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Prime Minister Han Seung-soo Inspects Safety Measures for Seoul Fireworks Festival 한성숙 국무총리는 5일 ‘서울세계불꽃축제 2026’이 열리는 서울 여의도 한강공원을 찾아 “다중밀집으로 인한 인파사고가 발생하지 않도록 관람객 이동 경로와 밀집 장소를 철저히 관리해 달라”고 당부했다. 한 총리는 이날 오후 축제 현장에서 서울시로부터 안전관리 대책을 보고받고 종합안전본부와 화재진압선 등 행사장 일대의 준비 상황을 점검했다. 이날 축제에는 전체 약 100만명, 여의도 한강공원 주변에는 50만∼60만명이 모일 것으로 예상된다. 서울시는 경찰 인력을 포함해 1만명 이상의 안전·인파 관리 인력을 배치했다. 비상 상황 발생 시 관람객의 위치를 신속히 파악하고 구조·구급 인력이 접근할 수 있도록 행사장을 62개 구역으로 나눠 관리한다. 수변 접근을 막기 위한 안전펜스와 바리케이드 등 안전 물자도 지난해보다 20% 늘렸다. 한 총리는 “100만명이 올 것으로 예상되는 만큼 서로 질서를 지키지 않으면 위험할 수 있다”며 기관별 안전대책이 현장에서 차질 없이 이행되는지 실시간으로 살펴달라고 주문했다. 특히 축제가 끝난 뒤 관람객이 한꺼번에 빠져나가는 과정에서 사고가 발생하지 않도록 해산 대책을 철저히 시행할 것을 강조했다. 서울시는 관람객 이동 동선을 일방향으로 운영하고, 오후 9시10분 불꽃쇼가 끝난 뒤에는 약 70분 동안 별도의 공연을 진행해 귀가 인파를 분산할 계획이다. 지하철은 상·하행선 각각 9회씩 총 18회 증편한다. 여의나루역은 밀집 상황에 따라 무정차 통과 여부를 결정하고 버스도 우회 운행과 함께 증차한다. 한 총리는 종합상황실에서 여의도에 설치된 폐쇄회로(CC)TV 18대와 이촌지역 CCTV 7대를 활용한 실시간 인파 관리 체계도 살펴봤다. 주최 측은 이동통신 데이터를 이용한 인원 추산치와 CCTV 화면을 교차 점검해 구역별 혼잡도를 관리한다. 한 총리는 “데이터와 기술을 활용하면 밀집 상황을 보다 효과적으로 관리할 수 있다”며 “시스템을 다른 축제에서도 활용할 수 있도록 공유하는 방안을 검토해 달라”고 말했다. 화재와 수상 사고 대책도 점검했다. 소방당국은 불꽃 발사 바지선에서 화재가 발생할 가능성에 대비해 화재진압선을 배치했다. 행사장 주변 수역은 개인 요트와 보트 등의 진입을 통제한다. 경찰은 테러와 차량 돌진, 이상동기 범죄, 성범죄 등에 대비해 경찰특공대와 관련 장비를 현장에 배치했다. 한 총리는 “많은 사람이 모이는 만큼 질서 유지뿐 아니라 강력범죄 가능성에도 미리 대비해야 한다”며 “행사가 끝나는 마지막 순간까지 안전관리에 최선을 다해달라”고 당부했다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-05 18:28:00 -
180 Vehicles Affected by Fuel Mix-Up at Busan Gas Station At a self-service gas station in Busan, a mix-up of gasoline and diesel has led to damage for approximately 180 vehicles.According to reports from the Saha District on September 5, the incident occurred around 11 a.m. on August 25 when an employee mistakenly transferred diesel intended for the diesel tank into the gasoline tank.The following day at 10 a.m., a customer who filled up at the affected pump noticed issues with their vehicle and reported the situation to the gas station and the Korea Petroleum Quality Management Corporation, confirming the fuel mix-up.So far, about 180 vehicles have been identified as affected. Symptoms of mixed fuel can include reduced power, noise, and engine stalling. In severe cases, the entire engine may need to be replaced. As a result, affected vehicle owners may face repair costs ranging from 1 million won to several million won, depending on the condition and extent of the damage.One affected owner stated, “I heard strange noises while driving and went to a repair shop, where I was informed that my vehicle had been filled with mixed fuel.”The gas station has expressed its intention to compensate the affected vehicle owners.The Saha District plans to impose administrative penalties on the gas station based on the investigation results from the Korea Petroleum Quality Management Corporation.If the fuel is confirmed to be counterfeit, the station could face a three-month business suspension. If deemed substandard, penalties could range from a three-month suspension to a warning, depending on whether there was intent or gross negligence.Fines for counterfeit fuel can reach up to 100 million won, while penalties for substandard fuel can be as high as 30 million won.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-05 18:20:20
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Mokpo University Presidential Candidates Shave Heads in Protest Over Medical School Selection Presidential candidates for Mokpo University have raised concerns about the fairness of the selection process for the new National Medical University in Jeollanam-do by participating in a head-shaving protest. The simultaneous action by the two candidates has amplified the discontent among Mokpo University members regarding the selection results for the medical school. On September 5, Mokpo University announced that Ryu Dong-young and Lim Han-kyu participated in a rally in front of the Blue House, demanding a thorough review of the procedural and legal issues raised during the selection process for the new National Medical University. The rally drew over 300 attendees, including local politicians, academics, and residents from the southwestern region of Jeollanam-do. Notable participants included Congressman Kim Won-yi, Mokpo Mayor Kang Seong-hwi, and Mokpo City Council Chairman Lee Hyeong-wan, all of whom also shaved their heads in solidarity. The joint head-shaving by Ryu and Lim is seen as a statement that the issue transcends mere differences in the university presidential election and is a shared concern for the future of Mokpo University and the southwestern region. Both candidates expressed that the establishment of the National Medical University in Jeollanam-do is directly linked to the rights to life and health of residents in medically underserved areas, emphasizing that