Aju Press - Asia News Hub

Journalist

Latest by

Over 2,300 Apply for Special Appointments at New Serious Crimes Investigation Agency More than 2,300 applicants, including prosecutors and investigators, have applied for special appointments at the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency (SCIA), which is set to launch on October 2.According to the legal community on August 21, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety's SCIA preparation team reported that a total of 2,375 applications were submitted between August 7 and 6 p.m. on August 20. This number represents 82.6% of the agency's total authorized personnel of 2,874.Notably, there was a significant interest from 6th to 9th grade investigators, particularly those in the 8th and 9th grades (judicial police), whose application rates reached 120% to 150% of their quotas, indicating fierce competition. Additionally, about 80% of the 6th and 7th grade investigators have also applied.Over 100 current prosecutors have reportedly submitted applications. Initially, only 30 to 40 prosecutors had applied by the deadline, but a surge of applications came in just before the closing time. Most applicants were senior prosecutors from the 36th and 37th classes of the Judicial Research and Training Institute, as well as deputy chief prosecutors with over ten years of legal experience. In contrast, around 30 to 40 applications came from prosecutors with less than ten years of experience.Notable applicants include Im Eun-jung, head of the Eastern District Prosecutors' Office, recognized as a reformist within the prosecution, and Moon Ji-seok, a senior prosecutor at Suwon High Prosecutors' Office, who raised allegations regarding the 'Coupang investigation cover-up.'Additionally, many prosecutors who have worked in the Special Investigation Team for the National Security Act and the Kim Geon-hee Special Investigation Team have also applied. Prosecutors moving to the SCIA will be appointed according to their previous positions and experience: district chief prosecutors will be classified as level 1, deputy chief and senior prosecutors as level 2, those with over ten years of experience as level 3, and those with less than ten years as level 4.The legal community has reacted with surprise to the application results. Initially, there was a cold atmosphere within the prosecution regarding the transition to the SCIA, as attendance at the SCIA information sessions was low, and many prosecutors were reportedly unaware that the sessions were taking place.However, some analysts suggest that the opportunity to lead investigation teams at the SCIA while maintaining investigative experience, along with considerations for post-retirement legal practice, contributed to the last-minute surge in applications.The preparation team plans to evaluate applicants based on their preferred work locations and expertise to select the final appointees in September, with official appointments scheduled to coincide with the agency's launch on October 2.Any unfilled positions from this special appointment process will be addressed through additional special appointments linked to the reduction of prosecution personnel following the confirmation of the Public Prosecution Service's structure, or through competitive recruitment targeting police officers, lawyers, accountants, and cyber and financial experts.The SCIA is a newly established investigative agency under the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, created to separate investigation and prosecution functions within the criminal justice system. It will focus on investigating seven major crimes, including corruption, economic offenses, defense industry issues, drug-related crimes, national security, cybercrime, and legal distortion. In contrast, the Public Prosecution Service will handle only prosecution-related tasks, excluding investigative duties. 2026-08-21 14:20:20
Water Park Food Prices Spark Outrage Over Tteokbokki Set Debate is raging online over the price and portion size of a tteokbokki set sold at a water park in Gyeonggi Province.At the center of the controversy is a 16,000 won ($13) 'cheese stick and tteokbokki set.' Photos shared online show two long rice cakes, two fish cake skewers, and one cheese stick served in a bowl. As the images circulated on social media, many reacted, questioning, "Isn't that too expensive, even for a water park?"The uproar began on August 7 when a user, identified as A, shared their experience visiting the water park with their children. A stated that while enjoying the water attractions, they browsed the menu at an on-site restaurant and decided to order the tteokbokki set for 16,000 won.Although the price was significantly higher than that of a typical snack shop, A explained that they accepted the higher cost due to the unique setting of the water park. The issue arose when they received the actual