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  • Newly uncovered U.S. military report identifies Dokdo as part of Korea after WWII
    Newly uncovered U.S. military report identifies Dokdo as part of Korea after WWII SEOUL, July 07 (AJP) - A newly uncovered U.S. military report has revealed that American authorities recognized Dokdo as part of Korea in 1948, offering fresh documentary evidence that could strengthen the historical basis for South Korea's sovereignty over the East Sea islets. The document, titled Report of Bombing of Liancourt Rocks, was prepared by the Far East Air Forces (FEAF) on June 24, 1948, after a U.S. Air Force bombing exercise mistakenly struck Dokdo on June 8 that year, killing 14 Korean fishermen and injuring many others. Although the report was originally classified as "SECRET," it was later declassified and preserved by the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). The 222-page collection of previously undisclosed U.S. government records was discovered by Jeon Gap-saeng, a research professor at Sungkonghoe University's Institute for East Asian Studies, during archival research at NARA. He recently donated the materials to the Northeast Asian History Foundation, which announced the findings Monday. The most significant passage appears in the section titled "Mitigating Circumstances." It states: "Although definitely established in September 1947 that Liancourt Rocks was a part of Korea..." The sentence continues by explaining that some U.S. military personnel mistakenly assumed the islets belonged to Japan because that understanding had never become general knowledge within the military. South Korean researchers say the wording is particularly significant because it was written by U.S. military officials themselves during an internal investigation, rather than by Korean authorities. The report also indicates that the U.S. military regarded Korean authorities as having jurisdiction over Dokdo when planning bombing exercises. According to the document, the Fifth Air Force was required to notify the commanding general of the U.S. Army Forces in Korea (USAFIK) 15 days before using the bombing range. The report further notes that before each bombing exercise the Fifth Air Force carefully informed the Eighth Army so that the information could be passed to the military government in Korea. Researchers at the Northeast Asian History Foundation said the notification requirement demonstrates that U.S. authorities considered Dokdo to fall under Korean administration rather than Japanese jurisdiction. The report ultimately concluded that the tragedy resulted from failures to follow notification procedures and inadequate reconnaissance before the bombing mission. The newly discovered records also include official documents submitted by the administrator of Ulleung Island, the local government with jurisdiction over Dokdo, as well as statements from local residents. One document jointly signed by the Ulleung administrator and local officials explicitly states that residents received no prior notification of any military exercise before the bombing occurred. The archive contains another historically important document titled Confirmation of Sovereignty over Dokdo Belonging to Ulleungdo, submitted by the Ulleung administrator to the governor of North Gyeongsang Province in 1946. It also includes, for the first time in its original standalone form, a handwritten copy of a report prepared by Sim Heung-taek, magistrate of Uldo County, after Japan unilaterally incorporated Dokdo into its territory in 1905. Historians have long known the contents of Sim's report, but researchers said this marks the first discovery of the document as an independent archival record. The Northeast Asian History Foundation described the newly identified materials as important primary sources documenting how U.S. authorities viewed Dokdo during the years immediately following Korea's liberation from Japanese colonial rule. "These records significantly strengthen the documentary evidence confirming both the U.S. military's perception of Dokdo and Korea's sovereignty over the islets during the immediate post-liberation period," a foundation official said. Dokdo has historically been administered as part of Ulleung County in North Gyeongsang Province and has remained under South Korea's effective control since liberation from Japanese colonial rule, with Korean police stationed on the islets. South Korea maintains that Dokdo has been Korean territory for centuries, citing historical records dating back to the Silla Dynasty, continuous administrative control through Uldo County established in 1900, and the fact that Japan incorporated the islets in 1905 during its expansion toward the colonization of the Korean Peninsula. Following Japan's defeat in World War II, South Korea argues that Dokdo was separated from Japan together with other Korean territory and restored to Korea. Korean scholars also point to a series of U.S. military documents and occupation directives issued after the war that treated Dokdo separately from Japan. Japan continues to claim sovereignty over the islets, which it calls Takeshima. South Korea rejects Japan's claim, saying there is no territorial dispute because Dokdo is historically, geographically and under international law an integral part of Korean territory. The newly uncovered U.S. military report is expected to provide additional historical evidence for future research on Dokdo and the U.S. government's understanding of the islets in the immediate aftermath of World War II. 2026-07-07 17:23:52