the selection and recommendation of candidate universities must adhere to objective criteria and fair procedures. Ryu Dong-young and Lim Han-kyu stated through their head-shaving that “the 36-year-long aspiration of local residents for the establishment of a national medical school should be evaluated through sufficient verification and fair assessment,” urging the government to revisit the various issues raised during the recommendation process. Mokpo University has highlighted the need to verify whether the selection process adequately and uniformly assessed the candidate universities' ability to secure medical school and hospital sites, as well as their feasibility and compliance with relevant laws. The university has been preparing the necessary educational facilities, faculty, and clinical training systems for the establishment of a medical school and hospital, and has worked to ensure the feasibility of securing land for these institutions. The university emphasized that trust in the evaluation process is essential for accepting the results. Concerns have been raised that proceeding with subsequent steps without resolving the questions raised during the recommendation process could lead to prolonged community conflict regarding the establishment of the National Medical University in Jeollanam-do. In response, Mokpo University filed a lawsuit on September 3 seeking the cancellation of the selection and recommendation of candidate universities for the new National Medical University, and submitted an objection to the Ministry of Education on September 4 regarding the recommendation proposal. A university official stated, “The core issue is not which university is selected, but whether the decision regarding the long-awaited National Medical University in Jeollanam-do has been made through standards and procedures that everyone can accept,” adding, “We hope the government will carefully verify the legal and procedural issues raised during the recommendation process to restore fairness and trust.” Meanwhile, the participation of the two presidential candidates in the head-shaving protest is being interpreted as a message that the university community and local society must unite on the issue of the National Medical University, beyond the competition for the presidency. Mokpo University plans to continue necessary actions to ensure that the 36-year-long aspiration of residents in the southwestern region is evaluated through fair procedures.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-05 18:00:00
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Samsung's non-chip union takes wage-gap protest to Times Square SEOUL, September 05 (AJP) -“Great products begin with people,” read a message splashed across a Times Square billboard in New York on Saturday, as a Samsung Electronics non-chip labor union took its protest over widening compensation disparities and treatment of its consumer-electronics workforce to a global stage. Donghaeng Union, which mainly represents employees in Samsung Electronics’ Device eXperience (DX) division, ran a 15-second video on a Times Square electronic billboard from midnight local time, with the clip appearing at 35 minutes past every hour. The campaign comes amid growing dissatisfaction among DX employees over what the union says is an excessive compensation gap with workers in the Device Solutions (DS) division, which oversees Samsung’s semiconductor business. Donghaeng Union has argued that DX employees were sidelined in the company’s latest wage negotiations and that differences in rewards between the two divisions have become too large. Samsung’s semiconductor business has enjoyed a powerful earnings rebound on booming artificial intelligence demand, particularly for high-bandwidth memory and other advanced chips, while profitability in parts of the DX business has remained under pressure. The union argues that weaker earnings at DX should not be blamed primarily on employees. At a rally on Aug. 21, it said deteriorating profitability in the division stemmed from management failures and called for greater communication with senior executives. The Times Square advertisement also raised concerns about Samsung’s artificial intelligence transformation, or AX, program. The union said the company has been dividing work into individual functions, measuring efficiency and calculating required staffing levels under the AX initiative. “If workforce efficiency under the banner of AX means reducing people, it must stop,” the union said. The concern is part of the union’s broader argument that employees should not bear the cost of restructuring and weaker profitability while compensation increasingly diverges between Samsung’s major business divisions. Donghaeng Union also called for an investigation into whether personal