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Kang Shin-cheol Advocates for Integrated Military Academy Education Kang Shin-cheol, the nominee for Defense Minister, stated on September 16 that he believes integrated education is necessary for the establishment of a unified military academy that combines the Army, Navy, and Air Force. During a confirmation hearing at the National Assemblys Defense Committee, Kang responded to a question from Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Byeong-joo regarding the integration of military academies, saying, This is not a new topic; discussions about reforming military academies have been ongoing for many administrations. However, he clarified that he does not intend to push forward with the current integration plan as it stands, noting, I see areas that need improvement in the Defense Ministrys basic integration plan, and I believe it is not complete. Addressing concerns from alumni of the Army Academy, Kang emphasized, What is most important is to produce truly excellent talent, rather than focusing on criticism regarding the establishment of the unified military academy. Kang also highlighted the importance of joint training for officers at the Army, Navy, and Air Force universities, stating, Jointness is paramount, and I will consider ways to enhance our militarys joint capabilities. He shared his views on key defense issues, including the transition of wartime operational control and troop reinforcements. Kang remarked, I believe we have made significant progress in meeting our conditions and preparing the necessary environment, adding that the process should strengthen the mutual trust in the South Korea-U.S. alliance. Regarding the selective conscription system, he explained that it is intended to maintain the current system while making it more appealing to potential recruits. If we create a truly attractive officer profile, I believe more individuals will choose to serve in the military through this system, he said, indicating that he would look into areas for improvement. On the issue of potential deployment to the Strait of Hormuz, Kang stated, I understand that no decisions have been made yet, emphasizing that the matter should be approached with a focus on national safety and interests. Kang characterized the December 3 emergency martial law as a clear insurrection, expressing deep responsibility as a former high-ranking officer for the militarys actions that undermined constitutional order. He offered a sincere apology to the public. In contrast, opposition lawmakers pressed Kang on military readiness and responses to North Korea. Lawmaker Han Gi-ho of the People Power Party raised concerns about North Koreas placement of landmines south of the Military Demarcation Line, insisting that it is only natural to demand restoration of the land where North Korea has laid mines. Questions also arose regarding allegations involving Kangs family related to special housing provisions for evictees and his sons purchase of commercial property. Lawmaker Yoo Young-ha questioned whether Kangs transfer to a residence in Guro-gu, Seoul, while serving in Hwacheon, Gangwon Province, was a deceptive move to qualify for special housing provisions for evictees. He also noted the lack of submitted evidence to clarify family-related allegations and the absence of any witnesses. Lawmaker Seong Il-jong pointed out that Kangs son borrowed 700 million won from family members to purchase a commercial property in Yangji Village, raising suspicions of prior knowledge due to the timing coinciding with the application for the redevelopment project by the residents representative group. Lawmaker Cheon Ha-ram of the Reform Party pressed Kang about the circumstances surrounding the special allocations received by him, his father, brother, and aunt, referring to them as Kang Shin-cheol evictees. Kang acknowledged that there are aspects that do not meet the publics expectations but clarified that the special housing provisions for evictees were legitimate government compensation for their relocation. He also expressed regret over the mismanagement of address records.* This article has been translated by AI. September 16, 2026 -
Hanwha's Mohave Drone Successfully Demonstrates Combat Flight Hanwha Aerospaces short takeoff drone, Mohave, developed in collaboration with the U.S. company General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, successfully completed a simulated combat flight demonstration.On September 16, Hanwha Aerospace announced that the Mohave successfully finished its simulated combat flight demonstration at the 2026 Defense Drone Technology Exhibition held in Pocheon, South Korea.The Mohave is a short takeoff drone jointly developed by Hanwha Aerospace and GA-ASI since last year. It is equipped with a high-power device and a 450-horsepower turboprop engine, allowing it to take off and land on runways as short as 100 to 300 meters.During the demonstration, the Mohave took off from the Armys 513th Aviation Battalion airfield and landed on a narrow tank maneuvering path instead of a standard runway. It then took off again from the same spot and returned to the airfield along the planned route. The takeoff distance recorded was less than 200 meters, while the landing distance was in the 100-meter range. In a combat test conducted on the flight deck of the Dokdo-class amphibious assault ship in November 2024, it had previously taken off from a distance of less than 100 meters.The Mohave can carry up to 1 ton of equipment necessary for mission execution, excluding the airframe and fuel. Depending on the equipment configuration, it can perform various missions, including ground attack, surveillance and reconnaissance, cargo transport, and communication relay.Hanwha Aerospace plans to establish domestic research and production infrastructure for the development and production of the Mohave. The goal is to increase the domestic production ratio to over 70% during the mass production phase.On September 21, a Mutual Cooperation Agreement Ceremony will be held at the Changwon Plant 1 in Gyeongnam, where domestic drone industry stakeholders will gather to explore and expand cooperation with domestic suppliers in the parts and materials sector.A Hanwha Aerospace official stated, By achieving the development and production of the Mohave based on mutual cooperation with the U.S. drone specialist General Atomics Aeronautical Systems and domestic companies, we aim to lead the global drone market.* This article has been translated by AI. September 16, 2026
