AJU PRESS ASIA FIRST NEWS AGENCY

Journalist

&
""
Latest by
  • Eduwill Establishes Growth Division, Appoints Kim Yong-hoon as Head
    Eduwill Establishes Growth Division, Appoints Kim Yong-hoon as Head Eduwill announced the establishment of a new 'Growth Division' dedicated to business innovation based on data, and the appointment of Kim Yong-hoon, head of the Growth Research Institute, as its new leader on August 24.The Growth Division will expand the role of the existing marketing organization, focusing on improving products, services, and overall marketing through customer data analysis.Initially, the division will concentrate on enhancing customer relationship management (CRM) and improving the 'funnel' that converts potential customers into actual clients. The long-term goal is to establish a data-driven decision-making framework across the organization.Positioned under the Online Business Division, the Growth Division will collaborate with departments related to online education services and quickly apply data analysis results to service improvements and marketing efforts.Kim Yong-hoon, the newly appointed head of the Growth Division, is an expert in growth marketing with 15 years of experience in educational companies and edtech startups. He has provided consulting to education and content companies to enhance traffic and conversion rates while leading the Growth Research Institute.Kim stated, "I feel a great sense of responsibility joining Eduwill at a time when it is expanding its business scope as a global edtech company. I will improve existing services based on thorough data analysis and quick execution, and achieve results in new businesses, including global initiatives."An Eduwill representative remarked, "With the establishment of the Growth Division and the recruitment of external experts, we aim to drive changes in our work systems and organizational operations, creating a dynamic environment where talent can thrive."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-24 16:48:00
  • Korean Party Delays Decision on Local Committee Chair Elections Amid Internal Dissent
    Korean Party Delays Decision on Local Committee Chair Elections Amid Internal Dissent The Supreme Council of the People Power Party did not finalize discussions on the election method for local committee chairs on August 24, postponing the agenda once again. This follows a previous delay on August 20, when the leadership decided to gather opinions from lawmakers. As opposition among party members intensified, concerns grew within the leadership, including Jang Dong-hyuk, the party leader.The Supreme Council was scheduled to discuss changes to the election method for local committee chairs but opted not to present the agenda, deciding instead to continue discussions at the next Supreme Council meeting on August 27. During this period, Jang plans to gather opinions from party members regarding a direct election method for local committee chairs and seek a reasonable solution.The decision not to present the agenda is seen as a response to the backlash from party lawmakers. At a general meeting on August 21, members expressed a consensus that the current chair should be elected through the traditional local committee operation, conveying this to the party leadership.Lawmakers are concerned that a contentious election for local committee chairs could lead to divisions within local organizations and hinder party unity, resulting in what they describe as "subtraction politics." They also warn that adverse effects on local organizations could negatively impact future elections. Some speculate that Jang may be attempting to strengthen his control by filling local organizations with allies.On August 23, Yoon Sang-hyun, a party lawmaker, stated on Facebook, "If we are to change the method of electing local committee chairs nationwide, we must proceed with caution. The party leader should not only lead those who share his views but must also embrace dissenting voices to guide everyone in a unified direction." Choi Hyung-doo, another lawmaker, added, "Any restructuring of local committee chairs should not disregard the resolutions made at the general meeting. The People Power Party must provide new hope to the public through greater leadership and strive for a unifying leadership approach."Political observers note that the proposed direct election of local committee chairs is facing significant opposition from incumbent lawmakers. This situation differs from previous instances where the party leadership had disagreements with reformist or pro-Yoon factions. One lawmaker remarked, "While the final decision rests with the Supreme Council, the backlash from lawmakers is quite strong. If they push through, the leadership may struggle to handle the backlash."Nevertheless, Jang and the party leadership remain committed to promoting a direct election system as part of their transition to a member-centered party. Cho Kwang-han, a Supreme Council member, emphasized on Facebook on August 22 that the direct election system is not about consolidating power but about relinquishing it, stating, "Reform is only possible when one is willing to give up their own interests." Park Sung-hoon, the party's chief spokesperson, also clarified after the Supreme Council meeting that the decision has not been finalized, indicating that the direct election proposal is not being withdrawn or completely re-evaluated.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-24 16:48:00
