The Minute to Read (Weekdays) series provides a quick overview of significant events in Korea everyday, conveniently condensed into a one-minute read. Here’s a recap of what happened yesterday: July 3.
Over 1 m citizens demand President Yoon’s impeachment in online petition
A petition calling for the impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol has surpassed 1 million participants since its posting on June 24, far exceeding the 50,000-consent threshold required for review by the National Assembly’s Petition Examination Subcommittee.
With the Democratic Party of Korea holding a majority in the subcommittee, they have the potential to bring the petition to the plenary session. Park Chan-dae, acting representative of the Democratic Party, emphasized that the petition reflects public discontent with the administration.
The presidential office, however, has dismissed the impeachment calls, citing the lack of a clear illegal situation and expressing concerns about political disruption affecting state affairs.
Seoul Tragedy: Accelerator 90% pressed before the crash amid sudden acceleration debate
The police have charged Mr. Cha, a 68-year-old bus driver, with violating the Special Traffic Accident Law following a car crash in Seoul that killed nine people and injured six others.
Cha claimed the accident was caused by sudden unintended acceleration (SUA), but initial evidence from the vehicle’s event data recorder (EDR) showed the accelerator was pressed with over 90% force just before the crash.
The accident occurred when Cha’s vehicle drove the wrong way on a one-way street, hitting 11 pedestrians and colliding with two other vehicles. The police are investigating potential causes, including driver negligence or vehicle defects, and are awaiting a detailed forensic analysis.
41 Korean doctors investigated for massive offshore tax evasion
South Korean tax authorities have identified 41 doctors evading taxes on income from medical practices abroad. One plastic surgeon, referred to as A, earned billions by treating patients in Southeast Asia, disguising the practice as seminars and using cryptocurrency for transactions.
Some suspects, like B, obtained foreign citizenship through investment to hide income, re-entering Korea as “Koreans with foreign citizenship” and purchasing luxury properties with concealed funds. The National Tax Service is investigating these sophisticated offshore tax evasion methods, which they deem a significant economic loss.
One minute, that’s all it takes to know about Korea. Click here ☞ https://page.stibee.com/subscriptions/305897
