The Korea Times

Editorial Soaring inflation

Time to put top priority on stabilizing prices물가 안정에 최우선 순위를 둘 때다Taming inflation is getting more difficult as consumer prices shot up last month by more than 4 percent for the first time in a decade. This casts a dark cloud over much-touted efforts by the incoming Yoon Suk-yeol administration to improve the people's livelihoods by speeding up an economic recovery.지난 달 소비자 물가가 10년 만에 처음으로 4% 이상 급등하면서 인플레이션을 억제하는 것이 점점 더 어려워지고 있다. 이는 경제 회복에 박차를 가해 민생을 개선하려는 차기 윤석열 정부의 노력에 먹구름을 드리우고 있다.On Tuesday, Statistics Korea said consumer prices surged 4.1 percent in March from a year earlier, hitting the highest level since December 2011 when the prices jumped 4.2 percent year-on-year. The upsurge came after consumer prices remained in the 3 percent range in February for the fifth consecutive month.화요일 통계청에 따르면 3월 소비자 물가는 전년 동월 대비 4.1% 상승해 2011년 12월 4.2% 급등 이후 최고치를 기록했다. 이러한 상승은 소비자 물가가 2월에 5개월 연속 3%대를 유지한 후 나왔다.The statistics office attributed soaring inflation to higher energy prices following the Russian invasion of Ukraine and growing demand-pull price pressure amid eased COVID-19 restrictio

Apr 8, 2022By Ahn Seong-jin

Editorial

Editorial Row over first lady's clothes

Time to improve transparency of 'special activity expenses'특수활동비 투명성 높여야 할 때Cheong Wa Dae said last Thursday that it "could not understand why it should matter whether first lady Kim Jung-sook paid with cash or card in buying clothes at her own expense." The presidential office made the remarks in response to the controversy over the first lady's alleged purchases of apparel using the special activity expense fund, which is allotted to some government agencies. The office then refused to disclose the details of the fund's use, saying, "It is the government's common principle to keep the details private."청와대는 지난 목요일 “김정숙 여사가 옷값 지불에 대해 현금이냐 카드냐가 왜 중요한 지 이해할 수 없다”고 밝혔다. 청와대는 일부 정부 부처에 배정된 특수활동비 지원금을 사용해 영부인이 의류를 구입했다는 논란에 대해 이같이 밝혔다. 청와대는 또 "특수활동비 사용 내역을 비공개로 하는 것이 정부의 공통된 원칙"이라며 구체적인 사용 내역 공개를 거부했다.The essence of the controversy over the first lady's wardrobe lies in the special activity fund. Earlier this month, Cheong Wa Dae rejected a court ruling that the presidential office should disclose information on its off-the-record expenses related to the first lady's clothing

Apr 4, 2022By Ahn Seong-jin

Editorial

Editorial Impact of higher oil prices

Take measures to minimize economic fallout경제적 여파를 최소화하기 위한 조치를 취하라Rising international crude prices are causing a spike in domestic oil prices, increasing inflationary pressure and dimming the business outlook for local enterprises. The higher oil costs are likely to dampen Korea’s economic recovery. The prices of U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) and Brent crude stood at $109.30 and $116.00 a barrel Monday, respectively. This represents a drastic surge from a month earlier when prices stood below $90 a barrel.국제 유가 상승은 국내 유가를 치솟게 하고 인플레이션 압력을 증가시키며 국내 기업들의 사업 전망을 어둡게 하고 있다. 유가 상승은 경기 회복을 늦출 가능성이 높다. 미국 서부 텍사스산 중질유(WTI)와 브렌트유 가격은 월요일 각각 배럴당 109.30달러와 116.00달러에 거래됐다. 이는 가격이 배럴당 90달러 이하로 떨어졌던 한 달 전보다 급격히 상승한 것이다.The average gasoline price nationwide climbed to 2,001 won ($1.64) per liter Monday, while that of diesel rose to 1,920 won, hitting its highest in 14 years, according to the Korea National Oil Corp. (KNOC). This is bad news for the export-oriented Korean economy that is highly vulnerable to price fluctuations in global resources markets.한국석유공사에 따르면 월요일 전국 평균 휘발유 가격은 리터당