information involving its members had been leaked. The request follows controversy involving the Samsung Electronics branch of the Samsung Group Super-Enterprise Union, which was accused of compiling a list containing information on the union membership status of roughly 100,000 employees. Donghaeng Union asked Samsung to determine whether information involving its own members was included. The union plans to intensify its campaign later this month. Beginning Sept. 18, members plan to hold rallies and one-person demonstrations near the residence of Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong in Seoul’s Yongsan district. AJP Takeaways - A Samsung Electronics union representing mainly DX employees took its protest over widening compensation disparities to New York’s Times Square. - The union says DX workers have been sidelined in recent wage talks and face an excessive pay gap with employees in the more profitable semiconductor-focused DS division. - Further protests are planned near Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong’s Seoul residence from Sept. 18. 2026-09-05 17:41:11 -
Samsung Workers Plan Indefinite Protest Near Chairman Lee Jae-yong's Home The Device Experience (DX) division labor union of Samsung Electronics plans to hold an indefinite protest near the home of Chairman Lee Jae-yong, demanding resolution of compensation disparities. Business leaders have reacted, stating that it is inappropriate to request renegotiation after wage negotiations, member votes, and court rulings have already concluded.According to labor sources, the union will hold a launch ceremony on the 18th and continue protests and individual demonstrations near Lee's residence in Yongsan, Seoul.A union representative stated, "We plan to conduct the protest long-term without a set end date," adding that on days when they cannot file for a protest, they will continue with individual demonstrations.The union claims that during the wage negotiations agreed upon in May, the DX division was sidelined, and the compensation gap with the Device Solutions (DS) division, which handles semiconductors, is excessive.They are demanding: 1,000 shares of company stock per DX employee, a common fund based on a certain percentage of overall performance, and uniform application of base salary increases across the company.Last month, they also held a protest near Samsung's Seocho office in Gangnam, arguing that declining profitability is due to management failures and requesting communication with executives regarding the DX division's demands.Business leaders criticize the demand for 1,000 shares per employee as unreasonable, especially given the current management crisis in the DX division. They point out that after the government-mediated wage negotiations were concluded, the union's late collective action lacks justification.Furthermore, they emphasize that the union participated in joint negotiations since December but did not formally raise additional compensation or stock distribution for the DX division during the more than five months of negotiations. The union withdrew from the joint negotiation team in May, citing that the DX division's issues were not adequately reflected.However, the demand for 1,000 shares was formally raised only after the wage agreement was finalized. Business leaders believe that requesting issues that could have been discussed during negotiations after an agreement has been reached undermines the order of negotiations and agreements.Additionally, the 2026 wage agreement was approved by 73.7% of union members in a vote and is currently in effect. The union's request for a suspension of the provisional agreement and a halt to wage and collective negotiations was also dismissed by the court.Consequently, business leaders argue that the wage agreement, which has gone through negotiations, voting, and judicial procedures, should be respected.Moreover, the demand for 1,000 shares per DX employee is estimated to require approximately 12.83 trillion won. Business leaders view the uniform distribution of shares unrelated to performance as a potential violation of performance-based compensation principles, which could lead to legal risks for the company and shareholders. Given the current management conditions in the DX division, they believe it is more important to focus on restoring business competitiveness and performance rather than large-scale additional compensation. 2026-09-05 17:28:00
