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Jang Dong-hyuk Calls for Withdrawal of Ministerial Nominees Amid Scandal Jang Dong-hyuk, leader of the People Power Party, urged the withdrawal of the nominations of Kim Seung-won for Minister of Justice and Yong Hye-in for Minister of Gender Equality and Family, stating on September 3 that the Blue House reshuffle has already received a failing grade from the public.During a Supreme Council meeting at the National Assembly, Jang remarked, "Despite the reshuffle, President Lee Jae-myung's approval ratings have plummeted further."He criticized Kim, who is facing allegations of promising bribes related to new drug facilitation, calling it a "clear case of bribery." Jang stated, "A broker operating a bar referred to Kim as 'oppa' (older brother). Kim copied and pasted the broker's messages to send to the head of the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, and then sent the head's response back to the broker. After the deal was finalized, Kim even sent the broker his bank account number. This is a clear case of bribery."Jang added, "The only reason for appointing such a person as Minister of Justice is that they need a minister who will go all out to cancel prosecutions without regard for consequences."Regarding Yong, he continued his attack over allegations of involvement with an underground organization of the Labor Party. Jang claimed, "The representative of this organization, which normalized gender discrimination while promoting 'fiery feminism' outside, is Yong's spouse. When issues of gender discrimination arose, Yong took over the leadership of the organization, which led the founding of the Basic Income Party."He also stated, "Once Yong became a member of the National Assembly, they enjoyed various privileges, leading to mockery such as 'privileged one' and 'Chul Yong-hye-in.'"Jang held the Democratic Party accountable for Yong's nomination, saying, "Only the Blue House and Democratic Party leader Kim Min-seok supported it, while everyone across factions and generations opposed it. Not only should the ministerial nomination be canceled, but Yong should also resign from the National Assembly. The Democratic Party, which has elected Yong twice, must take responsibility as well."He further criticized the recently resigned Kim Yong-beom, former head of the Blue House Policy Office, mentioning ongoing allegations of lobbying between Kim and Park Hyun-joo, chairman of Mirae Asset Group. Jang stated, "Due to various suspicions, including that Kim's son and Lee Chan-jin, head of the Financial Supervisory Service, both work at Mirae Asset, Kim resigned."Jang concluded, "There are even rumors that he is fleeing overseas. We cannot overlook the sudden resignation of Kim Yong-beom."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-03 10:48:10 -
NCT 127 Concert to Be Live-Streamed in 1,030 Theaters Worldwide NCT 127's fifth solo concert will be simultaneously screened in theaters around the world.According to their agency SM, the concert titled 'NEO CITY: SEOUL – THE REDLINE' will take place from September 18 to 20 at the KSPO DOME in Seoul. Tickets for the event sold out immediately after they were released.For fans unable to attend in person, a live viewing will be held on the final day, September 20, in 1,030 theaters across 40 regions worldwide. In South Korea, the screening will be available through Lotte Cinema, while in Japan, it will be shown via Live Viewing Japan. Global regions including the United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Thailand, and Malaysia will have access through Trafalgar.The concerts on September 19 and 20 will also be streamed online via global platforms Beyond LIVE and Weverse.Meanwhile, NCT 127's latest album, 'BLINGY,' released on August 24, features the title track of the same name, which topped the digital, download, and BGM charts on the Circle Weekly Chart, achieving a triple crown. The group will continue their music show activities, appearing on Mnet's 'M Countdown' today.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-03 10:48:00