  • Won hits 11-month high, Korean bonds rally as stocks tumble
    Won hits 11-month high, Korean bonds rally as stocks tumble SEOUL, August 24 (AJP) - The South Korean won strengthened to an 11-month high against the dollar on Monday. Government bonds also rallied as stocks tumbled and foreign investors bought bond futures. The won strengthened 4.1 won from the previous session to close daytime trading at 1,382.4 per dollar, compared with Friday's 1,386.5. The currency briefly strengthened to 1,376.5 during the session and extended its advance for a seventh straight trading day, the longest such streak since December 2013. Month-end dollar selling by exporters and offshore bets on further won appreciation coincided with the currency's gains. A steep equity selloff and heavy foreign stock outflows accompanied a partial pullback late in the session. The KOSPI tumbled 3.12 percent to 6,696.96 as Samsung Electronics plunged after its shareholder-return plan fell short of elevated market expectations. Foreign investors sold about 3.68 trillion won ($2.66 billion) of shares. Korean government bonds also strengthened. The three-year yield fell 1.3 basis points to 3.836 percent, the five-year declined 4.3 basis points to 4.068 percent and the 10-year dropped 4.1 basis points to 4.335 percent. U.S. Treasury yields and oil prices were higher early in the session, while foreign investors bought three- and 10-year bond futures as domestic bonds turned higher. An auction of a new five-year government bond produced accepted yields ranging from 4.095 percent to 4.135 percent, a split that coincided with a temporary pause in the rally. Bonds regained momentum as the equity selloff deepened in the afternoon, with longer maturities outperforming and the 10-year yield falling 2.8 basis points more than the policy-sensitive three-year yield. The move produced a bull-flattening of the yield curve ahead of the Bank of Korea's rate-setting meeting on Thursday. Markets are divided over whether the BOK will follow its July 25-basis-point increase with another hike. 2026-08-24 16:47:34
  • Koreas 5-year bond auction split raises demand concerns
    Korea's 5-year bond auction split raises demand concerns SEOUL, August 24 (AJP) - South Korea's new five-year government bond auction produced a wide range of accepted yields on Monday, signaling uneven investor pricing and trimming an earlier rally in the local bond market despite a strong headline bid ratio. The Ministry of Economy and Finance said it completed competitive auctions for both a new five-year Korea Treasury Bond and an existing five-year issue on Monday. The 1.5 trillion won ($1.09 billion) pre-issuance tranche of the new five-year bond drew 3.581 trillion won in bids, equivalent to a bid-to-cover ratio of 238.7 percent. Accepted yields ranged from 4.095 percent to 4.135 percent, with a weighted-average yield of 4.131 percent. The 4-basis-point gap between the lowest and highest accepted yields resulted in what local bond traders call a "split," reflecting a relatively wide divergence in the prices investors were willing to accept for the same security. A high bid-to-cover ratio by itself does not necessarily indicate strong underlying demand. The ratio measures the amount of bids submitted relative to the securities offered, but does not show how aggressively investors were willing to price those bids. Because bond prices move inversely to yields, investors bidding at lower yields are effectively willing to pay more for the debt, while those demanding higher yields are seeking a cheaper entry price. A split therefore suggests that while the auction attracted enough orders to cover the full issuance, investors were less aligned over what constituted an appropriate price. The result weighed on an earlier rally in Korean government bonds. Foreign buying of three- and 10-year bond futures had supported the market earlier in the morning, but gains lost some momentum after the five-year auction produced the split. At the morning session close, the five-year Korean government bond yield was down 1.4 basis points at 4.097 percent, while the 10-year yield fell 2.9 basis points to 4.347 percent. The three-year yield, by contrast, edged up 0.2 basis point to 3.856 percent, leaving moves across the curve mixed. The auction should not be read as a failed sale. The full amount was placed and bids exceeded the offered volume by more than two times. Still, the spread in accepted yields and the partial reversal in the market's earlier gains pointed to caution over end-investor demand and the appropriate valuation of medium-term government debt. The auction came three days before the Bank of Korea's monetary policy meeting on Thursday, with market expectations divided over whether policymakers will follow July's 25-basis-point rate increase with another hike. 2026-08-24 16:46:38
