Korea Times Finance Reporter
Lee Hyo-jin covers the Bank of Korea, the banking industry and broader financial news. Her previous beats include foreign affairs, North Korea and general reporting on Korean society.
A local court has ruled that the government pay 208 million won ($153,640) in compensation to Arnold Samberg, a 67-year-old retired United States Forces Korea (USFK) sergeant, who was struck in the face by a stray police bullet as officers were responding to a confrontation with a fierce dog.
Voters are prohibited from bringing spring onions into polling stations during the general elections, as the nation's election watchdog perceived the act as politically motivated and may constitute a violation of the Public Official Election Act.
As the April 10 general election day looms just around the corner, political parties are engaging in a last-minute sprint to woo voters, with a particular focus on young people who are anticipated to play a decisive role in the outcome.
Discussions concerning women's rights and gender equality are expected to be limited in the upcoming National Assembly, as few political parties — none of them major — have included campaign pledges to address these agendas.
United warnings by the government and the ruling People Power Party (PPP) about North Korea's alleged interference in the upcoming general elections through military provocations are being met with skepticism, with some analysts suggesting it to be an outdated tactic by the conservative bloc to rally supporters.
The ruling People Power Party (PPP) is distancing itself from President Yoon Suk Yeol, seemingly concerned that the declining popularity of the leader could further hamper the party's already precarious position in the upcoming April 10 general elections.
During a televised public address on Monday, President Yoon Suk Yeol reiterated his firm belief that Korea must increase the medical school admissions quota by 2,000 per year to address a looming doctor shortage despite negative sentiment toward his "obsession" by some members of the public as well as doctors.
Political parties are engaged in heated campaigning with less than a week left until early voting for the general elections. The ruling People Power Party (PPP) is escalating attacks on its liberal opposition the Democratic Party of Korea's (DPK) controversial candidates, while the DPK's election strategy is focused on scrutinizing the Yoon Suk Yeol administration to resonate with voters who are displeased with the government's performance.
The main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) is currently holding a significant advantage over the ruling People Power Party (PPP) as the April 10 general elections approach, with official electioneering commencing on Thursday.
Officials at the Busan Election Commission organize posters of candidates running in the April 10 general elections at the commission's office, Wednesday, one day before the official election campaign kicks off. The campaign will run for 13 days until the eve of the election. Yonhap