AJU PRESS ASIA FIRST NEWS AGENCY

Journalist

&
""
Latest by
  • Jeonju ASEAN Hall gathers crafts from all 11 member states
    Jeonju ASEAN Hall gathers crafts from all 11 member states SEOUL, September 17 (AJP) - Traditional crafts from all Association of Southeast Asian Nations members, including the newest member, Timor-Leste, were on display Thursday in Jeonju as a new ASEAN cultural hall opened in the southwestern South Korean city. Timor-Leste was formally admitted as the bloc's 11th member on Oct. 26, 2025, at the 47th summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Kuala Lumpur. The half-island nation applied in 2011, held observer status from 2022, and its entry marked the group's first expansion since Cambodia joined in 1999. The Jeonju exhibition is the first large-scale show in South Korea to bring together cultural heritage from all 11 member states, according to the ASEAN-Korea Centre, which runs the new hall. The ASEAN-Korea Centre (AKC) is an intergovernmental organization founded by South Korea and the ASEAN member states in 2009 to promote trade, investment, tourism and cultural exchange between the two sides. Titled "ASEAN: Where Hands Bridge Time," the inaugural exhibition presents about 70 objects made and handed down by artisans across Southeast Asia. Masks, textiles, musical instruments and shadow puppets fill the space, and the title refers to the way these traditions have survived from one generation to the next through the skill of their makers. AKC assembled the collection with help from ASEAN embassies in Seoul and cultural agencies in each member state. For Seoul, the hall is part of a wider diplomatic push. In congratulatory remarks read at the ceremony by Kwon Jae-hwan, the foreign ministry's director-general for ASEAN and Southeast Asian affairs, Foreign Minister Cho Hyun tied the opening to President Lee Jae Myung's policy vision for the region. "In fact, Korea intends to do everything short of actual membership under the ASEAN-ROK CSP vision," Cho said. CSP refers to the comprehensive strategic partnership, the highest tier of ties ASEAN extends to outside partners, which South Korea and the bloc adopted in October 2024. Cho described the new hall as a response to "ever-expanding relations and rapidly growing ASEAN communities in Korea," and said he hoped it would "signal more ASEAN Halls down the road in different parts of Korea." Jeonju ASEAN Hall is the center's third, after halls in Seoul and on Jeju Island, and the first in the Honam region, the southwestern part of the country that covers the Jeolla provinces. It sits inside the Korea Traditional Culture Center, about a five-minute walk from Jeonju Hanok Village, a district of traditional tile-roofed houses that ranks among South Korea's most visited cultural destinations. Kim Jae-shin, AKC's secretary general, told guests that the hall was meant for Koreans discovering Southeast Asia and for the region's own people living in the country. He said he hoped it would be "a welcoming space where they can share their cultures and maintain a connection with their home countries." Jeonju Mayor Cho Ji-hun said the city would use exhibitions and arts programs run with AKC to move toward its goal of becoming one of Asia's five leading cultural industry cities. Speaking for the Philippines as ASEAN's chair for 2026, Ambassador Bernadette Therese C. Fernandez credited Kim with pushing to make the bloc's presence known in cities across South Korea, and said the hall would serve as "a physical reminder of why we want lasting peace and stability in the region." Fernandez also acknowledged Timor-Leste's ambassador, António de Sá Benevides, who chairs the ASEAN Committee in Seoul, the group of Southeast Asian ambassadors posted to the South Korean capital. The program also included Heungboga, a work of pansori, the Korean tradition of long-form storytelling through song, performed by the Jeonbuk State Gugak Center. Filipino singer Dorado, who finished second on the JTBC audition show Sing Again 4 in January, was set to sing "Golden" from the animated film KPop Demon Hunters and Cho Yong-pil's "The Dreams." Beyond the exhibition, AKC plans to run the hall with the Jeonju Cultural Foundation as a venue for regular public programs aimed at residents and tourists. One of them, the ASEAN Brunch Box, pairs signature pastries from Lee Sung Dang, a well-known bakery in nearby Gunsan, with specialty coffee from Timor-Leste. An ASEAN Cooking Class will teach participants to make dishes such as Vietnamese bánh xèo, a crisp rice-flour pancake, and Indonesian nasi goreng, or fried rice, under the guidance of a Southeast Asian culinary expert. Both programs will run once a month on selected Saturdays, with schedules and cooking class registration posted on the hall's Instagram account, @aseanhall_akc. AKC also tied the hall to Jeonbuk State's bid to host the 2036 Summer Olympics, saying it expected the venue to raise Jeonju's profile as an international city. Jeonju ASEAN Hall is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and closed on Sundays and public holidays. 2026-09-17 18:37:51
  • Song Hyung-gon Emphasizes Strong Security and Dialogue for Korean Peninsula Stability