  • Young Investors Shift from Savings to Stocks as New Accounts Surge
    Young Investors Shift from Savings to Stocks as New Accounts Surge In the first half of this year, the number of new stock accounts opened by individuals in their 20s and 30s has surged, nearing last year's total. The investment volume for this age group has also significantly exceeded last year's figures, driven by an unprecedented stock market boom. Analysts suggest that young adults are increasingly turning to stock investments as a primary means of wealth accumulation, moving away from traditional savings.According to a report by Aju Economy on July 7, an analysis of new account openings by Hana Securities, NH Investment & Securities, and Toss Securities revealed that a total of 968,111 new accounts were opened in the first half of this year. This figure represents 90.2% of the total new accounts opened by these firms for the entire year of 2022, which was 1,073,370. This rapid growth indicates a strong interest in stock market investments among young adults.The investment enthusiasm has intensified over time. The number of new accounts opened by this demographic at the three firms was 431,312 in the first quarter, rising to 536,799 in the second quarter, marking a 24.5% increase in just three months.When examining the annual new account openings for the past three years, the current stock market investment trend among young adults is unprecedented. The new accounts opened in the first half of this year surpassed the total for 2024, which was 864,146, by approximately 12.0%. Compared to 2023 and 2022, the figures exceed by 40.7% and 76.3%, respectively.The scale of stock investments among young adults is also growing. According to Hana Securities and NH Investment & Securities, the average balance of new accounts for this age group in the second quarter was 25,355,217 won, a 32.7% increase from the first quarter's average of 19,105,377 won. The cumulative average balance for the first half of the year reached 44,465,594 won, already 180.2% higher than last year's annual average of 15,705,938 won. This represents increases of 231.1% compared to 2024, 179.1% compared to 2023, and 146.5% compared to 2022.In contrast to the rising interest in stock investments, the appeal of savings accounts appears to be waning. The financial investment sector reports that the government's recent initiative for a youth future savings account aimed for 3.2 million sign-ups, but only 2.34 million actually enrolled. This shift is attributed to a growing perception that stable savings alone are insufficient for wealth accumulation in a low-interest-rate environment, prompting young people to move their funds into investment markets.A representative from the securities industry stated, "Interest in stock investments among those in their 20s and 30s has significantly increased, along with the scale of investment funds. Securities firms are likely to intensify their strategic efforts to attract young clients moving forward."Experts note that while the increased participation of young adults in investing is positive for wealth formation, caution is advised against succumbing to short-term investment fads. They highlight that the market's volatility has increased since July, raising the risk of losses.Im Na-yeon, a researcher at the Capital Market Research Institute, commented, "The perception that it is difficult to accumulate wealth solely through savings and labor income, due to low deposit rates and an unstable labor market, is leading to greater participation in the stock market among young adults. However, it is essential to approach investments from a long-term asset management perspective rather than chasing short-term gains." 2026-07-07 17:20:00
  • Young Investors Favor Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix
    Young Investors Favor Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix The themes driving the stock market change each year. Four to five years ago, the focus was on electric vehicle batteries, followed by biotechnology, power and shipbuilding, and artificial intelligence (AI) semiconductors. This year, AI and semiconductors are again at the forefront. The trend is no different among the younger generation. In the first half of this year, the top stocks purchased by young investors included South Korea's leading semiconductor companies, SK Hynix and Samsung Electronics, which ranked first and second, respectively.According to data from Hana Financial Investment and NH Investment & Securities, the top stocks bought by investors in their 20s and 30s in the first quarter of this year included Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix, Hyundai Motor, Doosan Enerbility, and NAVER. In the second quarter, SK Square and Samsung Electro-Mechanics replaced Doosan Enerbility and NAVER. SK Hynix, Samsung Electronics, and Hyundai Motor maintained their positions among the top purchases in both quarters. These stocks ranked first to third in total trading volume in the market this year. Notably, Samsung Electro-Mechanics and SK Square, which entered the top purchases in the second quarter, surged by 435.95% and 263.77%, respectively, ranking first and eighth in overall returns for the quarter.Looking at the annual performance, the investment results for the younger generation have been quite good, except for 2022. In that year, all top stocks purchased by investors in their 20s and 30s suffered losses. The top stocks included LG Energy Solution, Samsung Electronics, Il Dong Pharmaceutical, Wemade, and SK Hynix, with Wemade plummeting by 82.27%. SK Hynix (-42.75%), Samsung Electronics (-29.37%), Il Dong Pharmaceutical (-15.03%), and LG Energy Solution (-13.86%) also saw declines.In 2023, the top purchased stocks were dominated by electric vehicle batteries, with significant improvements in investment performance compared to the previous year. Common stocks among young investors included EcoPro, L&F, POSCO Holdings, POSCO Future M, and EcoPro BM. Notably, EcoPro and EcoPro BM, benefiting from the electric vehicle battery sector, surged by 528.16% and 212.70%, respectively. POSCO Future M (99.44%) and L&F (10.03%) also showed double-digit increases. Other stocks, including POSCO Holdings (80.65%) and Samsung Electronics (41.95%), also rose significantly, as the electric vehicle battery value chain dominated the top purchases and boosted returns.In 2024, biotechnology emerged as a new focus, with Alteogen and Yuhan Corporation joining the list of top purchases. Alteogen surged by 214.21%, while Yuhan Corporation rose by 73.69%.Last year, the buying interest broadened across leading sectors such as semiconductors, power, shipbuilding, and biotechnology. The top purchased stocks in 2025 included SK Hynix, Samsung Electronics, NAVER, Doosan Enerbility, Hanwha Ocean, and Alteogen, with most stocks showing strong performance. Doosan Enerbility rose by 329.06%, SK Hynix by 274.35%, Hanwha Ocean by 204.15%, and Samsung Electronics by 125.38%. 2026-07-07 17:20:00
  • Taylor Swifts Wedding Dress Was Designed by Dior, Not Chanel
    Taylor Swift's Wedding Dress Was Designed by Dior, Not Chanel Pop star Taylor Swift and NFL player Travis Kelce's wedding has become a hot topic in the luxury fashion industry.Reuters reported that on July 3, Swift and Kelce wore Dior Haute Couture at their wedding held at Madison Square Garden in New York.The couple's outfits were designed by Jonathan Anderson, the creative director of Dior, although photos of Swift's wedding dress have not yet been released.Dior confirmed that the couple's attire was crafted at the Dior atelier located at 30 Avenue Montaigne in Paris, with Anderson closely collaborating with the bride and groom on the designs.Reuters noted that Dior's securing of Swift's wedding look over Chanel is seen as a significant victory in the luxury fashion sector. Given Swift's vast fanbase and global influence, her wedding dress could symbolize a competitive edge in brand image.This project holds special significance for Anderson, who joined Dior last year and is steering the brand in a new direction. By designing the wedding dress for one of the world's most prominent stars, Dior is expected to gain substantial promotional benefits both within and outside the fashion industry.Meanwhile, the wedding was attended by numerous celebrities, including Jennifer Lopez, Sabrina Carpenter, Paul McCartney, Brad Pitt, and Tom Hanks. The ceremony was officiated by actor and comedian Adam Sandler, with over 1,000 guests, including family, friends, and acquaintances, reported to have attended the event.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-07 17:16:00
  • KOSPI dives nearly 5% despite Samsungs record quarterly profit
