AJU PRESS ASIA FIRST NEWS AGENCY

Journalist

&
""
Latest by
  • Exploring Seoul: A Day from Gyeongbokgung to Euljiro
    Exploring Seoul: A Day from Gyeongbokgung to Euljiro For foreign travelers preparing for a trip to Seoul, deciding where to take photos is a crucial part of planning. Wearing traditional hanbok while walking through palaces and capturing images against neon signs in old alleys has become a popular trend. Some even hire professional photographers to ensure they leave with memorable pictures.Equally important as where to take photos is when to take them. The scenery of Seoul changes dramatically from morning to noon, sunset, and night. In the morning, soft sunlight bathes the tiles of Gyeongbokgung, while in the afternoon, the waters of Cheonggyecheon shimmer. As the sun sets, the Naksan Fortress glows red, and the alleys of Euljiro come alive with neon lights.As September brings cooler breezes, the Seoul Tourism Foundation recommends Gyeongbokgung, Mullae-dong Creative Village, Cheonggyecheon, Naksan Park, and Euljiro as prime photo spots throughout the day. Here’s a guide to capturing the essence of Seoul from morning to night.Morning Sunshine at GyeongbokgungGyeongbokgung is ideal in the morning. Arriving right after it opens allows visitors to enjoy the relatively quiet palace before the crowds arrive. The morning light enhances the colors of the eaves and traditional paintings, harmonizing beautifully with the hanbok.From Geunjeongjeon, one can capture both Bukaksan and Inwangsan mountains in a single frame. The corridors surrounding Geunjeongjeon also provide excellent photo opportunities. Positioning a subject between the red pillars creates a natural depth in the image.At Gyeonghoeru, consider capturing reflections of the pavilion in the pond. Lowering your angle from the southwest corner of the pond allows for a stunning shot that includes the sky, pavilion, and water reflections. Inside the palace, Hyangwonjeong offers a charming bridge and natural surroundings as a backdrop.The stone walls and layered tiled roofs around Gyotaejeon and Jagyeongjeon are visually striking, allowing for a different aesthetic compared to the ornate structures. After exploring Gyeongbokgung, visitors can stroll through the nearby neighborhoods of Seochon or Samcheong-dong, where traditional houses and cafes intermingle, or experience the 'yeopjeon dosirak' by purchasing food at Tongin Market.Midday in Mullae-dongAs the sun rises higher, head to Mullae-dong Creative Village. This area is a blend of old ironworks, workshops, cafes, and restaurants.Mullae-dong has transformed from a steel alley established in the 1960s into a hub for artists since the 2000s. At lunchtime, the strong sunlight casts sharp contrasts between the iron structures and the narrow alleyways.Murals adorn the shutters of old ironworks, and over 50 murals and sculptures made from scrap metal can be found throughout the area. The unique combination of active metalworking shops and artistic displays creates a scene that is exclusive to Mullae-dong. When taking photos, be mindful not to disturb the workers or residents.Many cafes and workshops have preserved the skeletal structures of old ironworks, showcasing a blend of aged bricks and rusted doors with newly designed interiors. Visitors can also drop by artists' studios to participate in one-day classes in metal or pottery crafts, creating their own travel souvenirs.Afternoon at CheonggyecheonIn the afternoon, make your way to Cheonggyecheon. As the sun begins to set, the light filtering between the buildings sparkles on the water's