Gwangju News – June 2025
Korea’s Presidential Election Set for June
The South Korean government has decided to hold the presidential election on Tuesday, June 3. That day will be a temporary public holiday so that more people can vote easily. As voting is an important part of democracy, the government wants to make sure everyone has a chance to vote. That’s why election days in Korea are usually public holidays.
To make the election fair, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety has set up a special team to watch and manage the election process. This team will work until the election is completed. Early voting will take place on May 29 and 30 (Thursday and Friday). Korean citizens who live in other countries can also vote early at Korean embassies. On June 3, voting will start at 6:00a.m. and end at 8:00 p.m. After that time, no additional voting will be allowed.
Candidates for president registered on May 10 and 11. Many people are interested in this election because it is occurring earlier than usual after the previous president was impeached and removed from office. In a time of global uncertainty, leadership matters more than ever. The future direction of South Korea lies in the hands of its people – citizens who will soon cast their votes to choose the nation’s next president.
June 6: Korea’s Memorial Day
In South Korea, June is known as the “Month of Patriots and Veterans,” a time to honor the sacrifices of national heroes. Among the significant events in June is Memorial Day, which is observed on June 6. It is a day dedicated to remembering the patriotic martyrs and military personnel who gave their lives for the nation. This day holds special historical significance, especially for those who lost their lives during the Korean War (1950–1953).
Memorial Day, or Hyeonchung-il (현충일) in Korean, was officially established by presidential decree on April 19, 1956, and later became a government holiday in 1982, following amendments to the Regulation on National Holidays. While many people today see Memorial Day primarily as a public holiday, it is much more than just a day off. It is a solemn occasion to honor those who sacrificed their lives for the nation’s freedom and security.
On this day, all government buildings and many households fly the South Korean flag (Taegukgi) in remembrance of the fallen. At 10 a.m., sirens are sounded nationwide, marking a one-minute moment of silence in tribute to those who died for the nation. This act of silence is a time for reflection, where many South Koreans, after raising their flags early in the morning, participate in a collective moment of respect.
As we reflect on the sacrifices made by South Koreans, we must also remember the soldiers worldwide who continue to give their lives for the cause of peace. On this Memorial Day, let us take a moment to honor them as well.
SK Telecom Hacked
SK Telecom (SKT), the largest telecom- munications company in South Korea, was recently hacked. On April 19, SKT confirmed that hackers leaked customer information related to SIM cards. The leaked information included unique identification numbers and key codes for customers’ SIM cards. This could lead to crimes like SIM card cloning or SIM swapping. SIM swapping occurs when someone uses your SIM card information in another phone to access authentication codes and financial messages. This can lead to hacking of bank accounts, scam messages, or stolen accounts.
After the incident, SKT recommended that all 25 million customers replace their SIM cards and sign up for a SIM protection service. This service blocks attempts to use the SIM card in another phone or to clone it. If any unusual activity is detected, the user will receive an alert. To help alleviate the problem, SKT is offering free SIM card replacements and protection services for all customers. However, many customers are complaining about the inconvenience of the service, as there was a shortage of SIM cards at first.
Because of these problems, some SKT customers are filing lawsuits, and both the company and consumers are facing difficulties. It is hoped that international customers using SKT’s services can also get the protection they need to avoid further issues.
Keeping Cool in Gwangju: Summer Heat Safety Measures
As summer approaches, Gwangju City is preparing to combat rising temperatures with a range of public safety measures. June marks the beginning of Korea’s hot season, and city officials are taking proactive steps to protect all residents – including the elderly, children, and foreign nationals – from the dangers of extreme heat.
One of the key efforts includes the expansion of “cooling centers” (무더위 쉼터) across the city. These air-conditioned spaces are available at community centers, libraries, and some subway stations. They provide a safe and cool environment for anyone seeking relief from the heat.
In addition, the Gwangju local government is distributing multilingual safety leaflets to ensure that foreign residents are also well-informed. These leaflets include tips such as (a) Drink plenty of water regularly, even if you’re not thirsty, (b) Avoid outdoor activities during the hottest hours (typically 12 noon to 5 p.m.), (c) Wear lightweight and light-colored clothing, and (d) Check on neighbors, especially seniors and those living alone.
City workers will also be monitoring vulnerable populations, including low-income households and the elderly, through regular welfare check- ins. Emergency cooling kits and fans are available upon request through neighborhood offices. Foreigners living in Gwangju can access heat safety resources via the Gwangju International Center (GIC) or by calling the 1345 Immigration Helpline, which offers service in multiple languages.
The Gwangju mayor’s office emphasized, “Summer heatwaves are not just uncomfortable – they can be life-threatening. We want to make sure that every resident, regardless of nationality, feels supported and safe.” With these community- wide efforts, Gwangju continues to set an example of inclusive public safety and climate resilience.
Compiled by Kim Jinyoung.