself tied with Kim Min-sol.Seo struggled again on the 10th hole (par-5) and fell two shots behind Kim Min-sol. However, the tide turned on the 16th hole (par-3) when Seo made her first birdie of the day while Kim recorded a bogey, bringing them back to a tie. Both players made birdies on the 18th hole (par-5), finishing the regular round tied.In the playoff on the 18th hole, Seo emerged victorious. Although her tee shot went into the rough, she managed to place her third shot just 60 centimeters from the hole and secured the decisive birdie. Kim Min-sol, on the other hand, could only make par, settling for second place.Park Min-ji finished in third place with a total score of 7-under par 281. Moon Jeong-min and Ko Ji-woo tied for fourth place with scores of 6-under par 282. 2026-08-23 17:36:00
  • Iran-linked hackers disrupt UK power plant operations for four days
    Iran-linked hackers disrupt UK power plant operations for four days Iranian-linked hackers have reportedly disrupted operations at a power plant in the UK for four days through a cyberattack.The Daily Telegraph reported on August 22 that this incident marks the first known case of Iranian hackers successfully targeting a power plant in the UK, leading to an actual shutdown.UK authorities have not disclosed the name or location of the affected power plant for security reasons. However, it is understood that the facility is small and did not impact the overall electricity supply or generation in the UK.The Telegraph described this incident as one of the most significant achievements in Iran's cyberattacks against the UK.This attack coincided with a series of cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure in 12 US states last month. The FBI labeled the attackers as 'malicious cyber actors,' and subsequent reports indicated a strong likelihood that the attacks originated from Iran.Since the Middle Eastern conflict, Iran has intensified its cyberattacks against Western nations, particularly following US and Israeli airstrikes that began in February. Cyberattacks attributed to Iran have also been reported in Germany, Poland, Finland, Belgium, and Albania.The Telegraph analyzed that the attack likely aimed to demonstrate the capabilities of hackers linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) by infiltrating critical infrastructure in the UK and causing operational disruptions, rather than directly harming civilians.In response to the attack, the UK government shared relevant information with CEOs of major power companies and provided guidelines for addressing cyber threats. The incident has also been reported to the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), which operates under the Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ).The NCSC stated that it had responded to over 200 cyberattacks targeting the UK's critical infrastructure in the past year alone.A UK government spokesperson confirmed, 'This incident affected a small power facility, and at no point was the overall energy system at risk.'* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-23 17:36:00
  • Korean Party Faces Internal Strife Over Leadership Changes
    Korean Party Faces Internal Strife Over Leadership Changes 국민의힘이 비당권파 현역 의원 4명에 대한 중징계와 '당협위원장 전면 재선출'을 둘러싸고 내홍을 겪고 있다. 장동혁 대표가 취임 1주년을 앞두고 당권 강화에 나섰지만 당내 반발이 거세지면서 역풍이 불 수 있다는 지적이 나온다. 23일 국민의힘에 따르면 당협위원장 재선출 방안이 오는 24일 최고위원회의에서 결론날 것으로 보인다. 최보윤 수석대변인은 이날 국회에서 기자들과 만나 "내일 있을 최고위에서 논의되고 결론이 나지 않을까 싶다"며 "절차를 거치는 과정에서 충분한 논의가 있었고, (발표를) 계속 미룰 사안은 아니다"고 말했다. 앞서 장 대표는 당협위원장 전면 재선출 방안을 주장했다. 당협위원장 임기를 자동 연장해 온 관례를 깨고 전국 당협위원장의 임기가 끝나면 일괄 사퇴 후 당원 투표를 통해 재선출하자는 입장이다. 그러나 정점식 원내대표를 비롯한 다수 의원들은 이에 반대하며 기존 관행대로 당원협의회 운영위에서 재선출하는 방안에 뜻을 모았다. 전면 재선출이 사실상 총선 공천권을 미리 행사하는 것이고, 당 조직의 안정성을 해칠 수 있다는 주장이다. 이에 따라 결정이 보류됐지만 장 대표를 비롯한 최고위는 전면 재선출 안에 무게를 싣고 있어 내일 예정된 최고위에서 강행할 것으로 보인다. 다만 이를 추진할 경우 당내 반발이 거세질 것으로 전망된다. 의원총회에서 모인 다수 의견을 전달했음에도 수용하지 않았기 때문이다. 윤상현 의원은 이날 페이스북에 "당원들의 뜻을 더 충실히 반영하고 당 조직에 활력을 불어넣자는 장 대표의 취지는 충분히 이해한다"면서도 "당의 뿌리인 전국 당협위원장 선출 방식을 한꺼번에 바꾸는 문제라면 그만큼 신중해야 한다. 좋은 뜻도 충분한 소통과 공감이 뒷받침되지 않으면 갈등의 씨앗이 될 수 있다"고 지적했다. 아울러 윤리위원회의 중징계를 겨냥해 "당내의 다른 의견을 지도부를 흔드는 목소리로만 받아들이고, 반대하는 목소리를 배척하는 뺄셈정치로는 당을 강하게 만들 수 없다"며 "뺄셈정치를 멈추고 통합의 정치로 나아가 달라"고 당부했다. 이양수 의원도 당내 통합을 강조하며 윤리위 징계 수위를 낮춰야 한다고 언급했다. 이 의원은 "당 윤리위가 의원들에게 내린 당원권 정지 처분은 과도한 조치"라며 "최고위에서 수위를 낮춰야 한다. 비판과 이견을 품어내야만 건강한 정당의 기강을 세울 수 있다"고 했다. 앞서 윤리위는 조경태·권영진·서범수·진종오 의원에 대해 당원권 정지 처분을 내렸다. 서 의원을 제외한 세 의원은 징계가 확정될 경우 국민의힘 소속으로 2028년 총선에 출마하기 어려워진다. 당협위원장 선출 방안을 두고 당내 의견이 엇갈리는 가운데 윤리위 징계까지 의결할 경우 극한 대치가 예상된다. 신율 명지대 정치외교학과 교수는 최고위에서 당협위원장 재선출 결정이 장동혁 체제의 분수령이 될 것이라고 내다봤다. 신 교수는 아주경제와 통화에서 "장 대표가 강성 당원들의 지지를 받고 있어 밀어붙여도 된다고 생각하는 것"이라며 "의원들의 의사를 무시하고 밀어붙이면 결국 역풍을 맞게 돼있다"고 말했다. 이어 "내일 최고위에서 당협위원장 재선출을 강행한다면 당 지지율은 더 떨어지고 의원들이 장동혁 체제를 흔들 것"이라며 "장 대표 스스로 무덤을 먼저 팠다"고 덧붙였다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-23 17:32:00
