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  • 61.7% Oppose Current Presidents Re-election Bid
    61.7% Oppose Current President's Re-election Bid As the government and National Assembly express their intent to pursue constitutional amendments, public opposition to allowing the current president to run for re-election is nearly double that of support.On August 20, Realmeter released the results of a survey conducted from August 18 to 19, which polled 1,017 individuals aged 18 and older nationwide. The survey found that 46.0% supported a constitutional amendment for a four-year re-election system or term limits, while 50.9% opposed it, with 3.1% unsure. The results fell within the margin of error.However, when asked whether the amendment should apply to the current president, allowing for re-election, 61.7% opposed this idea, while only 34.7% supported it.The survey was conducted using a random digit dialing (RDD) method with 100% mobile sampling, achieving a response rate of 3.7%. The margin of error is ±3.1 percentage points at a 95% confidence level. More details can be found on the website of the National Election Survey Deliberation Commission. 2026-08-20 21:16:00
  • Kazakhstan to elect first Kurultai under new constitution
    Kazakhstan to elect first Kurultai under new constitution SEOUL, August 20 (AJP) - Voters in Kazakhstan choose all 145 seats of the Kurultai on Sunday, filling the single-chamber legislature that replaced the country's two houses of parliament and completing an institutional change written into a constitution that took effect seven weeks ago. The Central Election Commission has registered 12,605,788 voters and 545 candidates across seven party lists. Every seat is contested in one nationwide district under closed-list proportional representation, with a threshold of 5 percent of valid votes. Deputies serve five years. This is the first national vote under the new constitutional order, and the first in which every seat in the legislature is filled by election. The old Parliament paired an elected lower house, the Mazhilis, with a Senate of 50 members, 10 of them named by the president. Neither chamber exists now, and the Kurultai has no appointed seats. The new body passes legislation, approves the national budget, oversees the executive and may consider confidence in the government. Its consent is required for presidential nominees to the newly created post of Vice President, to the office of Prime Minister, and to senior positions including the Constitutional Court, the Central Election Commission (CEC) and the Supreme Audit Chamber. The same constitution creates a second new institution alongside it. The Halyk Kenesi, or People's Council, is designated the highest consultative body, and its members are appointed by the president rather than elected. Its 126 seats are split evenly three ways, among ethnocultural associations, major public organizations, and local assemblies and regional public councils. It meets in full session at least once a year, with a standing presidium known as the Toralka working between sessions. Its powers reach into the legislative process. The council may submit draft laws to the Kurultai and may initiate national referendums, which places an unelected body alongside the elected one. It absorbs two institutions now being retired, the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan, created in 1995 to represent the country's ethnic groups, and the National Kurultai. Parliament passed the first reading of the constitutional law establishing the council in May, and it has not been seated. Ballots list the seven parties in an order drawn by lot, followed by an option to vote against all of them. Voters mark a single choice and cannot pick individual candidates, because seats won by a party go to the names on its registered list in the order the party set. Only registered parties may nominate, and self-nomination is not allowed. If only one party clears the threshold, the party with the next-highest total also enters the chamber. The name reaches back to the assemblies of the Kazakh Khanate, where khans were raised to power and questions of war, migration and succession were settled collectively by the leading figures of the tribes rather than by a single ruler. The word is Turkic in origin and means gathering or council, and versions of it survive in the names of legislatures and public assemblies from Bashkortostan to Kyrgyzstan. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev proposed applying it to the new parliament in January, at a session of the National Kurultai in Kyzylorda, arguing that the historical weight of the term was worth carrying into a modern institution. That body, a consultative forum he established in 2022 for officials, academics and public figures, shares the name but not the function. The Kyzylorda session was its last. Tokayev first raised the shift to a single chamber in his address to the nation in September 2025, when he proposed putting it to a referendum in 2027 and said the public discussion would take at least a year. He appointed a working group on parliamentary reform in October under State Counselor Erlan Karin. In January he told the Kyzylorda session that the changes had grown extensive enough to amount to a new constitution rather than an amendment, and a