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Controversy Arises Over 'Birthday Voting Guide' in Democratic Party The Democratic Party is facing controversy over a 'birthday voting guide' ahead of its party convention scheduled for August 17, with preliminary elections starting on July 21. Reactions are divided between claims of undermining party member sovereignty and views of it as a strategic choice for members.Hwang Myung-sun, a Supreme Council member aligned with the pro-Lee Jae-myung faction, stated during a Supreme Council meeting on July 20, "We must stop blatant factional politics."He added, "Some candidates are reportedly encouraging their supporters to vote for candidates based on their birth month, packaged together. In past conventions, candidates have never openly divided party members to solicit votes. This approach, prioritizing personal interests and demanding blind loyalty to specific individuals, cannot escape criticism as factional politics."Hwang emphasized, "Each member's vote is a precious right that should be based on their judgment of a candidate's vision and qualifications. The idea of distributing votes based on birth dates reflects arrogance, treating members not as sovereigns but as mere numbers of votes."Previously, Democratic Party member Chae Hyun-il, also considered part of the pro-Lee faction, revealed on Facebook that promotional materials have been circulated ahead of the Supreme Council preliminary elections, bundling a specific party leader candidate with three Supreme Council candidates and designating candidates based on members' birth months. This was interpreted as a jab at the pro-Jung Cheong-rae faction.In response, former leader Jung Cheong-rae appeared on MBC Radio's 'Kim Jong-bae's Focus' on the same day, stating, "This has always been the case," and added, "I believe the other side is aware of this as well. Members are strategizing on their own. Everyone has done this, and it is common practice."Meanwhile, five candidates are running for party leader and 14 for the Supreme Council in the Democratic Party's convention. The preliminary elections will narrow the field to three candidates for party leader and eight for the Supreme Council, making factional strategies a key variable in the upcoming contest.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-20 11:32:00 -
Koo Yun-cheol: Ensure Follow-up Actions for Economic Policy and Key Tasks Koo Yun-cheol, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, emphasized the need for effective follow-up actions to ensure that the economic policy direction for the second half of the year and ten key tasks yield visible results.During an expanded executive meeting held at the Government Sejong Center, Koo reiterated the importance of implementing the economic growth strategy for the second half of the year, which was previously outlined in presidential briefings and national fiscal strategy meetings.Koo stressed that it is crucial for policies to function effectively in the field. He urged each department to check detailed implementation plans for each task and enhance communication on the ground. This will help ensure that citizens and businesses can directly experience the benefits of the policies.He also called for thorough preparations for upcoming major events, including a real estate forum and tax reform announcements, stating, “We need to create changes that the public can feel. With numerous economic issues and policy tasks ahead in the second half of the year, we will accelerate innovations in our work methods to achieve greater results.”Finally, Koo addressed the integrity training for high-ranking officials that follows the meeting, urging them to set an exemplary standard in the area of integrity as the leading economic ministry, thereby earning the trust of the public.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-20 11:24:00
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60% of Japanese Citizens Disagree with Recent Imperial Household Law Revisions Recent polling indicates that 60% of Japanese citizens believe the recently revised Imperial Household Law (皇室典範) lacks public support. Additionally, 62% expressed that they cannot accept the continued prohibition of a female emperor. In contrast, opinions were evenly split regarding the proposal to adopt male descendants from former royal families who left the imperial family after World War II, granting them succession rights for the throne.Asahi Shimbun reported on July 20 that the nationwide telephone survey was conducted among voters from July 18 to 19. The Imperial Household Law governs the structure of the Japanese imperial family and the succession process. Only 24% of respondents felt that the recent revisions garnered public understanding, while 60% disagreed.On July 17, the Japanese House of Councillors passed the amendment to the Imperial Household Law, completing the legislative process. The amendment removes the clause that required female royals to leave the imperial family upon marriage. Previously, female royals had to renounce their royal status if they married commoners.The amendment also allows for the adoption of male descendants from the 11 former imperial families that left the royal lineage in 1947, provided they are male and at least 15 years old without spouses or children. This change creates an exception to the previous prohibition on the adoption of royals. The discussions arose from concerns about the declining number of royals due to the existing rule requiring female royals to leave the family upon marriage.However, the amendment still does not recognize the ascension of a female emperor, with only 29% of respondents finding this acceptable, while 62% could not accept it.Opinions were closely divided on the proposal