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  • Parliamentary Committee Fails to Progress Amid Disputes Over Members Qualification
    Parliamentary Committee Fails to Progress Amid Disputes Over Member's Qualification The National Assembly's Science, Technology, Information and Communications Committee is struggling to make progress as it approaches the regular session starting September 1. The ruling Democratic Party has been blocking meetings, citing issues with the qualifications of Lee Jin-sook, a member from the People Power Party, leading to repeated disruptions.As of today, the committee has only addressed the appointment of party representatives and the formation of subcommittees since the start of the second half of the 22nd National Assembly. This stands in stark contrast to other committees, which are actively receiving reports from relevant agencies and expediting the review of last year's settlement.The committee has been unable to receive any business reports from the Ministry of Science and ICT or the Korea Aerospace Administration, as discussions have devolved into arguments over Lee's suitability for the committee. The only items passed in the last meeting on August 19 were the appointment of the opposition party's representative and the formation of subcommittees.This disruption has delayed plans to present the settlement report on August 19, followed by subcommittee reviews on August 24, and a vote on August 31. Meanwhile, the Special Committee on Budget and Accounts has begun comprehensive policy inquiries and separate reviews. After the full committee meeting on August 31, subcommittee reviews are scheduled for September 2-4.Political analysts suggest that as the ruling party holds the chairmanship, the longer the disruptions continue, the more political pressure will mount on the Democratic Party. If the disruptions persist, it could undermine the party's commitment to creating a 'working National Assembly.'A significant issue is the lack of justification for restarting the committee. During the standoff, Lee filed a defamation lawsuit against Democratic Party leader Kim Min-seok, while the party passed a resolution urging Lee's expulsion in the plenary session, escalating tensions. Observers note that if Lee does not apologize and remains on the committee, it may be difficult for the Democratic Party to participate in committee activities as if nothing happened.If the disruptions continue, the ruling party may consider invoking Article 84 of the National Assembly Act, which allows the National Assembly Speaker to directly refer settlement reports to the Special Committee on Budget and Accounts. This would provide a workaround to send settlement reports for relevant agencies to the budget committee.However, using this direct referral could invite criticism for bypassing the committee. Additionally, the Science, Technology, Information and Communications Committee is one of the key committees supporting the legislative framework for three major mega-projects, making it untenable for disruptions to continue indefinitely.A political insider remarked, "The likelihood of Lee apologizing or stepping down from the committee seems low, which complicates matters for Chairman Song Gi-hun and ruling party representative Han Jun-ho, who need to expedite committee proceedings." 2026-08-30 19:52:00
  • South Korean Prime Minister Urges Safety Measures Amid Heavy Rain Forecast
    South Korean Prime Minister Urges Safety Measures Amid Heavy Rain Forecast South Korean Prime Minister Han Seong-sook has issued an urgent directive for thorough preparations in response to forecasts of heavy rain across the country.On August 30, she emphasized the need for strict safety measures to prevent additional damage in areas already affected by previous rainfall.She specifically urged for inspections and management of risk areas, including apartment slopes, landslide-prone regions, retaining walls near residential areas, steep slopes, and aging houses.With heavy rain expected in the early hours of August 31, she instructed authorities to establish evacuation plans for residents in vulnerable areas. She stressed the importance of using available means, such as village broadcasts and sirens, to ensure residents can evacuate quickly in case of emergencies.Additionally, she requested that relevant agencies maintain a state of emergency readiness, ensure effective information sharing among institutions, and pay special attention to the safety of on-site response personnel.According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, rain is expected in most parts of the country until August 31. Particularly, strong rain accompanied by gusts and thunderstorms is forecasted for some areas early on the 31st, necessitating heightened caution. 2026-08-30 19:44:00
  • U.S. Proposes Three-Way Summit with Trump, Putin, and Zelensky to End Ukraine War