    KOSPI dives nearly 5% despite Samsung's record quarterly profit SEOUL, July 7 (AJP) - South Korea's benchmark KOSPI plunged 4.91 percent on Tuesday, even after Samsung Electronics posted its largest-ever quarterly operating profit. Investors saw the record earnings as a sign that the memory chip boom may have already peaked, sending the index down 395.02 points to close at 7,656.31. Samsung posted a preliminary second-quarter operating profit of 8.94 trillion won, a roughly 19-fold increase from a year earlier that exceeded the market consensus of 8.44 trillion won. However, its shares fell 6.9 percent to 296,000 won (US$194) as foreign investors dumped a net 2.9 trillion won worth of KOSPI shares for the 13th straight session, dragging down chip stocks in Japan and triggering a sell-side program trading halt in Seoul. Revenue of 171 trillion won missed forecasts, and investors read the gap as a sign that the profit engine is now running on memory prices alone. With the figures already largely anticipated, there was little in the report to encourage new buying, and selling began at the market open. Overnight missile strikes added a second layer of pressure. Iran's Revolutionary Guards fired at least two missiles at commercial vessels near the Strait of Hormuz, damaging a Qatari liquefied natural gas tanker and cracking the truce that had calmed energy markets since June. Rival chipmaker SK hynix also fell 6.1 percent to 2,201,000 won ($1,441). SK square, the largest shareholder of SK hynix, dropped 9.3 percent to 1,356,000 won ($888), the steepest fall among large caps ahead of SK hynix's Nasdaq listing of American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) on Friday, an offering of about $29.4 billion that traders see as pulling forward supply of exposure to the same trade. The selling pressure tripped a sell-side sidecar on the main board in mid-morning trade, briefly suspending program sell orders. Individual investors bought a net 3.1 trillion won, absorbing the foreign exit, while institutions sold a net 307.7 billion won. The junior KOSDAQ held up far better, slipping 15.84 points, or 1.9 percent, to 831.23 as money rotated into smaller names outside the chip complex. Refiners rallied against the tape, with S-Oil up 9.0 percent and SK innovation up 7.6 percent, as traders priced renewed crude supply risk from the Gulf. The won strengthened 3.30 won to 1,527.20 per dollar as of early afternoon, despite the foreign outflow. The rout spread across the region. Tokyo's Nikkei 225 fell 1.9 percent as memory maker Kioxia sank 11.3 percent, while Tokyo Electron lost 3.9 percent. The Shanghai Composite was trading around 1.6 percent lower late in the session. Samsung will release its full results on July 30, but the nearer test would come later this week when SK hynix's ADR trades. After a session in which a record profit could not hold the tape, the question for the market is no longer how big the earnings are, but whether anything left this cycle can still surprise. 2026-07-07 17:15:35
  • Cosmax Receives Satisfactory Rating for SPF Testing in France, Demonstrating Sun Care Expertise
    Cosmax Receives 'Satisfactory' Rating for SPF Testing in France, Demonstrating Sun Care Expertise Cosmetics ODM company Cosmax announced on July 7 that it received a 'Satisfactory' rating in a sun protection factor (SPF) proficiency evaluation conducted by the French nonprofit analysis organization BIPEA.According to Cosmax, BIPEA is a French testing institution that assesses the accuracy and reliability of analyses conducted by corporate research labs and testing agencies. This evaluation was based on the latest international standard testing method, ISO 23675, established in December 2024. ISO 23675 is an in vitro non-clinical evaluation method that measures UV absorption and transmission properties using PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate) plates in a laboratory setting. The method features an automated application device equipped with a robotic arm, which reduces variability in the application process and enhances test consistency and reproducibility.The evaluation involved receiving blind samples of lotion formulations without provided SPF information, conducting internal tests, and submitting the results. Cosmax stated that it demonstrated its capability to perform external SPF evaluations by producing stable results in this assessment.Since adopting the ISO 23675 evaluation method in February, Cosmax has been enhancing its research and development capabilities and evaluation infrastructure for sun care products. In particular, it is refining its support system for clients entering the European market, covering everything from product planning and formulation development to efficacy evaluation and market response.A Cosmax representative stated, "The results of this proficiency evaluation confirm our research and development and evaluation capabilities for sun care products. We will enhance our sun care technology and evaluation systems to help our clients respond swiftly to changes in the global market."Meanwhile, Cosmax continues its global market expansion, having participated in the China Beauty Expo (CBE) in May, showcasing localized formulation technologies and inner beauty solutions.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-07 17:12:00