    Song Hyung-gon Emphasizes Strong Security and Dialogue for Korean Peninsula Stability Song Hyung-gon, the chair of the Jeonnam Gwangju Integrated Special City Council, stated that strong security and ongoing dialogue are essential for stability and coexistence on the Korean Peninsula.On September 17, at the Mokpo Citizens' Culture and Sports Center, Song emphasized the role of local councils in promoting peace and coexistence on the Korean Peninsula during the 22nd Jeonnam Regional Meeting of the Democratic Peaceful Unification Advisory Council.More than 1,000 attendees were present, including Kim Moon-soo, vice chair of the Jeonnam Gwangju Integrated Special City Council, city council members, and advisory council members from the Jeonnam regional meeting.The event began with a presentation of policy messages on peace and coexistence on the Korean Peninsula, followed by reports on the progress of the 22nd term and regional meeting activities, the adoption of policy proposals, and the announcement of resolutions by advisory council members.In his address, Song stated, "The tension surrounding the Korean Peninsula remains high, the dialogue with North Korea is limited, and the international situation is unpredictable. Peace is a promise that is safeguarded by strength and fulfilled through dialogue. What we need now is strong security and an unwavering commitment to dialogue."He added, "Jeonnam Gwangju has historically led the way in opening paths for democracy and peace. We must now extend that wisdom and solidarity into a driving force for the future of the Korean Peninsula."Song also expressed, "The inaugural Jeonnam Gwangju Integrated Special City Council will fulfill its duty to ensure that peace becomes a force that protects the daily lives of citizens, and I hope this gathering will serve as a catalyst to revive the stalled inter-Korean relations."Meanwhile, the Democratic Peaceful Unification Advisory Council will hold a series of regional meetings across 18 locations nationwide, starting with the Jeonnam regional meeting, culminating on October 28, with participation from over 20,000 domestic advisory council members. These regional meetings are legally convened by the president, who serves as the chair, and presided over by the respective regional vice chair, occurring once during the term of the 22nd advisory council members.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 18:32:20
  • Mr. Pizza Launches Mexican Chipotle Pizza with Bold Flavors
    Mr. Pizza Launches 'Mexican Chipotle Pizza' with Bold Flavors Mr. Pizza has introduced its 'Mexican Chipotle Pizza,' emphasizing exotic spiciness to cater to autumn dining preferences.On September 17, Mr. Pizza announced the launch of its premium new product, the 'Mexican Chipotle Pizza,' along with three types of quesadillas and gambas.The standout item, the Mexican Chipotle Pizza, features a spicy chipotle sauce made with jalapeños and is topped with tomato pork. Whole corn kernels are added to enhance the texture.The dough incorporates 'Real Milk Dough,' which has been used in the premium and classic pizza lines since May. This dough is characterized by the addition of milk during the mixing process, resulting in a chewy texture and rich flavor.Three types of quesadillas are available, including the 'Bulgogi Quesadilla' with beef bulgogi, the 'Tomato Pork Quesadilla' featuring tomato pork, and the 'Hot Chicken Quesadilla' that emphasizes spiciness. This variety allows consumers to choose according to their taste preferences, blending familiar bulgogi flavors with Mexican cuisine.Additionally, a new side menu item, gambas, has been introduced. This dish consists of shrimp, garlic, and cherry tomatoes sautéed together, served with ciabatta bread.Through its mobile app, Mr. Pizza offers a special set menu called 'Quesa-Gambas,' which allows customers to select one type of quesadilla, along with gambas, spicy potatoes, and a 500ml drink. Customers who order through the app for delivery or takeout can receive additional discounts, although these cannot be combined with other promotions or partnership benefits.A representative from Mr. Pizza stated, 'We designed this menu to offer a variety of flavors, from exotic chipotle to familiar bulgogi, allowing customers to choose according to their preferences. We hope this culinary experience enriches both light meals for individuals and gatherings during the autumn season.'* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 18:32:00
  • People Power Party to Focus on By-Election Nominations Instead of Local Chair Selection
    People Power Party to Focus on By-Election Nominations Instead of Local Chair Selection The People Power Party's Special Committee for Organizational Strengthening has decided to halt the selection process for the Gangneung city organizational chair and instead link it to the upcoming by-election scheduled for April next year. During a meeting held on September 17 at the party's headquarters in Yeongdeungpo, Seoul, the committee reached this decision. Jeong Hee-yong, the committee chair, explained after the meeting, "Considering that a by-election is planned for April in Gangneung, we determined that it would be more efficient to connect the selection of the organizational chair with the by-election nomination process rather than appoint a separate chair." The committee plans to urge the party leadership to expedite the nomination process for Gangneung. This area became vacant after former lawmaker Kwon Seong-dong received a two-year prison sentence for accepting illegal political funds of 100 million