Lee Jae-myung’s END Initiative.

• Lee Jae-myung (President) proposed at the UN General Assembly keynote speech, “Let us end the era of hostility and confrontation, centered on Exchange, Normalization, and Denuclearization.”
• He reiterated the three-stage denuclearization process: Suspension-Reduction-Dismantlement.
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END: Sequence Matters.

• If the order is E-N-D, North Korea may need to be recognized as a normal state. E requires eased sanctions.
• Park Won-gon (Professor, Ewha Womans University) noted, “While this approach seeks to improve inter-Korean relations before denuclearization, the actual goal of achieving denuclearization could be postponed.”

What Matters Now.

Han Hak-ja’s Detention: Investigation Targets Yoon Suk-yeol.

• The special prosecution has secured Han Hak-ja (Unification Church leader) and is tracing the flow of church funds.
• The special prosecution is investigating whether the 100 million won Han Hak-ja gave to Kweon Seong-dong (People Power Party lawmaker) just before the last election may have reached Yoon Suk-yeol. The amount could exceed 100 million won.
• From November 2022 to March 2023, 3,000 Unification Church members joined the People Power Party. It was also confirmed that Han Hak-ja instructed followers to “find virtuous candidates who support our policies and vote for them.”

23 Deaths in Fire: Arisel’s Park Soon-kwan Sentenced to 15 Years.

• This is the heaviest sentence since the Serious Accidents Punishment Act took effect. The incident occurred in June last year when a fire at the factory killed 23 and injured 9.
• The court emphasized, “The vicious cycle of entrepreneurs fixating on profit maximization must be eradicated.” It found, “While repeatedly instructing increased sales, no directives were given to ensure worker safety.”
• Park Soon-kwan (Arisel CEO) claimed, “The actual managerial responsibility lies with my son, and the tragedy was an accident with unknown causes,” but this was rejected. Park Jung-eon (Arisel General Manager) also received a 15-year sentence.
• Even the fact that a settlement was reached with the bereaved families was not fully considered. The court stated, “Due to economic circumstances and other factors, the settlement was unavoidable,” adding, “It will be considered as a limited sentencing factor.”
• Related Link.
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Deep Dive.

‘A UN Without the U.S.’ Emerges as This Year’s Theme.

• Donald Trump (U.S. President) denounced the UN General Assembly, claiming, “The UN is inciting crises.”
• He boasted, “I ended seven wars that were deemed unendable over the past seven months,” but this contradicts reality. The Gaza and Ukraine wars persist.
• CNN noted, “During Trump’s first term, UN delegates greeted his speeches with mocking laughter, but seven years later, world leaders are crafting increasingly elaborate flattery to win his favor.”
• He asserted, “Climate change is the greatest hoax ever perpetrated on the world” and “a ludicrous prediction by fools.”
• This year’s UN motto is ‘Better Together.’ Kyunghyang Shinmun analyzed, “Due to Trump’s ‘America First’ policy, the UN faces a profound crisis from within and without.”
• Exploring a ‘UN without the U.S.’ has become the organization’s challenge. Anjali Dayal (Fordham University professor) observed, “The U.S. is attempting to fracture every domain that fundamentally sustains UN activities—poverty alleviation, public health, gender equality, and more.”
• Related Link.
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Soldiers Who Refused National Assembly Deployment to Receive Awards.

• “Do not cross Seogang Bridge,” the order given by Jo Seong-hyeon (former Capital Defense Command Security Battalion Commander) and 13 other soldiers will be honored with commendations.
• Kim Moon-sang (former Capital Defense Command Operations Director), who suspended the entry of Army Special Warfare Command helicopters, and Kim Hyung-gi (Special Forces battalion commander), who refused orders to forcibly suppress civilians, are also among those to be commended.
• Park Jeong-hoon (Marine Corps Investigation Unit Commander), who exposed external pressure in the Chae Lance Corporal case investigation, will receive the Patriotic Medal.

Choo Mi-ae’s Power Play and Jeong Chung-rae’s Sidelining Controversy.

