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  • GS Engineering & Construction Partners with International Architects to Create Future Housing Solutions for Climate Change
    GS Engineering & Construction Partners with International Architects to Create Future Housing Solutions for Climate Change GS Engineering & Construction is collaborating with international architects to develop future housing environments that can respond to climate change, including heavy rain, heat waves, and fine dust.On August 25, GS Engineering & Construction announced that it is conducting joint research with the architectural and innovation design group CRA, led by renowned architect Carlo Ratti, on the theme of 'future housing concepts for climate crisis response.'Carlo Ratti is the director of the Sensible City Lab at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and a founding partner of CRA. He is recognized as an expert in 'responsive design,' which integrates data and sensor technology into urban and architectural environments to respond in real-time to environmental changes.The research aims to analyze the impact of climate change, such as heavy rain, heat waves, and fine dust, on residential environments based on data, and to derive new solutions that can protect residents' health and safety as well as their housing assets.GS Engineering & Construction plans to concretize future housing concepts utilizing data and technology to proactively respond to changes in residential environments caused by climate change. The focus is not only on enhancing the durability of buildings but also on creating living environments that can detect external environmental changes and respond accordingly.Based on the conceptual findings of this research, GS Engineering & Construction will conduct empirical tests to verify the technical feasibility and effectiveness of the solutions. Following verification, the technologies will be gradually applied to Xi apartments, considering the conditions and characteristics of major project sites.A company representative stated, "This research is significant in that it analyzes the impact of the climate crisis on residential environments based on data and seeks proactive response measures. We will continue to create next-generation living environments that ensure safety and comfort for Xi residents amid climate change through ongoing research and technology verification."Meanwhile, GS Engineering & Construction announced on August 24 that it has received bronze awards in the furniture and lighting category at the 'IDEA 2026' design awards, one of the world's top three design awards, for its lighting design 'IGNIS' and the integrated lighting and speaker fixture 'Tode.'* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-25 17:36:00
  • Kakao AI Board of Directors Includes Former Officials
    Kakao AI Board of Directors Includes Former Officials Kakao has finalized the board composition for its newly established subsidiary, Kakao AI, which will be launched through a corporate split. The company is focusing on building a separate decision-making system centered on artificial intelligence (AI) with key appointments in technology, policy, and finance.According to the split plan disclosed on August 21, Kakao AI's board of directors will consist of four external members: Im Hye-sook, former Minister of Science and ICT; Kim Dae-ji, former Commissioner of the National Tax Service; Oh Seung-pil, former CTO of KT; and Kim Young-jun, a professor at Korea University's Graduate School of Technology Management. This diverse board brings experience in AI, information and communication technology, policy, taxation, and management.The Kakao AI board will have a total of seven members, including two internal directors, one other non-executive director, and four independent directors. Kakao AI is set to be Kakao's dedicated AI subsidiary, with a temporary shareholders' meeting scheduled for December 17 to address the split.Jeong Sin-a, who is designated as the representative of Kakao AI, and Shin Jong-hwan, Kakao's Chief Financial Officer, will serve as internal directors. Shin Jeong-hwan, the former Chief Technology Officer of Kakao, will join as the other non-executive director.Both Oh and Im bring significant expertise in technology and policy within the information and communication and AI sectors. Oh has held positions at NASA's Ames Research Center, Microsoft, Yahoo, and Hyundai Card, leading technology organizations in AI and cloud computing at KT. Im has served as Minister of Science and ICT and as Chair of the National Science and Technology Council, and is currently a professor in the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Ewha Womans University.Kim, the former Commissioner of the National Tax Service, has experience in tax and administrative fields, having served as the head of the Busan Regional Tax Office and the 24th Commissioner of the National Tax Service. He is currently an advisor at BnH Tax Corporation.This board composition aligns with Kakao's emphasis on independent management during the corporate split. Kim Do-young, designated representative of Kakao X, stated during a meeting on August 21 that both companies will operate independently according to their business objectives, and that joint organizations like the existing CA Council will no longer be necessary.Kakao's board met on August 21 and resolved to split the company into Kakao AI and the continuing entity Kakao X. The split ratio is based on net asset book value, with Kakao AI at 0.36 and Kakao X at 0.64. The split is expected to be completed on January 1, 2027, following the temporary shareholders' meeting in December, with Kakao AI set to be relisted in the same month.Kakao AI will launch as a business connecting AI, advertising, and commerce, centered around KakaoTalk. Kakao plans to separate its subsidiary management functions into Kakao X, allowing Kakao AI to focus its management resources on AI and existing platform businesses.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-25 17:36:00
