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Kim Seung-won Resigns as Justice Minister Amid Ongoing Investigations On September 19, following the resignation of Kim Seung-won as Justice Minister, opposition lawmakers emphasized the need for investigations into the allegations surrounding him, calling it a case of 'too little, too late.' Kim was one of six ministerial nominees appointed by President Lee Jae-myung, and his resignation has raised questions about the presidential personnel system.People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyuk stated on Facebook after Kim's resignation announcement, "The minister's time is over, and the time for investigation has begun," stressing the need for thorough investigations into stock manipulation, human experimentation, and family connections.Floor leader Jeong Jeom-sik remarked, "Kim, who was at the forefront of President Lee's prosecution cancellation, resigning is indeed too little, too late," and insisted that investigations into Kim's alleged involvement in stock manipulation should continue regardless of his resignation.He urged President Lee to reflect on the issues within the personnel verification process, particularly following the resignations of the Minister of Gender Equality and Family and the Justice Minister, and to completely overhaul the personnel system.Party spokesperson Park Seong-hoon criticized Kim for treating his corruption allegations as merely a 'small burden' on the administration, stating, "His hypocritical attitude, focused solely on President Lee and his strong supporters while ignoring the public, reveals the true face of this administration."Representative Jo Jeong-hoon referenced President Lee's strong criticism of personnel failures during his time as opposition leader, noting that when Jeong Soon-shin, the former head of the National Investigation Agency, resigned just a day after his appointment in 2023, President Lee demanded an apology and accountability from those responsible for personnel verification. Jo asserted that the standards for accountability should not change with the change of administration and that the president must uphold the same standards he demanded while in opposition.Han Dong-hoon, an independent lawmaker who had raised allegations regarding Kim's involvement in drug solicitation, declared on Facebook after Kim's resignation that "the people have won." He stated that the resignation, which was strongly defended by the Democratic Party, represents a victory for the public. Han is expected to hold a press conference later in the day to provide further comments.Meanwhile, members of the Democratic Party, particularly those on the Legislative and Judiciary Committee who oversaw Kim's confirmation hearing, expressed respect for his decision. Committee chair Seo Young-kyo stated, "Kim voluntarily resigned after much consideration for the success of the Lee Jae-myung administration and national stability. It is unfortunate, but we respect that decision," adding that the truth behind the allegations of manipulation and targeted investigations will be revealed, and that reform in the prosecution will continue.Kim Ui-gyeom, the party's floor leader, emphasized, "I will uncover the truth behind the illegal leak of investigation records and targeted investigations as the committee's floor leader," insisting that reform must not come to a halt in the political prosecutor's cabinet.Park Seong-jun, the party's spokesperson, stated in a written briefing, "We respect Kim's decision not to add further burden to the administration, and the Democratic Party will strive to listen humbly and do its best for the success of the people's sovereignty government."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-19 12:40:00 -
Kim Seung-won Resigns as Justice Minister Nominee Amid Controversies Kim Seung-won, the nominee for Minister of Justice, has resigned amid various controversies. Following the ruling party's unilateral handling of the confirmation process, the political landscape has entered a phase of intense confrontation, leading to a decline in public opinion and ultimately prompting his decision to step down after 20 days.On September 19, Kim held a press conference at the National Assembly and stated, "After deep consideration, I have decided to resign from my position as Minister of Justice nominee."He expressed gratitude to President Lee for his nomination, saying, "I have worked tirelessly for the success of the government born from the people's sovereignty, and I am truly sorry for not meeting expectations."Regarding his resignation, he explained, "I solidified my decision after watching the President's press conference yesterday. The lives of the people and the success of the government must come first. I believe we should not add to the burdens of a government that needs to focus on people's livelihoods and complete reforms."Kim added, "I wanted to protect democracy as Minister of Justice, ensure fair law enforcement without privilege, and support the safe daily lives of the people. I aimed to establish a new criminal justice system stably."He continued, "However, I will stop my efforts here as Minister of Justice. I accept that I have