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South Korea Expands Economic Cooperation with Five Central Asian Nations President Lee Jae-myung has expanded economic cooperation in key minerals and energy supply chains, as well as infrastructure projects, through a summit with five Central Asian nations. The government established a foundation for South Korean companies to enter the Central Asian market by signing a total of 74 agreements and memorandums of understanding (MOUs) during the summit.By promoting tailored bilateral economic cooperation, the summit addressed cross-border challenges such as logistics, transportation networks, supply chains, climate change, and AI and digital initiatives, thereby broadening diplomatic horizons at the regional level.On September 16, President Lee hosted the first summit with the leaders of five Central Asian countries at a hotel in Seoul, marking the first time these leaders gathered in a multilateral format.During the summit, President Lee held separate meetings with Tajikistans President Emomali Rahmon and Kyrgyzstans President Sadyr Japarov at the Blue House, resulting in the signing of 35 cooperation documents, including 17 with Tajikistan and 18 with Kyrgyzstan.The relationship with Tajikistan was elevated to a comprehensive partnership. This visit by the Tajik president was the first in 11 years.President Lee described Tajikistan as a geographical hub connecting Central Asia and South Asia, rich in mineral resources and growth potential. He stated, South Korea will actively cooperate as a reliable partner for Tajikistans economic development.Railway projects are at the center of cooperation between the two countries. A framework for intergovernmental railway cooperation was established, allowing Korea Railroad Corporation and the National Railroad Authority to participate in the construction of the Dushanbe urban railway and the training of specialized personnel.Cooperation in key minerals, AI and digital initiatives, and smart grid technology will also be pursued in conjunction with railway infrastructure. The plan reflects the belief that South Korean companies can secure resource supply chains and infrastructure contracts by jointly developing the necessary transportation and power infrastructure for mineral resource development.With Kyrgyzstan, the comprehensive partnership established in 2024 was further specified in urban development and trade and investment sectors. South Koreas urban planning and smart construction experience will be combined to meet Kyrgyzstans rapid urbanization demands.The two countries agreed to jointly promote urban master plans, transportation and living infrastructure, and industrial park development, allowing South Korean companies to participate in public-private partnership (PPP) projects. This approach aims to reduce Kyrgyzstans financial burden while providing domestic companies with opportunities to enter the Central Asian urban and infrastructure market.The scope of trade and investment cooperation has also expanded to include key minerals, digital transformation, halal certification, and the textile industry. Notably, South Koreas halal certification will be recognized locally, reducing certification costs and time for domestic companies.A system for sending workers under the employment permit system was also established. This will ensure transparency in the dispatch process and protect the rights of workers by supplying Kyrgyz personnel to South Korean small and medium-sized enterprises through an objective procedure. The relationship, previously focused on development cooperation and personnel exchange, is now seen as expanding into investment, trade, and industrial cooperation.On September 15, the focus was on energy and resource diplomacy with Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan.With Kazakhstan, Central Asias largest economy and a major oil and uranium producer, the relationship was elevated to a future-oriented comprehensive strategic partnership for the first time in 17 years. In the event of global supply disruptions, Kazakhstan will increase oil supply, and both countries will collaborate on oil and gas field development and petrochemical research.Joint research and development on nuclear power and small modular reactors (SMRs), as well as nuclear safety and specialized personnel training, will also be pursued. By connecting Kazakhstans oil and uranium resources with South Koreas nuclear and advanced industry technologies, the relationship has evolved from simple resource importation to long-term economic security cooperation.With Turkmenistan, the focus is on linking its abundant natural gas resources to the chemical industry and plant projects. After 16 years of negotiations, the two countries finalized an investment protection agreement. This agreement aims to reduce investment risks for South Korean companies in large-scale, long-term plant and infrastructure projects, which require significant funding. Based on this, new projects in the chemical and plant sectors, railways, shipbuilding, and smart water management will be explored.On the first day of summit diplomacy, September 14, the focus was on addressing Uzbekistans demand for transportation and industrial advancement, given it has the largest population in Central Asia. Feasibility studies were initiated for the introduction of eight high-speed trains and the establishment of a national genome and biobank, while cooperation was expanded into AI transformation in manufacturing and the defense sector.Cooperation with Uzbekistan is centered on market and manufacturing growth potential rather than just resources. The plan aims to combine South Korean technology and finance in high-speed rail, biotechnology, and manufacturing AI to capture the largest consumer market in Central Asia.Seong Gi-hong, senior presidential secretary for public relations and communication, stated, We hope this new journey that began in Seoul will enrich the lives of people in both regions and serve as a solid foundation for mutual prosperity between South Korea and Central Asia. This will be a turning point in expanding our diplomatic horizons into Eurasia and transforming our long-standing relationship with Central Asia into a future-oriented partnership for mutual growth. September 16, 2026
