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Seoul assures oil supplies enough, but Houthi risk clouds Q4 SEOUL, July 21 (AJP) - Just as Asian economies had adapted to the disruption of the Strait of Hormuz by relying increasingly on Saudi Arabia's Red Sea exports, Yemen's Houthi militants are threatening the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, putting the region's alternative oil lifeline at risk and raising the prospect that the Middle East's two principal oil export corridors could be disrupted simultaneously. The new threat leaves major Asian importers, including South Korea, facing renewed uncertainty after months of longer shipping routes and higher freight costs triggered by the U.S.-Iran conflict. About 70 percent of Saudi crude and petroleum products shipped from the Red Sea export terminal at Yanbu have been destined for Asia since April after Riyadh diverted exports away from the Strait of Hormuz. Any prolonged disruption at Bab el-Mandeb would force tankers to make the far longer journey around Africa's Cape of Good Hope, delaying deliveries and driving up freight costs. South Korea is particularly exposed. Saudi Arabia supplied more than 35 percent of the country's crude imports last year, according to the Korea Petroleum Association. "Saudi Arabia has so far been able to maintain supplies by shipping crude through the Red Sea rather than through the Strait of Hormuz," a Korea Petroleum Association official said. "But if the Bab el-Mandeb is disrupted as well, the available alternatives become much more limited." While Saudi cargoes could theoretically move north through the Suez Canal, the route is ill-suited for the very large crude carriers (VLCCs) that dominate shipments to Asia. The government, however, sought to calm immediate supply concerns. South Korea has enough crude oil supplies to last through September and expects no immediate disruption even if shipping through the Red Sea is halted, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources said Tuesday, as lingering tensions in the Middle East put another major energy shipping route at risk. Refiners have already secured crude for July and August equivalent to more than 110 percent of last year's average import volume, while bookings for September have surpassed 90 percent of imports recorded during the same period a year earlier, according to the ministry. "We have confirmed that there should be no major problem with crude oil supplies through September," said Yang Ki-wook, a senior ministry official. "Even if the Red Sea is blocked, we do not expect any particular difficulty." South Korea appears insulated through September, but the outlook beyond that is less certain. A tanker typically takes about 20 to 23 days to sail from the Gulf to East Asia. Rerouting around Africa's Cape of Good Hope would add another two to three weeks, raising the risk of supply disruptions during the fourth quarter should the conflict persist. Most Middle Eastern crude bound for South Korea is transported aboard VLCCs capable of carrying more than 2 million barrels. When fully loaded, many draw too much water to pass safely through the Suez Canal, requiring cargoes to be transferred to smaller vessels or rerouted through alternative facilities. "Smaller tankers could still use the route, but there are obvious limits to how much they can carry," the Korea Petroleum Association official said. "It's like replacing a large cup with a tiny syrup cup. It may work in an emergency, but moving large volumes that way would be extremely difficult." The Bab el-Mandeb sits at the southern entrance to the Red Sea, linking it to the Gulf of Aden, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. For tankers leaving Yanbu, it has become the only practical route to Asian customers after shipping through the Strait of Hormuz became severely constrained. Before the U.S.-Iran conflict erupted in late February, Saudi Arabia exported about 7.2 million barrels of crude a day, with nearly 90 percent passing through Hormuz, according to shipping data provider Kpler. The disruption forced Saudi Aramco to shift exports to its East-West Pipeline, which transports crude from eastern oil fields to Yanbu on the Red Sea. Since then, more than 70 percent of Saudi Arabia's normal crude exports have been redirected through Yanbu. Shipments from the port have averaged roughly 4 million barrels a day in recent weeks, more than four times the level recorded during the same period last year. While cargoes bound for Europe continue north through the Suez Canal, exports to Asia must pass south through Bab el-Mandeb, transforming the narrow waterway into Saudi Arabia's critical export gateway to its largest customers. The shift is evident in shipping flows. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, an average 5.4 million barrels per day of crude oil and petroleum products transited the Bab el-Mandeb in the first quarter. By June, total petroleum flows through the strait had climbed to 7.4 million barrels a day, equivalent to about 7 percent of global oil production, according to Kpler, up from 4.2 million barrels a day a year earlier. Should the strait become impassable, tankers would have little choice but to sail around Africa, adding thousands of nautical miles and roughly two to three weeks to voyages to Asia. "The impact is going to be massive in the first month," said Matt Smith, commodity research director at Kpler. "The biggest impact is going to be on Saudi flows." Alternative routes offer only limited relief. Besides draft restrictions in the Suez Canal, Egypt's SUMED Pipeline lacks sufficient capacity to absorb the diverted volumes. Brent crude settled $1.12, or 1.3 percent, higher at $89.22 a barrel Monday after touching an intraday high of $91.42, with hopes of renewed negotiations between Washington and Tehran helping temper gains. Analysts warned crude prices could climb to between $115 and $120 a barrel if Houthi attacks were to halt traffic through Bab el-Mandeb for a prolonged period. The latest threat marks another escalation after the collapse of the June ceasefire between Washington and Tehran. Iran has continued to interfere with shipping through the Strait of Hormuz despite U.S. assurances that neutral vessels bound for non-Iranian destinations would not be impeded. 2026-07-21 15:48:41 -
Illegal Online Loan Advertisements Surge 48% to 7,855 Cases The number of illegal online loan advertisements has increased by nearly 50% over the past year. Ads impersonating policy financial products or registered lending companies are particularly spreading on social media platforms like YouTube and Instagram.The Korea Association of Credit Finance announced on July 21 that it identified 7,855 advertisements from 280 suspected illegal loan companies during a two-month inspection starting in April. This marks an increase of 2,563 cases (48%) compared to the 5,292 ads identified last year.Of the total, 6,104 ads, or 77.7%, were found on social media platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram. Portal advertisements accounted for 1,751 cases. The association explained that social media allows for easy account creation and deletion, making it easier to evade detection through repeated exposure via algorithms.In terms of advertisement types, 7,090 ads encouraged one-on-one consultations via phone or KakaoTalk, while 624 ads disguised as informational posts or user reviews were also noted. Additionally, 135 ads directed users to closed communities.Many of the identified ads falsely claimed to represent government-supported financial products such as 'government support,' 'low-income loans,' 'sunshine loans,' and 'smile finance,' or presented misleading company names and registration numbers to mislead consumers into thinking they were legitimate lending companies. This could lead consumers to mistakenly provide personal information or engage with illegal high-interest loans, raising concerns.The association plans to forward the identified ads and phone numbers to the agency operating the one-stop comprehensive support system for illegal loans, requesting the blocking of the ads and cessation of phone number use.Jung Sung-woong, president of the Korea Association of Credit Finance, stated, "In addition to cracking down on illegal loan advertisements, it is necessary to activate legitimate lending finance to prevent vulnerable financial groups from being driven into the illegal market."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-21 15:48:00 -
World Cup Farewell: Messi, Ronaldo, and Neymar Bid Emotional Goodbye The world's biggest soccer festival has come to a close, leaving fans around the globe in awe. Along with it, legendary players who have captivated audiences for nearly two decades bid farewell to the FIFA World Cup stage with tears.The player who garnered the most attention in this farewell was Lionel Messi of Argentina, often referred to as the 'God of Soccer.' Messi scored eight goals and provided four assists during the tournament, leading Argentina to the finals once again. He also set numerous records, including the most appearances in World Cup history with 34 matches and the highest total of goal contributions (33: 21 goals and 12 assists).However, his dream of a perfect farewell was thwarted at the final hurdle. Argentina, aiming for back-to-back championships after their victory in the 2022 Qatar World Cup, faced Spain in the final on July 20 in East Rutherford, New Jersey, where they lost 1-0 after extra time. At 39 years and 25 days old, Messi became the oldest field player to appear in a World Cup final but struggled against Spain's intense pressure, failing to record a single shot in 90 minutes, leaving him with a deep sense of regret.Messi missed out not only on the championship trophy but also on individual accolades. The Golden Ball for the tournament's best player went to Rodri of Spain, while the Golden Boot for top scorer was awarded to Kylian Mbappé of France, who netted 10 goals and provided four assists.After the match, Messi embraced Ramin Yamal, a promising young player born in 2007 whom he had bathed as a baby. With a silver medal around his neck, Messi shed tears as he concluded his World Cup journey.Messi's eternal rival, Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal, also exited the tournament with disappointment. Ronaldo scored three goals in five matches, making history as the first player to score in six consecutive World Cups. However, Portugal was eliminated in the Round of 16, losing 1-0 to Spain.Ronaldo expressed his sadness, stating, "I am sad to leave the World Cup this way," but added, "I gave it my all and leave with a sense of relief."Croatian midfielder Luka Modrić also departed the World Cup stage he cherished. He