FSS to Issue Invalidity Certificates for Illegal Private Loans Exceeding 60% Interest

▷ The Financial Supervisory Service (금융감독원) announced that it will issue official invalidity certificates for illegal loan contracts with annual interest rates exceeding 60%.

▷ Victims can apply for the certificate through the FSS website or support centers for contracts signed after July 22, 2025, by submitting transaction records and proof of damage.

▷ These certificates, issued in the name of the FSS Governor, will be sent to illegal lenders to stop unfair debt collection and serve as evidence in legal lawsuits for returning unjust profits.

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AI Emerges as a Core Military Asset in U.S. Operations Against Iran

▷ The U.S. military utilized generative AI such as Anthropic’s Claude and Palantir’s Gotham to identify targets and simulate combat scenarios during its recent operation against Iran.

▷ While experts like Shin Jong-woo (신종우) emphasize that AI speeds up decision-making for commanders, concerns remain regarding ethical responsibilities and heavy reliance on private technology.

▷ South Korea is currently focusing on integrating AI into defensive systems and unmanned robots as it faces security barriers and the urgent need for its own sovereign AI capabilities.

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Dongrae-gu District Chief Election Becomes a Major Battleground with Intense Multi-Candidate Race

▷ As the June 3 local elections approach, the race for Dongrae-gu Office Chief in Busan is intensifying into a complex multi-candidate competition within both major parties.

▷ In the People Power Party, incumbent Jang Jun-yong (장준용) faces a challenge from former city councilor Park Jung-mook (박중묵), while internal tensions involving lawmaker Seo Ji-young (서지영) add uncertainty to the nomination.

▷ The Democratic Party is also seeing a crowded field including Tak Young-il (탁영일) and Kim Woo-ryong (김우룡), with potential strategic nominations further complicating the election landscape in this key district.

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Strategic ‘Chicken Meeting’ Between Key Political Figures Sparks Interpretation

▷ Representative Han Jun-ho (한준호), former leader Song Young-gil (송영길), and former vice president of the Institute for Democracy Kim Yong (김용) held an unexpected dinner meeting in Yeouido.

▷ This gathering is widely interpreted as a strategic move for Han and Song to emphasize their close ties with Lee Jae-myung, often referred to as “Myeong-sim,” ahead of their respective upcoming elections.

▷ For Kim Yong, who is currently out on bail, appearing publicly with prominent politicians is seen as a signal to resume his political activities and secure legitimacy for his future moves.

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Hyundai Motor Group Shifts from Automaker to Total Robotics Solution Provider

▷ Hyundai Motor Group showcased its “Total Robotics” vision at AW 2026, introducing the versatile mobile platform “MobED” and the production model of the humanoid robot “Atlas.”

▷ The company launched the “MobED Alliance” to provide integrated robotic solutions, including AI software and control systems, ensuring that customers can deploy robots into their workflows immediately upon purchase.

▷ Hyun Dong-jin (현동진), Vice President of the Robotics Lab, emphasized that the group will lead the expansion of the physical AI ecosystem by collaborating with key partners to enhance the competitiveness of the domestic robot industry.

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Former Chief Justice Kim Myeong-su Cleared of Charges Over Resignation Controversy

▷ Prosecutors have decided not to indict former Chief Justice Kim Myeong-su (김명수) on charges of abuse of power and falsifying public documents related to the resignation of Judge Lim Seong-geun (임성근).

▷ The prosecution accepted Kim’s defense that he perceived the resignation request as being withdrawn or put on hold, a claim reportedly supported by statements from third parties.

▷ This non-indictment decision comes approximately five years after the initial complaint was filed in February 2021, following a lengthy investigation that included a private summons of the former Chief Justice.

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Former President Yoon Suk Yeol denies charges at first appeal trial, claiming his actions differ from past coups

▷ Former President Yoon Suk Yeol (윤석열) argued at his first appeal hearing that the December 3 martial law was fundamentally different from historical military coups and denied charges of obstructing official duties.

▷ Yoon (윤) explained that the unconventional cabinet meeting was intended to minimize military involvement and public unrest, asserting that protecting the presidential residence was a legitimate exercise of authority.

▷ Meanwhile, the special prosecution appealed the case, contending that the initial five-year sentence is too lenient given the gravity of the constitutional violations and the defendant’s lack of remorse.

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Suyu-dong Serial Murder Suspect Diagnosed as Psychopath with Meticulous Criminal Planning

▷ A 20-year-old woman, Kim (김모 씨), the suspect in the “Suyu-dong Serial Murders,” has been officially diagnosed as a psychopath after killing men with drug-laced recovery drinks.

▷ Investigations revealed that Kim meticulously planned her crimes by deceiving victims into motels and repeatedly mentioning hangovers for days to naturally offer them the spiked beverages.

▷ Following the crimes, she attempted to create a false alibi by sending bizarre messages pretending the victims were still alive and grateful, and authorities are now considering the public disclosure of her identity.

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Over 700 Officials Who Refused Awards Under Yoon Administration Receive Decorations Under Lee Government

▷ A total of 781 former public officials, who had declined decorations during the Yoon Suk-yeol (윤석열) administration, were newly awarded honors following a directive from President Lee Jae-myung (이재명).

▷ The Ministry of Interior and Safety, led by Minister Yun Ho-jung (윤호중), conducted a full-scale survey of over 7,000 refusers and verified those who expressed a renewed desire to receive the awards.

▷ The recipients, consisting of 663 teachers, 107 general civil servants, and 11 military personnel, officially received their decorations last month after passing the government’s strict screening process.

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U.S. Attacks Iran Citing ‘Imminent Threat’: Impact on Nuclear Tensions with North Korea

▷ The Trump administration conducted an attack on Iran based on an “imminent threat,” leading North Korea to closely monitor the situation due to its own nuclear weapon conflicts with the U.S.

▷ Yang Moo-jin (양무진), a professor at the University of North Korean Studies, explained that Kim Jong Un (김정은) likely feels intense psychological pressure and fear that the U.S. could target North Korea next.

▷ Nevertheless, he also noted that the personal relationship between the two leaders could potentially provide an opening for future dialogue opportunities.

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