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Showing posts from June, 2025

Galaxy S25 free phone wiggles, subsidy war may start in July

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The beginning of the subsidy war with the Galaxy S25 The telecommunications market is shaking once again. With the Galaxy S25 being released as a 'free phone', the competition for device subsidies is reigniting. Some retailers are even offering transportation costs to attract subscribers, and there is a clear strategy being pursued to maximize consumer influx through this. The subsidy policies related to device purchases have long been at the center of controversy among telecommunications companies. The Device Distribution Structure Improvement Act, also known as the 'subsidy law', introduced in 2014, was a system aimed at enhancing the transparency and fairness of subsidies. However, recent criticisms of its effectiveness and movements for revision have rapidly changed the situation. The controversy surrounding the Galaxy S25 free phone is seen as a market reaction triggered by these changes and is regarded as the prelude to the anticipated subsidy war in July. ...

Gomin-Si School Violence Controversy - Between Exposé and Rebuttal, the Second Tazinyo?

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The beginning of the controversy surrounding Go Min-si's school bullying. In May 2025, allegations of school violence against actress Go Min-si were raised online, causing a significant upheaval not only in the entertainment industry but also across society. The debate over whether exposing the past serves the purpose of social justice or constitutes the abuse of private sanction is ongoing. This article aims to examine the development of the Go Min-si controversy, the counterarguments, the similarities with the past 'Ta Jin-yo' incident, and the attitudes we should adopt when confronting such events. The past of the public figure rises to the scrutiny of the masses Actress Go Min-si is an actor who has steadily built her career by appearing in Netflix dramas and various films. While continuing her work amid recognition for her popularity and acting skills, she suddenly found herself at the center of controversy when allegations emerged in a community claiming th...

Trump to send tariff letters to all countries - The extreme return of America First

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Introduction: Trump's Return, Rekindling the Trade War In June 2025, former U.S. President Donald Trump declared that he would reopen the tariff war. In an interview with Fox News, he stated, "I will send tariff letters to all countries" and warned that countries wishing to trade with the U.S. would have to endure tariffs of 10%, 25%, 35%, and up to 50%. This statement was not merely political rhetoric. He made it clear that following the end of the tariff suspension measures on July 8, he would personally send official notices to each country regarding the imposition of tariffs, demonstrating his intent to implement these measures. This is seen as more than a simple change in trade conditions it is viewed as a signal challenging the direction of U.S. trade strategy and the very norms of the global economy. Trump stated, "Your country can now trade with the U.S., but you have to pay a 25% or 50% tariff," effectively closing off any room for negotiation. This...

The meaning of the national judges' representative meeting, where all five agenda items were rejected.

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Introduction: The Door to the Confusion that the Supreme Court Has Opened On May 1, 2025, the Supreme Court's en banc decision determined to overturn the ruling in the case of Lee Jae-myung, the presidential candidate from the Democratic Party, for violating the Public Official Election Act, declaring him guilty. This decision is not just a verdict that determines the legal fate of one politician, but an event that shakes the very foundation of the judicial system in South Korea. Many in the legal community were predicting an acquittal based on the appeals court's not guilty verdict. There were no significant issues with the facts of the case, and it was widely believed that the legal reasoning would not be new. However, the Supreme Court chose a conclusion that went against both these expectations and the common sense of the people. The real issue was not the "content" but the "timing." The fact that a ruling could potentially strip away his eligibili...

When is the National Assembly's confirmation for Prime Minister nominee Kim Min-seok expected?

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Prime Minister nominee Kim Min-seok's National Assembly confirmation The Lee Jae-myung government has prioritized improving the quality of life for the people and recovering the stagnant economy since its inception. The first step in realizing this 'working cabinet' is the confirmation of the Prime Minister. However, that initial step is currently obstructed by fierce political strife. The confirmation process for Prime Minister nominee Kim Min-seok is being delayed amid political confrontation, raising concerns that we are missing the golden time for restoring people's livelihoods. The first gateway of the 'working government', the emergence of candidate Kim Min-seok The direction of the cabinet proposed by the Lee Jae-myung government is centered on practicality and results. Candidate Kim Min-seok is evaluated as a suitable figure for policy coordination and solving livelihood issues in the changed national administration environment due to his long...

The Plagiarism of Kim Geon-hee's Thesis and the Struggle of the Sookmyung Women's University Democratic Alumni Association - Those Who Stand Before the Truth, Those Who Remain Silent

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Plagiarism in Academic Papers: Questions Beyond The suspicion that Mrs. Kim Geon-hee's master's thesis was plagiarized cannot be interpreted merely as an individual's ethical lapse. This incident raises fundamental questions about what academia is, what role universities should play, and where the responsibility of institutions and individuals lies in uncovering the truth. In particular, this issue serves as a decisive example of how vulnerable the institution of the university can be under external power and pressure. The core of this matter lies not in the plagiarism itself, but in how it has been handled. Sookmyung Women's University reviewed this issue for over three years, yet remained passive in articulating a clear stance until the end. While the university remained silent and hesitant, the truth was distorted, and the name of academia was tarnished. However, there were those who relentlessly raised questions and pursued the truth throughout. They are none ot...

Special prosecutor for internal affairs, notified to appear on July 1 - Yoon Seok-yeol counters not with investigative cooperation but with a political frame.