  • Will Interest Rates Rise Above 3% Again? Experts Split on August Decision
    Will Interest Rates Rise Above 3% Again? Experts Split on August Decision Market expectations are divided ahead of the Bank of Korea's decision on the base rate for August. While a slight majority believe that an additional hike is necessary due to stronger-than-expected growth and high core inflation, the prospect of a back-to-back increase within just a month raises concerns about the burden on household interest payments.According to financial sources on the 23rd, the Bank of Korea will hold its sixth Monetary Policy Committee meeting of the year on the 27th to decide whether to adjust the current base rate of 2.75% per annum.In a survey conducted by Aju Economy involving seven major bond and macroeconomic experts, four respondents (57.1%) expect the Bank to raise the base rate by 25 basis points (1 basis point = 0.01 percentage points) to 3.00%. The remaining three (42.9%) predict that the rate will be held steady. Among those predicting a hike, only one expert anticipated a unanimous decision, while three expected at least one dissenting opinion.The close split between forecasts for a hike and a hold reflects the tension between the need for additional tightening due to growth and inflation, and the significant financial burden that consecutive rate increases could impose. Notably, the growth driven by strong semiconductor exports and persistent core inflation are expected to be key factors in the rate decision at this meeting.Experts predicting a rate hike cite high inflation levels and the potential for upward revisions to growth forecasts as their main reasons. An Jae-kyun, a researcher at Korea Investment & Securities, stated, "Despite high external uncertainties, the expected growth rate is projected to exceed 3% annually, and the inflation outlook is expected to remain in the mid-2% range, which are the most critical factors for monetary policy decisions."Conversely, Ahn Ye-ha, a researcher at Kiwoom Securities, forecasts a hold, arguing, "The upward revision of the growth forecast has already been anticipated and was reflected in the July rate hike. If additional upward pressure on inflation is confirmed, rates could rise further, but considering the recent decline in exchange rates, I believe a consecutive hike is not warranted at this time."If the Bank raises rates by 25 basis points again, the base rate will reach 3.00%, marking a return to the 3% range for the first time in about a year and a half since it fell to the 2% range on February 25, 2025. Experts generally expect the final rate level in this tightening cycle to be around 3.25%.The concern lies with the interest burden on households and businesses. As of the first quarter of this year, the household debt ratio compared to nominal GDP stands at 85.3%. If consecutive hikes materialize, rising loan rates could increase repayment burdens, particularly for vulnerable borrowers. Businesses will also face rising funding costs due to increases in both the base and market interest rates. Small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as those with lower credit ratings, are expected to bear a relatively heavier burden.Woo Hye-young, a researcher at LS Securities, noted, "While deleveraging household debt is important, raising rates too quickly could exacerbate the burden on borrowers, especially the vulnerable. The Bank of Korea may feel pressure to proceed with gradual rate increases."Park Sang-hyun, a researcher at iM Securities, emphasized, "With both the U.S. and Japan experiencing sharp rises in government bond yields, if domestic rates are also pressured to rise, market interest rates could increase further. However, even if the base rate is raised this time, expectations may form that future hikes will be limited to one or two more, suggesting that while government bond yields may rise, they are nearing their upper limits."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-23 17:28:00
  • Kakao Splits into AI and Investment Divisions Under New Leadership
