“Only the Death Penalty.”.

• “Among statutory penalties, the only punishment that is not the minimum sentence is death. Therefore, we request that the defendant be sentenced to death.”
• The special prosecution team asked the court to impose the death penalty on Yoon Suk-yeol (former president) during the closing arguments of the treason case against him.
• At that moment, Yoon Suk-yeol (former president) smirked.
• Someone in the gallery shouted, “Bullshit,” and curses and cheers erupted simultaneously. Judge Ji Gwi-yeon (Seoul Central District Court) said, “Please remain quiet.”
• It has been 406 days since the emergency martial law declaration.
• The closing arguments ended at 2:25 a.m. today (14th), past midnight.

The Community’s Will to Confront Crime.

• The maximum penalty under the law.
• The special prosecution team noted, “The imposition of martial law abandoned the duty to protect the Constitution and promote freedom, fundamentally violating national security and the survival of citizens.”
• The intent was to “severely condemn this unprecedented destruction of constitutional order by anti-state forces in Korean history” and “declare that South Korea itself can defend its constitutional order.”
• The special prosecution emphasized, “Yoon Suk-yeol (former president) showed no grounds for leniency and has not reflected,” adding, “The death penalty is not about execution but a declaration by the community, through trial, of its resolve to confront crime.”
• They also requested life imprisonment for Kim Yong-hyun (former defense minister) and 30 years for No Sang-won (former intelligence commander), both charged with rebellion.
• For Cho Ji-ho (former police chief) and Kim Bong-sik (former Seoul police chief), they asked for 20 and 15 years, respectively.
• The verdict will be announced on February 19 at 3:00 PM.
• Related Link.
• Related Link.

“A Judgment Harsher Than Chun Doo-hwan and Roh Tae-woo.”.

• “Though South Korea is de facto abolitionist, the death penalty is still sought and handed down. In South Korean criminal justice, capital punishment does not mean execution but functions as a community’s will to confront crime through trial, demonstrating resolve and trust in the judicial process. Therefore, it is inappropriate to set it as the minimum sentence—and the only penalty that is not the minimum is death.”
• Park Eok-su (Deputy Special Prosecutor) stressed, “The possibility of recurrence must be seriously considered.” “The risk of similar attempts to destroy constitutional order repeating is by no means small.”
• Coincidentally, Courtroom 417 of Seoul Central District Court is where Chun Doo-hwan (former president) was sentenced to death.

Final Statement: More of the Same Rhetoric.

• “Have you ever seen a rebellion that starts with a broadcast and stops after two hours because the National Assembly told it to?” he repeated.
• He spent 1 hour and 30 minutes repeating claims like “the Democratic Party aimed to overthrow the system” or “the special prosecution performed a frenzied sword dance.”
• He also argued, “The majority does not always speak the truth.”
• The Chosun Ilbo’s editorial noted, “Yoon Suk-yeol has never sincerely apologized to the public,” calling it “a shameful and disheartening affair.”
• The Kyunghyang Shinmun argued in its editorial, “A severe sentence must be handed down to Yoon Suk-yeol so that no one in this land ever plots rebellion again.”
• The Hankook Ilbo emphasized in its editorial, “A frosty ruling is urgently needed to leave a powerful lesson: even the highest authority must never covet powers not granted by the people.”
• Related Link.
• Related Link.
• Related Link.

What Matters Now.

“A Lifetime Dream Realized.”.

• While Yoon Suk-yeol (former president) was dodging and diluting the sentencing hearing, Lee Jae-myung (president) met with Sanae Takai (Japanese prime minister) to play the drums.
• Lee Jae-myung said, “Playing the drums was a lifelong wish.” It was a surprise event prepared by the Japanese government. Sanae Takai had been a drummer in a rock band during her school days.
• Takai gave an impromptu lesson, and they played along to “Golden” by K-pop Demon Hunters and BTS’s “Dynamite.”
• Related Link.

Start with the Easier Parts of History.

