A butterfly rests on a flower by the Yeongsan River in Buk District, Gwangju, on Sept. 11.YONHAP
It's Friday! And the weekend is once again upon us! Here are the stories you need to know in Korea.
In today's news, we look into the "Oppagate" scandal and how it is affecting Korea's legal overhaul.
In other stories, we head over to eastern Seoul's Seongsu-dong neighborhood to check out the fragrance stores drawing overseas visitors. Meanwhile, the Blue House is investigating alleged media leaks of details regarding a possible deployment to the Strait of Hormuz.
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Today's top story
KOREA
How 'Oppagate' puts Kim Seung-won’s Justice Ministry nomination and Korea’s legal overhaul under pressure
Kim Seung-won is poised to become President Lee Jae Myung’s second justice minister at a time when the public is expressing concerns about legal reforms pursued by his administration.
However, Kim might find answering questions about the controversies surrounding him to be the most pressing priority.
Blue House probes ministries over Hormuz deployment leak
The presidential office is investigating leaked details of possible support for Strait of Hormuz security while insisting no deployment decision has been made.
Seoul apartment prices rise for 86 consecutive weeks as record housing rally shifts beyond Gangnam
Apartment prices in the city have risen for a record 86 consecutive weeks, with lower-priced outer districts outpacing Gangnam as jeonse (lump sum deposits) and monthly rents also climb.
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North Korea-China bridge nears opening after decade-long delay
The completion of North Korean customs facilities was seen as a signal that the New Yalu River Bridge may open soon, potentially boosting the country's cross-border cargo trade with China. Read more
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Meet Shu Bao, Korea’s newest panda 'treasure' — in pictures
The fourth giant panda born in Korea was given a name that means "a treasure as bright as the light of dawn" after a public vote. Read more