    U.S. Proposes Three-Way Summit with Trump, Putin, and Zelensky to End Ukraine War The United States is reportedly pushing for a three-way summit involving the U.S., Russia, and Ukraine to revive stalled peace negotiations aimed at ending the ongoing war in Ukraine.Axios reported on August 29 that John Ratcliffe, the Director of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), recently visited Russia and proposed that President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky meet directly to discuss a path to peace.Ratcliffe traveled to Moscow on August 25, where he met with Alexander Bortnikov, head of the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB), and other top Russian intelligence officials. Following this meeting, the U.S. administration conveyed the results to President Zelensky and suggested a three-way summit to the Russian side.It is reported that Ratcliffe also communicated U.S. intelligence assessments to the Russian side, indicating that the longer the war drags on, the greater the military and economic losses will be. The New York Times noted that Ratcliffe urged Russia to initiate peace negotiations before it is too late, citing the potential for escalating losses due to worsening conditions on the ground.The U.S. hopes that Bortnikov, who, like Putin, has ties to the former Soviet KGB, can play a role in resuming stalled peace diplomacy. Bortnikov is considered a trusted figure by President Putin.This is not the first time the Trump administration has proposed a three-way summit. President Zelensky has shown a proactive attitude toward direct negotiations, while President Putin has been less receptive to the idea.However, it remains uncertain whether this proposal will lead to an actual summit. Ukrainian officials are reportedly skeptical of President Putin's intentions, citing intelligence that suggests Russia is preparing for further offensives rather than negotiations.On August 28, Paulo Palitsa, deputy head of the Ukrainian presidential office, stated that President Putin had instructed preparations for various scenarios for an offensive in northern Ukraine, identifying Kyiv and Chernihiv as key areas.Peace negotiations regarding Ukraine have effectively stalled since the outbreak of the war in February. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner have engaged with both Russian and Ukrainian sides in recent months, but significant progress has not been achieved. As the U.S. seeks to leverage the three-way summit to restart negotiations, the response from Russia and Ukraine will be crucial.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-30 19:28:00
  • Test Drive: Renault Filante Offers Impressive Fuel Efficiency and Comfort
    Test Drive: Renault Filante Offers Impressive Fuel Efficiency and Comfort The Renault Filante, a flagship crossover from Renault Korea, combines the sleek proportions of a coupe-style SUV with spacious interiors and an innovative E-Tech hybrid system. After its debut in March, the vehicle has generated significant buzz. A recent long-distance test drive from Seoul to Busan, covering approximately 800 km, highlighted the Filante's unique appeal for family outings and highway cruising.The first impression is striking. Despite concerns that its polarizing design might deter some, the driving experience is overwhelmingly positive. Its rarity is appealing, and the distinctive French-inspired design makes it stand out on the road. With a length of 4,915 mm and a width of 1,890 mm, the Filante boasts a commanding presence without appearing bulky, thanks to its low roofline that enhances its sporty profile. The dynamic silhouette showcases the vehicle's unique character, particularly with its bold front-end lighting signature that captures attention day and night. During the trip, the team visited eight rest areas without encountering another Filante, underscoring its individuality.Inside, the first thing that catches the eye is the 12.3-inch panoramic screen that spans the dashboard. The screen is divided into three sections, allowing for simultaneous use of T-map navigation and various infotainment features. A dedicated screen for the passenger can run apps for news, videos, and music, with easy navigation between screens. The driver’s seat, designed with integrated headrests, provides comfort even during long drives.The second-row space is a standout feature of the Filante. Despite concerns about headroom due to its coupe-like silhouette, it offers an impressive 886 mm of space. The long wheelbase of 2,820 mm provides ample legroom of 320 mm, ensuring comfort for adults up to 180 cm tall without needing to bend their legs. Additionally, hidden ports for smartphones and tablets are conveniently located on the back of the front seats. The trunk space is generous, with a maximum capacity of 2,050 liters when the seats are