set a record for the fourth-most international appearances (200) during the group stage match against Panama and broke the record for the oldest assist in World Cup history (40 years and 291 days) in the match against Ghana. However, Croatia was eliminated in the Round of 32, losing 2-1 to Portugal, marking the end of his fifth World Cup journey.Brazilian star Neymar's farewell was also marked by tears. After recovering from injury, he returned for the group stage match against Scotland but could not prevent a 2-1 loss to Norway in the Round of 16, collapsing on the field in tears. After the match, Neymar announced his retirement from international play, saying, "I did my best. Now it's over."South Korea's captain Son Heung-min looked ahead to the future. The South Korean team finished the group stage with one win and two losses, failing to advance to the knockout stage. However, Son publicly expressed his determination to continue playing for the national team, leaving the door open for his participation in the next World Cup. 2026-07-21 15:48:00
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2026 World Cup Concludes with Record 308 Goals; Spain Wins with Minimal Conceded Goals The 2026 FIFA North America World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, concluded after 39 days of intense competition. This tournament marked the first time the number of participating teams was expanded to 48, setting significant milestones in attendance, scoring, and individual achievements.The tournament's overwhelming popularity was evident, with a record 104 matches played and a total attendance of 6,810,966. This figure surpassed the previous record of 3,587,538 set during the 1994 U.S. World Cup, and nearly doubled the 3.4 million attendees from the 2022 Qatar World Cup. The final match between Spain and Argentina drew a full house of 80,663 spectators, resulting in an overall seat occupancy rate of 99.7%.With the increase in matches, the tournament also showcased a remarkable scoring spree. A total of 308 goals were scored, averaging 2.96 goals per game, surpassing the 172 goals scored in Qatar. England and France led the scoring charts with 20 goals each, followed by Argentina with 19 goals, while the champions, Spain, netted 14 goals. The third-place match between England and France saw a combined total of 10 goals, setting a new record for the highest-scoring third-place playoff, surpassing the previous record of 9 goals from the 1958 Sweden World Cup.Spain, returning to the top after 16 years since the 2010 South Africa World Cup, made history with its defensive prowess, conceding only one goal throughout the tournament, the fewest ever by a World Cup-winning team. Goalkeeper Unai Simón achieved a remarkable 519 minutes of consecutive play without conceding a goal. Coach Luis de la Fuente, who led Spain to an unbeaten streak of 38 matches (29 wins, 9 draws), became the oldest coach to win the World Cup, born in 1961. Additionally, 2007-born Lamine Yamal became the first teenager to play in both a UEFA European Championship and a World Cup final.In individual accolades, Kylian Mbappé of France stood out, scoring 10 goals, the first player to achieve double-digit goals in a single tournament since Gerd Müller in 1970. He also won the Golden Boot for the second consecutive time, setting a new record for the most goal contributions in a single tournament with 14 points, surpassing his total to 22 career World Cup goals, overtaking Lionel Messi.Mbappé's teammate, Michael Olise, assisted him multiple times, finishing the tournament with 7 assists, breaking the record for the most assists in a single World Cup, previously held by Pelé with 6.This World Cup also featured compelling narratives, including Cape Verde, a small island nation with a population of about 500,000, earning the title of the smallest nation to reach the knockout stage. Africa showcased its strength with a record 9 teams (South Africa, Morocco, Côte d'Ivoire, Egypt, Cape Verde, Senegal, Algeria, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Ghana) advancing to the Round of 32.Additionally, Dick Advocaat, who led Curaçao in its first World Cup appearance, became the oldest coach in history at age 76, having previously managed the South Korean national team during the 2006 World Cup in Germany. 2026-07-21 15:48:00
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Financial Supervisory Service Chief Calls for Consumer Protection in All Financial Processes The Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) is expanding its collaboration to enhance consumer protection capabilities beyond the banking sector to include financial investment, insurance, credit finance, and savings banks. On July 21, the FSS announced that it signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Korea Financial Investment Association, the Life Insurance Association, the General Insurance Association, the Credit Finance Association, the Korea Savings Bank Association, and the Insurance Education Institute to strengthen the consumer protection capabilities of financial company employees. Lee Chan-jin, the head of the FSS, emphasized that "consumer protection should not be limited to post-management aspects such as handling complaints or disputes," adding that "consumer protection must be embedded throughout the entire process of financial companies' operations, from