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Gwangju Mayor Park Kwan-yeol Advocates for Collaborative Future Amid Semiconductor Development Park Kwan-yeol, the mayor of Gwangju, emphasized on September 9 that the goal is not to obstruct the establishment of the Yongin semiconductor national industrial complex but to collaboratively shape Gwangju's future.Mayor Park made this statement while urging for the successful advancement of the Yongin semiconductor national industrial complex and the development of practical coexistence measures for Gwangju.This reflects the need for the success of national strategic industries to align with Gwangju's future development.The integrated water supply project for the Yongin semiconductor national industrial complex involves the installation of approximately 47 kilometers of water pipelines, with about 27 kilometers passing through Gwangju.Park stated, "While Gwangju actively cooperates with this national project, it is essential that the government provides support and coexistence measures that correspond to the burdens and sacrifices faced by local residents due to the large-scale pipeline installation."Key measures requested by Mayor Park include the government-led supply of 30,000 smart public housing units, the establishment of the national industrial complex, research and development in AI and semiconductors, the attraction of advanced companies, the formation of a government-wide coexistence council, and national support for areas affected by the water pipeline.He added, "Gwangju is ready to actively cooperate for the success of South Korea's semiconductor industry," and stressed the need for practical coexistence plans that allow for the simultaneous growth of industry, businesses, jobs, and housing, rather than solely demanding sacrifices from Gwangju citizens during the implementation of national projects.Citizens also voiced their desire for tangible development benefits to accompany the success of national projects in Gwangju.One resident remarked, "If the semiconductor project is necessary on a national level, Gwangju should actively cooperate. However, since Gwangju will bear the burden of large-scale infrastructure, there should be support that residents can feel in terms of businesses and jobs."Another resident expressed hope that the growth of the Yongin semiconductor industry and the development of Gwangju would progress together.Meanwhile, Mayor Park stated, "I will continue to negotiate with the government to ensure that Gwangju does not remain merely a transit area or a sacrifice zone, and I will strongly demand necessary measures."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-09 22:08:00
President Lee Jae-myung: My Term is Constitutionally Limited, Restraint Needed When Energy Abounds President Lee Jae-myung: My Term is Constitutionally Limited, Restraint Needed When Energy AboundsPresident Lee Jae-myung stated on September 9 that his term is clearly limited by the constitution, emphasizing the need to act quickly to maximize its benefits. Speaking at a luncheon with expatriates in Paris, during the final leg of his state visit to France, he noted that establishing good relationships in the latter part of his term may lead to limited opportunities. He added that meetings between heads of state and diplomatic engagements provide South Korea, known as an open trading nation, with valuable opportunities for trade, investment, economic cooperation, and security collaboration. Lee remarked, "The countries I have visited as part of my initiatives have seen significant increases in export growth, and there has been a rise in private exchanges and corporate cooperation, as well as revitalization within the expatriate community."Court Rules on Kwon Hyuk-bin's Divorce Case: 2.5 Trillion Won Asset DivisionThe Seoul Family Court ruled on September 9 that Kwon Hyuk-bin, Chief Vision Officer of Smilegate, must divide 35% of his shares in the company and pay 65 billion won in cash as part of his divorce settlement. The court dismissed claims for alimony from his spouse, determining that Kwon was not responsible for the breakdown of the marriage. The ruling came nearly three years after the case was filed in November 2022. The court assessed Kwon's net worth at approximately 73.375 trillion won, with the value of his Smilegate shares accounting for about 99.8% of that total. The court decided to divide the shares in kind rather than in cash, considering that Kwon holds 100% ownership of the company, thus posing no risk to his control over it.Political Parties Clash During Government Q&A on Constitutional AmendmentsOn September 9, lawmakers began a four-day government Q&A session in the National Assembly, focusing on political issues. The Democratic Party called for the inclusion of the spirit of the May 18 Democratic Uprising in the constitution, while the People Power Party raised concerns regarding allegations against Minister of Justice nominee Kim Seung-won and Minister of Gender Equality and Family nominee Yong Hye-in. Democratic Party lawmaker Lee Hae-sik stated, "It is unacceptable to destroy democracy in the name of democracy," urging that the spirit of May 18 be enshrined in the constitution to prevent the erosion of freedom. He criticized the People Power Party for not taking action against lawmaker Lee Jin-sook, who hosted a forum that distorted the May 18 movement. In response, Prime Minister Han Seung-sook expressed disbelief at the events occurring in the National Assembly and emphasized the need for appropriate measures against actions that undermine democratic values.Foreign Ministry: Nepal Relief Team to Return on 11th, Second Team Being DeployedThe first team of the Korea Disaster Relief Team (KDRT), dispatched to assist in the aftermath of severe flooding in Nepal, is set to return on September 11 after ten days of search and rescue operations. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the team, which was sent on September 1, will return aboard a KC-330 multi-purpose air refueling transport aircraft. The team began preparations to withdraw two days before the scheduled return date, as the Nepalese government shifted its focus from search and rescue to recovery efforts, significantly reducing support such as helicopter assistance. Additionally, with no signs of life detected for nine missing South Koreans two weeks after the flooding began on August 26, the government decided to proceed with the return. The KC-330 will also carry relief supplies, including blankets, clothing, and tents donated by civic groups and domestic companies.Prime Minister Han Seung-sook: Listening Closely to Public Concerns Amid Declining Approval RatingsPrime Minister Han Seung-sook addressed the recent decline in President Lee Jae-myung's approval ratings on September 9, stating, "We are seriously listening to the voices of the public." During the government Q&A session, she responded to a question from People Power Party lawmaker Yoon Jae-ok regarding the survey results, emphasizing the need to accurately assess what is being done well and what needs improvement. She attributed the decline in approval ratings to the government's failure to meet public expectations and the need for better communication regarding its successes. Regarding recent cabinet reshuffles, she noted that any allegations or issues raised should be addressed through hearings and that it is essential to follow democratic procedures that align with public expectations.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-09 22:00:20
Gwangmyeong Cave Completes Summer Season Without Safety Incidents Gwangmyeong Cave, a major tourist destination in Gwangmyeong, South Korea, successfully concluded its summer peak season without any safety incidents.On September 9, Gwangmyeong City Corporation reported that it held a session to encourage and communicate with staff who worked on-site to ensure tourist safety during the summer.This event was organized to recognize the efforts of employees in various roles, including ticketing, guidance, food and beverage services, and facility management, who directly interacted with visitors amid the ongoing heatwave.Participants included on-site workers and executives involved in the operation of Gwangmyeong Cave, who shared their experiences and suggestions for improvement during the summer season.With prolonged high temperatures this summer, the importance of managing tourist safety became even more critical.The corporation conducted inspections of key facilities and pathways ahead of the peak season and strengthened on-site safety management, successfully operating Gwangmyeong Cave without any safety incidents or heat-related illnesses during this period.Gwangmyeong Cave is known for providing a relatively comfortable environment for visitors, making it a popular destination for those seeking relief from the summer heat.As the peak season attracts a larger number of tourists, the roles of on-site personnel in ensuring safety, guidance, and order are vital.Visitors expressed positive feedback regarding the safe tourism environment. One guest remarked, “In the summer, I worry about safety and heat when moving around with my children, but the staff provided guidance everywhere, allowing us to enjoy our visit comfortably.”Another visitor noted, “From a tourist's perspective, it’s not easy to directly feel the staff's safety management efforts while using the facilities, but it’s reassuring to know that we went through the peak season without any incidents. I hope it continues to be a place where many people can visit comfortably.”Meanwhile, CEO Seo Il-dong stated, “Thanks to the dedicated efforts of our staff in their respective roles, we were able to safely conclude the summer peak season despite the heatwave.” He added, “We will continue to focus on on-site safety management to create a space where tourists can visit with peace of mind.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-09 21:40:00
South Korea's Emergency Relief Team to Return from Nepal on September 11 The first team of South Korea's overseas emergency relief team (KDRT), dispatched to Nepal following severe flooding, will return home on September 11 after completing ten days of search and rescue operations.According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on September 9, the KDRT team, which was sent on September 1, is scheduled to return to South Korea aboard a KC-330 multi-purpose air refueling transport aircraft. The team has halted its search activities two days before the scheduled end of operations and is preparing to withdraw.The Nepalese government has shifted its focus from search and rescue to recovery efforts, significantly reducing support such as helicopter assistance. Additionally, with no signs of life detected for nine missing South Koreans two weeks after the floods began on August 26, the government has