folded down, and 633 liters in its standard configuration, easily accommodating three suitcases and various travel bags for a family of four.In an era of high fuel prices, fuel efficiency is paramount. During the test drive, the Filante's E-Tech hybrid system proved its worth while navigating the congested streets of Gangnam, Seoul, and entering the Gyeongbu Expressway. The combination of a 1.64 kWh battery and a 100 kW (136 horsepower) motor allowed the vehicle to move smoothly without engine noise or vibration, significantly reducing driver fatigue. Renault claims that over 75% of urban driving can be completed in electric (EV) mode, and the regenerative braking system operates smoothly without any unpleasant jolts, enhancing overall ride comfort.As the drive progressed onto the Yeongdong and Jungbu Inland Expressways, speeds gradually increased. The 1.5L turbo direct-injection gasoline engine, paired with dual motors, delivers a robust 250 horsepower, providing a refreshing acceleration during merges and overtaking. The three-mode automatic transmission seamlessly switches between series and parallel driving modes. The chassis, equipped with frequency-sensitive dampers (SFD), absorbs bumps and bridge transitions gracefully while maintaining stability during high-speed cornering, showcasing the Filante's characteristic French driving feel.The total driving time from Seoul to Haeundae in Busan was approximately 7 hours over 405 km. The measured fuel efficiency exceeded expectations, with city driving yielding 18-19 km/L and maintaining around 15.5 km/L at a constant speed of 110 km/h. Thanks to the large battery and efficient motor, the Filante demonstrates impressive economy for a mid-size crossover. A passenger remarked, "The space feels like an SUV, while the ride comfort rivals that of a sedan," highlighting its versatility. Its stylish and sophisticated design makes it an ideal choice for female drivers as well.The Filante's exceptional urban EV mode, spacious second row and trunk, and solid ride comfort during long-distance travel illustrate why it has become Renault Korea's new flagship model. It is highly recommended for family-oriented drivers seeking a balance of style, efficiency, and comfort.Notably, the Filante has recently been selected as the official vehicle for Philippe Bertoux, the French Ambassador to South Korea.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-30 18:04:10
  • Chinese Memory Chip Makers Expand Market Share as Samsung and SK Hynix Focus on AI
    Chinese Memory Chip Makers Expand Market Share as Samsung and SK Hynix Focus on AI Chinese semiconductor companies are rapidly expanding in the DRAM and NAND flash markets, backed by substantial financial resources and a large domestic market. Changxin Memory Technologies (CXMT), China's largest DRAM manufacturer, has secured the fourth position globally, while Yangtze Memory Technologies Co. (YMTC) has entered the top three in the NAND market for the first time. Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix are countering this surge by focusing on high-value artificial intelligence (AI) memory products, such as high-bandwidth memory (HBM). According to market research firm Omdia, YMTC's NAND wafer production is expected to rise from 2.01 million units this year to 2.496 million units next year, marking an increase of approximately 24%. YMTC has climbed to third place in the global NAND market based on second-quarter shipments and aims to double its production capacity by the end of the year with the launch of its Wuhan Phase 3 factory, targeting the top position in the global NAND market by the end of next year. In contrast, domestic companies are projected to see little growth in NAND production. Samsung Electronics is expected to increase its output from 4.77 million units this year to 4.845 million units next year, while SK Hynix is anticipated to rise from 2.79 million units to 2.865 million units during the same period. As Samsung and SK Hynix concentrate their investments on more profitable DRAM and HBM products, Chinese firms are aggressively expanding their NAND production to fill market gaps. In the DRAM sector, CXMT is quickly closing the gap. Omdia reports that CXMT's global DRAM market share surged from 4.7% in the fourth quarter of last year to 7.6% in the first quarter of this year, a jump of 2.9 percentage points in just one quarter, placing it fourth globally behind Samsung, SK Hynix, and U.S.