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Russia Strikes Kyiv Airport Ahead of U.S. Delegation Visit to Ukraine As a U.S. delegation prepares to visit Russia and Ukraine, Russia has launched airstrikes near Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine. Ukrainian officials have suggested that the attacks may be aimed at coinciding with the U.S. delegation's visit. According to Yonhap News Agency, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on September 5 that "overnight, Russia conducted demonstrative airstrikes on Kyiv and Boryspil airports," calling it a "deliberate attack after a long time." President Zelensky indicated that the strikes appeared to target the potential landing of the U.S. delegation at either Kyiv or Boryspil airports, claiming that Iranian-made Shahed drones were used in the attacks. U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump's son-in-law, are expected to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow before traveling to Kyiv on September 6 to meet with President Zelensky. Zelensky had previously stated that he would ensure the normal operation of Russian airspace in light of their visit. According to TASS and RIA Novosti, a U.S. government C-32A aircraft, which likely carried Witkoff and Kushner, entered Russian airspace at approximately 11:40 a.m. after departing from Finland. Russia has expressed that the evolving situation on the ground in Ukraine, which is unfavorable to Ukraine, should be reflected in peace negotiations. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov stated, "We must consider not only the root causes of the conflict but also the ongoing situation that continues to change unfavorably for Kyiv." Ryabkov also raised doubts about whether the U.S. could handle current issues rationally and avoid being entangled in the machinations of obstructive forces following the Anchorage summit. This visit comes just ten days after CIA Director John Ratcliffe met with Russian intelligence officials in Moscow on August 26. 2026-09-05 17:24:00
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AI Revolutionizes Housing Construction in South Korea AI is now capable of creating blueprints and identifying risks on construction sites. Before building a city, it first creates a virtual model using digital twins. In completed homes, AI manages energy use and safety. Lee Seong-hoon, president of the Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH), has made 'AI transformation' a key priority since taking office. South Korea's largest public housing and urban development corporation is transitioning from a 'housing construction company' to an 'AI urban enterprise.' AI is set to bring significant changes to the construction industry in South Korea. Unlike automobiles or semiconductors, which can be mass-produced in factories, homes and cities are unique. Each site has different land shapes, elevations, roads, and surrounding environments. Numerous people and companies are involved in the entire process, from design and land preparation to construction, safety management, occupancy, and maintenance. That is why LH is focusing on AI.Lee emphasized the acceleration of housing supply, innovation in public housing quality, and balanced regional growth alongside 'AI transformation' as key initiatives upon his appointment in July 2026.LH's use of AI goes beyond employees simply generating documents with AI. The goal is to transform LH's core operations—design, construction, safety, urban development, and housing management—through AI.The starting point is design. LH has developed AI-based Building Information Modeling (BIM) software for automated earthwork design. BIM is a technology that encapsulates various information about buildings and facilities in a three-dimensional digital model.By integrating AI, repetitive design tasks can be automated, allowing for rapid comparison of multiple alternatives. AI analyzes complex conditions such as land elevation, road placement, and building layout to assist designers in their decision-making.This marks a shift from traditional manual drafting to 'construction designed collaboratively by AI and humans.' AI's role is even more direct on construction sites.LH operates a real-time integrated monitoring system called 'Nulbom A-Eye' to prevent accidents among construction workers and residents of rental housing.AI analyzes data from CCTV footage and IoT sensors to identify hazardous situations. Plans are underway to enhance analysis accuracy by applying generative AI technology known as VLM (Vision Language Model).Previously, safety managers had to monitor CCTV feeds or patrol sites. However, it is impossible for a person to oversee numerous sites simultaneously around the clock.AI can continuously monitor data from multiple CCTV cameras and sensors.This means a 24/7 'AI safety officer' is effectively deployed on construction sites. Before building new towns, AI will first create them virtually. Digital twins are technologies that replicate real cities and buildings in a virtual space.Before constructing an actual city, planners can create a digital version to examine road and building