not met the expectations of the people and will deeply reflect on my shortcomings."Kim also extended his condolences to those affected, particularly the disabled and their families, as well as those dedicated to caregiving, emphasizing, "I offer my deepest sympathies to all those who have been hurt by this situation."In response to allegations regarding the leak of internal materials from the prosecution, Kim expressed his determination to take strong action. He stated, "Even if I step down now, I will not give up on the truth. I will ensure that the unfinished prosecution reform is completed. I will reveal the full extent of the targeted investigations by the political prosecution of Yoon Suk-yeol and Han Dong-hoon, as well as the illegal leaks of investigation secrets by Han Dong-hoon. I believe this incident has proven the necessity of prosecution reform to the public."He concluded by stating, "I will work with a lower and more humble attitude for the people and do my best for the success of the Lee Jae-myung government as a member of the people's sovereignty government."Kim was nominated by President Lee Jae-myung on August 30 but faced intense scrutiny from the opposition due to allegations of soliciting bribes for new drug approvals, hiring practices at family welfare agencies, and collusion with sitting judges. The situation escalated when the ruling Democratic Party pushed through the confirmation report on September 17, intensifying opposition backlash.As government and ruling party approval ratings declined, President Lee's cautious stance regarding Kim's appointment during a press conference led to his resignation.In the previous cabinet reshuffle, Kim is the second nominee to resign voluntarily, following Yong Hye-in, the nominee for Minister of Gender Equality and Family, who stepped down 14 days after her nomination due to concerns over the appropriateness of holding both a proportional representative position and a ministerial role. 2026-09-19 12:04:00
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North Korea Rejects IAEA Resolution, Issues Statements from Kim Yo-jong and Foreign Ministry North Korea has issued statements from Kim Yo-jong, the head of the Workers' Party, and a spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry, expressing strong opposition to a resolution from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that reaffirms its inability to recognize North Korea's status as a nuclear power.According to the Korean Central News Agency on September 19, Kim stated that the IAEA adopts resolutions targeting North Korea annually under the influence of the United States and the West. She asserted that this latest resolution would have no impact on North Korea's status as a nuclear power.Kim argued that since North Korea is outside the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), its nuclear activities are not subject to IAEA oversight, and the agency has no authority to intervene. She specifically criticized the IAEA for remaining silent on U.S. nuclear proliferation and South Korea's plans to introduce nuclear-powered submarines, accusing it of applying a 'double standard.'In a separate statement released on September 18, the Foreign Ministry also expressed its refusal to accept the IAEA resolution. The ministry contended that it is unjust to question North Korea's status as a nuclear power and its defensive measures, given that North Korea is neither a member of the NPT nor the IAEA.The Foreign Ministry emphasized, "Our status as a nuclear power does not require recognition from the U.S., the West, or the IAEA," asserting that North Korea's nuclear deterrent capabilities and constitutional status as a nuclear power cannot be reversed.The ministry also noted the deteriorating international security environment and pledged to actively implement long-term plans to build self-defensive deterrence. It reaffirmed its commitment to respond to external threats based on its nuclear capabilities.On September 17, during its 70th regular session held in Vienna, the IAEA adopted a resolution stating that North Korea cannot possess nuclear power under the NPT. The resolution expressed serious concerns over North Korea's ongoing nuclear activities and called for the complete, verifiable, and irreversible dismantlement of all nuclear weapons and programs.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-19 12:00:00
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Blue House Respects Kim Seung-won's Resignation as Justice Minister Nominee The Blue House stated on September 19 that it respects the decision of Kim Seung-won to voluntarily resign as the nominee for Minister of Justice. Chief Spokesperson Kang Yu-jeong said in a statement, "We understand that the nominee made this decision to reduce the burden on the government," adding that necessary follow-up procedures will be carried out according to established regulations. Earlier that day, Kim held a press conference at the National Assembly, announcing, "After deep consideration, I have decided to step down from the position of Minister of Justice nominee." He stated, "I solidified my decision after watching the president's press conference yesterday," emphasizing, "The