• The Korea-Japan summit held in Japan had a positive atmosphere.
• Sensitive historical issues will begin with a joint investigation into the 1942 Chōsei Coal Mine accident, where 183 people died—136 of them forcibly mobilized Korean workers.
• Lee Jae-myung (president) called it “a small but meaningful step forward.”
• The summit lasted about 1 hour and 30 minutes, discussing rare earth supply chain cooperation.
• Immediate attention now focuses on the February 22 “Takeshima Day” event in Shimane Prefecture. (Japan calls Dokdo Takeshima.) The Japanese government has sent vice-ministerial officials to the event since 2013, but Sanae Takaichi (former minister) once insisted on sending a ministerial-level representative.
• The Fukushima seafood issue was discussed but excluded from the joint statement.
• Takaichi’s hometown is Yamaguchi Prefecture. Lee Jae-myung said, “Next time, I’d like to invite her to Andong.”
• Related Link.

Two Key Issues in the Seoul Bus Strike.

• First, whether to include bonuses in ordinary wages.
• Second, what standard working hours to set.
• The management insists on including bonuses in ordinary wages, while the union argues for separate treatment.
• Management proposes calculating monthly hours as 209, including 40 hours of work and 8 hours of weekly rest. The union insists on 176 hours, reflecting 8-hour workdays over 22 days.
• Management offered a 10.3% raise conditional on wage system reform, while the union demands a 3% increase without restructuring.
• Since Seoul city buses operate under a quasi-public system, the city provides 600 billion won annually. A Seoul Metropolitan Government official claimed, “Accepting the union’s demands would require an additional 180 billion won every year.”
• Related Link.

Deep Dive.

Revisiting Prosecutorial Reform in the Democratic Party.

• It is Lee Jae-myung (president)’s proposal.
• Kim Min-seok (Prime Minister) also wrote on Facebook, “We will actively discuss and reflect opinions sufficiently during the legislative notice period.”
• The issue centers on the prosecution’s authority to order supplementary investigations, with criticism that the National Investigation Agency’s powers are too expansive. Chosun Ilbo noted, “Opening the lid reveals a dinosaur-sized National Investigation Agency.”
• A lawyer interviewed by The Hankyoreh pointed out, “Prosecutors who have merely changed titles to ‘investigative judges’ could cross over to the National Investigation Agency and run rampant like special unit prosecutors.”
• Some argue, “It is even a step backward from the current prosecution system.”
• Related Link.
• Related Link.

“The Lee Jae-myung Government’s Prosecutors Are Different.”.

• These were the words of Jung Sung-ho (Minister of Justice).
• Park Joo-min (Democratic Party lawmaker) pointed out, “It’s regrettable, but incorrect.”
• The Justice Reform Party’s commentary struck hard: “It’s like saying, ‘Our dog doesn’t bite.’” They assessed it as “a superficial separation of investigation and prosecution—and superficial reform.”
• Related Link.

Lee Hye-hoon Goes to the Confirmation Hearing.

• Even the Democratic Party has no will to defend Lee Hye-hoon (nominee for Minister of Planning and Budget). The People Power Party is biding its time.
• A Democratic Party lawmaker said, “If the public doesn’t accept it, wouldn’t it be difficult to agree?”
• It’s set for the 19th.
• Related Link.

Kim Byung-ki Demands a Retrial.

• “The party will be torn to shreds,” grumbled critics.
• Kim Byung-ki (former Democratic Party floor leader) insists, “I won’t leave voluntarily, even if expelled,” adding, “I’ll step down if any of the allegations prove legally culpable.”
• Though Rep. Jeong Cheong-rae (Democratic Party leader) claimed, “It was a human error, not a system error,” many argue it paradoxically exposed the party’s systemic failures. The Kyunghyang Shinmun emphasized, “The expulsion vote against Kim Byung-ki is just the beginning,” urging, “The Democratic Party leadership must now demonstrate resolve for full candidate audits, prevention measures, and systemic reforms.”
• Han Dong-hyeok (People Power Party leader) and Lee Jun-seok (Reform New Party leader) met, agreeing to propose a special prosecutor if the investigation into Kim Byung-ki proves inadequate. Lee Jun-seok remarked, “If Han Dong-hyeok cuts ties with ‘Yoon Again,’ we can collaborate.”
• Related Link.

