Stories from Seoul · South Korea

An individual has returned 12 trillion won in inheritance taxes over a five-year period. This amount represents the total inheritance tax owed from the estate of a former chairman.

Seoul National University will select 30,949 students through regular admissions for the 2028 academic year. The university's regular admissions intake rose to 54,432 students, an increase of 1,800 from the previous year.

The combined market capitalization of SK Group's listed companies reached 1,139.75 trillion won as of April 30. This represents an 89.6 percent increase from 601.01 trillion won at the end of last year.

A company estimated that a multi-day strike will result in at least 640 billion won in damages. A multi-day strike has caused disruptions, with some processes being halted. Residents are reporting ongoing disruptions as electricity supply has been cut for three days following a fire in an underground electrical room.

A scandal involving audio recordings of a politician, identified as No Hee-chan, has entered mainstream discussion. The recordings, which are eight years old, reportedly reveal the extent of Samsung's influence within South Korea's legal and government structures. A TV news network and a prominent magazine have also obtained the tapes. The situation has reportedly tarnished Samsung's reputation. The BBC reported that tapes obtained in what is being called the X-File scandal have gone mainstream. The tapes are reportedly linked to a Samsung-related scandal. A lawmaker named Wei Chan has been charged with violating wiretapping laws after publishing transcripts of private conversations related to the Samsung scandal. Wei Chan may also lose his job following the publication of the transcripts to his blog.

Former lawmaker Han Jin-gyu and former MBC announcer Lee Seong-bae have been confirmed as candidates. They will face candidate Choo Mi-hee of the Democratic Party. Choo Mi-hee shared a photo of a former lawmaker's office on social media to express her resolve.

Jung Myung-seok was moved to a medical cell in July of last year after previous scrutiny regarding his housing conditions. According to information confirmed by a National Assembly office, he was moved back to a medical cell recently as public interest declined.

A leader of the Myeongdong Evangelism Team allegedly embezzled 210 million won intended for victims of JMS founder Jung Myung-seok. The broadcaster noted that Jung had remained focused on his main business during his period of detention. The report also referenced past allegations, including the 2003 sexual assault of 20-year-old twins in Hong Kong. A 20-year-old twin sister was reportedly sexually assaulted. He is accused of sexually assaulting twin sisters aged 20. The case is currently being processed in Seoul. The individual faces two counts of sexual assault. A leader of the JMS organization has been taken into police custody. A judge identified as Lyu from the Lvliang Intermediate People's Court allegedly molested a woman during a case inquiry in his office.

The Ministry of Justice has introduced new monthly statistics tracking the inflow and outflow of foreign nationals. The Ministry of Justice will release the new statistics at both central and local government levels to track long-term resident scales.

The great shearwater albatross has been recognized by Guinness World Records for completing the longest non-stop flight. The bird's journey began on the same day as the start of the great shearwater's long expedition.