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Im Young-woong Celebrates 10th Anniversary with Record-Breaking Streak Im Young-woong has achieved a remarkable milestone by maintaining the top position on the Idol Chart for 282 consecutive weeks. Since first reaching the number one spot in March 2021, he has not relinquished his title. This September, as he celebrates his 10th anniversary since debuting, he will continue his activities with a stadium concert and a new album.According to the Idol Chart, during the third week of August, from the 17th to the 23rd, Im Young-woong garnered 317,247 votes, marking the highest number of votes recorded. He also received 32,494 'likes', the most among all artists.Lee Chan-won secured the second position with 63,836 votes. Other artists in the top ten included BTS's Jimin, Park Chang-geun, Song Ga-in, BTS's Jin, Park Ji-hyun, Lee Byeong-chan, BTS's V, and Young-tak.Im Young-woong's streak began in the fourth week of March 2021. By the second week of April that year, he had already achieved three consecutive weeks at number one, and in February 2023, he reached the milestone of 100 weeks in a row at the top. He has continued to hold the number one position weekly, extending his record to 282 weeks.This year marks the 10th anniversary of Im Young-woong's debut. He debuted on August 8, 2016, with the single 'I Hate You' and celebrated his 10th anniversary on August 8. He gained widespread popularity after winning first place on TV Chosun's 'Mr. Trot' in 2020, with hits like 'Now I Only Trust You', 'Love Always Runs Away', and 'My Love Like Star Light'.Im Young-woong will hold 'IM HERO - THE STADIUM 2' at Goyang Sports Complex from September 4 to 6. This concert will be his second stadium performance following the first held at Seoul World Cup Stadium in 2024.Two days after the concert, on September 8 at 6 PM, he will release a special digital album titled 'IM HERO 10' to commemorate his 10th anniversary.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-25 11:16:00
Jeju woman's death raises questions over handling of missing adult cases SEOUL, August 25 (AJP) - A body believed to be that of a woman who went missing on Jeju Island more than three months ago was found earlier this week, raising questions over how police handle and investigate missing people after her case was apparently closed prematurely without confirming her safety. Police said the remains, believed to be those of 37-year-old Jang Mi-ran, were discovered on Monday at a palm tree farm in Hallim, a tourist town on the southern resort island, about a 10-minute walk from a guesthouse where she had been staying long term. The remains were severely decomposed, but Jang was reportedly wearing the same clothes she had on when she left the guesthouse. Her mobile phone, bracelet and other belongings were also found at the scene. Police are conducting forensic analysis to confirm the identity of the remains and determine the exact cause and time of death. Investigators believe foul play is unlikely based on the condition and circumstances in which the remains were found. No suicide note was found. Jang was last seen leaving the guesthouse on May 12, and her disappearance was reported three days later by a man who had apparently been staying with her. But a police officer in Jeju allegedly closed the case without informing his superiors, after telling Jang's family members and others that he had contacted her by phone and that she had asked not to be searched for, even though he had never actually spoken with her. The case only came to public attention after it was belatedly revealed that the officer initially assigned to it had closed the case for unspecified reasons without speaking to Jang or otherwise confirming her safety. Jang's bereaved family members have criticized police, saying her remains were found just a short distance from where she had been staying and questioning why they failed to find her during the initial search. The same officer is also accused of prematurely closing the missing-person case of a man in his 60s, who was found dead last Saturday. In a similar manner, the officer allegedly told the man's family that he had contacted him and that he did not want to be found. Several other bodies believed to be those of missing people have also been found on the island over the past week. These incidents have exposed vulnerabilities in the police system for handling cases involving missing adults. When a person is reported missing, police typically use phone data and other information to determine the person's location and conduct searches. Officers are typically required to confirm a missing person's safety through direct contact, a video call or a call with a family member before closing a case. These procedures are intended to prevent cases in which a person who has been abducted or otherwise victimized by a criminal is wrongly reported as safe. Unlike cases involving children, missing adult cases can be closed if they say they do not want to be found, since adults have the right to leave home voluntarily for their own reasons. According to the National Police Agency, 70,591 of the 70,814 adults reported missing last year or 99.7 percent had their cases closed without a full-scale police search. Some police officers admitted that these cases are sometimes handled in a less