  • FSS to hold briefings on revised pharma, biotech disclosure rules
    FSS to hold briefings on revised pharma, biotech disclosure rules SEOUL, August 24 (AJP) - The Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) will hold four briefings in September to help pharmaceutical and biotech companies adapt to new disclosure rules, the financial watchdog said Monday. The sessions are intended to help market participants understand the revised requirements before they take effect, reducing the risk of filing errors that could lead to correction requests and delays in fundraising or listing schedules. The regulator will hold separate meetings for KOSDAQ-listed companies on Sept. 1, underwriters on Sept 8, companies preparing for an initial public offering (IPO) on Sept 15 and KOSPI-listed firms on Sept 21. Each session will focus on the disclosure issues most relevant to that group. The briefings follow changes announced by the regulator on July 30 to strengthen disclosure requirements for pharmaceutical and biotech companies, particularly those whose value depends heavily on drugs and technologies still under development. Under the revised rules, companies preparing to go public will have to provide more detail on the assumptions used to determine their IPO prices. These include the expected market size for a drug, its chances of success in clinical trials, the risk of the drug failing to win regulatory approval, and the expected time and cost of development. The changes are intended to help investors better assess whether an IPO price is reasonable, especially for drug developers that may not yet generate meaningful profits and are valued largely on future earnings expectations. Disclosure requirements will also be expanded for listed companies. They will have to provide more information on technology licensing agreements, including the size and structure of the deals, as well as the history of transactions involving drugs under development, making it easier for investors to track the candidate's progress. AJP Takeaways • The Financial Supervisory Service will hold four briefings in September 2026 to help pharmaceutical and biotech companies, IPO underwriters and listed firms comply with revised disclosure requirements. • The sessions will be held for KOSDAQ-listed companies on Sept. 1, IPO underwriters on Sept. 8, companies preparing to go public on Sept. 15 and KOSPI-listed companies on Sept. 21. • Under disclosure changes announced on July 30, 2026, companies preparing for an IPO must provide more detail on how they determine their offering prices, including expected drug market size, clinical-trial success rates, regulatory approval risks, and expected development time and costs. • Listed pharmaceutical and biotech companies will also have to disclose more information on technology licensing agreements, including deal size, structure and transaction history involving drugs under development. 2026-08-24 16:45:26
  • President Yoon Appoints Choi Gil-soo as Special Inspector General
    President Yoon Appoints Choi Gil-soo as Special Inspector General 이재명 대통령이 24일 최길수 변호사를 특별감찰관 후보자로 지명하는 인사안을 재가했다. 국회 인사청문회를 거쳐 최 후보자가 최종 임명되면 대통령 친·인척과 청와대 고위 참모의 비위를 살피는 독립적인 감찰제도가 10년 만에 다시 가동된다. 강유정 청와대 수석대변인은 이날 춘추관 브리핑에서 “최 후보자는 감찰과 권력형 비리 수사의 전문성을 갖춘 법조인”이라며 “철저한 원칙주의와 감찰 역량을 바탕으로 독립적으로 소임을 수행하면서 대통령 친·인척과 핵심 참모의 비리를 차단하고 공직기강을 바로 세울 적임자로 판단했다”고 밝혔다. 이어 “모든 권력은 제도적 감시를 받아야 한다는 국민주권의 원칙 아래 공직자에 대한 예외 없는 감시를 통해 공직사회의 신뢰도를 높일 것으로 기대한다”고 말했다. 이 대통령은 더불어민주당 추천 최 후보자와 강지식(국민의힘 추천), 최용훈(대한변호사협회 추천) 변호사 등 3명 가운데 최 후보자를 선택했다. 국회는 지난 20일 본회의에서 후보자 3명에 대한 추천안을 가결해 청와대에 통보했다. 사법연수원 23기인 최 후보자는 광주지검 특수부장과 서울서부지검 형사부장, 서울고검 감찰부 검사, 서울남부지검 중요경제범죄조사단 부장검사 등을 지냈다. 현재 법무법인 에이프로 대표변호사로 활동하고 있다. 청와대는 여당 추천 후보자를 선택했다는 지적에 대해서는 최 후보자의 중립성과 특별감찰관의 법적 독립성을 강조했다. 강 수석대변인은 “특별감찰관은 법률에 따라 직무상 완전한 독립성이 보장된다”며 “최 후보자는 과거 야당 측 추천 이력도 있어 특정 정당이나 진영에 치우치지 않은 중립적 인물로 판단했다”고 설명했다. 최 후보자는 문재인 정부 당시인 2019년 야당이었던 바른미래당이 특별감찰관 후보로 추천한 바 있다. 특별감찰관 자리는 이석수 초대 특별감찰관이 우병우 당시 청와대 민정수석의 비위 의혹을 감찰하다 청와대와 충돌한 끝에 2016년 9월 사퇴한 이후 약 10년간 공석이었다. 특별감찰관은 대통령 소속 차관급 공무원이지만 직무상 독립된 지위를 갖는다. 대통령 배우자와 4촌 이내 친족, 대통령비서실 수석비서관 이상 공무원의 비위를 감찰하고 범죄 혐의가 확인되면 관계 수사기관에 고발하거나 수사를 의뢰한다. 특히 이번 특별감찰관 지명은 이 대통령이 본인 배우자와 친·인척, 청와대 핵심 참모를 감시할 내부 통제장치를 스스로 복원했다는 데 의미가 있다. 그동안 이 대통령은 공직기강 확립과 국정 운영의 투명성 강화를 강조해왔다. 또한 청와대는 조희대 대법원장이 손봉기 대구지법 부장판사와 김성수 서울고법 부장판사를 대법관 후보로 ‘서면 제청’한 데 대해 “대한민국 헌정사에 없었던 초유의 사태”라는 입장을 밝혔다. 정치권에서는 김 후보자 임명동의안은 국회에 보내고 손 후보자에 대해서는 제청을 반려한 뒤 재제청을 요구하는 방안이 거론되고 있지만 청와대는 아직 결론을 내리지 않은 상태다. 한편 이 대통령은 이날 건강 악화를 이유로 사직서를 제출한 정성호 법무부 장관 사표를 수리했다. 청와대는 국정 운영에 차질이 없도록 신속히 후속 인선을 진행할 예정이며 후임 장관이 취임하기 전까지는 이진수 법무부 차관이 장관 직무를 대행한다. 2026-08-24 16:44:10