to adopt male descendants from former royal families, with 42% finding it acceptable and 43% disagreeing. Similarly, regarding granting succession rights to sons born to these adopted males, 43% found it acceptable, while 45% did not.Support for Takaichi Cabinet Falls to 50%Meanwhile, the approval rating for Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's cabinet has dropped to 53%, down 7 percentage points from 60% last month. This marks the first time since the cabinet's inception in October of last year that the approval rating has fallen below 60%. The percentage of respondents who do not support the cabinet rose from 27% to 35% during the same period.Among supporters of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, the approval rating remains high at 87%. However, among independents, only 36% expressed support, while 42% did not. This is the first instance where the percentage of independents who do not support the cabinet exceeds those who do.Among those who believe the revisions to the Imperial Household Law lack public understanding, only 42% support the cabinet, which is 11 percentage points lower than the overall approval rating. The percentage of those who do not support the cabinet in this group is 49%. Asahi Shimbun analyzed that the revisions to the Imperial Household Law may have influenced the cabinet's approval ratings.The decline in support is also attributed to dissatisfaction with measures addressing high inflation and the cabinet's policy implementation approach. The percentage of respondents who do not evaluate Takaichi's inflation measures positively is 57%, significantly higher than the 29% who do. Additionally, 46% of respondents felt that the government's policy implementation is not meticulous, compared to 38% who believe it is.This survey was conducted via random selection of landline and mobile phone numbers, with a total of 1,066 valid responses, including 397 from landlines and 669 from mobile phones.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-20 11:24:00
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Koo Yun-cheol: Ensure Follow-Up Actions for Economic Policy and Key Tasks Koo Yun-cheol, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, urged on July 20 for the implementation of follow-up actions to ensure that the economic policy direction for the second half of the year and ten key tasks yield visible results.During an expanded executive meeting held at the Government Sejong Center, Koo emphasized the importance of policies functioning effectively in the field. He instructed each department to check detailed implementation plans for each task and enhance communication on the ground. He added that it is essential to improve the quality of policies so that citizens and businesses can directly experience their benefits.Koo also highlighted the need for thorough preparations for upcoming major events, including a real estate forum and the announcement of tax reform plans, stating, "We must create changes that the public can feel. With numerous economic issues and policy tasks ahead in the second half of the year, we will accelerate innovations in our working methods to work efficiently and achieve greater results."Finally, he called for high-ranking officials participating in the integrity training following the meeting to demonstrate exemplary conduct in the integrity sector, aiming to rebuild trust in the organization as the central economic ministry.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-20 11:24:00
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Lee Seung-ryeol Appointed as New Head of KTR Lee Seung-ryeol has been appointed as the new head of the Korea Testing & Research Institute (KTR).According to KTR, Lee took office on July 20, following a career that began in April 1997 as an administrative officer at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. Over the past 30 years, he has held key positions in critical areas such as industry, trade, and energy. He has gained extensive policy experience in various departments, including Industrial Technology Development, Industrial Innovation, and Energy Conservation.Lee has also served as the Director of the Nuclear Industry Policy Bureau and the Head of the Industrial Policy Division, overseeing national industrial policies. Prior to his appointment at KTR, he was an advisor to the National Science and Technology Advisory Council, a presidential advisory body.During his tenure as the head of the Industrial Policy Division, Lee was responsible for strengthening the competitiveness of key industries, fostering new industries, and promoting balanced regional development. His background has led to his recognition as a suitable candidate to lead KTR, which provides testing, certification, and technical services across various industrial sectors.In his inaugural speech, Lee stated, "KTR must fulfill its social responsibilities based on public interest and gain global recognition for its reliability. I will strive to develop KTR into a global technology service organization that prepares for future industries in the AI era, based on innovation."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-20 11:20:00