    Kakao Splits into AI and Investment Divisions Under New Leadership Kakao announced on August 21 that it will split its business into two divisions: artificial intelligence (AI) and investment. The existing Kakao will remain as the holding company 'Kakao AI,' while the investment-related operations will be separated into a newly established entity called 'Kakao X.'The investment division will be led by Chief Investment Officer Kim Do-young, while the AI division will be headed by Jeong Sin-a. The success of this split hinges on the performance of both leaders in their respective areas, drawing significant industry attention to their execution capabilities.Kakao's rationale for the split is to address the 'conglomerate discount.' The company's self-assessed sum-of-the-parts (SOTP) valuation is 34.2 trillion won, yet its market capitalization stands at only 16.8 trillion won. The argument is that the mixing of various businesses under one entity has prevented individual segments from being valued appropriately by the market.Industry focus is particularly on Kim Do-young, as most of Kakao's future ventures will fall under Kakao X. A key initiative is the development of a won stablecoin. The plan involves partnering with global issuer Circle to establish a won stablecoin ecosystem through KakaoPay and KakaoBank. This will be integrated into a comprehensive digital wallet called 'Super Wallet,' which aims to combine payment, remittance, and asset management into a single financial platform.If the stablecoin project gains traction, Kakao X could evolve from a mere investment firm into a new growth engine for the group. Given the heavy responsibilities of discovering new business opportunities and restructuring the investment portfolio, Kim's performance will be a critical factor in the overall reassessment of Kakao's corporate value.In contrast, Jeong Sin-a's AI division faces different challenges. Regaining lost competitiveness is seen as crucial. Unlike Naver, which is investing up to $10 billion in AI infrastructure in partnership with Nvidia and Brookfield, Kakao believes that the financial burden of infrastructure projects like AI data centers does not justify the expected returns. Instead, it is focusing on B2C services such as agentic AI based on KakaoTalk.KakaoTalk's performance has been strong, reporting a record quarterly revenue of 2.98 trillion won and an operating profit of 277 billion won in the second quarter. The conversational ordering and payment service developed in collaboration with Coupang Eats is also gaining traction. However, there are concerns within the company and the industry that a complex decision-making structure has hindered agility in the rapidly changing AI market.For Jeong, the challenge lies in streamlining the organization to enable quicker responses. The goal of enhancing the conversational AI service 'Kanana' and achieving 20 million daily active users and 6 trillion won in annual revenue by 2030 has become increasingly important.Market reactions have been lukewarm. On the day of the split announcement, Kakao's stock fell by over 13% during trading before closing down by 7%. While the human division is viewed as more shareholder-friendly compared to a physical split, the market did not perceive it as a positive development.Investors still remember the past instances of value erosion during the spin-offs and listings of subsidiaries like Kakao Mobility and KakaoPay, which has contributed to skepticism.Relations with labor unions also remain strained. The Kakao union, Crew Union, responded to the split announcement by calling for joint negotiations. Union leader Seo Seung-wook stated, "The company may split, but it cannot divide its past management failures and responsibilities to its employees." The union demands responsible management, job security, and a process for prior explanation and consultation whenever organizational changes occur.The union plans to hold a joint negotiation declaration ceremony at Pangyo Station on August 26. The KakaoBank union is set to begin a five-day strike starting August 31. The union claims that the company has failed to respond adequately to official inquiries, stating, "Trust between labor and management has been broken."The split proposal will be finalized at an extraordinary shareholders' meeting in December. Therefore, the ability of the two CEOs to present sufficient prospects for future growth to persuade both the union and shareholders will be crucial for the success of this division.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-23 17:12:00
  • Hanwha Group Donates 3 Billion Won for Flood Recovery in Gyeongnam