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Ruling Party Accelerates Police Reform Amid Public Distrust The Democratic Party of Korea discussed measures to address public distrust regarding the new criminal justice system set to launch next month. This comes as the reform aimed at abolishing the prosecutions supplementary investigative powers nears completion, with the goal of swiftly preparing a police reform plan to minimize confusion.The partys Police Reform Task Force held a meeting with criminal defense attorneys at the National Assembly. Co-chair Lee Hae-sik emphasized the need for democratic oversight of police powers if the abolition of supplementary investigative rights strengthens police authority.Co-chair Kim Nam-hee also stressed the necessity for structural reforms within the police. He stated, There needs to be a process for victims to easily access investigative information, indicating a priority on victim-centered responses. Attorneys present at the meeting echoed concerns about public distrust stemming from cases like the Jang Yoon-ki incident and the Jeju missing persons case, asserting that police investigations should be conducted from the victims perspective.With the launch of the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency and the Prosecution Service scheduled for October 2, the task force appears to have initiated a formal process for gathering opinions on the police reform proposal during this meeting. As follow-up legislation on prosecution reform accelerates, there is a plan to quickly unveil the police reform proposal to minimize confusion. However, a specific timeline for the announcement of the police reform plan has yet to be determined.Meanwhile, the Democratic Party has indicated that under the leadership of Kim Min-seok, it aims for a level of police reform that surpasses that of prosecution reform. On September 1, Kim officially launched the task force, vowing to eradicate six major issues: case concealment, favoritism, unwarranted case closures, evidence concealment and manipulation, leakage of investigative information, and violations of personal privacy. During a high-level party meeting on September 13, he reiterated that the current police reform process has been tepid and passive, calling for a more robust reform effort.* This article has been translated by AI. September 16, 2026
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National Assembly Continues Confirmation Hearings Amid Dispute Over Ministerial Nominees The Democratic Party and the People Power Party continued their debate over the qualifications of five ministerial nominees during the second day of confirmation hearings on September 16. The People Power Party urged the withdrawal of nominations for Kang Shin-cheol, the nominee for Minister of National Defense, and Hong Ji-sun, the nominee for Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. In contrast, the Democratic Party emphasized the expertise of both candidates, calling for cooperation in the hearings.Jung Jeom-sik, the floor leader of the People Power Party, held a press conference at the National Assembly, stating, Both nominees are unqualified and should have their nominations withdrawn. We need to appoint new individuals who can boldly reform the government.He criticized Kang for failing to report his sons commercial property purchase, questioning, How can a Minister of National Defense respond to North Korean provocations if he is unaware of his son borrowing 700 million won? Regarding Hong, he expressed concern that the real estate policies would continue to be influenced by the Seongnam and Gyeonggi-do connections that have been part of the Lee Jae-myung administration, which he believes has failed in its policy direction.On the other hand, Han Byeong-do, the floor leader of the Democratic Party, argued during a Supreme Council meeting in Daejeon that both security and housing stability are directly related to the lives and daily routines of the people, stating, We do not have time to waste on partisan tactics. He emphasized that Kang is a four-star general and a seasoned expert in security and military strategy, while Hong is an expert in urban, housing, and transportation administration, having served as the head of urban housing in Gyeonggi-do and as the second vice minister of the Ministry of Land.The exchanges between the two parties continued in the confirmation hearing. Lim Jong-deuk, the People Power Partys secretary for the National Defense Committee, questioned the lack of witness selection, stating, How can we proceed with verification when the verification through witnesses is blocked and relevant materials are not properly submitted? In response, Democratic Party secretary Kim Byeong-joo accused the People Power Party of trying to turn the hearing into a political offensive by demanding witnesses from the Blue House personnel line, including Kang Hoon-sik, the chief of staff.The debate surrounding Kim Seung-won, the nominee for Minister of Justice, also continued. Jung criticized the Democratic Party for turning the hearing into a melodrama, stating, They couldnt even provide a proper explanation for their own allegations, and instead exchanged tears. The Democratic Party is conducting the hearings in a biased manner while offering embarrassing praise. Is this a confirmation hearing or a political super chat?He referenced the case of Cho Kuk, the former Minister of Justice, who was appointed despite negative public opinion in 2019 but resigned after just over a month, suggesting that Kim could also face protests if appointed.In contrast, Seo Young-kyo, chair of the Legislative and Judiciary Committee, and Democratic Party secretary Kim Ui-gyeom held a press conference at the National Assembly, stating, No significant disqualifying factors that would obstruct the performance of duties have been identified, urging the People Power Party to stop unnecessary allegations and cooperate in adopting the confirmation report. Seo emphasized the urgency of filling the current vacancy in the Ministry of Justice, stating, As chair, I will strive to expedite the adoption process. We will work together to resolve this issue.* This article has been translated by AI. September 16, 2026