product planning and design to sales, post-management, and internal controls." He further stated that it is necessary to implement systematic training programs to ensure that executives, including Chief Consumer Protection Officers (CCOs), possess adequate awareness and expertise in consumer protection. Lee also pledged that the FSS would actively support educational content and lectures based on the cases and experiences accumulated during supervision and inspection processes. Under this agreement, the FSS will provide consulting and lectures on educational content related to consumer protection and key issues in each sector, while the associations and training institutions will develop and operate training programs that reflect the characteristics of their respective sectors and expand participation from member companies. In the second half of this year, a pilot training program focused on case studies will be conducted for executives, including CCOs and planning department heads, as well as department heads responsible for consumer protection. Following this, the FSS plans to formalize consumer protection training programs based on the results of the training and the demands of each sector. Leaders of financial associations expressed their agreement that consumer protection is a core issue for the trust and sustainable growth of the financial industry, and they aim to enhance the effectiveness of training by reflecting the characteristics of each sector and expanding participation from member companies.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-21 15:44:00
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No Responsibility for Death in Assault Case Involving Apartment Representatives Conflicts among apartment representatives over management issues led to a physical altercation that resulted in one man's death. The man who struck the victim was convicted of assault but was acquitted of the charge of assault causing death.On July 20, the Suwon High Court's Criminal Division 1 dismissed appeals from both the prosecution and the defendant, a man in his 40s identified as A. The court upheld the lower court's ruling, which found A guilty of assault and sentenced him to 10 months in prison, suspended for two years, along with 80 hours of community service.The incident occurred on February 28, 2024, at around 7:40 p.m. in a meeting room of an apartment complex in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province. A, who was an apartment representative, clashed with a man in his 50s, identified as B, during the meeting.After stepping outside, B suggested drafting a written agreement stating he would not contest the fight. A agreed, and subsequently struck B multiple times in the face and kicked him in the head. Although bystanders intervened to stop the fight, B collapsed shortly afterward and was taken to the hospital, where he later died.The National Forensic Service considered acute cardiac arrest as a possible cause of death. They noted that the circumstances surrounding the fight could not entirely rule out the possibility that the assault contributed to B's death. Based on this, the prosecution charged A with assault causing death.However, the court determined that it was difficult to hold A responsible for the death separate from the assault. The charge of assault causing death applies when a person intentionally commits an assault that unexpectedly results in a serious death. There must be a causal relationship between the assault and the death, and the defendant must have been able to foresee the possibility of death in that situation.The Supreme Court has also ruled that for the charge of assault causing death to be established, foreseeability of death is necessary. If the defendant could not have anticipated it at all, even if a conditional causal relationship between the assault and death is recognized, they cannot be punished for assault causing death.The first trial court considered that B had proposed the written agreement before the physical confrontation escalated. It also found no evidence that B complained of chest pain during the assault or that A was aware of B's critical condition. In this context, the court concluded that it would have been difficult for A to foresee that his actions would lead to B's death.The appellate court reached the same conclusion. The judges noted that when A kicked B in the face, he was being restrained by others, making it unlikely he could have delivered a full-force blow. The forensic results also indicated that the level of violence was not definitively life-threatening.While the written agreement did not absolve A of all criminal responsibility, the law generally allows for non-punishment if the victim consents to the infringement of their legal rights, provided that such consent does not violate social norms. Consent from the victim does not automatically permit actions that seriously harm life or bodily integrity.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-21 15:44:00