decided to proceed with the return.In preparation for the return of the first team, the KC-330 heading to Nepal will carry relief supplies, including blankets, clothing, and tents, donated by civic groups from domestic companies.The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also announced plans to dispatch a second KDRT team to continue search operations. The size and mission of the second team will be finalized soon through a joint public-private overseas emergency relief council.Separately from the team rotation, the government’s rapid response team and the South Korean embassy in Nepal will closely cooperate with local authorities to support the families of the missing South Koreans.Meanwhile, families of three missing employees from Korea South-East Power expressed their opposition to the withdrawal of the KDRT first team. They held a press conference in Kathmandu, urging the government to halt the unilateral termination of search operations and the early return of the team.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-09 21:36:00
Anyang City Reviews Progress on 40% Greenhouse Gas Reduction Goal by 2030 Anyang City in Gyeonggi Province is working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030 compared to 2018 levels, as part of its efforts to address the climate crisis. On September 9, the city held a meeting led by the Director of the Environment Bureau, who is responsible for implementing carbon neutrality, to review the progress of related policies and initiatives aimed at carbon neutrality and climate crisis adaptation. The meeting was attended by 24 department heads responsible for relevant projects. Participants shared key achievements from 2025 and the status of projects for 2026, discussing in depth the causes of delays in achieving targets and potential improvements. The city plans to identify issues that have arisen during the implementation process and develop feasible solutions to incorporate into its policies for the second half of the year. Based on the 'First Basic Plan for Carbon Neutrality and Green Growth (2025-2034)' established in May of last year, the city is pursuing a total of 54 detailed projects across four sectors: buildings, transportation, waste, and carbon sinks. Additionally, through the 'Third Climate Crisis Adaptation Plan (2026-2030)', the city is implementing 36 detailed tasks to prepare for risks associated with climate change, such as heatwaves and floods, and to enhance citizen safety. Since carbon neutrality is a long-term initiative, it is crucial not only to establish plans but also to continuously verify the actual reduction effects and changes in citizens' daily lives. There is also a call among citizens for effective climate crisis response measures that can be directly felt in daily life, alongside the long-term goal of reducing greenhouse gases. One citizen stated, “While ambitious goals are important, I hope policies that help with real issues faced by citizens, like summer heatwaves or sudden flooding, continue to be implemented.” Another citizen added, “Since carbon neutrality requires participation from both administrative bodies and citizens, I hope there are more ways to practice this in daily life, such as using public transportation or conserving energy.” Meanwhile, the city plans to strengthen inter-departmental collaboration to continuously monitor the progress of each project and ensure that policies lead to actual reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and effective responses to climate disasters.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-09 21:24:00
President Lee Jae-myung: My Term is Constitutionally Limited, Restraint Needed President Lee Jae-myung stated on September 9 that his term is "clearly limited by the Constitution, so it is essential to start quickly to enjoy its benefits for a long time."During a luncheon with expatriates at a hotel in Paris, part of his state visit to France, he noted, "Even if good relations are established in the latter half of my term, the opportunities to utilize them will inevitably be limited." His comments regarding term limits were made in the context of explaining his proactive approach to diplomatic engagement since taking office.President Lee emphasized that meetings between heads of state and diplomatic engagement provide South Korea, known as an open trading nation, with valuable opportunities for trade, investment, economic cooperation, and security collaboration.He added, "The countries I have visited as part of my initiatives have seen a significant increase in export growth," and noted that private exchanges have increased, corporate cooperation has flourished, and the expatriate community has become more active.President Lee has expressed his intention to expand meetings with local expatriates during his overseas trips."I want to hear the voices of our expatriates," he said, adding, "If necessary, please submit notes, and I will review them individually and inform you of the results."He also assured that the government will continuously address issues affecting the expatriate community, such as dual citizenship, overseas voting, and immigration and adoption matters, promising to engage in thorough dialogue between the French authorities and the South Korean government regarding the living conditions of expatriates.Furthermore, he remarked, "South Korea is undergoing tremendous changes as of the night of December 3, 2024, experiencing