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Kang Shin-cheol Responds to Son's Military Record Request: 'Check at the Unit' Kang Shin-cheol, the nominee for Minister of National Defense, faced criticism for his response during a confirmation hearing on September 16, where he suggested that inquiries about his sons military service records should be made directly at the unit. During the hearing before the National Assemblys Defense Committee, lawmaker Cheon Ha-ram raised concerns about a KakaoTalk profile picture of Kangs son, who served as an Army second lieutenant. Cheon claimed that the photo, taken with his 4-star general father, raised suspicions of favoritism during his service. Cheon argued, If the candidate does not reach out, just displaying that photo would make all unit members aware that he is the son of a 4-star general, leading to special treatment. He insisted on the need to verify whether any favoritism occurred during the service. Cheon also pointed out that the requested military record had not been submitted, questioning whether the Lee Jae-myung administrations philosophy prevented the release of such documents. He referenced the case of An Gyu-baek, the Minister of National Defense, who also failed to provide his military records amid allegations of desertion. In response, Kang stated, Please go to the unit and check how our son served, escalating the exchange. Cheon retorted, Should I, as a committee member, have to ask each individual? Are you saying that I should go check because you cant provide the military record? Is that the attitude of a ministerial candidate? Jin Sung-jun, the chair of the Defense Committee, intervened, stating that Kangs suggestion to check at the unit was inappropriate. He emphasized that Kang should actively clarify and prove that no favoritism occurred during his sons military service. Jin also noted that while the submission of military records requires the consent of the individual involved, it would be beneficial to provide the records to demonstrate that Kangs son did not receive any special treatment during his service as the son of a 4-star general. On the other hand, Kim Seong-hwa, a member of the Democratic Party, raised concerns about Cheons demands, stating, While it is acceptable to request clarification on existing suspicions, questioning the very existence of the records is problematic. Kang expressed regret over the issue of submitting the military record, stating, I will look into it.* This article has been translated by AI. September 16, 2026
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AhnLab to Invest 100 Billion Won in AI-Centric Transformation AhnLab is undergoing a transformation to become an AI-native security platform company by redesigning its products, services, and overall security operations around artificial intelligence (AI). Over the next three years, the company plans to invest 100 billion won in AI infrastructure and research and development (R&D), restructuring its products and business model to focus on Agentic AI and software as a service (SaaS). AhnLab aims to achieve 1 trillion won in revenue and over 30% of its sales from global markets by 2035.During an AI Vision Declaration press conference held on September 16 at the Westin Seoul Parnas in Gangnam, AhnLab CEO Kang Seok-kyun stated, AhnLabs next step is the transition to AI, and we will grow into an AI-native security platform company, unveiling the companys long-term growth strategy centered on AI.AhnLab also introduced its integrated brand AhnLab AI Plus to clarify its AI transition. The strategy involves shifting from an AI-powered approach, which applies AI to individual security products like antivirus and endpoint detection and response (EDR), to an AI-native design that centers on AI across products, services, data, and security operations.The core of AhnLabs AI-native transition is to have AI take over a significant portion of security tasks traditionally performed by humans. The company believes that relying solely on human-centered security responses has limitations, as AI will handle vulnerability scanning and attack path mapping. In the future, AI will connect scattered data to understand attack flows and suggest response measures.To support this initiative, Kang announced a 100 billion won investment in AI over the next three years, aimed at enhancing infrastructure such as AI computing and data platforms, as well as strengthening R&D capabilities in AI technology and expertise. He noted, Currently, over 30% of our revenue is invested in R&D, and future R&D investments will increasingly focus on AI. This AI-native transition will be realized through security operations based on Agentic AI, where AI will manage the entire security process from threat detection to analysis, investigation, understanding attack flows and impacts, and formulating response strategies. AhnLab plans to expand the launch of its security operations platform AI Plus SecOps in December.However, AhnLab will not leave all decision-making to AI. The company adheres to a principle of controlled autonomy, where AI will handle repetitive analysis and responses, but human oversight will be required for actions that could impact actual services, such as account or network blocking.Alongside the AI transition, AhnLab plans to restructure its revenue model to focus on SaaS and subscription services. However, given that many domestic companies still operate in on-premises and hybrid environments, AhnLab will continue to support both SaaS and on-premises solutions through a two-track strategy.In terms of specific products, AhnLab sees significant growth potential in EDR and extended detection and response (XDR). Kang stated, If I had to name the fastest-growing area in AhnLabs business, it would be EDR, adding that he expects substantial investment in EDR over the next few years. XDR is generating more revenue overseas than domestically, and AhnLab plans to integrate AI-native features into both EDR and XDR for further growth.AhnLab also aims to expand its international business based on its AI-native and SaaS transition. According to Kang, AhnLabs global sales share is expected to rise from 8.5% last year to over 10% this year. The company plans to strengthen its local business foundations by expanding operations through its subsidiaries in China and Japan, as well as a joint venture in Saudi Arabia, while also pursuing the establishment of a cyber defense center in the Middle East.AhnLab has set a goal of achieving 1 trillion won in revenue and over 30% of its sales from global markets by 2035. Kang emphasized, To increase our current revenue of 300 billion won to 1 trillion won, we need to achieve approximately 15% growth annually, adding that the company will pursue business expansion through existing business growth, new investments, and mergers and acquisitions (M&A).* This article has been translated by AI. September 16, 2026