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Lee Seung-ryeol Appointed as New Head of KTR Lee Seung-ryeol has been appointed as the new head of the Korea Testing & Research Institute (KTR).According to KTR, Lee took office on July 20, following a career that began in April 1997 as an administrative officer at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. Over the past 30 years, he has held key positions in critical areas such as industry, trade, and energy. He has gained extensive policy experience in various departments, including Industrial Technology Development, Industrial Innovation, and Energy Conservation.Lee has also served as the Director of the Nuclear Industry Policy Bureau and the head of the Industrial Policy Division, overseeing national industrial policies. Prior to his appointment at KTR, he was an advisory member of the National Science and Technology Advisory Council, a presidential advisory body.During his tenure as the head of the Industrial Policy Division, Lee was responsible for strengthening the competitiveness of key industries, fostering new industries, and promoting regional balanced development. His background has led to his recognition as a suitable candidate to lead KTR, which provides testing, certification, and technical services across various industrial sectors.In his inaugural speech, Lee stated, "KTR must fulfill its social responsibilities based on public interest and gain global recognition for its reliability. I will strive to develop KTR into a global technical service organization that prepares for future industries in the AI era, based on innovation."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-20 11:20:00
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Can 'King of the North' Andy Burnham Save Britain? Seven Prime Ministers in Ten YearsIn 2016, as the debate over whether to leave the European Union intensified within the Conservative Party, then-Prime Minister David Cameron proposed a referendum, believing the 'Remain' side would win. However, the 'Leave' campaign triumphed, leading to Cameron's resignation the following day. Ten years after the Brexit vote, the UK welcomes its seventh Prime Minister this week.The UK finds itself in urgent need of revitalization. The economy is sluggish, public services are stretched thin, and improvements in living standards have stagnated for decades. Political instability has become the norm, and public sentiment is bleak.The revolving door of Prime Ministers began with Cameron's resignation and has included Theresa May, Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, Rishi Sunak, and Keir Starmer, now passing the baton to Andy Burnham. Each new Prime Minister has promised 'stability,' yet the aftershocks of Brexit, the COVID-19 pandemic, the cost-of-living crisis, and the rise of far-right populism have proven too powerful to quell. Starmer, who resigned last month after a decisive victory in the 2024 general election, saw his approval ratings plummet due to frequent policy reversals, a lack of a clear vision, and poor personnel decisions, ultimately leading to his departure after just over a year.The Labour Party's choice for its next leader is Andy Burnham, 56, known as the 'King of the North.' Unlike many politicians, he did not follow the traditional elite path in Westminster. Born into a working-class family in the suburbs of Liverpool, he joined the Labour Party at 15, studied English literature at Cambridge, and entered Parliament at 31 after a career in journalism. He has held key positions in the Treasury, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, and as Health Secretary under Tony Blair and Gordon Brown. However, after two unsuccessful bids for party leadership in 2010 and 2015, he made the unusual choice to resign from Parliament in 2017 to become the Mayor of Greater Manchester, successfully reinventing himself from a central political figure to a local administrator.Moments That Shaped the 'King of the North'Burnham gained national recognition during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 when the Boris Johnson government imposed strict lockdown measures in Manchester but offered inadequate financial support. He confronted the London government, arguing that its decisions endangered the livelihoods of northern workers. His passionate speeches, broadcast nationwide, earned him the nickname 'King of the North.' This was not merely a political moment but became the foundation of his political identity, representing the deep economic and political imbalance between Northern England and the Southeast, as well as the feelings of alienation among Northern citizens.His record as mayor supports this image. He has pushed for public ownership of bus routes and implemented a flat fare of £2, leading to significant regional economic growth that outpaced the national average. His decisive victory over a far-right candidate in last month's by-election in Wigan further demonstrated his political viability. As Starmer's leadership faltered, Labour quickly rallied around Burnham, who emerged as the sole candidate in the leadership race, securing 379 out of 403 votes from Labour MPs. His rapid return to the political forefront, just a month after leaving local politics, is a rare occurrence in British political history.'Manchesterism' Beyond Left and RightBurnham's political stance presents an interesting position within the Labour Party. He is seen as more left-leaning than the centrist pragmatism of Starmer but more moderate than the hard-left former leader Jeremy Corbyn. In his inaugural speech last week, he emphasized that Labour does not need to be more radical than the left-leaning Green Party, nor should it follow the right-wing logic of the Reform Party, nor mimic Conservative policies as in the past.Unlike Starmer, who was criticized for lacking charisma, Burnham is regarded as a natural communicator. He has a knack for creating a comfortable atmosphere, uniting people, and possesses a friendly sense of humor, often sharing 'dad jokes.' His approachable style, combined with a smart yet relaxed wardrobe, makes him relatable to the public.He also identifies as a 'definitely pro-business leader' and has pledged to continue his business-friendly approach from his time as mayor into his premiership. This reflects his core political philosophy, termed 