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Kim Min-seok: Respect Public Judgment on Yoon Hye-in Controversy 김민석 더불어민주당 대표가 3일 용혜인 성평등가족부 장관 후보자를 둘러싼 논란에 "깊이 생각하고 있다"며 "여러 가지 말씀을 듣고 지켜보고 있는 입장"이라고 밝혔다. 김 대표는 이날 오전 민주당 공식 유튜브 채널 '민주당TV'의 아침 프로그램인 '민티07'에 출연해 "국민의 목소리나 판단은 그 자체로 존중하며 생각해볼 필요가 있다"며 이같이 말했다. 다만 그는 "인사청문회에서 문제가 되는 것은 숨겨져 있던 비리에 관한 것이고, 이번에 문제가 되는 것은 인사청문회를 하지 않아도 이미 공지가 돼서 알고 있는 드러난 사실에 대한 판단의 문제"라며 "통상적인 경우와 다른 것 같다"고 선을 그었다. 아울러 조국혁신당과의 합당 관련해 "합당과 연대는 다 열려 있는데, 연대는 무조건 하지만 합당 여부는 완전히 미정"이라며 "우리 내부에 혁신당을 향한 창구를 개설했으니 대화를 시작하자고 했다"이라고 했다. 그러면서 "혁신당에 대해 연대를 저해하는 언급은 조심하는 것이 좋겠다고 했다"고 덧붙였다. 또한 당에서 '한 줄 편지 위원회'가 현수막 태스크포스(TF)를 발족시킨다고 밝혔다. TF 단장은 서울시의회 예결위원장을 맡고 있는 박유진 시의원이 맡을 예정이다. 그는 "훨씬 빠른 속도로 현수막 대응을 하겠다"며 "일과 홍보를 잘 해가겠다"고 했다. 이날 방송에는 박홍근 기획예산처 장관도 출연했다. 박 장관은 조국 전 혁신당 대표가 정부 정책과 각을 세우고 있다는 지적에 "혁신당과 민주당이 뿌리는 같다고 생각한다"면서도 "대통령과 최근에 말을 나눴는데 정국을 끌고가는 것에 대한 고심이 크다. 이럴 때 우군으로서 부족한 것을 따뜻하게 채워주는 역할을 해주면 어떨까하는 아쉬움을 갖고 있다"고 말했다. 이어 "지금은 내부를 갈라치거나 거리를 둬서 정국을 풀 수 있는 문제는 아닌 것 같다"며 "대한민국이 지금 서있는 위치 자체가 중차대한 갈림길에 있기 때문에, 이럴 때일수록 큰 진영을 하나로 아우를 수 있는 지도자 간의 포용력이 필요할 때"라고 강조했다. 국민의힘에서 '정부의 쌈짓돈'이라며 공세를 펴고 있는 미래대응기금에 대해서는 "AI나 반도체가 빠른 속도로 변하는데, 예산 편성이 안돼 다음 예산 편성까지 기다리라고 하는 것은 미래에 전혀 대응하지 못하는 것"이라며 "미래대응기금을 탄력적으로 운영하는 것은 이 시대에 바람직하고 너무 당연한 기금"이라고 반박했다. 그러면서 "신속하게 어떤 항목에 쓰는지 보고하고, 국민에 투명하게 공개적으로 다 말한다면 기금 사용에 대한 우려가 줄어들 것"이라며 "기금을 쓸 수 있는 분야도 청년, 성장 동력, 지방, 교육과 인재에만 쓸 수 있도록 돼 있다"고 설명했다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-03 10:44:00
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Shinhan Card Launches 'The CLASSIC Air' for Earning Miles and Points Shinhan Card has introduced a premium travel-focused card that allows users to earn both airline miles and points simultaneously.On September 3, Shinhan Card announced the launch of 'Shinhan Card The CLASSIC Air,' which enhances travel-related benefits.The CLASSIC Air card offers a basic earning rate of one Korean Air mile for every 1,500 won spent at domestic and international merchants. Users can earn an additional mile for spending in the food service sector, including restaurants, bakeries, coffee shops, and delivery apps, as well as at overseas merchants and online shopping, totaling two miles per 1,500 won spent.The card also provides My Shinhan Points earning benefits. When paying with Shinhan Super SOL or SOL Pay in South Korea, users can earn 0.5% of their spending, capped at 20,000 points per month. For international transactions, users can earn 1% of their spending with no limit, regardless of the payment method.Additionally, the card offers optional benefits based on annual spending. Customers who pay the annual fee and spend over 1 million won in a year can choose between receiving 5,000 Korean Air miles or 100,000 My Shinhan Points once a year.Travel-related perks include discounts at eight premium hotel lounges in South Korea and reduced parking fees at Incheon Airport, as well as complimentary access to airport lounges worldwide.The annual fee is set at 147,000 won for domestic use and 150,000 won for the international American Express (AMEX) version.A Shinhan Card representative stated, "The ability to earn both Korean Air miles and My Shinhan Points simultaneously is the card's most significant feature. We have enhanced the perceived benefits by adding premium travel services such as hotel lounge discounts and free airport lounge access."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-03 10:44:00
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LS Cable & System Donates 100 Million Won to Support Vulnerable Groups in Donghae LS Cable & System announced on September 3 that it will donate 100 million won through the Community Chest of Korea to support vulnerable groups and local welfare facilities in Donghae, Gangwon Province. The donation will be used for various welfare projects in the region, including educational expenses for vulnerable elementary school students, support for families of abused children, improvement of living conditions for low-income households, and enhancements to facilities for people with disabilities and self-reliance programs. Since 2013, LS Cable & System has contributed 100 million won annually to Donghae, fostering collaboration with the local community. The company has consistently engaged in various social contribution activities that reflect the welfare needs of the region, including support for educational activities for vulnerable groups and initiatives to address low birth rates. An LS Cable & System representative stated, "It is important for the community to pay attention so that children can grow up healthy in a safe environment. We will continue our social contribution activities to provide practical help to neighbors in need in the community." Meanwhile, LS Cable & System has been expanding its production capacity and strengthening its competitiveness in the submarine cable business since establishing the country's first submarine cable factory in Donghae in 2009. Additionally, its subsidiary, LS Marine Solutions, is expanding its offshore power grid projects, including offshore wind power, based on its submarine cable construction capabilities.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-03 10:40:10