  • Pakistan Delegation Reports Significant Progress in Iran Amid U.S. Sanctions
    Pakistan Delegation Reports Significant Progress in Iran Amid U.S. Sanctions Despite the economic tensions between the United States and Iran, a Pakistani delegation visited Iran for high-level talks, reporting "significant progress" in negotiations. As tensions rise due to U.S. economic sanctions against Iran, the ongoing mediation efforts through Pakistan highlight the potential for diplomatic solutions between the two countries.Mohsin Naqvi, Pakistan's Interior Minister and a member of the delegation, shared details of the meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on social media on August 25. He stated, "General Syed Asim Munir and I had a very positive and productive meeting with the Iranian president," adding that the discussions focused on the Iran-U.S. conflict, regional tensions, future responses, and the restoration of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to comprehensively resolve conflicts.Naqvi continued, "The Iranian president candidly conveyed the government's position and concerns, and there was a very constructive discussion on related issues. The meeting concluded with significant progress and in a very positive atmosphere. We hope this momentum leads to further advancements and lasting peace in the region." Additionally, the Pakistani military discussed measures to prevent further escalation, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and the "swift" resolution of disputes, according to Arab News.The Pakistani delegation, which arrived in Iran the previous day, met not only with the moderate Pezeshkian but also with hardliner Mohsen Rezaei, head of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, and Abbas Araghchi, Iran's Foreign Minister, to discuss negotiation strategies with the U.S.U.S. Economic Sanctions on IranThe visit by the Pakistani delegation occurred just before the U.S. announced new economic sanctions against Iran. On August 24, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Vance held a press conference at the Treasury Department, unveiling an "economic isolation operation" aimed at further isolating Iran economically. The U.S. Treasury expanded secondary sanctions to five sectors, including digital assets, technology, finance, aviation, and shipping, and designated over 60 individuals, companies, and vessels involved in Iran's nuclear, missile, cyber operations, and oil revenue generation for new sanctions.Initially, the U.S. and Iran had agreed to a ceasefire in June with the Islamabad MOU, but tensions escalated in July when the U.S. claimed that a vessel transiting the Strait of Hormuz was attacked by Iran, prompting a return to a confrontational stance. Subsequently, President Trump emphasized economic sanctions over military options, leading to the current sanctions. In response, Iran has threatened to block oil exports from the Persian Gulf if U.S. sanctions are enforced.Iran's Minister of Economic Affairs, Seyyed Ali Madani Zadeh, stated that Iran is "fully prepared to respond to U.S. sanctions," asserting, "Our adversaries wish to launch economic terror attacks against us, but we have our own means and know how to play this game."Despite these developments, backchannel diplomacy through mediators like Pakistan continues, indicating that the door for diplomatic solutions between the U.S. and Iran remains open. Following Secretary Vance's announcement of sanctions, international oil prices actually showed weakness. Ghalibaf, who represents Iran in negotiations with the U.S., criticized that while Iran wishes to implement the Islamabad MOU, the U.S. has not upheld its commitments. According to the Iranian presidential office, Pezeshkian advised that "the U.S. must change its attitude and approach toward Iran," warning that reliance on pressure and threats only complicates the diplomatic process.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-25 17:32:20
  • South Korean Prime Minister: Youth Housing Supply Challenging Amid Redevelopment Efforts