'Manchesterism.' He advocates for respecting and collaborating with businesses while enhancing public control over essential infrastructure such as housing, water, energy, and transportation, transferring significant authority from central government to local communities. He argues that the centralization of political power during Margaret Thatcher's government in the 1980s, while privatizing economic control over essential goods, was a misguided choice that led to higher costs for the public and concentrated wealth and power in the hands of a few.What Sets Him Apart from Previous Prime MinistersEvery British Prime Minister has claimed to address regional imbalances. David Cameron initiated the 'Northern Powerhouse' policy, which laid the groundwork for the mayoral system Burnham now leads, while Boris Johnson promoted 'levelling up.' However, both initiatives remained largely symbolic, as central government departments, including the Treasury, have consistently refused to relinquish real budgetary control, citing local financial vulnerabilities and a lack of accountability. Despite the establishment of devolved governments in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland nearly 30 years ago, all three regions lack substantial tax and borrowing powers, resulting in their continued low rankings in economic growth rates since the late 1990s.Burnham's experience as a former minister and mayor of Greater Manchester has led to an understanding of local needs that surpasses that of previous Prime Ministers. The economic growth rate of Greater Manchester during his nine-year tenure was nearly double the national average. He has even proposed relocating some functions of the Prime Minister's office to Manchester, a move that signifies a desire to redesign the governance structure centered around Westminster and Whitehall. This indicates a clear commitment to reforming the UK's centralized power structure to address the chronic regional imbalances.However, whether this plan will avoid the failures of the past remains to be seen. The UK is considered one of the most centralized countries in terms of fiscal structure among advanced democracies. According to OECD statistics, local governments in the UK collect only about 6% of total tax revenue, significantly lower than France's 20% and half that of Germany and the United States. Experts argue that this low level of fiscal autonomy is a fundamental cause of the severe regional disparities in the UK, even more pronounced than the East-West divide in Germany or the North-South divide in Italy.Time and Challenges Ahead for BurnhamBurnham does not have much time. He faces pressure to deliver visible results within a maximum of three years before the next general election, possibly even sooner. Addressing regional imbalances is inherently a long-term challenge, and voters have a history of harshly judging Prime Ministers who have repeatedly promised change without delivering. One of the early tests he faces is the issue of North Sea oil and gas development. The Labour Party has pledged not to grant new drilling permits in the 2024 election, but there are concerns that connecting pipelines to existing offshore facilities could effectively develop new oil fields without violating this pledge. How Burnham handles this issue early in his tenure will likely be a litmus test for both climate advocates and energy security proponents.Party unity is also crucial. Burnham has promised not to discipline party members with differing views, distancing himself from the rigid control culture of the Starmer era, and has vowed to end the informal political maneuvering through unofficial media briefings typical of Downing Street. This reflects a response to the dissatisfaction that emerged within Labour during Starmer's leadership, characterized by an exclusive and closed decision-making culture. However, he has faced ongoing criticism from rivals for frequently changing his positions, and there are conflicting perceptions of him as both a shrewd power strategist and a polarizing figure, leaving uncertainty about his leadership style.An Experiment and a GambleAndy Burnham's ascension to the premiership represents an experiment in British politics. By placing a locally validated figure at the helm of national governance, the hope is to break the cycle of 'central political failure → new face emergence → failure again' that has persisted since Brexit. His combination of decentralization and pro-business policies is ideologically refreshing, yet the reality is that the UK's fiscal structure and administrative capabilities may not support this vision. As former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak recently pointed out, even if Burnham wishes to remain a 'decentralized Prime Minister,' he will constantly face pressing issues such as international relations, economic downturns, and fiscal pressures.Nevertheless, what distinguishes him from his predecessors is that all six Prime Ministers from Cameron to Starmer resigned under pressure from crises, eroding public trust in British politics. Burnham is the first Prime Minister to have 'failed at the center and returned validated from the local level.' His success or failure will ultimately depend on how willing Westminster is to relinquish power and resources, and whether local governments are prepared to handle that authority. Now that the 'King of the North' has taken residence at Downing Street, the answers will emerge in the next three years. 2026-07-20 11:16:00