surface. This waterway offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city.As the sunlight angles down, it creates shimmering reflections on the water, complemented by the willows and grass along the banks. Capture photos on the stepping stones with the water and sunlight as your backdrop, or take a break on the riverside promenade. Recently, more foreign travelers have been seen dipping their feet in the water.Cheonggyecheon features alternating shaded and sunlit areas beneath the bridges. Utilizing these contrasting light conditions can yield diverse atmospheres in your photos. Near Gwangtonggyo, glimpses of old Seoul can be seen, with remnants of the ancient path leading to the royal palace blending with modern urban scenery.Moving along Cheonggyecheon to the Seun Sangga pedestrian walkway, visitors can explore cafes, independent bookstores, and vintage LP shops nestled among the old electronics market. As the sun sets, the 'Cheonggye Soul Ocean' can be experienced under Gwanggyo, where the 'Mermaids Swim at Night' event allows visitors to float their hand-painted mermaids on the water until the end of the year.Sunset at Naksan ParkAs the sun sets, it’s time to head to Naksan Park. This location offers a panoramic view of the Hanyangdoseong fortress and the skyline of downtown Seoul.From Naksan Park, visitors can overlook Namsan Seoul Tower and the Dongdaemun area. As the sun lowers, the stone surfaces of the fortress absorb a warm glow. The fortress trail from Dongdaemun to Hyehwa Gate creates varying shadows depending on the direction of light.The Naksan fortress trail has gained popularity among international fans after being featured in the 'K-Pop Demon Hunters' series, leading many to visit and capture photos along this historic path.There’s no need to rush down after sunset. The 'blue hour' follows shortly after sunset, lasting about 20 to 30 minutes, during which the sky transforms into a deep blue. Lights begin to illuminate the fortress and gradually light up the city beyond.The golden hour occurs just before sunset, while the blue hour follows as the sky retains its blue hue after the sun has set. Given the brief duration of these moments, it’s advisable to arrive early to scout out ideal photo spots.After walking the fortress trail, visitors can head to Daehangno to catch a play or musical, or visit cafes like Hakrim Coffee and Hanyakbang, which retain the ambiance of the 1970s and 1980s.Night in EuljiroAs darkness falls, the final destination is Euljiro. The alleys that once housed printing shops and hardware stores come alive with lights. Neon signs in vibrant colors transform the streets into a different scene than during the day.The Nogari Alley near Euljiro 3-ga station becomes bustling at night. The narrow alley is lined with shop lights and neon signs, revealing faded buildings and signs from the past.As you venture deeper into the alleys, the walls and old signs show the passage of time, blending with the neon lights of newly opened establishments. This mix of different eras is why Euljiro is often referred to as 'Hipjiro.'At night, neon signs can serve as the main light source for photos. Positioning lights behind your subject allows for a striking contrast between the dark alley and the vibrant neon.After taking photos, consider visiting one of Euljiro's long-standing eateries or stopping by a nearby LP bar or wine bar. Heading toward Dongdaemun, you can also encounter the DDP. The contrast between the remnants of the old industrial alleys in Euljiro and the modern architecture of the DDP showcases two different sides of Seoul at night.From the morning at Gyeongbokgung to the night in Euljiro, carrying a camera allows you to experience the many faces of Seoul in just one day.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-02 00:04:00