    South Korean Prime Minister: Youth Housing Supply Challenging Amid Redevelopment Efforts South Korean Prime Minister Han Seung-sook stated on August 25 that the youth housing supply related to redevelopment and reconstruction, emphasized by Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon as part of real estate supply measures, is currently challenging due to pricing and various conditions.During a comprehensive policy inquiry at the National Assembly Budget and Settlement Special Committee, Han responded to a question from Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Nam-kun about whether youth housing could be supplied through Mayor Oh's urban renewal projects. He noted, "For young people just entering the market, the price range is quite burdensome."Han also commented on the government's overall supply policy, suggesting that it should be adjusted to provide more predictable changes for young people and consumers.In response to Democratic Party lawmaker Jo In-cheol's concerns about the concentration of population and industry in the metropolitan area, Han emphasized the importance of the government's three major mega-projects aimed at creating a business ecosystem and improving living conditions. He stated, "If the overall ecosystem is well established, a new era will open up, and we must commit to this future."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-25 17:32:10
  • Court to Hold Jury Trial for Former President Moon Over Bribery Charges
    Court to Hold Jury Trial for Former President Moon Over Bribery Charges The court handling the bribery and preferential hiring allegations against former President Moon Jae-in's son-in-law, Seo, has selected seven witnesses ahead of the trial.The 21st Criminal Division of the Seoul Central District Court, led by Judge Jo Soon-pyo, made this decision on the 25th during the sixth pre-trial hearing for Moon and former lawmaker Lee Sang-jik.Pre-trial hearings are procedural discussions to outline evidence plans before the main trial, and defendants are not required to attend. Consequently, Moon was absent as he had traveled to Mongolia two days prior to attend the 17th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in Ulaanbaatar. In contrast, the incarcerated Lee attended the hearing in prison attire. Moon had also been absent from previous hearings, with only Lee present.Moon's defense team criticized the prosecution's indictment process and investigation methods, requesting a revision of the indictment and a reduction in the number of witnesses.Attorney Kim Young-sik stated, "The execution of warrants related to this case has reached an unprecedented 69 times, leading to excessive searches," and condemned the investigation as a "sweeping inquiry" that resorted to simple bribery charges after failing to prove more complex allegations, such as the appointment of Lee as chairman of the Small and Medium Business Corporation.Attorney Kim Mi-kyung also pointed out inconsistencies in the indictment, noting that it claims Seo received a salary without working, while simultaneously stating he did not perform duties appropriate for his executive position, urging the prosecution to amend the indictment first.In response, the prosecution argued, "The number of warrants appears high due to multiple verification locations, but they were lawfully issued by the court, and we conducted a restrained investigation." Regarding the witness requests, they stated, "It is necessary to prove the credibility of statements obtained during the investigation in court, and excluding some high-value evidence could excessively limit our ability to present our case."After hearing both sides, the court accepted the defense's concerns, stating, "Given the current number of witnesses and evidence submitted, it is practically impossible to proceed with the trial." The court requested the prosecution to organize the indictment and witnesses and officially selected seven witnesses, including Seo, who were jointly requested by both parties. Previously, the prosecution had submitted a list of 113 witnesses and over 2,300 pieces of evidence to substantiate their claims.However, after the prosecution protested, the court decided to grant each side an additional three priority witnesses, limiting the total number to a maximum of 13 to 15.The court explained, "A jury trial with nine jurors cannot exceed two weeks due to legal and scheduling constraints," adding that considering the time needed for evidence examination and deliberation, the maximum number of witnesses that can be examined is around 15. They also noted that all defendants desire a jury trial, indicating a willingness to proceed with one if the number of witnesses can be sufficiently reduced.Furthermore, the court mentioned that if a jury trial is realized, administrative procedures such as jury summons and courtroom arrangements would take at least two months, so they are considering a focused two-week hearing. This is due to the practical difficulty of extending a jury trial beyond three weeks. The court anticipates that if a jury trial occurs, it will take place in January of next year.The court also outlined future schedules, stating that pre-trial procedures would occur every four weeks on September 22, October 20, and November 17, aiming to conclude the procedures by November.Previously, the prosecution determined that the salary and housing expenses of Seo, amounting to over 200 million won, constituted bribery provided to Moon, leading to his indictment on bribery charges under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes last April.Lee faces charges of breach of trust for hiring Seo as an executive at Thai Skyjet, causing damage to the company, as well as bribery for providing money under the guise of salary and housing expenses.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-25 17:32:00
