Gangnam-gu Lights Up 3km 'History and Culture Street' Between Seonjeongneung and Bongeunsa

107 LED landscape lights and 59 image projectors installed along Bongeunsa-ro, from Seonjeongneung Station to Bongeunsa Station, in operation since Monday Gangnam-gu has created the "Seonjeongneung and Bongeunsa History and Culture Street of Light" along Bongeunsa-ro. The district installed 107 LED landscape lights and 59 image projectors along both sides of the 1.5-kilometer stretch between Seonjeongneung Station and Bongeunsa Station — covering a total of 3 kilometers of walkway — with the lighting system entering operation Monday. Seonjeongneung is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and Bongeunsa Temple served as a royal funerary temple during the Joseon Dynasty. Rather than simply replacing aging streetlights, the district drew on the character of Bongeunsa-ro — the road connecting these two historic assets — to create a nighttime landscape that expresses their historical significance through light. The project focuses on ensuring a safe pedestrian environment while offering residents and visitors a new visual attraction. The LED landscape lights feature a "Seonjeongneung symbol mark" developed by Gangnam-gu. The design links the three royal tombs of King Seongjong, Queen Jeonghyeon and King Jungjong with flowing lines, combining their historical context with the connectivity of a modern city. Beyond standard streetlight functions, the lights can produce a range of colors, with seasonal displays planned for the four seasons as well as for Buddha's Birthday, Christmas and other occasions. The 59 image projectors installed along the walkway cast "Seonjeongneung graphic icons" and "Bongeunsa symbol images" onto the ground. By connecting the two historic assets through light, the installation allows pedestrians on Bongeunsa-ro to experience the significance of both sites as a single, continuous journey. The district plans to use the project as a springboard to link Seonjeongneung and Bongeunsa as a unified historic and cultural pedestrian corridor, while strengthening ties with nearby tourism resources such as COEX. Drawing on Gangnam's identity as a place where history, culture, shopping, business and leisure coexist, the district aims to broaden visitor routes and encourage longer stays, bringing added vitality to surrounding commercial areas. From 2027, Gangnam-gu will progressively improve the pedestrian environment, green spaces, and information and convenience facilities, while continuing to develop historic and cultural content centered on Seonjeongneung and Bongeunsa. Through these efforts, the district plans to transform Bongeunsa-ro into a "street where history flows" — one that residents and visitors will linger in and return to. "I hope this history and culture street connecting Seonjeongneung and Bongeunsa becomes a safe nighttime walking space where residents and visitors can stroll with peace of mind, as well as a new urban landscape that reflects Gangnam's unique historical identity," Gangnam-gu District Mayor Kim Hyun-ki said. "We will work to extend visitor stays in connection with the promotion of nighttime tourism and bring greater vitality to the surrounding commercial areas."

Sept. 18, 2026

Fire breaks out on escalator at Yeouido Station exit; no injuries reported

A fire broke out at Yeouido Station in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, with no injuries reported. The blaze started at around 5:49 p.m. Friday on the escalator at exit No. 5 of Yeouido Station. No casualties were reported, though the incident caused brief chaos as passengers evacuated the area. The Yeongdeungpo Fire Station dispatched 14 vehicles and 58 personnel and fully extinguished the fire at around 6:34 p.m. — approximately 45 minutes after it broke out. Exit No. 5 at Yeouido Station remains closed, while subway services are operating normally.

Sept. 18, 2026

Daughter-in-law asks in-laws to stay at hotel for visit to 50-day-old grandchild, sparking online debate

A story about a daughter-in-law who asked her in-laws to stay at a hotel rather than at the couple's home when they traveled from out of town to see their 50-day-old grandchild has sparked a heated debate online. The story was posted recently on Blind, an anonymous online community for office workers, under the title "The relationship between my wife and my parents." The author, identified only as A, wrote that his wife finds his parents difficult to be around — or more precisely, uncomfortable. A explained that he is from the Gyeongsang region while his wife is from Seoul, where her own parents live just a 10-minute walk away. His parents, by contrast, live about five hours away by car. "We've been married for six years, and my parents have visited our home twice," he wrote. According to the post, the couple recently had a child. His wife's parents visited her at the maternity hospital and came to the couple's home after she was discharged to see the baby, who was about 50 days old at the time. When A's parents said they wanted to come up from the Gyeongsang region to see their grandchild, his wife told him she would prefer they stay at a nearby hotel. "The baby was just born, and I'm particular about hygiene," she said. After A relayed his wife's request, his mother stopped answering calls for a while before reaching out again in the evening in tears. She told him she would not make the trip after all and asked him not to fight with his wife. A's father also asked him to cancel a train reservation he had already made. "I love my wife and I adore our baby," A wrote. "But I can't bear to watch my parents cry anymore." He described feeling devastated. In a follow-up post, A added that his wife is generally reluctant to have even her own parents visit the home, and that her request for the hotel stay was tied to what he described as a cleanliness compulsion. Some commenters sympathized with A's parents. "The husband handled it poorly by just passing along his wife's words without any pushback," one wrote. Others said it was understandable for the in-laws to feel hurt after making such a long journey, noting that parents of their generation likely consider staying at their son's home a matter of course. Others, however, sided with the wife. "The postpartum period is when a mother's body is under the most strain — if that's what she wants, people should understand," one commenter wrote. Several others pointed out that she was not asking the in-laws to stay away entirely, only to sleep elsewhere, and that having houseguests so soon after birth would be uncomfortable for anyone still recovering.