  • Italy at Frieze spotlights Korean-Italian art ties
    Italy at Frieze spotlights Korean-Italian art ties SEOUL, September 01 (AJP) - The Italian Embassy in Seoul opened a joint exhibition of Korean and Italian art Tuesday as part of its Frieze week program, highlighting growing cultural ties between the two countries. "Italy at Frieze: The Golden Trace" pairs Korean artist Yeesookyung with Italian artist Andrea Francolino at the Italian ambassador's residence in Hannam-dong, central Seoul. Now in its third Seoul edition, the show runs alongside the fifth Frieze Seoul through Saturday, with Bulgari as the main sponsor. For the opening, rooms inside the ambassador's residence were turned into exhibition spaces, with guests moving between Yeesookyung's ceramic sculptures joined with gold and Francolino's works tracing cracks across concrete and other surfaces. The reception brought together artists, curators, diplomats and guests for a viewing of the works, opening remarks and a presentation of the exhibition, followed by a decoration ceremony for the head of Bulgari Korea. Italian Ambassador to South Korea Emilia Gatto said cultural cooperation has long been an important part of relations between Seoul and Rome. "Korea and Italy have excellent relations, and we have continued to cooperate closely in the cultural field," Gatto said. She pointed to the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2024 and the year of mutual cultural exchange in 2025, as well as high-level visits between the two countries this year. Gatto said the exchanges had helped bring the two sides even closer. The ambassador also described her residence as "not my home" but "a space where Italy and Korea meet," reflecting its role as a venue for cultural exchange. The two countries elevated their relationship to a special strategic partnership in June. Chung Hyang-mi, head of the Culture and Arts Policy Office at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said the Korean government would work to widen exchanges "across all areas of culture and the arts." Chung said the exhibition showed "the special power of cultural exchange" by bringing together artists from different cultural backgrounds around the shared themes of cracks and fragments. She also pointed to the Korea Art Festival running throughout September, bringing together museums, art fairs and exhibitions across the country. Curated by Valentina Buzzi, "The Golden Trace" looks at cracks and fragments and the new forms that can emerge from them. Francolino works with fractures in concrete and plaster, using materials including earth, lapis lazuli and 24-karat gold leaf to trace broken surfaces. Yeesookyung's "Translated Vase" series reassembles ceramic fragments discarded by traditional potters and joins them with gilded seams, leaving the breaks visible rather than trying to conceal them. Buzzi noted that the Korean word "geum" can refer to gold while also evoking a crack. "The golden line does not hide the fracture. It makes it visible," she said. Davide Scalmani, director of the Italian Cultural Institute in Seoul, said art could help create connections beyond national borders. "Art is not a luxury. It is a necessity of being human beyond national borders," Scalmani said. The reception also included a ceremony honoring Shawn Junghak Lee, CEO of Bulgari Korea, with the Order of the Star of Italy, an honor