Gimpo overhauls city administration to speed up permits and improve public communication

A new citizen-communication office reporting directly to the mayor will lead conflict mediation; a second permits division will consolidate licensing under one roof. The Urban Housing Bureau will be split in two, the Future Strategy Bureau abolished, and 27 new positions added. Changes take effect Oct. 6. Gimpo City is undertaking a sweeping organizational overhaul aimed at resolving concerns over administrative unresponsiveness and accelerating the handling of complex civil complaints. The restructuring plan, focused on strengthening on-the-ground execution and improving services that residents can feel directly, takes effect Oct. 6. The centerpiece of the reorganization is the creation of a new Citizen Communication Planning Office reporting directly to the mayor. The office will serve as a control tower for proactively mediating and resolving local conflicts by expanding public participation from the earliest stages of policy development. The move is intended to put an end to longstanding criticism of opaque administration and to align the city more closely with the central government's push for citizen-centered complaint handling. The city will also overhaul its permitting and transportation systems. A new second permits division will be established within the housing bureau to consolidate licensing functions that had been scattered across multiple departments, sharply cutting procedural steps and creating a one-stop system for resolving civil complaints. At the bureau level, the existing Urban Housing Bureau will be split into a separate Urban Bureau and Housing Bureau, while the Future Strategy Bureau — seen as having limited practical impact — will be abolished and its functions redistributed to frontline operational departments. The city will also consolidate its major transportation policy functions, including the expansion of metropolitan transit networks, into a single channel to enable faster responses to key issues. The welfare and local economy sectors will also be restructured. A new integrated care division will bring together health, medical, residential and welfare services to establish a Gimpo-style community integrated care system, while existing departments will be reorganized into a gender equality and family division and a child care division. The existing Economy Bureau will be renamed the Industry and Economy Bureau to pursue the development of future strategic industries and the revitalization of local small businesses at the same time. In total, the reorganization adds one division and six teams, with 27 new positions created to meet growing administrative demand. "This reorganization is a field-oriented, action-driven decision to swiftly resolve long-blocked civil complaints and pressing urban issues," a city official said. "We will quickly deliver results that residents can feel in their daily lives under the new organizational structure."

Sept. 16, 2026

PM Han proposes resource, energy and AI cooperation with three Central Asian nations

Series of business roundtables raises hopes for deeper ties; 'combining technology and resources' Prime Minister Han Seong-sook held a series of business roundtables Tuesday with the presidents of three Central Asian countries visiting Seoul for the first Korea-Central Asia Summit, the Prime Minister's Office said, with discussions focused on expanding cooperation. At the first roundtable, held in the afternoon at The Grand Lotte Hotel Seoul in Jung-gu with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Han described Kazakhstan as "South Korea's largest trading partner in Central Asia and a key investment partner." She called for deeper cooperation in building strategic supply chains for critical minerals and energy, leading future industries through AI and digital transformation, and expanding youth innovation ecosystems. "We must open a new path toward advanced future technologies and innovation," she said. At the session with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Han said combining the two countries' strengths would yield strong results. "If Uzbekistan's abundant resources, young and talented workforce, and strong drive for reform and innovation are paired with South Korea's technology and capital, the future of both countries will be far more secure," she said. She urged both sides to use cooperation memorandums of understanding to transform manufacturing through AI and digital technology while jointly developing skilled workers. Han also called for building a critical minerals cooperation platform that would link South Korea's mineral processing and materials technology with Uzbekistan's industrial upgrading to create a shared critical minerals supply chain. At the final roundtable, with Turkmenistan President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, Han said she hoped to broaden cooperation into petrochemicals and the water industry to contribute to Turkmenistan's industrial advancement. "I expect the cooperation that began with cargo ship construction to expand into modernizing Caspian Sea ports, eco-friendly transportation and smart logistics, and for South Korea's digital technology to be applied to smart city development as well," she added.

Sept. 15, 2026

S. Korea, Japan defense chiefs hold video call; Ahn conveys condolences over Kumamoto quake

Ministers reaffirm 'reciprocal, future-oriented cooperation' Both sides agree to strengthen Korea-Japan and Korea-US-Japan security ties Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back held a video call Tuesday afternoon with Japanese Defense Minister Koizumi Shin-jiro to discuss bilateral security cooperation. During the call, Ahn conveyed condolences over the earthquake that recently struck the Kumamoto region of Japan and reaffirmed the trust and friendship built between the two countries' defense authorities during his tenure. A magnitude-7.1 earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture in Kyushu, Japan, on July 28, killing nearly 40 people and damaging thousands of homes as large shopping malls and paper factories collapsed. Aftershocks have continued across the Kumamoto area as recovery efforts proceed. The two ministers agreed on the importance of Korea-Japan and Korea-US-Japan cooperation for peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in the broader region. They also shared the view that reciprocal, future-oriented defense exchange and cooperation grounded in mutual understanding and trust should be pursued on a stable basis. Ahn and Koizumi have met multiple times since January, when Ahn visited Japan for their first talks, followed by video and in-person meetings in April and June. Their sixth meeting was held in Seoul on June 28, where they discussed ways to strengthen defense exchange and cooperation. The video call marked an instance of the two sides using established communication channels to address both disaster condolences and security cooperation at the same time.