lives of the people and the success of the government come first. I believe we should not add to the burden on a government that needs to focus on people's livelihoods and complete reforms." He also acknowledged his shortcomings, stating that he takes seriously the fact that he did not meet the public's expectations and will reflect on his inadequacies. Kim's resignation comes just 20 days after he was nominated on August 30 and two days after the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee adopted the personnel hearing report. Concerns surrounding Kim included allegations of soliciting favors related to COVID-19 drug clinical trials and preferential treatment linked to social cooperatives where his spouse and children worked. President Lee Jae-myung had stated at a press conference the day before that he had not yet reached a final conclusion regarding Kim's appointment and would make a careful decision considering the public's expectations and the nominee's capabilities.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-19 11:48:00
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South Korea justice minister nominee Kim Seung-won resigns SEOUL, September 19 (AJP) -South Korean Justice Minister nominee Kim Seung-won withdrew Saturday, a day after President Lee Jae Myung said at a news conference that he had not reached a final decision on Kim’s appointment and would take public expectations into account. The move came as Lee’s approval rating fell to 37 percent, its lowest level since he took office. Kim, a second-term lawmaker from the ruling Democratic Party and a former judge, announced his withdrawal at the National Assembly, 20 days after Lee nominated him for the post on Aug. 30. Kim said he decided to step aside after “deep consideration,” adding that watching Lee’s news conference Friday had cemented his decision. He said he did not want to place an additional burden on a government that must focus on improving people’s livelihoods and carrying out reforms. Asked Friday whether he would appoint Kim, Lee said he had yet to reach a final conclusion and would make the decision carefully while considering “the public’s expectations.” Lee also said during the news conference that his administration would review its personnel system and listen more closely to public opinion following growing public dissatisfaction. Kim had faced scrutiny during his Sept. 15 confirmation hearing over allegations involving efforts to expedite regulatory review of a COVID-19 drug and claims that a social cooperative headed by his wife received preferential treatment. Kim denied wrongdoing and rejected the allegations against him. The National Assembly’s Legislation and Judiciary Committee adopted Kim’s confirmation hearing report Thursday with Democratic Party lawmakers alone after members of the main opposition People Power Party stayed away. The withdrawal comes as Lee faces his weakest approval numbers since taking office. A Gallup Korea survey conducted from Sept. 15 to 17 among 1,002 adults found that 37 percent approved of his job performance, down 1 percentage point from the previous week, while 56 percent disapproved, up 5 points to a record high for his presidency. The survey had a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points at the 95 percent confidence level. Among respondents who disapproved of Lee’s performance, 20 percent cited real estate policy and 16 percent cited personnel appointments. At Friday’s news conference, Lee acknowledged public disappointment and pledged to take a more humble approach to governing and to reflect public opinion more closely in personnel and policy decisions. Kim said despite giving up the Cabinet nomination, he would continue efforts in the National Assembly to complete the government’s prosecution reform agenda. AJP Takeaways - Justice Minister nominee Kim Seung-won resigned 20 days after his nomination, saying President Lee’s Friday news conference helped cement his decision. - Lee had said he was still weighing Kim’s appointment and would consider public expectations while reviewing his administration’s personnel system. - Lee’s approval rating fell to a presidency-low 37 percent, while negative evaluations rose to 56 percent, according to Gallup Korea. 2026-09-19 11:44:23 -
Kim Seung-won Resigns as Justice Minister Nominee Amid Controversy 김승원 법무부 장관 후보자가 각종 논란이 제기된 끝에 자진해서 사퇴했다.김 후보자는 19일 국회 소통관에서 기자회견을 열고 "깊은 고민 끝에 법무부 장관 후보자직을 내려놓기로 결심했다"고 말했다.그러면서 "국민주권 정부의 탄생을 위해 앞장섰고, 그 성공을 위해 쉼 없이 달려 왔다"면서 "후보자로 지명해 주신 대통령님께 감사드리며, 기대에 부응하지 못해 정말 송구하다"고 밝혔다. 자진 사퇴 이유에 대해서는 "어제 대통령님 기자회견을 보며 결심을 굳혔다"며 "국민의 삶과 정부의 성공이 우선이다. 민생을 살피고 개혁을 완수해야 할 정부에 부담을 더해서는 안 된다고 생각했다"고 설명했다.김 후보자는 "저는 법무부 장관이 돼 민주주의를 지키고, 특권 없는 공정한 법 집행으로 사회적 약자를 보호하며, 국민의 안전한 일상을 뒷받침하고 싶었다"며 "새로운 형사사법 체계를 안정적으로 정착시키고 싶었다"고 언급했다.이어 "그러나 법무부 장관으로서 그 소임을 다하려던 걸음을 여기서 멈춘다"면서 "국민의 눈높이에 미치지 못했음을 무겁게 받아들이며, 저의 부족함을 깊이 성찰하겠다"고 말했다.또 "특히 이번 일로 상처받으셨을 장애인과 가족들, 돌봄 현장에서 헌신해 온 분들과 저와 인연을 맺으셨던 모든 분들께 깊은 위로의 말씀을 전한다"고 강조했다.김 후보자는 "지금 내려놓아도 진실은 포기하지 않겠다. 미완의 검찰 개혁, 반드시 완수하겠다"며 "윤석열·한동훈 정치 검찰의 표적 수사와 한동훈의 수사기밀 불법 유출, 짜깁기 사태의 전모를 끝까지 밝히겠다. 이번 일이야말로 검찰 개혁의 필요성을 국민들께 입증한 사례라 생각한다"고 지적했다.아울러 "더 낮고 겸손한 자세로 국민을 위해 일하며, 국민주권 정부의 일원으로서 이재명 정부의 성공을 위해 최선을 다하겠다"고 밝혔다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-19 11:24:00