conferred by the Italian president. Gatto described Lee as a strong supporter of Italy and its cultural activities in Korea. Lee noted that Bulgari was founded in Rome in 1884, the same year Korea and Italy established diplomatic relations. He said he would take the honor "as a kind of message to myself to continue this commitment and our partnership in the long term." "The Golden Trace," organized by the Italian Embassy and the Italian Cultural Institute in Seoul in cooperation with Mazzoleni and MASSIMODECARLO galleries, is open by appointment through Sept. 5. AJP Takeaways · Italy opened the third Seoul edition of “Italy at Frieze” on Sept. 1, pairing Korean artist Yeesookyung and Italian artist Andrea Francolino at the Italian ambassador’s residence through Sept. 5, with Bulgari as main sponsor. · The event doubled as a cultural diplomacy platform, with Ambassador Emilia Gatto stressing sustained cultural cooperation and Culture Ministry official Chung Hyang-mi saying Seoul would expand arts and cultural exchanges following the countries’ upgrade to a special strategic partnership in June. · “The Golden Trace” links the two artists through the idea of fracture and regeneration. Francolino works with cracks in concrete and plaster, while Yeesookyung reassembles discarded ceramic fragments with gold-lined seams. 2026-09-01 22:17:24
  • Aftermarket to Exclude ETF and ETN Trading
    Aftermarket to Exclude ETF and ETN Trading 14일 문 여는 애프터마켓…거래소, ETF·ETN 거래대상서 제외한국거래소가 이달 14일부터 운영하는 애프터마켓에서 상장지수펀드(ETF)와 상장지수증권(ETN)을 거래 대상에서 제외한다. 1일 증권업계와 연합뉴스에 따르면 한국거래소는 최근 유가증권시장·코스닥시장 업무규정 시행세칙 일부개정세칙 개정을 예고하고 이 같은 방침을 밝혔다. 이에 따라 오후 4시부터 8시까지 운영되는 거래소 애프터마켓에서는 ETF와 ETN을 거래할 수 없게 된다. 기존 거래 제외 대상인 당일 정규시장 미거래 종목과 투자경고·위험종목, 이상급등종목, 관리종목, 초저유동종목에 ETF와 ETN이 추가되는 것이다. 당초 거래소는 ETF 등 상장지수상품도 애프터마켓에서 거래할 수 있도록 할 계획이었다. 그러나 최근 글로벌 반도체 업종의 조정 과정에서 삼성전자와 SK하이닉스를 기초자산으로 하는 단일종목 레버리지·인버스 ETF가 시장 변동성을 키웠다는 논란이 제기되면서 관련 계획을 철회한 것으로 풀이된다. 정부, 종부세 강화안 일부 후퇴…비거주 공제 축소·상한 인상 철회 정부가 비거주 1주택자의 종합부동산세 기본공제를 12억원에서 9억원으로 낮추려던 방안을 철회했다. 종부세 세부담 상한을 직전 연도 보유세의 150%에서 200%로 높이려던 계획도 현행을 유지하는 쪽으로 돌아섰다. 1가구 1주택자의 종부세 기본공제는 거주 여부에 따라 차등 적용한다. 실거주자는 현행 12억원에서 14억원으로 확대하지만 비거주자는 현행 12억원을 유지한다. 당초 정부안은 비거주 1주택자의 공제액을 9억원으로 낮추는 내용이었다. 부부 공동명의 1주택자는 실거주할 경우 각각 9억원의 기본공제를 유지한다. 비거주 공동명의자의 공제액은 각각 6억원으로 조정한다. 주택분과 토지분 종부세의 세부담 상한은 현행 150%를 유지하기로 했다. 세부담 상한은 해당 연도 보유세가 직전 연도 재산세와 종부세 합계의 일정 비율을 넘지 못하도록 제한하는 제도다. 일반 ISA의 계약 기간과 납입한도 개편안도 원점으로 돌아갔다. 최초 계약 기간을 3년, 총계약 기간을 5년으로 제한하려던 방안을 철회하고 현행처럼 최소 계약 기간만 3년으로 두기로 했다. 최대 계약 기간에는 제한을 두지 않는다. 오세훈 "신혼부부 주거사다리 강화"⋯'미리내집' 1만7500가구 추가 공급오세훈 서울시장이 신혼부부 주거 안정을 지원하는 장기전세주택 '미리내집'을 2030년까지 1만7500가구 추가 공급한다. 특히 '보증금 분할납부제'를 확대하고 '우선매수청구권'을 개선하는 등 신혼부부의 초기 주거비와 내 집 마련 부담을 낮춘다는 계획이다. 오 시장은 1일 송파구 신천동 잠실르엘 미리내집을 찾아 주거시설을 점검하고 입주 신혼부부들과 간담회를 했다. 미리내집은 무주택 신혼부부가 시세보다 저렴한 보증금으로 장기간 거주하고 자녀를 출산하면 거주 기간 연장과 우선매수청구권 등 혜택을 받을 수 있는 서울시 공공임대주택이다. 잠실르엘은 잠실역 인근에 조성된 총 1865가구 규모인 대단지로 미리내집 98가구와 장기전세주택 100가구가 포함됐다. 이 단지는 서울시가 지난 4월 도입한 '보증금 분할납부제'를 처음 적용한 미리내집이다. 입주 때 보증금 70%를 먼저 내고, 나머지 30%는 거주 중 나눠 내는 방식이다. 잠실르엘 미리내집 입주자 98가구 가운데 74가구(76%)가 해당 제도를 신청해 입주 당시 납부해야 할 보증금 약 158억원을 나눠 낼 수 있게 됐다. 서울 전체로는 지난 4~8월 미리내집 계약자 533가구 가운데 489가구(92%)가 분할납부제를 이용했다. 이를 통해 줄어든 초기 보증금 납부 부담은 총 765억원으로 집계됐다. 나라살림 820.9조 '역대 최대 증가율'…AI·청년에 집중정부가 내년 나라살림 규모를 820조9000억원으로 편성했다. 올해 본예산보다 93조원 늘어난 규모로 증가율은 역대 최고인 12.8%다. 반도체 호황으로 늘어난 세수를 인공지능(AI)과 반도체, 청년, 지역 등에 집중 투자한다는 구상이다. 정부는 1일 이재명 대통령 주재로 청와대에서 국무회의를 열고 이 같은 내용을 담은 ‘2027년도 예산안’을 의결했다. 이번 예산안은 이재명 정부가 편성 전 과정을 주관한 첫 본예산이라는 의미를 갖는다. 내년 총지출 증가율 12.8%는 글로벌 금융위기 당시인 2009년의 10.6%를 웃돈다. 기존 최고치는 2009년 10.6%였으며 2019년 9.5%, 2020년 9.1%, 2021년과 2022년 각각 8.9% 순이었다. 