won from the Unification Church, resulting in the loss of his seat. The selection process for the chairs of the remaining 35 local chapters, excluding Gangneung, will proceed as scheduled. The committee will begin interviewing applicants from today to comprehensively assess their competitiveness. Jeong added, "In regions where a single recommendation is possible based on the interview results, we will propose candidates to the Supreme Council, while in other areas, we plan to select the organizational chairs through voting by responsible party members in those regions." Meanwhile, the People Power Party decided on August 31 during a Supreme Council meeting to gradually implement a direct election system for party council chairs. Consequently, the nomination process for organizational chairs across the country has been underway since September 1 for the vacant local chapters.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 18:32:00
  • Concerns Raised Over Kim Ji-yongs Suitability as First Chief of the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency
    Concerns Raised Over Kim Ji-yong's Suitability as First Chief of the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency Concerns are mounting within the legal community regarding the suitability of Kim Ji-yong, the nominee for the inaugural chief of the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency, due to his past as a prosecutor.The Judicial Center of the Lawyers for a Democratic Society issued a statement on September 17, asserting that "considering the historical significance of the agency's establishment, Kim is not fit for the position and is unqualified."They noted, "He has never agreed with the core principle of separating investigation and prosecution, and has actively opposed judicial reform efforts."The statement elaborated that during his tenure as head of the Criminal Division at the Supreme Prosecutors' Office in April 2022, Kim held a press conference to publicly oppose legislation aimed at reducing the prosecution's direct investigative powers and separating investigation from prosecution.Additionally, they pointed out that he participated in a collective statement opposing the disciplinary action against former Prosecutor General Yoon Suk Yeol, and he was part of the command line for the investigation into the travel ban case of former Vice Minister of Justice Kim Hak-eui, which was later confirmed to be without merit.As the launch of the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency approaches, the statement emphasized that it is more important to appoint a reform-minded candidate who can successfully lead the agency than to rush into selecting an unsuitable nominee. "If the first step is taken incorrectly, the entire reform could collapse," they warned.Former Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae criticized Yoon and Han Dong-hoon on Facebook the previous day, stating, "Yoon and Han ultimately were not prosecuted despite obstructing investigations related to the Channel A case, thanks to the cooperation and machinations of individuals like Kim Ji-yong, who abandoned judicial justice within the organization. I consider them informants."Choo added, "Kim Ji-yong opposed the disciplinary action against Yoon. He signed a joint statement from senior prosecutors opposing Yoon's suspension and disciplinary request, but later in 2021, the court recognized Yoon's obstruction of the Channel A investigation as valid grounds for disciplinary action."Im Eun-jung, head of the Seoul Eastern District Prosecutors' Office, also publicly questioned Kim's consistency during the investigations into the Channel A case and the travel ban case of Kim Hak-eui, asking, "What consistent stance did he take, and what efforts did he make to enforce it? Did he exercise his right to raise objections?" She further questioned whether Kim would adhere to the law as the chief of the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency, given that he prioritized organizational logic over legal obligations during his tenure as a prosecutor.Kim Min-jae, the Vice Minister of the Interior and Safety and head of the preparation team for the agency's launch, held a briefing that day to address concerns regarding Kim's qualifications and actions.He explained that Kim's participation in the statement opposing the suspension and disciplinary request against former Prosecutor General Yoon was intended to highlight procedural improprieties in the disciplinary process, while acknowledging the potential for misconduct.Regarding the controversy over the command of the investigation into the emergency travel ban of former Vice Minister Kim Hak-eui, Kim Min-jae stated, "Three of the four individuals indicted were already under investigation and had been indicted before Kim took office as head of the Criminal Division. For the remaining individual, Kim expressed opposition to the indictment during an internal meeting, and he was not the final decision-maker on the indictment."In response, Choo criticized this explanation, pointing out that the individual responsible for the indictment during the travel ban case was Lee Kwang-cheol, the former senior secretary for civil affairs in the Blue House during the Moon Jae-in administration, calling it "a pathetic excuse." She added that Lee had been a strong advocate for judicial reform within the Blue House and was targeted for investigation and indictment in connection with the travel ban case.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 18:28:00