Sept. 18, 2026

Kim Min-gi Takes Top Honor at Proud Dongdaemun Citizen Award

Ceremony held Thursday at Baebongsan Neighborhood Park; 12 individuals and 2 organizations recognized across 7 categories; residents enjoy folk games, singing contest and eco-friendly activities Dongdaemun-gu in Seoul successfully wrapped up the 35th Dongdaemun Citizen's Day ceremony Thursday at the open plaza of Baebongsan Neighborhood Park. The event was organized to foster community unity and civic pride while reaffirming the district's commitment to moving forward. District Mayor Choi Dong-min was joined by distinguished guests and residents from all walks of life. The ceremony began at 10:30 a.m. with introductions of guests, congratulatory video messages from the heads of sister cities and the district's honorary ambassador, and interviews with award recipients who shared their activities and reflections on serving the community. The district presented its citizen awards to residents and organizations that have contributed to Dongdaemun-gu's development through dedication and volunteer service. Awards were given across seven categories — the Proud Citizen Award, Parent Award, Filial Piety Award, Volunteer Service Award, Model Youth Award, Disability Award and Multicultural Family Award — with a grand prize and gold prize selected in each, honoring a total of 14 individuals and organizations. In the Proud Citizen category, Kim Min-gi received the grand prize and Hwang Gi-heum the gold prize. Han Seung-ja took the grand prize in the Parent Award category and Im Hyo-sim the gold prize, while Ju Gyeong-suk won the grand prize in the Filial Piety Award category and Kim Dong-uk the gold prize. In the Volunteer Service Award category, the social cooperative Hyeminso took the grand prize and the Artmi Beauty Volunteer Corps the gold prize. Choi Yeon-u received the grand prize in the Model Youth Award category and Jo Eun-seo the gold prize. In the Disability Award category, Kim Tae-jin won the grand prize and Yu Sang-hui the gold prize, while Suzuki Aya took the grand prize in the Multicultural Family Award category and Ma Ying-fan the gold prize. The recipients were recognized for contributions across a wide range of fields, including the preservation of local culture, expanded community participation, care for neighbors and acts of filial piety, youth volunteer work, promotion of the rights and recreational activities of people with disabilities, and support for multicultural families settling into the community. Following the awards presentation, District Mayor Choi delivered a commemorative address, after which congratulatory speeches were given by a National Assembly lawmaker, the head of the district council, party committee chairs and the heads of sister cities. "I will work together with all residents to build a Dongdaemun-gu that rises ever higher," Choi said. "I will prove myself through tangible results as a district mayor who gets things done, and I will firmly open a brilliant future for Dongdaemun-gu." The district's women's choir then performed two celebratory songs, adding warmth to the ceremony. The ceremony was held in conjunction with a Chuseok folk festival organized by the Dongdaemun Cultural Center, making for a lively and varied program. At a traditional games area set up on the grounds, residents of all ages shared in the joy of Korean folk culture, while a community singing contest gave neighbors a chance to show off their talents and strengthen community bonds. Meanwhile, an eco-friendly experience booth operated at the venue under the theme "Make, Reduce and Reuse — a Green Chuseok," jointly organized by Dongdaemun-gu and the Dongdaemun-gu Housewives' Environmental Association. Residents could take part in hands-on programs including making eco-friendly soap, crafting with discarded sock yarn and making natural insect repellent. Through the activities, the district promoted the use of eco-friendly products, reducing household chemical use, cutting waste and recycling resources. The district also introduced its eco-mileage program and publicized green lifestyle practices for the Chuseok holiday, encouraging residents to use reusable shopping bags, bring their own containers and reduce food waste. "This event was a moment for all residents to come together as one — honoring the contributions of those who have devoted themselves to the community and sharing the value of traditional culture and the environment," a district official said. "We will continue to create spaces for communication and harmony where residents are the true protagonists."

Sept. 18, 2026

YG's missing rapper Perry, unseen for 16 years, becomes subject of SBS investigation show