revolutionary transformations," while cautioning that the French Revolution also faced backlash when the situation was pushed too far in the process of creating a new system.He stressed the need for restraint during times of abundant energy, stating, "We must move in a desirable direction while minimizing pain and resistance with the consent of many people."He added, "We must not repeat the mistakes of the past," emphasizing the importance of being cautious.Regarding South Korea's international standing, he noted, "There are significant changes occurring in advanced industries, cultural arts, and international status, akin to a transformation of the heavens and the earth," assuring that he will work diligently to ensure that expatriates do not have to worry about South Korea.On Korea-France relations, he remarked, "It is a remarkable achievement that the South Korean president is visiting France shortly after President Macron's state visit to South Korea," highlighting the many areas of mutual interest between the two countries.He also referenced the joint hosting of a summit on the film and video sectors by the two leaders, stating, "This not only showcases the international status of South Korean culture and arts but also indicates where France and South Korea will focus their efforts moving forward." 2026-09-09 20:24:00
Constitutional Amendment Efforts Hinge on Cooperation with People Power Party Political analysts emphasize that bipartisan agreement is essential for any constitutional amendment. Without the support of the People Power Party, the leading opposition party, it is nearly impossible for any amendment proposal to pass through the National Assembly. Consequently, some suggest that the ruling Democratic Party may need to concede control of discussions to facilitate the process.According to reports on September 9, the People Power Party holds the key to any potential amendment. If the party officially opposes the proposal, it is unlikely to pass in the Assembly.To amend the constitution, three major steps must be followed. First, a majority of the current 299 lawmakers must propose an amendment. Alternatively, the president can submit a proposal after deliberation by the Cabinet. Second, the proposal must receive approval from at least two-thirds of the Assembly during a plenary session. Finally, it must be approved by a majority of voters in a national referendum.Given that the People Power Party currently holds 109 seats, if all its members oppose the amendment, the chances of it passing are virtually nonexistent. In May, a constitutional amendment proposal was brought to the Assembly by then-Speaker Woo Won-sik, but it failed to proceed due to the party's opposition and its members' absence from the vote.The People Power Party argues that President Lee Jae-myung is undermining the separation of powers while attempting to push through a term extension amendment. In response to the Democratic Party's proposal for a 'gradual amendment,' the People Power Party advocates for a comprehensive amendment that would result from in-depth discussions.In a recent address, Jung Jeom-sik, the party's floor leader, stated, "There will be no constitutional amendment under this government. We will not engage in discussions with those who are clearly violating the constitution for personal gain."Experts advise that the ruling party should propose an 'opposition-led amendment' to draw the People Power Party into public discussions. Political commentator Park Sang-byeong noted in a conversation with Aju Economy, "In a situation where they are being dragged along, would the People Power Party be inclined to pursue an amendment? They need to be accommodated to take the lead in the amendment process. If the opposition proposes to change the power structure, the People Power Party is unlikely to oppose it."There are also concerns that the government and ruling party are fostering distrust. Cha Jin-ah, a professor at Korea University Law School, warned, "If the focus is merely on extending terms without addressing the issues of the imperial presidency, it could exacerbate the problems of the '87 system.' The government's shifting statements regarding amendments make it difficult to trust them."Some analysts suggest that the Democratic Party might attempt to secure 'rebel votes' from the People Power Party instead of reaching a consensus. Given that they have previously found common ground with parties like the Justice Party, Progressive Party, Reform Party, Basic Income Party, and Social Democratic Party during past amendment discussions, securing just 11 votes from the People Power Party could help them reach the necessary 200 votes for an amendment. In fact, some members of the People Power Party have publicly expressed their support for constitutional amendments.However, making a choice contrary to party lines during an actual vote is challenging, and the political burden of processing an amendment without bipartisan agreement is significant, making it unlikely that the ruling party will opt for this route.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-09 20:20:00