  • Speaker Cho urges Prime Minister Han to prioritize Mega Special Zone Act
    Speaker Cho urges Prime Minister Han to prioritize Mega Special Zone Act On July 7, Speaker of the National Assembly Cho Jung-sik urged Prime Minister Han Seong-sook to carefully oversee the government's 5-3-3 project and the Mega Special Zone Act.During their meeting at the National Assembly, Cho expressed strong support for the government's efforts to promote three major mega projects and streamline regulations for an AI transformation. He emphasized, "The National Assembly will actively cooperate to ensure these initiatives proceed smoothly." Cho also explained that the National Assembly is working to establish a "permanent cooperation system" to connect the voices from the economic sector with legislation and policy.He noted the need for communication channels between the National Assembly and the government to solidify cooperation with the business community, stating, "If the government conveys the requests and challenges from various ministries to the National Assembly, it will enable more efficient legislative support." He added, "Please pay close attention to the safety and livelihoods of the people." In response, Prime Minister Han remarked, "I believe this is a crucial moment for South Korea to become irreplaceable as we implement the mega projects." She stated that she would frequently consult on how the government can support the three major mega projects effectively and emphasized the importance of legislative support for public welfare and industrial safety. 2026-07-07 17:12:00
  • Minister Kim Jung-kwan Pledges to Incorporate Youth Voices in Policy
    Minister Kim Jung-kwan Pledges to Incorporate Youth Voices in Policy Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Kim Jung-kwan stated on July 7 that he will strive to ensure that young people have ample opportunities and hope, regardless of their industry or region, and emphasized the importance of reflecting their voices in policy.During the launch ceremony for the third Youth Advisory Group for 2030, Kim urged participants to share their challenges and innovative ideas candidly from their perspectives.The Youth Advisory Group plays a crucial role in incorporating youth opinions into overall policy and providing policy advice. The third group, consisting of 42 members, has expanded by more than 60% compared to the second group, which had 26 members, making it the largest among advisory groups from related ministries. Participants include students, startup representatives, researchers, businesspeople, and youth interns from various fields.Notably, 50% of the members are from non-capital regions, and over 40% are women, ensuring a diverse representation of experiences and ideas from different regions and genders in the Ministry's policies.Additionally, a new 'Regional' division has been established alongside the existing divisions of industry, resource security, and trade. This aims to systematically discuss challenges faced by youth and regions, such as local industry and job creation.Kim noted that a total of 230 individuals applied for the third Youth Advisory Group, resulting in a competitive selection process with a ratio of approximately 5.5 to 1 for the 42 chosen members. He expressed his sincere gratitude for their participation based on their diverse experiences and concerns from different regions and fields.He also highlighted the rapid changes and intense competition in the world today, stating that during times of significant change and crisis, the creative and challenging ideas of youth can serve as a vital driving force for policy.Kim added that the Ministry's slogan for this year, 'Growth for Regions, Vitality for Businesses,' should also include 'Future for Youth.' He emphasized that during times of crisis, the innovative and bold ideas and proposals from young people can be crucial to shaping effective policies.He pointed out that young people from local areas are leaving for the capital region in search of education and jobs, leading to a loss of talent and vitality in their home regions. Meanwhile, youth in the capital face challenges due to high living costs. He urged the Ministry and the Youth Advisory Group to work together to find solutions and create a better future for young people.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-07 17:04:00
  • Boy band NCT 127 to mark 10th anniversary with new album