proactive manner to reduce workloads, suggesting the practice may be rampant across the country rather than confined to Jeju. AJP Takeaways • Jang Mi-ran, a 37-year-old woman who went missing on May 12, 2026, was reportedly found dead at a palm tree farm in Hallim, Jeju, on Aug. 24, about a 10-minute walk from the guesthouse where she had been staying. • Jeju police are conducting forensic analysis to confirm the identity of the remains and determine the cause and time of death. Investigators currently believe foul play is unlikely, and no suicide note was found. • A Jeju police officer allegedly closed Jang's missing person case without speaking with her or confirming her safety, while telling her family that he had contacted her and that she did not want to be found. • The same officer is also accused of prematurely closing the missing person case of a man in his 60s, who was later found dead. Several other bodies believed to belong to missing people have also been found on Jeju. • National Police Agency data show that 70,591 of 70,814 adults reported missing in 2025, or 99.7 percent, had their cases closed without a full-scale police search, raising concerns that inadequate handling of missing adult cases may be a nationwide issue. 2026-08-25 11:11:09
Coramco Expands Research and Strategy Division to Enhance Investment Analysis Coramco Asset Trust and Coramco Asset Management are restructuring their research and strategy divisions to enhance investment analysis capabilities. The aim is to refine market analysis and investment strategy functions according to the business characteristics of each company, thereby increasing their ability to identify new investment opportunities and develop products. On August 25, Coramco Asset Trust and Coramco Asset Management announced the reorganization of their research and strategy divisions. This restructuring aims to tailor the shared research functions of both companies to their respective investment areas. Coramco established a research and analysis department in 2007, becoming the first in the real estate management industry to do so, initiating market research and investment analysis. Following the introduction of a sector specialization system in 2024, these functions were transferred to its subsidiary, Coramco Asset Management. With this reorganization, Coramco Asset Management will strengthen its capabilities in global inbound investment markets and capital market analysis. Coramco Asset Trust will expand its analysis and strategy functions specialized in the physical real estate market. Coramco plans to analyze the supply and demand of major physical real estate, rental and transaction markets, and capital flows, utilizing this information for REITs, trusts, development, and asset management operations. Coramco Asset Management will refine the role of its existing research and strategy department to focus on investment strategies. As the investment scope broadens to include not only real estate but also securities, corporate, infrastructure, and overseas investments, the plan is to analyze macroeconomics, capital markets, industries, companies, and global investment markets, linking this analysis to asset allocation, investment strategies, and new product development. Park Sung-min has been appointed as the head of the research and strategy department. He studied finance at the University of Wisconsin and earned an MBA from Dartmouth College's Tuck School of Business. He has previously served as the head of the research team at JLL Korea and as a research executive for JLL's Asia-Pacific Capital Markets in Singapore, focusing on commercial real estate market analysis and investment consulting. Team leader Koo Seong-mo will work alongside Park to lead the practical organization of the research and strategy team. Koo holds an MBA from Cornell University and has experience in corporate analysis, M&A, and investment review at Samil PwC and global financial advisory firm Lazard. Coramco Asset Trust is enhancing its research capabilities across the real estate market and overall industry environment. To this end, it has recruited Ji Hyo-jin, who has worked in the research and strategy department at Mastern Asset Management and the research center at Samsung SRA Asset Management. Ji holds a Ph.D. in real estate from Sogang University and has been responsible for analyzing domestic and international real estate markets and developing investment strategies for institutional investors. Most recently, she was involved in formulating real estate investment strategies that reflect macroeconomic conditions and global capital flows at Mastern Asset Management. Coramco views this organizational enhancement as a process of expanding the application of sector specialization to research and strategy areas. Having accumulated expertise by differentiating organizations and personnel for major investment assets such as offices, data centers, logistics, and hotels/residential, the plan is to actively utilize research and strategy functions in investment execution and asset management decision-making. As high interest rates and global capital market volatility complicate the real estate investment environment, the research capabilities of asset management and trust companies are emerging as a key competitive advantage that can determine investment performance. Jung