Sept. 15, 2026

Lee calls Kazakhstan 'key partner' for economic security as two countries sign 13 MOUs

Summit held with Kazakh President Tokayev at Cheong Wa Dae President Lee Jae Myung held a summit with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on Tuesday, calling Kazakhstan "an important cooperative partner for South Korea's economic security." Speaking at the summit that afternoon at Cheong Wa Dae, Lee said the two countries share a common diplomatic orientation. "South Korea and Kazakhstan are both pursuing pragmatic diplomacy that expands the scope of external cooperation and prioritizes national interests and tangible results," he said. Lee opened by expressing gratitude to Tokayev, noting that the remains of independence hero Gen. Hong Beom-do were repatriated five years ago thanks to the Kazakh president's active cooperation, which he said had deepened mutual trust between the two nations. Lee said the international community is navigating an era of multiple, overlapping crises — geopolitical conflict, supply chain restructuring, transnational crime and energy security concerns. "In this environment, having trustworthy partners in the international community has become more important than ever in order to strengthen resilience against external shocks and secure a foundation for sustainable growth," he said. He went on to say that Kazakhstan is not only rich in energy and natural resources but also holds significant potential in future advanced industries, making it "an important cooperative partner in the area of South Korea's economic security." Lee added that he believed the summit would serve as a meaningful occasion to discuss various ways to improve the lives of both nations' citizens and achieve shared prosperity. Tokayev responded by announcing that the two countries had decided to elevate their relationship to a "future-oriented comprehensive strategic partnership." "We can say there are good outcomes and results in each area of our cooperation. Kazakhstan and South Korea are strategic partners," he said. He also noted that South Korea had invested $12 billion in the Kazakh economy, adding that major South Korean conglomerates — well known around the world — have successfully established a presence in Kazakhstan. On the sidelines of the summit, the two governments signed 13 agreements and MOUs. The two countries concluded a framework agreement on crude oil cooperation, committing to respond to global crude supply disruptions and to supply Kazakh crude oil, including output from Korea National Oil Corp. Under the agreement, the two sides will strengthen substantive cooperation across the entire crude oil value chain in Kazakhstan — covering oilfield development and petrochemicals — on the basis of equality, mutual benefit and economic efficiency. South Korea's minister of trade, industry and energy and the minister of climate, environment and energy each signed separate MOUs with Kazakhstan's nuclear energy authority — one on building cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy, and another on the peaceful use of nuclear power. The agreements cover joint research and development on nuclear power plants and small modular reactors, exchange of nuclear industry policy information, cooperation to secure the stability of nuclear fuel supply chains, and technical support in nuclear and radiation safety. Cheong Wa Dae said the agreements would help South Korean companies enter Kazakhstan's new nuclear power plant projects and strengthen cooperation on fuel supply chains with Kazakhstan — one of the world's leading uranium producers — to bolster energy security.