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I. Introduction: Conflicts Surrounding Attendance – Is It a Simple Matter of Investigative Cooperation? At the end of June 2025, the Special Counsel team led by Cho Eun-seok officially launched an investigation into former President Yoon Suk-yeol on charges of insurrection and foreign currency outflow related to the emergency decree document known as 12·3. Following the first summons investigation conducted during this process, the Special Counsel and Yoon's side are engaged in a sharp dispute over the schedule for a second appearance. In the early hours of June 29, the Special Counsel notified former President Yoon of his second appearance at 9 a.m. on June 30, right after the first investigation. In response, Yoon's side insisted that due to health issues and existing trial preparations, he could appear only after July 3. The Special Counsel adjusted the schedule slightly and informed them again for 9 a.m. on July 1, but Yoon's team opposed this change and maintained...

A man with a cane, wishing for Kim Eo-jun's recovery, speaks of 'The Powerful'

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A man with a cane stands on stage The fact that Kim Eo-jun appeared with a cane surprised many who attended the event on the day of the performance. It was a stark contrast to how he usually captivates a large audience with his confident and eloquent speech. Stories about Kim Eo-jun experiencing health issues had been shared through online communities even before the performance. He took to the stage without a press conference held beforehand, and rumors about him using a cane due to dizziness and balance issues were confirmed after the performance. He was suffering from benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. This condition occurs when otoliths, tiny crystals in the inner ear's balance system, dislodge and enter the semicircular canals. The otoliths move unnaturally with changes in head position, causing severe dizziness, nausea, and balance disorders. While this illness may not be visibly apparent, it can cause significant discomfort to the point where even ordinary movements b...

Yoon-cheol Koo, nominee for Minister of Economy and Finance, at the intersection of fiscal philosophy and national innovation

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Introduction - The Rise of a New Financial Leader On June 29, 2025, President Lee Jae-myung appointed former Chief of the Office for Government Policy Coordination, Koo Yun-cheol, as the candidate for Minister of Economy and Deputy Minister of Economy. Amid ongoing uncertainties in the global economy, this appointment is being seen not merely as a personnel decision, but as a significant signal regarding the future direction of national fiscal management. Candidate Koo Yun-cheol is a seasoned bureaucrat who has held key positions such as Director of the Budget Office, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Economy and Finance, and Chief of the Office for Government Policy Coordination during the Moon Jae-in administration. Known for his expertise in budgeting, he has extensive experience overseeing the planning and execution of national finances. The Lee Jae-myung government has adopted 'economic recovery through expansionary fiscal policy' as a core principle from its inceptio...

The Role and Tasks of Lee Jin-sook, the Minister of Education Candidate in the Lee Jae-myung Government

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Introduction – Background and Significance of Candidate Nomination On June 29, 2025, President Lee Jae-myung officially nominated Lee Jin-sook, the former president of Chungnam National University, as the Minister of Education and candidate for Vice Minister of Social Affairs. This nominee is the first female president of Chungnam National University and is known for her significant contributions in the fields of science and technology, particularly in her region. The nomination holds symbolic significance beyond a simple appointment, as it encompasses the three areas of 'local,' 'female,' and 'science and engineering,' which have been relatively marginalized in the education sector. Currently, South Korean education is facing structural challenges, including the crisis of regional extinction due to concentration in the metropolitan area, the polarization of academic performance caused by heated entrance exam competition, and the widening gap between univers...

The candidates for ministerial positions in Lee Jae-myung's government and the second appointment of the presidential office

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Introduction: The National Will as Read through Greetings President Lee Jae-myung carried out a large-scale appointment on June 29, 2025, involving six ministerial candidates and two major senior secretaries from the presidential office. This appointment is seen not merely as a replacement, but as a pivotal moment to establish a new lineup aimed at enhancing the execution of key national tasks such as prosecutorial reform, strengthening public healthcare, and promoting balanced development. Individuals with expertise and political sensitivity have been positioned across various ministries, and the reorganization of the presidential office has been reshaped by placing new figures in crucial senior positions, integrating civil affairs and other areas, thereby restructuring the core of government operations. Characteristics and Significance of Ministerial-Level Candidate Selection The nominee for Minister of Justice, Jeong Seong-ho, a member of the Democratic Party, is a longti...

Practicing Party Sovereignty, The Field of Party Innovation - The Significance of the 2025 National Convention of the Democratic Party of Korea

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Introduction: Why is Party Innovation Necessary? Political parties are a core mechanism of democracy. However, for a long time, Korean parties have had structural limitations, including a closed structure, decision-making centralized around a few individuals, and a lack of strategic organization. These pathological phenomena of parties have been a major cause of deepening citizens' distrust and apathy toward politics. Changes in politics are slower than changes in institutions, and without structural innovation within parties, substantial democracy is also impossible. The Democratic Party, as the main opposition party and a party with ruling potential, faces the task of strengthening internal democracy and party member participation. The organization that emerged in response to this historical demand is the 'Democratic National Innovation Council.' This organization, formed on the consciousness of exercising sovereignty, changing party structure, and ultimately laying t...

National Pension Insurance Premium Adjustment Details for July 2025 – Structure and Significance of Premium Adjustments Focused on High-Income Earners

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Introduction Every July is an important time for National Pension subscribers. This is because the 'standard monthly income,' which serves as the basis for calculating the pension premiums, is regularly adjusted. Particularly this year, a structural adjustment has been made where the premiums differ based on income brackets, resulting in some high-income subscribers facing an increase of up to 18,000 won in their premiums. These changes affect not only high-income earners but also middle and low-income individuals in different ways. While most subscribers will see no change in their premiums, it is crucial to understand the causes and structure of these changes. This essay will comprehensively examine the adjustments to the standard monthly income that will take effect from July 2025, the resulting changes in premiums, the impact by subscriber income brackets, and the overall purpose and significance of the system. We will provide a clear overview from institutional backgro...