[June 3 Local Elections] Jung Won-o Highlights Safety Concerns Over Samsung Station Construction
As the June 3 local elections approach in 11 days, negative campaigning between Jung Won-o, the Democratic Party's candidate for Seoul mayor, and Oh Se-hoon, the People Power Party's candidate, is intensifying.On May 23, during his first weekend of official campaigning, Jung repeatedly raised concerns about the missing rebar issue at Samsung Station, emphasizing it as a sign of Oh's negligence regarding safety.
At a rally in front of Yeonsinnae Station in Eunpyeong-gu, Jung stated, "Oh has neglected safety, leading to ongoing accidents in Seoul." He pointed out the missing rebar in the columns at Samsung Station, stating, "The biggest cause of the collapse of the Sampoong Department Store was also the rebar issue. Yet, Oh has not visited the Samsung Station site to this day."
In response, Oh criticized Jung over the alleged preferential treatment regarding the Aegissi Goodang (a childcare facility) and the redevelopment issues in the Hangdang 7 district. Former People Power Party lawmaker Yoon Hee-sook raised suspicions that Jung, during his tenure as the head of the Seongdong District Office, had pressured the redevelopment association to donate 4.8 billion won for the construction of the Goodang, but refused to accept it after the building was completed. Oh further claimed that delays in the completion were preventing residents from exercising their property rights due to insufficient donations for the childcare facility.
At a rally in Sinjeongneori Station in Yangcheon-gu, Oh stated, "The 1,000 households in Hangdang 7, which moved in last June, cannot complete their property registrations due to the childcare facility issue," adding, "The Seongdong District Office initially demanded cash contributions but later required the construction of the childcare facility for donation." He expressed doubts about Jung's administrative capabilities.
Oh also criticized Jung for dismissing the allegations regarding the Aegissi Goodang as issues from the previous administration. After visiting the Seoul International Garden Expo in Seongdong-gu, Oh told reporters, "If you served as the head of the Seongdong District Office for 12 years, you should take responsibility instead of shirking it."
The two candidates continued to clash over the proposed debate on safety issues related to the missing rebar at Samsung Station. Jung rejected Oh's suggestion for a safety debate, stating, "It has been over a week since it was announced to the media, yet he wants to debate without even visiting the site." He reiterated his refusal, questioning how safety issues could be debated.
In response, Oh criticized Jung's stance, saying, "We should discuss methods to ensure safety, and it is inappropriate to question whether a debate will bring safety." He then proposed a debate at Samsung Station, stating, "If Jung promises to participate in a safety debate, I will visit Samsung Station."
[June 3 Local Elections] Park Geun-hye Visits Traditional Market to Support Chu Kyung-ho
Former President Park Geun-hye, often referred to as the "Queen of Elections," visited a traditional market in Daegu on May 23 to rally support for Chu Kyung-ho, the People Power Party's candidate for mayor of Daegu, just 11 days before the June 3 local elections.Around 2 p.m., Park visited the Chilseong Market in Buk-gu, Daegu. Wearing a brown patterned top, she toured the bustling market with Chu for about 30 minutes.
She greeted vendors and citizens shopping at the market, shaking hands enthusiastically. Citizens welcomed her with applause, chanting, "Park Geun-hye President!" and "Park Geun-hye and Chu Kyung-ho, fighting!"
After her visit, Park spoke to reporters, saying, "I heard many people wanted to meet me," and expressed gratitude for the warm welcome, adding that she felt it was long overdue for her to visit the market.
She continued, "The economy is struggling, and I wanted to offer some comfort," urging support for Chu, who she believes will implement good policies given his understanding of the difficult economic situation.
However, she did not respond to questions about whether she planned to meet with Kim Boo-kyum, the Democratic Party's candidate for mayor of Daegu, who had formally requested a meeting.
After Park left, Chu took to the campaign vehicle, appealing for votes by stating he would carry on the legacy of both Park Geun-hye and her father, former President Park Chung-hee, to revitalize the Daegu economy.
Chu emphasized, "I will create the world that Park Geun-hye and Park Chung-hee dreamed of, and I will ensure that Daegu, the last bastion of South Korea, overcomes the Democratic Party's influence and revives its economy."
President Lee: 'I Will Not Compromise with the Establishment'... Emphasizes Legacy of Roh Moo-hyun
President Lee Jae-myung expressed his commitment to continuing the late former President Roh Moo-hyun's philosophy of governance, focusing on reforming power institutions, promoting peace on the Korean Peninsula, and achieving balanced development during a memorial service marking the 17th anniversary of Roh's passing.In a eulogy delivered on May 23 at Bongha Village in Gimhae, Gyeongnam, President Lee stated, "I now feel the heavy responsibility of being the President of South Korea and aim to carry on Roh Moo-hyun's legacy."
