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1500-Year-Old Gold Bell Found with Silla Royalty to be Displayed Starting September 8, visitors to the Cheongdo Museum will have the opportunity to see a small gold bell.This bell was discovered in 1924 at the Gold Tomb in Gyeongju, where it had lain buried for centuries alongside a young member of the Silla royal family.While many artifacts were found in the tomb, the bell, discovered at the child's waist, became the namesake of the site, known as Gold Tomb (金鈴塚), meaning 'the tomb where the gold bell was found.'Measuring 4.1 cm in height, this artifact has survived 1500 years, yet it does not reveal the full story of its past. There are no records of who placed the bell at the child's waist or the emotions involved in preparing for the child's final journey.However, one can imagine the sorrow of parents who had to send their child away too soon.They likely wished for just a little more time together and longed to hear their child's voice once more. They may have hoped that the journey would not be lonely and that the child would find peace wherever they went.Thus, someone adorned the child's waist with the small gold bell.Time has erased many details. The names of the child and the parents are lost, as are the words exchanged on that day.Yet, the small gold bell remains.Now, after 1500 years, this bell, which endured alongside the child underground, is once again presented to the public.Is there a distinction between the grief of losing a child in the past and today?The love for a child and the desire to keep them close likely remain unchanged despite the passage of time.Perhaps the sound that the small gold bell brings to the Cheongdo Museum is a message that transcends 1500 years.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-31 17:32:00
K-Craft Elevates Design at DDP with Global Collectible Showcase "Korea is the epicenter of elevating craft into the world of design," said Simon Stewart, CEO of Charles Burnand Gallery, during a press conference on August 31 at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) in Seoul. He highlighted the strength of Korean design in its 'material expansion,' noting that artists are breaking traditional boundaries by incorporating previously unused materials alongside traditional crafts like hanji and ceramics.Stewart stated, "The passionate exploration of new materials is unique to Korean artists, who are creating new forms by transcending material boundaries."This year's 'Design Miami Seoul 2026' exemplifies this expansion. While last year focused on introducing Korean design to the world, this year’s event has broadened its scope to become a 'collectible design fair' where global galleries and collectors can meet in Seoul to buy and sell works. The aim is to establish a market for 'collectible design' that combines practicality, artistry, and rarity.The theme for this year's event, 'Together, Resonance,' encompasses a comprehensive collectible design platform featuring gallery programs, in-situ exhibitions, partner programs, and design talks. It also marks the first global stage for Design Miami this year, starting in Seoul before moving to Paris and Miami.A notable addition is the newly introduced 'Gallery Program,' featuring six global galleries that will exhibit and sell works. The London-based Charles Burnand Gallery will showcase a group exhibition titled 'Material Echoes,' exploring various materials such as bronze, copper, wood, and ceramics. Artists from Korea, China, Europe, and the United States will participate, including the 'Postura Collection' of bronze furniture crafted by New York's Baguhai.Stewart remarked, "Korea is well-known for its crafts like hanji and ceramics, but it is remarkable that recent Korean designers are actively incorporating unique materials not traditionally used in crafts into their designs." He expressed a desire to promote Korean artists to a global audience.Additionally, galleries and designers from both domestic and international backgrounds, including Alex Turco, Side Gallery, Stack, and In Gallery, will present a variety of collectible designs that incorporate natural materials, light, modular furniture, and a blend of Korean materials with modern forms.Design Miami in situ will introduce emerging and established designers working across various fields, including lighting, furniture, ceramics, and sculptural design. Domestic designers such as Kwon Jung-mo, Lee Kyu-hong, and Cheon Woo-seon will be featured alongside international designers like Taiwan's Design Surfing and Japan's Yuki Nara.Lead partner Samsung Electronics will unveil a collaborative series that combines works by Korean artists with custom frames for Samsung OLED TVs, based on the philosophy that 'design is an expression of love.'Mauro Porcini, Samsung's Chief Design Officer, stated, "For the past two to three years, Samsung has been exploring how to express individual identity and uniqueness while utilizing advanced technology in our products. We are attempting to break away from a standardized industrial structure with customizable bespoke products."Design Miami aims to establish Seoul as a hub for the collectible design market in Asia. Jen Roberts, CEO of Design Miami, emphasized, "Seoul is not just a city for one-time events but a market that we can grow together in the long term. The theme 'Together, Resonance' conveys that design transcends time and place to communicate memories, knowledge, and emotions."Cha Kang-hee, CEO of the Seoul Design Foundation, stated, "Seoul is evolving from a city that introduces new designs to a design city where global galleries, designers, and collectors gather to create markets and discourse. We will strive to position DDP as a venue for encountering world-class design works and a global platform that activates markets and business for Asian designers to reach the world."The exhibition runs until September 6. 2026-08-31 17:32:00