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People Power Party Launches Offensive on Single-Stock Leverage ETFs, Calls for Investigation The People Power Party is launching a full-scale offensive regarding single-stock leverage ETFs (exchange-traded funds) on September 3. The party plans to pursue a national investigation and a special prosecutor's inquiry to clarify the decision-making process and accountability surrounding the introduction of these ETFs.During a Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly, party leader Jang Dong-hyuk stated, "The investigation into the 'ETF Gate' under the Yoon Suk-yeol administration must be conducted by a special prosecutor."Jang emphasized that the public has suffered losses amounting to 54 trillion won due to single-stock leverage ETFs, asserting that the Blue House's Office for Government Policy Coordination, the Financial Services Commission, the Financial Supervisory Service, and President Yoon are not exempt from responsibility. He also criticized Kim Yong-beom, who abruptly resigned, stating that his departure cannot be overlooked.Floor leader Jeong Jeom-sik added, "The introduction of single-stock leverage ETFs has precipitated a crisis in the stock market," warning that relying on the semiconductor boom while squandering taxpayer money could jeopardize the future of the public.Members of the National Assembly's Political Affairs Committee also held a press conference on the same day to officially announce their push for a national investigation into the single-stock leverage ETFs.Seo Il-jun, the committee's secretary, stated, "We will promptly initiate the procedures for requesting a national investigation. Through this investigation, we aim to clarify the decision-making process and accountability, and if any serious violations or illegal activities are confirmed, we will pursue a special prosecutor's inquiry as well."Seo heightened criticism regarding the resignation of former Blue House policy chief Kim Yong-beom, noting, "Although Kim, who was at the center of the introduction of single-stock leverage ETFs, has stepped down, this situation cannot be resolved simply by his resignation."After the press conference, chief spokesperson Choi Eun-seok remarked, "The responsibility of the former policy chief regarding single-stock leverage ETFs is clear. We will actively pursue a national investigation to clarify the facts and hold him accountable."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-03 10:40:10
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Stray Kids' 'This & That' Earns Gold Certification in France, Enters Billboard Top 10 for Three Weeks Stray Kids' mini album 'This & That' has received Gold certification from the French National Syndicate of Phonographic Publishing (SNEP).According to SNEP on September 3, 'This & That,' released on August 7, achieved over 50,000 units in sales, earning the Gold certification just 20 days after its release. This marks the sixth Gold-certified album for Stray Kids, following their third studio album '5-STAR,' mini albums 'Rock-STAR' and 'ATE,' the SKZHOP HIPTAPE 'HOP,' and their fourth studio album 'KARMA.'The group is also performing well on the U.S. Billboard charts. 'This & That' debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart for the week of August 22, then dropped to No. 3 on August 29, and is currently at No. 8 for the week of September 5, marking three consecutive weeks in the Top 10. With this album, they set a record for nine consecutive entries at No. 1 on the chart.The members' songwriting and composing achievements are also notable. According to data from the Korea Music Copyright Association (KOMCA) as of August 26, Bang Chan of the producing team 3RACHA registered a total of 243 songs, making him the K-pop idol with the most copyrights. Changbin and Han also registered 207 and 204 songs, respectively, placing them in the top 10.Meanwhile, Stray Kids made history by becoming the first overseas male artists to perform solo at the Tokyo National Stadium (MUFG STADIUM) on August 29 and 30, kicking off their world tour 'RUN IT.' They attracted 140,000 fans over the two days and are set to hold their own festival 'STRAYCITY' in three locations in South America this September, where they will also headline the Rock in Rio music festival in Brazil.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-03 10:40:00