  • Mokpo City Council Visits Welfare Facilities Ahead of Chuseok
    Mokpo City Council Visits Welfare Facilities Ahead of Chuseok In a show of community support ahead of the Chuseok holiday, the Mokpo City Council visited local social welfare facilities to deliver gifts and listen to the challenges faced by these organizations.On September 17, the Mokpo City Council reported that Chairman Lee Hyung-wan, along with council members Son Hye-won, Park Soo-kyung, and Jeong Jae-hoon, as well as staff from the council's office, visited Mokpo Gongsaengwon and the Mokpo Senior Welfare Center to distribute gifts and encourage facility staff and users.This visit aimed to share warmth with neighbors in need while also gathering firsthand accounts of the difficulties and requests faced by frontline social welfare facilities.The council members met with facility representatives to discuss operational conditions and the inconveniences experienced by users, gathering opinions on necessary support and improvements.In addition to the facilities they visited, the Mokpo City Council also delivered gifts to 17 social welfare facilities in the area, including the Hadang Senior Welfare Center. This initiative not only checks on neighbors who may feel isolated during the holiday but also acknowledges the hard work of those employed in frontline welfare services.Chairman Lee Hyung-wan stated, “It is important to practice warm concern and sharing so that our neighbors in need are not left out during Chuseok. The Mokpo City Council will continue to listen closely to voices from the field and strive to create a warm community where all citizens can come together.”The Mokpo City Council has been actively promoting a culture of sharing in the community by visiting local social welfare facilities during major holidays like Chuseok and Seollal, delivering gifts and listening to the opinions of facility staff and users.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 18:28:00
  • Political Tensions Rise as Kim Seung-won’s Confirmation Report is Unilaterally Processed
    Political Tensions Rise as Kim Seung-won’s Confirmation Report is Unilaterally Processed The Democratic Party unilaterally processed the confirmation report for Kim Seung-won, the nominee for Minister of Justice, on September 17, leading to a significant cooling of political relations. On the same day, the People Power Party (PPP) canceled scheduled meetings of the National Assembly's Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee and the Industry, Trade, and Energy Committee.Members of the Legislative and Judiciary Committee from the PPP walked out in protest against the unilateral introduction of the confirmation report and held a press conference condemning the Democratic Party's actions. PPP member Park Hyung-soo stated, "The confirmation report was pushed through without prior consultation," and questioned, "Are you declaring war on the public to cancel the prosecution of President Lee Jae-myung's trial?"Park further criticized the hearing, calling it a "bulletproof hearing" as no key witnesses or references were selected, thus severely limiting the verification of the nominee. He argued that adopting the report based solely on the nominee's explanations and the Democratic Party's support amounted to issuing a "get-out-of-jail-free card."PPP leader Jang Dong-hyuk also criticized the ruling party on Facebook, stating, "This is not a ruling party but a 'Blue House branch office,'" suggesting that they are disregarding public opinion if it means eliminating the trial. He accused them of having made a decision to "part ways with the public."Despite the PPP's walkout, the Democratic Party proceeded with the adoption of the confirmation report. Democratic Party member Kim Ui-gyeom remarked, "The differences between the PPP and the Democratic Party are so significant that reaching a compromise is challenging," adding, "I believe the public will understand this situation." Kim Gi-pyo, another Democratic Party member, noted, "Even when trying to reach an agreement, the PPP shows no willingness to cooperate," emphasizing the need to minimize the vacancy for the Minister of Justice.The Democratic Party also exchanged opinions regarding the content of the confirmation report, with some suggesting that the PPP's unilateral claims were overly represented or that certain expressions could mislead readers into interpreting them as facts. The committee ultimately adopted a revised report, changing the wording from "pointed out" to "claimed."As the Democratic Party pushed through the confirmation report for Kim, political tensions escalated. On the same day, clashes occurred over the adoption of confirmation reports for five ministerial nominees, including Kim. The National Defense Committee also adopted a confirmation report for Kang Shin-cheol, the nominee for Minister of National Defense, while the report for Lee Hyung-il, the nominee for Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, was the only one to be agreed upon in the Finance and Economy Planning Committee, albeit with the opposition's "ineligible" opinion included.The scheduled meetings of the Land and Infrastructure Committee and the Industry Committee, both chaired by PPP members, were canceled. These