Two Koreas reshuffle military command for very different battles SEOUL, August 31 (AJP) - South and North Korea are reshaping their military leadership at the same time, but for markedly different challenges. Seoul is turning back to a career general to steady an institution unsettled by contentious reforms, while Pyongyang is tightening party control for stronger push into weapons modernization. President Lee Jae Myung's nomination of retired four-star Gen. Kang Shin-chul as defense minister effectively puts a career military officer back in charge after just over a year under South Korea's first civilian defense chief in more than six decades. Kang is set to succeed Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back, a five-term lawmaker who became the country's first civilian to head the ministry in 64 years when he took office in July 2025. Ahn took office pledging a series of defense reforms. His final months, however, have been consumed by resistance to the government's plan to integrate the Army, Navy and Air Force academies and a political dispute over his military service more than four decades ago. Opposition figures have alleged that irregularities in Ahn's service record reflected an absence without leave and time in military detention. Ahn and the Defense Ministry have rejected allegations that he deserted his post, saying discrepancies in the record stemmed from administrative handling. The issue remains under investigation. The controversy came as Ahn was already struggling to build consensus around one of the Lee administration's most contentious military reforms. The government and ruling Democratic Party agreed in July to establish a four-year integrated military academy at Jaundae in Daejeon, bringing together the Army, Navy and Air Force academies. The plan is intended to improve joint operations and adapt officer education to a military facing a shrinking pool of recruits. Alumni groups from the three academies have pushed back, arguing that the overhaul is being pursued without sufficient consultation and risks weakening the identities and specialized traditions of the individual services. Against that backdrop, Kang's selection looks less like a reversal of Ahn's reform agenda than an attempt to put a senior military figure in charge of carrying it through an increasingly resistant institution. Kang, a Korea Military Academy graduate, built much of his career around joint operations, defense policy and the South Korea-U.S. alliance. He served in senior positions at the Joint Chiefs of Staff before becoming deputy commander of the South Korea-U.S. Combined Forces Command in 2023, the highest post available to a South Korean officer within the command. He retired in September 2025 and has served as ambassador to Saudi Arabia since January. His alliance experience comes at a sensitive time. Seoul and Washington are grappling with the transition of wartime operational control, questions over the future scale and direction of combined exercises and a broader debate over how the two allies should divide military responsibilities as Washington adjusts its regional posture. The United States has already scaled back parts of its military exercise schedule with South Korea even as Seoul, Washington and Tokyo prepare for another round of trilateral Freedom Edge drills focused on missile defense and other responses to North Korea's nuclear and missile capabilities. One military source, speaking on condition of anonymity, offered a cautious assessment of what Kang's return is likely to mean. “He is known to be smart and quick on his feet, but I would not say his operational expertise runs particularly deep,” the source said. “He is not the type to push through his own views based on conviction or military expertise. I expect him to largely carry out the defense policies set by the current administration.” Kang's immediate task, therefore, is unlikely to be designing another reform blueprint. It will be turning policies already chosen by the civilian leadership into measures the military can absorb without deepening resistance inside the ranks. North Korea's reshuffle points in a different direction. At a Workers' Party Central Military Commission meeting Saturday, Kim Jong Un replaced Defense Minister No Kwang-chol with Kim Song-gi, who had headed the Korean People's Army's powerful General Political Bureau. Pak Jong-chon, one of North Korea's most experienced military figures, was simultaneously restored as vice chairman of the Central Military Commission, roughly six months after losing senior party and military positions during February's Workers' Party congress. Pak also returned to the party Central Committee and Politburo, restoring him to the