Constitutional Commission chaired by Constitutional Court head Elvira Azimova took over the drafting. The text was published Feb. 12 and went to a nationwide referendum on March 15, more than a year ahead of the original date. The CEC put support at 87.15 percent on turnout of 73.12 percent. The constitution entered into force July 1, ending the mandate of the old Parliament, and Tokayev signed the decree calling the election the same day. Adilet holds first place on the ballot and the largest list, with 186 candidates. The party held its founding congress May 7 and was registered by the Justice Ministry on June 1 under Aibek Dadebay, who had stepped down as head of the presidential executive office. Amanat, which took 53.9 percent in 2023 and held the largest bloc in the Mazhilis, voted at its congress June 12 to join Adilet, and Adilet delegates approved the accession two days later. The remaining six lists carry between 33 and 75 candidates. Auyl, an agrarian party, finished second in 2023 with 10.9 percent. Respublica, associated with business, took 8.59 percent and Ak Zhol, which campaigns on market liberalization and stronger parliamentary oversight, took 8.41 percent. The People's Party of Kazakhstan won 6.8 percent and the Nationwide Social Democratic Party 5.2 percent. Baitaq, an environmental party, fell short at 2.3 percent. Adilet did not contest that election, so the two ballots cannot be compared party for party. Of the 545 candidates, 172 are women and 373 are men, with an average age of 45.4 years, according to the CEC. The field includes 74 candidates under 35 and 19 with disabilities. Each party had to reserve at least 30 percent of its list for women, young people and persons with disabilities and must apply the same proportion when distributing the seats it wins. All seven met the list requirement. More than 10,400 polling stations will open across the country, staffed by roughly 71,000 commission members. Another 79 stations will operate at Kazakh diplomatic missions in 61 countries. Voting is in person only, with no postal or online option, and the CEC is printing 12,731,847 ballots in Kazakh and Russian, including a statutory 1 percent reserve. Campaigning began July 23 and ends at midnight on Aug. 21, with Aug. 22 set aside as a day of silence. Publication of opinion polls, forecasts and other election research has been barred since Aug. 18. The CEC had accredited 781 foreign and international observers as of Aug. 17. The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe has deployed 39 long-term and 208 short-term monitors through its Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, which is expected to release initial findings the day after the vote and a full report later. Once results are published, the president has 30 days to convene the first session, and the government surrenders its powers before the incoming chamber. Within two months of that sitting, and only with the Kurultai's consent, Tokayev must appoint a Vice President along with the leadership of the Constitutional Court, the CEC, and the Supreme Audit Chamber. 2026-08-20 20:41:14
  • Dong-A University Supports Investment Attraction for Regional Startups
    Dong-A University Supports Investment Attraction for Regional Startups Dong-A University's Startup Support Team announced on August 20 that it participated in the '4th B.BRIDGING DAY 2026,' held at the Westin Chosun Busan from August 13 to 14, to expand investment attraction and business collaboration opportunities for local startups.B.BRIDGING DAY is an event designed to connect promising startups from the Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam regions with large and medium-sized enterprises and investors for investment reviews and open innovation collaborations.The event was co-hosted by 23 startup incubation and support organizations from the region, with Dong-A University also serving as a co-host.According to the organizers, approximately 120 startups from the region, along with over 20 large and medium-sized enterprises and more than 30 investors, participated in this year's event.As part of its own accelerating program, 'DU-ni StartupDIVE,' Dong-A University connected three companies selected in the 2026 Initial Startup Package—'DS Construction Safety,' 'Abridge,' and 'Adiz'—with investors from the metropolitan area and the region.A representative from Dong-A University's Startup Support Team stated, "Three out of the 19 companies selected for this year's Initial Startup Package participated. We reviewed applications submitted by the companies and recommended them for participation."They clarified that no specific quantitative evaluation criteria were applied, and priority was given to companies already engaged in investment-related programs, ensuring they were at a stage where the IR stage would be genuinely beneficial.On the first day, August 13, sector-specific IR demo days were held, allowing participating startups to present their business models, technologies, and growth strategies to venture capitalists and accelerator evaluators.Subsequent information-sharing sessions discussed joint and follow-up investment linkage strategies between regional and metropolitan investors.On the second day, August 14, one-on-one investment meetups and open innovation meetups were conducted between startups and