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People Power Party: Demands for Supreme Court Justice Recommendations Are Unconstitutional The People Power Party criticized the Blue House and the ruling party on August 24, stating that any demands or pressures for the Chief Justice to recommend Supreme Court justices would be unconstitutional.Jang Dong-hyuk, the party leader, made this statement during a Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly, asserting, "The constitutional provisions are clear. There is no reason to consult or coordinate with the president in advance."Jang argued that the National Assembly can exercise its consent authority to check the Chief Justice's recommendations for Supreme Court appointments. He claimed that any coordination regarding these recommendations constitutes an infringement on judicial authority. He also raised suspicions that the Blue House and the ruling party are attacking Chief Justice Cho to appoint justices that align with their preferences.He further stated, "The collapse of the judiciary is a death sentence for democracy," urging the judiciary to address the issue directly. He noted that the situation began when the judiciary halted five trials against the president, calling for the resumption of those trials.Jeong Jeom-sik, the floor leader, characterized the pressure on Chief Justice Cho to resign as 'political retaliation.' He pointed out that the Supreme Court's decision to overturn a guilty verdict in a case involving President Lee Jae-myung was met with political backlash. He emphasized, "Stop the empty threats and if you are confident, go ahead with impeachment proceedings." He added, "If you cannot do that, I hope you will cease the threatening rhetoric that tarnishes the ears of the public."Meanwhile, Jang also called for a major shift in the Lee Jae-myung administration's North Korea and security policies. He remarked, "As the U.S. seeks to engage in talks with North Korea, President Lee has positioned himself as a 'facilitator.' However, it seems neither the U.S. nor North Korea has any intention of including him in the discussions," criticizing the administration's diplomatic performance as being dismissed by the U.S., mocked by North Korea, and ignored by China.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-24 09:52:00 -
Chinese Football Association Finds No Evidence in Korean Prostitution Allegations The Chinese Football Association has conducted an internal investigation into allegations that its officials were involved in a prostitution scandal linked to the Korea Football Association, but reported finding no supporting evidence.According to Yonhap News on August 23, the Chinese Football Association stated via social media that it quickly formed an investigation team in response to reports from some media outlets regarding the alleged involvement of its officials in 'inappropriate hospitality' provided by the Korea Football Association.It added, 'The investigation found no evidence to substantiate claims that the Korea Football Association provided 'inappropriate hospitality' to officials of the Chinese Football Association.'However, the Chinese Football Association did not disclose details about the individuals investigated, the methods used, or the specifics of the inquiry.It also noted, 'We will continue to monitor the situation and will resume investigations if new facts or leads emerge.'Previously, on August 19, the Chinese Football Association announced it would conduct an investigation in response to reports from South Korean media alleging that the Korea Football Association had provided 'inappropriate hospitality' to officials from the Chinese Football Association, promising to release the results as soon as the investigation was completed.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-24 09:52:00
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Anti-Corruption Training for Sports Officials Expands to Football Association The Anti-Corruption Commission is launching anti-corruption and integrity training for sports organizations, including the Korean Sports Council and the Football Association. The National Integrity Education Center, part of the commission, announced on August 24 that it will conduct anti-corruption and integrity training for senior officials and managers of the Korean Sports Council at the Olympic Parktel in Songpa, Seoul. The commission explained, "As public interest in democratic governance of sports organizations, including elections for the heads of member sports organizations under the Korean Sports Council, has increased, this training aims to enhance the integrity leadership and corruption risk response capabilities of senior officials and managers leading the council." The training will cover key anti-corruption laws, including the Act on the Prevention of Improper Solicitation