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Defense nominee apologizes over martial law SEOUL, September 16 (AJP) - Defense Minister nominee Kang Shin-chul apologized Tuesday for the military’s role during the Dec. 3, 2024 martial law declaration, while signaling support for the government’s push to overhaul South Korea’s military academies. Speaking at his confirmation hearing at the National Assembly, Kang said he felt a “deep sense of responsibility” as one of the military’s highest-ranking officers at the time and apologized to the public. Kang was serving as deputy commander of the South Korea-U.S. Combined Forces Command and was a four-star Army general when martial law was declared. His remarks came after Rep. Kim Byung-joo of the ruling Democratic Party said Kang could not entirely avoid moral or political responsibility given his senior position in the military. Then-President Yoon Suk Yeol declared emergency martial law on Dec. 3, 2024, sending troops to the National Assembly. Lawmakers voted to lift the decree, and Yoon ended martial law several hours later. The Constitutional Court removed him from office in April 2025. Kang responded that the military had undermined the constitutional order and said he bore responsibility as one of its most senior officers, even though he was outside the chain of command involved in the martial law operation. The presidential office said when Kang was nominated that a government task force and a Defense Ministry audit had found no evidence that he was involved in the martial law operation. Kang also used the hearing to signal that he intends to continue the government’s military education reform agenda, including plans to integrate the Army, Navy and Air Force academies. “I have the will to reform the military academies,” Kang said when asked whether he remained committed to creating an integrated military academy. The Lee Jae Myung administration has proposed creating a four-year integrated military academy at the Jaundae military complex in Daejeon, bringing together the three service academies under a new structure. The proposal has faced opposition from some retired officers and academy alumni. Kang, a graduate of the Korea Military Academy, said the priority should be producing capable officers rather than focusing on criticism of the reform. “The current plan is not complete in my view,” Kang said, adding that there are multiple ways to pursue integration and that different opinions should be considered before a final model is settled. Kang also voiced support for the transfer of wartime operational control, or OPCON, from the United States to South Korea, another major defense issue facing the next minister. He said the process has been pursued by successive governments and that South Korea has made significant progress in meeting the conditions required for the transfer. “The conditions have been substantially met, and I believe the environment is now in place,” Kang said. Kang is among six Cabinet nominees named in President Lee Jae Myung’s Aug. 30 reshuffle, with the National Assembly holding a series of confirmation hearings this week for key ministerial posts. AJP Takeaways - Defense Minister nominee Kang Shin-chul apologized for the military’s role during the Dec. 3, 2024 martial law declaration. - Kang backed military academy reform but said the current merger plan needs further review. - He also supported the conditions-based transfer of wartime operational control to South Korea. September 16, 2026 -
Graduate Student Sentenced to Probation for Sending Drone to North Korea A graduate student accused of sending a drone to North Korea without government notification has been sentenced to probation in a first-instance ruling.The Seoul Central District Courts Criminal Division 38-3, presided over by Judges Choi Young-gak, Jang Seong-jin, and Jeong Su-young, sentenced the individual, identified as Oh, to eight months in prison, suspended for two years, for violations of the espionage law and the aviation safety law. Two accomplices received six-month prison sentences, also suspended for two years.The three were charged with sending civilian drones across the military demarcation line (MDL) four times from September last year to January this year to capture images of the North Korean area around Kaesong while evading South Koreas air defense surveillance. Two of the drones reportedly crashed in North Korea and did not return.The court found them guilty of using drones without permission from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. It determined that the drones exceeded the reporting threshold of 2 kilograms and did not qualify for the exemption for research institutions testing purposes due to the additional components, including imaging devices.However, the court acquitted them of espionage charges, stating that there was no evidence proving the drones were equipped with SD cards. The judges explained, Without proof of an SD card, we cannot conclude that military-sensitive information regarding flight patterns, altitude, or history was leaked to North Korea.They added, Even if it provided a pretext for provocations by North Korea or led to military responses from South Korea, it does not necessarily mean that South Koreas military interests were compromised.During the prosecutions closing arguments on September 2, they sought a five-year prison sentence for Oh and three years for the other two individuals.* This article has been translated by AI. September 16, 2026
