Special Prosecutor to Summon Yoon Suk Yeol for Military Coup Investigation
The second special prosecutor team, led by Kwon Chang-young, will investigate former President Yoon Suk Yeol for charges related to a military coup. On May 20, the special prosecutor's office announced that it plans to summon Yoon on June 6 as a suspect in the coup investigation. Yoon has expressed his willingness to cooperate with the investigation.
Yoon is accused of conspiring with former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun to incite a riot by sending armed soldiers to the National Assembly and the National Election Commission during the declaration of a state of emergency on December 3.
Previously, the special prosecutor's office had requested Yoon's appearance as a suspect on April 30, but his team did not comply, leading to a failed investigation. After notifying him again on May 23, Yoon's team indicated a refusal, prompting both sides to negotiate a new schedule.
South Korean Tanker Passes Through Strait of Hormuz Amid Conflict
Amid the ongoing conflict between the U.S. and Iran, one of the 26 South Korean vessels trapped in the Strait of Hormuz has successfully navigated through the waterway. On May 20, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that a South Korean tanker passed through the Strait of Hormuz and is continuing its journey, with approximately 10 crew members on board.
The government has consistently requested the safety and freedom of navigation for all vessels, including its own, through diplomatic channels, including four phone calls between South Korean and Iranian foreign ministers, a two-week special envoy mission, and communications through embassies.
A ministry official stated, "We will continue to work to ensure the safety and passage of our vessels in the Strait of Hormuz."
New R&D Funding Program to Support SMEs and Public Research Institutions
A large-scale financial support program aimed at assisting the commercialization of technologies from public research institutions and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is set to be implemented. The Ministry of SMEs and Startups announced on May 20 that an amendment to the Small and Medium Enterprises Technology Innovation Act was approved during a State Council meeting and will take effect immediately.
Historically, SMEs have struggled to secure funding for commercializing promising technologies obtained through research and development or transferred from public research institutions.
The amendment introduces new financial support systems, including "commercialization guarantees" and "liquidity guarantees," to alleviate the financial burden associated with translating national R&D outcomes into industry applications.
The total support amount for this initiative is 340 billion won, with 260 billion won allocated for commercialization guarantees and 80 billion won for liquidity guarantees. The ministry plans to begin providing guarantees as early as next month.
Government Secures 245.7 Billion Won for Compensation to Historical Victims
The government has secured approximately 245.7 billion won in contingency funds to compensate victims of significant historical injustices. According to the Ministry of Justice, the State Council approved the expenditure of 245.7 billion won for compensation during a meeting held at the Blue House on May 20.
Justice Minister Jeong Seong-ho directed the swift restoration of rights and practical recovery for historical victims by instructing the withdrawal of appeals in major compensation lawsuits related to incidents such as the Brothers Home and the Seongam Academy in September, and the Yeosu-Suncheon 10.19 incident in October.
As of March this year, the government has withdrawn appeals in 863 cases involving 3,587 individuals, including 116 cases (756 individuals) from Brothers Home, 42 cases (357 individuals) from Seongam Academy, 608 cases (1,570 individuals) from the Seongam Education Center, and 97 cases (904 individuals) from the Yeosu-Suncheon 10.19 incident. Consequently, 2,202 victims from these cases have received approximately 199.579 billion won in compensation.
Xi Jinping Expected to Visit North Korea Next Week Amid Rising Tensions
Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to make a state visit to North Korea as early as next week, according to reports. On May 20, U.S. news magazine Time cited anonymous sources stating that China and North Korea are likely to strengthen their cooperation in response to Japan's rising militarism, with Xi's visit plans progressing.
Time interpreted Xi's potential visit as a response to Japan's shift from a long-standing pacifist stance to a more assertive geopolitical posture.
Recently, Japan has relaxed its restrictions on arms exports for the first time in 60 years following the appointment of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and is pushing for constitutional amendments to formally recognize the Self-Defense Forces. The country is also significantly increasing its defense budget and expediting related legislation.
However, there has been no official announcement regarding Xi's visit to North Korea yet.
Turkey Proposes NATO Fuel Pipeline Project to Enhance Energy Supply
Turkey has proposed a fuel pipeline project to NATO that could serve as an alternative to the Strait of Hormuz. On May 20, Turkish Defense Ministry spokesperson Rear Admiral Zeki Aktürk announced at a press conference that the NATO fuel pipeline project is undergoing approval procedures within the alliance to strengthen energy supply for NATO allies on the eastern front.
Aktürk emphasized the importance of this project in light of the recent situation in the Strait of Hormuz, stating that it could reduce NATO's reliance on maritime fuel transport and enhance fuel supply and interoperability.
He also mentioned that if the pipeline project moves forward, NATO's common funds would be utilized.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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