반도체 산업 호조에 따른 큰 폭의 세수 증가가 내년 재정 확대의 배경으로 꼽힌다. 내년 총수입은 880조8000억원으로 올해보다 205조6000억원(30.4%) 증가할 전망이다. 국세수입은 반도체 업황 개선에 따른 법인세·소득세 증가 등에 힘입어 390조2000억원에서 584조4000억원으로 194조2000억원 늘어난다. 정부는 반도체·피지컬 AI·AI 데이터센터(AIDC) 등 3대 메가프로젝트와 AI에 투입하는 예산을 10조8000억원에서 21조3000억원으로 97.2% 확대한다. 반도체 투자액은 1조3000억원에서 3조4000억원으로 늘리고 2조6000억원 규모의 반도체산업 경쟁력 강화 특별회계를 신설한다 김용범 전 정책실장 "자리 비우고 다음 사람이 자기 몫 해나갈 때" 김용범 전 청와대 정책실장이 1일 “오늘 이재명 정부의 첫 정책실장으로서 맡은 소임을 마쳤습니다”라며 퇴임 소회를 밝혔다. 김 전 실장은 이날 자신의 페이스북에 별도의 퇴임 인사 대신 자신과 가장 가까이에서 일한 정책실 동료들에게 보낸 작별 인사를 공개했다. 김 전 실장은 정책실장으로서 자신의 능력보다 훨씬 큰 책임을 맡았지만 동료들이 부족한 부분을 채워줬다고 평가했다. 자신이 놓친 문제를 찾아내고 시야가 좁을 때 더 멀리 내다보면서 각종 현안에 자기 일처럼 뛰어들었다는 것이다. 그는 “정책실이 해낸 일은 여러분이 해낸 일입니다”라며 정책 성과의 공을 참모와 직원들에게 돌렸다. 정책 하나가 세상에 나오기까지 정책실 구성원들이 수많은 고민과 설득, 조정 과정을 거쳤다고 설명했다. 사퇴 결심과 관련해서는 자신이 먼저 물러나고 후임자들이 역할을 이어갈 시점이라고 판단했다는 취지로 밝혔다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-01 22:00:20
  • Korean and Italian artists showcase at Italy at Frieze exhibition in Seoul
    Korean and Italian artists showcase at 'Italy at Frieze' exhibition in Seoul An exhibition titled "Italy at Frieze: The Golden Trace" is underway at the Italian ambassador's residence in Seoul, on Sep. 1, 2026. Held in conjunction with Frieze Seoul, the exhibition brings together works by Korean artist Yeesookyung and Italian artist Andrea Francolino. 2026-09-01 21:57:12
  • Italian ambassador opens Italy at Frieze: The Golden Trace in Seoul
    Italian ambassador opens 'Italy at Frieze: The Golden Trace' in Seoul Italian Ambassador to South Korea Emilia Gatto delivers remarks at the opening reception for "Italy at Frieze: The Golden Trace" at the Italian ambassador's residence in Seoul, on Sep. 1, 2026. Held in conjunction with Frieze Seoul, the exhibition features works by Korean artist Yeesookyung and Italian artist Andrea Francolino and runs through Sept. 5. 2026-09-01 21:54:30
  • China, Russia, and Mongolia Conduct Joint Military Exercises at Border for Second Year
    China, Russia, and Mongolia Conduct Joint Military Exercises at Border for Second Year China, Russia, and Mongolia will conduct joint military exercises in their border regions for the second consecutive year. According to the Chinese Ministry of Defense and Yonhap News Agency, the three countries' border defense units are set to hold the 'Border Defense Cooperation-2026' joint exercise in early September. The focus of this exercise is to prevent and respond to reconnaissance and sabotage activities that may occur in border areas. The three nations' forces will jointly plan operations and conduct training in search and strike, apprehension, and humanitarian assistance.The Chinese Ministry of Defense stated that this exercise aims to strengthen strategic mutual trust among the three countries and expand cooperation in border defense. It also emphasized the importance of jointly maintaining safety and stability in border regions.This joint exercise marks the second time for China, Russia, and Mongolia to collaborate in this manner. The three nations held a summit following the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit and military parade in China last September, leading to the 'Border Defense Cooperation-2025' exercise on September 8-9. During that time, Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed solidifying political trust and promoting the integration of border infrastructure and energy projects.A key energy cooperation project among the three countries is the 'Power of Siberia-2' gas pipeline, which aims to supply Russian natural gas to China via Mongolia. If constructed, natural gas produced in Russia's Yamal Peninsula would be transported through Mongolia to China. However, it is reported that China and Russia have yet to reach a final agreement on the project's specific terms.President Xi held separate meetings with the leaders of Russia and Mongolia on August 31 in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, where this year's SCO summit took place.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-01 21:32:00