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Naver Pay Launches Interior Design Service for Apartments Naver Pay has introduced a service that allows users to view interior design construction examples and companies for specific apartment complexes.On September 19, Naver Pay announced the launch of its 'Interior Design Service' in collaboration with the real estate big data platform, Asil.This service enables users to explore various construction portfolios and find interior design examples and companies that match their preferences and budgets. Users can check construction examples for apartments they currently reside in or plan to renovate, organized by complex. Interested designs can be saved for future reference during consultation. Currently, there are over 2,500 portfolios available in the interior design tab.In addition to Naver Pay, similar construction examples can also be accessed through Asil's 'Interior Design' menu, categorized by region and apartment size.A Naver Pay representative stated, "Through our collaboration with Asil, we aim to expand services that allow users to conveniently find actual construction examples and suitable company information that match their home conditions."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-19 11:00:20
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Kim Seung-won Holds Press Conference at 11 AM Ahead of Justice Minister Confirmation Kim Seung-won, the nominee for Justice Minister, will hold a press conference at 11 AM on the 19th at the National Assembly's communication hall.The Democratic Party announced this schedule.Attention is focused on whether Kim will address allegations related to lobbying for clinical trial approvals during the conference.Meanwhile, on the 17th, the Democratic Party pushed through the confirmation report for Kim in the Legislation and Judiciary Committee.President Lee Jae-myung responded to questions about Kim's appointment during a press conference on the 18th, stating, "I have not yet reached a final conclusion and will make a careful decision."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-19 11:00:00
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Democratic Party Urges People Power Party to Stop Distorting President Lee's Remarks The Democratic Party has called on the People Power Party to stop distorting President Lee Jae-myung's remarks during a recent press conference.On September 19, Jeon Eun-soo, the party's floor spokesperson, stated in a commentary, "President Lee clearly stated during the press conference that he has no intention of seeking re-election." She added, "Yet, the People Power Party is twisting his words by asking, 'Is it that difficult to declare that you will not seek re-election?'"Regarding President Lee's request to remove the 'prosecutorial cancellation authority' clause from the special prosecutor law, Jeon emphasized, "The president asked for it to be removed himself." She further pointed out, "Despite this, the People Power Party is portraying Kim Seung-won, the nominee for Minister of Justice, as someone tasked with the 'mission of completing the cancellation of charges.'"The Democratic Party also urged the People Power Party to cooperate in formulating measures to address the cost of living. Jeon remarked, "They are misinterpreting the president's words, and at this point, it seems they only want to hear what they want to hear." She added, "Instead of wandering outside, they should cooperate in the National Assembly to establish measures for stabilizing prices and addressing the cost of living."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-19 10:48:00
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UK AI Company Enscale Moves Forward with US IPO, Aiming for $30 Billion Valuation UK-based artificial intelligence (AI) cloud infrastructure company Enscale is advancing its initial public offering (IPO) process in the United States.According to reports on September 19, Enscale submitted its application to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to list on the New York Stock Exchange on September 18 (local time). The stock ticker will be NSCL.Enscale was established in 2024 as a spin-off from Australian Bitcoin mining infrastructure firm Arkon Energy. It currently operates a network of data centers primarily in Europe and the United States. In September 2025, NVIDIA invested $433 million in the company and participated in an additional funding round in March.According to the filing, Enscale reported revenue of $140.6 million in the first half of this year, a more than 13-fold increase from $10.4 million during the same period last year.However, the net loss also grew significantly, rising from $36.89 million to $102 million during the same timeframe.The number of shares to be offered and the proposed price range have not yet been determined.Enscale aims for a valuation of $30 billion (approximately 42 trillion won) with this IPO. The lead underwriters for the offering include Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, and Morgan Stanley.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-19 10:20:00