  • GTX-C Project Agreement Changes Approved, Construction Set to Begin This Fall
    GTX-C Project Agreement Changes Approved, Construction Set to Begin This Fall The GTX-C project, part of the metropolitan express rapid transit system, has moved closer to its goal of starting construction this fall. The amendment to the project agreement, reflecting changes in project conditions, has passed the Private Investment Project Review Committee, effectively completing the administrative procedures needed to commence the main construction.The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced that the amendment to the GTX-C private investment project agreement was approved during the committee meeting held on August 25.This amendment addresses changes in project conditions, including a recent arbitration ruling from the Korea Commercial Arbitration Board that increased the total project cost. The ministry explained that this is a key administrative step to normalize the long-delayed GTX-C project.Based on the amended agreement, the project implementer will sign a construction contract with the contractor, finalize financial agreements with investors, and then submit a construction commencement report to the ministry. This will lead to the start of the main construction.The ministry also stated that the remaining construction contracts and financial agreements are progressing smoothly. It plans to manage the process closely in collaboration with the project implementer to ensure that preparations for construction are completed without delays.The GTX-C is considered a crucial express rapid transit project connecting the northern and southern axes of the metropolitan area. Once operational, it is expected to significantly reduce travel times between northern Gyeonggi Province, downtown Seoul, and southern Gyeonggi Province, thereby improving commuting conditions in the region.As the anticipation for the GTX-C project has already influenced the real estate market around the route, the actual construction schedule's clarification could reignite interest in development and sales in the vicinity of major stations.A ministry official stated, “The remaining construction contracts and financial agreements are progressing smoothly, and we will work closely with the project implementer to ensure that everything is completed without issues. We will promptly and accurately inform the public as soon as the schedule for the main construction is finalized.” 2026-08-25 17:32:00
  • SK Innovation to Absorb Battery Separator Subsidiary SKIET
    SK Innovation to Absorb Battery Separator Subsidiary SKIET SK Innovation will absorb its battery separator subsidiary, SK IE Technology (SKIET). Amid a temporary slowdown in electric vehicle demand, SKIET has faced poor performance, prompting the parent company to end its separate corporate structure and integrate the business to reduce financial burdens and improve operational efficiency.On August 25, SK Innovation and SKIET held board meetings and approved the merger proposal.The merger will proceed with SK Innovation absorbing SKIET. The surviving company, SK Innovation, will conduct a small-scale merger, while the dissolved company, SKIET, will follow standard merger procedures. SK Innovation will issue new shares to distribute to SKIET shareholders.The merger ratio is set at 1 to 0.1174540, meaning that for each common share of SKIET, approximately 0.117 shares of SK Innovation will be allocated.Both companies plan to finalize the merger on January 1, 2027, after obtaining approval from the SK Innovation board and SKIET shareholders at their meetings on November 24. The new shares issued by SK Innovation will be listed on January 18, 2027. Since this is a small-scale merger, approval will be obtained through board resolution without a separate shareholders' meeting.The merger is driven by challenging business conditions surrounding SKIET. Established in April 2019 through a spin-off from SK Innovation's materials business, SKIET was listed on the stock market in May 2021. While it initially grew by focusing on lithium-ion battery separators for electric vehicles, it has struggled with profitability due to a slowdown in the electric vehicle market, delayed demand recovery in key markets like North America, and intensified price competition with Chinese firms.In fact, SKIET recorded operating losses of 291 billion won in 2024 and 246.4 billion won last year, with a further operating loss of 63.5 billion won in the second quarter of this year.Additionally, a stock price return swap (PRS) agreement made during a 300 billion won capital increase last year has been cited as a financial burden for SK Innovation. In August 2022, SKIET raised 300 billion won through a third-party allocation of new shares, and SK Innovation entered into a PRS agreement with financial investors based on SKIET shares as the underlying asset. The contract expires in 2028, and if SKIET's stock price falls below the level at the time of the agreement, SK Innovation must settle the difference with investors.Recently, SKIET's stock price has significantly fallen below the issuance