Latest news with #JoongAngIlbo
Time of India
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
K-Pop star Steve Yoo BANNED for dodging military service to make his return?Fans plead with the President to grant him pardon
Steve Yoo Steve Yoo (aka Yoo Seung-jun) a K-pop powerhouse, churning out dance hits that lit up Korea, made headlines in 2002 when he bolted to US and renounced his Korean Citizenship just before his mandatory military enlistment. The government cried foul, calling it a service dodge, and hit him with a lifetime entry ban. Steve hasn't given up, waging legal wars ever since. Now in his third lawsuit, his team argues it's unequal treatment, while the Justice Ministry warns of "social unrest." In Korea, men's 18-21 month service is sacred - dodging it, especially as a promising celeb, sparked massive outrage. Fans' Passionate Push for Fairness and a Fresh Start On August 9, 2025, the "Steve Yoo Gallery" fans fired off an emotional statement to President Lee Jae-myung, tying it to Liberation Day (August 15) pardon reviews. They argue if scandal-hit politicians get leniency, Steve deserves the same "constitutional fairness." After 20+ years of backlash, he's "paid his social dues," they said. Online Fury and a Telling Public Poll Not everyone's cheering for him - netizens are savage, blasting "He ditched citizenship and duty; no unity talk now!" or "Serve first!" Some mock his old politics or question his remaining fans. It's a heated divide, rooted in the 2002 uproar. Per a JoongAng Ilbo report, a recent poll shows over 70% opposing his return, underscoring lasting anger over service fairness. June 2025's hearing saw lawyers push equality, but officials stuck to public order risks. Public vibes lag behind legal shifts, turning this into a heart-vs-law showdown. Redemption or More Roadblocks? With Lee's first pardons looming - committee met August 7, decision possibly by August 12 - Steve's case could set precedents for everyday folks, not just elites. But corruption pardon controversies add heat. His tale mixes stardom's highs with accountability's bite; fans want mercy, critics justice. This real-life K-drama's ending? Still unfolding, but it's a wild reminder that old mistakes linger like a catchy chorus.
Yomiuri Shimbun
2 days ago
- Politics
- Yomiuri Shimbun
South Korean President Lee Likely to Visit Japan in Late August
TOKYO (Jiji Press) — The Japanese and South Korean governments are considering a plan for South Korean President Lee Jae-myung to visit Japan in late August, officials from both governments said Friday. If realized, it would be Lee's first visit to Japan since taking office in June. He is expected to meet with Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba to affirm their policy of maintaining the trend of improving bilateral relations. They are also expected to agree to begin reciprocal visits. The JoongAng Ilbo, a South Korean newspaper, reported in its online edition Friday that Lee is expected to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington on Aug. 25. Lee's visit to Japan is being arranged just before or just after his trip to the United States. In June, Ishiba and Lee held their first in-person talks on the sidelines of the Group of Seven summit in Canada, agreeing to build future-oriented relations and continue the shuttle diplomacy. At the envisaged summit, the two leaders are expected to exchange views on North Korea's deepening military cooperation with Russia, China's increasingly assertive behavior in the East and South China seas and ways to deal with the Trump administration.
2 days ago
- Politics
S. Korean Pres. Lee Likely to Visit Japan in Late Aug.
News from Japan Aug 8, 2025 23:00 (JST) Tokyo, Aug. 8 (Jiji Press)--The Japanese and South Korean governments are considering a plan for South Korean President Lee Jae-myung to visit Japan in late August, officials from both governments said Friday. If realized, it would be Lee's first visit to Japan since taking office in June. He is expected to meet with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba to affirm their policy of maintaining the trend of improving bilateral relations. They are also expected to agree to begin the "shuttle diplomacy" of reciprocal visits. The JoongAng Ilbo, a South Korean newspaper, reported in its online edition Friday that Lee is expected to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington on Aug. 25. Lee's visit to Japan is being arranged just before or just after his trip to the United States. [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.] Jiji Press
South China Morning Post
24-04-2025
- South China Morning Post
Chinese pair caught photographing South Korea military base twice in days
Two Chinese nationals, previously detained and released for photographing a military base in South Korea , were caught repeating the offence just two days later – marking the second consecutive month such an incident has occurred. Advertisement Police said the two were reported by US military personnel on Wednesday morning for photographing fighter jets near the US air force's Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, some 65km (40 miles) southwest of Seoul. They had been caught two days earlier taking unauthorised photos near the same airbase, according to JoongAng Daily, the English-language edition of the JoongAng Ilbo national newspaper. Authorities had released the suspects on Monday evening, eight hours after their detention, after investigations concluded that there were no security risks. 'There were no signs of espionage in the photos,' a police official said at the time, according to JoongAng Daily. 'They only captured fighter jets flying near the outer perimeter of the base, which doesn't constitute a chargeable offence under the military base protection law.' Advertisement The same thing happened on Wednesday. After police determined that their photographs again posed no national security concerns, the two were released.
Globe and Mail
18-04-2025
- Globe and Mail
Kyung Hee University in South Korea Rises to 6th in JoongAng Ilbo Rankings
Kyung Hee University, one of South Korea's top private institutions, has ranked 6th in the 2024 JoongAng Ilbo University Rankings. These annual rankings, considered among the most credible in the country, evaluate universities based on faculty research, education quality, student performance, and reputation. Widely trusted by students and educators, the rankings serve as a key measure of academic excellence in South Korea. The university's rise reflects its strong focus on a student-centered academic environment. Kyung Hee has implemented flexible, interdisciplinary curricula that promote self-directed learning. These efforts were recognized this year, with JoongAng Ilbo noting Kyung Hee's unique approach to enabling students to design their own paths. Kyung Hee is also famous for its stunning Seoul campus, especially during cherry blossom season. The Gothic-style Grand Peace Hall and scenic landscapes create a picturesque learning atmosphere, attracting many visitors each spring. On the global front, Kyung Hee continues to strengthen its competitiveness by aligning with international standards while maintaining its unique identity. It strives to foster global talent and contribute to both Korean and global society. Kyung Hee's steady rise in rankings reflects its commitment to academic innovation, cultural values, and global vision. As a respected South Korean university, it continues to nurture future leaders dedicated to creating a more culturally enriched world. Website:
