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Bukwang Pharmaceutical Expands Strategy with New Drug Development and Production Bukwang Pharmaceutical has begun to clarify the roles of its subsidiaries. The company aims to secure cash flow through its existing prescription drug (ETC) business, while its Danish subsidiary, Contera Pharma, will focus on new drug research and development (R&D), and Korea Union Pharmaceutical will handle production and contract manufacturing (CMO). This structure is seen as a strategy to broaden its growth by expanding production capabilities while accelerating new drug development.According to industry sources on July 17, Bukwang Pharmaceutical is intensifying efforts to enhance its production competitiveness by acquiring Korea Union Pharmaceutical, which includes securing a production line for injectable drugs and antibiotic products.Typically, establishing a new factory requires significant time for equipment setup and obtaining Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) approval. However, instead of building a new facility, Bukwang plans to utilize the existing production capabilities of Korea Union Pharmaceutical to alleviate production bottlenecks and improve manufacturing competitiveness.With this acquisition, Bukwang has added a foundation for producing injectable drugs and antibiotics to its existing solid dosage production system. A company representative stated, "The Korea Union Pharmaceutical plant is a state-of-the-art facility that received GMP approval in 2020," adding, "We expect that our production capacity will increase by approximately 30% following the acquisition."Notably, Korea Union Pharmaceutical has liquid injectable production facilities that are more than twice the size of Bukwang's. The company anticipates that both the expansion of product offerings and increased plant utilization rates will follow.Production transition efforts have already begun. Bukwang recently shipped the over-the-counter (OTC) product 'Complex Pajaimjeong' produced by Korea Union Pharmaceutical. This marks the first instance of transferring a product previously outsourced to Korea Union Pharmaceutical. Starting in August, Bukwang plans to produce 'Hard Chewable Tablets' and 'Hard Chewable Easy Tablets,' with additional products set to be transitioned later this year.Bukwang Pharmaceutical will concentrate on its prescription drug business. The company has a pipeline focused on treatments for diabetic peripheral neuropathy, including 'Dexide' and 'Chioctaside,' as well as antipsychotic and bipolar disorder treatment 'Latuda.' Dexide and Chioctaside are flagship products generating over 10 billion won in annual sales. Latuda surpassed 1 billion won in monthly sales within a year of its launch, becoming a key growth driver in the central nervous system (CNS) sector. There are also expectations for synergy between Bukwang, which has strengths in general hospital sales, and Korea Union Pharmaceutical, which has a contract sales organization (CSO) network.New drug development is being handled by Contera Pharma, Bukwang's wholly-owned subsidiary since 2014, which specializes in CNS. Currently, Contera is developing 'CP-012,' a treatment for Parkinson's disease morning akinesia, which completed Phase 1b clinical trials in Europe last year and is set to enter global Phase 2 trials in the U.S. and Europe in the second half of this year. The goal is to pursue technology transfer following Phase 2 trials.Contera Pharma is also expanding its next-generation pipeline. Last year, it signed a collaborative research agreement with Danish pharmaceutical company Lundbeck for RNA-based new drugs and is working on separating its RNA platform business into a new entity (NewCo). The RNA platform is intended to operate as an independent corporation to enhance external investment and global collaboration.Industry observers view this role clarification as a restructuring aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of each business. Bukwang CEO Jeong Yeong presented a goal at the regular shareholders' meeting in March to achieve 600 billion won in domestic sales and an operating profit margin of over 10% by 2030. Bukwang reported consolidated sales of 160.1 billion won and an operating profit of 1.6 billion won in 2024, transitioning to profitability, and recorded sales of 200.7 billion won and an operating profit of 14.16 billion won last year.An industry insider noted, "The core of this restructuring is securing cash flow based on key products while separating production and R&D by subsidiary. We can expect both cash generation and improved profitability through proactive investment."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-17 10:04:00 -
Real Estate Trends: Dongtan Sales Stabilize While Jeonse Prices Rise; Seoul Market Remains Strong As housing prices continue to rise in Seoul, the sales price growth in regulated areas like Dongtan in Hwaseong has somewhat stabilized following the June 27 loan regulations, while the jeonse market has become even stronger. In Seoul, not only apartment prices but also those for officetels and the proportion of rising transactions are expanding, indicating a robust overall housing market. According to the Korea Real Estate Agency's report on nationwide apartment price trends for the second week of July (as of July 13), the national average apartment sales price increased by 0.11% compared to the previous week. In the metropolitan area, prices rose by 0.21%, while Seoul saw a 0.30% increase, and regional areas experienced a slight rise of 0.01%, continuing the nationwide upward trend. In southern Gyeonggi Province, there was a clear disparity between regulated areas and adjacent regions. Dongtan in Hwaseong recorded a 0.73% increase this week, the highest in the metropolitan area, but this was a significant decrease from the previous week's 1.29%. Similarly, prices in Suwon's Yeongtong District dropped from 1.19% to 0.64%, and in Guri from 0.64% to 0.31%. Conversely, buying interest has spread to areas near the regulated zones. Giheung District in Yongin saw a 0.59% increase, up from 0.56% the previous week, while Gwangmyeong rose from 0.44% to 0.59%, continuing its upward momentum. This trend is particularly attributed to rising transactions in areas like Haandan-dong and Cheolsan-dong. Unlike the sales market, the jeonse market has remained strong even after the regulations. In Dongtan, while the sales price growth rate slowed from 1.29% to 0.73%, jeonse prices increased from 0.36% to 0.50%. Giheung also saw an increase in jeonse prices from 0.26% to 0.31%. In contrast, both sales and jeonse prices in Suwon's Yeongtong District experienced reduced growth. On a monthly basis, the strength of the Seoul housing market has become even more pronounced. The Korea Real Estate Agency's report on nationwide housing price trends for June 2026, released on July 15, indicated that the overall national sales price increased by 0.33% compared to the previous month, while jeonse and monthly rental prices rose by 0.38% each. In the metropolitan area, sales prices increased by 0.67%, jeonse by 0.71%, and monthly rents by 0.62%, while regional areas saw minimal increases of 0.01% in sales, 0.08% in jeonse, and 0.15% in monthly rents. Notably, Seoul's sales prices rose by 1.03%, jeonse by 1.08%, and monthly rents by 0.96%, significantly exceeding the national averages. Compared to the previous month, sales increased from 0.90% to 1.03%, jeonse from 0.91% to 1.08%, and monthly rents from 0.81% to 0.96%. The upward trend in apartment prices has also extended to non-apartment properties. The sales price of apartments in Seoul rose by 1.21%, the highest rate recorded, while row houses increased by 0.86% and single-family homes by 0.49%. The Korea Real Estate Agency includes multi-family homes in the row house category and multi-family houses in the single-family category. As apartment prices and jeonse rates rise together, the officetel market in Seoul continues to show strength. The Korea Real Estate Agency's report on officetel price trends for the second quarter of 2026, released on July 15, noted that while the national average sales price for officetels fell by 0.30% compared to the previous quarter, jeonse prices increased by 0.09% and monthly rents by 0.71%. In Seoul, all three categories—sales, jeonse, and monthly rents—saw increases. Sales prices rose by 0.24%, a slight increase from the previous quarter's 0.23%, while jeonse prices increased from 0.24% to 0.40%, and monthly rents rose from 0.75% to 0.90%. The Korea Real Estate Agency attributes the strength of the officetel market in Seoul to increased demand as an alternative to apartments. Sales of officetels have continued in urban areas with good transportation access and near subway stations, while the increase in jeonse prices has been driven by rising demand for larger officetels. Real transaction data also confirms the upward trend in Seoul. According to an analysis by Zigbang of actual transaction prices released on July 13, the proportion of rising transactions among nationwide apartment sales in June was 47.3%, an increase of 1.6 percentage points from the previous month (45.7%). In Seoul, the proportion of rising transactions surged from 47.7% to 57.1%, a jump of 9.4 percentage points in just one month. In May, only five districts had a rising transaction proportion exceeding 50%, but in June, this expanded to 23 districts, excluding Gangnam and Gwangjin. The largest increase in the proportion of rising transactions was seen in Yongsan (17.7 percentage points), followed by Mapo (15.8), Jungnang (15.5), Seocho (14.6), Gwanak (13.3), Yeongdeungpo (13.0), Geumcheon (12.4), and Seongdong (12.2). However, Zigbang cautioned that considering the decrease in transaction volume and potential regulatory changes, further confirmation is needed to determine whether the current upward trend will continue.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-17 10:04:00 -
Summer Peach Menu Competition Heats Up in Beverage Industry As the summer heat intensifies, the beverage industry is rolling out new products featuring peaches. Companies are showcasing the unique characteristics of various peach varieties, including Shinbi, flat, and Cheongdo peaches, to expand consumer choices.According to industry sources, Ilhwa recently launched a low-calorie carbonated drink called 'Tingle Real Aid Shinbi Peach,' made with Shinbi peaches, a summer fruit. This variety has a smooth, red exterior similar to Cheongdo peaches but offers the sweet and soft flavor of white peaches. Its relatively short harvest period adds to its exclusivity, available only in early summer.Ilhwa designed this product to allow consumers to enjoy the seasonal flavor and aroma of Shinbi peaches conveniently. The drink contains 15% peach juice, enhancing its fruity aroma and acidity, while carbonation adds a refreshing touch. Han Hyun-woo, head of Ilhwa's F&B division, stated, "We developed this product in response to consumer demand for sweet and refreshing flavors during the summer and the trend of enjoying various fruit-flavored carbonated drinks."Meanwhile, Ildong Foodis has introduced a water mix product flavored with flat peaches called 'Highmune Amino Potent Water Plus.' This product is designed for consumers looking to replenish hydration and nutrients in their daily lives.It contains 23 essential and non-essential amino acids, along with electrolytes such as calcium, magnesium, and sodium, as well as vitamins and minerals. The sweet and smooth flavor of flat peaches makes it easy for consumers to enjoy, even if they find plain water unappealing.Coffee franchises are also launching seasonal drinks featuring fresh peaches. Coffee Bean Korea has introduced 'Cheongdo Peach Cold Brew Latte' and 'Cheongdo Peach Yogurt Ice Blended.' The cold brew latte combines Cheongdo peach flesh with milk and cold brew coffee, balancing the sweetness of the fruit with the richness of coffee. The yogurt ice blended drink incorporates fresh yogurt for a refreshing and smooth taste. Compose Coffee has also released summer menu items featuring peaches, including a 'Low-Sugar Peach Smoothie' and 'Peach Chamomile Tea Breeze.' These offerings reflect the growing trend of consumers seeking low-sugar options while considering both flavor and sugar content. A representative from Compose Coffee explained, "We focused on capturing the natural flavors of the fruit and providing a balanced variety of textures."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-17 10:04:00 -
Lee names Dec. 3 'National Sovereignty Day' SEOUL, July 17 (AJP) - President Lee Jae Myung said he would designate every Dec. 3 as "National Sovereignty Day," vowing to preserve the spirit of the mass protests that turned back an attempted power grab so that it endures for generations to come. The date marks the night in 2024 when lawmakers rushed to parliament to overturn a short-lived martial law declaration, an episode Lee's supporters have cast as a peaceful democratic uprising they call the "Revolution of Light." "The National Sovereignty Government will remember and carry forward this great history without fail," Lee wrote in a post on his Facebook account, published on Constitution Day, Friday. Lee said his administration would systematically gather and preserve records of the revolution so that "K-democracy" could spread as a global model, adding that a presidential Committee of Light had been launched on Monday to steer the effort. The president invoked the founding charter promulgated on the same date in 1948, saying its declaration that sovereignty rests with the people had served for 78 years as the compass guiding the democratic republic. He extended thanks to citizens who, he said, had braved the depths of winter to defend the country's democracy. The presidential office was to host an evening reception for invited citizens to mark the committee's launch, where Lee and guests were to watch "Ran 12·3," a documentary by director Lee Myung-se chronicling the events surrounding the martial law crisis. The committee, first established in March, is tasked with collecting historical materials, designating a commemoration day and installing monuments, though the plan to make Dec. 3 a public holiday still requires legislation to advance through the National Assembly. 2026-07-17 10:01:32 -
Song Young-gil and Kim Yong Demand Exception for Party Membership Eligibility Controversy over eligibility for the upcoming party convention has arisen as Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker Song Young-gil and former Democratic Research Institute vice president Kim Yong stated on July 17 that "the time taken by the prosecution cannot be a disqualifying factor," requesting the party leadership to recognize exceptions for party member eligibility.The two issued a joint statement, asserting, "A party convention held while excluding victims of prosecution will raise questions about its legitimacy," and added, "The empty spaces in the party dues payment records represent the time lost to prosecution." Both have declared their candidacies for the party leadership and the Supreme Council, but concerns have been raised that their candidacies violate party regulations that grant eligibility only to party members.According to party rules, to be eligible for candidacy in party elections, a member must have paid dues at least six times within the year prior to the exercise of rights. Currently, both individuals do not meet this criterion. Song left the party in 2023 amid allegations of distributing money envelopes and rejoined on February 27 of this year, meaning he has not yet reached the six-month mark as of the candidate registration date of July 16. Kim, on the other hand, was sentenced to prison in a second trial for accepting bribes from private developers in the Daejang-dong project and reportedly could not pay dues due to account freezes during his incarceration.However, if significant reasons are acknowledged, the Supreme Council can decide on exceptions regarding candidacy rights after a vote. Yet, during discussions the previous day, differing opinions emerged between factions supporting former leader Lee Jae-myung and those aligned with the party's traditional base, preventing a conclusion. Consequently, the leadership plans to hold another closed meeting to continue discussions.They further urged, "The Supreme Council should refer the exception recognition issue to the party affairs committee, and the committee should convene without delay to make a decision in accordance with the regulations, ensuring no disruption to the candidate registration schedule." They also called on the leadership to demonstrate that this decision is unrelated to calculations of advantage or disadvantage in the party convention. Notably, Song indicated that he may consider filing for an injunction as a last resort. 2026-07-17 09:28:00 -
Samsung and SK Hynix See 7 Trillion Won in Leverage Funds Amid Regulatory Changes Over the past month, more than 7 trillion won has flowed into 16 single stock leverage products, including two inverse funds, related to Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix. As financial authorities tighten regulations, there is growing interest in whether this concentration of investment will ease.According to the Korea Exchange and ETF CHECK, from June 16 to July 15, a total of 7.3364 trillion won was net invested in these single stock leverage and inverse products.Among these, the 'KODEX SK Hynix Single Stock Leverage' saw the largest inflow at 3.4472 trillion won. It was followed by 'KODEX Samsung Electronics Single Stock Leverage' with 1.5083 trillion won, 'TIGER SK Hynix Single Stock Leverage' with 1.4271 trillion won, and 'TIGER Samsung Electronics Single Stock Leverage' with 693.8 billion won.From June 16 to July 16, the stock prices of Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix fell by 24.33% and 19.49%, respectively. The KODEX SK Hynix Single Stock Leverage and KODEX Samsung Electronics Single Stock Leverage experienced significant losses, dropping by 45.60% and 48.44%, respectively.The inflow of funds into single stock leverage products has been primarily driven by individual investors. Over the past month, individuals net purchased 4.2386 trillion won in seven SK Hynix single stock leverage products and 1.6119 trillion won in seven Samsung Electronics single stock leverage products.Foreign investors also net bought 859.5 billion won and 724.2 billion won in these products, but their purchases were smaller than those of individual investors. Institutional investors, on the other hand, were net sellers, offloading 5.1713 trillion won and 2.2671 trillion won, respectively.In response to concerns that the concentration of individual investors in single stock leverage products is increasing market volatility, financial authorities announced enhanced investment requirements on July 16. Starting August 5, the minimum deposit requirement will increase from 10 million won to 30 million won. The practice of allowing securities firms to relax deposit requirements based on trading experience will also be prohibited. The total market capitalization of single stock leverage products, currently around 12 trillion won, is expected to decrease to between 4 trillion and 5 trillion won.Additionally, the trading unit will be temporarily expanded to 20 shares starting in November. The duration of investor education for single stock leverage products will increase from two hours to three hours, and until market stability is achieved, new listings and advertising for existing products will be restricted.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-17 09:20:00 -
North Korea condemns 'warmonger' South over RIMPAC role SEOUL, July 17 (AJP) - North Korea denounced South Korea's leading role in the U.S.-led Rim of the Pacific naval exercise, branding Seoul a "puppet warmonger" and warning of "proportional" countermeasures against the drill's participants. In a commentary carried by the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on Friday, Pyongyang cast the biennial exercise as a rehearsal for war that was dragging the Pacific into dangerous turbulence, and said regional states had an inviolable right to bolster their own war deterrence in response. KCNA said the "reckless racket" of what it called international ruffians would inevitably invite a chain of proportional responses from countries seeking to firmly rein it in. It heaped scorn on the United States, South Korea and Japan alike, likening the drill to outsiders lighting a fire at a neighbor's doorstep. The commentary is notable for reviving the epithet "puppet," a term North Korean media had not aimed at the current South Korean government in about one year and three months, since an April 2024 incident involving a South Korean air force fighter jet. North Korea took particular aim at Seoul's expanded footprint, asserting that South Korea had joined "as a main force." The South Korean Navy, a RIMPAC participant since 1990, this year commanded the exercise's combined maritime component for the first time, overseeing the operations of a multinational fleet. Pyongyang also seized on the exercise's embrace of new technology, noting that artificial intelligence had been introduced and that the integrated operation of manned and unmanned weapons systems had been made a core training focus. "The Pacific has now turned into a battlefield thick with the smell of gunpowder, regardless of its name," KCNA said, warning that undesirable developments could soon unfold on the Korean peninsula. RIMPAC 2026, which the U.S. Navy says draws 30 nations, began June 24 and runs through July 31 in and around Hawaii, led by the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt. 2026-07-17 09:14:11 -
DaeRyuk Law Firm Establishes Media Dispute Resolution Team DaeRyuk Law Firm, led by Managing Partner Lee Kyu-cheol, announced the establishment of its 'Media Dispute Resolution Team' on July 17.The new team aims to provide specialized legal services related to media disputes, particularly in light of the revised Information and Communications Network Act that took effect on July 7.The revised law imposes liability for damages up to five times the amount for media outlets that intentionally distribute illegal or false manipulated information causing harm to others. It also allows courts to impose fines of up to 1 billion won for distributing confirmed false information more than twice. Additionally, large platforms with over 1 million daily users are required to take action, such as deleting content or suspending accounts, upon receiving reports of illegal or false information and to disclose the results.The Media Team will collaborate to provide a comprehensive solution, with the 'Media Strategy and Communication Team' proactively defending clients' risks by accurately predicting public opinion trends in the 'court of public opinion,' and the 'Media Dispute and Litigation Team' protecting clients' reputations from damages caused by fake news and misinformation in the 'court of law.'They will support proactive responses, including strategic advice on media engagement, crisis management system establishment, and securing communication channels with media and stakeholders from the early stages of incidents. In the event of disputes, they will handle requests for corrections, counter-statements, and follow-up reports to the Media Arbitration Commission, as well as civil and criminal lawsuits for defamation and insult. They will also assist in requests for the deletion of false information on portals and communities, applications for review by the Korea Communications Commission, and defense against punitive damages and fine risks under the revised Information and Communications Network Act.Lee Kyu-cheol will directly lead the team. He previously served as a Supreme Court research judge and chief judge of the Wonju branch, and after becoming a lawyer, he was a spokesperson for the Special Prosecutor's Office