  • Kim Min-seok Dismisses Kang Min-goo to Prevent Factional Conflicts
    Kim Min-seok Dismisses Kang Min-goo to Prevent Factional Conflicts The Democratic Party of Korea dismissed Kang Min-goo, deputy director of the Ethics Inspection Team, on September 1. This decision came shortly after an internal message from Kang was captured by media, in which he mentioned the possibility of interference in the Ethics Inspection Team's appointments by supporters of former leader Jeong Cheong-rae, stating, "It seems we need to take control quickly."The party announced through a media release that "Representative Kim Min-seok has ordered the immediate dismissal of Kang Min-goo, deputy director of the Ethics Inspection Team." The party did not disclose specific reasons for the dismissal.Earlier that day, during the opening ceremony of the 22nd National Assembly's first regular session, a scene was captured by some media outlets showing Democratic Party Supreme Council member Park Seon-won confirming a Telegram message received from Kang.In the released message, Kang expressed concerns that individuals associated with former leader Jeong were attempting to exert influence over Kim Gi-pyo, the head of the Ethics Inspection Team, regarding additional appointments. Kang wrote, "Another person is being recommended for the deputy director position, possibly Jang In-jae and someone else." He further noted, "Since Jang In-jae from Jeong Cheong-rae's side is a former prosecutor, it seems there is some maneuvering with Kim Gi-pyo. I haven't received any contact from the central party to come to work, so I hope you can mention this to the Secretary General." He concluded with, "It seems we need to take control quickly."The Kim Gi-pyo mentioned by Kang was appointed as the head of the Ethics Inspection Team under Kim Min-seok's leadership. Kim Min-seok appointed Kim Gi-pyo on August 21 and Kang Min-goo on August 31, meaning Kang was dismissed just a day after his appointment.The Ethics Inspection Team is a permanent internal body that monitors illegal and unethical behavior among party members and key officials.This controversy has raised concerns that the appointments within the Ethics Inspection Team could escalate into factional conflicts within the party. Since Kim Min-seok took office, uniting the party amid factional disputes that surfaced during the party convention has been a major task.The immediate dismissal of Kang Min-goo by Kim Min-seok following the message's release is interpreted as a measure to prevent the controversy from escalating into factional conflicts. However, the Democratic Party has not provided further explanation regarding the specific reasons for Kang's dismissal or its connection to the message. 2026-09-01 21:00:00
  • Missing Woman Found Dead, Raising Doubts About Police Investigation