• Choo Mi-ae (Democratic Party lawmaker, Judiciary Committee chair) pushed forward with the Cho Hee-dae (Chief Justice) confirmation hearing without consulting the Democratic Party leadership.
• From Jeong Chung-rae’s (Democratic Party leader) perspective, who handed Choo Mi-ae the Judiciary Committee chairmanship, this could feel like being sidelined.
• Moon Geum-ju (Democratic Party spokesperson) stated, “We were informed after the decision was made.”
• According to Kyunghyang Shinmun, Jeong Chung-rae called Choo Mi-ae to say, “Please consult the leadership before making decisions in the future.” Kim Byung-ki (Democratic Party floor leader) was also reportedly taken aback.
• One Democratic Party lawmaker remarked, “Lawmakers aiming to run in next year’s local elections are engaging in a visibility contest targeting hardline supporters.”
• A Democratic Party official interviewed by The Korea Herald said, “At a time when we emphasize party democracy, speaking frankly could destabilize not just lawmakers but even the leadership’s position.”
• A Democratic Party lawmaker interviewed by Chosun Ilbo said, “How can we persuade hardliners who want to replicate the same politics that earned Jeong Chung-rae the party leadership through strong supporter backing?”
• Rumors also surfaced that Jeong Chung-rae privately urged some lawmakers, “Please refrain from excessive political offensives that could burden the president or the party.”
• Related Link.
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The Choo-Na Battle Is a Prelude to Next Year’s Local Elections.

• The Democratic Party says, “Even if we win everywhere else, losing Seoul feels like losing.” Retaking Seoul is a critical goal.
• Kim Min-seok (Prime Minister) and Kang Hoon-sik (Presidential Office Chief of Staff), along with Rep. Jeon Hyeon-hee (Democratic Party) and Rep. Park Hong-geun (Democratic Party), are among those being discussed.
• In the People Power Party, Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon is likely to run for a fifth term. Rep. Na Kyung-won (People Power Party) and Han Dong-hoon (former People Power Party leader) are also being mentioned.
• Gyeonggi Province is already heating up. The Democratic Party is considering incumbent Governor Kim Dong-yeon alongside Rep. Choo Mi-ae (Democratic Party), Rep. Kim Byung-joo (Democratic Party), and Rep. Lee Eun-ju (Democratic Party). The People Power Party may push Na Kyung-won as Choo Mi-ae’s rival.

Can the People Power Party Sustain a 70-Day Filibuster?

• Negotiations on the Government Organization Act amendment collapsed. The People Power Party insists on legally obstructing all bills.
• Sixty-nine bills are pending in the plenary session, and filibusters can be forcibly terminated after 24 hours. At one bill per day, this would take 70 days.
• The Korea Daily assessed, “Politics has forgotten its duty, devolving into an emotional brawl.”
• One People Power Party lawmaker noted, “If it becomes an infinite filibuster, the Democratic Party will suffer more.” Ending a filibuster requires a two-thirds majority. While People Power Party lawmakers can take turns delivering opposition speeches, Democratic Party lawmakers must attend daily.
• Even without breaks during the Chuseok holiday, maintaining a 24-hour filibuster is no simple task for People Power Party lawmakers.
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Another Take.

Judicial Reform Cannot Be Punitive.

• These are the words of Park Si-hwan (former Supreme Court Justice) in an interview with Hankyoreh. He is one of the “Eagle Five,” known for progressive rulings.
• “The judiciary is an institution that creates space for free opinions and decisions, not just dominant majority views,” he said. “The judiciary must participate in reform discussions that address its problems comprehensively without undermining its essence.”
• The message is clear: “Judicial reform must proceed under the fundamental principle that no pressure should ever be applied to trial content or judicial independence.”
• A former constitutional court justice pointed out, “Reforms of this scale should be carried out with ample time—rushing to finalize something before Chuseok could become another misguided overhaul.”
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This Is Not the Tobacco We Knew.