center of military decision-making. His return matters because military authority in North Korea does not rest primarily with the Defense Ministry. It runs through Kim Jong Un and the Workers' Party, particularly the Central Military Commission that Kim chairs. The body sits at the intersection of military command, personnel decisions and the party's control over the armed forces. Pak's career has been closely associated with artillery, missile forces and military modernization. Bringing him back just months after his removal underscores the fluidity of North Korea's senior ranks but also restores an experienced commander as Pyongyang presses ahead with new weapons programs. The other appointments reveal an equally important concern - control from within. Yu Kwang-u, who headed the KPA Security Bureau responsible for internal security and counterintelligence, was moved to first vice director of the General Political Bureau. Om Ju-ho, previously political commissar of the Air Force, replaced him as head of the Security Bureau. The reshuffle effectively rotates officials across two institutions central to surveillance, political indoctrination and discipline within the military. It comes as Pyongyang has increasingly emphasized both discipline inside the armed forces and advances in weapons technology. Kim met defense scientists and researchers involved in developing and improving new combat systems around the same time as the military commission gathering, according to state media. Former Defense Minister No, meanwhile, was moved rather than discarded, taking a senior post as first vice director of the party's Munitions Industry Department — an organization at the heart of North Korea's weapons-production apparatus. State media said the Central Military Commission expected the newly appointed commanders to be firmly armed with the party's vision of building a powerful military and to carry out its military policies with what it called “boundless devotion” and exceptional initiative. The personnel moves on opposite sides of the Demilitarized Zone therefore reveal two very different military problems. Seoul has spent the past year testing how far a civilian defense minister could push institutional reform through a deeply hierarchical military establishment. With some of those reforms now encountering resistance, Lee has chosen a retired general familiar with both the armed forces and alliance machinery to carry them forward. Pyongyang faces no comparable problem of winning institutional consent. Its concern is keeping the military politically reliable and operationally effective while weapons programs expand rapidly. In Seoul, the general is being brought back to manage reform. In Pyongyang, experienced commanders and political officers are being rearranged to make sure the military follows the party while the arsenal grows. AJP Takeaways • South Korea and North Korea are simultaneously reshuffling their military leadership, but Seoul is focused on stabilizing defense reform while Pyongyang is strengthening party control and weapons modernization. • President Lee Jae Myung nominated retired four-star Gen. Kang Shin-chul to replace civilian Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back as resistance builds against plans to integrate South Korea's three military academies. • North Korea replaced Defense Minister No Kwang-chol with Kim Song-gi and restored veteran commander Pak Jong-chon as vice chairman of the Workers' Party Central Military Commission. 2026-08-31 17:26:29
Kim Min-seok Launches Efforts for Mega Projects and Nomination Reform Kim Min-seok, leader of the Democratic Party, has announced a full-scale effort to ensure the success of three major mega projects and to secure victory in the upcoming general election. He emphasized that these initiatives will support the administration of President Lee Jae-myung.On the morning of August 31, Kim held the first meeting of the Mega Growth Special Committee and the Nomination Innovation Task Force at the National Assembly. This meeting marked the beginning of efforts to implement national policy objectives and to thoroughly review the nomination process ahead of the 2028 general election.During the party's convention on August 17, Kim highlighted his relationship with President Lee Jae-myung and has since committed to a policy drive aimed at achieving the administration's key goals of implementing national tasks and regaining power.Kim stated that he would dedicate significant resources to ensure the successful operation of the special committee, which focuses on the three mega projects outlined in the 'Mega Ten,' a set of ten innovation task forces announced on August 25.He described the newly formed special committee as the most critical body among the 'Mega Ten,' noting that it is tasked with executing what President Lee has called the most important national initiatives during his remaining four years in office.Kim asserted that the three mega projects are not limited to the Honam region but are national initiatives that will encompass all cities. He expressed hope for robust discussions led by the committee's vice-chair, Lee Kwang-jae, particularly in areas like northern Gyeonggi and the Gangwon border region, which will foster local-led growth.In a subsequent meeting of the Nomination Innovation Task Force, Kim