    Hanwha Group Donates 3 Billion Won for Flood Recovery in Gyeongnam Hanwha Group announced on August 23 that it will donate 2 billion won to the National Disaster Relief Association to assist in the rapid recovery of areas in Gyeongnam, including Geoje, Tongyeong, and Sacheon, which have suffered significant damage from recent heavy rains. Considering the severe impact, Hanwha has decided to provide funds to ensure prompt assistance for emergency living expenses, temporary housing, and essential supplies for local residents. In addition to the flood recovery support, Hanwha Group will donate an additional 1 billion won to help vulnerable populations in the Gyeongnam region. This funding will be used from September through organizations like the Green Umbrella and the Gyeongsangnam-do Volunteer Center to purchase educational materials for low-income children, support living expenses for elderly individuals living alone, and renovate welfare facilities. Notably, the 1 billion won donation will be distributed entirely in local currency, which is expected to boost sales for traditional markets and small businesses. Following the heavy rain damage, Hanwha Ocean, which operates shipyards in Geoje, provided equipment and personnel, including dredging vehicles, pumps, and generators, to facilitate rapid drainage in flooded areas. The company also supplied water, gloves, and snacks to volunteer groups assisting in recovery efforts. A Hanwha Group representative stated, "We hope this support will help many people who have lost their homes due to the heavy rain recover their daily lives as soon as possible. We will continue to do our best in disaster recovery and support for vulnerable communities." Meanwhile, Kim Seung-yeon, chairman of Hanwha, has emphasized the principle of 'Together, Far' in coexistence management over the past 15 years, highlighting that the local community is also the foundation of Hanwha's business.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-23 17:04:00
  • Rising Treasury Yields Raise Concerns Over Interest Rate Cycle
    Rising Treasury Yields Raise Concerns Over Interest Rate Cycle The likelihood of an additional interest rate hike by the Bank of Korea is increasing, which is expected to intensify upward pressure on government bond yields. Rising government bond yields can lead to higher market interest rates, increasing the cost of financing for both businesses and households. This is particularly concerning as companies face greater burdens from refinancing corporate bonds and financing costs for real estate project financing (PF) projects.According to the Seoul bond market on August 23, the yield on three-year government bonds closed at 3.854%, up 4.3 basis points from the previous trading day. This marks a 9.6 basis point increase compared to the end of last month (3.758%). Yields on 10-year and 30-year bonds also rose, closing at 4.376% and 4.703%, respectively. Government bond yields are rising across all maturities.The three-year yield is particularly sensitive to expectations regarding the benchmark interest rate and monetary policy. As the possibility of an additional rate hike at the Bank of Korea's monetary policy committee meeting on August 27 becomes more pronounced, upward pressure on yields is increasing.The rise in three-year government bond yields also adds to the cost of financing for businesses. Corporate bond yields are determined by adding a credit risk premium to government bond yields. When government bond yields rise, even if credit spreads remain stable, the actual financing costs for companies increase. If the benchmark interest rate is also raised, additional upward pressure on market interest rates could further increase the financing burden on businesses.The burden may grow during the refinancing process of corporate bonds issued at lower interest rates in the past. Companies will need to secure funding at higher rates than before, leading to increased interest costs. If interest rates continue to rise, companies with limited financial capacity may face greater refinancing burdens, restricting new investments and working capital.The impact of rising interest rates could also extend to households and the real estate market. Increases in market interest rates, such as government bond yields, affect the borrowing costs for banks, which in turn can drive up mortgage rates. Higher loan rates increase the repayment burden on borrowers and may dampen demand for new housing.As of August 19, the fixed-rate mortgage rates at the five major banks (KB Kookmin, Shinhan, Hana, Woori, and NH Nonghyup) ranged from 4.73% to 7.16%, already exceeding 7%. The financial bond yield for five-year bonds (non-guaranteed, AAA) reached a two-year high of 4.531% on July 27, contributing to the upward trend in