• The revised Tobacco Business Act passed the National Assembly’s Strategy and Finance Committee subcommittee.
• It classifies synthetic nicotine as tobacco and imposes taxes. This will secure an additional annual tax revenue of 930 billion won.
• The definition of tobacco has expanded from “tobacco leaves” to “tobacco or nicotine.” It is the first change in 37 years since the law’s enactment in 1988.
• Related Link.

Those Advocating Nuclear Development Are Undermining National Interests.

• South Korea’s plutonium spent fuel is reaching saturation. It could be reprocessed, but due to U.S. opposition, it remains buried.
• In this context, calls for “acquiring nuclear potential” only make U.S. approval harder to obtain. Hong Hyun-ik (former Director of the National Diplomatic Academy) noted, “Those advocating nuclear development are inadvertently betraying national interests.”
• The time has also come to transfer wartime operational control. Hong believes three years is sufficient preparation time. Budgets must increase for surveillance, reconnaissance capabilities, and digitizing operational command systems. Hong pointed out, “This should have been done long ago, but there has been over a decade of covert sabotage to avoid transferring operational control.”
• It is also noteworthy that South Korea’s military developed a heavy focus on the army because the U.S., with its strong navy and air force, retains operational control.
• There was a time when security relied on the U.S. and the economy on China, but last year South Korea recorded a $55.7 billion trade surplus with the U.S., while trade with China—including Hong Kong—resulted in a $6.9 billion deficit. Hong Hyun-ik emphasized, “China is also a critically important partner for security.”
• Related Link.

Tylenol Causes Autism? A Conspiracy Theory Spread by the U.S. President.

• The U.S. FDA’s statement advising “strongly limiting Tylenol use during pregnancy” has drawn widespread criticism as baseless.
• The initial claim that autism spectrum disorder rates have risen in the U.S. is flawed. The increase is merely perceived due to expanded social awareness and shifting diagnostic criteria.
• Numerous studies have found no correlation between acetaminophen and autism.
• A bizarre situation has emerged with the WHO rebutting the FDA’s announcement. Tarik Jašarević (WHO spokesperson) stated, “We should not question scientifically proven facts.”

Rumbling Along the Han River Belt, What’s Next?

• Despite the Lee Jae-myung administration’s relatively strong June 27 and September 7 measures, housing prices have not stabilized.
• Though many analysts argue the market is not yet overheated or at panic-buying levels, the recent fluctuations along the Han River Belt are unsettling.
• Choi Jong-hoon (Senior Reporter, Hankyoreh) projected, “If overheating persists, simultaneous or phased designation of regulated zones and land transaction permit areas could occur.”
• Presidential office insiders’ remarks that “tax policies are not off the table” likely serve as a cautionary signal.

“Sir, Let Me Treat You to a Meal.”.

• Enlisted soldiers’ salaries have risen to near-officer levels.
• A sergeant major earns 2.05 million won, while a new second lieutenant receives 2.0 million won and a second lieutenant 2.01 million won.
• Meal allowances have been frozen for 16 years, and a 12-hour weekend duty allowance is 40,000 won. If next year’s budget passes, holiday duty pay will increase to 60,000 won.
• A former Air Force Academy captain remarked, “The PDI (Power Distance Index) that soldiers feel toward officers is steadily declining.”
• Related Link.

A 100 Billion Won Stock Manipulation Scheme Exposed.

• This is the first case of ruinous financial misconduct warned by Lee Jae-myung.
• It involved a hospital CEO, asset management executives, and others as key players.
• They inflated stock prices through fake buy orders and reaped nearly 40 billion won in profits.

The Fix.

Gender Tops the List of Income Inequality Drivers.

• OECD released a report titled “How to Reduce the Opportunity Gap.”
• Gender ranks first, followed by father’s education, father’s occupation, mother’s education, and mother’s occupation.
• Over a quarter of income disparity stems from external factors beyond individual control, according to the analysis.
• The most effective institutions for mitigating income inequality were income and property taxes.
• Related Link.