addressed ongoing issues with the party's nomination system, pledging to make improvements by the end of the year. This commitment comes in response to concerns raised during recent nationwide elections regarding the party's nomination process.Kim emphasized the importance of nominations within a democratic party, stating, "Handling internal power dynamics in nominations is crucial. The verification and competition involved in nominations are also significant factors." He argued that once candidates are confirmed through a process that combines verification and competition, ongoing education and additional policy verification for elected officials must continue.He reiterated that, based on these principles, the party will identify and address various issues related to nominations nationwide, encouraging active discussions among interested party members, citizens, and experts by the end of this year.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-31 17:24:00
Oh Se-hoon Criticizes President Lee Jae-myung's Real Estate Remarks Oh Se-hoon, the Mayor of Seoul, directly criticized President Lee Jae-myung's comments regarding the potential for a "plummet in housing prices," stating that the government's approach to real estate issues is fundamentally flawed.Oh argued that the President's simultaneous mention of "early mass supply" and "plummeting home prices" does not align with market realities, especially since the government has yet to present a concrete housing supply schedule or execution plan.On August 31, Oh posted on his Facebook page titled "The President's Perception of Real Estate Reality is Astonishing," stating, "Yesterday, the President mentioned on social media that he is preparing for a potential drop in housing prices due to early mass supply, suppression of speculative demand, and an increase in loan delinquencies and auctions."Previously, President Lee had instructed the government to prepare a system for mass purchasing homes below a certain price threshold to convert them into public housing if prices were to drop significantly. His plan aims to curb rising prices through early supply and demand suppression while mitigating market shocks by having the government buy homes if prices fall sharply.In response, Oh remarked, "It is absurd to predict a drop in housing prices, and the basis for this prediction—'early mass supply,' 'suppression of speculative demand,' and 'increased loan delinquencies and auctions'—clearly shows that the President is still not seeing the realities of the real estate market and people's livelihoods."Oh also expressed skepticism about whether the government's announced supply targets would translate into actual supply.He stated, "If you think the government's announcement of supply targets, which lacks specific schedules and execution plans, constitutes 'early mass supply,' you are gravely mistaken. Plans that are uncertain even for groundbreaking during the President's term cannot stabilize housing prices or instill confidence in supply for the public."He added, "Rather than a plummet in housing prices, it raises doubts about whether the government truly has the will and capability to supply housing."Housing supply is more about the timing of permits, groundbreaking, completion, and occupancy than the quantity announced by the government. In particular, securing large-scale new land in Seoul is challenging, making redevelopment and reconstruction of existing urban areas key supply methods.Oh believes the government is prioritizing demand suppression through taxes and loan regulations over expanding supply through urban renewal projects in Seoul. He argued that merely suppressing demand in areas with supply shortages may reduce transaction volumes but is unlikely to lead to long-term price stability.Oh also cautioned against interpreting the recent decline in asking prices for some properties in the Gangnam area as a success of government policy.He questioned, "Is the President viewing the recent drop in asking prices for some properties in Gangnam as a success of 'suppressing speculative demand'? If he believes that the temporary lowering of prices for some high-end homes ahead of punitive taxes and reduced special tax exemptions indicates a general price decline, that would be a significant misjudgment."He continued, "In fact, prices are rising in the outskirts of Seoul, indicating a 'price adjustment,' and if this is evaluated as a policy success, it suggests either a misreporting or a denial of reality."A decline in asking prices for some high-end homes does not necessarily indicate a drop in overall prices in Seoul. Ahead of tax reforms, specific properties may enter the market or adjust their asking prices, but the expectation of price increases centered around Gangnam and redevelopment areas should also be considered.Oh also offered a different interpretation of the auction market indicators mentioned by President Lee.He noted, "The President stated that the increase in auction properties due to loan delinquencies is a precursor to falling housing prices. However, an increase in auction properties does not automatically lead to a drop in prices."He emphasized, "To assess price trends, one must look at the auction success rate alongside the ratio of actual auction prices to appraised values."According to the July 2026 