Seung-hwa, CEO of Coramco Asset Trust, stated, “With the addition of professionals experienced in not only real estate but also global capital markets and various investment fields, we expect to broaden our perspective on the market and the scope of our investment strategies. We plan to focus the capabilities of our research and strategy organization on discovering new investment opportunities and translating them into actual investments and products.” He added, “Ultimately, the competitiveness of an asset management company lies in accurately reading market changes and providing investors with better investment opportunities and results. By combining sector-specific investment expertise with research and strategy capabilities, we aim to contribute to achieving stable target returns and enhancing long-term profitability for investors.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-25 11:08:00
Government Emphasizes Support for Major Projects and AI in Next Year's Budget The government has emphasized the active role of next year's budget in supporting three major projects, artificial intelligence (AI), and expanding future growth engines. Plans include establishing a special account for semiconductors and supplying 10,000 central processing units (CPUs) to elevate the nation as a leader in AI and semiconductors.After a budget meeting on August 25, Jeong Tae-ho, a Democratic Party lawmaker and the ruling party's representative on the National Assembly's Budget and Accounts Committee, told reporters, "Next year's budget will focus on significant investments in three major projects, AI, aerospace, and the bioindustry, as well as expanding support for youth growth, addressing K-shaped polarization, and enhancing public safety." Specifically, in the areas of AI and the three major projects, the government plans to create an integrated support system through the special semiconductor account and develop AI solutions utilizing manufacturing know-how. The expansion of future growth engines will include comprehensive support for research and development (R&D) aimed at landing on the moon by 2030, increasing pilot areas for autonomous vehicles, and raising electric vehicle subsidies to record levels.To support youth growth, a university internship program will be introduced, allowing students to earn credits for completing an internship during a semester. Additionally, a new "Our Children's Independence Fund" will be established to support asset formation for youth, providing up to 1.2 million won annually until the age of 18.In response to K-shaped polarization, the government will promote special subsidies for growth engines, focusing on local-led growth. A special account for essential medical services in regions will be established to fully support tuition fees for local national universities. The government also plans to support the development of nuclear fusion submarines for public safety, along with proposals to increase salaries for junior military officers.While the total size of next year's budget has not yet been finalized, it is expected to exceed a record 800 trillion won. The Ministry of Strategy and Finance previously indicated at a national fiscal strategy meeting last month that the total expenditure growth rate for next year would be over 10% compared to this year's budget of 729.9 trillion won, signaling a budget in the 800 trillion won range.Han Byeong-do, the Democratic Party's floor leader, emphasized in his opening remarks, "Next year's budget must focus on securing leadership in future industries, ensuring sufficient groundwork for the success of the three major projects, and facilitating local-led growth that translates into regional industries and job creation." Park Hong-geun, Minister of Strategy and Finance, stated, "At a time when structural low growth is becoming more complex, we will focus on driving a trend reversal in potential growth rates and ensuring that the benefits of growth are distributed across all generations, regions, and classes, including youth, small businesses, and vulnerable groups." He added, "To prevent the increased tax revenue from the semiconductor boom from being exhausted through temporary spending, we will establish a future response fund." 2026-08-25 11:08:00
Gachon University Launches Student-Driven Employment Content Program 'Gachon Byeori' 2nd Edition Gachon University's Career Plus Center will launch the second edition of the student-driven marketing project 'Gachon Byeori' as part of its customized employment service program, 'Jump-Up Project,' starting this semester. According to Gachon University on the 25th, the customized employment service is a job support initiative jointly promoted by the Ministry of Employment and Labor and the Career Plus Center, providing tailored support for students from career exploration to job preparation. 