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Jung Jeom-sik Calls for Withdrawal of Kim Seung-won's Nomination, Criticizes Hearing Jung Jeom-sik, the floor leader of the People Power Party, criticized the confirmation hearing for Kim Seung-won, the nominee for Minister of Justice, calling it a farce on September 16.During a press conference at the National Assembly, Jung stated, From the start, the hearing was a shield for the nominee and a deception of the public.He responded to remarks made by Democratic Party lawmakers during the hearing, who used terms like devil, weapon, and viper against People Power Party members, saying, It is devilish behavior to administer a drug that kills hamsters to humans, and those who exploit it for stock manipulation are like vipers. The nominee, who facilitated such drugs, is the true social weapon.Jung accused the Democratic lawmakers of abandoning their role as evaluators during the hearing, stating, Chairperson Seo Young-kyo openly conducted the hearing in a biased manner while showering embarrassing praise. Is this a confirmation hearing or a political super chat?He also emphasized that the nominations of Kang Shin-cheol for Minister of National Defense and Hong Ji-sun for Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport are inappropriate, urging for their withdrawal. He particularly highlighted concerns about Hong, who was a key official in basic housing during Lee Jae-myungs tenure as governor of Gyeonggi Province, stating, There are significant worries that she will merely serve as a practical minister who thoroughly obeys the Blue Houses wishes.Jung warned President Lee Jae-myung, who is scheduled to hold a press conference on the 18th, saying, If you cannot demonstrate a 180-degree shift in national policy, this press conference will be worse than the recent cabinet reshuffle. He urged the president to show practical actions, including a comprehensive review of real estate policies, a clear expression of respect for the separation of powers regarding the Chief Justices recommendation authority, an explanation of the situation regarding the deployment to the Strait of Hormuz, and the withdrawal of Kims nomination.Meanwhile, Jung, who marks 100 days since his election as floor leader on the 17th, reflected, I didnt even realize it had been 100 days. The party has stabilized significantly during this time, which I believe is due to the support of the members. I will continue to unite with the members to fight against the Lee Jae-myung administration and the Democratic Party.* This article has been translated by AI. September 16, 2026
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600-Year-Old Haemi Fortress to Host 'Time Portal' Festival on Hangeul Day Haemi Fortress in Seosan, South Chungcheong Province, will transport visitors back to the time of the Joseon Dynasty over 600 years ago. Upon entering the fortress, attendees will receive a hopa on their smartphones, allowing them to participate in archery and historical exams. At night, the fortress walls and sky will come alive with light and video displays showcasing its history.On September 16, Seosan City and the Seosan Cultural Foundation held a press conference at a restaurant in Gwanghwamun, Seoul, announcing that the 23rd Seosan Haemi Fortress Festival will take place from October 9 to 11. This years theme is HAEMI UNIVERSE 1421, the Time Portal Opens, marking the year Haemi Fortress was completed.This years festival shifts from viewing history to experiencing history. The entire Haemi Fortress will be transformed into an immersive historical space, weaving together various programs into a single narrative.◆ King Taejongs Military Training as Central NarrativeThe story begins in 1416 with King Taejongs military training, known as Gangmu. To prepare for potential invasions by Japanese pirates, he commanded large-scale military drills in the Dobisan and Haemi areas of Chungcheong Province. A young Prince Chungnyeong, who would later become King Sejong, also participated. Haemi Fortress was completed five years later, in 1421.This year, the reenactment of King Taejongs military procession, which has been a part of past festivals, will take center stage. The event will evolve from a simple parade to a performance that narrates the journey of Taejong and Prince Chungnyeong, culminating in the construction of Haemi Fortress.Festival director Lee Jeong-min stated, Haemi Fortress is not just an administrative center but the frontline built to protect the nation. The historical fact that a strong defense enabled a peaceful era has been revived as a grand narrative of the festival, highlighting the moment when two giants, Taejong and Sejong, met.Visitors will not just be spectators. By scanning a QR code at the entrance, their smartphones will transform into a hopa from 1421. They can then explore the fortress and participate in military and civil service exams. Successful candidates will receive a red certificate, and the top scorer will be named Daily Governor of Haemi.◆ 23 Cities Illuminate the Fortress Walls; 1,000 Drones in the Night SkyThe 600-year-old fortress walls will also serve as a stage for the festival. Haemi Fortress features gakjasungseok (inscribed stones) that show the participation of various cities, including Gongju, Cheongju, and Cheonan, in its construction.During the opening ceremony, a modern interpretation of gakjasungseok: 23 Cities Build the Fortress with Light will be presented. Large lanterns representing the 23 cities and counties of Chungcheong Province will be lit, connecting the history of their joint construction to todays regional solidarity.Im Jin-beon, head of the Seosan Cultural Foundation, explained, Last years festival highlighted traditional craftsmanship, while this year we broaden the scope to include the historical consciousness of solidarity and self-defense in Chungcheong Province. We will honor the unity of the 23 cities that inscribed their names on the fortress walls by lighting the lanterns during the opening ceremony.In the night sky, a fleet of 1,000 drones will take flight. The drone light show will occur five times over the three days, depicting ten scenes, including the soaring golden eagle, the completion of Haemi Fortress in 1421, the Chungcheong Provincial Military Command, and the military procession of King Taejong.A Path of Light will connect the main axis from Jin-nam Gate to the Eastern Hall, integrating light, video, and drones to transform the nighttime scenery within the fortress.The historical significance of Haemi as a military stronghold will also resonate with contemporary themes. Outside the fortress, a Haemi Defense Road will feature one-third scale models of the intercept missiles Cheongung and Shingung, along with Air Force tactical vehicles and drone simulators. This program connects the historical site of the provincial military command during the Joseon Dynasty with modern defense technology.