Even Chicken Shop Owners Gain Collective Bargaining Rights.

• The Fair Trade Commission will grant franchisees the right to terminate contracts.
• They will be able to close without penalty fees.
• The FTC plans to register franchisee groups and compel negotiations.
• If they voice opinions on price hikes or menu launches, franchisors must at least take a seat at the table.
• According to the FTC, 72% of franchisors operate small-scale businesses with fewer than 10 outlets.
• Hong Hyung-joo (FTC Head of Corporate Cooperation Policy) said, “It’s true that franchisors will bear significant burdens.”

ICYMI.

1,000 People Bought 37,196 Homes.

• Purchase amount totaled 4.3407 trillion won over the past six years.
• Top 10 buyers acquired 4,015 units worth 663.9 billion won.
• One individual purchased 794 units worth 116.1 billion won.
• Related Link.

Park Joo-min Declares Bid for Seoul Mayor.

• He gained prominence as the Sewol ferry disaster lawyer.
• He has served three terms since the 20th National Assembly.
• Park Joo-min (Democratic Party lawmaker) declared his candidacy for Seoul mayor.
• His flagship pledge is to transform Seoul into a hub for the bio-industry.
• “A person with youthful energy and fresh perspective is needed to prepare for the future,” he emphasized.
• He proposed the Anti-Discrimination Act and supports establishing a dedicated court for rebellion cases.
• Related Link.

KakaoTalk Integrates ChatGPT.

• The Friends tab, previously organized like a phonebook, will be redesigned to resemble a Facebook feed, showing updates from friends.
• The Open Chat tab will be renamed “Now” and shift toward short-form content.
• Messages can now be edited after sending. Chat rooms can be managed via folders.
• A ChatGPT model will be released by mid-October. The AI-focused service “Kanana” will also launch within the year.
• Related Link.

Disney’s Flip-Flop.

• ABC’s flagship talk show “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” returned after just one week of suspension.
• It had been indefinitely pulled off air for criticizing how “MAGA groups are trying to distance themselves from the killer” in the Jerry Kirk (conservative activist) shooting.
• Facing backlash over stifling free speech and a wave of Disney+ cancellations, the company backtracked.
• Disney, ABC’s parent corporation, explained it was “to avoid inflaming tensions during an emotionally charged moment in America.”

Nvidia-OpenAI’s $100 Billion Investment Driven by GPUs.

• Nvidia will supply a 10GW-scale system to OpenAI, securing equity in the company.
• This scale corresponds to 4–5 million GPUs. Jensen Huang (Nvidia CEO) remarked, “It’s comparable to our entire annual shipment volume this year.”
• Sam Altman (OpenAI CEO) stated, “The three things OpenAI must excel at are conducting excellent research, building products people want to use, and solving unprecedented infrastructure challenges.”
• No mention was made of OpenAI’s public mission.
• Related Link.
• Related Link.

Worth Reading.

Michael Sandel’s Common Good.

• “The dark side of meritocracy makes winners believe their success is solely due to their own efforts and that they deserve all the benefits that follow.”
• Michael Sandel (Harvard professor) emphasized in an interview with The Hankyoreh, “We must address the inequality, alienation, and legitimate grievances felt by young men.”
• We live increasingly separate lives. Sandel stressed, “The common good must be defined by democratic citizens through open competition and debate over concepts of justice, equality, rights, and what we owe one another as citizens.” The idea is to create public and shared spaces where citizens from diverse class backgrounds can gather in daily life.
• It is also striking that centrist-left thinkers, while emphasizing ‘distributive justice,’ have overlooked ‘contributive justice.’ Contributive justice refers to the aspiration to contribute to the economy and common good in ways that earn social honor, recognition, dignity, and respect.
• Related Link.

Reading Strategy in Lee Jae-myung’s 2025 Budget Proposal.