and the Prevention of Conflict of Interest in Public Office, as well as strategies for addressing potential improper solicitations and personal conflicts of interest that may arise during work processes. The National Integrity Education Center stated that this training will mark the beginning of its support for anti-corruption and integrity education for member sports organizations, including the Football Association, to promote a culture of integrity throughout the sports sector. Jang Ja-cheol, head of the National Integrity Education Center, remarked, "For administrative reform, the integrity leadership of senior officials and managers is essential. Through this training, we expect the senior officials and managers of the Korean Sports Council to take the lead as role models in performing their duties, ensuring that the value of integrity permeates the entire sports sector and lays the foundation for fair and transparent sports administration."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-24 09:48:20
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Jeju Air Sees 51% Increase in Parental Leave Usage, 69% Among Men Jeju Air employees are increasingly utilizing parental leave each year. With the expansion of support systems for work-life balance, the number of male employees taking parental leave has notably risen.On August 24, Jeju Air reported that the number of employees using parental leave reached 186 last year, a 51.2% increase from 123 the previous year.The number of parental leave users has shown a sharp upward trend, rising from 114 in 2023 to 123 in 2024, and then to 186 last year.By gender, the number of male employees taking parental leave rose to 49 last year, up 69.0% from 29 the previous year. Female employees also saw an increase, from 94 to 137, a rise of 45.7%. Notably, the number of male parental leave users has more than tripled in two years, from just 16 in 2023.Jeju Air is expanding its related policies in line with the government's improvements to work-life balance support systems. The airline has introduced a short-term parental leave system and established leave for spouses in cases of miscarriage or stillbirth, as well as implementing leave before and after childbirth.Additionally, the scope for male employees to take parental leave before their spouse's childbirth is being expanded, and the paid period for infertility treatment leave will gradually increase.Jeju Air is also conducting internal human rights impact assessments to address potential labor and human rights issues related to employees. The company aims to reduce discrimination and career interruptions that may occur during pregnancy, childbirth, and childcare, while improving the work environment to allow employees to maintain stable careers.A representative from Jeju Air stated, "We are actively implementing work-life balance systems to allow employees to respond more flexibly to various caregiving situations that arise during their children's life stages while maintaining stable careers."Meanwhile, participation of men in parental leave is increasing across the country. According to the Ministry of Employment and Labor, among 103,983 recipients of parental leave benefits in the first half of this year, 40,320 were men, accounting for 38.8%. The proportion of male parental leave users has been on the rise since surpassing 30% for the first time in 2024, following a figure of 36.5% last year. 2026-08-24 09:48:00
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Gunpo Mayor Han Dae-hee Advocates for Barrier-Free Public Services Gunpo Mayor Han Dae-hee stated on August 24 that the introduction of barrier-free kiosks is a measure to create an environment where everyone can access public services without discrimination.On this day, Mayor Han announced that Gunpo has become the first local government in the country to implement 'barrier-free (BF) kiosks' verified by the Korea Intelligent Information Society Agency (NIA) to lower the barriers for public service access for digitally vulnerable groups, including the disabled and the elderly.The new kiosks replace existing unmanned delivery box terminals.The installed kiosks have received the 'Priority Purchase Target Intelligent Information Product Verification Certificate' from the NIA, making Gunpo the first local government to introduce NIA-verified products in public service settings.Notably, the new kiosks focus not just on replacing devices but on providing 'public services that everyone can use.' They are equipped with various accessibility features, including lower screens, braille keypads, screen magnification, and volume control, making it easier for the disabled and elderly to use.Citizens who previously faced difficulties using the kiosks can now adjust the screen and volume according to their physical characteristics and usage environment, significantly