layouts and connect data on traffic, environment, and energy.With AI, the potential applications expand even further.AI can analyze vast amounts of urban data to identify issues and compare various development options. Even after a city is completed, changes occurring in reality can be reflected in the digital twin for ongoing management.This creates an 'AI city' where urban planning, design, construction, and operation are interconnected through a single data framework. If the Korea Land and Geospatial Informatix Corporation (LX) creates a 'land that AI can read' through spatial information and digital twins, LH can play a role in building 'cities and homes where AI operates' on top of that.LH is engaged in large-scale development projects across the country, including new towns, public housing, and industrial complexes. These sites can serve as a massive testing ground for South Korea's construction AI. The next step involves physical AI.While generative AI creates text and images, physical AI perceives and makes judgments about reality to operate robots and machinery.Drones can capture images of construction sites, allowing AI to analyze progress and identify risks. Construction robots and automated equipment can take over dangerous or repetitive tasks. BIM and digital twins provide the spatial information necessary for robots to operate and perform tasks.LH's construction sites nationwide offer opportunities to test these technologies in real-world scenarios.If AI and robots are combined with South Korea's construction and urban development experience, it could lead to a new competitive edge for K-construction in the global market. AI is also making its way into homes. The AI transformation does not end once an apartment is completed.LH is exploring future living spaces by introducing standard modular homes integrated with AI appliance technology in collaboration with Samsung Electronics.Homes are evolving from mere sleeping spaces into 'smart spaces' that understand residents' lifestyles and manage energy, appliances, and safety.If AI can analyze energy consumption and detect anomalies in housing facilities, it could reduce management costs and accidents in public housing.The structure is that AI designs the home, monitors the construction site, assists with construction through robots, and manages daily living in the completed home. Ultimately, the pressing issue is how quickly housing can be supplied.However, there is a more critical issue than the dazzling AI technology.Housing supply. Lee emphasized that reducing the waiting time for citizens to receive homes is a vital responsibility of LH.AI should ultimately be used to address this issue.By shortening project review periods through AI design and digital twins, and streamlining construction processes and safety management with AI, housing supply speed can be increased.Thus, the standard for evaluating LH's AI competitiveness is straightforward.It is not about how many AI technologies have been adopted, but rather how quickly and safely good homes have been supplied using AI.This is where Lee's emphasis on 'rapid housing supply' intersects with 'AI transformation.' From a 'housing construction company' to an 'AI urban enterprise.' The significance of LH's AI transformation lies in its scale.When LH changes, it does not change in isolation.It connects with design firms, construction companies, construction machinery, robotics, smart home, and energy companies. If LH actively applies AI technology, the entire related industry can be mobilized.AI-BIM will be used for design, and AI will monitor the construction site. Digital twins will replicate cities in virtual space, while robots and physical AI will enter construction sites. In completed homes, AI will manage safety and daily living. At the moment all these technologies are interconnected, the smartification of a single home will not just begin, but the AI transformation of entire cities will commence.While LH has built new towns across South Korea in the past, a new challenge awaits in the AI era.It is to create a 'South Korea where AI builds homes and manages cities.' :Lee Seong-hoon, President of the Korea Land and Housing Corporation:Lee Seong-hoon has been leading LH since July 2026, focusing on accelerating housing supply, innovating public housing quality, promoting balanced regional growth, and driving AI transformation as key management tasks. Drawing on diverse policy and field experience in the land and transportation sector, he is tasked with integrating AI and digital technologies into LH's design, construction, safety, urban development, and housing management operations to transform LH into a future-oriented housing and urban enterprise. 2026-09-05 17:04:00