Perry — born Perry Thomas Borha — an early YG Entertainment producer who has been missing for 16 years, is drawing renewed attention after SBS's investigative program announced it is accepting tips on his whereabouts. The production team of SBS's "That's Incredible" said Thursday through its official social media that it is seeking information from anyone who knows Perry's current situation or has been in contact with his family. Perry was last seen in Los Angeles in 2010, after a music career in South Korea that began in the mid-1990s, and has not been heard from since. Originally from Oakland, California, Perry served as YG's main producer throughout the 1990s and 2000s — before the label grew into a major entertainment company — and was instrumental in shaping its signature hip-hop sound. He first connected with YG through work on Jinusean's albums, going on to write and produce songs for first-generation YG artists including Yang Hyun-suk, 1TYM and Lexy. In 2001, he released a solo album as a rapper and also contributed to music by Seven and Wheesung. Perry is also credited with working on "Beautiful Hangover," a Japanese-market track by BIGBANG, but he vanished abruptly after 2010. Neither fellow artists nor his own family have been able to locate him. Perry's nephew has said the family filed a missing persons report with the Department of State but received no response. More than two years later, they submitted another report through a different government agency but said it yielded little help. Perry still had time remaining on his contract with YG Entertainment when he disappeared, and a renewal never took place. Meanwhile, Song Baek-kyung, a former member of 1TYM, posted a lengthy account in July sharing personal memories of Perry. Song recalled that Perry quit smoking and drinking around the time of Lexy's debut album in 2003 and began cutting off contact with those around him. "At some point he changed into someone who severed ties with people and struggled alone in his private studio," Song wrote. Song said he and Perry had left many songs unfinished together and released some of those incomplete tracks for fans curious about Perry's whereabouts. "I wish Perry good health and well-being," he added.

Sept. 18, 2026

Prime Minister Han Visits Taereung Golf Course Site to Discuss Housing Supply and Traffic Solutions

Nowon-gu agrees on the need for housing supply at Taereung Country Club, calling for sweeping traffic measures and sufficient lifestyle and leisure infrastructure, including a natural ecology park Seoul's Nowon-gu joined Prime Minister Han Seong-sook on Friday for an on-site inspection of the Taereung and Gangneung area — home to the Taereung Country Club, or Taereung CC — to review progress on the housing supply project and discuss plans for future residential, transportation and lifestyle infrastructure. The site visit was attended by National Assembly member Woo Won-shik (Nowon-gap, former Assembly Speaker), First Vice Minister of Economy and Finance Lee Hyeong-il (also a candidate for deputy prime minister and minister of economy and finance), First Vice Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Kim I-tak, Cultural Heritage Administration Deputy Commissioner Choi Bo-geun, Nowon-gu District Mayor Seo Jun-o, and Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH) President Lee Seong-hun. District Mayor Seo reaffirmed his position that the government's plan to supply housing at Taereung CC is warranted, saying the site must be developed into a premium residential complex fully equipped with transportation, cultural and lifestyle infrastructure alongside the housing supply. He identified the most urgent priority as securing sweeping metropolitan transportation measures. Given the area's already chronic traffic congestion — compounded by future demand from development at Taereung CC and the Guri and Namyangju areas — he said housing supply and traffic solutions must be reviewed and finalized together. Specific proposals included expanding major road networks including Hwarang-ro, opening a metropolitan road between Nowon and Namyangju (tentatively named the Baeksa Tunnel), and extending subway lines. District Mayor Seo first raised these proposals in a meeting with Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Kim Yun-deok last month, and working-level consultations with the ministry and LH are ongoing. Seo also said that after development, Taereung CC should become an open space connected to residents' daily lives. He called for securing a large-scale natural ecology park, a library and other cultural complex facilities, and sufficient lifestyle and leisure infrastructure so that local residents can enjoy a comfortable living environment. Prime Minister Han said the project must be designed to encompass not just housing but also transportation, daily living, education and care services. Assembly member Woo then asked for particular attention to improving traffic conditions and expanding residents' convenience facilities. District Mayor Seo presented Prime Minister Han with a formal request document titled "Proposal for a Comprehensive Traffic Plan and Future City Development at Taereung CC." The document called for sweeping traffic measures, expanded lifestyle and leisure infrastructure, and the creation of a self-sufficient premium residential complex integrating work, residence and recreation. It also proposed establishing a consultative body comprising the central government, the Seoul Metropolitan Government, Nowon-gu and LH to coordinate key project issues from the planning stage. "We will carefully attend to all necessary matters — including traffic measures, a natural ecology park, and lifestyle and leisure infrastructure — and work closely with the government to ensure that the housing supply at Taereung CC leads to the creation of a premium residential complex that improves residents' quality of life," District Mayor Seo said.

Sept. 18, 2026

Gangseo-gu district mayor Jin Kyo-hoon hits the traditional markets ahead of chuseok

District mayor checks prices and greets merchants — and buys holiday food with Onuri gift vouchers Gangseo-gu District Mayor Jin Kyo-hoon visited traditional markets Friday ahead of the chuseok holiday to check on prices and encourage local merchants. Jin toured Songhwa Mural Market and Bangsin Traditional Market in succession. Walking through the stalls, he greeted merchants and residents who had come out to shop for holiday staples. Meanwhile, he urged people to patronize traditional markets and personally purchased fruit, rice cakes and other items using Onuri gift vouchers. Jin then sat down for lunch with merchants at a sundae-guk restaurant inside one of the markets, listening to their concerns about high prices and sluggish consumer spending. His community outreach continues in the days ahead. He is scheduled to visit Nambu Alley Market and Hwagok Jungang Market on Monday, followed by Hwagok Bondong Market and Kkachisan Market on Wednesday. "Visiting a traditional market lets you buy holiday staples at affordable prices, and above all, it will be a great source of strength for merchants who are struggling amid the economic downturn," Jin said. "I hope residents will take advantage of the Onuri gift voucher refund event to pick up their chuseok groceries." To help revitalize traditional markets for the holiday, the district is running an Onuri gift voucher refund promotion through Sunday. Shoppers who spend above a set amount on seafood at Kkachisan Market, or on agricultural and livestock products at Hwagok Bondong Market and Songhwa Mural Market, can receive a refund of up to 20,000 won per person in Onuri gift vouchers.

Sept. 18, 2026

Clear skies forecast for weekend outings, but big temperature swings expected

Saturday morning lows of 15–22 C, afternoon highs of 24–30 C Most parts of South Korea are expected to see mostly clear skies this weekend, with temperatures staying near seasonal norms. However, the gap between daytime and nighttime temperatures is forecast to widen significantly, reaching 10 to 15 degrees Celsius. Nationwide on Saturday, morning lows are expected to range from 15 to 22 C and afternoon highs from 24 to 30 C. Forecast lows and highs for major cities are as follows: Seoul and Incheon, 19 C and 29 C; Daejeon, 18 C and 29 C; Gwangju, 19 C and 30 C; Daegu, 18 C and 27 C; Ulsan, 20 C and 26 C; and Busan, 21 C and 27 C. On Sunday, morning lows are expected to range from 14 to 21 C, with afternoon highs reaching 24 to 31 C. The 10-to-15-degree swing between day and night is forecast to persist for now across most of the country, except along the East Sea coast. Dense fog is forecast to cut visibility to below 200 meters in Gwangju and South Jeolla Province from the early hours of Saturday morning. Other inland areas are also expected to see fog with visibility below 1 kilometer, and motorists heading out in the early morning should take care. Easterly winds are expected to gradually dry out the air across the Greater Seoul area and the Chungcheong provinces, as the winds pick up heat and lose moisture crossing the Taebaek Mountains. Rain that began Friday is forecast to continue through Saturday along the East Sea coast and on Jeju. Less than 5 millimeters of rain is expected along the northeastern coast of North Gyeongsang Province and in the northeastern mountain areas from early Saturday morning, and in Ulsan from early morning through the afternoon. In the Gangwon Province mountain areas, 5 to 10 millimeters of rain is forecast through the morning, while the Gangwon East Sea coast can expect less than 5 millimeters. Strong gusts of around 55 kilometers per hour (15 meters per second) are also forecast along the South Gyeongsang coast through Sunday. On Jeju, rainfall is expected to continue through Saturday morning in the mid-mountain and highland areas, with an additional 5 to 20 millimeters of accumulation forecast.

Sept. 18, 2026

Court suspends labor ruling ordering Posco to hold separate talks with subcontractor union

Management's stay request granted in first such ruling tied to 'yellow envelope law' litigation A court has suspended a National Labor Relations Commission ruling that required Posco to conduct separate collective bargaining with subcontractor unions. The 14th Administrative Division of Seoul Administrative Court, presided over by Judge Lee Sang-deok, granted Friday a stay application filed by Posco against the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC). The court found that allowing the NLRC's ruling to stand would risk causing irreparable harm to Posco and that there was an urgent need to prevent such harm. The dispute traces back to March 10, when the Federation of Korean Trade Unions' metal workers' federation demanded collective bargaining with Posco, prompting two subcontractor unions — the Korean Metal Workers' Union under the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) and the Plant Construction Workers' Union — to each file applications for separate bargaining units. The North Gyeongsang Province Regional Labor Relations Commission recognized Posco's employer status with respect to both subcontractor unions. It also acknowledged the need for separate bargaining units — for the Korean Metal Workers' Union, citing the potential for inter-union conflict and representational interests, and for the Plant Construction Workers' Union, citing the distinct nature of plant construction work and its methods. Posco challenged that decision before the NLRC, but in June the NLRC upheld the regional commission's ruling in favor of the unions. Posco again contested the outcome, filing last month both a main lawsuit seeking to overturn the NLRC decision and the stay application the court granted Friday. The ruling marks the first time a court has granted a management-side stay application in litigation related to the so-called yellow envelope law. The stay does not resolve the underlying dispute. Questions over Posco's employer status with respect to the subcontractor unions and the legality of the separate-bargaining ruling will be addressed in the main proceedings. The first hearing is scheduled for Dec. 3.

Sept. 18, 2026

Special prosecutor seeks 7-year prison terms for ex-soldiers in 'hamburger meeting' martial law case

'The defendants gave the insurrection its operational power' Sentencing set for Oct. 30 The special prosecutor's office has sought prison sentences for former military officers implicated in the Dec. 3 emergency martial law declaration, including those linked to what has become known as the "hamburger meeting." The special prosecutor team led by Jo Eun-seok sought seven-year prison terms each for Gu Sam-hoe, a former Army 2nd Armored Brigade commander, and Bang Jeong-hwan, a former defense innovation planning officer — both brigadier generals — at a closing arguments hearing held Friday before Seoul Central District Court's Criminal Division 38-2, presided over by Judges Jeong Su-yeong, Choe Yang-gak and Jang Seong-jin. Prosecutors also sought sentences of five to seven years each for six co-defendants: Jeong Seong-u, a former defense innovation planning officer; Kim Jeong-geun, former commander of the Special Forces' 3rd Airborne Brigade; An Mu-seong, former commander of the 9th Airborne Brigade; Kim Sang-yong, former deputy chief of the Ministry of National Defense's investigation headquarters; Kim Chang-hak, former military police commander of the Capital Defense Command; and Kim Se-un, former commander of the Special Operations Aviation Unit. All were indicted on charges of deploying troops to the National Assembly, the National Election Commission and private polling agencies on the day martial law was declared. The special prosecutor's team said Gu and Bang had no investigative authority but were summoned roughly six hours before the martial law declaration by No Sang-won, a former Defense Intelligence Command chief, to a fast-food restaurant in Ansan. There, they were assigned roles as head and deputy head of the Second Investigation Unit under the martial law command's joint investigation headquarters. That unit was established ahead of the emergency martial law declaration as a dedicated body to investigate election fraud allegations — a scheme conceived by former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun and No, among others. "The defendants claim they were merely following orders from their superiors, but those orders amounted to a single sentence," the special prosecutor's team said. "It was none other than the defendants themselves who translated that brief command into guns, helicopters and armed troops." Prosecutors added that the defendants were not simply order-takers but commanders who in turn issued orders to their own subordinates. "It was when the defendants moved that the insurrection finally gained its operational power," they said, adding that the officers "served as the hands and feet directly responsible for the riot that forcibly occupied constitutional institutions and rendered them unable to exercise their authority." Sentencing is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Oct. 30.

Sept. 18, 2026

Ghost stunt in promo video draws mockery for Yeosu island expo

A promotional video for the Yeosu World Island Expo has drawn criticism online for its low-budget variety-show style. The backlash is the latest in a string of complaints surrounding the international event, which has drawn 70.3 billion won ($50.7 million) in public funding, following earlier criticism over food offerings and stage production at the venue. On Thursday, Yeosu City's official Instagram account posted a video featuring five figures draped in white sheets pretending to be ghosts, accompanied by the caption "You are my island expo hope." In the clip, the five ghost characters set out to find the expo's "Baobab Tree" attraction, introducing food and sights around the fairgrounds before watching an outdoor sunset together. The video drew widespread puzzlement, with many online commenters saying the ghost costumes and low-budget comedy style had no discernible connection to the expo. "What on earth do these ghosts have to do with islands?" one user wrote. Another said: "Even after hearing an explanation of why ghosts and a baobab tree appear, I still can't follow the logic." Others questioned the overall quality of the clip. "The production level is too low for an official municipal promotional video," one commenter wrote. Reactions ranged from "neither fun nor moving" to "too childish to watch." The promotional video controversy is not the first to hit the Yeosu World Island Expo. Earlier, a dispute erupted online over the contents and price of a soy-sauce marinated crab set meal sold at the venue. A YouTuber who ordered the 14,900-won set meal received a tray holding marinated crab, a bowl of rice, kimchi, corn salad and dried seaweed. Commenters reacted sharply, with remarks including "the portions are way too small" and "did they scoop the banchan with a teaspoon?" Stage production at the expo drew similar reactions. At a performance of "Geomundo Baetsori" — a traditional fishermen's work song from Geomundo island — held at the main venue on Tuesday, organizers fashioned a makeshift boat by wrapping cloth around a one-ton truck's cargo bed and attaching a sail. Performers climbed onto the truck and mimed rowing while singing the traditional song. Because the truck remained clearly visible through the fabric, some online users said the stage felt underwhelming for an international event backed by tens of billions of won in public money. The 2026 Yeosu World Island Expo opened Sept. 5 under the theme "Islands: Connecting the Sea and the Future" and runs through Nov. 4 at the Jinmo district on Dolsan Island in Yeosu. The international event, designed to showcase the ecology, culture and future value of islands, was organized with a target of participation from 30 countries and 3 million visitors. Total project costs amount to 70.3 billion won.

Sept. 18, 2026

Sokcho's landmark Ferris wheel faces uncertain fate as court conducts on-site inspection

Dispute centers on permitting and installation process Third hearing set for next month as appellate review continues A court has conducted an on-site inspection to examine alleged legal violations in the construction of a large Ferris wheel at Sokcho Beach in Gangwon Province. The administrative first division of the Seoul High Court's Chuncheon bench, presided over by Chief Judge Lee Eun-hye, held a verification hearing Friday as part of an appeal filed by the Ferris wheel's operator against Sokcho city over the cancellation of a development permit. Sokcho city had argued at the second hearing, held July 15, that an on-site inspection was unnecessary. The court ruled that a direct examination of the Ferris wheel's location and structure was needed, however, and accepted the operator's request for the inspection. The court conducted a closed inspection of the Ferris wheel facility and the surrounding Sokcho Beach area for about an hour and a half starting at 2 p.m. Friday. Representatives from the court, Sokcho city and the operator were all present. During the inspection, the city raised concerns that the facility — which houses high-voltage electrical equipment — had been permitted as a temporary structure rather than a permanent building. It also argued that some installations, including the Ferris wheel and its boarding platform, encroach on public waters. The city further contended that cultural and assembly facilities are required to account for more than half of the structure's total floor use, but that commercial spaces such as cafes make up a larger share. Safety issues related to the installation of the Ferris wheel and other structures were also raised. The operator disputed all of these claims, leaving the two sides at odds. The appellate court plans to hold a third hearing on Oct. 28 to continue deliberations.

Sept. 18, 2026

'I quit!' — Counter-complaints against investigators are driving police out of detective units

Complainants and suspects file counter-complaints over dissatisfaction with case handling Officers targeted under new 'perversion of justice' charge Investigators fleeing detective units as burden mounts Officer A, an investigator at a front-line police station in the greater Seoul area, was recently counter-sued by a suspect in a case he was handling — turning the investigator into the investigated. The case began with a series of complaints filed against a small bakery. After one individual repeatedly demanded compensation, claiming to have found foreign objects in the company's products, the bakery filed a complaint with police alleging obstruction of business. To verify the identity of the suspect, who had been using an alias, Officer A looked up the subscriber information linked to a phone number used during the complaint process and confirmed the person's real name. The suspect then filed a complaint against Officer A, alleging that the process of identifying his real name was unlawful and citing abuse of authority, dereliction of duty, and violations of the Personal Information Protection Act and the Protection of Communications Secrets Act. The suspect was also reported to have told the investigator, "Now you know what it feels like to be sued." 'I don't like how my case was handled' — complaints boomerang back at investigators Investigators being counter-sued by complainants or suspects in their own cases is not uncommon on the front lines of policing. In most instances, a party dissatisfied with the outcome or conduct of an investigation turns around and targets the officer in charge. The head of an investigations unit at a Seoul police station said that whether a party feels aggrieved and whether a crime was actually committed are separate questions, and that charges are often difficult to substantiate. Officers working on financial crime units — which handle fraud, embezzlement and breach of fiduciary duty cases where interests are sharply contested — are particularly prone to such counter-complaints, according to officers in the field. Lee Sang-hoon, a professor in the police studies department at Daejeon University, said that while people who have genuinely suffered from improper investigations cannot be barred from exercising their rights, complaints filed with the intent to influence an ongoing investigation are also mixed in, putting police in an uncomfortable position. Parties to a case who believe an investigation is biased or improper can file a formal objection. Provincial and metropolitan police agencies review individual cases to assess whether they were properly handled and can recommend reinvestigation if warranted. Some parties, however, bypass that process entirely and file direct criminal complaints against the investigator. This year, a new charge — "perversion of justice" — has become a fresh avenue for targeting investigators. According to the Korean National Police Agency, as of July, 3,535 police officers were under investigation on suspicion of perverting justice, outnumbering prosecutors (727) and judges (529) facing the same charge. The head of an investigations unit at a front-line station said the introduction of the perversion-of-justice charge had led to a modest increase in complaints filed under that label. "When you look at the substance, the allegations are often similar to what used to come in as abuse of authority or dereliction of duty," the official said. "A lot of them start from dissatisfaction that the investigation didn't go the way the complainant wanted." Being sued does not automatically remove an investigator from a case. Replacing an officer solely on the basis of a complaint would open the door to abuse of the process as a tactic to swap out an unwanted investigator. However, once a complaint related to an officer's duties is received, the investigator must explain the procedures and circumstances of the investigation and may be subject to questioning. The head of a financial crimes unit at a front-line station said that if the allegations lack specifics, the complaint can be dismissed outright, but that even a small disputed point is enough to trigger a formal inquiry into the officer. That added burden compounds the pressures already weighing on front-line investigators, who are struggling with a backlog of cases and a shortage of staff. When an amended code of criminal procedure abolishing prosecutors' investigative functions takes effect next month, the volume of cases transferred from prosecutors to police is expected to grow — and more officers are already looking to exit investigative roles. According to the Korean National Police Agency, 1,191 officers have been removed from investigative duties this year — 633 at their own request and 558 by administrative order. The number of voluntary departures has hovered in the 500-to-600 range annually in recent years: 654 in 2023, 616 in 2024 and 565 last year. "Cases keep piling up, and if someone doesn't like how their case was handled, they file a complaint against you, and even if there's no wrongdoing, you still have to explain why you investigated the way you did," one front-line investigator said. "There are people leaving investigative units because they can't take the pressure of the complaints and the lawsuits." Blanket restrictions on complaints against investigators are not a realistic option, however, since parties to a case must retain a channel for redress when an investigation is genuinely unlawful or improper. Professor Lee said that internal mechanisms such as the investigation objection review committee could be developed into a filtering layer. "It may not be a fundamental solution, but it is meaningful in that the organization can intervene at least once between the parties and the investigator," he said.

Sept. 18, 2026

CJ CheilJedang Sponsors Chuseok Food Drive for Low-Income Families in North Jeolla Province

Heemangeul Naneuneun Saramdeul, a nonprofit organization, said it delivered food donations to low-income and vulnerable residents in North Jeolla Province ahead of chuseok, with support from CJ CheilJedang. The initiative was organized to bring warmth to marginalized neighbors in the region facing financial hardship during the holiday season. The groceries sponsored by CJ CheilJedang are being distributed to low-income households and residents in welfare blind spots through Chamjoeun Sarang Nanum Gongdongche, a local sharing community. "We joined this effort hoping our neighbors would have a warm holiday, and we will continue working toward coexistence with local communities," a CJ CheilJedang official said. "The food support will be a great help, as these are essentials people truly need during the holidays," a Chamjoeun Sarang Nanum Gongdongche official said. "We will make sure everything reaches those who need it." Kim Jeong-an, chairman of Heemangeul Naneuneun Saramdeul, said the organization is grateful to CJ CheilJedang and Chamjoeun Sarang Nanum Gongdongche for their heartfelt contributions, and pledged to continue sharing efforts for those in need.

Sept. 18, 2026

Personnel: Ministry of Science and ICT

Secondment (director-general level) Kim Kyung-man, head of the National AI Strategy Committee Support Team Promotion (director-general level) Eom Yeol, director general for AI policy Promotion (director level) Choi Moon-ki, research performance innovation officer; Kim Bo-yeol, head of the exhibition, education and research division at the National Science Museum Transfer (division chief level) Nam Hyeok-mo, head of the operations support division; Kim Hyeon-ok, head of the future strategic technology policy division; Do Woo-dong, head of the nuclear energy research and development division Lee Ji-eun, head of the science and technology safety infrastructure team; Lee Ga-yeong, head of the science and technology strategy division; Jeong Jun-uk, head of the radio resource planning division at the National Radio Research Agency; Kang Seon-suk, head of the radio environment safety division at the National Radio Research Agency; Kim Sun-gwon, head of the technical standards division at the National Radio Research Agency; Kim Seon-geun, head of the broadcasting and telecommunications service division at the Seoul Radio Management Office under the Central Radio Management Service; Sang Eun-hye, head of the digital inclusion policy team

Sept. 18, 2026

Seongbuk-gu Breaks Deadlock on ROTC Site Relocation, Clearing Path for 1,411-Unit Jeongneung Redevelopment

Seongbuk-gu's conflict mediation committee brokered a relocation agreement between the redevelopment association and Kookmin University, resolving a long-running dispute that had stalled the Jeongneung-dong project. Seongbuk-gu has resolved a key obstacle in the Jeongneunggol housing redevelopment project, reaching an agreement on the relocation of a Reserve Officers' Training Corps site owned by Kookmin University and putting the long-delayed project back on track. The district announced Thursday that the Jeongneunggol Housing Redevelopment and Improvement Project Association and Kookmin University officials signed a relocation agreement at the deputy district mayor's office. The agreement was built on mediation by Seongbuk-gu's Improvement Project Conflict Mediation Committee, which was convened to resolve a prolonged dispute over the transfer of land and buildings owned by Kookmin University within the redevelopment zone. The association and the university continued negotiations after the mediation and ultimately reached a final agreement on the key terms of the relocation. The Jeongneunggol housing redevelopment project calls for building a residential complex of 1,411 units on an approximately 200,000-square-meter site in Jeongneung-dong, Seongbuk-gu. The association received approval to form in 2017, and resident relocations began in 2024, with most now complete. The ROTC site within the redevelopment zone had proved particularly difficult to resolve, given its status as an educational facility and the challenge of securing a replacement location. The association had pressed for a swift move, arguing that land compensation and eviction procedures had already been completed, while Kookmin University maintained that realistic conditions — including securing an alternative site — had to be met before any transfer could proceed. In response, Seongbuk-gu convened its Improvement Project Conflict Mediation Committee in August, chaired by the deputy district mayor. The committee heard directly from both sides and weighed the financial burden the delays placed on the association against the practical requirements of relocating an educational facility, before presenting a mediation proposal. The association and Kookmin University subsequently agreed on a relocation timeline and related procedures, committing to move forward with the site transfer as soon as possible after signing the agreement. Both parties also agreed to drop all ongoing litigation and settle every outstanding dispute, laying a stable foundation for the project to proceed without further legal interruption. "Residential improvement projects are vital for upgrading the living environment of residents, which is why it is so important not to let disputes drag on but to resolve them through trust between the parties," Seongbuk-gu District Mayor Lee Seung-ro said. "Seongbuk-gu has consistently worked to mediate conflicts at redevelopment sites and support the smooth progress of these projects." He added that the agreement was "a meaningful outcome achieved because both the association and Kookmin University understood each other's circumstances and made mutual concessions," and pledged to "continue active, on-the-ground conflict mediation to deliver tangible improvements in residents' living conditions and ensure stable progress in improvement projects." With the agreement removing the project's main stumbling block, Seongbuk-gu said it expects the Jeongneunggol redevelopment to gain significant momentum going forward.

Sept. 18, 2026

Load up on chuseok savings at Eunpyeong-gu's traditional markets

Various chuseok events at markets through Tuesday, with Onuri gift voucher refunds of up to 20,000 won based on purchase amount Seoul's Eunpyeong-gu will hold a series of chuseok holiday events at traditional markets through Tuesday, offering discounts and free gifts to shoppers ahead of the major autumn holiday. The events are designed to ease the financial burden of holiday shopping for residents while boosting foot traffic at local markets. Participating markets will offer discounts on ritual food offerings and other key items, free gifts with purchase, and Onuri gift voucher refunds to help energize the local commercial district. The market-by-market schedule runs as follows: Daelim Market from Wednesday through Friday, Jeil Market from Thursday through Saturday, and Daelim Golmok Market from Monday through Tuesday. All participating markets will provide discounts on select items and free gifts for customers. Yeonseo Market will host a "Donghang Festival" event from Wednesday through Friday, offering prizes and Onuri gift vouchers through a spinning-wheel lottery to customers who spend 20,000 won or more. From Wednesday through Sunday, a separate Onuri paper gift voucher refund program will also run based on purchase amount. The program covers customers buying domestic agricultural, livestock and fishery products at Daejo Market, and domestic seafood at Daelim Golmok Market. Shoppers who spend between 34,000 won and less than 67,000 won will receive a 10,000 won voucher refund, while those spending 67,000 won or more will receive 20,000 won in Onuri gift vouchers. "I hope this event gives residents a chance to ease the burden of holiday shopping and enjoy the many benefits our traditional markets have to offer," Eunpyeong-gu District Mayor Kim Mi-kyung said. "We will continue to provide diverse support to strengthen the competitiveness of traditional markets and bring vitality to the local commercial district."

Sept. 18, 2026

Bucheon leaks personal data of 17,000 residents after passing records to neighborhood association heads

The personal information of more than 17,000 Bucheon residents was improperly handed to neighborhood association heads conducting field surveys, the city disclosed Friday. City officials said they immediately retrieved and destroyed the distributed records and have begun drafting measures to prevent a recurrence. Bucheon held an emergency press conference at the city hall briefing room Friday, disclosing the circumstances of the data leak at the Wonjong 1-dong community service center and outlining steps to address the fallout. The incident occurred Sept. 10, when the Wonjong 1-dong community service center was organizing in-person visits to households that had not participated in a non-face-to-face resident registration survey. Twenty-two neighborhood association heads serving as field surveyors requested resident lists to help with their visits. The center provided them with a document containing the resident registration numbers, contact details and other sensitive information of 8,512 households — 17,164 people in total. After learning of the breach Wednesday, the city immediately retrieved and destroyed all copies of the list. An investigation found the information had not been passed to any third party or leaked further beyond the association heads who handled the surveys, and no cases of harm have been confirmed so far. The city filed an official report with the Personal Information Protection Commission and sent text messages to all affected households explaining how the leak occurred and what steps they could take. The city also posted a public notice on its official website and set up a dedicated complaint-handling team and consultation desk to receive reports of harm and provide guidance. Bucheon plans to conduct a comprehensive inspection of resident registration survey practices across all 37 community service centers in the city. The city also said it would sharply increase personal data protection training for staff — from twice a year to once per quarter — and pursue special training for field surveyors and improvements to its data management systems to prevent any recurrence. "We will make the protection of residents' personal information our top priority and do everything we can to prevent secondary harm and restore public trust," a city official said.

Sept. 18, 2026

Gwangjin-gu Saemaul Women's Association Shares Chuseok Banchan With Neighbors in Need

30 Saemaul Women's Association members prepare 350 servings of holiday side dishes; district mayor joins packing and delivery The Gwangjin-gu Saemaul Women's Association is organizing a holiday banchan drive to help elderly residents living alone and other vulnerable groups in the district enjoy a warm Chuseok. The annual sharing event runs Monday and Tuesday at the Gwangjin Saemaul Community Center. Thirty association members will prepare 350 servings of Chuseok foods, including braised beef, seokbakji (mixed radish and cucumber kimchi), songpyeon rice cakes and hangwa traditional confections. On Tuesday, Gwangjin-gu District Mayor Kim Kyung-ho will join the event, helping members package the banchan and personally handing out portions to residents who visit the community center to pick up their share. Some of the banchan prepared that day will be distributed directly to residents at the venue, while the remainder will be delivered through neighborhood community centers to 340 households of elderly residents living alone and other vulnerable groups in the district. A welfare facility affiliated with the Gwangjin-gu Saemaul Women's Association will also receive a portion of the banchan. "It is deeply meaningful to be able to bring together the hearts of our members and share warm holiday food with our neighbors ahead of Chuseok," association President Jeon Tae-yeon said. "We hope this small act of sharing brings a little warmth and abundance to elderly residents living alone and vulnerable households in our community." District Mayor Kim said the support of the Saemaul Women's Association members was a great source of strength for the community. "We will continue to look carefully after neighbors who may be left behind, and do our utmost to spread a culture of sharing and improve welfare so that Gwangjin becomes a happier place to live," he said.

Sept. 18, 2026