Author: 김남일
In the midst of controversy surrounding his pro-Japanese and New Right views, Independence Hall Chairman Kim Hyung-seok faced pressure to resign but remained tight-lipped when asked if he acknowledges the liberation of South Korea in 1945. At a parliamentary session, when questioned about the liberation and his qualifications as chairman, Kim declined to comment, stating that he had nothing to say in his capacity as chairman. Despite being pressed for a yes or no answer, Kim insisted on not commenting. He acknowledged making a controversial statement in December last year but refused to elaborate further due to his responsibilities as…
Recent reports confirm the repercussions of President Yoon Suk-yeol’s statement last June that the R&D budget needs reevaluation. Over 12,000 science and technology projects faced budget cuts this year, leading to the suspension of 96 projects due to the misallocation of funds. The upcoming review of the 2025 budget at the National Assembly is expected to reignite debates over the ‘cartel, shield and research suspension’ issues triggered by the President’s remarks. The reduction in research funding has caused turmoil in the scientific community, with 1,958 projects facing modifications resulting in a 29.2% budget cut. Furthermore, 316 projects have lowered their…
The recent removal of Dokdo sculptures in areas frequently visited by Japanese and other foreign tourists has sparked concerns. In response, the Democratic Party of Korea has established a truth investigation team to look into the “erasing of Dokdo” under the Yoon Suk-yeol government. The party plans to conduct a comprehensive investigation of Dokdo-related materials and facilities in government agencies and public institutions. Amidst the controversy, spokesperson Han Min-soo revealed that Dokdo sculptures have been removed from subway stations and war memorials. The reasoning provided by the Seoul Metropolitan Subway and the War Memorial did not seem justifiable, leading to…
Kim Mun-su, nominee for South Korea’s minister of employment and labor, faces pressure from opposition and labor groups due to controversial past anti-labor actions. In a parliamentary confirmation hearing, questions focused on Kim’s ultra-right tendencies and lack of transparency in responses. Despite defending his labor beliefs, Kim refused to answer questions about his political affiliations and previous right-wing activities. Kim also evaded questions about his interactions with President Yoon Suk-yeol and other political figures, raising concerns about his ability to lead the labor ministry impartially. His responses, filled with refusals and vague answers, did little to reassure critics about his…
The South Korean presidential office recently distributed a four-page document titled ‘Reference materials for Kyoto International School (Winner of Summer Koshien National High School Baseball Tournament)’. This move is unusual as it involved distributing information related to high school baseball in Japan by the South Korean presidential office. The document highlights the historical victory of the Korean-descendent Kyoto International School baseball team in the prestigious Japanese high school baseball tournament, ‘Summer Koshien’. The president, Yoon Suk-yeol, expressed his support for the team on social media, emphasizing the power of baseball to bring the two nations closer. The presidential office’s decision…
In a surprising turn of events, the floor leader of the main opposition party, Kim Gi-ho, tested positive for COVID-19 on the 23rd. With the parliament already busy dealing with the resurgence of the virus, this development is set to bring additional complications to the schedule. An official from Kim’s office stated, “He will undergo necessary self-isolation. He has canceled all his plans until Sunday the 25th.” Kim was absent from a crucial party meeting on the same day, with policy chairman Kim Sang-hoon stepping in to lead in his place. It has been confirmed that Kim will not be…
The National Human Rights Commission of Korea recently released a card news titled ‘Knowing the Anti-Corruption Act before Chuseok’, shedding light on the rules regarding gifts and favors for public officials. The Act prohibits the giving or receiving of gifts by public officials and their families if they are related to their duties, with limited exceptions. This comes after a controversy involving the wife of a high-ranking official receiving an expensive handbag as a gift, prompting questions about the enforcement of the Act. The Commission clarified that gifts to public officials or their spouses should be avoided if they are…
In a recent development, Han Dong-hoon, the leader of the People Power Party, proposed live broadcasting a meeting with Lee Jae-myung, the leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, scheduled for the 25th. However, concerns arose internally about turning the negotiation and compromise into a televised debate, fearing it might lead to a fruitless “empty-handed meeting.” During a radio show appearance, lawmaker Yoon Sang-hyun, with extensive experience in various negotiation tables, emphasized that live broadcasting such a crucial meeting is not the norm. He highlighted the importance of behind-the-scenes discussions and the need for confidentiality in negotiation processes. Similarly, Kim…