  • Netmarble Accelerates Japanese Market Strategy with Tailored Lineup at TGS
    Netmarble Accelerates Japanese Market Strategy with Tailored Lineup at TGS Netmarble is ramping up its efforts to penetrate the Japanese market by participating in the Tokyo Game Show (TGS). As part of Chairman Bang Jun-hyuk's emphasis on enhancing global competitiveness, the company is focusing on the preferences of Japanese users this year. At TGS, Netmarble plans to showcase a lineup of new titles to strengthen its presence in the local market.According to the gaming industry on August 24, Netmarble will participate in the global gaming exhibition Tokyo Game Show 2026, scheduled for September 17-21 at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan. After confirming high interest from local attendees during its debut at TGS last year, Netmarble is set to return for a second consecutive year.This year's featured titles include the tag-switching battle RPG Shangri-La Frontier: Seven Strongest, the roguelite action RPG Solo Leveling: Karma, and the subculture collection RPG Pearl in Blue.The three games cater to different genres and target audiences. Netmarble aims to capitalize on its strong fanbase in Japan by adapting popular intellectual properties (IPs) into games, introducing new narratives and genre challenges using globally popular IPs, and unveiling its own IP in the subculture genre, which is favored by Japanese users, to drive success in the market.Shangri-La Frontier: Seven Strongest, a Popular IP with 1 Billion Views in JapanShangri-La Frontier: Seven Strongest is a mobile and PC tag-switching battle RPG based on the popular Japanese IP Shangri-La Frontier. The IP has garnered over 1 billion views and more than 17 million copies in comic book sales in Japan.The game faithfully implements key elements from the original, including exploring the game world, character interactions, and unique monster hunts. It features easy controls combined with strategic combat that targets enemy weaknesses. Players can switch characters and build decks to experience various battles from the original work.Shangri-La Frontier: Seven Strongest is set to launch in Japan this fall, and Netmarble plans to officially present the game to local users at TGS. Attendees will have the opportunity to experience the tag-switching battle system and the charm of the original through a demo version and stage programs.Solo Leveling: Karma Expands Narrative with 27 Years of Monarch WarSolo Leveling: Karma is a roguelite action RPG currently in development based on the globally popular IP Solo Leveling. Netmarble aims to unveil a new narrative that was not detailed in the original work. The game explores the 27 years of the monarch war experienced by Sung Jin-Woo, who travels back in time using the 'Cup of Reincarnation,' expanding the familiar world with a fresh storyline.The combat style has been diversified to enhance the tactile experience, allowing players to change their approach based on weapon and blessing combinations. This enables users to explore different strategies through repeated play, discovering new weapons and abilities each time.The Solo Leveling IP has gained a following in Japan through its anime adaptations. Netmarble previously released Solo Leveling: Arise based on the same IP. This time, the company plans to combine the new roguelite action RPG genre with an original narrative to continue the success of the previous title while attracting the interest of Japanese action RPG players.Netmarble's Original IP Pearl in Blue Debuts at TGS, Targeting Subculture FansPearl in Blue is Netmarble's original IP, making its debut at TGS. The game is a mobile subculture collection RPG centered around building connections with girls, each with their own stories. It combines the fun of nurturing a hero and influencer squad with 2D animated cutscenes and character interaction content infused with romantic comedy elements.Rather than merely collecting characters for combat, players engage with various characters to learn about their personalities and stories, experiencing changes in relationships and emotions.Netmarble expects to test its original IP's competitiveness, particularly by emphasizing the subculture genre and character interaction elements that are popular in Japan. The company aims to expand its reach to local users from the initial unveiling, fostering a new fanbase early on.To achieve this, Netmarble plans to showcase interactive exhibition spaces and various on-site programs at TGS, allowing attendees to experience the game's world and character appeal firsthand.Additionally, Netmarble has been strengthening its original IP competitiveness, recently launching new titles such as RF Online Next, Seven Knights Revolution, and Vampire. With the introduction of the new original IP Pearl in Blue, the company is expanding its portfolio beyond MMORPGs into the subculture genre.A Netmarble representative stated, “At this TGS, we will present differentiated programs such as demonstrations, stage events, and interactive content tailored to the genres and IP characteristics of each title. We aim to ensure that local users can directly experience the core fun, world-building, and character appeal of our works, securing a new fanbase in Japan and achieving meaningful results in the global market.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-24 16:44:10