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Jang Dong-hyuk: President Yoon Should Prioritize Citizens Over Party Issues Jang Dong-hyuk, leader of the People Power Party, criticized President Yoon Suk-yeol on July 20 for dismissing concerns about party involvement in the Democratic Party's convention deposit issue. He stated, "When many people criticize, it would be wise to reflect, but he seems to have no such thoughts."In a post on Facebook, Jang remarked, "With such capabilities, attitude, and mindset, it is difficult to manage the presidency." He pointed out that severe flooding occurred nationwide over the weekend, and the fire at the Coupang logistics center in Incheon remains uncontrolled. He noted that stock prices plummeted just before the holiday and that public sentiment regarding real estate is at a breaking point. Jang questioned, "Is the issue of the Democratic Party's convention deposit more urgent than these matters? If there is time for that, shouldn't the president prioritize the citizens?"He also addressed allegations that President Yoon played golf during the time of a missing naval soldier, saying, "He quickly responds to criticisms of party involvement but cannot answer why he was golfing. Is it so difficult to say sorry?" Jang emphasized that the president's responsibilities lie in managing people's livelihoods and security, while unnecessary interference in party primaries should be avoided.Previously, on July 19, President Yoon had commented on the increase in the Democratic Party's convention deposit. In response to criticism from the People Power Party regarding 'party involvement,' he argued, "Expressing opinions on the sudden excessive increase in youth deposits cannot be considered party involvement. The president has the right to participate as a party member in routine party activities, as recognized by law and the Democratic Party's regulations."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-20 11:16:00
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Jang Dong-hyuk: President Yoon Should Prioritize Citizens Over Party Issues Jang Dong-hyuk, leader of the People Power Party, criticized President Yoon Suk-yeol on July 20 for dismissing concerns about party involvement in the Democratic Party's convention deposit issue. He stated, "When many people criticize, it would be wise to reflect, but he seems to have no such thoughts."In a post on Facebook, Jang remarked, "With such capabilities, attitude, and mindset, it is difficult to handle the presidency." He pointed out that severe flooding occurred nationwide over the weekend, and the fire at the Coupang logistics center in Incheon is still not under control. He added, "The stock market plummeted just before the holiday, and public sentiment regarding real estate is on the verge of explosion. Is the issue of the Democratic Party's convention deposit more urgent than these matters? If there is time for that, shouldn't the president prioritize the citizens?"He also addressed allegations that President Yoon played golf during the time of a missing naval soldier, saying, "He quickly responds to criticism of party involvement but cannot answer why he played golf. Is it so difficult to say sorry?" Jang emphasized that the president's responsibilities lie in managing people's livelihoods and security, while unnecessary interference in party primaries should be avoided.Previously, on July 19, President Yoon had commented on the increase in the Democratic Party's convention deposit. In response to criticism from the People Power Party regarding 'party involvement,' he argued, "Expressing an opinion on the sudden excessive increase in youth deposits cannot be considered party involvement. The president has the right to participate as a party member in routine party activities, as recognized by law and the Democratic Party's regulations."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-20 11:16:00
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Trump Joins Spain's Trophy Ceremony Amid Boos at World Cup Final Donald Trump, the President of the United States, faced criticism for joining Spain's trophy ceremony at the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.On July 19, local time, Trump attended the match between Spain and Argentina at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Spain won the championship, defeating Argentina 1-0 after extra time. Following the match, Trump participated in the awards ceremony, presenting medals to the referees and players before handing the trophy to Spain's captain, Rodri, who was also named the Golden Ball winner.The controversy arose after Trump remained on stage as the players prepared for their victory celebration. He moved to the edge of the stage and raised the trophy alongside the players. FIFA President Gianni Infantino approached Trump, seemingly attempting to guide him off stage, but Trump stayed until the moment the Spanish players lifted the trophy.The Daily Beast criticized Trump for trying to make the moment about himself rather than allowing the team to celebrate their victory.The atmosphere in the stadium was not welcoming. As Trump appeared on the field alongside Infantino, he was met with loud boos from the crowd. According to the Independent, the noise level in the stadium, typically around 78 decibels, rose to 84 decibels after Trump's entrance. The crowd also booed when Trump's image appeared on the scoreboard before the match, prompting a quick switch to a view of the field.This is not the first time Trump has stirred controversy by joining a FIFA trophy ceremony. Last year, during the FIFA Club World Cup final at the same venue, he participated in the trophy celebration after Chelsea defeated Paris Saint-Germain, standing next to captain Reece James.On this occasion, Trump watched the match from a glass-enclosed VIP box with his wife, Melania Trump, their son Barron Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum were also in attendance.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-20 11:16:00