Gwangju City News – July 2025

Lee Jae-myung Elected South Korea’s 21st President

On June 3, 2025, South Korea elected a new head of state in a snap presidential election, held in the wake of former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment. The early vote was triggered by Yoon’s declaration of martial law on December 3, 2024, which was swiftly followed by the National Assembly’s passage of an impeachment motion, plunging the nation into political turmoil. Amid nationwide attention and a high voter turnout, the country chose its next leader.

Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party emerged victorious, securing 48.8% of the vote. His victory was officially confirmed in the early morning hours of June 4, and he assumed office immediately thereafter.

In his inaugural address, President Lee emphasized the importance of unity, declaring, “It is the president’s duty to bring the people together. Let us build a fair and inclusive nation where everyone has equal opportunities and no one is left behind.” He called for a society grounded in mutual care and equitable growth.

Shortly after taking office, President Lee outlined his first major policy agenda, centered around five key national priorities:

This snap election carried significance beyond a mere change of administration. It was seen as a public reckoning against the abuse of power and a step toward the restoration of democratic values. As such, expectations are high for the new administration to demonstrate strong leadership during this period of national crisis.

An early public opinion survey on President Lee’s first week in office showed a positive approval rating of 58.6%, reflecting the public’s cautious optimism. However, deep divisions remain in Korean society following the impeachment, and the success of the new government will hinge on its ability to promote inclusivity, foster dialogue, and implement meaningful reforms.

Major Fire Hits Gwangju’s Kumho Tire Plant

On the morning of May 17, a massive fire broke out at the Kumho Tire plant in Gwangju, severely damaging more than half of its production lines. Nearly a month after the incident, the full restoration timeline remains uncertain. Public concern grew after it was revealed that fire-related debris was discharged into the Hwangryong River.

A significant amount of contaminants appears to have mixed with rainwater and flowed into the river, though the exact level of pollution has yet to be determined. Amid growing calls for measures to protect public health and prevent environmental damage, Kumho Tire is facing criticism for its delayed and opaque response, which has only heightened anxiety among local residents.

Fire authorities managed to extinguish the main blaze within two days, and investigations into the cause of the fire, as well as recovery efforts, are still underway. The incident has dealt a major blow to the company’s operations, effectively halving its production capacity and putting its annual revenue targets at serious risk.

With prolonged suspension of factory operations, discussions of potential workforce downsizing have surfaced. In light of a previous fire at the company’s Daejeon plant, concerns have also emerged about a possible future shutdown or relocation of the Gwangju facility.                           

Gwangju Bus Strike Deepens Commuter Disruption

A citywide bus strike in Gwangju has caused significant inconvenience for residents, particularly during commuting hours. The strike was initiated by local bus unions demanding better working conditions, including an 8.2% increase in base salary and an extension of the retirement age to 65. Despite negotiations, no agreement was reached with management, prompting the union to launch a full-scale walkout.

As the strike continued, public attention turned to the wage levels of city bus drivers. As of June 17, a Gwangju city bus driver with eight years of service (pay grade 4) receives a monthly salary of 4.59 million won – comparable to drivers in Daejeon, a city of similar size and economy. However, this figure remains among the lowest for metropolitan cities in South Korea.

The prolonged strike has heavily impacted daily commutes, sparking growing criticism among residents frustrated with the ongoing disruptions.

Although the union temporarily suspended the strike during the three-day Memorial Day holiday, negotiations fell apart again after the walkout resumed on June 9.

During follow-up mediation on June 13, talks broke down as the union insisted on a five percent wage increase. The Gwangju City bus union and management reached an agreement on wages and a collective bargaining agreement on June 20. As a result, Gwangju city buses resumed normal operations on the 21st, after a 12-day strike. There is growing public demand for a swift and sincere resolution through continued dialogue between labor and management, so that citizens may soon return to a stable and reliable transportation environment.

Heavy Rain Alert for Gwangju

Gwangju and the southern regions, including Jeonnam, are experiencing early summer heat with daytime temperatures already exceeding 30°C in June. The Korea Meteorological Administration has issued a monsoon warning for the southern areas, raising concerns over potential damage caused by heavy downpours.

With the onset of this year’s monsoon season, Typhoon Wutip, the first typhoon of the year moved northward from near Jeju Island. Authorities predicted the possibility of localized intense rainfall reaching 30 to 50 millimeters per hour.

Moreover, as the warm and humid southwesterly winds prevail through July, the monsoon is expected to bring stronger rainstorms and sudden heavy showers than usual. In response, the Gwangju Fire and Safety Headquarters announced the operation of a dedicated “Heatwave Emergency Squad” to address heat- related illnesses during the summer months.

Officials advise citizens to limit outdoor activities between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., and when necessary, to use wide-brimmed hats, parasols, and sunscreen for protection against the sun. Gwangju City remains committed to disaster prevention and public safety in the face of climate change, wishing all residents a healthy and safe summer season through the heat and monsoon periods.

Son Heung-min Leads Tottenham to Europa League

On May 21 at San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao, Spain, Tottenham Hotspur triumphed over Manchester United with a 1-0 win in the Europa League final, securing their first European title in 17 years. Son Heung-min, serving as team captain, played in the final and proudly lifted the trophy after the match. This victory marked Son’s first major trophy since turning professional, ending Tottenham’s long-standing title drought.

The fervor surrounding Son continued off the pitch as his match-worn jersey from the UEFA Europa League (UEL) final was auctioned for 76 million KRW (approximately 63,000 USD) on a uniform auction site, reportedly purchased by a dedicated Korean fan.

However, recent developments have also cast shadows around Son. Two individuals have been arrested and charged with extortion and attempted extortion, allegedly using threats related to a disclosure involving Son. The case remains under police investigation.

Looking ahead, Son, who has been a mainstay at Tottenham for a decade, is approaching the end of his contract next summer, sparking widespread speculation about his future. Potential transfers to the Saudi Pro League and Turkish giants Fenerbahçe have been floated in the media, fueling debate about his next career move.

Despite the uncertainties and challenges surrounding him, fans continue to respect Son Heung-min’s decisions and wholeheartedly support him, hoping he will continue to shine no matter which path he chooses.

Compiled by Jung Yeonseo.