[Remember Daily News]2025.02.06 South Korea News

1. Defense Ministry Blocks Access to DeepSeek AI Tool

The South Korean Defense Ministry has restricted access to the DeepSeek artificial intelligence tool on computers used for military purposes. This decision reflects concerns over the implications of using AI technology within military infrastructure.

 

2. Far-Right Pastor Under Investigation for Inciting Insurrection

Prominent far-right pastor Jun Kwang-hoon is under investigation for inciting insurrection after his followers participated in violent protests supporting suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol. Jun's supporters, often seen carrying U.S. flags and "Stop the Steal" signs, attempted to block Yoon's arrest and later stormed a Seoul courthouse. Jun claims responsibility for Yoon's presidential win and believes his actions have saved South Korea from a North Korean takeover.

 

3. President Yoon Suk Yeol Vows to 'Fight to the End' Amid Impeachment Proceedings

Facing impeachment proceedings due to his brief imposition of martial law, President Yoon Suk Yeol delivered a televised address vowing to "fight to the end." He alleged that North Korean cyberattacks compromised South Korea's election commission, leading to significant electoral defeats for his party.

 

4. Comparisons Drawn Between Seoul Court Riot and U.S. Capitol Attack

Analysts have drawn parallels between the recent storming of the Seoul Western District Court by supporters of President Yoon Suk Yeol and the January 6 U.S. Capitol attack. Protesters, armed with fire extinguishers and steel pipes, caused significant damage, leading to widespread condemnation and calls for swift investigations.

 

5. South Korea's February Cultural Highlights

February in South Korea offers a blend of winter charm and cultural events. While Seoul experiences occasional snowfall, regions like Jeju Island begin to showcase early signs of spring with blooming flowers. Valentine's Day is celebrated on February 14, where traditionally, women present gifts to men, with the gesture reciprocated on March 14, known as White Day. Although not a public holiday, Valentine's Day is widely observed with various events and promotions.

 

6. North Korea's Missile Activities Under Scrutiny

The UN Security Council is set to discuss North Korea's recent intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test, which flew for approximately 86 minutes before landing in the Sea of Japan. This development has heightened regional tensions and will be a focal point in upcoming international security discussions.

 

7. Legal Developments in Election Interference Case

The Seoul High Court overturned the convictions of former Ulsan mayor Song Cheol-ho and former city police chief Hwang Un-ha. They had been accused of orchestrating an investigation against a rival during the 2018 local elections. This ruling marks a significant turn in a high-profile political case.

 

8. Upcoming Sports Events: EAFF E-1 Football Championship

Sports enthusiasts are looking forward to the 2025 EAFF E-1 Football Championship, scheduled from July 7 to 16. Both men's and women's tournaments will be held, with South Korea set to host the events. Preparations are underway to welcome teams and fans from across East Asia.

 

9. Government Temporarily Bans Access to DeepSeek Over Security Concerns

The Ministry of Industry has temporarily restricted employee access to DeepSeek, a Chinese AI startup, citing security concerns. This move follows earlier government advisories urging caution with generative AI services like DeepSeek and ChatGPT. State-owned Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power had previously blocked the use of such services, aligning South Korea with nations like Australia and the U.S. in expressing apprehension over DeepSeek's potential national security implications. The Information Privacy Commission plans to investigate DeepSeek's handling of user data. Meanwhile, tech giants such as Kakao Corp, SK Hynix, and Naver are advising against or limiting the use of generative AI services due to data security concerns.

 

10. LG CNS Faces Challenges in Market Debut

LG CNS, a prominent South Korean tech services firm, saw its stock price dip from the initial offering of 61,900 won to 59,700 won during its market debut. This IPO, the largest in South Korea in three years, raised 1.2 trillion won ($827.1 million), valuing the company at 5.79 trillion won. Despite high interest, the stock's performance mirrors recent trends of subdued market entries, potentially deterring future investors. The funds are earmarked for mergers and acquisitions, particularly in artificial intelligence, and debt repayment. Approximately 54% of LG CNS's revenue in the first three quarters of 2024 stemmed from cloud and AI services, contributing to rapid growth and high margins. The company reported revenues of about 4 trillion won and an operating profit of 313 billion won during this period.