“Save Us,” Kim Byung-gi Risk Emerges as Democratic Party Nomination Scandal.

• A candidate allegedly handed 100 million won to a member of the nomination committee ahead of the nomination process. Despite rumors that this would cause problems, the candidate received the nomination and was elected.
• The person accused of offering the money is Kim Kyung (Seoul Metropolitan Council member), and the one accused of receiving it is Kang Seon-woo (Democratic Party lawmaker).
• Kang Seon-woo reported the incident to Kim Byung-gi (Democratic Party floor leader), who reportedly scolded him, saying, “This could really blow up,” but granted the nomination the next day.
• What happened? This occurred in April 2022, ahead of the local elections.

Kim Byung-gi and Kang Seon-woo Call Details.

• Kim Byung-gi (then Democratic Party Nomination Committee secretary): “Regardless, the chief of staff was holding onto the 100 million won, right? These aren’t things the general public would easily understand.”
• Kang Seon-woo (then Democratic Party Nomination Committee member): “Exactly. Exactly. I really didn’t think at all. Honestly.”
• Kim Byung-gi: “Since we’re committee members, this… How did this even happen? Once I heard about the money, I couldn’t help you, and it’s going to blow up. It’s not just legal liability… Why did you even consult me about this?”
• Kang Seon-woo: “What should I do? Please save me.”

Kang Seon-woo’s Explanation.

• “This was part of hastily reporting the situation in shock and confusion after learning of the matter, while protesting one’s innocence,” Kang claims.
• Kim Kyung also asserted, “There is no fact that I provided money to anyone in exchange for the nomination.”
• If money was exchanged for the nomination, violations of the Political Funds Act, bribery, and breach of trust could apply.
• It is certain that 100 million won was received. Whether Kang Seon-woo returned the 100 million won to Kim Kyung remains unconfirmed.
• The issue lies with Kim Byung-gi. He must explain why he pushed forward with the nomination despite knowing that money was handed to the nomination committee member.
• From the conversation, Kim Byung-gi appears to be scolding, as if asking why such a troublesome issue was thrown at him.

What Matters Now.

Illegal Intervention and Selling of Public Office.

• “We confirmed the fact that someone illegally intervened in state affairs behind a curtain beyond public scrutiny.”
• The Kim Keon-hee special investigation team announced its findings. The special investigation team viewed Yoon Suk-yeol (former president) and Kim Keon-hee (Yoon Suk-yeol’s spouse) as a political community.
• Kim Keon-hee used her status as a presidential spouse to receive valuables and intervene in personnel appointments and nominations.
• The valuables Kim Keon-hee received, including necklaces and bags, amounted to 377.25 million won. The special investigation team assessed, “Various people with no common denominators approached Kim Keon-hee, not the president, to make requests—and those requests were fulfilled exactly as asked.”

Bribery Charges Could Not Be Applied to Kim Keon-hee.

• Gold and silver worth 103.8 million won received from Lee Bong-kwan (former CEO of Seohee Construction),
• a gold turtle worth 2.65 million won received from Lee Bae-yong (former chair of the National Education Committee),
• a wristwatch worth 39.9 million won received from Seo Sung-bin (robot dog business owner),
• a painting worth 140 million won received from Kim Sang-min (former prosecutor),
• and a bag worth 5.4 million won received from Choi Jae-young (pastor).
• Kim Keon-hee is not a public official, so bribery charges cannot be applied. To charge Kim Keon-hee with bribery, collusion with Yoon Suk-yeol must be proven. The special investigation team failed to prove collusion.
• If the intermediary bribery charge is applied, the maximum sentence is 7 years and 6 months.

Unresolved Suspicions in the Kim Keon-hee Investigation.

• Neither the Yangpyeong Expressway controversy nor the special favors in relocating the presidential residence were substantiated.
• A former prosecutor interviewed by The Hankyoreh said, “The very act of passing on unconfirmed rumors to the police—only for them to dismiss the case—shows the investigation was inadequate.”
• The Samtoo Construction stock manipulation allegations also stalled. The “Chief of Staff Gate” involving IMS Mobility’s alleged favors sparked debate over unrelated investigations, but no evidence of Kim Keon-hee’s involvement was found.
• The Kim Keon-hee special investigation had an exceptionally broad scope. Of 16 suspicions, 13 were handed to the police.
• The Doosan Motors case was resolved, and allegations involving Myeong Tae-gyun and Geonjin Beopsa were clarified. Exposing ties between the Unification Church and government officials was also a notable outcome.
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Deep Dive.

Such a Stark Contrast.

