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Lee to hold press conference Friday to state 'clear position on key issues'

President Lee Jae Myung will hold a press conference at Cheong Wa Dae later this week to state his "clear position on key issues," and underscore his commitment to reform and putting people's livelihoods first, a presidential official said Tuesday. The presser will run for 90 minutes from 10 a.m. Friday and be divided into two parts — politics and foreign affairs, and policy and the economy — with some 150 local and foreign journalists in attendance, Seong Ghi-hong, senior presidential secretary for public relations and communication, told reporters. Lee will start with opening remarks, take questions from the floor and then give closing remarks. "The upcoming press conference will be an opportunity to convey the president's firm commitment to reform, his principle of putting people's livelihoods first in state affairs and a stronger message of national unity," Seong said. "Moreover, (the president) will state and explain to the people his clear position and direction on key issues." Seong said the president will field questions on all topics and issues without restriction, and plans

Sep 15, 2026By Yonhap
Lee to hold press conference Friday to state 'clear position on key issues'

Justice minister nominee hits back over lobbying allegations

Justice minister nominee Kim Seung-won said Tuesday, that if he is appointed, he will prevent information about an investigation by the police or prosecution from being “used politically.” His pledge is an apparent counterattack against independent Rep. Han Dong-hoon’s disclosure of probe materials about Kim’s alleged illegal lobbying activities. The justice minister nominee said Han, a former prosecutor, should disclose how he obtained the investigation materials. "If I am given the opportunity to serve as minister, I will correct [the practice of] the political use of investigative information," Kim said in his opening remarks at his confirmation hearing at the National Assembly. Kim, also a two-term lawmaker, was suspected of using his influence to lobby for the approval of a pharmaceutical company's COVID-19 clinical drug trial in October 2021, although prosecutors later suspended the indictment following an investigation. Han brought back the allegation after Kim's nomination was announced. Kim and the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) then claimed that Han obtained con

Sep 15, 2026By Yi Whan-woo
Justice minister nominee hits back over lobbying allegations

Labor minister proposes social dialogue over mega cluster bill

Labor Minister Kim Young-hoon on Tuesday proposed a "one-point social dialogue" to discuss contentious issues surrounding an envisioned special bill that would significantly relax labor regulations, including the 52-hour workweek limit, in mega-scale semiconductor clusters. The government aims to introduce the so-called mega cluster bill by the end of this month, which may include a plan to exempt managers and researchers in the top 3 percent of income earners from the 52-hour workweek limit, as well as overtime, night and holiday work allowances. The nation's 52-hour workweek law was introduced in 2018 to prevent overwork. In addition, the government is considering extending the basis period for the selective working hour system from the current one month to six months in the special mega clusters. The selective working hour system is designed to allow employees to work intensively during a specific period, as long as their total working hours over the basis period do not exceed the limit. But the nation's two major umbrella labor unions have strongly condemned the government's move to

Sep 15, 2026By Yonhap
Labor minister proposes social dialogue over mega cluster bill

Rival parties clash as confirmation hearings begin for Cabinet nominees

The National Assembly began confirmation hearings for three Cabinet posts Tuesday, with rival parties locking horns over illegal lobbying allegations involving the justice minister nominee. At the center of attention is the hearing for Justice Minister nominee Kim Seung-won, who has come under fire over allegations that he illegally lobbied the food and drug safety ministry in 2021 to help win approval for a COVID-19 treatment. "I apologize for causing concerns to the public over allegations surrounding myself," Kim said at the hearing. "I will faithfully answer each lawmaker's questions today and explain in detail any claims that are inconsistent with the facts." The hearing got off to a rocky start even before lawmakers began questioning Kim, as rival parties exchanged barbs over allegations involving a social cooperative for people with developmental disabilities where Kim's wife works. Lawmakers of the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) have questioned whether he is fit to serve as justice minister, also taking issue with his involvement in a group of ruling party lawmakers dem

Sep 15, 2026By Yonhap
Rival parties clash as confirmation hearings begin for Cabinet nominees

Lee, ADB chief agree to boost cooperation on critical minerals, AI

President Lee Jae Myung and the chief of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) agreed Monday to enhance cooperation on critical minerals and artificial intelligence (AI), the presidential office said. Lee and ADB President Masato Kanda also discussed ways to deepen ties in energy, including nuclear power, during their talks at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul, presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung said in a written briefing. Lee proposed expanding cooperation between Korea and the ADB to help stabilize the supply chain of critical minerals in Central Asia, citing the growth potential of the region given its "abundant natural resources and geographical advantages." Kanda expressed hope for cooperation with Korea, saying strengthening critical mineral supply chains is one of the ADB's top priorities. On artificial intelligence, Lee outlined the Korean government's efforts to advance the AI sector, citing the "AI for all" project, an initiative aimed at creating an "AI-basic society" where people can use AI services regardless of income, age or digital literacy. "We can achieve meaningful results by integ

Sep 14, 2026By Yonhap
Lee, ADB chief agree to boost cooperation on critical minerals, AI