  • Dunamu Partners with Seoul Agencies to Drive Digital Innovation in Traditional Markets
    Dunamu Partners with Seoul Agencies to Drive Digital Innovation in Traditional Markets Dunamu is set to enhance the competitiveness of traditional markets and small businesses in Seoul by utilizing digital, artificial intelligence (AI), and blockchain technologies.On August 24, Dunamu announced that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Seoul Regional Office of the Small and Medium Business Administration and the Seoul branch of the Small Business Market Promotion Corporation to boost the competitiveness of traditional markets and small businesses.The agreement aims to establish a public-private partnership and leverage Dunamu's digital, AI, and blockchain technology infrastructure to support the digital transformation of traditional markets and small businesses.As the first initiative under this agreement, the three organizations will jointly host a 'Digital Innovation Idea Contest for Traditional Markets' targeting university and graduate students. Details regarding the contest's application process and schedule will be announced at the end of this month.This initiative is particularly significant as it connects the ideas of young people to real-world problem-solving for traditional markets and small businesses. It is expected to uncover new business opportunities and enhance competitiveness for those struggling with the adoption of digital technologies.O Kyung-seok, CEO of Dunamu, stated, "Blockchain and AI technologies present a real opportunity to provide practical assistance to small businesses and traditional markets, which are the backbone of the real economy. We will strive to ensure that advanced technologies serve as useful tools for revitalizing the local economy and fostering mutual growth."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-24 16:44:00
  • HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Faces Potential Strikes Over Bonus Disputes
    HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Faces Potential Strikes Over Bonus Disputes Major subsidiaries of HD Hyundai are on the brink of strikes due to labor disputes over bonuses. As the shipbuilding industry thrives and the construction machinery sector recovers, unions are demanding compensation that reflects these improved results, but negotiations with management have stalled.On August 24, the Central Labor Relations Commission (CLRC) held a second meeting regarding the labor dispute application submitted by the Metal Workers' Union of Hyundai Heavy Industries. The commission concluded to halt mediation, indicating a significant gap between the positions of labor and management.Since their first meeting on June 2, the union and management have held 15 rounds of negotiations without reaching an agreement. The union is demanding a basic salary increase of 149,600 won, a 100% increase in bonuses, and a distribution of at least 30% of operating profits as bonuses.Considering that Hyundai Heavy Industries reported an operating profit of 2.0375 trillion won last year, a simple calculation shows that 30% of this profit would exceed 600 billion won for bonus distribution.With the conclusion of the CLRC mediation process, the union plans to conduct a vote among all members from August 25 to 27 on whether to proceed with strike actions. If a majority of members support the strike, the union will secure the right to conduct a legal strike.The turmoil over bonuses is not limited to Hyundai Heavy Industries. The unions at HD Electric and HD Construction Machinery also applied for labor dispute mediation with the CLRC on August 14.Both companies received a halt to mediation after their second meeting on the same day. HD Construction Machinery, formed this year from the merger of HD Hyundai Construction Machinery and HD Hyundai InfraCore, faces labor relations challenges in its inaugural year.This year, the central issue in labor disputes revolves around 'profit distribution.' The unions argue that with record-high performances in key sectors like shipbuilding and power equipment, employees who contributed to the company's growth should receive a more substantial share of the profits. Conversely, management contends that they must consider not only current