enhancing the convenience of accessing public services.This initiative reflects the intent of the Act on the Prohibition of Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities and the Remedy of Rights, aiming to improve the accessibility of public unmanned information terminals and reduce inconveniences for citizens who may be marginalized by digital technology.The unmanned delivery boxes operated by Mayor Han are installed at two locations: Geumjeong Station and the Gunpo 1-dong Administrative Welfare Center.This contactless safety service assists citizens who have difficulty receiving packages during the day, as well as single women, and began operations in July 2022.Each facility is equipped with a 14-compartment delivery storage box and safety features such as CCTV, with an average annual usage of about 3,600 cases.The unmanned delivery boxes operate year-round and can be used for free for up to 48 hours. After 48 hours, a storage fee of 1,000 won per day is charged for a maximum of five days.Local citizens have responded positively to the introduction of the barrier-free kiosks.One citizen remarked, “While kiosks are convenient, they have often been difficult for the elderly or disabled to use. The fact that the screens are lower and equipped with braille and voice features shows consideration for actual users.”Another citizen stated, “It is important for public facilities to be accessible to everyone, and I am glad that Gunpo is taking the lead in this area.”Mayor Han added, “In the future, we will continue to improve convenience for citizens and create a sustainable barrier-free environment, laying the foundation for everyone to live safely.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-24 09:48:00
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Kim Ho-cheol Promises No Punishment for Hardworking Public Officials 김호철 감사원장은 24일 “열심히 일한 공무원이 처벌받는 일이 없게 하겠다”고 약속했다. 김 원장은 이날 각 부처 차관들과의 조찬 간담회에서 “감사원은 정책 결정의 당부에 대한 감사 폐지, 적극 행정 면책 범위 확대, 사전컨설팅 담당 부서 확충 등 공직사회 전반에 적극 행정이 확대되도록 많은 노력을 기울이고 있다”며 이같이 말했다. 특히 김 원장은 감사원이 사후 책임을 묻는 기관이 아니라 함께 문제를 해결하는 ‘협력자’로 인식하고 적극적으로 소통해 달라고 당부했다. 감사원이 적발과 문책 중심의 감사에서 사전 예방과 문제 해결, 대안 제시 중심으로 감사 기조를 전환하는 만큼 일선 공직자들도 사전컨설팅과 감사면책 제도를 적극적으로 활용해 달라는 취지다. 김 원장은 “공직자들이 변화를 피부로 느끼지 못한다면 소용이 없으므로, 정책 실무를 총괄하는 차관들이 감사원의 적극 행정 정착 노력과 변화된 모습을 일선 공직자들이 체감하도록 잘 전달해 달라”며 “감사원과 각 부처는 국민들이 안전하고 풍요롭게 생활할 수 있도록 만드는 것이 공통의 목표이므로 서로 활발히 소통하고 이해하는 노력이 필요하다”고 강조했다. 김 원장은 지난 6월 출입 기자단과의 기자간담회에서도 공직자가 일부 절차와 규정을 벗어났더라도 행정 결과가 공익에 부합한다면 적극 행정의 취지를 고려해 책임을 묻지 않겠다는 감사 방향을 제시한 바 있다. 감사원은 사전컨설팅과 신속대응팀 등을 통해 일선 공직자들의 적극 행정을 지원하고 있다. 사전컨설팅은 공무원이 인·허가나 계약, 규제 개선 등 업무를 처리하는 과정에서 규정이 불분명하거나 선례가 없어 적극적인 결정을 내리기 어려울 때 감사원에 의견을 구하는 제도다. 감사원의 컨설팅 의견에 따라 업무를 처리하면 특별한 사정이 없는 한 감사 책임을 면제받을 수 있다. 간담회에는 재정경제부 2차관, 과학기술정보통신부 1차관, 문화체육관광부 1차관, 산업통상부 차관, 기후에너지환경부 1차관, 고용노동부 차관, 해양수산부 차관, 중소벤처기업부 1차관, 금융위원회 부위원장이 참석했다. 감사원은 “앞으로도 감사원의 변화된 모습을 설명하고 현장의 목소리를 듣는 소통 모임을 적극 추진할 계획”이라고 밝혔다. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-24 09:48:00
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Shinpoong Pharmaceutical Shares Surge 20% Amid COVID-19 Resurgence Domestic stocks related to COVID-19 are experiencing a surge as the detection rate and hospitalizations rise, following reports of hundreds of thousands of new cases in China over the past month. Shinpoong Pharmaceutical saw its shares jump more than 20% in early trading due to its history of developing COVID-19 treatments. As of 9:30 a.m. on the Korea Exchange, Shinpoong Pharmaceutical's stock was trading at 9,820 won, up 1,700 won (20.94%) from the previous trading day. The trading volume exceeded 1 million shares, significantly surpassing the previous day's total of 64,496 shares. Shinpoong Pharmaceutical's preferred shares also hit the upper limit of the price increase. The recent signs of a COVID-19 resurgence in China are believed to have spurred investor sentiment in related stocks. In July, China reported 522,000 new COVID-19 cases. The positivity rate for patients visiting hospitals with respiratory symptoms has also risen for five consecutive weeks, reaching 21.2%. The situation in South Korea is also concerning. According to surveillance data from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, the COVID-19 detection rate in the country rose to 9.1% from 3.2% three weeks prior, marking an increase of approximately 2.8 times during the week of August 9-15. Shinpoong Pharmaceutical has been associated with COVID-19 stocks due to its development of a treatment using the malaria drug Piramex. The expectation of increased demand for treatments amid the resurgence of COVID-19 has led to a surge in buying interest for Shinpoong Pharmaceutical. However, looking at the company's performance alone, the sharp rise in stock price is difficult to justify. In the second quarter, Shinpoong Pharmaceutical reported sales of 63.9 billion won, a 9% increase from the same period last year, but it also recorded an operating loss of 8 billion won, marking a return to deficit.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-24 09:44:00