financial bond yields. As of August 21, the yield remained high at 4.434%.The real estate PF market is also vulnerable to rising bond yields. Given the high reliance on borrowing for PF projects, an increase in borrowing costs can lead to higher interest expenses and deteriorate project viability. Projects facing bridge loans or nearing maturity may experience greater financial burdens, complicating refinancing or transitions to main PF.A financial industry official stated, "If government bond yields continue to rise from already high levels and the benchmark interest rate increases, market interest rates could rise further. This could increase the financing burden on businesses and households, and in vulnerable sectors like PF, it may lead to deteriorating financing conditions, raising caution in the market."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-23 17:04:00
  • SK Hynix Faces Union Vote on Performance Bonus Amid Cash vs. Stock Debate
    SK Hynix Faces Union Vote on Performance Bonus Amid Cash vs. Stock Debate SK Hynix's tentative agreement for the 2026 wage and collective bargaining negotiations is set to face a decisive test among union members. A key point of contention is the method of performance bonus distribution, with management proposing a 'stock-linked' compensation plan that clashes with the union's strong preference for cash.According to industry sources, the production workers' union at SK Hynix in Icheon and Cheongju will conduct a two-day vote starting August 24 on the tentative agreement for the 2026 negotiations. The technical staff union is also expected to complete its voting this week and announce the results.The core of the agreement involves a complete overhaul of the profit-sharing structure. The parties have agreed to distribute 40% of the performance bonus linked to operating profit in cash, with the remaining 60% in company stock. Of the stock, 40% can be sold in the current year, while 20% will be paid out over two years in a deferred payment scheme.Management has characterized this structure as an advanced approach to aligning corporate value with employee compensation, particularly in light of increased profits from the AI semiconductor boom. The fact that the two sides reached this agreement without strikes or external mediation is also seen as a positive development.However, union members have reacted with skepticism. Many are unhappy that the promise to maintain 80% cash distribution of the performance bonus for ten years was overturned in just one year. This sentiment is particularly strong among younger employees who prefer cash. One member expressed frustration in an anonymous chat, stating, "If they break a promise made just a year ago, how can we trust the company moving forward?" The newly formed 'Unified Union Task Force' is also preparing a response to the tentative agreement, indicating that the division over member sentiment is intensifying.In response to member backlash and concerns over stock price fluctuations, the agreement includes a buffer mechanism. For the first year of the new system, members will have the option to receive cash for the 40% of stock designated for sale. This could raise the actual cash portion to as much as 80%.Additionally, a safeguard has been included that applies the lowest closing price among the tentative performance announcement date, cash payment date, and stock payment date when calculating stock value. The basic salary increase rate has been set at 6.3%, slightly surpassing Samsung Electronics' increase of 6.2% this year. Employee welfare points will also rise from 2.4 million won to 3.6 million won, and the eligibility for housing loan support will be expanded to include all married employees, not just those with multiple children, increasing the loan limit from 200 million won.Since the production and technical staff unions have been negotiating separately with management, each union will conduct its own vote. The agreement will only be finalized if both unions meet the conditions of a majority attendance and majority approval from those present. If either union fails to secure a majority, it will have to start negotiations from scratch with management.SK Hynix has faced rejections in union votes for tentative agreements in 2023 and 2024, leading to renegotiations with management. Notably, in 2024, after negotiations began at the end of June, a vote in September resulted in a rejection, and it took seven rounds of renegotiation before a final agreement was reached four months later.Industry observers note, "The differing perspectives between labor and management over profit distribution have emerged amid a boom in AI memory, generating tens of trillions of won in annual profits. The outcome of this vote will be a significant milestone in the restructuring of performance compensation systems among semiconductor companies." 2026-08-23 17:04:00