food.A's posted photo revealed the two long rice cakes, two fish cakes on skewers, and one square cheese stick. A expressed dissatisfaction, noting a significant difference between the menu photo and the food they received.As the post gained traction, online comments began to criticize not only the price but also the portion size and presentation of the food.Users commented, "I know food at amusement parks and water parks is usually expensive, but I would be surprised by this presentation," and "Regardless of the price, the food looks poorly prepared for customers." Others suggested that if the rice cakes had been cut and served with vegetables, the controversy might not have escalated to this extent.Given that water parks often attract families, some pointed out that the financial burden is even greater. Parents with multiple children can face significant costs just for meals and snacks.Some users shared similar experiences. One commenter, who also visited the same water park, reported dissatisfaction with a 9,500 won ($7.50) udon dish, stating it was not worth the price.The situation intensified when it was revealed that the facility prohibits bringing in outside food and beverages. This restriction means consumers are more likely to choose from the food sold inside, raising concerns about the price and quality being justifiable.One user remarked, "If outside food were allowed, I could choose not to buy expensive items, but if I have to rely on the food inside, the situation changes."On the other hand, some argued that since the price was clearly displayed, it was ultimately a matter of consumer choice. Some stated, "Since I confirmed the price of 16,000 won before ordering, it’s hard to criticize the establishment just for being expensive," and "We should consider that vendors in water parks may face higher rent and sales fees than regular shops." Others noted, "If you think it’s too expensive, you can choose not to buy it," echoing sentiments from related reports that suggested, "If it’s too expensive, just don’t buy it."A few days later, a YouTuber reignited the debate by calculating the cost of ingredients. The YouTuber, known as ZeroB, who has around 980,000 subscribers, posted a video on August 16 where they recreated the controversial tteokbokki set as closely as possible to the original photo and calculated the ingredient costs.ZeroB estimated the cost of the tteokbokki ingredients, including rice cakes and sauce, at about 537 won ($0.45), the fish cake skewers at approximately 873 won ($0.75), and the cheese stick at around 973 won ($0.85). The total ingredient cost was about 2,419 won ($2), which means the ingredient cost ratio based on the selling price of 16,000 won is about 15.1%.ZeroB acknowledged that the visible ingredient cost ratio is somewhat low but explained that due to the unique market conditions of water parks, vendors might incur sales fees of 20-40%, making it difficult to achieve a 30% ingredient cost ratio like typical shops.Ultimately, the most significant criticism online focused not just on the ingredient cost but whether the food's quantity and quality met consumer expectations for the 16,000 won price tag.Users commented, "The percentage of ingredient cost isn’t the main issue," and "While I understand the high rent and labor costs, consumers also expect satisfaction that matches the price they pay." Others suggested that even a slight increase in portion size or an improvement in presentation could have prevented the issue from becoming such a hot topic.In conclusion, the controversy surrounding the 16,000 won tteokbokki set highlights not just whether the price is legally considered high or low, but rather how consumers perceive the value they receive for the price paid. One thing is clear: when evaluating a dish, consumers consider more than just the cost of ingredients. They assess the price, portion size, taste, service, and the unique context of the location to determine whether the meal was worth the expense.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-21 14:20:00
Korean and Chinese Youths Unite in Futsal for 34th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations In celebration of the 34th anniversary of diplomatic relations between South Korea and China, a cultural exchange camp is being held for youths from both countries to build friendships through futsal and cultural experiences.The Korea Youth Association (Chairman Ko Myung-jin) announced that the '2026 Korea-China Youth Futsal Cultural Exchange Camp' will take place from August 21 to 24 at Kyonggi University’s Suwon campus, as well as in Seoul and Gyeonggi Province.A total of 712 participants, including youth teams from both countries, parents, and officials, will take part in the camp. The program includes futsal matches, visits to youth facilities, cultural experiences in Korea, and outings to Seoul Land, allowing the youths to