• This is about Lee Hye-hoon (nominee for Minister of Planning and Budget).
• President Lee Jae-myung insists the government must act even if it increases debt, while Lee Hye-hoon emphasizes sound fiscal policy.
• She criticized basic income as “populism to gain votes.”
• Regarding Lee Jae-myung’s emphasis on the multiplier effect of consumption coupons, she called it “half the story” and claimed, “He knows the multiplier effect but ignores crowding-out effects.”
• She argues, “Many studies show increased fiscal spending does not lead to economic revitalization,” revealing fundamental differences with the Lee Jae-myung administration’s policy direction.

“Some Concerns Arise.”.

• These are the words of Jeong Chang-soo (Director of the Korea Institute of Public Finance). “It’s an appointment heavily influenced by political judgment.”
• Woo Suk-jin (professor at Myongji University) predicted, “Confusion in policy consistency is inevitable.”
• Chosun Ilbo expressed optimism: “This could mark a shift for the Lee Jae-myung administration, which has pursued expansionary fiscal policies, toward a direction that simultaneously considers fiscal soundness and efficiency.” Lee Hye-hoon’s stance aligns closely with the newspaper’s usual editorial line.
• The Hankyoreh assessed it as “an offensive expansion of influence beyond pragmatic personnel philosophy, with an eye on future political realignments.”
• Jo Gwi-dong (Strategy Director at Min Consulting) analyzed, “This can be seen as a marginalization strategy: aggressively recruiting conservative figures to strengthen centrist appeal and starve the People Power Party, which has already veered far to the right.”
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Yoon Again? Lee Hye-hoon Must Explain.

• “Regarding remarks about insurrection that cannot be tolerated, she must personally provide a sufficient explanation, and it would be appropriate for her to more clearly express a break from those statements.”
• These were Lee Jae-myung’s words. For now, it signals a wait-and-see approach toward public opinion. Some assessments describe it as an offensive integration strategy.

The Real Reason the People Power Party Is Attacking Lee Hye-hoon.

• JoongAng Ilbo analyzed, “The defection of conservatives hurts more.” There are also predictions that the conservative exodus phenomenon will accelerate.
• Rumors circulated that Cho Kyung-tae (People Power Party lawmaker) might be tapped for the Minister of Oceans and Fisheries.
• Lee Jun-seok (Reform Party leader) evaluated, “The People Power Party is closing in, while the Democratic Party is opening up,” explaining, “Is cutting off deserters’ throats and pointing fingers at them as traitors what we should be doing now?”
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Lee Hye-hoon’s Anti-LGBTQ+ Remarks Spark Controversy.

• “The Military Criminal Act’s prohibition of anal intercourse must remain in force,” she insisted.
• She also claimed, “Christians must lead in declaring that homosexuality is a sin.”
• She has previously argued, “We must block evil laws—such as the anti-discrimination bill—that aim to subjugate South Korea to Islamic forces and dismantle God’s kingdom.”

Palace Intrigue? Working a Minute’s Walk from the Chiefs.

• Park Chung-hee (former president) called it “a place like a Buddhist temple,” while Kim Young-sam (former president) dubbed it “a prison without bars.” “Palace within layers of walls” was Moon Jae-in’s (former president) phrase.
• After returning to the Blue House, the presidential office will be located in Yeomin 1 Building—where the three chiefs also work in the same structure.
• The arrangement follows the White House principle that staff must work within a minute’s walk to answer the call.
• As Lee Jae-myung (president) put it, “Now, the most important thing is to work hard.”
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Yeo In-hyung and Lee Jin-woo Dismissed, Kwak Jong-geun Relieved.

• Dismissal halves military pension payments, while relief maintains full benefits.
• Kwak Jong-geun (former Special Warfare Command chief) was considered less actively involved and cooperative with the special prosecutor’s investigation.
• Yeo In-hyung (former Counterintelligence Command chief) and Lee Jin-woo (former Capital Defense Command chief) face allegations of involvement in martial law buses departing at 3 AM on December 4, immediately after martial law was lifted.
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Another Take.

Coupang’s 50,000 Won Compensation? In Gift Certificates.

• Coupang has proposed a 1.685 trillion won compensation plan—50,000 won per person—as a response to the personal data leak incident.
• Coupang credit: 5,000 won.
• Coupang Eats credit: 5,000 won.
• Coupang Travel gift certificate: 20,000 won.
• Alux gift certificate: 20,000 won.
• The total 50,000 won will be distributed starting January 15 next year.
• It’s less compensation than a promotional coupon. Unsurprisingly, those who have left Coupang must rejoin to use it.