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Internet Banks Expand Corporate Lending Through Partnerships with Regional Banks Starting next year, internet-only banks will introduce joint corporate lending with regional banks, prompting these banks to begin hiring and system development in earnest. With household loan regulations stifling growth in lending, the focus is on whether corporate finance can become a new revenue source.According to the financial sector on July 21, Kakao Bank has recently begun hiring for a corporate lending product and system planning manager. This follows the Financial Services Commission designating Kakao Bank and BNK Busan Bank's joint lending service as an innovative financial service on July 15, allowing them to commence product development and system design.A Kakao Bank official stated, "We are hiring to prepare for the launch of joint lending for small and medium-sized enterprises next year," adding that they plan to unveil the service after negotiating terms and developing products with Busan Bank.Currently, corporate lending from Kakao Bank, Toss Bank, and K-Bank is primarily focused on credit loans and guarantee loans for individual business owners, as well as real estate-backed loans for individual entrepreneurs. Internet banks, which operate primarily online, have faced limitations in expanding into corporate loans that require in-person procedures such as site inspections, collateral verification, and management interviews.However, starting next year, the allowance of some in-person assessments for corporate loans by internet banks and the introduction of joint corporate lending with regional banks will provide a foundation for expanding corporate finance to small and medium-sized enterprises and general corporations.Joint corporate lending involves internet banks with digital platform competitiveness collaborating with regional banks that have extensive experience in corporate loan assessments. This initiative has been continuously requested by internet banks seeking to secure new revenue sources amid restrictions on household loan growth.There is also a growing need to diversify the current corporate lending structure, which is heavily skewed towards individual business loans. An increase in delinquency rates among self-employed individuals due to economic slowdown could raise the overall credit risk in corporate lending. In fact, in the first quarter of this year, the delinquency rates for corporate loans at Kakao Bank and Toss Bank were 1.4% and 2.11%, respectively, significantly higher than the average of about 0.4% among the five major commercial banks.Other internet banks are also hastening their expansion into corporate finance. Toss Bank is preparing to launch joint corporate lending with Gwangju Bank, while K-Bank is developing a corporate lending system aimed at small and medium-sized enterprises to establish a non-face-to-face lending service.An industry official noted, "In a situation where household loan regulations continue, it is important to broaden the business base through corporate loans. By collaborating with regional banks to identify promising local businesses, we can expect to alleviate funding shortages in the region."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-21 15:44:00
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South Korea falls to 32nd in FIFA rankings after early World Cup exit SEOUL, July 21 (AJP) - South Korea dropped seven places to 32nd in FIFA's latest men's world rankings, released on Tuesday, after this year's World Cup in North America wrapped up over the weekend. South Korea, ranked 25th just before the quadrennial football tournament kicked off last month, slipped to 32nd after its early World Cup exit. In its group-stage matches, South Korea beat Czechia 2-1 in its opening match and appeared to be off to a strong start, but suffered 1-0 defeats to Mexico and South Africa, finishing third in its group and failing to advance to the knockout stage. In particular, the loss to South Africa, then ranked 61st, dealt the biggest blow because defeats to lower-ranked opponents carry heavier point deductions under FIFA's ranking system. The latest ranking also marks South Korea's lowest since December 2021, when it was 33rd. The country had stayed inside the top 30 since moving up to 29th in February 2022. South Korea also dropped out of Asia's top three, falling to fourth after Australia overtook it. Japan remained the continent's highest-ranked team at 17th, followed by Iran at 22nd and Australia at 28th. Meanwhile, World Cup winner Spain rose to No. 1, while Argentina fell to second after a 1-0 defeat in the final. France, England and Brazil rounded out the top five. Mexico climbed four spots to 10th, while Norway jumped 12 places to 19th after reaching the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time. 2026-07-21 15:41:43 -
National Discussion on Real Estate: Key Issues of Property Tax and Homebuyer Criteria The government is reviewing comprehensive real estate measures that encompass taxation and finance, with a national discussion forum led by the president scheduled for July 23. This forum is expected to be a turning point in determining future policy directions. Key issues include the transition of the comprehensive real estate tax (CRET) assessment criteria, the threshold for high-value homes, and how far to recognize actual homebuyers in housing finance.According to industry sources on July 21, the forum is likely to address a proposal to shift the CRET assessment criteria from the current focus on the number of homes owned to the combined value of those homes. The existing system imposes a heavier tax burden on multi-homeowners with lower-priced properties compared to single-homeowners