price of 28,600 won during the capital increase, increasing related burdens. In the first quarter of this year, SK Innovation recognized a valuation loss of 37.9 billion won related to stock options, which included the PRS agreement made during the funding process for SKIET and SK On. Consequently, there are concerns in the market that if SKIET's stock price recovery is delayed, the valuation loss could translate into actual cash burdens.Following the merger, SK Innovation plans to reduce overlapping costs and financial expenses related to the separator business while combining research and development capabilities to enhance competitiveness. The company also aims to expand its business scope beyond electric vehicle separators to include separators for energy storage systems (ESS).An SK Innovation official stated, "Through the merger, we aim to strengthen financial stability and streamline our business structure, thereby enhancing the long-term competitiveness of the separator business. We will do our utmost to ensure that this merger leads to a recovery in business competitiveness and an increase in shareholder value."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-25 17:28:00
  • KOSPI rebounds as chip giants recover, institutions step in
    KOSPI rebounds as chip giants recover, institutions step in SEOUL, August 25 (AJP) - South Korean stocks staged a sharp rebound Tuesday as chip heavyweights recovered and institutional buying offset heavy foreign selling. The benchmark KOSPI closed at 6,742.74, up 0.68 percent or 45.78 points from the previous session. The index opened 2.40 percent lower at 6,535.93 and fell as low as 6,408.82 before reversing course. It climbed to an intraday high of 6,747.16 and finished near the day's peak. The rebound was broad, with 647 stocks advancing while 226 declined, and 34 finished unchanged. Foreign investors remained heavy sellers for a third straight session. They unloaded a net 3.82 trillion won ($2.76 billion) of KOSPI shares. Retail investors bought a net 1.05 trillion won. Institutions also purchased a net 1.17 trillion won and helped the late recovery. Seoul's two chip heavyweights opened sharply lower as disappointment over recent shareholder-return announcements continued to weigh on sentiment, but both recovered from early losses and helped the KOSPI reclaim the 6,700 level. Samsung Electronics closed unchanged at 257,000 won after falling as much as 4.67 percent. SK hynix erased an early drop of more than 4 percent and finished 0.42 percent higher at 1,678,000 won. The turnaround gained momentum as buying spread beyond semiconductors and institutions increased purchases of large-cap shares. Samsung Electro-Mechanics rose 3.34 percent to 1,362,000 won while Hyundai Motor gained 1.69 percent to 421,000 won. Samsung Biologics added 0.76 percent to 1,585,000 won and Samsung C&T rose 0.69 percent to 367,000 won. KB Financial climbed 2.02 percent to 166,400 won. Nuclear power-related shares were among the strongest performers. Doosan Enerbility jumped 10.55 percent to 80,700 won. Some major stocks remained under pressure. SK Square fell 1.49 percent to 1,060,000 won and LG Energy Solution dropped 3.45 percent to 349,500 won. Samsung Life slipped 0.18 percent to 285,000 won while Hanwha Aerospace declined 0.27 percent to 1,102,000 won. Hyundai Mobis edged down 0.10 percent to 498,000 won. Gains were also broad across sectors. Construction led with a 7.16 percent rise. Electric utilities climbed 6.42 percent and air freight and logistics gained 6.30 percent. Nonferrous metals rose 5.60 percent while machinery advanced 5.59 percent. Energy equipment and services added 4.41 percent while online retail gained 4.36 percent. Cosmetics rose 3.89 percent while electronic equipment and devices climbed 3.82 percent. Handset shares advanced 3.30 percent. The junior KOSDAQ also reversed steep early losses to close 1.70 percent higher at 827.15. The index fell as low as 781.89 during the session before turning higher and finishing at its intraday peak. Foreign investors bought a net 132.7 billion won of KOSDAQ shares while institutions purchased 15.6 billion won. Retail investors sold a net 137.5 billion won. Buying was widespread, with 1,186 stocks rising against 466 decliners. Another 74 finished unchanged. Robot maker Rainbow Robotics rose 2.25 percent to 454,500 won. Semiconductor equipment maker Jusung Engineering jumped 7.71 percent to 178,800 won. Wonik IPS, which makes semiconductor and display production equipment, climbed 5.55 percent to 112,300 won. LEENO Industrial, a semiconductor testing parts maker, gained 4.33 percent to 67,400 won. Laser equipment maker EO Technics rose 3.48 percent to 401,500 won. SFA Engineering, which operates smart-factory and semiconductor packaging businesses, surged 11.12 percent to 116,900 won. Some of the KOSDAQ's largest stocks remained lower. Biotech company Alteogen fell 4.68 percent to 305,500 won. Battery materials group EcoPro dropped 3.07 percent to 85,200 won. Cathode materials maker EcoPro BM lost 3.85 percent to 112,500 won. Trading on alternative trading platform Nextrade totaled 11.78 trillion won across its pre-market and main-market sessions. The Korean won weakened slightly to 1,385.50 per dollar in afternoon trading from 1,381.90 in the morning. Across the region, markets were mixed as investors stayed cautious ahead of Nvidia's earnings and the Jackson Hole symposium later this week for signals on the Federal Reserve's interest-rate outlook. Japan's Nikkei 225 rose 0.5 percent to 65,856.43 after reversing early losses. The Shanghai Composite gained 0.19 percent to 3,889.44 as mainland stocks held firm despite lingering concerns over high valuations in technology-related names. Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index slipped 0.09 percent to 25,495.53 as pressure on technology shares kept the market in negative territory. AJP Takeaways • The KOSPI reversed an intraday drop of more than 4 percent to close 0.68 percent higher as Samsung Electronics and SK hynix recovered. • Foreign investors sold a net 3.82 trillion won of KOSPI shares but institutional and other-corporate buying helped absorb the selling. • Gains broadened beyond semiconductors into construction and nuclear power stocks while the KOSDAQ also reversed early losses to rise 1.70 percent. 2026-08-25 17:25:51
  • President Lee: Ignore Criticism of Policy Changes
    President Lee: Ignore Criticism of Policy Changes President Lee Jae-myung stated that the government should not be overly concerned about criticism regarding policy changes made in response to National Assembly feedback. During a Cabinet meeting at the Blue House, he emphasized that while the government should strive to present the best proposals, it is normal for policies to evolve during the legislative review process.Lee remarked, "Some articles criticize the government for being inconsistent when it accepts the National Assembly's opinions and modifies policies, while others label it unilateral when agreements are not reached with the Assembly." He pointed out that criticism can arise regardless of the government's actions, saying, "Whether we move forward or backward, whether we stand still or sit down, there are instances where we are criticized for simply lying down."He urged that policies should naturally be proposed by the government and finalized through the Assembly's review, adding, "While the government must create the best proposals, I hope we remain steadfast even if changes occur during the legislative process."Lee also applied the same principles to the upcoming budget review, instructing that unnecessary expenditures should be boldly adjusted while focusing on key national tasks such as fostering super-gap growth, alleviating K-shaped polarization, promoting balanced development, nurturing talent, and building a future ladder for youth.He called for enhanced communication and public relations regarding policies, stressing the need for immediate responses to any misunderstandings or misinterpretations. Changes in tax expenditures and tax systems should be clearly explained to the public.Lee emphasized the importance of precisely distinguishing policy terminology and proactively explaining it to the relevant parties.During the Cabinet meeting, a total of 58 items were reviewed and approved, including four bills, 15 presidential decrees, and 38 general matters. Among these, 12 laws pertain to the national agenda of the Lee Jae-myung administration.Among the approved measures was an amendment to the Public Finance Recovery Act, which imposes penalties for failing to implement protective measures for whistleblowers reporting fraudulent claims against public finances. An amendment to the Procurement Business Act was also passed, imposing fines on companies that fail to submit required documents or provide false information during investigations of unfair procurement practices.Additionally, an amendment to the Basic Firefighting Act mandates insurance and mutual aid subscriptions for the Fire Chief and local governors to cover damages incurred during firefighting operations. A regulation clarifying the scope and procedures for the National Intelligence Service's response to international criminal organizations was also approved. Furthermore, an amendment to the Small and Medium Enterprise Startup Support Act reduced the period during which a business is not recognized as a startup from three years to one year when reopening in the same industry after closure.The meeting also included reports from five ministries on emergency national governance and response related to the Middle East conflict, achievements in developing independent AI models, strategies for realizing an AI democratic government, integration of high-speed rail, and follow-up actions on work reports.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-25 17:24:00
  • Special Prosecutors Indictments to Face Court in September Amid Insurrection Charges