Kim Byung-ki’s Spouse Credit Card Controversy: He Knew.

• An audio recording of a conversation with an aide surfaced.
• Kim Byung-ki said, “Someone told Jo Jin-hee (Deputy Speaker of Dongjak-gu Council), ‘Hey, why don’t you buy me dinner?’ and she replied, ‘I don’t have a card—the spouse does.’”
• He also instructed a staff member, “If the restaurant where the card was used asks to see CCTV footage, tell them absolutely not to show it.”

The Fix.

Sinan County Gains 2,600 Residents as Mokpo Loses 1,700.

• It could be a universal basic income effect, but ultimately, it might just be neighboring populations relocating.
• Population inflows are rising in areas selected for basic income pilot programs, but adjacent regions are losing residents at a comparable rate.
• In Gangwon Province, when Jeongseon County gained 1,191 residents, nearby Taebaek, Samcheok, and Donghae cities lost 507 combined.
• When Yeongyang County gained 608 residents, neighboring Cheongsong, Yeongdeok, and Uljin counties lost 243 combined.
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Capital Region Landfill Ban Counts Down to D-2.

• Gyeonggi Province generates 4,735 tons of waste daily, of which 641 tons is sent to the Capital Region landfill. In two days, direct landfilling will be completely banned starting next year.
• Direct landfill costs 130,000 won, but outsourcing to private incinerators costs 190,000 won. Many areas still lack incinerators.
• The Korea Daily criticized, “The government’s lukewarm attitude has exacerbated the problem.” Though the ban was decided in 2021, speculation dominated that it would be postponed again. Only finalized in July this year, leaving little time to prepare.
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Elevators Now at Every Seoul Metro Station.

• 338 stations now have at least one elevator. One accessible route per station secured.
• 175.1 billion won spent since 2008.

Chronic Disease Treatment Costs Reach 90.7 Trillion Won.

• This accounts for 80.3% of total medical expenses.
• The average treatment cost for those aged 65+ is 5.51 million won—compared to a national average of 2.26 million won.
• Hyperlipidemia leads at 21%, followed by hypertension (20%) and diabetes (9%).
• Hyperlipidemia occurs when cholesterol or triglyceride levels exceed thresholds. It often progresses without symptoms, potentially leading to hypertension or diabetes, and if untreated, raises risks of atherosclerosis or myocardial infarction.
• Oh Sang-woo (Dongguk University professor) advised, “Medication alone achieves an 86.2% treatment efficacy for hyperlipidemia.”
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The Lesson of UK Electricity Bills.

• The UK halted coal power generation last year. South Korea’s coal power share is still 30%.
• Chosun Ilbo has been publishing articles claiming, “Countries that led the coal phase-out alliance saw massive electricity bill hikes,” but context is key.
• The UK’s electricity bill surge was less about coal phase-out and more about LNG prices skyrocketing after the Russia-Ukraine war. LNG prices rose over sevenfold as supplies halted, causing electricity bills to jump over fivefold—now stabilizing.
• The lesson? Coal and LNG are no longer cheap, and price volatility risks must be considered. Expanding renewable energy is a pressing task for security and the times. (Sent via Slowletter today.)
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ICYMI.

South Korea Surpasses $700 Billion in Annual Exports.

• It is the sixth country globally to achieve this milestone. The U.S. reached it in 2000, Germany in 2003, China in 2005, Japan in 2007, the Netherlands in 2018—and now South Korea.
• Semiconductors alone accounted for $152.6 billion through November.

NewJeans and Daniel Part Ways.

• ADOR, NewJeans’ agency, stated, “We determined it was difficult to continue together and notified them of the exclusive contract termination.”
• Hanni has accepted the decision, while Minji is still negotiating.
• The line, “We will hold Daniel’s family and Min Hee-jin (former ADOR CEO) legally accountable,” also caught attention—a sign lingering tensions remain.

Paper Billionaires.

• Paper Billionaire. The term refers to billionaires whose wealth remains unrealized, despite the AI boom producing more of them.
• Mira Murati (CEO of Thinking Machines Labs), formerly of OpenAI, saw her company valued at $10 billion within four months of founding.
• Bret Adcock (CEO of Figure AI) saw his net worth grow to $19.5 billion in three years.
• Margaret O’Mara (University of Washington professor) said, “Like the Gilded Age (late 1800s) and the dot-com boom (early 2000s), the AI frenzy is making young entrepreneurs very, very, very rich very quickly.”
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South Korea Tops Global Slop Consumption.

• The Economist’s Word of the Year is “slop”—AI-generated garbage content.
• Korea ranked first with 8.45 billion views on CapCut. Pakistan followed with 5.34 billion, Spain with 2.52 billion.
• A study analyzing 500 top YouTube channels found 104 AI-generated and 165 “brain-rot” videos—stark evidence of the trend.
• Kim Sang-yeon (Seoul Shinmun columnist) warned, “If we’ve so far been drowning in human-made videos, tomorrow we might pump dopamine over AI content so seamless it transcends ‘slop.’”
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Workslop and Research Slop.

• Graphite analysis shows AI-generated documents among new web documents rose from 10% in 2022 to 52% in May this year.
• Reports hastily stitched together by AI are called “workslop.”
• The term “research slop” similarly applies to poorly crafted papers—one UC Berkeley undergraduate even mass-produced 113 AI-generated papers.
• Lim Hyun-seok (Dong-A Ilbo Strategic Video Team Leader) emphasized, “An era where investment in verification must match production efficiency.”
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Worth Reading.

Why You Switch Channels When Yoon Appears on TV.

• Kim Dae-jung (Chosun Ilbo columnist), once ranked as the most influential, said, “As someone who once took notice of Yoon Suk-yeol’s emergence, I no longer wish to see him fall apart.”
• Kim Dae-jung has no interest in Yoon Suk-yeol. He advised, “Yoon must be desperately urged to rise by stepping over me,” but will Yoon listen?
• “Above all, it is even more pathetic to see South Korea’s conservatism ruined because of Yoon Suk-yeol.”
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How to Reset Your Body’s Clock.

• “The heart prepares for morning blood pressure spikes, and the liver completes detoxification late at night. Muscles peak in strength and flexibility in the afternoon, while immune cells enter high alert at dusk.”
• Lee Chang-woo (director of Seonhan Mokja Hospital) emphasized, “Restoring the body’s clock means reclaiming one’s own rhythm.” When circadian rhythms falter, the distinction between day and night blurs, and inflammation lingers. Disrupted rhythms prevent blood sugar from stabilizing and shorten the liver’s detox window.
• “The body’s clock can always be reset. Five minutes of morning sunlight, consistent meal times, light walking, sleeping before 11 PM, reducing late-night stimulation… The body responds surprisingly sensitively to these small signals, realigning misaligned rhythms. Initially, this manifests as deeper breathing and more restful sleep. It then expands to effortless waking, steady afternoon focus, and quiet nighttime rest. Inflammation decreases without changing medications, and pain subsides even without increased exercise.”
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Half of Jobs Could Vanish.

• Forrester projected that 5% of U.S. jobs will be replaced by AI by 2030.
• Goldman Sachs estimates 7%. McKinsey’s analysis puts it at 12 million people. The IMF forecasts 40% will be affected.
• After generative AI comes physical AI. According to Goldman Sachs, the humanoid robot market is expected to grow to $38 billion—meaning a significant portion of manufacturing production lines will be replaced by robots.
• Shin Hyun-han (Yonsei University professor) pointed out, “The issue isn’t the speed of technology but how society accepts it.”
• “Companies must now become entities that design time for people and organizations to adapt to change—not just adopt AI based on efficiency alone,” he argued.
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Why the Democratic Party Government Can Punish Fake News.

• Lee Dae-geun (Woosuk University professor) analyzed, “The Democratic Party, which holds the political capital of democratization, does not hesitate over such issues.”
• “They are adept at self-justification: if it serves effective governance, even media control is acceptable.”
• “The People Power Party, lost in the quagmire of insurrection, has lost its voice. A group that cannot be trusted even if they pound soybeans into meju (fermented soybean blocks) shouts that this is an evil law that cripples democracy—but their cries dissipate into thin air.”
• “Democracy is an architectural structure built on checks and balances. Until the insurrection, this structure was more or less maintained. But post-insurrection, a dangerous combination emerged: unchecked power and an opposition party that has lost its ability to check. It is easy to guess where this combination will lead the nation.”
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Let’s Create a Disaster Investigation Committee.

• This was a discussion that emerged after the Sewol ferry disaster. Although a special investigation committee was formed, there were calls for a permanent, independent investigative body.
• Park Rae-gun (director of the Human Rights Foundation People) pointed out, “We’ve repeatedly explained and persuaded that the investigative body must have independence, expertise, democratic legitimacy, and the ability to monitor implementation—but the response has always been the same.”
• “If we fail to establish an independent disaster investigation agency even after the first anniversary of the Jeju Air passenger plane crash, we won’t prevent similar disasters. A country that doesn’t learn from tragedies cannot expect guarantees of the right to return home.”
• Related Link.