investors. These sessions were organized based on prior matching, considering the industry sectors, growth stages, and desired investment amounts of the participating companies, focusing on discussions about technology validation (PoC) and market entry possibilities.However, the actual success of investment attraction or follow-up meetings resulting from the event has not yet been confirmed.Dong-A University's Startup Support Team plans to use this event as a stepping stone to continue providing investment mentoring and its own IR demo days for participating companies.Lee Hak-seong, head of Dong-A University's Startup Support Team, stated, "The startups identified by Dong-A University were able to meet directly with investors and partners, broadening their business collaboration horizons. We will continue to support the development of the regional startup ecosystem and help early-stage entrepreneurs establish themselves in the market."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-20 20:40:00
  • Driver Speeds at 194 km/h with Two Daughters, Causing Fatal Motorcycle Crash
    Driver Speeds at 194 km/h with Two Daughters, Causing Fatal Motorcycle Crash MBC's 'Real-Life Investigation Team' is investigating a case involving a man charged with causing a fatal accident while driving over 190 km/h with his two daughters in the car, along with allegations of illegal filming, assault, and intimidation.The first segment of the show, airing on August 20, covers the details of a traffic accident that occurred in January.The victim, identified as Young-hoon (pseudonym), had been working as a motorcycle delivery driver for two years to support his family. Despite working late into the night, he also helped his parents. Tragically, he passed away at the age of 30 in January.The accident happened shortly after 9 p.m. when a vehicle traveling at over 190 km/h collided with Young-hoon's motorcycle.According to the production team, the driver exited the vehicle after the crash and was heard cursing at the scene, attempting to distance himself from the incident.At the time of the accident, the driver's blood alcohol level was 0.211%, significantly above the legal limit for license suspension. His two daughters, aged 6 and 4, were also in the vehicle.About seven months after the incident, in early August, Young-hoon's parents reviewed the black box footage from the offending vehicle.The video captured conversations between the driver and his daughters. The children pleaded, saying, "Mom, I'm scared," and "Please go slowly," while also crying to be let out of the car. However, reports indicate that the vehicle's speed increased instead.The production team has obtained the driver's statement to investigate how he describes the events surrounding the accident.The second segment of the show addresses a case of assault, intimidation, and illegal filming that emerged after a couple's divorce.Ho-jun (pseudonym) received shocking revelations from his ex-wife, Seo-yeon (pseudonym), five months after their divorce. She disclosed that she had been involved with another man, Hwang (pseudonym), for about two years prior to their separation.Their relationship began in 2020 at a friend's store, where Hwang expressed strong interest in Seo-yeon. However, when she indicated her desire to end the relationship, Hwang allegedly became violent.Hwang reportedly threatened Seo-yeon, saying he would inform her husband about their relationship and send intimate videos to her son, demanding that she divorce him.Fearing that the videos might reach her son, Seo-yeon claimed she found it difficult to refuse Hwang's demands. She also reported that verbal abuse, physical violence, and sexual harassment followed.Allegations of illegal filming have also surfaced. Hwang's former girlfriend claimed he had been collecting illegal recordings of multiple women. The production team has gathered testimonies from individuals who witnessed Hwang's illegal filming and showed the footage to others.Seo-yeon learned through police investigations that there were numerous recordings she was previously unaware of. She has filed charges against Hwang for illegal filming, assault, intimidation, stalking, filming material intimidation, and causing bodily harm through rape. A trial regarding six related charges took place in June.'Real-Life Investigation Team' will air the details of both cases, including the claims of the parties involved, the investigation, and the trial process, today at 9 p.m.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-20 20:32:10
  • Korean Lawmaker Han Dong-hoon Criticizes Party Disciplinary Actions