    Boy band NCT 127 to mark 10th anniversary with new album SEOUL, July 7 (AJP) - K-pop boy band NCT 127 will release their seventh full-length album next month, marking the 10th anniversary of their debut, their management agency SM Entertainment said on Tuesday. Slated for release on Aug. 24 through global music distributor Virgin Music Group, it will be their first full-length album in about two years since their sixth studio album "Walk" released in July 2024. To promote the album, NCT 127 will embark on their fifth world tour, kicking off with three concerts at KSPO Dome in Seoul from Sept. 18 to 20. The tour, dubbed "NEO CITY – THE REDLINE," will be held in Jakarta on Oct. 3, Hong Kong on Oct. 10 and 11, Singapore on Oct. 18, Bangkok on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1, and Taipei on Jan. 2 next year with additional dates to be announced later. Having made their debut on July 7, 2016, the members of NCT 127 are part of broader NCT group's Seoul-based subunit, with the name derived from the longitude of the South Korean capital. They have released tracks including "2 Baddies," "Cherry Bomb," "Fact Check," "Kick It," "Sticker" and "Walk," with some of them making entries on the Billboard charts. Their upcoming world tour comes after they performed in Asia and North America from January to May last year for their world tour called "NEO CITY – THE MOMENTUM," with their show in Newark, New Jersey marking the 100th performance in the "NEO CITY" tour series. NCT 127, currently consisting of Doyoung, Haechan, Jaehyun, Johnny, Jungwoo, Taeyong and Yuta, will also headline this year's KCON, an annual music festival in Los Angeles in mid-August, just a week before the release of their new album. 2026-07-07 17:01:14
  • Gwangju High School Murder Case Sparks Debate Over Prosecutorial Investigative Powers
    Gwangju High School Murder Case Sparks Debate Over Prosecutorial Investigative Powers The murder case of Gwangju high school student Jang Yoon-ki has emerged as a symbolic example in the debate over the abolition of prosecutorial supplementary investigation powers. Key evidence and allegations of information leaks that were not secured during the police investigation have come to light through the prosecution's supplementary investigation and subsequent inquiries into police misconduct.As discussions on a proposed amendment to the criminal procedure law that would completely abolish prosecutorial supplementary investigation powers unfold in the National Assembly, the question of "who will oversee police investigations?" has resurfaced.Initially noted for its brutality, the Jang Yoon-ki case has increasingly highlighted allegations of poor police investigations and internal collusion. This has sparked calls for the necessity of prosecutorial supplementary investigations, while also prompting counterarguments cautioning against generalizing individual cases into systemic issues, thus placing the discussion of reforming the criminal justice system under scrutiny.Supplementary Investigation Reveals Gaps in Initial Police WorkThe controversy began with the failure to secure crucial evidence proving Jang Yoon-ki's intent to commit sexual crimes during the initial investigation. The supplementary investigation by the prosecution confirmed circumstantial evidence indicating Jang's sexual crime motives, revealing several questions regarding the management of key evidence, including a real doll, cable ties presumed to be used for binding, and the sports utility vehicle (SUV) used in the crime.Notably, it was confirmed that Jang Yoon-ki's father, a current police officer, entered the apartment before the police search and disposed of the real doll and a mobile phone. Allegations also arose that the police officers handling the case communicated the investigation status to Jang's father. The police arrested the investigation team leader on charges of evidence destruction, including the disposal of cable ties during the search of Jang's vehicle, and subsequently applied for an arrest warrant.The Gwangju District Prosecutors' Office has initiated a direct investigation, conducting searches of the Gwangju Gwangsan Police Station to clarify allegations of police officers leaking confidential information and destroying evidence. The National Police Agency has also formed a special investigation team to uncover the truth.Legal experts view this case as indicative of the need for external oversight of police investigations, rather than merely a reflection of individual police misconduct. They emphasize that the various allegations raised in the Jang Yoon-ki case have been revealed through the supplementary investigation and follow-up inquiries.This incident has also prompted a reevaluation of the function of the supplementary investigation system, independent of the ongoing discussions on prosecutorial reform. There is a growing awareness that even within the current system, where police hold primary investigative authority, mechanisms are needed to verify facts and evidence that may have been overlooked during the investigation.Conversely, the National Assembly is discussing a proposed amendment to the criminal procedure law that would abolish prosecutorial supplementary investigation powers and strengthen a police-centric investigative system. The emergence of this case, which has