◆ 600 Years of History on Eight Plates; Black Eagles and Live MusicalsThe history will also be reflected on the dining table. On October 10, a limited paid program titled Haemi Feast on Eight Plates will be held at the Eastern Hall and Inner Hall, limited to 60 participants.Instead of a typical course meal, the history of Haemi over 600 years will be divided into eight scenes, from King Taejongs military training to the Return of the Golden Eagle, each served on a separate plate.Chefs Kim Seong-woon from Table Popo and Kim Ji-young from Korean restaurant Gyuban will participate, utilizing local ingredients such as rice from Seosans reclaimed land, six-clove garlic, and Korean beef, paired with Haemi strawberry sparkling, wild chrysanthemum wine, and ginger liquor.The performance schedule will continue over the three days. On October 9, the festival will kick off with a drone show featuring 1,000 drones and a celebratory performance by Jang Yoon-jung. On October 10, the Air Forces Black Eagles aerobatic team will perform, along with Haemi the Classic and a taekwondo martial arts performance. The final day, October 11, will feature a large-scale live musical Become the Moon against the backdrop of Cheongheojeong Hill and the concluding drone light show.The Seosan Haemi Fortress Festival was selected as a Local 100 by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in 2023 and has been recognized as a top festival in Chungcheong Province for 2024 and 2025.Seosan Mayor Lee Wan-seop stated, Through this festival, we aim to elevate it to a global representative K-festival that merges tradition, the present, and the future.* This article has been translated by AI. September 16, 2026
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Chun Ha-ram Questions Defense Minister Nominee Kang Shin-cheol on Special Housing Allocations During a confirmation hearing on September 16, Chun Ha-ram, a lawmaker from the Reform Party, questioned Kang Shin-cheol, the nominee for Defense Minister, about allegations regarding special housing allocations for his family, referring to them as Kang Shin-cheol evictees. Kang responded that he had not heard of this term and believed he had received just compensation for the allocations.Chun criticized Kang for claiming he was unaware of the term special housing allocation during the hearing, presenting documentation showing that Kangs name was listed as an applicant for a special housing allocation in 2008. Is it acceptable to start a confirmation hearing with lies and perjury? Chun asked.Kang clarified that he did not apply directly but thought the process was being handled by the government through the SH Corporation. He stated, I understood that compensation was being provided, but I was not aware that it was classified as a special housing allocation for evictees.Chun pointed out that not only Kang but also his father, brother, and aunt received special allocations, questioning how Kang could be unaware of this when his family received four allocations. Kang maintained that it was compensation for being expropriated and emphasized that his family suffered significant losses.Chun also raised suspicions that Kang may have changed his residency to qualify for the special allocation, noting that when Kang registered his move to Cheonwang-dong in 2008, his spouse and children were still living in Bundang.Kang acknowledged that his family was in Bundang at that time but insisted, We were merely following the governments negotiation process. He added, I have already apologized to the media for the mismanagement and negligence regarding our address registration.The controversy surrounding Kangs familys special housing allocations emerged after Chun raised related allegations.* This article has been translated by AI. September 16, 2026
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Korea's defense min nominee faces confirmation test on Hormuz SEOUL, September 16 (AJP) - Defense Minister nominee Kang Shin-chul faces grilling from lawmakers Wednesday over contentious issues ranging from the proposed merger of South Korea's military academies to U.S. calls for Seoul to contribute to security in the Strait of Hormuz. Even before facing lawmakers, Kang set out firm positions on several key issues, backing the Lee Jae Myung administration's push to integrate the Army, Navy and Air Force academies. “I believe integrated education is necessary,” Kang, a retired four-star Army general and Korea Military Academy graduate, said in written responses submitted ahead of the hearing. The government has proposed establishing a four-year Armed Forces Academy at the military complex in Daejeon. Kang said there are areas of military education that the three services should conduct together, while pledging to hear views from cadets, applicants, parents and others before details are finalized. The hearing comes as Seoul weighs how to respond to U.S. calls for contributions to security in the Strait of Hormuz. A government assessment team recently returned from the United Arab Emirates after examining operating conditions, military facilities and logistical support near the strategic waterway. The government has said no deployment decision has been made, while the National Security Council is expected to review possible options Thursday. Kang has so far taken a cautious stance, saying the issue should be approached from the perspective of protecting South Korean citizens and safeguarding national interests. Possible contributions under consideration have included P-8A maritime patrol aircraft, explosive ordnance disposal personnel and unmanned mine-detection and removal systems. Another focus will be the transfer of wartime operational control, or OPCON, from the U.S.