“Kang Seon-woo Was There When 100 Million Won Was Handed Over.”.

• Kim Kyung-seo (Seoul City Council member) claimed to have met Kang Seon-woo (Democratic Party lawmaker) and Kang’s chief of staff together at a cafe. Kang Seon-woo claimed, “I found out later,” but their accounts differ.
• Kang Seon-woo has locked his iPhone and refuses to disclose the password. The police plan to obtain a communication warrant to verify the locations of the three individuals.
• Related Link.

Jeon Kwang-hoon Also Detained: Mastermind Behind Western Seoul Court Riot.

• It took long enough. The incident occurred last January 19—nearly a full year ago.
• Police requested an arrest warrant for Jeon Kwang-hoon (Pastor of Sarang Jeil Church), and the court issued it.
• In the warrant application, police stated, “The misguided notion that judicial institutions can be invaded under the guise of ‘citizens’ resistance rights’ was instilled, leading to grave criminal acts.”
• It is true that Jeon Kwang-hoon emphasized citizens’ resistance rights in weekly rallies. Jeon maintains he did not directly incite the riot.

People Power Party Moves to Expel Han Dong-hoon.

• The controversy over the bulletin board comments dragged on for a long time. The People Power Party’s ethics committee resolved on the highest level of disciplinary action, stating, “The ethical and political responsibility is significant,” but backlash is fierce.
• Critics warn it will become “a glorified wound for Jang Dong-hyeok (People Power Party leader).” There are also fears “the party will collapse.”
• The Dong-A Ilbo assessed it as “subtractive politics.” Han Dong-hoon (former People Power Party leader) claims some investigation results were fabricated. A full-scale conflict with the pro-Han faction is highly likely.
• Related Link.

Another Take.

Pro-Chung Faction Pushes for One-Person-One-Vote in Democratic Party.

• Democratic Party Supreme Council now leans 4:5 in favor of pro-Moon:pro-Chung factions.
• The one-person-one-vote system, rejected at the Central Committee meeting last month, is likely to be rammed through again.
• South Korea has 18.4% of its total electorate as party members.
• The Democratic Party has high concentrations of party members and strong supporters in Gwangju, South Jeolla, and North Jeolla.
• Observers predict the pro-Chung faction will strengthen its grip if the one-person-one-vote system is implemented.

Prosecuting the Fed Chair for Not Listening.

• Donald Trump has crossed countless lines, but now he’s undermining central bank independence. The federal prosecutor has issued a subpoena to Jerome Powell (Federal Reserve Chair). They’re auditing the Fed building’s renovation budget.
• Jerome Powell’s term ends in May, but his Fed board seat lasts until 2028.
• Of the seven Fed governors, three are Trump loyalists. It’s likely Powell must step down for Trump to control the Fed.

Exchange Rate Hits 1,473.7 Won.

• All measures have proven ineffective. The situation is beyond the government’s control.
• Individual investors are increasing their holdings of U.S. stocks, and foreign currency deposits have also risen.
• The Kookmin Ilbo editorial noted, “Confidence in the authorities and the won has plummeted.”
• Related Link.

The Fix.

Expanded Medical School Quotas: All New Slots to Be Regional Doctors.

• The Korean Medical Association continues to oppose, claiming oversupply. The Planning Committee previously estimated a shortage of 5,704–11,136 doctors by 2040. The exact scale of expansion remains undecided.
• This year, slots exceeding the current quota of 3,058 will be allocated to the regional doctor program. A plan is under review requiring 10 years of mandatory service in exchange for tuition support and other benefits.

Elementary School Enrollments Fall Below 300,000.

• The 300,000 threshold has collapsed. It happened a year earlier than the Ministry of Education’s projections. A 26% drop in just three years.
• The total number of K-12 students stands at 4.84 million, with projections showing a decline to 3.81 million by 2031.