committees were supposed to discuss the confirmation reports for Hong Ji-sun, the nominee for Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, and Lee So-young, the nominee for Minister of SMEs and Startups, but ultimately did not convene. Each committee must adopt the reports for the two nominees by September 22; otherwise, President Yoon Suk-yeol can request resubmission within ten days and proceed with the appointments thereafter.Meanwhile, the PPP plans to continue its offensive even if President Yoon proceeds with Kim's appointment. Citing the case of former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk, who resigned about 30 days after his appointment, the PPP intends to maintain pressure on the Blue House and the ruling party. Reports suggest they are also considering external protests.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 18:20:20
  • Impact of Fed Rate Hike on Korean Won Strength and Exchange Rate
    Impact of Fed Rate Hike on Korean Won Strength and Exchange Rate The U.S. Federal Reserve's decision to raise interest rates and keep the door open for further increases has introduced a new variable that may hinder the recent strength of the Korean won. The won-dollar exchange rate, which had fallen nearly 9% over the past six months to around 1,330 won, is now expected to rise again due to the Fed's tightening measures and the strengthening of the dollar.On September 17, the exchange rate for the won against the U.S. dollar was 1,382.2 won at 3:30 PM in the Seoul foreign exchange market, an increase of 13.6 won from the previous session. This marks the first time the rate has surpassed the 1,380 won level since August 28. Analysts attribute this rise to heightened risk-averse sentiment following the Fed's interest rate hike and hawkish monetary policy stance.During the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting held on September 15-16, the Fed raised its target policy rate range by 25 basis points to 3.75% to 4.00%. This is the first increase since July 2023, marking a gap of over three years.Fed Chair Kevin Warsh emphasized the commitment to price stability during a press conference following the FOMC meeting, while analysts suggest that inflation in the U.S. may not ease easily. Kim Sung-soo, a researcher at Hanwha Investment & Securities, noted, "Strong consumer spending suggests that service prices are unlikely to decline significantly, which could support the possibility of another Fed rate hike in December."The Fed's tightening is also expected to impact domestic monetary policy in South Korea. The Bank of Korea (BOK) is considering the possibility of additional interest rate hikes this year, taking into account inflation and financial stability.After raising the base rate from 2.50% to 2.75% in July, the BOK increased it again to 3.00% in August, marking two consecutive months of rate hikes. This proactive measure was aimed at addressing inflation and financial stability risks. In its August monetary policy statement, the BOK indicated that inflation is expected to exceed target levels for an extended period, necessitating preemptive action to prevent further price increases.Moreover, persistent inflationary pressures and robust growth driven by exports and investments are cited as factors that could lead to further rate hikes. In its September monetary credit policy report released on the 10th, the BOK projected that inflation would remain above target levels for a considerable time and stated it would assess future inflation, economic trends, and financial stability to determine the timing and pace of any additional rate increases.Given the two consecutive rate hikes, the BOK is likely to approach any further increases cautiously to evaluate the effects of its policies. The median forecast from the BOK's monetary policy committee members for the base rate six months ahead is 3.25%, which is 25 basis points higher than the current rate.However, a challenge remains: even if the BOK raises rates, the potential for further increases by the Fed could limit the narrowing of the interest rate gap between South Korea and the U.S. Following the Fed's recent hike, the interest rate differential has widened from 0.75 percentage points to 1.00 percentage points. Even if the BOK raises rates once more this year, if the Fed also increases rates, the interest gap may not significantly narrow, which could limit the impact of domestic rate hikes on the strength of the won.Additionally, the domestic supply conditions that previously supported the won's strength are weakening. In July and August, a surge in dollar supply from exporters helped strengthen the won, but this supply advantage appears to be diminishing. The won-dollar exchange rate, which rose to nearly 1,560 won in early June, fell to around 1,330 won earlier this month but has recently started to rebound.Nonetheless, some analysts predict that if the strong dollar pressure eases, downward pressure on the exchange rate could increase again. Moon Da-woon, a researcher at Korea Investment & Securities, stated, "Considering the current external situation, there is likely to be upward pressure on the exchange rate until early November, before the U.S. midterm elections. The factors currently pushing the exchange rate higher are external strong dollar pressures, and once these pressures ease, domestic conditions may lead to renewed downward pressure on the exchange rate."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 18:20:10