  • Debate Over Prosecutorial Discretion in President Lee Jae-myungs Cases
    Debate Over Prosecutorial Discretion in President Lee Jae-myung's Cases The issue of whether to drop charges against President Lee Jae-myung has become a contentious topic in multiple criminal trials.Many citizens argue that "no one is above the law" and that the president should not be an exception. Conservative politicians have expressed strong opposition, stating that dropping charges would signify the "end of the regime," be grounds for impeachment, and constitute a crime of legal distortion. Conversely, a significant number of citizens and some members of the Democratic Party assert that if past investigations were illegal or the charges were fabricated, it is only right to dismiss the charges. They have formed a group advocating for the dismissal of charges and have mentioned the possibility of a national investigation and a special prosecutor.This conflict over the dismissal of charges has escalated beyond a simple legal dispute, consuming national energy and undermining community cohesion, leading to a social crisis.Therefore, the political factions must cease their relentless assertions to push their agendas regarding the dismissal of charges against the president. Instead, a rational and theoretical legal discussion should guide the process toward a forward-looking conclusion.In this context, it is essential to examine the American experience. In the U.S., the issues surrounding federal criminal charges and dismissals against a sitting president have been extensively discussed in constitutional law and legal practice. Notably, the special prosecutor's request to dismiss charges in the criminal case against former President Donald Trump serves as a significant comparative legal example.In the U.S., there have been no reports of Republicans and Democrats engaging in fruitless debates or citizens protesting in the streets over the dismissal of charges against President Trump. This absence of conflict indicates that American constitutional scholars, legal sociologists, and the Department of Justice have already reached a consensus on the principles underlying the U.S. Constitution.The special prosecutor handling the Trump case, Jack Smith, was appointed by the Biden administration, Trump's political rival. He requested the court to dismiss the charges ahead of Trump's inauguration. While Smith indicated that sufficient evidence for a conviction existed, he emphasized that continuing criminal prosecution against a sitting president could undermine the principles of popular sovereignty and separation of powers, significantly hindering the president's constitutional duties. He referenced the longstanding position of the Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) that has limited federal criminal prosecution of sitting presidents, arguing that a president, as the head of state and government, should not be incapacitated by individual criminal cases, as this would contradict constitutional order. His key point was not that the president is above the law, but rather that the timing and method of pursuing criminal responsibility must align with the constitutional principles of separation of powers and governance.The question of whether to dismiss charges against President Lee Jae-myung should not be judged solely from an emotional or partisan perspective. A rational conclusion must be reached through a comparative weighing of conflicting legal interests, rather than unilateral claims from either side. This comparative weighing should involve discussions among the media, legal community, and general public to arrive at a theoretically sound legal decision. This approach represents a forward-looking solution for our society's maturation. The upcoming confirmation hearings for the newly appointed Minister of Justice, Chief of the Serious Crimes Investigation Office, and Chief Prosecutor will likely draw significant attention regarding the candidates' positions on the dismissal of charges against the president.Author's Background:▲ Graduate of Boston University School of Law ▲ Member of the Seoul Bar Association ▲ Member of the New York State Bar Association ▲ Attorney at Law Firm Byeongyoul.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-23 16:48:00