Apr 1, 2022By Ahn Seong-jin

Editorial

Editorial Intensifying conflicts

Moon, Yoon should meet to narrow differences문 대통령과 윤 당선인은 만나서 이견을 좁혀야A clash is intensifying between the incoming and outgoing administrations over President-elect Yoon Suk-yeol's plan to relocate the presidential office to the of Ministry of National Defense compound in Yongsan, central Seoul. In an apparent rejection of the plan, President Moon Jae-in said, "I will carry out my final mission as head of state, chief executive and commander of the armed forces." Moon made the remark during a Cabinet meeting Tuesday, in a bid to put the brakes on the relocation plan citing security concerns.용산 국방부 청사로 가는 윤석열 대통령 당선인의 대통령 집무실 이전 계획을 둘러싸고 다음 정부와 현 정부 간에 갈등이 심화되고 있다. 이 이전 계획에 반대하듯 문재인 대통령은 "국가원수이자 행정수반, 군통수권자로서의 책무를 다하는 것을 마지막 사명으로 삼겠다"고 말했다. 문 대통령은 화요일 국무회의에서 안보 문제를 이유로 이전 계획에 제동을 걸며 이 같은 발언을 했다.In response, Yoon's spokeswoman, Rep. Kim Eun-hye of the main opposition People Power Party (PPP), called on Moon to support the relocation. "We want your help so that we can work," she said. As the nation is facing diverse challenges such as the resurgent COVID-19 pandemic and North Korea's con

Mar 28, 2022By Ahn Seong-jin

Editorial

Editorial Reform of ruling party

DPK should go all-out to regain public trust민주당은 국민의 신뢰를 회복하는 데 총력을 기울여야The ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) is still reeling from the aftermath of its defeat in the March 9 presidential election. It is now run by an interim leader after Chairman Song Young-gil resigned, taking responsibility for the election loss to Yoon Suk-yeol of the main opposition People Power Party (PPP).여당인 더불어민주당이 3월 9일에 있은 대선 패배의 여파로 여전히 휘청거리고 있다. 윤석열 당시 국민의힘 후보에게 선거에 패배한 책임을 지고 송영길 대표가 사퇴한 후 민주당은 현재 비상대책위원회 체제로 운영되고 있다.DPK floor leader Rep. Yun Ho-jung has become the party's interim leader. He is co-heading the party's emergency committee with Park Ji-hyun, a 26-year-old activist who has worked toward eradicating online sex crimes. However, the emergency leadership's legitimacy is questioned because Yun is one of those accountable for the party's failure to win the election.민주당 윤호중 원내대표는 당의 비대위원장이 되었다. 윤 비대위원장은 온라인 성범죄 근절을 위해 활동해 온 박지현(26) 민주당 공동비대위원장과 함께 비대위를 이끌고 있다. 그러나 윤 비대위원장은 선거 패배에 책임이 있는 한 사람이기 때문에 비대위 지도부의 정당성을 두고 의문이 제기된다.It is regrettable to see the DPK plunging into a factional strife. Som

Mar 28, 2022By Ahn Seong-jin

Editorial

Editorial Hasty relocation decision

New presidential office plan lacks consensus새 집무실 이전 계획은 합의 부족On Sunday, President-elect Yoon Suk-yeol announced a decision to relocate the presidential office from Cheong Wa Dae to the Ministry of National Defense building in Yongsan, central Seoul. The decision is part of his campaign pledge to move out of a symbol of the "imperial" presidency and better communicate with the people.윤석열 대통령 당선인은 일요일 청와대에서 용산 국방부 청사로 청와대 이전을 결정했다. 이번 결정은 ‘제왕적’ 대통령직의 상징에서 벗어나 국민들과 더 나은 소통을 하겠다는 선거 공약의 일부이다.Yoon said he will start his five-year presidency at the office to be created on the second floor of the defense ministry building after his inauguration on May 10. He plans to use one of the government's official residences in Hannam-dong, close to the ministry, as his residence. With the relocation, Cheong Wa Dae will be opened fully to the public on the same day.윤 당선인은 5월 10일 취임 후 국방부 청사 2층에 마련될 대통령 집무실에서 5년 임기를 시작할 것이라고 말했다. 윤 당선인은 국방부와 가까운 한남동 공관 중 하나를 관저로 사용할 예정이다. 이번 이전 계획으로 청와대는 5월 10일 국민에게 전면 개방된다.In the lead-up to the March 9 election, Yoon had initially promised to relocate the

Mar 22, 2022By Ahn Seong-jin

Editorial

Editorial Limiting presidential powers

Yoon should restore democracy as promised윤 당선인은 약속대로 민주주의를 회복해야 한다President-elect Yoon Suk-yeol has reaffirmed his plan to eliminate the office of the senior presidential secretary for civil affairs. The office has been used to "control political opponents and conduct clandestine probes into civilians under the excuse of verifying personnel," Yoon said during a meeting with Ahn Cheol-soo, chairman of the presidential transition committee, Monday. He stressed the need to terminate the bad legacy of former presidents.윤석열 대통령 당선인이 민정수석실 폐지 방침을 재확인했다. 윤 당선인은 이날 안철수 대통령직인수위원장과의 회동에서 청와대는 "정치적 반대 세력을 통제하고 인사 검증을 빌미로 민간인에 대한 은밀한 사찰을 해왔다"며 이같이 말했다. 그는 전직 대통령들의 나쁜 유산을 종식시킬 필요가 있다고 강조했다.The office has been in charge of looking into possible corruption involving the president's relatives and high-ranking officials and vetting Cabinet nominees. It has also been overseeing law enforcement agencies such as the prosecution and police, the National Intelligence Service, the Board of Audit and Inspection, and the National Tax Service. However, the presidential office has been criticized for wielding