    Special Prosecutor's Indictments to Face Court in September Amid Insurrection Charges The second comprehensive special prosecutor team, led by Kwon Chang-young, will begin court proceedings next month regarding indictments stemming from investigations into allegations left by the third special prosecutor. Key cases, including involvement in martial law, military blacklists, and the leak of investigation information related to deceased Marines, have been scheduled for hearings, putting the special prosecutor's ability to prove guilt to the test.According to legal sources on the 25th, the court will hold trials and preparatory hearings for the comprehensive special prosecutor's indictments in September. Article 11 of the Special Prosecutor Act mandates that first-instance rulings on cases indicted by the special prosecutor must be delivered within six months from the date of prosecution.The Seoul Central District Court's Criminal Division 38-3, presided over by judges Choi Young-gak, Jang Seong-jin, and Jeong Su-young, will hold the first preparatory hearing for Lee Eun-woo, former head of the Korea Policy Broadcasting Institute (KTV), on September 9, regarding charges of insurrection propaganda.Lee is accused of repeatedly broadcasting news asserting the legitimacy of martial law and proclamations from December 3 to 13, 2024, while blocking and deleting content critical of the martial law. The special prosecutor has determined that the end of the insurrection is not the date of the lifting of martial law but rather the date of the passage of the impeachment motion against former President Yoon Suk Yeol on December 14, thus categorizing these broadcasts as a single act of insurrection propaganda.On the same day, the court will also conduct the first preparatory hearing for former Korea Coast Guard Commissioner Kim Jong-wook and former Planning and Coordination Officer Ahn Seong-sik, who are charged with abuse of authority and aiding insurrection. They are accused of augmenting personnel from the Coast Guard's joint investigation headquarters and preparing detention facilities during the martial law period.On September 10, the trial regarding military blacklist allegations against former National Intelligence Service Director Yeo In-hyung will commence. The Criminal Division 32 of the Seoul Central District Court, presided over by Judge Ryu Kyung-jin, will hold the first preparatory hearing for Yeo's abuse of authority charges.Yeo is accused of classifying military generals based on their connections with current ruling party figures, their regions, and schools for personnel decisions. He is also alleged to have compiled a list of about 30 military judges and prosecutors with ties to former Democratic Party lawmaker Choi Kang-wook.On the same day, the court will also hold the first preparatory hearing for former Presidential Office Civil Service Secretary Lee Si-won and former National Security Office Defense Secretary Lim Gi-hoon, who were indicted for leaking police search plans during the investigation into the death of Corporal Chae Soo-geun. The special prosecutor believes that the search plan from the Gyeongbuk Police Agency for the Marine Corps' 1st Division was communicated to the Marine Corps through Lee and Lim, as well as officials from the Ministry of National Defense.The first preparatory hearing for Hong Chang-sik, the Ministry of National Defense's legal management officer, regarding charges of dereliction of duty, will be held on September 15. Hong is accused of failing to provide necessary legal advice to Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun and the Vice Minister during the martial law period.On September 16, the Criminal Division 38-1 of the Seoul Central District Court, presided over by judges Jang Seong-jin, Jeong Su-young, and Choi Young-gak, will conduct the first preparatory hearing for former President Yoon and former National Security Office Director Shin Won-sik.Former President Yoon is accused of instructing officials from the National Security Office and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to convey messages justifying martial law to key allied nations, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, and the European Union, immediately after the declaration of martial law. Former Director Shin is charged with conspiring with former President Yoon and former Deputy Director Kim Tae-hyo to secure external support for the legitimacy of the insurrection.On September 17, the first hearings for the involvement of the National Fire Agency and the Ministry of Justice's Corrections Headquarters in the martial law case will take place. The Criminal Division 37-1 of the Seoul Central District Court, presided over by judges Jang Seong-hoon, Oh Chang-seop, and Ryu Chang-seong, will hear the case against former Fire Agency Commissioner Heo Seok-gon and former Deputy Commissioner Lee Young-pal, who are charged with significant duties related to insurrection.The two are accused of relaying instructions from former Minister of the Interior and Safety Lee Sang-min to lower-level agencies regarding media blackouts and water supply interruptions. On the same day, the Criminal Division 37-3 will also hold the first preparatory hearing for former Corrections Headquarters Director Shin Yong-hae, who is accused of preparing for the detention of those violating the proclamation and directing a review of emergency parole measures based on instructions from former Minister of Justice Park Sung-jae.As the special prosecutor's investigation concludes, the focus of the cases will shift to maintaining the prosecution and the court's judgment. In the insurrection cases, a key issue will be whether the defendants were aware of the intent to disrupt the constitutional order while participating in the actions.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-25 17:20:00