directly experience each other's cultures.This inaugural event is co-hosted by the Korea Youth Association, the Korea International Cultural Exchange Foundation, the Chinese International Youth Exchange Center (Communist Youth League), and the city of Yantai, China. It is organized by Sportec Korea Co., Ltd., with support from the Chinese Embassy in South Korea, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, Suwon Special City, the Gyeonggi Provincial Office of Education, the Gyeonggi Future Generation Foundation, Kyonggi University, and the Ajou Media Group, with cooperation from Seoul Land and the Korean Chinese Federation.On the first day of the camp, August 21, participants will visit the Suwon World Cup Stadium, followed by a tour of the Jungang Yeodam School and a welcome dinner. The schedule will then include futsal tournaments, visits to youth facilities, outings to Seoul Land, and cultural experiences in Korea.The futsal tournament will be conducted in a round-robin format, culminating in placement matches. Notably, a club exchange match will be held where Korean and Chinese youths will form teams to compete together. This initiative aims to provide an experience that fosters cooperation and communication beyond just a competitive sports event.This event is significant as it comes at a time when South Korea and China are experiencing a recovery in relations following recent high-level exchanges. The two countries held a summit in Gyeongju during the APEC meeting last November and another in Beijing this January, agreeing to enhance cultural and people-to-people exchanges. They decided to promote cultural exchanges starting with Go and soccer, and to expand cooperation in the fields of drama and film content.During a visit to China in June, Prime Minister Kim Min-seok also discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations through expanded youth exchanges with Chinese Premier Li Qiang.The Korea Youth Association hopes this camp will serve as an opportunity for the youths of both countries to meet directly and understand each other beyond political and diplomatic relations. Chairman Ko Myung-jin expressed, "I hope that, like the passes exchanged in futsal matches, the youths of both countries will share their hearts and build deep friendships. We plan to actively promote youth exchanges in various fields such as sports, culture, and education starting from this camp."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-21 14:16:10
President Lee Welcomes Passage of Fast-Track Legislation President Lee Jae-myung expressed his satisfaction on August 21 after the National Assembly passed a bill significantly shortening the review period for fast-track legislation. "I am truly pleased that things will now move more swiftly," he said.On the social media platform X, President Lee shared the news of the bill's passage, thanking Democratic Party lawmaker Lee Hoon-ki and his colleagues for their efforts. "I sincerely thank the many citizens who are waiting for reforms in housing policies and administrative measures to stabilize the nation," he added.Earlier, on August 20, the National Assembly approved the amendment to reduce the review period for fast-track items from a maximum of 330 days to just 90 days, a move led by the ruling party.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-21 14:16:00
Global Bio ETFs Dominate Recent Weekly Returns Amid Strong Clinical Results Investor sentiment in the global biotech sector has strengthened, leading related exchange-traded funds (ETFs) to dominate the top returns in South Korea over the past week. Following strong performances from major pharmaceutical companies and a series of positive results in new drug trials, global biotech stocks have rebounded, with warmth spreading to domestic related stocks.According to the Korea Exchange on August 21, from August 14 to 20, several global biotech-related ETFs ranked among the top 10 in returns (excluding leverage and inverse funds). The 'TIME Global Bio Active' ETF topped the list with an 8.40% return, followed by 'KoAct U.S. Bio Healthcare Active' at 7.96%. Other notable ETFs included 'KIWOOM U.S. Blockbuster Biotech' (5.89%), 'KODEX U.S. S&P Bio (Synthetic)' (5.31%), 'TIGER U.S. Nasdaq Bio' (5.27%), and 'ACE Global Big Pharma' (4.60%).The concurrent strength of these global biotech ETFs is attributed to the conclusion of second-quarter earnings reports from major pharmaceutical companies, which alleviated uncertainties regarding their performance. Additionally, positive results from new drug trials have emerged. Notably, on August 19, U.S. vaccine developer Moderna and global pharmaceutical giant Merck (MSD) reported that their mRNA cancer vaccine combined with Keytruda met key endpoints in a Phase 3 trial for melanoma, raising expectations for the commercialization of the first personalized mRNA cancer treatment. As a result, Moderna's