'Gachon Byeori' allows students to plan and create content based on the career and employment information provided by the Career Plus Center. The program is designed to offer a comprehensive experience in marketing tasks, including content planning, production, promotion, and performance analysis, rather than just promotional activities. The project name 'Byeori' is derived from a native Korean word meaning to connect various elements into a single flow. The initiative aims to deliver employment and career information in an easy and approachable manner from the students' perspective. Gachon University has recruited participants for the second edition from among 3rd and 4th-year students, ultimately selecting 10. The selected students will engage in activities individually and in teams from September to December, planning and producing content related to the Career Plus Center. In the first edition, students created card news and short-form videos focusing on employment and career programs and various job information. By centering the content around topics that students are curious about and want to learn, the center's social media channels saw increased engagement. Following the first edition, the Career Plus Center's Instagram followers grew from 573 to 902, an increase of 329. The average views for short-form content rose from 730 to 7,579, while card news views increased from 591 to 1,768. Participants noted that the process of creating content to convey employment information was different from traditional promotional activities. In particular, students appreciated the opportunity to select employment information they were curious about and express it in their own way, which contributed to their practical experience in content production. In the second edition, the scope of activities will be expanded based on the experiences from the first edition. The program will enhance practical marketing processes, extending beyond content creation to include idea generation, planning, production, promotion, and results evaluation. Key activities will include planning and producing promotional content for the Career Plus Center, creating employment and career information content, producing short-form videos, and planning student participation content. In September, students will support the operation of a booth for the Career and Employment Office during the fall festival and create content that provides practical information for students preparing for employment, such as recommendations for extracurricular activities, competitions, certifications, and non-curricular programs. Content linking university life with job preparation, such as a job preparation checklist, will also be introduced. Subsequently, content encouraging direct student participation, such as 'Job Preparation Counseling Center,' 'Ask Anything to Gachon Mentors,' and 'Job Preparation Vlogs,' will be produced to move away from one-way information delivery and foster communication with students. One student remarked, "By coming up with ideas and creating card news and short-form videos, I gained a more concrete understanding of marketing tasks," adding, "It was also gratifying to see students show interest in the content I created." Another student stated, "Revisiting employment information from a student's perspective and conveying it made me realize how important the content creation process is," expressing a desire to create even more diverse content in the second edition. Meanwhile, Jeon Seong-min, head of the Career Plus Center, stated, "We will support students in planning and producing employment and career content to enhance their practical skills, while also providing useful information tailored to students' perspectives to increase participation in center programs."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-25 11:04:10
President Lee Calls for Police Reform Amid Concerns Over Accountability President Lee Jae-myung on August 25 addressed the recent discovery of a missing person's body in Jeju, stating, "The lax discipline within the police and issues of irresponsibility in public safety are becoming serious concerns." He urged the need for reform measures.During a Cabinet meeting held at the Blue House, President Lee remarked, "The police are likely to wield significant power among national institutions, which raises considerable public concern."He noted, "The issues within the police are not new. Given their large numbers, problems can arise in various areas, akin to a tree with many branches facing constant winds." He emphasized the need for ongoing efforts to minimize these issues and for a systematic overhaul to address them.President Lee further stated, "The police organization relies heavily on a strict hierarchy, making command responsibility crucial. If a frontline officer is held accountable for a mistake, what is the purpose of the command structure?"He added, "While there is authority to command, there must also be corresponding accountability. Concentrated power often exacerbates problems; even the same issue can have a greater impact when authority is amplified. Therefore, accountability must be strengthened in proportion to the power held."Expressing doubts about whether the police can adequately fulfill their significant responsibilities, President Lee called for contemplation on how to reform the police and establish a reform body. He requested the Prime Minister's Office to devise a plan through extensive public consultation.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-25 11:04:10