-based Micron. CXMT has also secured significant funding for further expansion. The company plans to invest up to 14 trillion won raised through its recent initial public offering (IPO) into enhancing production lines and researching next-generation DRAM. Its current production capacity of 200,000 to 300,000 units per month is expected to expand to over 600,000 units in the long term. If these expansion plans proceed as intended, increased supply in the general DRAM market could lead to price pressures. However, there remains a significant technological gap between domestic firms and Chinese companies in high-value AI memory products like HBM. Samsung and SK Hynix have begun mass production of HBM4 and are advancing the development and supply of next-generation HBM4E. In contrast, CXMT is still in the process of stabilizing production of HBM3. HBM production requires not only yield and stacking and thermal management technologies but also quality certification from global tech giants and experience in mass production, making it challenging for Chinese firms to close the gap quickly. Samsung and SK Hynix are shifting their focus from price competition with Chinese firms in general products to increasing their share of high-value products such as HBM, server DRAM, and enterprise solid-state drives (SSDs). With the surge in demand for high-performance and high-capacity memory driven by investments in AI data centers, they aim to secure profitability by leveraging their technological expertise in AI memory and their customer base among global tech giants. The concern is that China's dominance in general memory could serve as a stepping stone for it to catch up in advanced memory technologies. With a vast domestic market, Chinese firms can secure production scale and cost competitiveness, then reinvest accumulated funds and mass production experience into high-value products like HBM and server DRAM. For instance, CXMT, which recently raised substantial funds through its IPO, is projected to meet 50% of China's DRAM demand and 40% of HBM demand by 2028. YMTC is also pursuing an IPO worth 6.8 trillion won, with the funds earmarked for enhancing production facilities and R&D.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-30 18:04:10
  • Rising Mid-Interest Loans Lead to Rate Inversion in Credit Card Market
    Rising Mid-Interest Loans Lead to Rate Inversion in Credit Card Market The government is encouraging the expansion of mid-interest loans for borrowers with lower credit scores, leading to a phenomenon in the credit card market where interest rates for low-credit borrowers are lower than those for high-credit borrowers. This trend raises concerns about the financial stability of credit card companies as they increase mid-interest loan offerings.According to the financial sector on August 30, Samsung Card reported that the average interest rate for credit card loans issued to borrowers with credit scores above 900 was 15.70% in July. This rate was 2.46 percentage points higher than the average rate of 13.24% for borrowers in the 800s and 1.41 percentage points higher than the 14.29% average for those in the 700s.Overall, the interest rate gap based on credit scores is narrowing across the credit card industry. The average interest rate for credit card loans issued by eight major credit card companies to borrowers with scores above 900 increased from 11.06% in July of last year to 12.29% in July of this year, a rise of 1.23 percentage points. In contrast, the average rate for borrowers with scores below 700 decreased from 17.74% to 17.45% during the same period, a drop of 0.29 percentage points.Typically, borrowers with higher credit scores are considered lower risk and receive lower interest rates. However, as credit card companies expand mid-interest loans within a limited total household loan quota, they have reduced lending to higher-quality borrowers, resulting in a narrowing of the interest rate gap between high and low credit score borrowers. In fact, Samsung Card issued mid-interest loans totaling 1.4389 trillion won in the first half of this year, a 58% increase compared to the same period last year.The challenge is that as the volume of loans to mid- and low-credit borrowers increases, the financial health of credit card companies may deteriorate. As of the end of the first half of this year, the total delinquency rate for eight major credit card companies was 1.54%, up from 1.52% at the end of last year, indicating a downward trend in financial stability. Notably, the delinquency rate for credit card loans rose from 3.24% to 3.35%, an increase of 0.11 percentage points.In this context, the government recently convened major credit card companies to further encourage the supply of mid-interest loans. While the increase in mid-interest loans is recognized as an exception in total household loan management, easing some regulatory burdens, concerns remain that rising funding costs and increasing delinquency rates continue to pose challenges to profitability and financial stability associated with expanding mid-interest loans.A credit card industry official stated, "While the increase in mid-interest loans may reduce some burdens in terms of total volume, there are limits to expanding these loans given the rising funding costs and increasing delinquency rates, leading to significant concerns."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-30 18:04:10