performance but also potential market fluctuations, investment resources, and labor cost burdens.The primary concern is that conflicts at major facilities could lead to actual strikes, which may impact HD Hyundai's management in the second half of the year. If simultaneous disputes arise in core sectors such as shipbuilding, power equipment, and construction machinery, the burden could be greater than individual facility strikes. Repeated partial strikes or prolonged labor disputes could also accumulate delays in production schedules and delivery responses.However, market analysts believe that securing the right to strike is unlikely to lead to immediate full-scale strikes or significant production disruptions. An industry insider noted, "In cases of partial strikes, there is usually room to adjust production schedules, and the likelihood of major disruptions in fulfilling orders or product deliveries in the short term is low." 2026-08-24 16:40:10
  • Judicial Leaders Emphasize Rule of Law Amid Tensions
    Judicial Leaders Emphasize Rule of Law Amid Tensions Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae emphasized the importance of the rule of law amid changes in the judicial system, while Seo Young-kyo, chairwoman of the National Assembly's Legislative and Judiciary Committee, stressed the need for judges to pursue truth unequivocally.Tensions between the government and the Supreme Court continue over the controversy surrounding Supreme Court justice appointments, as both leaders delivered contrasting messages at the 34th Lawyers' Conference for the Rule of Law held on August 24 in Seoul.In his address, Chief Justice Cho highlighted the critical value of the rule of law during a time of significant transformation in the judicial system. He stated, "As the judicial system undergoes major changes, the value of the rule of law, which controls the arbitrary exercise of state power and protects the freedoms and rights of the people, is more precious than ever."He added, "The courts have a duty to exercise the judicial authority entrusted to them by the people in accordance with the Constitution, laws, and their conscience, thereby practically implementing the rule of law. The judiciary will steadfastly pursue its fundamental mission of 'swift and fair trials.'"Chief Justice Cho also underscored the judiciary's efforts to protect the rights of defendants. He explained that the Supreme Court confirmed in February that the right to confidentiality between a lawyer and client is a core aspect of the constitutionally guaranteed 'right to counsel,' and that evidence collected in violation of this right would be deemed inadmissible, thus laying the groundwork for protecting the rights of the people.He acknowledged the concerns raised regarding recent changes in the judicial system, stating, "The judiciary takes seriously the various concerns surrounding recent changes in the judicial system and will do its utmost to ensure that the system is established for the benefit of the people through communication with the legal community."In contrast, Chairwoman Seo directly addressed Chief Justice Cho, emphasizing that the judiciary must pursue truth and fairness more rigorously.Seo remarked, "Although the Chief Justice is present, judges must pursue truth unequivocally and must not be biased." She further stated to Cho, "Isn't it a bit awkward between us these days? Please carry the weight of your position more truthfully," a comment likely reflecting the ongoing tensions between the judiciary and the political sphere over the controversy surrounding Supreme Court appointments.Seo also provided insights into the current government's direction for judicial reform. Regarding the revised Criminal Procedure Act, she asserted, "It is not that prosecutors are not investigating; rather, the investigations previously conducted by prosecutors have been transferred to the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency. Supplementary investigations have not disappeared; they can still be requested from the police."Meanwhile, Kim Sang-hwan, president of the Constitutional Court, also attended the event and shared his views on changes in the judicial system. He referred to the system of judicial review implemented in March, stating, "I urge all legal professionals involved in the process of interpreting and realizing the law to recognize the supreme normativity of the Constitution more clearly and to reflect humbly on their judgments from the 'constitutional perspective.'"He emphasized that while the judicial system must continuously evolve to keep pace with changing times, any changes must not deviate from the values pursued by the Constitution and the protection of the fundamental rights of the people, highlighting the importance of fair procedures and the actual protection of citizens' rights alongside efficiency and speed.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-24 16:40:00