President Lee wishes for the recovery of injured firefighters and soldiers
President Lee Jae-myung expressed his hopes for the recovery of firefighters injured while battling a factory fire in Bucheon and soldiers wounded by a landmine explosion in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) during the opening ceremony of the 107th National Sports Festival on October 16. He emphasized the need for proper recognition and compensation for military personnel, police, and firefighters who dedicate themselves to the nation.
In his keynote address at the event held at the Jeju World Cup Stadium in Seogwipo, President Lee stated, "There are those who constantly sacrifice themselves to protect our safety and the peace of our country. Thanks to the sacrifices and dedication of uniformed citizens, we enjoy a peaceful daily life."
He specifically referenced the fire in Bucheon, lamenting, "Even at this moment, there is a firefighter hospitalized in cardiac arrest while battling the blaze, and many others have been injured." Six firefighters were reported injured in the incident, with two sustaining serious injuries.
In his keynote address at the event held at the Jeju World Cup Stadium in Seogwipo, President Lee stated, "There are those who constantly sacrifice themselves to protect our safety and the peace of our country. Thanks to the sacrifices and dedication of uniformed citizens, we enjoy a peaceful daily life."
He specifically referenced the fire in Bucheon, lamenting, "Even at this moment, there is a firefighter hospitalized in cardiac arrest while battling the blaze, and many others have been injured." Six firefighters were reported injured in the incident, with two sustaining serious injuries.
Housing construction in the metropolitan area falls short of targets
This year, housing construction in the metropolitan area has reached only 37% of its annual target, and the government anticipates it will be difficult to meet the year-end goal. The projected number of housing units to be constructed by the end of the year is between 218,000 and 235,000, falling short of the initial target of 268,000 by 33,000 to 50,000 units.
According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the annual housing construction target for the metropolitan area is set at 268,000 units. However, as of the second week of October, only over 99,000 units have been reported as started. The government plans to focus on public housing, new purchases, and private redevelopment projects to raise the total to between 218,000 and 235,000 units, which would represent 81% to 88% of the annual goal.
There remains a significant amount of work to be done in various sectors. Of the annual target of 62,000 public housing units, only 16,200 have been started, while 13,000 out of a target of 42,000 new purchases have begun. In private redevelopment projects, only 17,000 out of a target of 72,000 units have been initiated.
According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the annual housing construction target for the metropolitan area is set at 268,000 units. However, as of the second week of October, only over 99,000 units have been reported as started. The government plans to focus on public housing, new purchases, and private redevelopment projects to raise the total to between 218,000 and 235,000 units, which would represent 81% to 88% of the annual goal.
There remains a significant amount of work to be done in various sectors. Of the annual target of 62,000 public housing units, only 16,200 have been started, while 13,000 out of a target of 42,000 new purchases have begun. In private redevelopment projects, only 17,000 out of a target of 72,000 units have been initiated.
SK Group's year-end executive appointments are imminent
SK Group is expected to announce its regular executive appointments for 2027 as early as the end of this month, with particular attention on whether Chairman Choi Chang-won will be reappointed. Given that a significant restructuring of the group's business operations has already taken place, this round of appointments is anticipated to focus more on evaluating the performance of existing executives rather than a major overhaul.
According to industry sources, SK Group is likely to conduct the executive appointments next week ahead of the CEO seminar scheduled for November 12-14. Following last year's changes in leadership at major subsidiaries such as SK Telecom, SK Square, SK On, and SKC, this year's appointments are expected to minimize turnover and assess the performance of the current management team.
A key point of interest will be whether Chairman Choi will remain in his position. Since being appointed as chairman of the SK Supex Council at the end of 2023, he has led the group's business portfolio restructuring and financial improvements. However, with the restructuring process nearing completion, there is speculation about whether he will continue to lead the current system or return to management at SK Discovery.
According to industry sources, SK Group is likely to conduct the executive appointments next week ahead of the CEO seminar scheduled for November 12-14. Following last year's changes in leadership at major subsidiaries such as SK Telecom, SK Square, SK On, and SKC, this year's appointments are expected to minimize turnover and assess the performance of the current management team.
A key point of interest will be whether Chairman Choi will remain in his position. Since being appointed as chairman of the SK Supex Council at the end of 2023, he has led the group's business portfolio restructuring and financial improvements. However, with the restructuring process nearing completion, there is speculation about whether he will continue to lead the current system or return to management at SK Discovery.
[2026 National Assembly Audit] Opposition claims 'Lee's case is stalled, neglect of duty'... Seoul High Court Chief Judge responds 'not a crime'
Kim Dae-woong, Chief Judge of the Seoul High Court, responded to allegations of neglect of duty regarding the suspension of President Lee Jae-myung's trial for violating election laws, stating, "It does not constitute a crime."
During a National Assembly audit of the Seoul High Court, Kim Tae-kyu, a member of the opposition party, questioned, "The Seoul High Court's Criminal Division 7 has suspended the trial of President Lee's election law violation case. The reason is the estimation of the trial date. Can this not be seen as neglect of duty or abuse of litigation authority?"
In response, Chief Judge Kim stated, "I understand that the trial has been suspended based on Article 84 of the Constitution." Article 84 stipulates that 'the President shall not be subject to criminal prosecution while in office, except in cases of insurrection or treason.'
During a National Assembly audit of the Seoul High Court, Kim Tae-kyu, a member of the opposition party, questioned, "The Seoul High Court's Criminal Division 7 has suspended the trial of President Lee's election law violation case. The reason is the estimation of the trial date. Can this not be seen as neglect of duty or abuse of litigation authority?"
In response, Chief Judge Kim stated, "I understand that the trial has been suspended based on Article 84 of the Constitution." Article 84 stipulates that 'the President shall not be subject to criminal prosecution while in office, except in cases of insurrection or treason.'
* This article has been translated by AI.
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