-led Combined Forces Command to South Korea. Kang has said he agrees with the assessment that South Korea could defend itself even if OPCON were transferred immediately, while stressing that mutual trust in the alliance must be maintained. He has pledged to pursue the transfer in a way that strengthens the South Korea-U.S. alliance and their combined defense posture. Lawmakers are also expected to question Kang over property-related allegations involving him and his family. Opposition lawmakers have alleged that Kang registered his address at a house in Seoul's Cheonwang-dong while serving at a military unit in Gangwon Province and later qualified for a special apartment allocation available to residents displaced by redevelopment. Kang subsequently acquired an apartment in Seoul's Seocho District through the program. He has denied wrongdoing, saying the Cheonwang-dong property was a family home he legally received from his parents and that his military postings led to differences between his actual residence and registered address. Separate questions surround Kang's son, who bought a 700 million won ($512,000) commercial property in Bundang's Yangji Village in June. The property was initially omitted from Kang's disclosure submitted for the confirmation process. Kang's side said the omission was an error and later submitted corrected documents. His son financed the purchase largely through loans from relatives, while Kang has said neither he nor his wife was involved in selecting or financing the property. AJP Takeaways - South Korean Defense Minister nominee Kang Shin-chul faced scrutiny over a potential Strait of Hormuz deployment, wartime operational control and military academy reform. - Opposition lawmakers also raised property allegations involving special housing allocation and a 700 million won commercial property purchased by Kang's son. - Lawmakers from both ruling and opposition parties urged Kang to address the security and ethics controversies while maintaining close communication with the National Assembly. September 16, 2026 -
Han Byeong-do Calls for Cooperation from People Power Party Ahead of Confirmation Hearings Han Byeong-do, the floor leader of the Democratic Party, urged the People Power Party to cooperate positively ahead of the confirmation hearings for Kang Shin-cheol, the nominee for Minister of National Defense, and Hong Ji-seon, the nominee for Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. He also promised full support from the party, stating that both nominees are the best candidates to lead national security and housing stability.During a Supreme Council meeting held in Daejeon, Han said, Today, the confirmation hearings for Kang and Hong will take place. Kang, a four-star general and former deputy commander of the ROK-U.S. Combined Forces Command, is the ideal candidate to strengthen the ROK-U.S. alliance, enhance self-defense capabilities, and improve military structure.Regarding Hong, he described her as an expert in urban housing and transportation administration, having served as the director of the Urban Housing Office in Gyeonggi Province and as the second vice minister of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. He emphasized that since both parties agree on stabilizing the real estate market, the hearings should focus on productive alternatives rather than political disputes to expand housing supply and ensure the successful establishment of the third new towns.Han also pointed out that the confirmation hearing for Kim Seung-won, the nominee for Minister of Justice, held the previous day, turned into a stage for political conflict rather than a venue for assessing the nominees qualifications or policies. He expressed regret over the People Power Partys consistent engagement in political disputes during the hearings.Additionally, Han expressed hope that President Lee Jae-myungs upcoming press conference on the 18th will serve as an opportunity to boost public support for his administration, which has been on a decline recently. He stated, This will be a chance for the President to clearly explain his stance and direction on key national issues to the public. I hope that President Lee, who always emphasizes communication with the people, will sincerely share his views to enhance trust in his administration.* This article has been translated by AI. September 16, 2026
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Kang Shin-cheol's Confirmation Hearing Sparks Tensions Over Witnesses and Evidence The confirmation hearing for Kang Shin-cheol, the nominee for Minister of National Defense, began with sharp disputes between the ruling and opposition parties over the selection of witnesses and the submission of evidence. Im Jong-deuk, the opposition partys representative on the National Defense Committee, criticized the hearing during a procedural statement, saying, This has become a hearing where no one can be called to verify the facts of the allegations raised. The verification through witnesses has been effectively blocked. Im specifically pointed out that requested materials, including the military records of the nominees children, had not been submitted. He demanded evidence regarding a loan allegation involving 700 million won, stating that documentation and explanations from relevant parties were necessary to confirm the circumstances of the loan, repayment ability, and actual repayment status. In response, Kim Byeong-joo, the ruling partys representative, argued that the oppositions proposed witnesses included personnel related to the nominees office, stating, The hearing should not become a platform for political attacks. He emphasized the need to thoroughly verify the nominees capabilities and policies, cautioning against baseless allegations regarding morality. National Defense Committee Chairman Jin Sung-jun explained that the failure to reach an agreement between the parties resulted in the lack of selected witnesses. While he expressed that there was no practical benefit to additional selections, he requested that the nominee submit as much relevant material as possible with the cooperation of the Ministry of National Defense and his family. Meanwhile, during his opening remarks at the confirmation hearing, Kang stated, I will create a victorious Republic of Korea Armed Forces, adding, Victory will become the strategy of our defense and the policy of our defense. He further noted, As we establish a defense posture led by our military across all domains, we will strengthen our combined defense posture under the solid trust of the South Korea-U.S. alliance.* This article has been translated by AI. September 16, 2026