He added, "I will create a society where success is possible without unfair advantages, and where people receive just rewards for their efforts. I will ensure that South Korea becomes a nation where everyone is respected as a human being and where no one has to give up their life due to economic hardships."
Lee also expressed his determination to push forward with reforms that eliminate privileges and unfair practices, stating, "I will not be swayed by the backlash from vested interests, and I will prioritize what is right over political convenience, choosing conscience over compromise and sincerity over calculation."
He reiterated his commitment to regional balanced development, saying, "I will create a country where the capital region and other regions grow together, ensuring that no area is left behind and that all citizens prosper equally across the nation."
Furthermore, President Lee emphasized his commitment to continuing Roh's policies on inter-Korean relations and peace, referencing the October 4 inter-Korean joint declaration, stating, "I will steadfastly pursue the path of transforming the line of division into a path of peace and open the way for peaceful coexistence and mutual growth, as Roh Moo-hyun envisioned."
In the latter part of his eulogy, Lee reflected on Roh's human side, stating, "He liked the nickname 'foolish Roh Moo-hyun' and was willing to bear the stress of being criticized by the people if it meant they could vent their frustrations. Everyone remembers Roh Moo-hyun as a warm-hearted and passionate person."
Trump Cancels Attendance at Son's Wedding Amid Iran Airstrike Considerations
As the Trump administration considers the possibility of resuming airstrikes against Iran, urgent developments are unfolding in Washington. President Donald Trump canceled his attendance at his son's wedding on May 22 to remain at the White House.According to Yonhap News on May 23, political outlets Axios and CBS News reported that President Trump is seriously contemplating a new airstrike if Iran does not accept the "final proposal" the U.S. delivered on May 20.
Anonymous sources cited by Axios indicated that President Trump has shown increasing frustration with the negotiations with Iran in recent days. While he leaned toward a diplomatic solution during a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on May 19, he began shifting toward the option of airstrikes after May 21.
However, there are no clear signals that President Trump has made a final decision to resume military action. He stated on May 22, "Iran desperately wants an agreement," indicating he would continue to monitor the situation.
Tensions within the U.S. government are also rising. Ahead of the Memorial Day holiday on May 25, many officials have reportedly canceled personal plans. President Trump also decided to return to the White House instead of spending the holiday at his New Jersey golf club after a speech in New York.
In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, President Trump explained, "Due to government-related matters and my responsibilities to the United States, I could not attend my son Donald Trump Jr.'s wedding to Bettina Anderson in the Bahamas. I determined it was important to remain at the White House during this critical time."
The U.S. and Iran have been engaged in indirect negotiations for an agreement since entering a temporary ceasefire on April 8, but discussions have faced significant challenges. The Iranian Foreign Ministry stated on May 22 that while talks are ongoing, an agreement is not imminent, and the Tasnim news agency, linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), reported that key issues are still under negotiation.
U.S. Deploys Over 50 Air Refueling Aircraft at Israeli Airport Amid Speculation of Renewed Airstrikes on Iran
The United States has reportedly deployed dozens of air refueling aircraft at Ben Gurion Airport in Israel, raising speculation about preparations for a potential resumption of airstrikes against Iran.On May 23, Yonhap News cited the British daily Financial Times (FT) in its report. According to FT's analysis of satellite images, at least 50 U.S. air refueling aircraft have been stationed at Ben Gurion Airport this month.
The number of refueling aircraft at the airport has reportedly increased steadily since late February, just before the U.S. and Israel's planned attack on Iran. The count rose from about 36 in early March to 47 by early April, coinciding with the ceasefire, and has now reached 52 this week. Ben Gurion Airport, located near Tel Aviv, is a key civilian aviation gateway for Israel.
FT reported, "Gray military aircraft belonging to the U.S. Air Force, particularly refueling aircraft, are filling the airport's parking spaces, making them easily visible to both civilian passengers and motorists on nearby highways."
Air refueling aircraft are considered essential for long-range strike operations, as they allow fighter jets to refuel in midair, significantly extending their operational range and flight time. During the previous 'Operation Grand Fury' against Iran, the U.S. deployed KC-135 and KC-46 refueling aircraft throughout the Middle East to support long-range missions by U.S. and Israeli fighter jets. Thus, the recent increase in refueling aircraft could be seen as a precautionary measure in anticipation of renewed airstrikes against Iran.
While negotiations between the U.S. and Iran continue, President Donald Trump has maintained that military options are not off the table. Recently, there has been a growing sentiment that the U.S. and Israel could resume airstrikes against Iran within days if negotiations remain stalled.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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