  • K-Beautys Global Expansion: Olive Young and Musinsa Lead the Way
    K-Beauty's Global Expansion: Olive Young and Musinsa Lead the Way As small and indie brands emerge as key players in K-Beauty exports, their approach to international expansion is evolving. In the past, brands would directly enter platforms like Amazon or seek local buyers individually. Recently, domestic distribution and platform companies like Olive Young and Musinsa have taken on a larger role in connecting brands with overseas consumers.According to industry sources, major domestic distribution and platform companies are utilizing their own overseas stores and global online malls to expand the international reach of small and indie K-Beauty brands. They are not only placing brands that have proven their sales potential in domestic markets into their overseas stores and global online malls but are also collaborating with local major distributors to broaden their support in logistics and translation.CJ Olive Young is a prime example. The 'Olive Young Pasadena' store, which opened on May 29 in California, features over 400 brands and more than 5,000 products, with K-brands accounting for over 80% of the offerings.In the local market, K-Beauty skincare products, particularly sun care, mask packs, serums, and essences, are receiving positive responses. Lightweight sunscreens, sun sticks, and sun cushions, along with toner pads and cleansers, are drawing significant interest in the Korean skincare routine. Notable products gaining traction include Round Lab's 'Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen,' Anua's 'Houttuynia Cordata Cleanser,' and 'PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum.'Olive Young plans to continue its expansion in California, aiming to operate a total of five stores in the U.S. by the first half of 2027. In addition to its own store openings, it is also working to expand K-Beauty brand distribution through local major retail networks. This month, Olive Young partnered with global beauty retailer Sephora to showcase approximately 150 products from 19 selected brands through Sephora's distribution channels, providing a pathway for individual brands to enter the U.S. offline retail market.Fashion platform Musinsa is also focusing on connecting emerging and indie beauty brands to international markets. At the recent 'Musinsa Beauty Festa,' over 80% of the participating brands were indie brands, with 40% being newly launched within the last five years. More than 70% of the brands did not have their own offline stores.Brands discovered in Korea are given the opportunity to reach global consumers through Musinsa's overseas platform. The Musinsa Global Store, which serves 13 regions including the U.S., Japan, and Southeast Asia, currently features over 400 beauty brands. In the first half of this year, the beauty sector's transaction volume in the global store increased 4.6 times compared to the same period last year.Musinsa is also expanding its local offline presence. A pop-up store held in Tokyo in April, featuring domestic brands like One Thing, Dewytree, and The Tool Lab, attracted 75,000 visitors. Musinsa supports the entire overseas sales process, including automatic translation of product reviews, integration of domestic product codes, and global fulfillment.This platform-driven approach to international expansion reduces the burden on emerging and indie brands that may lack overseas recognition, funding, and distribution networks. Brands can leverage the overseas customer base and sales infrastructure established by platforms to enter local markets without having to build their own distribution and logistics systems. This also allows them to gauge local consumer reactions before making significant investments.The growth of indie K-Beauty brands presents an opportunity for distribution and platform companies to expand their overseas operations. By showcasing brands that have demonstrated growth potential in the domestic market through overseas stores and online malls, they can enhance product competitiveness and attract the growing global demand for K-Beauty to their platforms. This shift is transforming the global expansion strategy of K-Beauty from a focus on individual brands to a collaborative market approach with platforms.Kim Joo-deok, a chair professor in the Beauty Industry Department at Seoul Cyber University, stated, "Expanding overseas through platforms is more advantageous than individual brands directly entering the market, as it allows for the collective promotion of K-Beauty products. To maintain this synergy, it is crucial to uphold the same level of quality and user experience internationally as in Korea." 2026-08-30 18:04:00
  • K-Beautys Export Landscape Shifts as Indie Brands Surge
