Stories from Seoul · South Korea

The National Health Insurance Service announced that 16.71 million workplace subscribers will pay an average of 218,000 KRW more in premiums. Conversely, 3.55 million subscribers with reduced compensation will receive an average refund of 115,000 KRW. The total adjustment amount is estimated at 3.07 trillion KRW, representing a roughly 10 percent increase. Starting this year, the system will automatically process year-end tax settlements for all workplaces using National Tax Service income statements. The National Health Insurance Service reports that the need for additional year-end settlements arises because companies often report changes in employee wages once a year rather than immediately. The service stated that if workplaces reported wage changes as they occurred, the year-end settlement process would be unnecessary.

Approximately 5% of the 128,000 total workforce have requested to continue normal operations during the ongoing labor dispute. The first court hearing is scheduled for April 29. The dispute involves personnel specifically related to safety facilities and raw material product prevention tasks. Samsung Electronics employees have filed for an injunction to prevent the company from labeling their bonus demands as illegal strike actions. The outcome remains uncertain due to judicial discretion and the burden of proof on Samsung.

Political pressure is mounting for party leader Jang Dong-hyeok to resign following a trip to the United States. Critics question the timing of the trip ahead of local elections and allege he misrepresented meetings with U.S. officials. Reports indicate the Chosun Ilbo has called for his resignation for five consecutive days. Jang has stated he will do everything to ensure victory in local elections except resign. The controversy involves allegations of lying regarding whether he met with a U.S. Under Secretary. Political commentators are discussing the role of Jang Dong-hyeok in the current political landscape, suggesting his actions may be contributing to the framing of Han Dong-hoon as a victim of oppression. The discussion posits that Jang's leadership style is shaping the perception of party leadership dynamics.

A new mobile application in South Korea has gained popularity among students and workers. The app has reached nearly 1 million users and specifically targets meals under 10,000 KRW due to rising dining costs and stagnant wages. South Korea's dining service price index has increased by approximately 2.4 percent over the last five years. The Ministry of the Interior and Safety has established an AI Government Technical Advisory Group. A Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket successfully launched the Starlink Group 17-16 satellite constellation.

An AI priest has reportedly provided emotional support to individuals during difficult periods. The AI priest has also begun issuing its own marriage certificates. These certificates currently hold no legal validity. The practice was noted in recent reports regarding AI integration in spiritual roles. Critics suggest the priest is operating within a fantasy, but the AI priest maintains that love does not always follow established rules. The practice remains a non-legal social phenomenon.

South Korean automaker Hyundai plans to ramp up vehicle production within the United States. The company aims to avoid extra costs associated with tariffs that impact profits. This move follows global industry challenges including supply disruptions and uneven demand for electric vehicles. Currently, approximately half of Hyundai's vehicles are sold in the U.S. market. CEO Jose Munoz announced a $26 billion investment plan for the next four years to ramp up US production and mitigate 15% import tariffs.

South Korean automaker Hyundai plans to ramp up vehicle production within the United States. The company aims to offset the impact of tariffs and supply chain disruptions on its profit margins. This move follows uneven demand for electric vehicles across the global auto industry. Increasing domestic manufacturing is intended to avoid extra costs associated with imported vehicles. Hyundai continues to gain market share in the US by pushing its premium Genesis brand, hybrids, and SUVs to capture higher margin sales. CEO Jose Munoz stated this follows a previous $20.4 billion investment made over the last 40 years. The company aims to increase domestic production to mitigate 15% tariff rates on imported vehicles. Hyundai currently manufactures approximately 50% of its US sales within the country.

The appeal trial for former President Yoon Seok-yeol, who was sentenced to life imprisonment for treason, begins today. The first instance ruling reportedly caused visible emotional reactions from the former president. YTN Radio will provide a live broadcast of the sentencing proceedings. The court's decision on whether a special tribunal is required remains a key point of observation. Former President Yoon Suk-yeol is expected to receive a judicial decision regarding his fate this Wednesday. He faces accusations of having provoked North Korea during his presidency. A judge ruled that former President Yoon Seong-sik engaged in actions to conceal wrongdoing and provide false information regarding the legality of the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) investigations.

The People Power Party criticized the ruling party's housing policy, accusing them of stigmatizing citizens who cannot afford homes and punishing them with taxes after causing housing prices to surge. They questioned if the policy aims to suppress housing prices or punish homeowners. The Democratic Party defended the long-term housing holding tax credit, stating it was introduced to encourage long-term ownership and that its benefits have been skewed towards speculative holdings, leading to property lock-in. Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon warned of legal action against the ruling party's candidate for accusing public officials of acting as campaign subordinates. Political tensions are rising in South Korea over housing policy. South Korea's petrochemical industry is experiencing difficulties due to oversupply from China and the impact of Middle Eastern conflicts.

Seoul mayoral candidate Oh Se-hoon criticized Democratic Party candidate Jeong Won-ho regarding long-term holding tax policies. Oh Se-hoon argued the tax, intended to encourage long-term ownership, has instead incentivized speculative holding and reduced market supply. Oh Se-hoon also warned of legal action against civil servants if they act as subordinates for specific political campaigns during the election period. Seoul Vice Governor Kim Byung-min responded by calling the warnings an attempt to intimidate public officials ahead of the election. Democratic Party candidate Jung Won-ho held the first public meeting of his election campaign committee with approximately 20 sitting lawmakers in attendance. Jung focused his messaging on real estate, promising to protect the rights of single-home owners and accelerate reconstruction and redevelopment projects.