Auction Trends Report from the auction data firm Jiji Auction, the auction success rate for Seoul apartments in July was 101.0%. Although it decreased by 0.7 percentage points from the previous month, it has exceeded 100% for four consecutive months. A success rate above 100% indicates that properties were sold at prices higher than their appraised values on average.Oh explained, "The auction success rate for Seoul apartments in July was 101.0%, exceeding 100% for four consecutive months, meaning that despite an increase in auction properties, they are being sold at prices above appraised values."He asserted, "The auction indicators the President urged to pay attention to do not signal a decline in housing prices but rather reflect strong latent demand and a serious supply shortage in Seoul."However, relying solely on the auction success rate to determine the overall price trend in the Seoul housing market is difficult. Appraised values are determined before the actual auction date and may differ from current market prices, and there is a significant gap between popular and less popular areas.In fact, during the same period, the national apartment auction success rate fell to 85.4%, indicating a continued polarization between the Seoul and regional markets.Oh expressed strong concerns regarding the President's perception of linking loan delinquencies and increased auctions to the possibility of falling housing prices.He stated, "Not all homeowners putting their properties up for auction are speculative buyers who over-leveraged themselves. Among them are ordinary citizens who have been unable to withstand sluggish domestic demand and high interest rates, as well as self-employed individuals who risk losing their only homes by using them as collateral to secure business funds."He continued, "The President should not welcome the increase in auction properties as a signal of falling housing prices but should feel a heavy responsibility as the highest authority in the government in the face of the suffering of citizens who have no choice but to auction their homes."An increase in auction properties can be a leading indicator of market prices, as well as a signal that the debt repayment capacity of households and self-employed individuals has weakened. Therefore, interpreting the increase in auctions solely as a sign of housing price stabilization without distinguishing between excessive borrowing for speculative purposes and livelihood or business-related debts could lead to a misinterpretation of the suffering of the populace as a policy success.Oh also raised the question of whether President Lee's remarks about falling housing prices were intended to exert psychological pressure on the housing market.He said, "I cannot help but suspect that there may be another motive behind the President's unrealistic remarks. With no substantial supply measures to announce, is the President trying to instill fear in the market by directly mentioning 'plummeting housing prices' to pressure homeowners into listing their properties?"The President's comments can also be interpreted as a verbal intervention aimed at lowering expectations for price increases and curbing speculative buying. It serves as a warning not to make hasty purchases, as the government plans to significantly increase supply and suppress speculative demand.However, emphasizing the possibility of price declines without a foundation of trust in actual supply could freeze the sales market and exacerbate instability in the rental market. Even if homeowners are pressured to sell, if affordable housing is not supplied in desired areas, it will not provide a fundamental solution.Oh concluded, "Real estate issues cannot be resolved by intimidating the public. Repeating the slogan of 'breaking speculation' will not make the market move according to the government's wishes."He urged, "The market, which is intricately intertwined with supply and demand, interest rates, finance, sales, and rentals, must be handled with accurate data and a clear understanding of reality. We must stop trying to evade crises with temporary measures and fear tactics."He added, "It is time to thoroughly reassess the flawed real estate policy framework and adopt a straightforward approach to supply housing where the public wants it. Both the President and the public have experienced enough over the past year. Change is necessary now."Oh's criticism highlights the direct conflict between the demand suppression policies centered on taxes and financial regulations pursued by the Lee Jae-myung administration and the supply expansion policies emphasized by the Seoul city government through redevelopment and reconstruction.The debate between the two sides extends beyond 'how to suppress housing prices' to 'how to resolve the housing shortage in Seoul.' The speed at which the government can translate announced supply quantities into actual groundbreaking and the extent to which redevelopment and reconstruction in Seoul will be permitted will likely determine the success of future real estate policies.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-31 17:20:10