stock surged by as much as 177% during trading.Lee Ji-soo, a researcher at Daol Investment & Securities, stated, "The strong performances of major pharmaceutical companies and consecutive clinical successes have driven the rise of the Nasdaq Bio and S&P Healthcare indices." The top-performing ETFs, such as TIME Global Bio Active and KoAct U.S. Bio Healthcare Active, have significant holdings in Moderna, suggesting that the recent surge in Moderna's stock has positively impacted the ETFs' returns.The strength of the global biotech sector has also spilled over to domestic related stocks. Samyang Biopharm closed at 56,200 won, up 12,900 won (29.79%) from the previous trading day. This increase is believed to be linked to the announcement of clinical results by Moderna and MSD on the same day that Samyang Biopharm revealed its own mRNA cancer vaccine delivery system research results. Somagen, which has been supplying DNA and RNA genomic analysis services to Moderna, also saw its stock rise by 29.98% (865 won) to 3,750 won. Additionally, Naivec, which is developing a peptide-based mRNA drug delivery platform called PEPTARDEL to address the limitations of existing lipid nanoparticles (LNP), closed up 19.82% (3,160 won) at 19,100 won.However, analysts caution that after a sharp rebound in a short period, there may be limited events to support further gains, raising the potential for increased volatility. Lee noted, "Domestic biotech stocks have shown signs of bottoming out since forming a low at the end of July, but August is a period with few events, such as conferences and domestic companies' clinical announcements. Given the significant rebound in a short time, it is important to remain cautious about potential profit-taking adjustments and increased volatility."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-21 14:12:00
BMW Korea Launches Special Support Program for Flood-Affected Customers BMW Group Korea announced a special customer care program on August 21 to assist customers whose vehicles were damaged by flooding due to heavy rainfall.The program will be available at official BMW and MINI service centers nationwide until September 30. It aims to help customers who have suffered flood damage to recover quickly and alleviate their financial burden through appropriate measures.Initially, the program offers free inspections for flood-damaged vehicles. If repairs are necessary and the costs exceed the insurance coverage limit, BMW will provide support for the excess amount based on relevant criteria.Notably, the repair cost support program will be expanded to include all vehicle types, including commercial vehicles, to assist all affected customers.Additionally, customers repairing flood-damaged vehicles under comprehensive insurance will receive support for their deductible, up to 500,000 won. Specific conditions can be confirmed through consultations at service centers.To minimize customer inconvenience during the repair period, BMW Group Korea will also offer mobility services. This includes a loan vehicle service for up to 14 days while flood-damaged vehicles are being repaired.Furthermore, a pickup and delivery service will be available, allowing customers to have their flood-damaged vehicles collected from their desired location and returned after repairs are completed.Meanwhile, BMW and MINI customers whose vehicles are declared a total loss due to flooding and who purchase a new vehicle after completing insurance total loss processing and scrapping documentation by October 31, 2026, will be eligible for existing repurchase benefits along with a trade-in program.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-21 14:12:00
Dreame Targets Trust in South Korea, Aiming Beyond Robot Vacuums Chinese appliance manufacturer Dreame is focusing on 'trust' as a key factor in the South Korean market, following its success in technology. With Chinese companies already holding a significant share in the robot vacuum sector, Dreame aims to enhance its competitive edge against local giants Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics by strengthening data privacy and after-sales service (AS).On August 21, Dreame held the 'Dreame in Seoul' event in the Han River Gavit Island in Seocho-gu, Seoul, where it unveiled its localization strategy and new products. Kim Myung-hwan, head of marketing for Dreame Korea, stated, "Our localization strategy focuses on four key areas: innovation, consumer understanding, trust, and co-growth. Our goal is to create an experience where Korean consumers can trust and comfortably choose Dreame, rather than just selling products."A major emphasis for Dreame is data protection. The company relocated its Korean user data server from Singapore to South Korea at the end of last year. It has also implemented a system where images and videos captured by its robot vacuums are not uploaded to the cloud. Additionally, multiple