Seoul Shinmun's Political Coverage Praised for Balance, Restraint; Editorial Board Cautions Against Definitive Interpretations

Seoul Shinmun's Political Coverage Emphasizes Balance, Restraint; Reader Rights Committee Urges Caution Against Definitive Interpretations

On October 28, 2025, the Seoul Shinmun Reader Rights Committee held its 191st meeting to review Seoul Shinmun's overall coverage over the past month. In-depth discussions focused on political coverage, with committee members praising the newspaper's efforts to maintain a balanced perspective and restrained expression. However, they also emphasized the need to avoid definitive interpretations or expressions that could mislead readers. The committee pointed out the importance of reflecting diverse opinions in a balanced manner, without leaning towards specific political factions or ideologies. Furthermore, they added that conjecture or exaggerated expressions not based on facts can obscure readers' judgment, so focusing on objective factual reporting is crucial. The committee urged more careful reporting that presents diverse perspectives on political issues without drawing definitive conclusions or giving the impression of advocating a particular position. Committee members stated that they expect Seoul Shinmun to continue striving to earn readers' trust through balanced perspectives and restrained expression. The Reader Rights Committee emphasized that it will continue to strive to fulfill its social responsibility as a media outlet through ongoing monitoring and improvement of Seoul Shinmun's coverage.

Controversy Continues Regarding the '2025 Goyang Asia-Oceania Road Cycling Championships'

The '2025 Goyang Asia-Oceania Road Cycling Championships' will be held at KINTEX in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province from October 26 to 31, 2025. The Goyang City Council's passive attitude is sparking controversy. The Goyang City Council has rejected the motion to approve the agreement related to the road cycling championships for the third consecutive time, and has decided to cut the entire 700 million won budget for the event. Some are expressing concerns that even though the city has attracted an international event, a lack of cooperation from the city council may hinder a successful hosting. Goyang City expected the road cycling championships to enhance the city's brand image and contribute to revitalizing the local economy, but the city council's budget cuts are expected to inevitably disrupt preparations for the event. The organizing committee of the event has expressed its disbelief at the city council's decision, and has stated that it plans to continue consulting with the city council so that at least minimal support for hosting the event can be provided. Meanwhile, Goyang City residents are divided on the city council's decision, expressing their opinions and engaging in heated discussions through online communities. Some citizens are taking the position that budget cuts were an inevitable choice considering the city's financial difficulties, while others are criticizing the decision as short-sighted, overlooking the economic effects and city image improvement effects that can be obtained through international events.

U.S.-Korea Tariff Negotiations Concluded: What Impact Will They Have on the Domestic Economy?

On October 29, 2025, tariff negotiations between South Korea and the United States were finally concluded. As trade between the two countries is expected to become more active due to the conclusion of these negotiations, the domestic industry is paying close attention to the impact of the outcome of these negotiations on the domestic economy. In particular, export companies that have had difficulties due to tariff barriers are expecting to expand their access to the US market as a result of this agreement. However, some are raising concerns that competition with American products in the domestic market will intensify as a result of this agreement. In particular, it is pointed out that the difficulties of domestic farmers may be aggravated in the agricultural and livestock sectors due to the price competitiveness of US products. The government has announced that it plans to prepare various support policies to minimize damage to domestic industries that may arise as a result of this agreement, and to seek ways to strengthen competitiveness. Also, consumers are expecting to be able to purchase various American products at low prices as a result of this agreement. However, as concerns about the safety of imported products are also being raised, the government plans to further strengthen quarantine and safety inspections of imported products. It is pointed out that the conclusion of the U.S.-Korea tariff negotiations is expected to be an opportunity to further consolidate the economic relationship between the two countries, and that a thorough analysis and response to the positive and negative impacts on the domestic economy is necessary.

People Power Party Defines Results of U.S.-Korea Tariff Negotiations as Subject to National Assembly Ratification

On October 29, 2025, Park Seong-hoon, Senior Spokesperson for the People Power Party, stated in relation to the conclusion of the U.S.-Korea tariff negotiations that the outcome of these negotiations is subject to the National Assembly's ratification. Spokesperson Park emphasized that "As the U.S.-Korea tariff negotiations have a significant impact on the trade relationship between the two countries, in-depth discussion and review by the National Assembly is necessary." He also added, "The National Assembly, the representative body of the people, must carefully examine the contents and procedures of this negotiation and judge whether it is in the interests of the people." The People Power Party plans to submit all data related to this negotiation to the National Assembly and request the government to conduct sufficient review and discussion in the relevant standing committees. Furthermore, it announced that it plans to conduct in-depth discussions on the contentious issues and expected problems of this negotiation through cooperation with the opposition party, and to take all necessary measures at the National Assembly level. Spokesperson Park emphasized, "The People Power Party will do its best to ensure that these U.S.-Korea tariff negotiations maximize the national interest of the Republic of Korea and bring practical benefits to the people." He also added, "We will listen to all opinions raised during the National Assembly ratification process and strive to help the public understand the contents of the negotiation through sufficient explanation." Meanwhile, as the National Assembly ratification procedure for the results of the U.S.-Korea tariff negotiations is expected to begin in earnest, fierce debate between the ruling and opposition parties is anticipated.