Government to Revamp Testing and Certification for AI Products The government is set to enhance the testing and certification system for the safety and reliability of artificial intelligence (AI) products and services. The 'Testing and Certification Industry Development Strategy,' which includes plans for domestic testing and certification agencies to expand overseas and improve laws and regulations, will be announced in the second half of this year.The National Institute of Technology and Standards under the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy held the launch ceremony for the 'Testing and Certification Industry Development Forum' on August 25 at COEX in Seoul, attended by over 100 representatives from testing and certification agencies, industry, academia, and research sectors.The testing and certification industry provides testing, inspection, and certification services for products and services based on standards and technical criteria. Its importance has grown due to the rapid expansion of AI technology, the convergence of industries, and the increasing global regulatory requirements related to carbon neutrality and cybersecurity.To address these challenges, the forum will operate through a general committee and three subcommittees focused on new industry responses, competitiveness enhancement, and regulatory improvements. Discussions will cover the safety and reliability testing and evaluation of AI products and services, innovations in testing and evaluation using AI and digital technologies, strengthening the global capabilities of domestic institutions, and improving related laws and regulations.Prior to the forum's launch, the National Institute of Technology and Standards announced plans to pursue three projects in the AI sector, including mobility AI linked to the manufacturing industry's AI transformation (M.AX), as part of this year's 'Promising Testing Service Development Project.' The aim is to issue certified test reports based on developed testing methods to support the early commercialization of new products and their entry into domestic and international markets.Based on the policy tasks outlined at the forum, the National Institute of Technology and Standards plans to consult with relevant ministries and the industry to announce the Testing and Certification Industry Development Strategy in the second half of this year.Meanwhile, a 'Special Exhibition Hall for the Testing and Certification Industry' will be open at COEX until August 27. Fifteen testing and certification agencies and related companies will showcase 44 booths featuring testing and evaluation for electric vehicles, batteries, and charging infrastructure, as well as testing automation solutions.Kim Dae-ja, head of the National Institute of Technology and Standards, stated, 'The testing and certification industry is a key infrastructure that supports the competitiveness of our companies and is itself an important export industry, although its significance has not been sufficiently highlighted until now. We will gather extensive feedback from the field to reflect it in policies and regulations.'* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-25 11:04:00
Basic Income Payments to Begin for Residents of Seven Rural Areas Starting August 28, residents of seven rural areas selected for the rural basic income pilot program will begin receiving payments.The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced on the 25th that residents of Gurye, Boseong, Hwacheon, Boeun, Jin'an, Muju, and Cheongsong will receive a monthly basic income of 150,000 won in local love gift certificates, following a qualification verification process. However, some counties will supplement the payments with additional local funds, providing 200,000 won per month in Gurye, Boseong, and Cheongsong, and 160,000 won in Boeun.Existing residents will receive a retroactive payment for July, totaling 300,000 won for two months, while new residents will receive three months' worth of payments after a 90-day residency verification.As of August 23, the application rate for the basic income among residents of the newly selected seven counties was recorded at 92.7%. By county, Muju had the highest rate at 97.2%, followed by Cheongsong (91.7%), Boseong (89.6%), Gurye (86.9%), Jin'an (85.7%), Boeun (84.1%), and Hwacheon (76.6%).The ministry is focusing its administrative efforts on encouraging residents who have not yet applied through text messages, promotional materials, and village broadcasts to ensure that eligible residents do not miss the application process. Additionally, residents who have been living in the area since before the selection date will be eligible for retroactive payments even if their applications are submitted late.The total amount of basic income to be distributed, including the retroactive payment for July, is approximately 56.7 billion won. Payments will begin on August 28 in Gurye, Boseong, Hwacheon, Boeun, and Cheongsong, followed by Jin'an on August 31 and Muju on September 10 (after the transition to the local currency system).The distributed basic income can be used at designated local merchants within the specified living areas to prevent concentration in specific regions or industries and to stimulate local economies. The general usage period is three months, while residents in rural areas have six months to use the funds.Kim Jeong-wook, head of the Agricultural Industry Innovation Policy Office at the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, stated, "With the high interest from residents, the application and qualification verification processes are proceeding smoothly. We will carefully manage the basic income to enhance the income of rural residents and contribute to revitalizing the local economy."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-25 11:04:00