encryption technologies are applied to personal data. After increasing its market share in South Korea to 12.8% last year, Dreame is expanding its product lineup this year to include personal care and kitchen appliances, in addition to robot vacuums.Dreame is also enhancing its after-sales service. The company plans to collaborate with local firms such as Lotte Hi-Mart and SK Networks Service to expand its service infrastructure. This move aims to address the relatively weak after-sales support that has been a concern for Chinese appliance manufacturers in the South Korean market.New products are being introduced with a focus on technological competitiveness. The 'Aqua Steam' product directly sprays 180-degree high-temperature steam onto the floor, followed by a hot water roller mop to remove contaminants. The roller mop can extend up to 8 cm sideways. Dreame plans to leverage the technology it has developed around robot vacuums to expand into cordless vacuums, personal care, and kitchen appliances.The backdrop for Dreame's expansion in South Korea is the market landscape dominated by Chinese companies. According to IDC, in the global home cleaning robot market last year, Roborock held the top position with a 17.7% market share, followed by Ecovacs at 14.3%, while Dreame secured third place with 10.5%. All top five companies in the market were Chinese.The competitive landscape in South Korea is becoming increasingly complex. With Chinese companies like Roborock and Dreame having established a foothold, Samsung and LG are countering with features tailored to AI, security, and the local living environment. Dreame's emphasis on not only technological competition but also data protection and after-sales service indicates that the barriers Chinese brands must overcome in the South Korean appliance market are evolving.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-21 14:04:00
Former NSC chief urges Seoul to take Trump's latest moves seriously SEOUL, August 21 (AJP) - Former White House National Security Council chief of staff Alexander B. Gray urged Seoul to take U.S. President Donald Trump seriously on investment and the treatment of American companies while defending his "unconventional" approach to North Korea, which differs from previous presidents', in an AJP interview in Seoul earlier this week, two days after Trump abruptly ordered a substantial reduction in a joint military exercise with South Korea on Sunday. Trump cited the cost of the annual Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS) exercise, among other reasons for its reduction, but many pundits speculated that the move was related to delays in implementing Seoul's US$350 billion U.S. investment commitment and Washington's complaints involving Coupang and other American companies. AJP interviewed Gray at Lotte Hotel Seoul on Tuesday as the allies were confronting an unusually broad set of challenges spanning military coordination, North Korea policy, trade and investment. Trump's Aug. 16 order had come only hours before the annual Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS) exercise was due to begin and apparently without advance notice to officials in either Seoul or Washington. Foreign Minister Cho Hyun told lawmakers the following day that officials in both governments had been unaware of the order beforehand. At the time of the interview, Gray stressed that the exercise then underway had not yet been altered and argued that Trump's broader record demonstrated that Washington remained willing to use force when necessary to maintain deterrence. That changed within a day. South Korea and the U.S. subsequently agreed to end UFS about a week earlier than originally scheduled on Aug. 27, cutting the 11-day exercise to five days and reducing some combined field training drills. About 18,000 South Korean troops are participating in this year's exercise. Gray said Trump's decision should also be viewed in the context of his longstanding interest in personally engaging North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Gary said Trump believes his unusual personal leverage could produce a diplomatic breakthrough that previous U.S. presidents failed to achieve. "His unique position as a global leader can achieve a diplomatic outcome with North Korea that has eluded every American president since Harry Truman," Gray said. "I think he's very committed to trying to do that," he said. "As he enters the final half of his presidency, I think he's going to look for ways to reshape global politics, and North Korea is a great opportunity to do that," he added. Events since the interview have reinforced signs that Trump is seeking another encounter with Kim. Trump said Wednesday that he expected to meet the North Korean leader later this year, while the Wall Street Journal reported that he had been pressing aides to arrange a meeting as early as this fall, possibly