Debate Over Constitutional Reform Gains Momentum in South Korea There is a growing consensus in South Korea's political arena about the need to amend the current constitution, which has been in place for nearly 40 years since 1987. However, substantial discussions have yet to make significant progress. The core issue revolves around restructuring the power dynamics, particularly how much authority should be decentralized from the presidency. Experts highlight that the key to successful reform lies in both major parties finding a common 'greatest common divisor' and expanding that consensus among the public.◇Consensus on Need for Reform, but Disagreements on Power StructureAccording to reports from September 9, both ruling and opposition parties generally agree on the necessity of constitutional amendments. The People Power Party, which has been somewhat passive about reform, does not oppose the idea of amending the constitution itself. A national survey conducted by the National Assembly in February revealed that 68.3% of 12,000 respondents supported constitutional changes, indicating a significant public consensus on the issue.However, the situation changes when it comes to the critical aspect of restructuring power. Various proposals, including a dual executive system and a parliamentary system, have been discussed, but recent conversations have focused on maintaining the presidential system while redistributing the concentrated powers of the presidency.President Lee Jae-myung mentioned last month on X (formerly Twitter) that there should be adjustments to the powers of the president and the National Assembly, suggesting a shift to a four-year term limit or a re-election system. The People Power Party also proposed a constitutional amendment last April to change the presidential term to a four-year limit and introduce a responsible prime minister system.The challenge lies in the ambiguity surrounding the concept of 'decentralization' as discussed by lawmakers. While there is agreement on the need to reduce presidential powers, there are differing opinions on what specific powers should be transferred, to whom, and to what extent.Proposals include having the National Assembly recommend the Prime Minister or sharing some of the president's appointment powers with the Assembly. While this could provide checks on the president's authority, critics argue that overly diminishing presidential powers could undermine the intent of the current system, where the president is directly elected by the people. Ultimately, the key task is to find an 'appropriate level of decentralization' that maintains direct presidential elections while enhancing checks and balances.Kyung Hee University law professor Jeong Tae-ho explained in a conversation with Aju Economy that in decentralized systems abroad, presidents are directly elected by the public, yet their actual powers differ significantly.Professor Jeong, who supports maintaining the presidential system, cautioned against changing the form of government based solely on a few academic arguments and comparative legal studies. He suggested that a weighted voting threshold could be applied to positions requiring neutrality, rather than fully transferring the president's appointment powers to the National Assembly, thereby strengthening checks on specific appointments.Conversely, political commentator Park Sang-byeong proposed a more proactive decentralization model where powers are shared between the president and the prime minister. He argued that the president should retain authority over foreign affairs, security, and unification, while the prime minister, representing the majority party, should manage administration, safety, land, and transportation, creating a hybrid system of presidential and parliamentary governance.◇Expanding Constitutional Issues: Bicameral Legislature, Emergency Control, and Balanced DevelopmentIn addition to power structure discussions, several other issues are expected to be on the constitutional reform agenda. One prominent proposal is the introduction of a bicameral legislature similar to those in the United States or Japan. Proponents argue that a bicameral system would enhance regional representation in the National Assembly and create a political structure that allows for thorough deliberation.However, there are counterarguments. Park noted that a bicameral system could become burdensome, suggesting instead increasing the number of proportional representatives to 100 and lowering the threshold for negotiating groups from 20 seats to encourage more diverse representation.Additionally, discussions are likely to include measures to establish checks on the National Election Commission, especially following controversies over voter rights during the 6-3 local elections. Proposals to strengthen National Assembly oversight of emergency powers and to more clearly enshrine regional balanced development in the constitution are also being considered. There have been ongoing calls to include the spirit of democracy from events like the May 18 Gwangju Uprising and the Busan Democratic Uprising in the constitutional preamble.Ultimately, the success of constitutional reform hinges on how far both parties can find common ground among the various issues. Attempting to resolve all contentious points at once could complicate negotiations and risk derailing the reform process altogether.Experts emphasize that for reform to become a reality, the ruling Democratic Party must actively engage in negotiations with the opposition. Since amending the constitution requires a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly, pursuing changes without opposition agreement is practically unfeasible.Korea University law professor Cha Jin-ah stated, "If the Democratic Party is serious about constitutional reform, it must engage in discussions with the People Power Party. Without such negotiations, there will be suspicions that the push for reform is merely a tactic to shift focus due to declining presidential approval ratings."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-09 20:16:00