    Missing Woman Found Dead, Raising Doubts About Police Investigation A woman who was reported missing in Jeju has been found dead three months later, revealing that the police officer in charge had falsely reported having contacted her. This has led to growing distrust in the police investigation.On September 1, MBC's 'PD Notebook' will air an episode titled 'Independence of Investigative Authority D-31: Shaken Police, Conditions for Trust,' focusing on issues surrounding police investigations, including the arbitrary closure of missing person cases, investigation distortions, bribery incidents, and internal misconduct.On August 24, the body of Jang Mi-ran, who was reported missing in May, was discovered in Jeju. At the time of the initial report, the police officer claimed to have contacted Jang, stating she did not want to disclose her whereabouts, leading to the case being closed about two and a half hours after the report was filed.However, two months later, following a re-reporting by her family, it was revealed that the officer had never actually spoken to Jang. Subsequently, from August 22, four missing persons were found dead in Jeju over three days, prompting a comprehensive investigation into the missing person cases that the officer had arbitrarily closed.'PD Notebook' will also revisit past cases where allegations arose that victims and perpetrators were misidentified during police investigations.One such case involves Son Sol-bin, known as the suspect in the so-called 'Gwangju Dating Violence Case No. 1,' who was arrested in 2018 for allegedly confining and assaulting his girlfriend. According to 'PD Notebook,' Son claims he was the victim of ongoing verbal and physical abuse from his girlfriend and requested to review CCTV footage to prove his innocence, but this request was not accepted during the investigation.The broadcast will report that the police documented an incident where Son pushed his girlfriend to avoid her assault, raising concerns about the investigation's integrity. Although the court later acquitted Son of the key charges against him, he had already spent about eight months in detention.'PD Notebook' highlights that despite the National Human Rights Commission's investigation and internal police inquiries confirming issues in the investigation process, there has been no official apology from the involved officers, shedding light on the eight years of suffering Son has endured since the incident.The program will also address cases where police investigation closure rights were exchanged for bribes.Since the 2021 adjustment of investigative authority between prosecutors and police, the police's power to close cases has expanded. A police officer from the Uijeongbu Police Station was indicted for allegedly accepting bribes worth millions from a loan fraud broker in exchange for halting related investigations, receiving a six-year prison sentence and a fine of approximately 250 million won.Documents obtained by 'PD Notebook' reveal that the officer demanded money from the broker, saying, 'Deposit the money. Invest in me with confidence.' The broadcast will trace how this officer suggested the broker change their registered address and took over related complaints filed nationwide before deciding to halt the investigation.One victim, Cha Cheol-ho, stated that he had trusted the officer until 'PD Notebook' contacted him for an interview. He is still repaying a debt of about 62 million won.Current investigators will also share claims that they faced personnel disadvantages and disciplinary actions for investigating internal police misconduct.In one incident, a team of internal auditors monitoring police misconduct caused a disturbance at a convenience store late at night, prompting police to respond. After a detective and the investigation department head gathered evidence, including CCTV footage and victim statements, they were reassigned to patrol duties just two days after the incident was reported.These individuals later received suspensions for violating investigation procedures and undermining internal cohesion. They argue that this was retaliatory action for their internal misconduct investigation. With nearly 30 years of investigative experience, they raise concerns about the police's self-regulatory capabilities and the need for an independent oversight system.Experts point out that relying solely on internal police oversight makes it difficult to adequately check the expanded investigative powers. 