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Kim Seung-won: No Plans to Use Ministerial Authority to Cancel Lee Case Prosecution Kim Seung-won, the nominee for Minister of Justice, stated that he has no intention of exercising ministerial authority to cancel the prosecution of President Lee Jae-myung. He clarified that he respects the judgment of trial prosecutors handling individual cases, stepping back from his previous stance as a member of the Democratic Party advocating for prosecution cancellation.On the morning of September 3, as he arrived at the confirmation hearing preparation office in Jongno, Seoul, Kim told reporters, "I have no thoughts of reviewing the ministerial authority."He added, "As a member of the National Assembly, I conveyed the public's position that the state should correct wrongful prosecutions resulting from illegal investigations. However, as a nominee for Minister of Justice, I must adhere to the law and principles."Kim emphasized, "Legally, the authority to maintain prosecution in individual cases lies with trial prosecutors. I respect that authority and currently have no intention of directing the Prosecutor General to cancel prosecutions."He reiterated his position of leaving the decision on prosecution cancellation to the trial prosecutors. When asked if he believes ministerial authority is necessary, he responded, "No, it is a matter that the prosecutor in charge of maintaining the trial should decide."Previously, Kim served as co-chair of a group of lawmakers within the Democratic Party advocating for prosecution cancellation. In January, he called for the immediate cancellation of prosecutions in manipulated cases. In March, he also mentioned the need for the Minister of Justice to direct prosecution cancellations. Concerns have been raised in opposition circles that if Kim assumes the ministerial role, he may use his investigative authority to push for the cancellation of prosecutions in the President's case.Regarding allegations of lobbying related to the Food and Drug Administration, Kim expressed his intention to clear his name, stating that the decision to suspend prosecution was unjust.He explained, "The prosecution conducted a thorough investigation involving over ten prosecutors for about three years but ultimately decided not to indict. It was concluded that there was no evidence of bribery or any irregularities in the clinical approval process."Kim argued, "It should have been a dismissal of charges, but I was suspended from prosecution simply for introducing a method of support. I believe this is unjust, and I filed a constitutional complaint last year, which I understand is currently under review by the Constitutional Court. I want to clear my name completely."In response to allegations that a judge with whom he is friendly presided over the warrant review in the case, he stated, "The prosecution investigated everything and is aware of all related details. Nevertheless, they concluded that there was no bribery or preferential treatment, and the approval process was conducted normally, leading to the decision to suspend prosecution."Kim also addressed his history of defending individuals in sexual assault cases involving minors. He clarified, "In the first case, my law firm took it on, but I was not directly involved. In another case, a close friend's nephew committed the offense alongside older peers, and the individual was also a minor."He added, "I defended them based on my belief that minors deserve a second chance, but I humbly reflect on aspects that do not meet public expectations."Regarding allegations of accounting irregularities in the Gyeonggi Province party, he said, "I was surprised to receive the tip and requested an audit from the central party. I understand that an investigation is being conducted according to the relevant procedures."After assuming office, Kim identified the stable implementation of a new criminal justice system and the resolution of case processing delays as key tasks. He also plans to promote support for crime victims' return to daily life, rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders, elimination of unjust privileges in the judicial field, AI-based judicial support, amendments to civil and family litigation laws, and the overhaul of immigration and entry policies. 2026-09-03 10:40:00