  • Impact of U.S. Federal Reserve Rate Hike on Global Oil Prices
    Impact of U.S. Federal Reserve Rate Hike on Global Oil Prices The U.S. Federal Reserve's interest rate hike is exerting downward pressure on international oil prices. The tightening of monetary policy is expected to dampen consumption and investment, while a stronger dollar could suppress oil demand.On September 16, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) raised the target range for the federal funds rate by 0.25 percentage points to 3.75% to 4.00%. This decision aims to bring the high inflation rate back to the target of 2%.Typically, an increase in interest rates is seen as a factor that reduces oil demand, leading to lower international oil prices. As borrowing costs rise for households and businesses, consumption and investment tend to decline. Consequently, fuel consumption necessary for production and transportation slows down, resulting in downward pressure on demand.A stronger dollar also weighs on oil prices. Since crude oil is primarily traded in dollars, an increase in the dollar's value raises the purchasing burden for countries outside the U.S. It requires more of their local currency to buy the same amount of oil.However, concerns remain regarding supply disruptions stemming from the Middle East. Recently, escalating clashes between Saudi Arabia, the world's largest oil exporter, and Houthi rebels in Yemen have shaken the global oil market. A drone attack temporarily halted operations on a Saudi pipeline, impacting both the East-West pipeline and the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, a key alternative route.As demand pressures increase, analysts warn that significant disruptions to oil production facilities or transportation routes could lead to a supply decrease, potentially driving up prices. The International Energy Agency (IEA) reported in its September oil market report that global oil production fell by 1.6 million barrels per day in August compared to the previous month, largely due to heightened risks in the Gulf region.For domestic consumers, exchange rates add another variable. If the U.S. interest rate hike leads to a stronger dollar and an increase in the won-dollar exchange rate, the cost of imports in won will rise. Should supply shortages due to refinery operational issues worsen, the international oil products market could also face shocks, exacerbating supply-demand imbalances.The government's price cap system for oil products influences domestic price trends. According to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, the current ninth price cap will end on September 18. The government had previously lowered the seventh price cap in June and has since frozen it twice.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 18:20:10
  • Ruling Party Calls for Education Ministers Resignation Over Application System Failure
    Ruling Party Calls for Education Minister's Resignation Over Application System Failure Jang Dong-hyuk, the leader of the ruling People Power Party, has called for Education Minister Choi Kyo-jin to resign, citing responsibility for the recent failure of the college application system. The party plans to establish a task force directly under the party leader to clarify the facts surrounding the incident. During an emergency meeting on September 17 at the National Assembly, Jang announced the party's proactive response to the situation. He noted, "This is the last year students will take the college entrance exam in its current format, so we anticipated a surge in applicants," emphasizing that the system overload was foreseeable. Questions have also arisen regarding the government's response to the crisis. Jang stated, "The current government seems to lack both the will and the capability to find a proper solution," adding that while the Education Ministry claims to be preparing remedies, they are unlikely to be satisfactory alternatives. He stressed, "This is an irreversible issue," insisting that the Education Minister must take responsibility and resign. He also indicated that others responsible should be held accountable. Im Yi-ja, the party's policy chief, remarked, "Fairness and equity are essential in college admissions," and stated that the meeting would examine the specific problems and confusion that arose during the application process, as well as what was lacking in the guidance from the government and universities. In response, the People Power Party has decided to form a 'College Admissions Fairness Task Force' led by Jang. This group will investigate the impact of the incident with experts from various fields and develop measures to assist affected students and improve the system. Additionally, lawmaker Na Kyung-won held a separate press conference that afternoon, labeling the incident as "negligent intent" and urging the education authorities to devise reasonable remedies. Meanwhile, on September 11, a system failure at the agency handling college applications prevented some students from completing their submissions. Although the application deadline was extended, some universities released competition rates based on the original deadline, leading to situations where students checked the rates before applying.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 18:20:00