'PD Notebook' will also discuss the need for external oversight mechanisms, citing examples like the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) in the UK.As discussions continue regarding the police's investigative authority and the systems to check it, just over a month before the implementation of a revised criminal procedure law that abolishes direct investigations by prosecutors, 'PD Notebook' will explore the conditions necessary to restore trust in investigative agencies. The episode airs today at 10:20 PM.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-01 20:32:00
  • Popular Internet Broadcasters Under Investigation for Sleep Drug Use
    Popular Internet Broadcasters Under Investigation for Sleep Drug Use Popular internet broadcaster Guajuseyeon (real name In Se-yeon, 26) and K (real name Park Jung-kyu, 37) are under police investigation for allegedly using a psychoactive sleeping drug.According to police and Yonhap News on September 1, the Gangnam Police Station in Seoul has been investigating In and Park, along with one other individual, since they were charged on July 30 with violating the Narcotics Control Act. They are suspected of consuming sleeping pills classified as psychoactive substances.Previously, Park had been under investigation for allegedly obtaining a prescription for the sleeping pills through an acquaintance. After the news broke last month, Park acknowledged during a personal live broadcast that he was involved in the case and confirmed he was being investigated by the police.Initially, only Park's involvement was reported, but it has since been confirmed that police are also investigating In, who is his partner. Authorities are looking into the specific circumstances that led to their use of the sleeping pills.Park has been active in internet broadcasting since 2012 and currently has over 700,000 subscribers on YouTube. In is also an internet broadcaster and gained attention in 2024 when she was spotted with Bang Si-hyuk, the chairman of HYBE, in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-01 20:28:00
  • Kim Yong-beom Reflects on His Tenure as Policy Chief
    Kim Yong-beom Reflects on His Tenure as Policy Chief 김용범 전 청와대 정책실장이 1일 “오늘 이재명 정부의 첫 정책실장으로서 맡은 소임을 마쳤습니다”라며 퇴임 소회를 밝혔다. 김 전 실장은 이날 자신의 페이스북에 별도의 퇴임 인사 대신 자신과 가장 가까이에서 일한 정책실 동료들에게 보낸 작별 인사를 공개했다. 김 전 실장은 지난 1년 3개월 동안 아침에 시작한 회의가 밤까지 이어지고, 하나의 현안을 넘기면 또 다른 현안이 기다리는 날들이 반복됐다고 회고했다. 답이 보이지 않는 문제를 함께 고민한 동료들의 얼굴이 힘들었던 기억보다 먼저 떠오른다고도 했다. 김 전 실장은 정책실장으로서 자신의 능력보다 훨씬 큰 책임을 맡았지만 동료들이 부족한 부분을 채워줬다고 평가했다. 자신이 놓친 문제를 찾아내고 시야가 좁을 때 더 멀리 내다보면서 각종 현안에 자기 일처럼 뛰어들었다는 것이다. 그는 “정책실이 해낸 일은 여러분이 해낸 일입니다”라며 정책 성과의 공을 참모와 직원들에게 돌렸다. 정책 하나가 세상에 나오기까지 정책실 구성원들이 수많은 고민과 설득, 조정 과정을 거쳤다고 설명했다. 사퇴 결심과 관련해서는 자신이 먼저 물러나고 후임자들이 역할을 이어갈 시점이라고 판단했다는 취지로 밝혔다. 김 전 실장은 정부를 떠났다가 다시 공직으로 돌아와 정책실 구성원들과 일한 것을 자신의 공직 경력에서 큰 행운으로 자평했다. 김 전 실장은 “밖에 나가면 여러분이 얼마나 치열하게 일했는지, 이 정부의 성과 뒤에 어떤 사람들이 있었는지 더 많이 이야기하겠다”며 “앞으로 여러분이 만들어갈 일들도 누구보다 열심히 응원하겠다”고 말했다. 앞서 이재명 대통령은 전날 사의를 표명한 김 전 실장의 사표를 이날 수리했다. 김 전 실장은 이재명 정부 출범과 함께 초대 정책실장에 임명된 지 약 15개월 만에 물러났다. 2026-09-01 20:24:00