SBS News

Presidential Office Issues Stern Warning to Lee Byung-tae Over "5·18 Sanctuary" Remark Kang Yu-jeong, Senior Presidential Spokesperson, stated on July 4, "Vice Chairman Lee’s posting of personal opinions on social media is misleading and runs contrary to the government’s firm stance against hate and mockery," adding, "It is inappropriate conduct for a person in a responsible position within a government-affiliated organization." The spokesperson further announced, "We have issued a stern warning and strongly requested that such incidents do not recur." Previously, when discussions of disciplinary action arose after the Paichai High School team chanted "Let's go to Starbucks" during a game against Gwangju Jeil High School, Lee posted on social media criticizing the situation, claiming that "the May 18 movement has become a sanctuary" and comparing it to "the state of North Korea." In response, Democratic Party lawmaker Choi Min-hee criticized Lee on Facebook the previous day, stating, "Vice Chairman Lee asks, 'Is May 18 a sanctuary?' I will answer him. SBS Jul 4, 2026 10:35 PM

Kim Min-seok Likely to Announce Bid for Party Leadership at Gwangju Military Airport Site in Two Days The Gwangju Military Airport is reportedly being considered as the most likely location for the announcement. SBS Jul 4, 2026 5:49 PM

President Lee: "If Mega Projects Were for Approval Ratings, I Would Have Launched Them Before the Election" ▲ President Lee Jae-myung President Lee Jae-myung refuted criticism from the opp… SBS Jul 4, 2026 5:14 PM

Kim Min-seok to Announce Bid for Party Leadership at Gwangju Military Airport, Site of Future Semiconductor Hub Kim Min-seok, a former Prime Minister and a contender for the Democratic Party leadership, is expected to officially announce his candidacy for the party representative election, scheduled for August 17, in the newly formed Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Metropolitan City soon. SBS Jul 4, 2026 5:13 PM

Rep. Joo Jin-woo Calls Upcoming Information and Communications Network Act "Gag Law," Vows Constitutional Appeal Joo Jin-woo People Power Party Representative Joo Jin-woo stated that he will file a constitutional appeal to challenge the unconstitutionality of social media censorship once the amended Information and Communications Network Act takes effect on July 7. SBS Jul 4, 2026 5:07 PM

Presidential Office Issues Public Warning to Official Over Controversial Remarks on 5.18 Gwangju Democratization Movement The presidential office has issued a public warning to Lee Byung-tae, vice-chair of the presidential Regulatory Rationalization Committee, following his criticism that the 5.18 Gwangju Democratization Movement has become a "sacred area" in response to a controversy involving a cheering chant by the Baejae High School baseball team. SBS Jul 4, 2026 4:52 PM

President Lee Jae-myung: Mega-Projects Are Not for Approval Ratings, I Have Dreamed of Them Since Before Taking Office ▲ President Lee Jae-myung President Lee Jae-myung refuted opposition party criti… SBS Jul 4, 2026 4:47 PM

Democratic Party Expresses Strong Regret Over U.S. Congressional Report Alleging 'Discrimination Against Coupang' The Democratic Party of Korea has expressed its strong regret regarding a U.S. Congressional report that alleges the South Korean government treats U.S. SBS Jul 4, 2026 3:05 PM

Lee Jun-seok Proposes Bill to Confiscate 'Cyber Wrecker' Profits: "Curbing Profit-Driven Exposure Business" Furthermore, the bill mandates that major information and communications service providers, such as YouTube, block the monetization of such content within 30 days after a final guilty verdict is reached. SBS Jul 4, 2026 10:18 AM

North Korea Emphasizes Disaster Preparedness for Rainy Season: "No Formalism, Recheck Ten or a Hundred Times" ▲ North Korea forecasts severe heatwaves this summer due to El Niño North… SBS Jul 4, 2026 9:43 AM