SEOUL – The satellite party associated with South Korea's main opposition, the Democratic Party (DP), has for the second time denied the nomination of human rights activist Lim Tae-hoon as a candidate for the upcoming general elections. The refusal stems from Lim's history as a conscientious objector to the mandatory military service, a decision initially made earlier this week and reaffirmed on Friday. Lim Tae-hoon, formerly leading the Center for Military Human Rights Korea, sought nomination as a proportional candidate from the satellite party, an alliance formed by the DP with coalition partners, including civil society representatives.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the disqualification was maintained after thorough discussions, concluding that there were no compelling reasons to revise the earlier decision. This stance has sparked considerable internal discord, highlighted by the resignation offer of all 10 standing members from the civil society bloc in protest of Friday's decision. Despite these tensions, Lim has objected to the disqualification, arguing against equating conscientious objection with evasion of military service. Observers had anticipated that the reversal of Lim's nomination was unlikely given the DP's significant influence over the nomination process. The incident adds to the ongoing internal controversy within the DP's satellite party over nominations, further complicated by withdrawals from two candidates criticized for their connections to groups with pro-North Korean and anti-U.S. sentiments.
Seoul, South Korea - The main opposition Democratic Party (DP) has lodged a formal complaint with South Korea's anti-corruption investigative body against President Yoon Suk Yeol, Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul, and Justice Minister Park Sung-jae. The complaint pertains to the contentious departure of the newly appointed ambassador to Australia, amidst ongoing investigations.According to Yonhap News Agency, DP's senior vice floor leader, Rep. Park Ju-min, submitted the complaint to the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials, accusing the leaders of facilitating the exit of Lee Jong-sup, the new ambassador to Canberra, who is under investigation in connection to the death of a Marine. The DP argues that allowing Lee to assume his post in Australia effectively aids a suspect in fleeing the country.
Lee Jong-sup, who previously served as defense minister, is suspected of improper involvement in the Marine's internal investigation into the death of Cpl. Chae Su-geun, who perished last July during a search mission amid severe weather conditions. The DP's action underscores a significant clash over Lee's appointment, emphasizing the inappropriateness of assigning a public official with pending legal issues to a diplomatic role abroad.
Earlier in the week, the DP also proposed a bill for a special counsel investigation into the presidential office and the implicated ministries over the incident. Furthermore, the DP has declared intentions to seek impeachment of the involved ministers, holding them accountable for Lee's departure. Despite these actions, the presidential office has indicated no plans to revoke Lee's ambassadorial appointment, highlighting a deepening political rift over the issue.
SEOUL – In a ceremony on Friday, President Yoon Suk Yeol awarded state honors to 34 individuals recognized for their exceptional contributions, including a South Korean doctor who posthumously received the nation’s highest accolade for his humanitarian work in the Philippines.According to Yonhap News Agency, the recipients, selected from 912 public nominations gathered between July 2022 and June 2023, included three married couples and individuals from various fields of service. This year marks the 13th anniversary of the government’s practice of conferring state awards based on public recommendations.
Among the awardees was Dr. Park Byeong-chul, who operated a hospital in Manila and offered free medical care to vulnerable communities across over 50 remote villages in the Philippines until his passing in 2018. Park was posthumously awarded the Peony Medal of the Order of Civil Merit. Additionally, Kwak Seong-hyeon, the late director of the Korea Abraham Lincoln Society, was recognized with the Pomegranate Medal of the Order of Civil Merit for her philanthropic contributions to scientific advancement through land and fund donations to prominent South Korean institutions. French priest Heo Bo-rok, who has managed a children’s shelter in South Korea for over 28 years, received the same honor.
During the awards ceremony, President Yoon emphasized his administration’s dedication to enhancing welfare services for the socially disadvantaged, highlighting the importance of freedom and solidarity demonstrated by the awardees through their selfless actions.