during a November trip to Asia. Trump met Kim three times during his first term, but their nuclear diplomacy broke down without an agreement after the 2019 summit in Hanoi. The nuclear challenge has also grown substantially since those meetings. Trump said Wednesday that North Korea had 57 "very powerful" nuclear weapons. South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back told lawmakers the following day that private research estimates generally put Pyongyang's arsenal at between 80 and 120 warheads, although he stressed that the South Korean military could not officially verify an exact figure. Pyongyang, meanwhile, has offered little indication that Trump's latest gesture will immediately revive talks. Kim Yo-jong, the North Korean leader's influential sister, dismissed the scaled-back exercises as insufficient while still describing the personal relationship between Trump and Kim as "excellent." North Korea then fired about 10 short-range ballistic missiles toward its eastern waters on Thursday. Gray said Trump's complimentary language toward Kim should not necessarily be read as personal affection, but as part of his negotiating style. "If you want to have a positive relationship that leads to negotiations that serve U.S. interests, why would you intentionally be nasty to our adversaries?" Gray said. "President Trump thinks that there is no value in gratuitously criticizing people that we have to negotiate with," he said. "Kim Jong-un is ultimately going to have to sit across the table from President Trump and President Lee, and they are going to have to come up with a deal," he added. Gray said the same transactional approach lies behind Trump's demands on South Korea in the economic sphere. For decades, he argued, Washington was willing to tolerate trade arrangements that it did not necessarily regard as economically reciprocal because close alliances with South Korea and Japan produced larger geopolitical benefits. Trump, he said, now wants to change that bargain by coupling the security relationship with large-scale investment that creates jobs and industrial capacity inside the United States. South Korea committed to a $350 billion U.S. investment package as part of the bilateral trade agreement reached last year. The package consists of $200 billion for strategic investments and $150 billion for shipbuilding cooperation. Seoul launched the state-backed Korea-U.S. Strategic Investment Corporation in June to implement the pledge, but specific projects are still being selected. Gray warned that Seoul should not assume it could delay implementation until Trump leaves office in January 2029. He said Trump wants to see concrete projects being built and Americans employed while he remains in the White House, and that a lack of tangible progress over the coming year could create serious difficulties in bilateral relations. Looking beyond the immediate disputes, Gray said Washington still wants the alliance to broaden. "Number one, we want to see the alliance continue to grow and expand into new areas," Gray said. "We also want to see a broader consensus that China is a very serious threat to regional stability," he said. "The U.S. wants to see governments of both the left and the right in all of our partners and allies view China in a similar way," he added. Gray acknowledged that South Korea faces different economic realities because of its geographical proximity and extensive trade ties with China, leaving room for differences over tactics. But he said Washington would continue to seek broad strategic alignment from its allies regardless of which parties hold power. "The final thing is understanding that, as we talk about the investment package, we have to see some reciprocity," Gray said. "We have to see U.S. companies treated fairly," he said. "We have to see the investment deal that was made honored and turned into actual projects," he added. His comments come amid growing political pressure in Washington over the treatment of American businesses in South Korea. A report released last month by the Republican-led U.S. House Judiciary Committee alleged that South Korean regulators had engaged in discriminatory enforcement against American-owned companies, with particular attention to U.S.