    K-Beauty's Export Landscape Shifts as Indie Brands Surge K-Beauty continues to achieve record export figures, with small and indie brands emerging as key players in the export market. The landscape of K-Beauty exports, once dominated by large brands, is rapidly changing, leading to significant growth for contract manufacturers (ODM) as well.According to data from the Korea Customs Service released on August 30, the total export value of cosmetics in the first half of this year (January to June) reached $5.728 billion (approximately 8.502 trillion won), marking a 25.1% increase compared to the same period last year. This figure represents the highest first-half performance since the Customs Service began tracking related statistics in 2000.The remarkable growth has been driven by small and indie brands. The Ministry of SMEs and Startups analyzed customs clearance data and reported that the export value of cosmetics from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) reached $5.07 billion in the first half of this year, a 30.7% increase from the same period last year. This makes cosmetics the top export item among all SMEs. Compared to the $2.26 billion in cosmetics exports recorded in the first half of 2022, this represents a 2.2-fold increase.When comparing the total cosmetics export figures, the share of small and medium-sized enterprises in cosmetics exports surged from 55% in the first half of 2022 to 88.5% in the first half of this year. Established indie brands like Mediheal, Anua, Dalba, and Chosun Beauty have expanded their presence, while new brands are also gaining recognition in overseas markets, including Europe, North America, and emerging markets in Latin America.The growth of small and indie brands is also benefiting the ODM sector. The trend of focusing on product planning, branding, and marketing while outsourcing production to specialized ODM companies is becoming more widespread. Cosmax reported an operating profit of 73.7 billion won in the second quarter of this year, a 21.2% increase from the same period last year, achieving its highest quarterly performance ever. Kolmar Korea also recorded an operating profit of 110.3 billion won during the same period, marking its highest quarterly earnings to date. As small brands thrive in the global market, ODM companies are also experiencing positive growth, creating a virtuous cycle.Park Jong-dae, a researcher at Hana Securities, noted, "Established brands like Mediheal, Anua, Dalba, and Chosun Beauty are significantly increasing their scale, and new brands such as Ingredient Editor, Sally Max, On Ingredients, and Dr. Juol are also making impressive strides." He emphasized that the scaling up of small and indie brands is driving the growth of K-Beauty.Park also predicted that the growth of K-Beauty led by indie brands will continue, as Korean cosmetics began to be prominently featured on retail shelves in the U.S. and Europe starting late last year. 2026-08-30 18:04:00
  • Heavy Rain Expected Across Most of South Korea, Up to 250mm in Chungcheong
    Heavy Rain Expected Across Most of South Korea, Up to 250mm in Chungcheong On Monday, August 31, most regions of South Korea are expected to experience rain. Particularly in the Chungcheong area, heavy rainfall of over 250mm is anticipated, necessitating caution against flooding and other potential damages.According to the Korea Meteorological Administration on August 30, the entire country will be generally cloudy with rain due to the influence of a stationary front. While the southern regions and Jeju Island are expected to see most of the rain taper off overnight, central regions may continue to experience rain until the morning of September 1.In the Chungcheong area, heavy rain is forecasted from early morning to the morning hours. The western coast of South Chungcheong Province could see rainfall exceeding 80mm per hour at times, while Daejeon, Sejong, and some inland areas of South Chungcheong and North Chungcheong are expected to receive over 50mm per hour.Southern Gyeonggi Province, southern Gangwon Province, and northwestern North Jeolla Province may also experience rainfall of over 50mm per hour. Additionally, areas in Gwangju, South Jeolla, Busan, Ulsan, and parts of South Gyeongsang Province may see heavy rain during the early morning or morning hours.From August 31 to September 1, expected rainfall amounts are 80 to 150mm in Daejeon, Sejong, and South Chungcheong, and 50 to 150mm in North Chungcheong. The western coast of South Chungcheong is projected to receive over 250mm, while inland areas of Daejeon, Sejong, and South Chungcheong, as well as some parts of North Chungcheong, may see over 200mm.In southern Gyeonggi Province, rainfall is expected to be between 50 and 100mm (with some areas exceeding 150mm), while Seoul, Incheon, northern Gyeonggi, and Gangwon Province