Appeal Trial for Moon Sang-ho on Information Leak to Begin Next Month The appeal trial for Moon Sang-ho, a former commander of the Defense Intelligence Command, who was sentenced to prison for leaking information about intelligence agents to former commander Roh Sang-won before the declaration of martial law on December 3, is set to begin next month.The Seoul High Court's Criminal Division 12-1, presided over by judges Lee Seung-cheol, Jo Jin-goo, and Kim Min-ah, held a preparatory hearing on August 31 for Moon, along with former Colonels Kim Bong-kyu and Jeong Seong-wook, who are also facing charges of military secrecy violations. The first hearing is scheduled for September 15, with a second hearing planned for September 29 to conduct witness examinations.The court has left open the possibility of closed hearings, similar to the first trial. The special prosecutor's team, led by Jo Eun-seok, requested that the proceedings be held in private, stating, "The evidence based on the list of intelligence agents is military confidential, so we ask for a closed session." The defense team responded in agreement, saying, "We have no objections." The court indicated that it would finalize the decision after discussions before the start of the hearing. This hearing serves as a preparatory session to organize the issues based on the opinions of the special prosecutor and the defense, and the defendants are not required to attend. However, former Colonel Jeong was present at the hearing. Discussions included future hearing dates, the possibility of closed sessions, and coordination of evidence opinions and witness examination plans between the special prosecutor and the defense.Moon and others are accused of conspiring with former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun to leak the names of over 40 intelligence agents to Roh, in an attempt to form an unofficial organization called the "Second Investigation Team" to investigate allegations of election fraud.In the previous trial, Moon was sentenced to two years in prison, while former Colonel Kim received a sentence of one year and six months, and former Colonel Jeong was sentenced to one year. The court noted, "The defendants, as military personnel handling confidential information, should have understood its seriousness better than anyone else, yet they leaked it to Roh."Former Minister Kim, charged with the same offense, was sentenced to three years in prison in the first trial, and Roh's two-year sentence was upheld by the Supreme Court.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-31 17:20:10
Unification Church Leader Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for Political Corruption Han Hak-ja, the leader of the Unification Church, was sentenced to prison for two years after being convicted of political corruption, including allegations of illegal political funding and collusion with the Yoon Suk-yeol administration. The court criticized the church's leadership for attempting to expand its influence through political connections, stating that the severity of the crimes was significant.The Seoul Central District Court's Criminal Division 27, presided over by Judge Woo In-seong, sentenced Han to one year in prison for violating political funding laws and another year for violating the Anti-Graft Act and embezzlement.Previously, the special prosecutor's team led by Kim Min-kyu had sought a total of 13 years in prison for Han, including five years for the political funding violation and eight years for other offenses.However, Han, who has been undergoing trial while out of custody due to health issues, was not immediately taken into custody following the sentencing. The suspension of his detention will remain in effect until September 2.Other Unification Church officials who were indicted alongside Han also received prison sentences. Former Unification Church World Headquarters President Yoon Young-ho was sentenced to six months in prison, while Jeong Mo, Han's former secretary, received an eight-month prison sentence with a two-year probation for violating political funding laws and another eight-month sentence with a two-year probation for violating the Anti-Graft Act and embezzlement. Yoon's spouse, Lee Mo, the former head of the church's finance department, was also sentenced to six months in prison with a one-year probation.The court found most of the key allegations of collusion between Han and Unification Church executives to be guilty, as presented by the special prosecutor.Specifically, the court acknowledged that Han and Jeong conspired with Yoon to deliver 100 million won in illegal political funds to Kwon Seong-dong, a member of the National Assembly, in January 2022, requesting support for the Unification Church from the Yoon administration.Additionally, they were found guilty of soliciting support for church projects by delivering luxury gifts worth 75 million won, including a necklace and a Chanel bag, to Kim Geon-hee through Jeon Seong-bae in July 2022. They also embezzled church funds to cover the costs of these gifts.Furthermore, the court ruled that Han and others violated political funding laws by donating 134 million won from church funds to members of the National Assembly affiliated with the ruling party through a method known as 'split donations' in March 2022.However, the court acquitted them of embezzlement charges related to the false accounting of church funds sent to five district accounts for missionary support, stating that the mere act of transferring funds did not demonstrate