-listed e-commerce company Coupang and the Korea Fair Trade Commission. Seoul has rejected the broader allegation that it systematically discriminates against foreign companies. Gray was sharply critical of the regulatory environment. "If you look at the way U.S. digital companies are disproportionately receiving large fines, and the way in which the Korea Fair Trade Commission is targeting U.S. companies and going after them with very aggressive raids, frankly, some of the positions those employees have been put in are completely unfair," Gray said. "U.S. digital and tech companies right now are the backbone of the U.S. economy," he said. "They are driving our growth and productivity. They are the innovators," he said. "They have enormous economic heft in the United States," he added. Gray argued that Trump has increasingly treated major American technology companies as strategically important national assets and has shown a willingness to retaliate when he believes they are being unfairly targeted abroad. "The president has recognized that, and he has been very responsive when those companies have been treated unfairly, whether by Canada with a digital services tax or by the European Union with the Digital Markets Act," Gray said. "He has responded to every instance of unfair regulation by threatening tariffs, actually imposing tariffs or using other forms of trade retaliation," he said. "I would hate to see a situation in which Korea didn't take him seriously on this issue, didn't learn the lessons of Canada and the EU, and made the relationship more challenging by failing to understand the way in which we now view our tech companies as national champions," he said. "If they are being discriminated against, I don't think President Trump is going to stand for it," Gray added. The South Korean government publicly pushed back against that characterization a day after Gray's interview. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and Economy Koo Yun Cheol told an American Chamber of Commerce in Korea luncheon in Seoul on Wednesday that the government does not discriminate against foreign businesses and regards foreign companies investing and operating in South Korea as Korean companies. Koo also rejected suggestions that Seoul was deliberately delaying the $350 billion investment package, saying project selection was moving forward and identifying energy as one area drawing particular interest. Gray nevertheless argued that the economic relationship could become a source of greater alliance strength if Korean manufacturing capacity is integrated with American technology and production. He pointed to investments by Samsung and SK in the United States and to growing U.S.-Korean cooperation in shipbuilding, including Hanwha's operations in Philadelphia. "I think combining Korea's exceptional manufacturing expertise with U.S. innovation and facilities in the U.S. that can directly support our industrial base is the way to make this not a dependency, but something that benefits both sides," Gray said. Gray also rejected the common portrayal of Trump's foreign policy as impulsive, arguing that unpredictability itself is a calculated negotiating tool. "The president has always said that the unpredictability he is perceived to have by both friends and foes is one of his greatest strengths," Gray said. "He has referenced a term used by President Nixon called the 'madman theory' repeatedly," he said. Gray said the same uncertainty could help deter China from attempting to change the status quo across the Taiwan Strait. "I have a lot of confidence that we are going to be able to get through President Trump's term without a major escalation in Taiwan because I don't think Xi Jinping wants to find out how President Trump would handle an invasion of the Taiwan Strait or other coercion," he said. Gray, who worked with Trump inside the White House during his first term, said his personal experience differed sharply from the image of presidential improvisation often presented publicly. "What I saw personally, though, is a little bit different," Gray said. "I saw a president who uses that ambiguity and the public uncertainty about how he communicates in a very strategic way," he said. "There is a public narrative that he says things without a larger strategy. My experience is that everything he says has been thought through, has been discussed with his advisers, and is communicated in ways that tie back to a larger U.S. interest or the direction he is trying to head," he said. "The public narrative in the U.S. and globally sometimes confuses an intentional tactic with something chaotic or shooting from the hip," he said. "I think it is more intended to look that way than it actually is," Gray added. Gray met political figures during his visit to South Korea. He told AJP that he met independent Rep. Han Dong-hoon, a former leader of the People Power Party, during his stay. Gray also said PPP Chairman Jang Dong-hyeok came to Lotte Hotel Seoul on Monday, Aug. 17, a day before the AJP interview, and that the two held talks. Gray is chief executive officer of American Global Strategies LLC, a Washington-based international strategic advisory firm he co-founded with Robert C. O'Brien, who served as Trump's national security adviser. Gray served as deputy assistant to the president and chief of staff of the White House National Security Council from 2019 to 2021, overseeing the day-to-day operations of the national security adviser's immediate office as well as the NSC's budget, personnel and security functions. He is also a senior nonresident fellow at the Atlantic Council. Before becoming NSC chief of staff, Gray served as special assistant to the president for the defense industrial base at the White House National Economic Council and as the NSC's first director for Oceania and Indo-Pacific security. He also served on Trump's 2016 presidential transition team at the State Department and was a defense policy adviser to Trump's 2016 presidential campaign. 2026-08-21 13:59:55