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Seoul rebounds as bond yields ease, chip tariffs loom SEOUL, September 03 (AJP) - The KOSPI rebounded at Thursday's open, clawing back part of the previous session's 4 percent slide after U.S. Treasury yields pulled back from a nearly three-year high and Wall Street snapped a two-day losing streak. The main index in Seoul was quoted at 6,661.27 in morning trade. The index added 98.55 points, or 1.5 percent. The recovery is narrow. The KOSPI 200 gained 1.4 percent, while the KOSDAQ, the junior board for smaller and technology companies, slipped 0.2 percent to 802.46. It also opens under a fresh policy overhang. U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said overnight that the Trump administration is drafting a targeted semiconductor tariff policy that would spare companies producing in the United States and charge those that do not. Traders read the remarks as reviving the build-or-pay calculus that has hung over Korean memory makers since Washington first floated a 100 percent chip tariff. Both Samsung Electronics and SK hynix have flagged that risk to investors. Wednesday's damage was concentrated in those two names. Samsung Electronics closed at 250,500 won, about $184, down 4.0 percent. SK hynix closed down 4.7 percent at 1,613,000 won (about $1,186). Foreigners sold a net 1.92 trillion won ($1.41 billion) on the main board in that session. Institutions sold a net 2.04 trillion won ($1.50 billion). Retail investors bought a net 2.30 trillion won, or $1.69 billion. In Tokyo the Nikkei 225 was up 83.12 points at 64,408.76, a marginal bounce after Wednesday's 1,889.70-point drop. The won was quoted at 1,360.30 per dollar, 15.20 firmer than the previous session. AJP Takeaways KOSPI opened higher on Thursday after U.S. Treasury yields retreated overnight, recovering part of a near 4 percent slide, though the rebound was confined to large caps while the KOSDAQ fell. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick signalled that Washington is preparing a semiconductor tariff regime that would exempt manufacturers producing inside the United States and charge those that do not, reopening a policy risk for Korean memory makers. Samsung Electronics and SK hynix absorbed the bulk of the previous session's loss, falling 4.0 percent and 4.7 percent respectively, as foreign and institutional investors sold and retail investors bought. 2026-09-03 10:37:58 -
Gyeonggi brings in real-life 'Teach You a Lesson' experts SEOUL, September 03 (AJP) - The Gyeonggi Provincial Office of Education has launched a 300-member team of specialists to support and defend South Korea teachers exposed to malicious complaints, harassment and attacks from students and parents. The initiative takes a cue from the Netflix drama “Teach You a Lesson,” which depicts a fictional government agency created to restore teachers’ authority in schools. Gyeonggi Superintendent of Education Ahn Min-seok has made stronger protection of teachers one of his signature policies since taking office in July. Yet despite repeated pledges to strengthen teachers’ rights, educators continue to face abuse both inside schools and online. On Wednesday, a video showing a fifth-grade student at an elementary school in Cheongju kicking and punching a teacher went viral, again drawing attention to violence against educators. Education authorities immediately separated the student from the teacher and suspended the student from attending school. The 300 teacher-rights protection officers include psychiatrists, lawyers, current and former police officers, counselors and conflict-resolution specialists, as well as a former investigator at the National Human Rights Commission of Korea. They will assist teachers from the initial stage of a case through its conclusion, providing legal advice, psychological counseling, recovery assistance and follow-up support. The team consists of 110 teachers, 30 Gyeonggi residents and 160 specialists. Interest in the program was far stronger than expected. The education office initially planned to recruit 50 officers but received 1,823 applications, prompting it to expand the final selection to 300, the office added. AJP Takeaways: · Gyeonggi education authorities launched a 300-member teacher-protection team of lawyers, psychiatrists, police officers and counselors to respond to abuse and malicious complaints. ·The initiative was inspired by Netflix drama “Teach You a Lesson,” which features a fictional government agency created to restore teachers’ authority. ·The rollout comes as violence against teachers remains a concern, highlighted by a viral video of a fifth-grade student assaulting a teacher in Cheongju. 2026-09-03 10:35:32