Sept. 15, 2026

'Hearing week' kicks off without a single witness amid clashes and tears

Kim Seung-won grilled over family, new drug allegations Lee Hyeong-il, Lee So-young face scrutiny over non-resident homeownership Ruling party cries 'political attack'; opposition says vetting has 'gone missing' "Hearing week" — a series of confirmation hearings for nominees to the second-term Lee Jae Myung cabinet — got underway Tuesday amid criticism that the proceedings amounted to little more than an empty exercise, with not a single witness called. Hearings for Justice minister nominee Kim Seung-won, Finance minister nominee Lee Hyeong-il and SMEs and Startups minister nominee Lee So-young were held simultaneously, with ruling and opposition lawmakers clashing repeatedly over ethical allegations rather than the nominees' policy credentials or competence. The most closely watched hearing — Kim's — descended into shouting from the outset, as lawmakers from both sides clashed over a social cooperative for people with developmental disabilities where Kim's spouse and children had worked. People Power Party lawmaker Ju Jin-woo said benefits from the cooperative had been concentrated exclusively on students at the school where Kim's spouse serves as principal. Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Nam-hee rebuffed that claim, saying she felt "devastated that the People Power Party refuses to hear the desperate cries of families with developmentally disabled members." The exchange quickly turned chaotic. Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Dong-a, who did not have the floor, shouted "devil" at the PPP members, prompting Ju to fire back at full volume: "The real devils are the ones skimming money from families." The hearing room briefly descended into pandemonium. When Kim Seung-won said of the cooperative, "This was not done for personal gain or profit," and dabbed his eyes with a handkerchief, Legislation and Judiciary Committee Chair Seo Yeong-gyo of the Democratic Party was also seen wiping away tears. PPP lawmakers Kim Min-jeon and Kim Tae-gyu responded with audible laughter. At the other two hearings, the nominees' ownership of homes in which they did not reside emerged as a parallel flashpoint. At Lee Hyeong-il's hearing, PPP lawmakers pressed him hard on his purchase of an apartment in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province, which he has held for 17 years while living there for only four months. At Lee So-young's hearing, PPP lawmaker Choi Su-jin said the nominee had not lived in her apartment in Hongje-dong, Seoul for seven years after buying it in 2016, during which time it appreciated by about 500 million won ($372,000). "That runs counter to the Lee Jae Myung government's real estate policy direction," Choi said. Lee So-young replied that the government's policy was to differentiate tax benefits for non-resident single-home owners — not to impose direct regulations.

Sept. 15, 2026

SME minister nominee says she doesn't understand why presidential term-limit reform is controversial

'Constitution bars applying changes to sitting president,' nominee says Cites Korea's history with dictatorship as reason for the provision Declines to comment on dropping of charges against President Lee Lee So-young, nominee for minister of SMEs and Startups, said Tuesday she does not understand why a constitutional reform to allow presidential re-election has become politically controversial — adding that even if such a change were adopted, it could not apply to the sitting president. Lee made the remarks at her confirmation hearing before the National Assembly in response to a question from People Power Party lawmaker Jo Ji-yeon asking her position on constitutional reform to allow presidential re-election. "Article 128 of the Constitution states that any amendment to presidential term provisions does not apply to the incumbent president," she said. "I believe that provision is not merely a constitutional rule — it reflects Korea's modern history and its experience with dictatorship." Article 128 of the Constitution explicitly states that any constitutional amendment to extend or change the presidential term has no effect on the president in office at the time the amendment is proposed. When Jo asked her position on the dropping of charges against President Lee Jae-myung, Lee declined to answer directly. "That question asks for my position on a specific case, and I do not think it is appropriate for a nominee for public office to respond," she said. The issue has been in the spotlight since National Assembly Speaker Jo Jeong-sik — a former political adviser to President Lee — said in July that allowing the incumbent president to seek re-election through constitutional reform was a matter for the people to decide. President Lee said Wednesday that "my term is clearly limited under the Constitution."

Sept. 15, 2026

Ruling party applauds Kim Seung-won's tears at confirmation hearing; opposition mocks

Nominee breaks down twice while addressing family allegations Kim Tae-gyu asks if nominee is going through menopause Ruling, opposition parties react in starkly contrasting ways The ruling and opposition parties reacted in starkly contrasting ways after Justice Minister nominee Kim Seung-won broke down in tears during his National Assembly confirmation hearing while addressing allegations involving his family. Lawmakers from the Democratic Party of Korea offered applause and encouragement, while People Power Party members responded with sharp criticism. Kim broke down twice on Tuesday, struggling to continue speaking, after critics raised the "family cooperative" issue — pointing to the fact that his son works at a social cooperative for child development run by his wife. He said his wife's salary and working conditions were determined entirely by the parents of the children in the program, and described his son's decision to follow his mother's path and care for children with developmental disabilities as both heartbreaking and admirable. After finishing his remarks, Kim wiped his eyes with a handkerchief. Democratic Party lawmakers responded with supportive applause. Seo Young-gyo, chair of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee and a fellow Democratic Party member, was seen wiping tears from her eyes as she listened to Kim speak. Democratic Party lawmaker Park Ji-won shared a video of Kim crying on Facebook, writing that he could not do what Kim had done, then turned the moment against People Power Party lawmaker Ju Jin-woo — who had raised the family allegations — asking whether Ju could do the same. The People Power Party, however, questioned the sincerity of Kim's tears. Lawmakers Kim Min-jeon and Kim Tae-gyu were seen smirking as the nominee became emotional. Kim Min-jeon wrote "crocodile tears" on Facebook, and later during the afternoon session said that since a transcript showed Kim had once told a broker surnamed Yang that he was moved to tears, watching the nominee tear up during his opening remarks made her think he was "consistently a crier." Kim Tae-gyu asked the nominee directly whether he was going through menopause after "a sea of tears" in the morning session, adding that if a person of the nominee's stature wept over something like this, ordinary citizens living harder lives would have to wail every single day. Independent lawmaker Han Dong-hoon reposted on Facebook an audio recording in which Kim had allegedly told broker Yang, "I miss you so much my eyes are tearing up" — a clip tied to allegations that Kim had sought to influence approval of a new drug clinical trial — and asked which set of tears was real. Kim said he cried partly because the moment brought back memories of his childhood, and offered an apology to anyone who found his display uncomfortable.

Sept. 15, 2026

Han Dong-hoon leads 'outside' hearing against Kim Seung-won: 'Being a humanities major doesn't excuse oppa lobbying'

Independent lawmaker mounts SNS offensive on confirmation hearing day 'Which tears were sincere, Kim?' 'He'll hunt down whistleblowers once he's minister' As the National Assembly confirmation hearing for Ministry of Justice minister nominee Kim Seung-won got underway Tuesday, independent lawmaker Han Dong-hoon drew attention by mounting a fierce offensive against the nominee from outside the hearing room. Han has positioned himself as Kim's chief critic since President Lee Jae Myung nominated him, and kept up the attack on the day of the hearing itself, posting a series of messages on Facebook. When Kim said at the hearing that Han — who had raised allegations of lobbying on behalf of a pharmaceutical firm — was "a great enemy of democracy," Han rebuffed him sharply. "Kim Seung-won said at the hearing that Han Dong-hoon, who exposed the oppa-poison lobbying, is an enemy of democracy," Han wrote, using the term "oppa" — a Korean word for an older brother or male acquaintance, used here in reference to alleged intimate communications. "The real enemies of democracy are Kim Seung-won, the oppa-poison lobbyist, and those trying to install him as 'minister of justice.'" Han was responding to remarks Kim made at the hearing in reply to Han's earlier allegations that Kim had sought to push through clinical trial approval for a COVID-19 drug developed by Genencell, a natural-product pharmaceutical firm. Kim said some of the materials Han submitted "fall outside the scope of the investigation related to me" and that "distorting and splicing together information to mislead public opinion is, I believe, a great enemy of democracy." Han also pushed back hard on Kim's statement that it must be made clear how internal prosecutors' documents had made their way to Han. "Kim Seung-won is swaggering like a gang boss, saying, 'I'll personally find out who reported my crimes once I become minister of justice,'" Han said, adding that "'oppa-poison lobbyist Kim Seung-won' is making a mockery of the Republic of Korea." Han was targeting Kim's remarks at the hearing in which Kim said he could not confirm what personal information of investigated citizens was held in Ministry of Justice or prosecutors' files, and pledged to conduct a thorough review if confirmed as minister. Han also took aim at Kim after the nominee shed tears during the hearing while explaining allegations of preferential treatment involving a cooperative where Kim's spouse and son work. "Kim Seung-won's tears — which tears were sincere?" Han wrote. In a separate Facebook post, Han said the nominee shed tears from the morning during the hearing on Tuesday, and asked: "Are these Tuesday tears — or the tears from Feb. 9, 2022, when he said 'I miss room-salon broker Yang so-and-so and tears are falling from my eyes'?" Han went on to reattach a transcript of a phone call he said Kim had with a person surnamed Yang on Feb. 9, 2022. The transcript contained provocative expressions including "oppa" and "tears are falling from my eyes because I miss you." In yet another post, Han took issue with Kim's response to questions about animal-test data for a COVID-19 treatment developed by Genencell — the pharmaceutical firm at the center of the lobbying allegations — after critics said the data had been fabricated. Kim said in effect: "I'm a humanities major. I have no way of knowing about the efficacy of a treatment." "Does being a humanities major mean it's acceptable to do oppa lobbying to get a poison approved? Are you insulting humanities majors across the country?" Han said. "It's even worse that, despite 'not knowing because he's a humanities major,' he carried out poison lobbying at the direction of his younger sister broker." Meanwhile, as Han led the scrutiny of Kim through a series of disclosures, voices within pro-Han circles of the People Power Party called for him to be included as a member of the confirmation hearing panel — but the party did not accept the proposal. Han nonetheless kept up his offensive against the nominee outside the hearing room, drawing attention by posting a steady stream of messages on SNS throughout the day.

Sept. 15, 2026

Democratic Party files police complaint against PPP's Lee Jin-suk over May 18 forum; Lee counters with defamation complaint

The Democratic Party of Korea's legal committee filed a police complaint Tuesday against People Power Party lawmaker Lee Jin-suk, who sparked controversy by hosting a forum at the National Assembly alongside right-wing groups that revisited the May 18 democratization movement. Lee, in turn, filed a separate complaint against Democratic Party lawmaker Park Ji-won, accusing him of defaming her through social media posts. The Democratic Party's legal committee held a press conference at the National Assembly alongside lawmakers from constituencies in South Jeolla Province and Gwangju, announcing it had filed a complaint with police accusing Lee of violating the May 18 Democratization Movement Act. At the press conference, the group said Lee "pressed ahead with the event to the end, contaminating the National Assembly — a sacred hall of the people's will — into a propaganda platform for malicious forces that distort history with falsehoods and wholly deny democratic values." They also said that "treating false claims that contradict final court rulings as truth and exploiting them politically can never fall within the exception for academic activities protected under the special act on the May 18 democratization movement," adding that "the series of acts led or participated in by lawmaker Lee do not constitute National Assembly proceedings or official legislative duties guaranteed by the Constitution" and that "Lee cannot hide behind constitutional immunity." Lee, meanwhile, filed a complaint the same day against Park at the Yeongdeungpo Police Station in Seoul, alleging defamation in violation of the Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection. Lee said Park posted entries on his blog and Facebook on Sunday referring to her as "someone who says the May 18 uprising was the work of North Korean troops." She denied ever claiming or agreeing that North Korean forces were behind the May 18 Gwangju democratization movement and vowed to "hold him legally accountable."

Sept. 15, 2026

Assembly speaker meets Turkmenistan president, pledges support for mutual cooperation

'Grateful for support in evacuating Korean nationals from Iran' National Assembly Speaker Cho Jung-sik met with Turkmenistan President Serdar Berdimuhamedov on Tuesday to discuss ways to strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation and promote parliamentary exchanges between the two countries. Cho welcomed the president's visit to the National Assembly and expressed hope that the trip would deepen bilateral ties. He also extended his personal gratitude for the president's role in helping Korean nationals safely evacuate from Iran last year and earlier this year. "As speaker of the National Assembly, I sincerely thank the president for his attention and support in ensuring our citizens could leave Iran safely," Cho said. Cho said the two countries have consistently maintained summit-level exchanges since establishing diplomatic relations in 1992, developing what he described as a "mutually beneficial partnership." He noted that economic cooperation had expanded significantly since Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov took office as president in 2007, with bilateral trade growing more than fivefold. Cho also expressed hope for the success of Turkmenistan's "Revival of the Great Silk Road" initiative, which aims to position the country as a hub for Eurasian logistics. "The National Assembly will actively support efforts to translate our mutually beneficial cooperation — drawing on South Korea's advanced technology and Turkmenistan's abundant natural resources — into tangible results," he said. Cho said he was pleased that a direct air route between the two countries had launched in July last year and that people-to-people exchanges were growing alongside rising interest in Korean culture. He asked for the president's continued attention and support in strengthening ties between the two parliaments. President Berdimuhamedov said Turkmenistan places great importance on deepening its relationship with South Korea and charting the course of future cooperation. "Bilateral cooperation is developing actively across diverse fields, including culture, humanities, commerce and trade," he said. He added that parliaments play a crucial role in promoting mutual understanding between the two nations. "We will work to strengthen inter-parliamentary cooperation through various means going forward," he said.

Sept. 15, 2026

Assembly speaker meets Uzbek president, vows to deepen 'special strategic partnership'

Speaker calls for stronger parliamentary ties through Korea-Central Asia speakers' conference National Assembly Speaker Jo Jeong-sik met with Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on Tuesday to discuss ways to strengthen practical cooperation between the two countries and expand inter-parliamentary exchanges. Jo welcomed Mirziyoyev and his delegation to the National Assembly, noting it was the president's third visit following trips in 2017 and 2021. "Uzbekistan is the only country in Central Asia to have established a 'special strategic partnership' with South Korea," Jo said. Jo said that since Mirziyoyev took office in 2016, bilateral trade has doubled in a decade, investment has grown fivefold, and people-to-people exchanges have nearly doubled. "This is the result of the president's reform and opening policies and the joint efforts of both countries," Jo said. "I look forward to the relationship advancing even further." Jo also noted that next year marks the 35th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries and the 90th anniversary of Koryo-saram settlement in Central Asia. "Uzbekistan is home to 170,000 Koryo-saram — the largest such community in Central Asia," he said. He expressed gratitude to President Lee Jae-myung for actively supporting projects for the ethnic Korean diaspora, including construction of a Koryo-saram history museum. Jo also stressed the importance of inter-parliamentary exchanges, noting that South Korea and the five Central Asian nations hold an annual Korea-Central Asia parliamentary speakers' conference to consistently advance legislative cooperation. He asked for Mirziyoyev's continued attention and support for bilateral parliamentary ties. In response, Mirziyoyev called South Korea "a cherished partner of Uzbekistan built on trust over many years." He expressed particular gratitude for South Korea's support in advancing an e-parliament project at the Uzbek lower house of parliament. Mirziyoyev added that annual bilateral trade currently stands at $2 billion and said he would work to create favorable conditions for South Korean companies to operate more actively in Uzbekistan, with a goal of expanding trade to $5 billion in line with agreements reached between the two presidents.

Sept. 15, 2026

[Breaking] President Lee to hold press conference at Cheong Wa Dae on Friday — 7th since taking office

President Lee will hold a press conference at Cheong Wa Dae on Friday, his seventh since taking office, amid warnings of public discontent.

Sept. 15, 2026

YouTube Premium subscription fee up 71.5% in 7 years, lawmaker calls for regulatory reform

Monthly fee rose from 8,690 won to 14,900 won; a single 42.58% hike came in 2023 Democratic Party lawmaker vows to pursue legislation on OTT terms-of-service rules YouTube Premium's monthly subscription fee has surged 71.5 percent compared with 2019 levels, a National Assembly lawmaker said Tuesday. Lee Hoon-ki, a Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker representing Incheon's Namdong-eul district and a member of the Assembly's Science, Technology, Information, Broadcasting and Communications Committee, analyzed data submitted by the Korea Communications Commission. The web and Android subscription fee for YouTube Premium rose from 8,690 won per month in 2019 to the current 14,900 won ($11) — an increase of more than 70 percent over seven years. YouTube raised its monthly fee for new subscribers from 8,690 won to 10,450 won, a 20.25 percent increase, in September 2020, then hiked it again in December 2023 — from 10,450 won to 14,900 won — by 42.58 percent in a single move. iOS subscription fees followed the same trajectory, climbing from 12,650 won per month in 2019 to the current 19,500 won, a 54.2 percent increase. The December 2023 iOS hike alone was 32.29 percent, taking the price from 14,000 won to 19,500 won. Netflix's premium tier has also seen price increases. According to data Netflix submitted to Lee's office, the premium plan rose 17.2 percent in November 2021, from 14,500 won to 17,000 won per month. Netflix currently offers four tiers: an ad-supported plan at 7,000 won, Basic at 12,000 won, Standard at 13,500 won and Premium at 17,000 won. Subscribers who use both YouTube Premium and Netflix's premium plan together now pay 31,900 won per month, or 382,800 won annually, Lee noted. "Subscription fees for OTT services like YouTube and Netflix have become a fixed monthly cost for the public," Lee said. "As OTT use has become part of everyday life, fee increases translate directly into a heavier burden on household finances." He added that it was necessary to examine whether the current structure allows providers to pass rate hikes unilaterally onto users, and pledged to review whether existing rules adequately protect consumers. "I will pursue legislative improvements, including reforms to the terms-of-service regime for supplementary telecommunications services," he said.

Sept. 15, 2026

Prime Minister Han Seong-sook gavels cabinet meeting to order

Prime Minister Han Seong-sook gavels a cabinet meeting held Tuesday morning at Government Complex Seoul in Jongno-gu, Seoul.

Sept. 15, 2026

Prime Minister Han Seong-sook chairs Cabinet meeting

Prime Minister Han Seong-sook delivers opening remarks at a Cabinet meeting held Tuesday morning at Government Complex Seoul in Jongno-gu, Seoul.

Sept. 15, 2026

Marine Corps leads Incheon Landing Operation ceremony, eyes 'quasi-fourth service' status

Korean War veteran Park Hak-su passes national flag to younger Marine; flag to be carried to Seoul liberation ceremony on Sept. 19 The Marine Corps co-hosted the 76th anniversary ceremony marking the victory of the Incheon Landing Operation with Incheon Metropolitan City on Tuesday, using the occasion to signal its push toward what it calls a "quasi-fourth service" status. It was the first time in 16 years — since 2010 — that the Marine Corps had taken the lead in organizing the event. The ceremony began with a wreath-laying at the General Douglas MacArthur statue in Incheon's Jayu Park before moving to the Wave Hall at Sangsang Platform. The Marine Corps said the event was intended to "prepare for the transition to a quasi-fourth service structure by inheriting the history of victory, while honoring the veterans who were the driving force behind the landing operation." The quasi-fourth service framework would allow the Marine Corps to remain formally under the Navy while operating with a level of independence comparable to the Army, Navy and Air Force. Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back, in a commemorative address read on his behalf by the director of the personnel welfare office, said the veterans' "noble sacrifice and dedication are an undying light that brightly illuminates today's free and prosperous Republic of Korea." He added that the government would "steadfastly pursue the reorganization into a quasi-fourth service structure, so that the Marine Corps — which has always stood at the forefront whenever the nation has called, including at the scene of the Incheon Landing Operation — can build capabilities befitting its status and mission." Marine Corps Commandant Ju Il-seok also pledged that the corps would "remember the footsteps of victory achieved by our sunbae Marines, build the status and capabilities befitting the quasi-fourth service reorganization, and realize a 'patriotic and loyal Marine Corps' trusted by the nation and its people." A highlight of the ceremony was a flag-passing ritual in which Korean War veteran Park Hak-su, a first-generation Marine, presented a Taegukgi — the South Korean national flag — to Second Lieutenant Yoo Hyun-seok, a platoon commander in the 6th Company of the 12th Battalion. In his remarks, Park said he was reminded of "the comrades who landed at Incheon together 76 years ago, sharing life and death," adding that he hoped younger Marines would "carry on the will of their predecessors and firmly protect the freedom and peace of the Republic of Korea." The flag received by Yoo is set to be carried in a relay on Sept. 19 by active-duty Korean and US Marines along with members of the Marine Corps Veterans Association, traveling from Wolmido to Seoul City Hall. It will then be presented at the 76th anniversary ceremony marking the victory of the Seoul Liberation Operation, to be held the same day at Seoul City Hall Plaza. The 6th Company of the 12th Battalion traces its lineage to the 6th Company of the Marine Corps' 2nd Battalion, which hoisted the Taegukgi over the Central Government Building — the former Japanese Government-General building — during the recapture of Seoul in 1950. The unit carries the nickname "Central Government Building Battalion." The Marine Corps has been holding a series of September victory commemoration events since Aug. 29 under the theme "Great Victory! Together with the People." The series is set to conclude with the 76th anniversary Seoul Liberation Operation ceremony at Seoul City Hall Plaza on Sept. 19. The Marine Corps said it plans to "continue honoring the sacrifice and dedication of veterans through major victory commemoration events throughout the year, and to carry on the history of victory and the spirit of patriotic loyalty achieved by sunbae Marines."

Sept. 15, 2026

Jang Dong-hyeok calls for upgraded Korea-US alliance built on trust

Jang asks ambassador to keep close watch on Korean Peninsula security Steel asks PPP to back bilateral initiatives to strengthen alliance People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyeok said Tuesday that the Korea-US alliance, marking its 72nd anniversary this year, must be upgraded to keep pace with the times, adding that trust is the foundation of any alliance. Jang made the remarks during a meeting with US Ambassador to South Korea Michelle Steel at the National Assembly that afternoon. He said that during a recent visit to the United States, many people in Washington policy circles expressed concern about the state of the alliance. "I still believe the Korea-US alliance remains solid, but I carry a great deal of worry and reflection about where it stands today and where it is headed," he said. Jang said trust was the key to strengthening the alliance. "To build that trust firmly, we must above all share the same values and at the same time work to expand mutual interests," he said. "The two countries have continuously developed the alliance on the foundation of shared values — liberal democracy and a market economy." He added that the United States had played a major role in South Korea's economic growth, and that South Korea was now expanding its own contributions to the US economy. Jang also invoked American support during the Korean War. "When the United States came to the aid of a South Korea devastated by the Korean War, few probably believed it would rise to become the technology and cultural powerhouse it is today," he said. "Had people only weighed short-term gains, the support and investment in Korea might never have happened." He also asked Steel to pay close attention to South Korea's security. "One of the great challenges facing the Korea-US alliance is the security situation on the Korean Peninsula, including North Korea," he said, expressing concern that Pyongyang was steadily raising the level of its security threats. "China, too, has not stopped its moves to destabilize the regional order and seek changes to the status quo," Jang said. "I believe the two countries must strengthen security cooperation to confront these threats." He urged the ambassador to keep a close watch on security issues on the Korean Peninsula. Ambassador Steel said South Korea plays a central role on the world stage in advancing peace and prosperity, and asked Jang and the People Power Party to continue supporting and cooperating on bilateral initiatives aimed at strengthening the alliance and deepening the economic partnership between the two countries.

Sept. 15, 2026

Kim Min-seok tells US ambassador he hopes US-North Korea ties will advance peace on Korean Peninsula

US ambassador says she looks forward to working with Democratic Party to expand South Korea's global role Democratic Party of Korea leader Kim Min-seok met with US Ambassador to South Korea Michelle Steel at the National Assembly on Tuesday to exchange views on ways to strengthen the South Korea-US relationship. "The South Korea-US alliance has been rock-solid, and it must grow even stronger going forward," Kim said during the meeting. "Throughout Korea's modernization, democratization and industrialization — every chapter of our modern history — the United States has been a steadfast neighbor." Kim added that he does not see South Korea building its own independent capabilities as being at odds with deepening the alliance with the United States. In his floor speech as the Democratic Party's floor leader on Sept. 7, Kim also stressed the need to strengthen South Korea's autonomous diplomatic capacity, saying "the era of looking only to the United States is over." Kim told Steel that during his visits to the United States as prime minister, both President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance had shown deep interest in North Korea each time they met. "I hope that US-North Korea relations will develop well and contribute to peace and progress on the Korean Peninsula," he said. In response, Steel said South Korea has emerged as a central player on the world stage, working to promote peace and prosperity both regionally and globally, and that the National Assembly plays a pivotal role in shaping the country's diplomatic relations. "I look forward to working with the party leader and the Democratic Party to strengthen the South Korea-US alliance and expand South Korea's growing global role in the international community," she said.

Sept. 15, 2026

GH president stresses field workers' role in delivering timely housing information

Kim Yong-jin, president of Gyeonggi Housing & Urban Development Corp. (GH), said Tuesday that "the role of field workers is crucial to delivering the housing information people need in a timely manner." The Gyeonggi Province Residential Welfare Center held a hands-on housing education session at its Suwon headquarters Tuesday, training about 30 workers from youth independence support programs and children's group homes. The session was designed to go beyond simply providing housing information directly to young people. Its broader aim was to strengthen the housing counseling capabilities of frontline support workers and build a cross-agency housing information network. The training was divided into two parts. The first covered housing welfare information essential for youth aging out of the care system, including types of public rental housing, application procedures and how to check recruitment notices. The second part focused on real-world cases, examining key precautions at each stage of signing a lease, ways to protect jeonse deposits and how to respond in the early stages of a lease dispute.

Sept. 15, 2026

Suwon mayor vows to turn 63-year-old Hwaseong festival into global event

Suwon Mayor Lee Jae-jun said Tuesday that the Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival, with its 63-year history, has the potential to grow into a global event. Lee made the remarks while presiding over a planning briefing on Suwon's three major Hwaseong festivals for 2026, held at Suwon City Hall. "Festivals that have continued consistently for more than 60 years are rare," he said. "We will turn Suwon's outstanding tourism assets — including the Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival and the reenactment of King Jeongjo's royal procession — into an industry and develop them into global festivals." The briefing reviewed inter-departmental cooperation to ensure the effective operation of the three major Hwaseong festivals: the 63rd Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival, the King Jeongjo Royal Procession Reenactment and the Suwon Hwaseong Media Art festival. Attendees included Lee, First Deputy Mayor Kim Hyun-su, Second Deputy Mayor Lee Dong-gi, heads of relevant departments and representatives of partner organizations. Lee urged officials to conduct thorough and repeated safety checks in advance so that visitors can enjoy the three festivals safely. The 63rd Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival runs from Oct. 4 to Oct. 11 at venues across the Suwon Hwaseong fortress area, including Haenggung Square, Hwaseong Haenggung, Banghwasuryujeong, Yongyeon and Yeonmudae. This year's festival, themed "Saebithongmin," will feature programs including the Suwon fantasy night performance "Yajo," the water performance "Seonyumong," "Haenggung Yahwa," the citizen architecture showcase "Hwahong" and the Suwon palanquin race. The joint reenactment of King Jeongjo's royal procession will take place Oct. 4. The procession departs from Nosong District, passes through Suwon Comprehensive Stadium and Janganmun Gate, and concludes at Haenggung Square. It will include a citizen-participation Suwon Hwaseong parade and a reenactment of the Eulmiyo royal outing procession. The Suwon Hwaseong Media Art festival is a nighttime content festival that reinterprets Suwon's historic spaces through light and technology. Themed "Saebittongnak: Suwon Hwaseong, Blooming in Light — Season 1, Ayugabin," it runs from Sept. 19 through Oct. 6 at Hwaseomun Gate, Janganmun Gate and Jangan Park.

Sept. 15, 2026