Han Seong-sook Addresses Declining Approval Ratings for President Lee Jae-myung Prime Minister Han Seong-sook stated on September 9 that she is "seriously listening to the voices of the people" regarding the recent decline in approval ratings for President Lee Jae-myung's administration.During a government questioning session in the National Assembly, Han responded to a question from People Power Party lawmaker Yoon Jae-ok about public opinion polls, saying, "We need to properly assess what we are doing well and what we are not, and seriously consider the areas that need change."Regarding the reasons for the declining approval ratings, she noted, "I believe this is a result of our inability to meet the expectations of the public in certain areas, as well as our shortcomings in explaining what we are doing well."In response to recent criticisms about the cabinet reshuffle, Han emphasized the need for hearings to provide clarification and explanations for any raised concerns, stating, "It is important to follow procedures that meet the public's expectations after undergoing a verification process that aligns with democratic principles."When addressing concerns raised by lawmaker Na Kyung-won about the qualifications of Kim Seung-won, the nominee for Minister of Justice, and Yong Hye-in, the nominee for Minister of Gender Equality and Family, Han said, "We are doing our best to recommend capable individuals, and I believe they are competent, which is why we have put them forward for nomination."In response to a question from lawmaker Lee Jun-seok regarding the rationale behind Yong's nomination, Han explained, "We considered her track record as a female lawmaker, her leadership as the head of the Basic Income Party, and her contributions as a working woman."On the issue of the proposed abolition of early voting, which is being pushed by the People Power Party, Han stated, "The National Election Commission needs to express its position, and there are aspects that need to be amended in the election law," while also acknowledging that "early voting is a very convenient system that enhances public participation."Han, who took office in July, participated in her first government questioning session on this day. When Yoon asked her what the top priority of the Lee Jae-myung administration is, she initially responded with "constitutional amendment" but quickly corrected herself to "politics that unites the people."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-09 19:48:00
12 Home Shopping Operators Approved for 7-Year Renewal Twelve home shopping operators whose licenses had expired have received a seven-year renewal.The Broadcasting and Media Communications Commission (BMCC) held its 34th plenary meeting on September 9 and approved the renewal for the twelve home shopping companies.The companies under review included Our Home Shopping, Home & Shopping, W Shopping, Shinsegae Live Shopping, CJ ENM, SSG.com, NS Shopping, GS Retail, TRN, KT Alpha, and Hyundai Home Shopping, all of which had their licenses expire between April and June of this year.The BMCC reported that all twelve companies scored above the renewal threshold of 650 points out of a possible 1,000 and met at least 50% of the criteria in the evaluation process, thus securing a seven-year renewal.The review committee was chaired by BMCC member Ryu Shin-hwan and included ten experts from various fields such as broadcasting, media, law, and accounting.The renewal committee reviewed existing conditions for renewal and streamlined those that were outdated or redundant with other laws and regulations, while also specifying necessary conditions to reflect the characteristics of each operator.Common conditions for all twelve companies included: clearly specifying the range of services provided to suppliers in contracts, prohibiting the unfair transfer of increased broadcasting fees to suppliers, and establishing fair trading practices to prevent unfair transactions and employee misconduct.Individual conditions were also assigned based on the characteristics of each operator. For Our Home Shopping, requirements included securing outside directors and internal committees, while Home & Shopping was required to maintain a direct purchase ratio of over 20% for small and medium-sized enterprises and promote cooperative management. Additionally, they were prohibited from using the same name as their TV home shopping channel on data home shopping channels.BMCC Chairman Kim Jong-cheol stated, "Home shopping is an important sales channel for small and medium-sized enterprises, and it must fulfill its role even in challenging distribution and media environments. The BMCC will also continue to implement necessary policy support to strengthen the competitiveness of home shopping operators and expand sales channels for small and medium-sized enterprises."Meanwhile, the BMCC also approved an enforcement decree of the Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection, which imposes fines of up to 6% for illegal spam, set to take effect on October 1.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-09 19:40:00