intent for illegal gain.Some charges related to embezzlement and evidence destruction were dismissed. These included allegations that Han and others directed evidence destruction after obtaining information about an investigation into casino gambling in October 2022, and that they embezzled 787 million won in church funds under the pretext of providing election funds to foreign politicians in Nepal and Senegal between May and July 2022.Throughout the sentencing, the judge sternly admonished the defendants. Judge Woo stated, "The defendants exploited the Unification Church's substantial financial resources to view the 20th presidential election as a critical opportunity for expanding their influence. They supported candidates favorable to them and committed these crimes to secure national support and political influence after the government was established."He added, "Regardless of whether the church's requests were actually fulfilled, the mere attempt at such collusion severely undermined the fair execution of national policies and the public's trust in democratic politics. Using funds raised from church members for collusion with political forces rather than for missionary purposes is a serious offense."Regarding Han, the judge stated, "As the highest decision-maker at the Unification Church, a prison sentence is unavoidable." However, he noted that Han's approval of the crimes, which were primarily planned by Yoon, and the fact that he acted to expand the church's influence rather than for personal gain, as well as his full restitution of the embezzled amounts, were considered mitigating factors.Immediately following the verdict, the Unification Church issued an official statement announcing its intention to appeal. The church expressed deep apologies to the public for causing significant concern and disappointment but asserted that the court's judgment regarding Han's awareness and approval of illegal purposes was difficult to accept.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-31 17:16:00
Trump Criticizes South Korea for Not Supporting U.S. in Iran Conflict Donald Trump, the President of the United States, reiterated on August 30 that South Korea did not assist the U.S. in its conflict with Iran, stating, "I will remember this."In an interview aired that night on Fox News, Trump noted, "The U.S. spends billions to help NATO and other countries, but we receive little assistance in return," citing South Korea as a prime example.He mentioned, "For instance, there are 40,000 U.S. troops in South Korea (actually about 28,500)," but claimed that when asked for help regarding Iran, the South Korean government responded, 'It’s better not to.' He added, "I will remember this."Trump's use of the phrase "I will remember this" could signal dissatisfaction with South Korea's policy toward Iran and may serve as a warning regarding future discussions on defense costs, the presence of U.S. troops in South Korea, and the division of roles within the alliance.Earlier, on August 16, Trump mentioned on his social media platform Truth Social that South Korea had declined his request for support in military operations against Iran. This was followed by controversy over the reduction in the scale of the U.S.-South Korea joint military exercise, Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS).In the interview, Trump also argued that there is no need to spend money on allies that do not assist the U.S. He stated, "We will make a lot of money in the future," adding, "If they do not want to step up for us, we cannot just be fools and keep helping them."Trump's renewed focus on South Korea's lack of support regarding Iran raises concerns about potential links to key issues in U.S.-South Korea relations, including defense cost-sharing and trade tariffs.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-31 17:12:10
Strengthening Cooperation Between South Korea and Japan to Overcome Shared Challenges South Korea and Japan must now focus more on the problems they need to solve together rather than their differences. This is particularly important as both countries face increasingly similar challenges, including low birth rates, aging populations, regional decline, labor shortages, and economic stagnation.The first meeting of the Korea-Japan Low Birth Rate Response Exchange Committee, held on August 30 in Sendai, Japan, highlights this reality. Business leaders from both countries recognize that low birth rates are not merely a welfare issue but a structural challenge that affects the sustainability of their economies and societies. Notably, Choi Tae-won, chairman of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, proposed a level of cooperation akin to an economic community between the two nations.The key is to expand the economic activity space in an era of declining populations. It is essential to connect the markets of both countries and utilize each other's technology, capital, and talent more efficiently. This means that the issue of low birth rates should not be left solely to birth encouragement policies but should also be addressed from an economic perspective focused on growth and job creation.South Korea and Japan's situations are remarkably similar. The number of births is decreasing while the elderly population is rapidly increasing. Young people are delaying