during the National Assembly scandal.Other team members include Oh Sun-hee, a former chief judge of the media division at the Seoul Central District Court and head of the Media Arbitration Commission; Jeong Woo-jeong, a former Supreme Court public relations officer; Kim Dong-joo, who has experience in public relations as the head of the General Affairs Department at the Seoul Central District Prosecutor's Office; Choi Won-hyuk, a former National Assembly aide with expertise in legislative and public relations; and Jeong Seong-yoon, who has served as the editor-in-chief of a legal newspaper and currently works as a mediator in the media division of the Seoul High Court. They will provide thorough advisory and litigation services based on their extensive practical knowledge and experience.Lee Kyu-cheol stated, "Experts who have worked on the front lines of media, including as spokespersons for special prosecutors, heads of media arbitration, Supreme Court public relations officers, and editors at media outlets, will act swiftly. We will provide a one-stop service covering everything from media response strategy development to dispute resolution."For more information, contact Choi Won-hyuk, the team secretary, at whchoi@draju.com.DaeRyuk Law Firm is a major law firm in South Korea, formed in 2009 through the merger of DaeRyuk and Aju. It specializes in corporate legal affairs, mergers and acquisitions, fair trade, labor and employment, finance, taxation, litigation, and corporate advisory, and is recognized as one of the top 10 law firms in the country.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-17 09:12:00 -
Financial Union Intensifies Strikes Amid Stalled Wage Negotiations 전국금융산업노동조합과 금융산업사용자협의회 간 임금협상이 최종 결렬되며 하계 투쟁의 최대 분수령을 맞고 있다. 올해는 금융 공공기관 지방 이전 문제까지 겹치면서 투쟁 수위가 예년보다 높아질 수 있다는 전망이 나온다. 17일 금융권에 따르면 금융노조는 오는 20일 지부대표자회의를 열고 투쟁 여부를 결정할 계획이다. 앞서 금융노조는 금융산업사용자협의회와 임금협상 합의를 이루지 못하며 중앙노동위원회 조정 절차에 착수했다. 그러나 지난 7일 1차 중노위 조정에 이어 13일 2차 조정에서 이견을 좁히지 못하며 투쟁에 무게를 싣게 됐다. 양측은 인상률을 비롯한 복지를 두고 입장 차가 좁혀지지 않고 있다. 금융노조는 △임금 8% 인상 △주4.5일제 도입 △정년 65세 연장 및 임금피크제 폐지 △금융공공기관 자율교섭 보장 △노동이사제 개선 등을 요구하고 있다. 이후 금융노조는 임금 인상안을 6%로 낮춘 수정안을 제시했으나 사용자협의회는 2.5% 인상안을 유지하고 있다. 주4.5일제와 정년 연장 등에서도 진전을 이루지 못하고 있다. 금융노조가 지부대표자회의에서 투쟁을 결정할 경우 조합원 쟁의행위 찬반투표를 통해 합법적인 쟁의권을 확보하는 절차를 밟게 된다. 금융노조는 지난해에도 주4.5일제 등 주요 안건을 놓고 노사 간 합의에 이르지 못하면서 총파업을 벌인 바 있다. 더욱이 올해는 공공기관 지방 이전 문제까지 맞물리면서 금융노조의 투쟁 수위가 한층 높아질 수 있다는 관측이 나온다. 이재명 대통령은 지난 달 8일 취임 1주년 기자회견에서 "(공공기관 이전을) 할 수 있는 범위 안에서 최대한 이전할 것"이라고 밝히면서 청와대와 국토교통부는 공공기관의 연내 지방 이전에 사활을 걸고 있다. 이 때문에 최근 농협과 국책은행, 기업은행 등 금융기관의 부산, 나주 이전설이 꾸준히 거론되고 있다. 금융권 관계자는 "금융당국을 대표 주자로 내려보내고 그것을 명분 삼아 관계 기관들도 내려보내려는 계획을 세우고 있다"며 "이번 정부에서는 금융 공공기관의 이전에 대해 확고한 의지를 가지고 있어 대부분의 기관이 이전될 것으로 예상되고 있다"고 설명했다. 금융노조는 금융 공공기관 지방 이전에 대해서는 강경한 입장을 고수하고 있다. 노조는 기존 지방이전 저지 태스크포스(TF)를 투쟁본부로 확대 개편해 대정부 규탄 집회 등을 추진해 나간다는 계획이다. 금융권 관계자는 "올해는 임금협상에 더해 2년 주기의 단체협약 개정까지 함께 이뤄지기 때문에 노조가 쉽게 물러나지 않을 것"이라며 "사측 역시 건전성과 생산적 금융 등으로 쏟아부어야 할 비용이 많아 협상이 장기화할 가능성이 높다"고 말했다. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-17 09:08:00 -
President Yoon Declares December 3 as 'National Sovereignty Day' 이재명 대통령은 제헌절인 17일 “매년 12월 3일을 ‘국민주권의 날’로 지정해 그날의 의미와 정신이 다음 세대까지 온전히 계승될 수 있도록 하겠다”고 밝혔다. 이 대통령은 이날 자신의 페이스북에 “국민주권정부는 이 위대한 역사를 반드시 기억하고 이어가겠다”며 이같이 적었다. 이 대통령은 “‘빛의 혁명’의 기록을 체계적으로 수집, 보존해 K-민주주의가 세계 민주주의의 모범으로 널리 확산될 수 있도록 할 것”이라며 “이를 위해 지난 월요일 ‘빛의 위원회’를 출범했다”고 설명했다. 이 대통령은 “1948년 오늘, 대한민국은 제헌헌법을 공포하며 나라의 주인이 국민임을 선언했다”며 “‘대한민국의 주권은 국민에게 있고, 모든 권력은 국민으로부터 나온다’는 이 국민주권의 원칙은 지난 78년 동안 민주공화국 대한민국을 지탱해 온 나침반이었다”고 강조했다. 이 대통령은 “오늘 시민 초청행사에 함께해 주시는 시민 여러분께 드리는 감사장을 첨부한다”며 “한겨울의 매서운 추위를 뚫고 대한민국의 민주주의를 지켜주신 모든 분께 직접 전해드리고 싶지만, 사진으로나마 마음을 전한다. 한 분 한 분의 이름을 넣어 간직해 주시면 좋겠다”고 말했다. 청와대는 이날 오후 대통령 직속 ‘빛의 위원회’ 출범을 기념해 시민 초청 행사를 연다. 빛의 위원회는 지난 3월 출범한 대통령 직속 위원회로, 지난 정부의 12·3 내란에 맞선 '빛의 혁명'을 기념하고 계승하기 위한 다양한 사업을 추진하는 기구다. 청와대는 “관련 사료를 수집·보존·연구하고, 빛의 혁명 기념일 지정과 상징물 설치 등 관련 사업을 추진할 예정”이라고 설명했다. 이 대통령과 참석자들은 비상계엄 전후 상황을 다룬 이명세 감독의 다큐멘터리 영화 ‘란 12·3’도 함께 관람할 예정이다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-17 09:08:00