with high-value properties, leading to ongoing debates about tax equity.At a previous public forum on real estate taxation held on July 16, participants suggested that the property tax system should be restructured based on value rather than the number of homes. However, the transition of criteria and actual adjustments to tax burdens are separate issues. The market's response will vary depending on where the threshold for high-value homes is set and how much burden is recognized for actual residents with one home.While there are calls to make ownership burdens more realistic, concerns have been raised that a rapid increase in tax burdens could lead to rent hikes or tax resistance. Particularly, actual residents with one home may react sensitively to tax increases, as rising home prices do not immediately translate into improved cash flow. If the expectation is that strengthening property taxes will lead to more listings, there are warnings that market backlash could outweigh policy benefits.Woo Byung-tak, a specialist at Shinhan Premier Pathfinder, stated, "While increasing property taxes on high-value homes may be justified from a tax equity perspective, the approach of pressuring multi-homeowners or high-value property owners to sell their properties could likely repeat past policy errors. The government should communicate with the public based on the justification of securing fair tax equity that aligns with price increases, rather than pursuing the unrealistic goal of inducing listings."In the financial sector, the boundary between loan regulations and protection for actual homebuyers is a contentious issue. As of 3 p.m. on the day of the real estate forum, a total of 3,356 public policy proposals had been submitted on the forum's website. Among these, 1,449 were related to housing finance, 1,096 to housing supply, and 802 to real estate taxation.Notably, around 400 of the housing finance proposals included keywords related to "first-time homebuyers" and "actual demand." Common suggestions include increasing the loan limits for first-time homebuyers and raising the loan-to-value (LTV) ratio, as well as increasing the loan limits for tenants needing funds to vacate for actual residence purposes. There are also questions about whether it is appropriate to group actual demand from first-time homebuyers and those looking to switch homes under the same regulatory framework.The recent tightening of loan access by major banks has further fueled the debate over actual homebuyers. KB Kookmin Bank has reduced the maximum loan limit for home purchases in the metropolitan area and regulated regions from 600 million won to 300 million won. Complaints are growing among first-time homebuyers and those looking to switch homes, who feel that the blanket regulations are excessive, compounded by the government's household debt management policies and banks' self-regulation.However, financial authorities maintain that they must uphold the principles of managing total household debt and preventing overheating in the real estate market. They are concerned that broadly relaxing loan regulations in the name of protecting actual homebuyers could rekindle buying momentum. Ultimately, the key issue will be how far to recognize first-time homebuyers, those needing to sell existing homes to switch, and landlords requiring funds to vacate as actual demand.In the supply sector, calls for regulatory relief continue. The redevelopment industry argues that easing relocation loan regulations and expanding floor area incentives are necessary to promote urban supply. If financing for relocation is blocked, the timelines for relocation, demolition, and construction could be delayed, highlighting the need for exceptions or supplementary measures in financial regulations.Conversely, there is significant caution within and outside the government regarding excessive regulatory relief, which could stimulate investment demand and exacerbate housing price instability. While there is agreement on the need to expand supply, it is essential to consider the signals that easing relocation loan regulations and floor area incentives would send to the market.Experts emphasize that the upcoming forum should not merely serve as a platform for gathering opinions. They argue that tax policy must clarify standards between tax equity and mitigating market shocks, while finance should balance household debt management with protection for actual homebuyers, and supply should navigate between regulatory relief and public interest.Song Seung-hyun, head of Urban and Economy, stated, "A cautious approach is needed to first secure sufficient volumes for transactions to circulate through tax relief or easing regulations on redevelopment projects, followed by loan relaxation. Additionally, the relocation loan regulations, which are slowing down the pace of redevelopment and reconstruction, should be flexibly adjusted to provide some breathing room."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-21 15:40:00