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Korea on track to achieve $1 trillion export milestone: customs chief SEOUL, September 05 (AJP) -South Korea is on track to achieve a $1 trillion annual export milestone, with the customs chief flagging that the country has already topped last year's full-year record with 117 days to spare. Cumulative exports reached $709.4 billion as of 1 p.m. Saturday, surpassing the previous annual record of $709.3 billion set in 2025, Korea Customs Service Commissioner Lee Jong-wook said in a post on his social media page. The country took just 248 days to exceed last year's full-year total. President Lee Jae Myung shared the posting to celebrate the feat. "Despite an uncertain trade environment marked by stronger protectionism, the restructuring of global supply chains and the situation in the Middle East, our exports are continuing their remarkable growth," the commissioner said. If the current pace is maintained, annual exports could reach $1 trillion around early December, he added. Crossing the threshold would put South Korea among a small group of major exporting economies. According to Lee, only the United States, China and Germany have previously recorded annual exports of more than $1 trillion. The latest milestone underscores the strength of Korea's export rebound, led by semiconductors but increasingly supported by a wider range of products. Semiconductor exports surged 169.6 percent from a year earlier in the January-August period, according to figures cited by Lee. Exports of computer peripherals jumped 262.2 percent over the same period, while petroleum products rose 40.7 percent and wireless communication devices gained 28.1 percent. Ship exports increased 12.4 percent. Lee said the simultaneous growth across several major export categories was significant as Korea navigates a more difficult global trading environment. The sharp expansion in semiconductor shipments has remained the biggest driver of Korea's export performance, benefiting from strong global demand for advanced memory and computing infrastructure. Other industries have also contributed as Korean manufacturers expand shipments despite trade barriers, geopolitical uncertainty and shifting global supply chains. Lee credited the performance to the efforts of Korean companies and workers and said the government would continue pushing toward the longer-term goals of $1 trillion in exports and per-capita national income of $50,000. AJP Takeaways - South Korea’s cumulative exports reached $709.4 billion by early Sept. 5, already topping the record $709.3 billion shipped in all of 2025 with 117 days left in the year. - Customs chief Lee Jong-wook said the current pace could lift annual exports above $1 trillion in early December, a threshold previously reached only by the United States, China and Germany. - Semiconductors are driving the boom, with January-August shipments up 169.6 percent, while computers, petroleum products, wireless devices and ships also posted strong gains. 2026-09-05 16:52:03 -
Gwangju City Council Chairwoman Hwang Seon-hee Opposes Housing Supply at Horse Racing Park Without Citizen Consent Hwang Seon-hee, chairwoman of the Gwangju City Council, declared on September 3 that she cannot support the housing supply at the horse racing park without citizen consent.During a press conference held at the Gwangju Citizens' Hall clock tower, Hwang expressed her complete refusal to cooperate with the government's unilateral housing supply policy.Hwang strongly opposed the government's push for housing supply around the Gwangju Horse Racing Park, stating that she would not cooperate with policies implemented without citizen consent and community consultation.At the event, Hwang emphasized, "I will fully boycott cooperation with the government's unilateral housing supply policy and firmly oppose the housing supply plan at the Gwangju Horse Racing Park."She further criticized, "Gwangju is already managing a significant housing supply due to large-scale development projects. To impose additional housing supply without the consent of the citizens and the city of Gwangju is a complete disregard for the citizens."Hwang pointed out that the development around the Gwangju Horse Racing Park is not merely about increasing housing numbers but must also consider the overall urban conditions, including transportation, education, environment, and living infrastructure.At the press conference, Gwangju Mayor Shin Gye-yong and 33 citizen representatives opposing the relocation of the horse racing park were present.The citizen representatives expressed their opposition to the relocation of the Gwangju Horse Racing Park and the unilateral development plans based on that relocation.They collectively stated, "The government should prioritize the living environment and local characteristics of Gwangju citizens over merely pursuing housing supply goals."Attendees urged the government to reconsider its policies, warning that proceeding with projects without sufficient citizen input and consultation could exacerbate local conflicts.Hwang, along with Mayor Shin and the 33 citizen representatives, participated in a symbolic gesture to confirm their opposition to the relocation of the horse racing park and their intent to withdraw support for the government's unilateral housing supply policy.Additionally, Hwang made it clear that she would continue to respond to the government's housing supply policies based on the opinions of the citizens.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-05 16:52:00
