[Today's Hot Issue] Nominee Yong Hyein Rejects Calls to Resign

[September 10 Hot Issues TOP 5]

President Lee's Approval Rating Hits Record Low in NBS Survey

U.S.-Iran Conflict Resurges, Global Oil Prices Surpass $100

1. President Lee Jaemyoung draws a line on the possibility of re-election

Returning from his state visit to France, President Lee Jaemyoung stated at a meeting with Korean nationals that "my term of office is clearly limited by the Constitution." The Office of the President explained that this can be seen as an intention not to seek re-election. This comment, made amid conflict within the ruling party and declining approval ratings, is drawing significant political attention.

2. Hyein Yong, Minister of Gender Equality and Family Nominee, dismisses calls for resignation

At 1:40 p.m. at the National Assembly, nominee Yong held a press conference, stating, "Holding multiple positions is permitted by law," and expressed regret that "completely groundless suspicions are being reported as if they are factual." She urged, "Please proceed with the confirmation hearing." Meanwhile, Seong Gihong, Senior Presidential Secretary for Public Communication, commented regarding both Minister of Justice nominee Kim Seungwon and Minister of Gender Equality and Family nominee Hyein Yong: "A judgment will be made based on public expectations after the confirmation procedures are complete."

Minister of Gender Equality and Family Nominee Hyein Yong held a press conference dismissing calls for resignation at the National Assembly Communication Office on the afternoon of the 10th. Photo by Dongju Yoon

3. President Lee Jaemyoung’s approval rating falls to 43%, hitting a record low

According to the National Barometer Survey (NBS) released today—which was conducted by Embrain Public, KSTAT Research, Korea Research, and Hankook Research from September 7th to 9th among 1,002 adults aged 18 or older—President Lee’s approval rating stands at 43%, a drop of seven percentage points from two weeks ago and his lowest level since taking office. For the "Minister of Justice nominee Kim Seungwon," 47% responded it was a "wrong appointment," while 63% considered the nomination of "Minister of Gender Equality and Family nominee Hyein Yong" a "wrong appointment."

4. International oil prices surpass USD 100 as U.S.-Iran conflict intensifies

President Trump claimed that the Iran war would end shortly after the November midterm elections; however, military clashes continue. The price of Brent crude oil has exceeded 101 dollars per barrel, causing renewed pressure on domestic prices, exchange rates, and the trade balance. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has referred the Iran nuclear issue to the UN Security Council for the first time in 20 years.

5. Yemen's Houthi rebels launch surprise attack on key Red Sea position

The Iran-backed Houthi rebels have launched a surprise attack in an attempt to seize the Red Sea coast of Yemen and the mountainous areas in Taiz province. There are concerns that by blocking passage through the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, international energy and food supply chains could be threatened.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.