• Lee Sang-min (Research Fellow at the Korea Institute of Public Finance) interpreted it as “a signal that the state intends to play an active role.”
• Government spending was set to increase by 8% to 728 trillion won. While tax revenue is projected to rise by 5%, it falls short of covering expenditures—implying growing debt.
• Although national debt is expected to reach 58% of GDP by 2029, Lee Jae-myung maintains that borrowing is necessary to revive the economy if required.
• To reduce the debt ratio, one could shrink the numerator (debt) or expand the denominator (GDP). Lee Sang-min noted, “Debt should be evaluated based on the outcomes achieved with borrowed funds.”
• The budget increases reveal priorities: R&D funding rose by 10 trillion won, and rental housing support by 7 trillion won.
• The largest budget surge went to the Saemangeum Development Agency—136% this year and 79% next year.
• Related Link.

“Kim Eo-jun Will Be a Heavy Burden on the Democratic Party.”.

• Kim Joon-il (political commentator) predicts. Kim Eo-jun (CEO of Ddanzi Ilbo) will not change, and Democratic Party lawmakers who have watched Jeong Cheong-rae—who reads the party’s sentiment on Ddanzi’s bulletin board—will rush to Kim Eo-jun.
• “The Democratic Party had no major issues leveraging Kim Eo-jun, a ‘sharp sword,’ when it was the opposition, but the situation changes when it becomes the ruling party,” goes the narrative.
• Kim Joon-il views Kim Eo-jun as a conspiracy theorist. “In the drama ‘Storm,’ the protagonist says, ‘It’s not truth that defeats lies. It’s bigger lies.’ Applied to Kim Eo-jun: ‘Defeating the other side’s offensive isn’t about defense—it’s about bigger conspiracy theories.’”
• Kang Ji-won (culture editor at The Korea Daily) also drew attention by declaring, “There may be politicians who bow to YouTube power, but no media will.” Emphasizing that “strict regulation of YouTube platforms seeking power under the guise of free expression is urgent,” he stressed, “It is time for the press—whose role is to monitor power and critique—to ensure a healthy public discourse.”
• Related Link.
• Related Link.

Reviving Manufacturing Is the Keyword.

• There is no need to rush a deal with the U.S. While auto tariffs are a burden, $350 billion is a sum that could sway the nation’s fate.
• Min Se-jin (Dongguk University professor) forecasted, “Regardless of the outcome, it’s clear that the demise of Korean manufacturing will only accelerate.”
• Korea’s manufacturing sector peaked at 30% of GDP in 2011 and has been shrinking ever since.
• “Whether production shifts to the U.S. to avoid tariffs or funds flow there due to investment pledges, ‘Made in Korea’ will reach a breaking point.
• It’s a tough negotiation, but the government should prioritize protecting manufacturing on Korean soil.
• If we fail now, we won’t have the leverage to push back like the U.S. does.”
• Related Link.

Jang Dong-hyeok Must Keep His Promise.

• Kang Joon-man (professor at Jeonbuk National University) views Jang Dong-hyeok (People Power Party leader) as exploiting the “Yoon Again” faction.
• After switching from the pro-Han Dong-hoon faction to the pro-Yoon Suk-yeol camp, he allied with Jeon Han-gil (CEO of Jeon Han-gil TV) and others to secure support from “Yoon Again” anti-traitor factions and win the election. During a leadership debate, he even chose Jeon Han-gil when asked, “Would you nominate Han Dong-hoon or Jeon Han-gil?”
• Yet after his election, he changed. As Lee Jun-seok (Reform Party leader) predicted, he reverted to a centrist position.
• Kang Joon-man criticized, “Jang Dong-hyeok’s ‘dragon dream’ is fine, but his awkward strategy of embracing both ‘Yoon Again’ and the center will drain the People Power Party.”
• Kang’s advice follows:
• First, visit and console Yoon Suk-yeol.
• Second, grant Jeon Han-gil a high-ranking position and follow his guidance.
• Third, purge internal critics and redefine the party’s identity as a far-right entity.
• “Isn’t keeping promises a basic duty for public figures? We demand Jang Dong-hyeok fulfill his commitments.”
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