Mar 18, 2022By Ahn Seong-jin

Editorial

Editorial Disastrous forest fires

Time to spare no efforts to prevent wildfires산불 방지에 총력을 다해야The nation is bracing for increasing damage from multiple wildfires in eastern coastal areas after the first fire broke out in Uljin, North Gyeongsang Province, Friday. Prompted by high winds and dry conditions, the fires burned 21,765 hectares of forest, equivalent to a third of Seoul City, in Uljin and other coastal regions as of 6 p.m. Monday, according to the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters.우리나라는 금요일 경상북도 울진에서 첫 산불이 발생한 뒤 동해안 지역에서 발생한 많은 산불로 인한 피해 증가 상황에 대비하고 있다. 중앙재난안전대책본부에 따르면 이번 화재는 강풍과 건조한 날씨로 인해 월요일 오후 6시 현재 울진 및 해안 지역에서 서울시의 3분의 1에 해당하는 산림 약 21,765헥타르(ha)를 태웠다.Despite the disastrous situation, it is fortunate that no casualties have been reported so far. But it is heartbreaking to see that more than 7,300 people from some 4,600 households were forced to leave their homes and move to makeshift facilities. The fires, seen as the worst disaster since the 2000 east coast forest fire, engulfed 570 facilities including 343 homes in areas such as Samcheok, Gangneung, Donghae and Yeongweol in Gangwon

Mar 14, 2022By Ahn Seong-jin

Editorial

Editorial Time for national unity

New leader should bring change for the better새 지도자는 더 나은 미래를 위한 변화를 만들어내야 한다Yoon Suk-yeol, the candidate of the main conservative opposition People Power Party (PPP), was elected as the country’s next president, Wednesday. He secured 48.56 percent of the vote, defeating Lee Jae-myung of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) who garnered 47.83 percent. Yoon, a former prosecutor general and political novice, won the election by the narrowest margin ever in the history of the Republic of Korea.제1 보수 야당인 국민의힘 윤석열 후보가 수요일 차기 대통령으로 선출되었다. 그는 48.56%의 득표율로 47.83%를 얻은 여당인 더불어민주당의 이재명 후보를 제쳤다. 검찰총장 출신으로 정치 초보인 윤 후보는 이번 선거에서 대한민국 역사상 가장 근소한 차이로 승리했다.Yoon’s victory reflected the people’s aspiration for a change of government. Yet he failed to gain a majority. So he should accept the election results humbly and listen to the voices of those who supported his rivals.윤 후보의 승리는 정권 교체에 대한 국민들의 열망을 반영했다. 그러나 그는 과반수 득표에 실패했다. 따라서 그는 선거 결과를 겸허히 받아들이고 다른 후보를 지지한 사람들의 목소리에 귀를 기울여야 한다.Now the election is over, everyone needs to join in efforts to usher in a new Korea and a better fut

Mar 14, 2022By Ahn Seong-jin

Editorial

Editorial Fielding single candidate

Opposition seeks to boost chances in election야권, 당선 가능성 높이려 해Two opposition presidential candidates have reached a last-minute agreement on fielding a single candidate, raising their chances of winning in the March 9 election. Under the accord announced Thursday, Ahn Cheol-soo of the minor People's Party dropped out of the race and declared his support for Yoon Suk-yeol of the main opposition People Power Party (PPP).야권 대선 후보 2명이 막판 단일화에 합의하면서 3월 9일 대통령 선거에서 당선 가능성이 높아졌다. 화요일 발표된 합의에 따라 국민의당 안철수 후보는 중도 하차하고 제1야당인 국민의힘 윤석열 후보 지지를 선언했다.The surprise deal has turned the presidential race into a three-way competition among Yoon and his two rivals, Lee Jae-myung of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) and Sim Sang-jung of the minor progressive Justice Party. It came as Yoon and Lee were engaging in a neck-and-neck battle with around 40 percent of public support each in the latest polls, while Ahn was struggling with less than 10 percent.이 갑작스런 단일화로 이번 대선은 윤 후보와 그의 두 라이벌인 더불어민주당 이재명 후보와 정의당 심상정 후보 간의 3파전이 되었다. 이번 단일화는 최근 여론조사에서 윤 후보와 이 후보가 각각 40퍼센트대의 지지율로 접전을 벌이고 있는 반면 안 후보는 10퍼센트 미만의

Mar 7, 2022By Ahn Seong-jin

Ahn Seong-jin

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Editorial Soaring inflation

Editorial Row over first lady's clothes

Editorial Impact of higher oil prices

Editorial Intensifying conflicts

Editorial Reform of ruling party

Editorial Hasty relocation decision

Editorial Limiting presidential powers

Editorial Disastrous forest fires

Editorial Time for national unity

Editorial Fielding single candidate

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