President Lee's Approval Rating Stands at 45%, Up 1% from Last Week President Lee Jae-myung's approval rating has slightly increased, matching his disapproval rating at 45%, according to a survey released on August 21. This marks a 1 percentage point rise from the record low of 44% reported in the second week of August.The survey, conducted by Korea Gallup from August 18 to 20 among 1,004 adults aged 18 and older, found that 45% of respondents approved of the president's job performance, while another 45% disapproved. Eleven percent of respondents chose not to express an opinion.Among those who approved, the most common reasons cited were 'diplomacy' (19%), 'economy/livelihood' (11%), and 'generally doing well' or 'communication' (both at 7%). Conversely, those who disapproved primarily pointed to 'real estate policy' (28%) as the main issue, followed by 'economy/livelihood' (12%) and 'national defense/security/North Korea' (7%).In terms of party support, the Democratic Party of Korea received 41%, while the People Power Party garnered 25%, with both parties maintaining the same levels of support as in the previous survey. The Reform Party, Justice Party, and Progressive Party each received 2%, while 26% of respondents identified as undecided.This survey was conducted via telephone interviews using randomly selected virtual numbers. The margin of error is ±3.1 percentage points at a 95% confidence level, with a contact rate of 45.6% and a response rate of 10.0%. For more details, please refer to the website of the National Election Survey Deliberation Commission.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-21 13:56:20
Nationwide Apartment Subscription Market Faces Decline with Single-Digit Competition Rates for 13 Months The nationwide first-choice subscription competition rate for apartments has remained in single digits for 13 consecutive months, indicating a continued slump in the subscription market.According to an analysis by Realhouse on August 21, the average first-choice competition rate for nationwide apartment subscriptions in July was recorded at 5.86 to 1, a decrease of 0.05 points from the previous month based on a 12-month moving average.The nationwide first-choice competition rate has been in single digits since recording 9.08 to 1 in July of last year. In the metropolitan area, competition rates in Seoul, Incheon, and Gyeonggi all fell compared to the previous month. Seoul's rate decreased from 112.01 to 110.87 to 1, Incheon from 4.59 to 4.23 to 1, and Gyeonggi from 2.59 to 2.57 to 1.In non-metropolitan areas, Busan saw a significant drop, with its first-choice competition rate falling to 2.14 to 1, a decrease of 1.56 points, marking the largest decline nationwide. Jeju's rate was just 0.16 to 1, remaining below the average for 12 consecutive months.Performance in individual complexes was also poor. Among the 24 complexes that announced recruitment in July, 13 failed to fill their first-choice quotas. Notably, three out of four large complexes with over 1,000 units did not meet their first-choice subscription targets.Conversely, subscription demand has been concentrated in a few complexes in Seoul. In July, only two complexes were offered for sale in Seoul, with a total of just 96 first-choice units available, yet the number of subscription applications reached 6,927. This accounted for 26.5% of the total 26,111 subscription applications nationwide during the same period.Analysts suggest that rather than a complete disappearance of subscription demand, there is a growing polarization, with demand increasingly focused on verified complexes with desirable locations and product appeal.Meanwhile, according to Real Estate 114 on August 20, the average sale price of apartments in Busan has more than doubled in four years, increasing the housing cost burden for new homes. Last year, the average sale price of apartments in Busan was 30.24 million won per 3.3 square meters, a 102% increase from 14.98 million won in 2021.Kim Seon-a, head of the subscription analysis team at Realhouse, stated, "The subscription demand itself has not disappeared; rather, it is moving toward a few verified complexes, leading to poorer performance in others. Especially in large complexes, initial poor performance can lead to unsold units, making the timing and pricing of sales critical to the success of the project."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-21 13:56:00