Samsung Unveils Integrated Gaming Ecosystem at Gamescom 2026, Showcasing First 6K Monitor 삼성전자가 세계 최대 게임 전시회에서 모니터부터 TV·스마트폰·SSD·헤드셋까지 아우르는 '통합 게이밍 생태계'를 선보인다. 세계 최초 6K 게이밍 모니터 등 신제품을 앞세워 글로벌 게이밍 시장 공략에도 속도를 낸다. 삼성전자는 26일(현지시간) 독일 쾰른 메세에서 개막하는 '게임스컴 2026'에 참가해 PC·콘솔·모바일 게임을 아우르는 게이밍 제품과 서비스를 선보인다고 25일 밝혔다. 삼성전자는 1090㎡(약 330평) 규모의 전시장을 마련하고 '#PlaySamsung'을 슬로건으로 △오디세이 존 △갤럭시 존 △게이밍 허브 존 △T1 존 등 4개 체험 공간을 구성했다. 오디세이 존에서는 세계 최초 6K 게이밍 모니터 '오디세이 G8'을 비롯해 최대 240Hz 주사율의 4K OLED '오디세이 OLED G8', 무안경 3D 모니터 '오디세이 3D' 등을 전시한다. 관람객들은 오디세이 제품을 통해 '콜 오브 듀티: 모던 워페어 4', 펄어비스의 '붉은사막', '사이버펑크 2077' 등 인기 게임을 직접 체험할 수 있다. 고성능 SSD '9100 PRO'와 게이밍 헤드셋 'JBL 퀀텀 950'도 함께 선보여 기기 간 시너지를 강조한다. 모바일 게이밍 경쟁력도 전면에 내세운다. 갤럭시 존에서는 '갤럭시용 스냅드래곤 8 엘리트 5세대'를 탑재한 '갤럭시 Z 폴드8 울트라'와 '갤럭시 S26 울트라', 저지연 게이밍 모드를 지원하는 '갤럭시 버즈4 프로', 차세대 인터페이스 기반 포터블 SSD 신제품 등을 전시한다. 특히 삼성전자는 갤럭시 Z 폴드8 시리즈에 AI 기반 '뉴럴 프레임 퓨전'을 새롭게 적용했다. AI로 픽셀과 프레임을 실시간 생성하고 그래픽 처리 과정의 전력 효율을 높여 장시간 고사양 게임에서도 안정적인 성능을 제공한다. 게이밍 허브 존에서는 별도 기기 연결이나 다운로드 없이 TV와 모니터에서 클라우드 게임을 이용할 수 있는 '삼성 게이밍 허브'를 선보인다. 세계적인 e스포츠팀 T1의 실제 게임 환경을 체험할 수 있는 별도 공간도 마련했다. 전시장 전체는 글로벌 관람객이 한국의 게임 문화를 경험할 수 있도록 '한국 PC방' 콘셉트로 꾸몄다. 무안경 3D 디스플레이를 활용해 '페이커' 이상혁 등 T1 선수들과 함께 있는 듯한 경험을 제공하는 이벤트도 운영한다. 오는 27~28일에는 글로벌 예선을 통과한 10개 팀이 참가하는 '플레이갤럭시 컵' 월드 파이널을 개최한다. 또한 유명 게이밍 인플루언서 3인이 참여하는 특별 게임 매치와 관객 참여형 레이싱 프로그램, SSD 인플루언서 토크, 럭키드로우 등 다채로운 무대 프로그램이 운영될 예정이다. 27일에는 세계 최초 기술을 적용한 2027년형 오디세이 게이밍 모니터 풀라인업과 포터블 SSD 신제품도 공개할 예정이다. 최승은 삼성전자 글로벌마케팅센터장은 "삼성전자는 모바일·모니터·TV·SSD·헤드셋까지 게이밍에 필요한 다양한 기기와 서비스를 아우르는 풀스택을 갖췄다"며 "언제 어디서나 맞춤형 게이밍 경험을 누릴 수 있도록 고품질 기기와 서비스를 선보여 나갈 것"이라고 말했다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-25 11:04:00
Election Commission Special Prosecutor to Begin Investigation This Week 6·3 local elections are under investigation by Lee Tae-han, the special prosecutor for the Election Commission, who plans to receive some personnel from the prosecution and police this week to begin preparations for the investigation. The special prosecutor also intends to request recommendations for special prosecutor assistants from the Blue House. On the morning of August 25, during a visit to the Seoul Bar Association in Seocho-gu, Lee told reporters, "A few prosecutors are expected to arrive tomorrow or the day after, and some from the National Police Agency will also come. I believe we will have sufficient personnel for the initial preparations this week." He added, "The Korean Bar Association will send a carefully selected list of candidates for special prosecutor assistants to our office this morning. After finalizing the selection process in the afternoon, we plan to send a list of 10 names to the presidential office today." Lee met with Seoul Bar Association President Cho Soon-yeol to discuss the recruitment of special investigators. He explained, "There is a significant demand for special investigators, and I came to request that capable investigators be recruited." The special prosecutor has also requested the transfer of investigation records from the joint investigation team of the prosecution and police. He mentioned, "I have been informed that the joint investigation records are organized and consist of several pages. Simply receiving the records for review would be quite inefficient and time-consuming, so I requested that they be organized by topic and sent in a summarized format." Additionally, the special prosecutor is working to participate in the on-site verification of the Olympic Park ballot counting center in Songpa-gu, Seoul, conducted by the National Assembly's Special Committee on National Investigation. Although the ruling and opposition parties agreed to extend the committee's activities by 30 days and planned to conduct an on-site verification of the ballot recount at the Olympic Park on August 18, this was ultimately canceled. In response to related questions, Lee stated, "We will prepare to participate in the on-site verification as soon as we receive contact from the National Assembly. We are thoroughly reviewing what the special prosecutor needs to do, the procedures involved, and the legal basis for our actions." The special prosecutor had previously established a temporary office in the The Base Seocho building in Seocho-dong, where operations began in the afternoon of the same day. The office will occupy nine floors from the 7th to the 15th of the 15-story building. The special prosecutor's team can consist of up to 165 members, including 20 dispatched prosecutors, 70 special investigators, and 70 dispatched public officials. Investigations must be completed within 90 days from the day after the maximum 20-day preparation period expires. If the investigations are not completed within this timeframe, extensions of 30 days each can be granted twice with the president's approval. The investigation targets include allegations of violations of voting rights due to a shortage of ballots, manipulation of election statistics such as voter turnout, mismanagement of essential election materials like ballot storage boxes, and various corruption allegations involving current and former members and staff of the Election Commission, among other related cases.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-25 11:00:00