exposed flaws in police investigations during the supplementary investigation process, has led to speculation that it may influence discussions on systemic reform within the legal community.Is Police Oversight Sufficient? The Paradox of Prosecutorial ReformThe core of the controversy lies not just in the Jang Yoon-ki case itself, but in what this case signifies for the distribution of investigative powers between the prosecution and the police.Many in the legal community argue that this case underscores the necessity for external checks on police investigations. They assert that even when police conduct initial investigations, prosecutors must have the ability to verify and supplement any facts and evidence that may have been missed to uncover the substantive truth.Within the prosecution, there has been ongoing criticism that relying solely on police investigation records to determine whether to file charges is insufficient. Particularly in sexual crime cases, where the credibility of victim and suspect testimonies is more critical than physical evidence, there is a strong opinion that prosecutors need to directly investigate the parties involved and confirm additional evidence.Prosecutors on the front lines explain that supplementary investigations have often revealed facts that were not confirmed at the police stage, helping to exonerate wrongfully accused individuals or bolster insufficient evidence. The Jang Yoon-ki case is cited as an example where key circumstantial evidence and issues in the investigative process were uncovered through supplementary and follow-up investigations.The legal community believes that police organizations should not be exempt from the principles of checks and balances. Earlier this year, the so-called "Busan bribery police" case, involving former and current police officers and local law firm officials exchanging investigative information, was uncovered. Prosecutors determined that there was collusion between the police and the local legal community, indicating that internal misconduct within the police organization may not be limited to individual deviations.For these reasons, the prosecution maintains that the function of supplementary investigations to re-evaluate police investigations is necessary. Recently, the Supreme Prosecutors' Office collected opinions from prosecutors nationwide and conveyed concerns about the proposed amendment to the Ministry of Justice. Frontline prosecutors have reportedly expressed that abolishing supplementary investigation powers would make it effectively difficult to control police compliance with supplementary investigation requests, and that the regulations regarding the exclusion and replacement of police officers have regressed compared to current standards.However, there are also cautionary voices against hastily linking this case to the argument for retaining supplementary investigation powers. Some in the criminal law academia argue that rather than generalizing the misconduct of individual police officers as a systemic issue, it is more important to strengthen police oversight and internal control mechanisms.In response to this incident, the National Police Agency has begun implementing reforms to enhance the transparency of handling cases involving police relatives. They plan to strengthen measures against the prohibition of inquiries into cases and prevent the leakage of investigative information, and they have stated that if misconduct is confirmed through inspections, they will impose strict disciplinary actions regardless of criminal prosecution.Notably, even within the Minbyun, an organization supportive of prosecutorial reform, there has been a significant number of cautious opinions regarding the complete abolition of supplementary investigation powers. Recent surveys among members indicated that more respondents favored maintaining supplementary investigation powers, either fully or partially, rather than complete abolition. Furthermore, there was a strong consensus that even if abolished, the effectiveness of the supplementary investigation request system should be enhanced. This reflects a widespread recognition in the legal community of the need for judicial oversight of police investigations.The Jang Yoon-ki case has transcended its nature as a brutal violent crime, prompting a reevaluation of how our criminal justice system should verify and control investigations. The debate over prosecutorial supplementary investigation powers is not merely about which institution, the prosecution or the police, should hold more authority, but rather about who will oversee investigative agencies and how to confirm substantive truths. As discussions on amending the criminal procedure law continue in the National Assembly, this case is expected to significantly influence the ongoing debate on prosecutorial reform.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-07 17:00:00