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FromBio Shares Rise Over 6% Following Supply Agreement with SiliconTwo FromBio is experiencing a strong early trading session after announcing a supply agreement with global distribution platform SiliconTwo for health supplements. This news has sparked optimism among investors regarding the company's expansion into international markets using SiliconTwo's distribution network.As of 9:13 a.m. on the Korea Exchange, FromBio's shares were trading at 3,155 won, up 190 won (6.41%) from the previous trading day. The stock opened at 3,065 won and surged to 3,545 won in early trading before giving back some gains but maintaining its upward momentum.Earlier, FromBio confirmed the supply agreement with SiliconTwo aimed at expanding its overseas market presence and distribution network.Under this agreement, FromBio will supply 35 health supplement products, including its flagship items mastic and boswellia, through SiliconTwo's global distribution network for one year.Additionally, FromBio plans to leverage SiliconTwo's distribution network, which spans over 170 countries, along with its online and offline sales channels and marketing infrastructure, to target key distribution networks in various countries and implement tailored marketing strategies for different markets.FromBio stated that this agreement will enhance its localization strategy in major markets, including North America, Europe, Japan, and Southeast Asia.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-24 09:44:00
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Korean Won Trades in the 1380s as U.S. Treasury Yields Rise The won-dollar exchange rate is trading in the 1380s.As of 9:26 a.m. in the Seoul foreign exchange market, the exchange rate for the Korean won against the U.S. dollar is 1,383.4 won. Earlier, at 6 a.m., the rate was 1,386.0 won, down 0.5 won from the previous session.At the same time, the dollar index (DXY), which reflects the value of the dollar against six major currencies, recorded a slight decrease of 0.01 to 98.79.In the domestic stock market, foreign investors are showing a selling trend, with net sales of 941.2 billion won in the securities market.The exchange rate is expected to rise today. Analysts predict that rising U.S. Treasury yields and concerns over protectionism will weaken risk appetite.On August 20 (local time), the yield on 30-year U.S. Treasury bonds closed at 5.24%, up 0.04% from the previous trading day. The yield on 10-year U.S. Treasury bonds also rose by 0.05 percentage points to 4.70%.Min Kyung-won, an economist at Woori Bank, stated, "The theory of Treasury buybacks is causing U.S. Treasury yields to rise, which is likely to support the dollar that had previously declined last week. The inflow of offshore short covering, which has led to actual demand for payments and overseas stock investments, will likely drive upward pressure on the exchange rate today."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-24 09:44:00
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Trump to Visit Ireland for Irish Open at His Golf Course on September 12-13 President Donald Trump will visit Ireland on September 12-13 to attend the Irish Open, which will be held at his golf course, Trump International Golf Links & Hotel Doonbeg, according to a report by the New York Post citing White House sources.The Irish Open is scheduled from September 9 to 13 at the course located in western Ireland, and Trump is expected to attend the latter part of the tournament on the 12th and 13th. During his visit, he will also participate in events with the U.S. Embassy and business leaders, the sources said.In July, Trump praised the golf course, calling it "one of the best and most beautiful in the world," and expressed excitement about seeing Rory McIlroy and all the golfers, stating, "It will be very, very special." McIlroy, a Northern Irish golfer and last year's Irish Open champion, is aiming for a second consecutive title this year.McIlroy has maintained a close relationship with Trump, having been invited to a dinner hosted by the president during King Charles III's visit to the U.S. in April. Known as a golf enthusiast, Trump has played golf with McIlroy several times, the most recent being in February of last year shortly after Trump took office.This will be Trump's first visit to Trump International Golf Links & Hotel Doonbeg as president since June 2019.Additionally, Trump has shown significant interest in golf tournaments held at his properties, having attended the LIV Golf New York event at his Trump National Golf Club Bedminster in New Jersey on September 9. 2026-08-24 09:36:00