Taking a Break? Preparing?

• ‘Taking a break’ refers to those neither employed nor unemployed. They answered ‘no’ to “Have you looked for work in the past four weeks?” and “Did you want a job last week?” and then responded ‘taking a break’ when asked, “What did you mainly do last week?”
• As of last November, this group totaled 2.54 million, with 720,000 in their 20s and 30s.
• Lee Young-tae (Korea Ilbo columnist) noted, “They aren’t just resting, nor do they want to rest—many feel forced into inactivity.” Lee Sang-heon (ILO Employment Policy Director) criticized it as “irresponsible framing that shifts blame for employment struggles onto individuals.”
• Kim Young-hoon (Minister of Employment and Labor) proposed calling them ‘preparing’ youth instead of ‘taking a break’ youth. Is there no more fitting term?
• Related Link.

National Pension Fund’s Stock Value Surges by 118 Trillion Won.

• Thanks to Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix. It grew from 129 trillion won at the end of 2024 to 247 trillion won by the end of last year.
• The fund holds 7.8% of Samsung Electronics and 7.4% of SK Hynix. Their valuations increased by 26 trillion and 21 trillion won, respectively.
• Reducing holdings in domestic consumer stocks also caught attention. Stakes in Daesang, Orion, Emart, CJ CheilJedang, and Nongshim were cut by 1–2 percentage points.

ICYMI.

Front Belly, Jowwa, and Back Belly.

• They’ve decided to classify samgyeopsal into three types.
• The idea is to let people choose based on preference, as some prefer fattier cuts.
• Proper fat content is front belly, excessive fat is jowwa, and less fat is back belly.
• Eggs will also be graded into three quality tiers for labeling.

Ask ‘Siri’ and Gemini Answers.

• Gemini is coming to the iPhone. Apple has abandoned AI development and decided to partner with Google.
• According to Bloomberg, they are negotiating a deal worth around $1 billion annually.
• Gemini will naturally be on Android phones too. Critics note Google’s overwhelming market share as a problem.

National Museum Goods Sales Surge to 41.3 Billion Won.

• It’s short for the National Museum of Korea’s Museum+Goods.
• Nearly double the 2024 figure of 21.3 billion won.
• The magpie-and-tiger badge sold 90,000 units, and the drunk scholar soju set sold 60,000.
• Last year’s visitor count was 6.5 million.

Worth Reading.

There Is No Such Person Who Isn’t Capable of That.

• In sexual violence cases, we often hear, “That’s not the kind of person they are.” Jeong Bo-ra (writer) pointed out that such defenses are meaningless. In fact, gender or sexual identity is irrelevant.
• The core issue is power. Many perpetrators commit sexual violence to confirm their physical or social superiority over the victim.
• Jeong So-yeon (writer) warned, “You are not ‘My Mister.’ Those who fail to accept this simple and obvious fact continuously cause sexual harassment issues.”
• “If you hesitate to speak or worry that your words might label you as a perpetrator, don’t say them. Abandon the desire to push the limits of what is sexually permissible. This desire is glaringly obvious to others, causes discomfort, and is sustained not by affection toward you but by your status and power.”
• Jeong Bo-ra emphasized, “When a crime occurs, victims—regardless of gender—must be able to report their victimization, seek appropriate legal action, and receive protection. That is gender equality.”
• Related Link.
• Related Link.

The Problem Is Electricity.

• They’ve decided not to relocate the Yongin Semiconductor Cluster. So is the issue resolved?
• Kwak Jung-soo (senior Hankyoreh reporter) warned, “Don’t be mistaken.” Even after building the factories, they might end up unable to operate due to power shortages.
• Much of the blame lies with the Yoon Suk-yeol government, but immediate action is needed. As Lee Jae-myung (president) said, it’s up to businesses to decide. If they want to attract factories, they must secure electricity first and negotiate properly—whether through tax benefits or improving living conditions.
• Kwak Jung-soo emphasized, “Approaching energy issues through ideology, factionalism, or political logic is utterly counterproductive.”
• Related Link.