marriage and childbirth due to high housing and education costs, as well as unstable job prospects. In rural areas, the outflow of young people and industrial hollowing are further diminishing vitality.These are challenges that one country cannot solve alone. Expanding the scope of markets and talent is one of the solutions. In an era of shrinking markets, it is crucial to connect those markets, and as talent becomes scarce, pathways for talent exchange must be broadened.There are many areas where the two countries can collaborate, including semiconductors, AI, batteries, robotics, energy, supply chains, and human resource exchange, as well as addressing regional decline. South Korea has strengths in manufacturing and IT, while Japan excels in materials, components, equipment, and foundational technologies, including robotics. By connecting each other's strengths, there is potential to create new businesses and jobs.In particular, it is essential to lower the barriers to talent exchange. South Korean youth should be able to study and work in Japan, and Japanese youth should have opportunities to seek new prospects in South Korea. Improvements in visa and qualification recognition, as well as expanding joint projects among universities, businesses, and research institutions in both countries, are necessary. This could provide a new talent pool for companies struggling with labor shortages and open up a broader job market for young people.Regional cooperation is also a critical area. Both countries are facing similar challenges of declining populations and industrial hollowing in rural areas. There is a need for local governments, universities, and businesses to collaborate in developing region-specific industries and creating job opportunities for young people.This is not to suggest ignoring historical issues. Principles regarding history must be upheld. However, viewing all current issues solely through the lens of past conflicts is not a constructive approach for the future. It is entirely possible to remember the past while cooperating for the future.Time is running out for both countries to overcome their shared challenges. The consequences of low birth rates will manifest decades from now, but the time to start addressing them is now. If changes in systems and industries lag behind the pace of population decline, the burdens on both countries will inevitably increase.A new framework for Korea-Japan relations is needed. Instead of remaining focused on past differences, both nations should seek common ground for the future. The shared challenge of low birth rates should serve as a new starting point for economic cooperation between South Korea and Japan, prompting both governments and business sectors to take more proactive steps.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-31 17:12:00
Lee Sang-hee Wins First JGTO Title in 13 Years Lee Sang-hee has claimed his first trophy on the Japan Golf Tour (JGTO) after a 13-year wait.On August 30, Lee finished the final round of the JGTO 'Sansan KBC Augusta' at Keya Golf Club in Itoshima, Fukuoka Prefecture, with a score of 7-under 65, making seven birdies without a single bogey.With a total score of 23-under 265, Lee outpaced second-place Yusaku Hosono of Japan, who finished at 20-under 268, by three strokes. The victory comes with a prize of 20 million yen (approximately $170,000).This marks Lee's first win since entering the Japanese circuit in 2013 and his fifth career title, adding to his previous victory at the 2017 GS Caltex Maekyung Open.Lee is the first Korean player to win a JGTO event not co-hosted with the Korea Professional Golf Association (KPGA) since Song Young-han's victory at the same tournament in 2023.Starting the final round in second place, one stroke behind the leader, Lee made three birdies on the front nine. His focus intensified on the back nine, where he made three consecutive birdies from the 13th to the 15th holes, taking the lead. On the final hole, despite a wayward tee shot to the right, he maintained his composure to secure par. This victory also serves as redemption for his second-place finish at the same event in 2022.Having recorded eight runner-up finishes on the JGTO circuit, Lee expressed his joy after the win, stating, "I am really happy to finally win after my debut. It feels like I have finally reaped the rewards of my efforts."He reflected on his past experiences, saying, "In various competitions in Korea and Japan, I often focused too much on the results, which left me feeling disappointed. This time, I concentrated on what I could control, and that mindset led to a good outcome."Lee's victory also carries a heartfelt promise to his late father. He shared, "After my father passed away in 2023, I promised to show him the championship trophy. That promise sometimes made me overly fixated on winning. However, this time, I let go of those thoughts and focused on what I needed to do. It is even more meaningful to be able to bring the trophy to my father now."With this win, Lee has moved up to seventh in the JGTO points ranking and eleventh in the earnings ranking. He stated, "My goal is to continue this momentum and win again in Korea. I will do my best to achieve a good result at the upcoming 42nd Shinhan Donghae Open."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-31 17:12:00