Starbucks Korea will close over 2,000 stores nationwide for half a day next week for staff to attend a history lesson. This follows a "Tank Day" promotion that evoked a deadly 1980 military crackdown on a pro-democracy uprising, causing public uproar and a sales decline.
경남대도약준비팀이 전남광주대전환기획위를 방문해 영호남 상생협력 방안을 논의했다. 양측은 남해안권발전특별법 및 항공복합도시건설특별법 제정, 광양만권경제자유구역 개편 등 현안에 대한 공동 대응을 협의했다.
Starbucks Korea is facing public anger for its "Tank Day" reusable cup promotion on May 18, the 46th anniversary of the Gwangju uprising, a deadly military crackdown on a pro-democracy movement where 165 civilians were killed.
Starbucks Korea Chairman Chung Yong-jin and employees will receive training on historical awareness and social sensitivity after a controversial "Tank Day" promotion linked to the 1980 Gwangju pro-democracy uprising. The promotion, which used the word "tank" and a phrase evoking torture, was quickly suspended due to public backlash.
An Tae-wook, former chairman of the People Power Party's Gwangju chapter, claimed an electronic ballot counting machine malfunctioned during the Gwangju Gwangsan-gu by-election. The election commission clarified it was a misunderstanding of ballot bins.
Experts analyze the Gwangju representative library collapse, which killed 4 workers, shares similarities with the 1994 Seongsu Bridge collapse, citing faulty welding and construction as primary causes for both disasters.
The transition committee for Gyeonggi Gwangju Mayor-elect Park Gwan-yeol was launched on the 11th. The committee, led by Jeong Jae-hyung, will operate in five divisions to review the current city administration and prepare for the stable launch of the 9th term of the municipal government.
Gwangju City will operate rest areas for mobile workers like delivery, proxy driving, and delivery drivers, providing them with a place to rest and protect their health from heatwaves. The city has established 34 rest areas in public facilities and operates a 24-hour unmanned rest area in the 첨단지역.
Gwangju's apartment prices have continued to decline, falling 0.09% in the second week of June, the largest drop among South Korea's 17 major cities. This contrasts with the national average, which has seen an increase.
In May, Gwangju's employment rate rose 0.4%P to 61.7%, while Jeonnam's fell 0.2%P to 66.5%. Gwangju saw a decrease in manufacturing and retail jobs, while Jeonnam experienced a decline in retail and agriculture.
Police in Gwangju are investigating a man for animal abuse after a video surfaced showing him hitting and dragging a dog on the street. The owner, identified as A (43), claims he was pulling the dog because it wouldn't follow him.
The Ministry of Education will hold a report session on May 5th regarding the integration of the Jeonnam and Gwangju education offices, ahead of the launch of the unified "Jeonnam-Gwangju Special City Unified Education Office." The session will review preparation status and discuss future plans.
Min Hyung-bae, elected governor of Jeonnam-Gwangju, visited Naju's Bitgaram Innovation City for his first official schedule. He emphasized connecting energy and talent to create new growth engines, highlighting the city's symbolic role in the integration of Jeonnam and Gwangju.
A 'Great Transition Planning Committee' has been formed to prepare for the launch of the Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City and to create a blueprint for its administration. The committee, composed of 20 experts across seven sub-committees, will be chaired by former Samsung Electronics executive Jeong Eun-seung.
Jeonnam Governor Kim Young-rok congratulated the newly elected officials of the proposed Gwangju-Jeonnam Special City, urging them to create genuine coexistence and sustainable growth and to address the reality of regional extinction.
Newly elected Mayor-Elect Min Hyung-bae of the South Jeolla-Gwangju Special City faces immediate challenges including the location of the main administrative building, relocation of Gwangju military airport, establishment of a national medical school, and securing government funding.
Gwangju City and Jeonnam Province have announced draft regulations for the integrated special city, set to launch on July 1st. The plan includes a four-deputy mayor system and unified departmental structures for efficient governance.
Police are investigating a man in Gwangju after a video surfaced showing him beating and dragging a dog on a street in the Ssangchon-dong neighborhood. The incident was captured by a citizen and reported by the animal protection group 'LIFE'.
Gwangju and Jeonnam police are investigating 133 individuals for election law violations following the 9th National Simultaneous Local Elections. Allegations include fake news, illegal fundraising, and early campaigning, with some elected officials also under scrutiny.
People Power Party candidate Lee Jung-hyun, who ran for the integrated Jeonnam-Gwangju mayor in a traditionally difficult district, will have half of his election expenses reimbursed after securing 11.68% of the vote. Other candidates in the mayoral race and some local council candidates will receive partial or no reimbursement.
The Gwangju business community congratulated the newly elected mayor and superintendent, urging them to focus on creating jobs, fostering a business-friendly environment, and developing future talent to overcome regional decline and boost competitiveness.
The Democratic Party secured all five district mayor positions in Gwangju during the 9th National Simultaneous Local Elections. Two candidates won unopposed, while others secured significant victory margins against opposition parties.
Kim Dae-jung has won the election in Gwangju with 42.52% of the vote, securing 680,275 votes. Jang Gwan-ho came in second with 29.12%, followed by Lee Jeong-seon and Kang Suk-young.
Newly elected education superintendent Kim Dae-jung pledges to revitalize regional education and push for the unification of Jeonnam and Gwangju education systems. He aims to create an ecosystem where local talent can thrive in regional industries and promises no disruptive mergers, prioritizing student choice.