    Korean Lawmaker Han Dong-hoon Criticizes Party Disciplinary Actions On August 20, the People Power Party initiated disciplinary actions against four non-affiliated members, prompting a backlash from independent lawmaker Han Dong-hoon. He criticized the party's leader, Jang Dong-hyuk, claiming the actions aimed to consolidate power within the party.In a Facebook post, Han stated, "The selective and arbitrary disciplinary actions aimed at turning a public party into a private one will continue." He warned that the party would be abandoned by the public.Earlier that day, the party's Central Ethics Committee announced suspensions for Jo Kyung-tae, the longest-serving member with six terms (2 years and 6 months), Kwon Young-jin (1 year and 6 months), Jin Jong-o (2 years), and Seo Beom-soo (10 months).Jo was suspended for allegedly asking members of other parties to support the defeat of his party's candidate, Park Deok-heum, in the election for the National Assembly vice speaker. Kwon was deemed to have disrupted party discipline by physically confronting floor leader Jeong Jeom-sik over committee assignments.Jin faced disciplinary action for supporting Han during the by-election for Busan North, while Seo was involved in a controversy over remarks related to the 'Busan roundhouse kick' incident. Although the victim forgave him, he could not escape punishment. Jin was also implicated in the roundhouse kick controversy.Some observers interpret the disciplinary actions as an effort by Jang to strengthen his control over the party, raising the possibility of appeals against the sanctions. 2026-08-20 20:28:00
  • Kwon Min-soo Appointed as New Deputy Governor of Bank of Korea
    Kwon Min-soo Appointed as New Deputy Governor of Bank of Korea Kwon Min-soo, the Deputy Governor in charge of international finance and cooperation, was appointed as the new Deputy Governor of the Bank of Korea on August 20. The Deputy Governor is recommended by the Governor and appointed by the President, and Kwon will serve a three-year term starting from August 21, 2026, until August 20, 2028.Kwon, a native of Seoul, graduated from Whimoon High School and earned a degree in business administration from Yonsei University. He joined the Bank of Korea in 1995 and later obtained a master's degree in business administration from Yale University.Notably, Kwon has held various positions within the Bank, including head of the foreign exchange market team in the International Division and director of the Foreign Exchange Planning Department, making him a prominent figure in international finance.The Bank of Korea stated that Kwon's extensive knowledge of the foreign exchange market and asset management, along with his long-established network with domestic financial institutions, global investors, and international organizations, is expected to play a significant role in representing and enhancing Korea's position in the international financial community. 2026-08-20 20:16:00
  • Gunpo City Corporation Conducts Civil Defense Training for Air Raid Preparedness
    Gunpo City Corporation Conducts Civil Defense Training for Air Raid Preparedness Gunpo City Corporation conducted civil defense training on August 20, in conjunction with the Eulji Exercise, to prepare for air raid situations and educate citizens on emergency action guidelines. According to the corporation, the training aimed to ensure the safety of employees and facility users during emergencies, enhancing their ability to respond quickly and systematically in real situations. The exercise simulated an air raid alert, guiding employees and users through evacuation procedures and checking the process of moving to designated shelters. Participants were educated on action guidelines during air raids, precautions during evacuation, and response procedures in emergencies, thereby improving their preparedness for real-life situations. In particular, the training included a review of emergency contact systems and evacuation facilities at each site, reassessing the roles and responsibilities of personnel to minimize confusion during emergencies. Citizens participating in the Eulji Exercise and civil defense training expressed that learning the actual evacuation procedures for rare emergency situations heightened their awareness of safety. One participant noted, "Since this is a public facility used by my children, it was helpful to know how to act in an emergency." Some citizens commented that the training was beneficial as it was conducted based on realistic scenarios rather than being a mere formality, aiding their understanding of evacuation methods. Meanwhile, President Bae Jae-guk stated, "This training allowed us to assess our on-site response system for rapid action during air raid situations." He added, "We will continue to strengthen our safety management system, prioritizing the safety of employees and citizens through various disaster response training, including civil defense exercises."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-20 20:08:00
  • People Power Party Implements Disciplinary Actions Against Members
    People Power Party Implements Disciplinary Actions Against Members The People Power Party initiated disciplinary actions on August 20, targeting several members, including its longest-serving lawmaker, Jo Kyung-tae. Jo received a suspension of 2 years and 6 months, while Kwon Young-jin was suspended for 1 year and 6 months, Jin Jong-o for 2 years, and Seo Beom-soo for 10 months. This move has raised questions about whether party leader Jang Dong-hyuk is seeking to consolidate power ahead of the upcoming 2028 general elections.The party's Central Ethics Committee announced the disciplinary measures in a press release. Jo was penalized for allegedly pressuring lawmakers from other parties to vote against his party's candidate, Park Deok-heum, during the election of the National Assembly's vice speaker. Kwon was disciplined for physically confronting floor leader Jeong Jeom-sik in response to committee assignments, which was deemed a breach of party