Lee's bungled personnel picks hold back his agenda

President Lee Jae Myung is facing difficulty in regaining momentum in state affairs, as a Cabinet reshuffle intended to give his administration a fresh start in its second year has instead backfired amid a series of controversies. Rep. Yong Hye-in, nominated as minister of gender equality and family by Lee, stepped down Sunday after two weeks at the center of controversy, removing one immediate source of trouble but doing little to resolve broader questions about the administration's personnel choices. Her nomination renewed questions about the influence of Kim Hyun-ji, Lee's longtime aide and first deputy chief of staff, over personnel choices and state affairs — questions that have persisted since Lee took office in June 2025. The presidential office has rejected speculation about Kim's involvement, but Yong's nomination has drawn criticism of the administration's personnel vetting process. Another disputed pick, Justice Minister nominee Kim Seung-won, is set to proceed with his confirmation hearing on Tuesday, indicating implicit backing from Cheong Wa Dae and the ruling Democratic

Sep 14, 2026By Yi Whan-woo
Lee's bungled personnel picks hold back his agenda

Supreme Court justice nominee vows efforts to keep up with changing times

Supreme Court Justice nominee Kim Sung-soo pledged Monday to make efforts to help the judiciary keep pace with changing times, highlighting the need to not fall behind societal changes. Kim made the remarks during his parliamentary confirmation hearing at the National Assembly after President Lee Jae Myung earlier referred his nomination to the parliament for approval. "While closely reading the changes of our times, (I) will contribute, even in a small way, so that the judiciary can keep up," Kim said. "Our society is rapidly changing and the judiciary, which protects people's rights, should not fall behind." Last month, Supreme Court Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae recommended Kim and another judge to become new justices to the top court to the president. Lee, however, only referred Kim to the National Approval for approval, with the presidential office saying the recommendation of the other judge lacked "procedural completeness."

Sep 14, 2026By Yonhap
Supreme Court justice nominee vows efforts to keep up with changing times

President Lee's approval rating hits new low amid controversy over Cabinet reshuffle: poll

President Lee Jae Myung's approval rating fell to the lowest level since he took office, marking the ninth consecutive week of decline, a poll showed Monday. In the poll conducted on 2,515 adults from Monday to Friday by Realmeter and commissioned by the EKN newspaper, 33.8 percent positively assessed Lee's handling of state affairs, down 3.6 percentage points from the previous week. His disapproval rating rose 3.8 percentage points to 63.3 percent. Realmeter attributed the decline in Lee's approval rating to negative public sentiment over controversies surrounding his recent Cabinet reshuffle, the possible deployment of military assets to the Strait of Hormuz and uncertainty over real estate policies. The pollster also cited a sharp drop in support among liberal voters and those in their 20s, with support from those aged 18 to 29 falling 10.2 percentage points. Lee's picks for justice minister and gender equality minister have been at the center of controversy in recent weeks. Rep. Yong Hye-in of the minor Basic Income Party, who was tapped as the new minister of gender equality, stepped

Sep 14, 2026By Yonhap
President Lee's approval rating hits new low amid controversy over Cabinet reshuffle: poll

Lee congratulates Korean director on Venice film festival award

President Lee Jae Myung on Sunday extended congratulations to Korean film director Lee Chang-dong on winning the Silver Lion Grand Jury Prize at the prestigious Venice International Film Festival. "I once again sincerely congratulate the director, all the actors and staff members. I will cheer for the bright journey of Korean cinema down the road," the president wrote on his X account. Lee issued the message after the director's winning of the award at the 83rd edition of the Italian film festival held in Venice on Saturday (local time) with "Possible Love." It is the first Korean film to win a prize at the Venice film fest since Kim Ki-duk clinched the Golden Lion for his crime thriller "Pieta" in 2012. "I hope that on the occasion of this award, our films will be further diversified and many films will reach wider audiences across the world," the president said. The president met with the director and actors of the film on the sidelines of the Lumiere Summit on the future of cinema, which he co-chaired with French President Emmanuel Macron last Monday in Saint-Paul-de-Vence. "During the

Sep 13, 2026By Yonhap
Lee congratulates Korean director on Venice film festival award

Controversial gender minister nominee withdraws candidacy

Rep. Yong Hye-in of the minor Basic Income Party withdrew her nomination for minister of gender equality and family Sunday, ending two weeks of mounting controversy over her decision to retain her parliamentary seat alongside the cabinet post. “I decided to step down as the nominee for minister of gender equality and family, relinquishing my personal determination to create a gender-equal society for all under the Lee Jae Myung administration,” Yong said during a press conference at the National Assembly. She cited opposition from within the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) as the decisive factor. “Cabinet members are meant to bridge the Assembly and government to build consensus. With even the ruling party voicing concern, I concluded that fulfilling the duties in reality would be impossible,” Yong said. “I also determined that stopping here is necessary to carry forward the spirit of solidarity of the DPK, the Basic Income Party and the broader democratic progressive bloc.” Yong also directed criticism at the main opposition People Power Party (PPP), accusing it of ab

Sep 13, 2026By Park Ji-won
Controversial gender minister nominee withdraws candidacy
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