are forecasted to receive 30 to 80mm. Southern inland and mountainous areas of Gangwon may see over 120mm.On August 31, expected rainfall amounts are 20 to 80mm in North Jeolla, 30 to 80mm in Gwangju and South Jeolla, 30 to 80mm in central and northern North Gyeongsang, and 20 to 60mm in Daegu, southern North Gyeongsang, and Ulleungdo and Dokdo. Jeju Island is expected to receive 5 to 40mm, with over 120mm possible in northwestern North Jeolla.In areas experiencing rain, strong winds and thunderstorms may accompany heavy downpours. The Korea Meteorological Administration has urged caution against safety hazards such as river flooding, lowland inundation, and landslides.The morning low temperatures are expected to range from 20 to 26 degrees Celsius, while daytime highs will be between 24 and 34 degrees. Despite the rain in southern regions and Jeju Island, the perceived temperature may rise to around 33 degrees, with tropical nights expected in some areas.Morning low temperatures in major regions are forecasted to be 23 degrees in Seoul, 23 degrees in Incheon, 22 degrees in Chuncheon, 22 degrees in Gangneung, 23 degrees in Daejeon, 26 degrees in Gwangju, 25 degrees in Daegu, 26 degrees in Busan, and 26 degrees in Jeju.Daytime highs are expected to be 26 degrees in Seoul, 26 degrees in Incheon, 25 degrees in Chuncheon, 25 degrees in Gangneung, 27 degrees in Daejeon, 32 degrees in Gwangju, 32 degrees in Daegu, 34 degrees in Busan and Ulsan, and 31 degrees in Jeju.Air quality is expected to be at a 'good' level across all regions due to favorable atmospheric dispersion and rainfall.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-30 18:00:00
  • Special Prosecutor Requests Additional Investigators for Election Commission Probe
    Special Prosecutor Requests Additional Investigators for Election Commission Probe Lee Tae-han, the special prosecutor investigating the shortage of ballots during the June 3 local elections, has initiated a request for additional special investigators.According to legal sources on August 30, the special prosecutor recently asked the Korean Bar Association to recommend suitable candidates for the role of special investigator.In response to this request, the Bar Association sent a formal notice to its members on August 28, titled 'Request for Recommendations and Support for Special Investigators to Investigate Allegations of Voter Rights Violations Related to the June 9 Local Election Ballot Shortage.' The notice states that recommendations and applications will be accepted until September 1.Currently, the special prosecutor's team consists of three dispatched prosecutors, five special investigators, and six police officers, totaling 14 personnel. The team has also recently selected 10 candidates for the position of deputy special prosecutor and requested their appointment from President Lee Jae-myung. The special prosecutor's office is expected to expand to approximately 165 members, including five deputy special prosecutors and 70 special investigators.The special prosecutor has also sent a formal request for cooperation to the Ministry of Justice and the National Police Agency to deploy 20 prosecutors and over 60 investigative personnel by September 4. Previously, the special prosecutor visited the Ministry of Justice, the Supreme Prosecutors' Office, and the National Police Agency to seek assistance. They also reached out to the Bar Association and the Seoul Bar Association to request recommendations for investigators.The special prosecutor's office has set up its office in the The Base Building in Seocho-dong, Seoul, and plans to review digital case records and establish an investigation plan before officially commencing operations on September 7.Earlier, on August 18, President Lee Jae-myung appointed Lee Tae-han, a non-standing member of the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission, as the special prosecutor for the Election Commission. Born in 1966, Lee graduated from Kyungnam High School and Korea University Law School, passed the 33rd Judicial Examination, and completed the 23rd Judicial Research and Training Institute.Lee began his career as a prosecutor in 1994 and has held various positions, including head of the Busan District Prosecutor's Office's trial division, head of the Ulsan District Prosecutor's Office's special investigation division, and head of the Seoul Southern District Prosecutor's Office's trial litigation division and criminal division 4. He was also considered a candidate for the head of the Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials established during the Moon Jae-in administration.The special prosecutor will conduct investigations for 90 days after a preparation period of up to 20 days. If necessary, the investigation period can be extended twice for 30 days each.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-30 17:52:00