discipline.Jin, considered part of the pro-Han Dong-hoon faction within the party, faced disciplinary action for supporting an independent candidate in the Busan North District by-election. Seo was involved in a controversy over inappropriate remarks related to the 'Busan roundhouse kick' incident. Although the victim has forgiven him, Seo could not escape punishment.Following the announcement of the disciplinary actions, Seo issued a statement apologizing for his careless remarks that caused distress to the victim, the party, and the public. However, he expressed hope that the Ethics Committee's decision was not politically motivated to eliminate rivals within the party.Some analysts interpret the disciplinary actions against these four members, who are seen as part of the non-establishment faction, as an attempt by Jang to strengthen his control over the party. With approximately 1 year and 8 months remaining until the 23rd general elections, there are concerns that these disciplinary measures could influence candidate nominations. Consequently, there is speculation that the affected members may pursue appeals against the decisions. 2026-08-20 20:08:00
  • Data-Driven AI Training for Franchise Supervisors Launched in Busan
    Data-Driven AI Training for Franchise Supervisors Launched in Busan As the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into franchise management and data analysis expands, Busan has launched a training program aimed at developing practical professionals equipped with AI skills.The Korea Franchise Industry Association's Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam chapter held an opening ceremony for the fifth cohort of the Busan Franchise Supervisor training program on August 19, which will run until October 14. Classes will be held weekly on Wednesdays and will cover topics such as franchise law, basic supervising skills, market analysis, profitability assessment, and online and offline marketing.The most significant change in this cohort is the expanded focus on AI training. Participants will actively use AI to analyze operational data from franchise stores and identify strategies to enhance sales and profits, as well as learn how to apply AI as a practical tool in marketing strategy development.The core curriculum includes franchise supervising and law, AI-based franchise analysis and management, market analysis system utilization, practical skills for increasing sales and profits using AI, evaluations, and report presentations. The program combines lectures with hands-on practice, allowing students to analyze market conditions and store operations and develop specific improvement plans.Participants expressed their expectations for the program. One student noted, "I believe it is essential to assess problems based on data rather than relying solely on experience when managing franchise stores. I want to learn how to apply AI in real work situations and test it in the field." Another student added, "I look forward to learning not only franchise-related theories but also practical content such as market analysis and store profitability, which are necessary for real work. I hope to acquire practical skills that I can use in the franchise industry through this training."The program was developed in response to the structural conditions of local franchise headquarters.The KFA Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam chapter explained, "Local franchise headquarters are generally smaller than those in the metropolitan area, often requiring one supervisor to handle multiple tasks. It has been challenging to find time and opportunities for separate training while managing these responsibilities."The Busan Franchise Supervisor training program began as a pilot in the first half of 2024 and has been fully operational since 2025, supported by the Busan city budget aimed at revitalizing the franchise industry.The chapter stated, "Being able to receive training locally reduces the time burden of traveling to the metropolitan area, and it contributes to forming a network where practitioners from Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam can share their field experiences and know-how."Previously, representatives from local franchise brands such as Homac, Jeongjik Yubu, Bulmak Yeolsam, Among's Coffee, and Mijin Livestock participated in the program to enhance their practical capabilities. Satisfaction Rate Exceeds 90%...Connecting Job-Seeking Youth with Local EmploymentThe chapter reported that the satisfaction rate among companies participating in the training has averaged over 90%. They emphasized, "It is crucial to continuously demonstrate that employee skill enhancement through training leads to improved competitiveness for the headquarters. As these cases accumulate, it may encourage voluntary participation from companies."There have also been instances where the training served as a bridge connecting job-seeking youth with local companies. The chapter noted, "There have been cases where job-seeking youth connected with local franchise headquarters through the training, leading to employment opportunities in the region. This highlights the significance of the program in not only enhancing practical skills but also connecting local talent with businesses."The fifth cohort will also include employment support. After