President Lee Returns from Mongolia, Celebrating Golden Era of Korea-Mongolia Relations

President Lee Returns from Mongolia, Celebrating 'Golden Era' of Korea-Mongolia Relations

President Lee Jae-myung returned to South Korea on the afternoon of July 11 after completing his state visit to Mongolia. This trip concluded a five-day itinerary that began with his participation in the NATO summit in Turkey.

Accompanied by First Lady Kim Hye-kyung, President Lee boarded Air Force One at Chinggis Khaan International Airport in Ulaanbaatar, where he was seen off by local officials, including Foreign Minister Batjargal.

On the first day of his visit to Mongolia, July 9, President Lee held a summit with Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh, during which they adopted a joint declaration to strengthen the strategic partnership between Korea and Mongolia, marking the beginning of a 'Golden Era' in bilateral relations.

Prior to his visit to Mongolia, President Lee attended the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, on July 7-8. He met with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and participated in a small group meeting with the Indo-Pacific Four (IP4) countries. During an official dinner, he engaged in discussions with key allied leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump.

Special Prosecutors Seek Arrest Warrant for Former General Kang Ho-pil

The second special prosecutor team, led by Kwon Chang-young, has requested an arrest warrant for former Army Ground Operations Command Chief Kang Ho-pil.

According to Yonhap News on July 11, the special prosecutor's team filed the warrant request the previous day, accusing Kang of involvement in a significant insurrection-related mission.

Earlier, on July 7, Kang was summoned as a suspect and underwent intense questioning. His pre-arrest interrogation is scheduled for July 13 at 10:20 a.m. at the Seoul Central District Court, presided over by Judge Lee Jong-rok, who specializes in insurrection cases.

Kang is accused of actively participating in the insurrection by transitioning the Ground Operations Command to a martial law response system during the declaration of a state of emergency on December 3, 2024.

Political Divide Over Jang Yoon-ki Case Intensifies

On July 11, political tensions escalated regarding the investigation into the murder case of a high school girl in Gwangju, involving suspect Jang Yoon-ki. Allegations of collusion between Jang's father, a current police officer, and the investigation team have prompted the Democratic Party to criticize the inadequate investigation by law enforcement and call for a thorough re-investigation. In contrast, the People Power Party emphasized that the prosecutor's supplementary investigation was crucial in uncovering the truth, opposing the ruling party's push to abolish supplementary investigative powers.

The Democratic Party characterized the situation as a case of law enforcement protecting its own and intensified its criticism of the police. Spokesperson Park Kyung-mi stated in a written briefing on July 11, "If the law enforcement, which should pursue the perpetrator, acts as a shield for the criminal, it is not just an inadequate investigation but an act of complicity under the guise of an investigation." She strongly demanded a comprehensive re-investigation, asserting that only an investigation without sacred cows would suffice.

Park also emphasized the need to hold accountable those involved in concealing the case, stating, "All individuals who participated in evidence destruction and omission must be brought back into the investigation. We must uncover the substantial truth hidden behind the veil of a massive cover-up without any doubt."

The People Power Party highlighted that the prosecutor's supplementary investigation was key to revealing the case's truth, directly countering the ruling party's legislative efforts to adjust investigative powers.

Spokesperson Park Seong-hoon commented, "It was the prosecutor's supplementary investigation that uncovered the horrific details of the attempted rape and murder that the police nearly overlooked and buried. This painful lesson proves why supplementary investigations are absolutely necessary."

Democratic Party Leadership Candidates Compete for Support

On July 11, candidates for the Democratic Party's next leadership continued their efforts to rally support across the country. Each candidate positioned themselves as the best supporter of President Lee Jae-myung, actively seeking to align with his intentions.

According to Yonhap News, former Prime Minister Kim Min-seok visited areas in Gyeonggi Province, including Yongin and Seongnam, emphasizing that he is the most suitable person to lead the successful governance of the Lee Jae-myung administration.

Former party leader Jeong Cheong-rae focused on social media campaigns to highlight the need for a party that prioritizes member sovereignty and clarity. He also engaged in private meetings with youth in Chungbuk as part of his behind-the-scenes efforts.

On July 9, Congressman Song Young-gil officially announced his candidacy for party leader in Gwangju, and on July 11, he continued to connect with public sentiment in Honam, visiting a town hall meeting at Wonkwang University in Iksan and local traditional markets.

Congresswoman Ko Min-jeong, who declared her candidacy on July 8, shifted her focus to the Yeongnam region, meeting with local business owners, workers, and young and female party members in Gumi and Chilgok.

Public Workers and Teachers Demand Wage Increases and Improved Working Conditions

Public sector workers, including civil servants, teachers, and police officers, gathered in the city center to demand the restoration of real wages and improvements in working conditions. They urged the government to take immediate action, citing wage increases that lag behind inflation and excessive workloads that are accelerating the exodus from public service.

According to Yonhap News, the 'Joint Struggle Committee for the Rights of Public Workers and Teachers,' formed by five organizations including the Korean Government Employees Union and the Korean Teachers and Education Workers Union, held the 'July 11 Public Workers and Teachers Workers' Rally' on the afternoon of July 11 near Sungnyemun in Seoul. Organizers estimated that around 14,000 participants attended.

The committee's four key demands include a 7.1% wage increase for public workers by 2027, immediate pension payments upon retirement to address income gaps, the guarantee of basic political rights, and the establishment of a safe working environment by eliminating malicious complaints.

* This article has been translated by AI.

Kang Sang Heon ksh@ajunews.com