Han Seong-sook's Confirmation Hearing Continues Amid Real Estate Controversy

 
During the second day of Han Seong-sook's confirmation hearing on June 26, lawmakers continued to debate the controversy surrounding her real estate transactions.

Kim Hee-jung, a member of the ruling People Power Party, raised concerns during the hearing, stating that Han rented out her office building at about one-third of its market value and sold it this month for 15 billion won, which is at least 5 billion won below market price. "What kind of acquaintance would receive such a significant benefit, which is hard even for siblings to give? Isn’t this a form of indirect gifting?" she questioned.

Kim further noted, "I looked into her background and found that she was the head of the hair salon for the First Lady," claiming that Han had publicly stated she was responsible for the former First Lady, Kim Yoon-ok. She added, "The salon owner posted a bragging message two days after Han was nominated for Prime Minister, and then sold the property back at a low price. This appears to be a case of providing benefits in exchange for favors."

In response, Lee So-young of the Democratic Party remarked, "I find our hearing somewhat embarrassing," and argued that Han is a successful entrepreneur who was not trying to accumulate wealth through high rental prices.
 
As international oil prices have fallen to pre-war levels in the Middle East, the government has decided to lower the oil price cap by 150 won per liter. Consequently, the average price at gas stations nationwide is expected to decrease from the low 2000 won range to the 1800 won range.
 
The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced on June 26 that the seventh round of oil price caps will take effect at midnight on June 27, marking the first reduction in 106 days since the price cap system was implemented on March 13.
 
The reduction applies equally to gasoline, diesel, and kerosene. The maximum supply prices for refiners will be adjusted to 1784 won per liter for gasoline, 1773 won for diesel, and 1380 won for kerosene.
 
This measure aims to quickly reflect recent declines in international oil prices in domestic fuel prices, alleviating the burden on consumers.
 
Kim Geon-hee has been sentenced to seven years in prison for her involvement in a bribery scandal known as 'pay-for-play,' where she allegedly accepted high-value gifts such as luxury watches and artwork in exchange for favors related to public appointments and business advantages. The court found that Kim, as the spouse of former President Yoon Suk-yeol, repeatedly accepted bribes while leveraging her significant influence.
 
On June 26, the Seoul Central District Court's Criminal Division 21, presided over by Judge Jo Soon-pyo, sentenced Kim to seven years in prison for charges including bribery under the Special Act. The court also ordered the confiscation of items seized, including a painting by Lee Ufan, a Vacheron Constantin watch, a gold turtle, a Van Cleef & Arpels necklace, and a Dior bag, along with a fine of 64.8 million won.
 
Lee Bong-kwan, chairman of Seohui Construction, who was also indicted for providing gifts to Kim, received a one-year prison sentence with a two-year probation. Businessman Seo Seong-bin was sentenced to ten months in prison, also with a two-year probation, while Pastor Choi Jae-young was fined 8 million won.
 
Jose Munoz, president of Hyundai Motor Company, outlined a strategy to focus on technology and product quality rather than engaging in price competition, despite the low-cost offensive from Chinese competitors. He reiterated the importance of positioning South Korea as a key hub for global strategy, emphasizing investment in future technologies and enhancing competitiveness.
 
Speaking with reporters on June 26 at the 2026 Busan Mobility Show, Munoz stated, "We will concentrate on customer value rather than engaging in price-cutting competition."
 
He highlighted that as market competition intensifies, technological competitiveness will become increasingly crucial. Munoz remarked, "While competition is becoming more intense, we are also learning from our competitors, and this competition will ultimately make Hyundai a stronger company."
 
He expressed high expectations for the world premiere of the all-new eighth-generation model, the 'All-New Avante.' Munoz noted, "The sedan market is not growing as rapidly as before, but there is still solid demand. The Avante is a very important model representing Hyundai, not just in Korea but globally."
 
A 70-year-old man was arrested about 10 hours after allegedly stabbing a man in his 40s with a sickle at the Ilmin Museum of Art in Gwanghwamun, Seoul.

According to the Jongno Police Station and Yonhap News Agency, the suspect was apprehended at around 5:50 PM on June 26 in the Gwanak District on charges of attempted murder.

He is accused of injuring the man with a weapon at the museum around 7:47 AM and then fleeing to areas such as Samgakji and Noryangjin before hiding at a friend's residence in Gwanak District, where he was eventually caught.