completion, top-performing students wishing to work at franchise headquarters will be offered interview opportunities. This cohort includes current supervisors and practitioners from franchise headquarters, as well as job-seeking youth and graduating college students.During the opening ceremony, speakers addressed the changing landscape of franchise management and the importance of specialized personnel.Yoon So-yoon, head of the Fair Trade Support Team at the Busan Small and Medium Business Support Center, stated, "The current rate of new franchise openings is declining while the closure rate is increasing, making the management conditions for franchise stores challenging. In such times, the role of supervisors, who can mediate between headquarters and franchisees, becomes increasingly important."Kim Young-hwan, president of the KFA Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam chapter, remarked, "Supervisors play a crucial role in conveying the operational direction of the headquarters to franchise stores while also relaying various opinions from the stores back to the headquarters. I hope that participants actively apply what they learn in this training to bring about tangible changes in their work."Hwang Gyu-ha, an advisor to the KFA Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam chapter, encouraged participants by saying, "To assess the operational status of franchise stores and identify the causes of problems, a broad knowledge base and judgment are necessary. I hope you will complete the training and grow into competitive supervisors in your respective roles."Lee Joo-hwan, chair of the KFA Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam chapter's education committee, expressed, "As this program is officially supported by the city of Busan, I hope participants will take pride in their involvement. Given the high satisfaction rates among employees who have experienced the training, I hope more franchise companies will show interest in the future." "Busan Must Continue to Produce Specialized Talent"Jang Jae-nam, chief professor of the Busan Franchise Supervisor program, stated, "In Seoul, we are preparing for the 55th cohort, indicating that related training continues steadily. I hope that interest in the franchise industry in Busan will grow, leading to the establishment of ongoing training programs that produce specialized talent." He added, "Through this program, we aim to help supervisors adapt to the changing work environment by incorporating AI into the training and guide them to translate what they learn into actual results."The chapter also emphasized the need for a shift in perception to expand participation in the training. They explained, "It is essential to view supervisor training not as a burden on work hours but as necessary education to enhance the operational level of franchise stores and strengthen brand competitiveness."Meanwhile, the Busan Franchise Supervisor program is conducted twice a year, with the sixth cohort scheduled to begin in the first half of 2027.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-20 19:52:10
  • Kim Min-seok Appoints Jeon Yong-gi as Youth Committee Member Amid Internal Discontent
    Kim Min-seok Appoints Jeon Yong-gi as Youth Committee Member Amid Internal Discontent Kim Min-seok, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, appointed lawmaker Jeon Yong-gi as the youth committee member on August 20, prompting backlash from Choi Min-hee, a senior member aligned with the pro-Cheongrae faction. The party is currently experiencing heightened factional tensions between the pro-Myeong (Lee Jae-myung) and pro-Cheongrae groups.During a meeting of lawmakers held at the National Assembly, Kim explained, "We concluded that electing a youth committee member would overlap with the youth chair's electorate, so I decided to make a direct appointment."However, Choi expressed her discontent on Facebook, stating, "Kim suddenly revealed the names of two appointed committee members based on the premise that 'the secretary general reported that electing a youth committee member was not possible.'" She added, "I was taken aback as there was no prior consultation with the committee."Choi pointed out that according to Article 26, Section 4 of the party constitution, "appointed committee members are designated by the party leader and confirmed through a vote by the committee." She emphasized that the appointment of committee members should involve at least some consultation with the committee, questioning the validity of the decision made without any prior discussion.She further urged adherence to basic procedures, criticizing that during the party convention, Kim and the other two candidates had publicly promised to appoint a youth committee member through an election process. "How can we expect to gain the support of the 2030 generation if we do not even keep our promises made to them?" she asked.Choi also highlighted the upcoming election for the youth chair, suggesting that the position of youth chair could naturally lead to a committee member role, urging Kim to reconsider his decision.In addition to Jeon, Kim appointed Kwon Mi-kyung, chair of the Korean Federation of Public Service and Transportation Workers' Unions, to represent the labor sector.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-20 19:24:00