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Over 300 Gather in Front of the Blue House to Demand Review of Medical School Recommendations Residents of the southwestern region of Jeollanam-do gathered in front of the Blue House, carrying the hope of establishing a national medical school that has been pursued for 36 years. Twelve individuals, including lawmakers, local government officials, and university professors, shaved their heads to demand a comprehensive review of the government's recommendation process for the new national medical school in Jeollanam-do. On September 5, over 300 people, including officials from the Jeollanam-do and Gwangju metropolitan area, held a rally in front of the Blue House, questioning the fairness and legality of the recommendation process for the new national medical school. Among those who shaved their heads were Representative Kim Won-yi, Mokpo Mayor Kang Seong-hwi, Mokpo City Council Chairperson Lee Hyung-wan, and Park Yong-sik, chair of the special committee for establishing the medical school, along with other local council members and professors from Mokpo National University. As the head-shaving ceremony began, the atmosphere became solemn. Participants emphasized that the establishment of a national medical school is not merely a competition for university placement but a matter of life and health for residents in the southwestern region, who lack emergency and critical medical infrastructure. They called for a strict review based on law and principles. They argued that the results of the recommendation process are difficult for the residents, who have waited 36 years for a national medical school, to accept. They insisted that acceptance of the evaluation results must be predicated on a lawful and fair review. A key issue raised was the adequacy of land acquisition for the candidate university. Participants claimed that a thorough legal review is necessary to determine whether the land acquisition plan submitted by Suncheon National University meets the requirements for establishing a medical school, citing Article 2, Section 6 of the University Establishment and Operation Regulations and Article 13 of the Act on the Management of Public Property and Goods. They questioned whether the plan, based on a free lease agreement of city-owned land instead of state-owned land, was adequately verified during the evaluation process. They stated, "Acceptance of the evaluation results is only possible when a lawful and fair assessment has been conducted," and emphasized that the issues and suspicions raised during the evaluation process must be thoroughly investigated and corrected to ensure the legitimacy of establishing a national medical school in Jeollanam-do. Mokpo National University has also initiated legal action. On September 3, the university filed a lawsuit seeking the cancellation of the selection and recommendation of candidate universities for the new national medical school and requested a suspension of the decision. On September 4, it submitted an objection to the Ministry of Education regarding the recommendation for the national medical school in Jeollanam-do. The head-shaving event highlighted that the backlash against the selection results has escalated from a community response to a collective action involving politicians, universities, and residents. Participants urged the government to reconsider the entire recommendation process to ensure that the national medical school in Jeollanam-do can secure procedural legitimacy and community trust from the outset, rather than focusing on the advantages or disadvantages of specific universities. As the dream of a national medical school, long awaited for 36 years, stands at a crossroads, the act of shaving heads by 12 individuals in front of the Blue House symbolically reflects how seriously the residents of the southwestern region are taking the recommendation results. They are now watching closely how the government will address the legal and procedural issues raised and incorporate them into subsequent actions.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-05 16:48:00