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Government Cancels 198 Awards Linked to Military Coup and Spy Cases The government has canceled 198 awards given to individuals involved in the December 12 military coup, the May 18 pro-democracy movement suppression, martial law operations, and espionage fabrication cases.The Ministry of the Interior and Safety announced on July 21 that it reviewed and approved the cancellation of these awards during the 31st Cabinet meeting, affecting 167 recipients.Specifically, the cancellations include 76 military merit medals and decorations awarded to 76 individuals related to the December 12 military coup and the May 18 incident from 1980 to 1981, as well as 122 awards, including medals and presidential and prime ministerial citations, given to 91 individuals involved in espionage fabrication cases from the 1960s to the 1990s.To rectify government awards given to those involved in unconstitutional acts and state violence, the government, in collaboration with the Defense Ministry, National Police Agency, and National Intelligence Service, reviewed the appropriateness of these awards. This process included notifying the individuals involved and holding a public review committee.The canceled awards consist of 76 from the Defense Ministry, 36 from the National Police Agency, and 86 from the National Intelligence Service. Among the confirmed cancellations is the revocation of four awards received by Park Cheo-won (1927-2008), the former head of the National Police Agency's anti-communism investigation department, including one each of the Order of Merit and the Order of Civil Merit, as well as two presidential citations.Additionally, one prime ministerial citation awarded to Lee Geun-an, known as a 'torture technician,' who passed away in March this year, has also been canceled.The Defense Ministry had previously canceled the Chungmu Military Merit Medal awarded to ten individuals involved in the December 12 military coup in March and has now confirmed the cancellation of 76 additional awards that were improperly granted.Of these, 42 individuals who were honored for 'contributions to national security' were found to lack the qualifications for receiving military merit medals, as they did not meet the criteria of 'performing duties equivalent to combat' or 'dedication and effort to national defense' required for the awards.The Defense Ministry also determined that 34 individuals honored for 'contributions to martial law operations' had falsified achievements under the award law.The imposition of martial law has been judicially evaluated as an act of constitutional disruption and insurrection, and the tasks performed by the martial law command and its subordinate units were deemed as aiding the illegal power seizure by the new military regime, thus disqualifying them from being recognized as achievements worthy of awards.Since March, the National Police Agency has been conducting a comprehensive review of approximately 100,000 government awards given since its establishment, identifying awards related to illegal arrests, abuses, and suppression of the pro-democracy movement.The 36 awards canceled by the National Police Agency include 15 medals, three decorations, 12 presidential citations, and six prime ministerial citations. The most numerous cancellations, totaling 29, are related to the 'Namminjeon (South Korean National Liberation Front) case,' in which over 80 individuals were arrested on charges of violating the National Security Law.The Namminjeon case was confirmed to involve illegal detention and abuse in retrials in 2024 and 2025, leading to the acquittal of the defendants.Also included in the cancellations are two awards related to the Samcheok fixed spy group case, three awards related to the Seoul National University Murim case, and one award each related to the Ham Ju-myung spy case and the Korean Christian Social Issues Research Institute case.The National Police Agency has also requested the cancellation of 51 ministerial citations related to these cases from the relevant authorities.Currently, the National Police Agency is in the process of canceling additional government awards related to unconstitutional acts, including the suppression of the May 18 pro-democracy movement and the Samcheok education.The National Intelligence Service conducted its own review of government awards given to employees since the establishment of the Central Intelligence Agency at the end of March this year.After reviewing retrial verdicts, reports from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and the National Intelligence Service's truth commission, violations of investigation procedures and human rights abuses were confirmed in 19 cases, including 17 cases that were acquitted in retrials and two cases pointed out by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the National Intelligence Service.The National Intelligence Service has requested the Ministry of the Interior and Safety to cancel 86 government awards given to 71 individuals related to the Japanese-Korean spy case, the Boseong family spy case, and the Jeju mother-daughter spy case.This cancellation of government awards marks the third instance this year, following the revocation of 11 awards, including the Order of National Security, in January and ten military merit medals in March.The National Police Agency and the National Intelligence Service have apologized to the victims and bereaved families affected by past unlawful exercises of public power and human rights violations.The government plans to continue uncovering and canceling improperly awarded government honors related to unconstitutional acts and espionage fabrication cases.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-21 15:40:00