Aja Newsbites

• South Korea’s National Assembly passed a revision to the Criminal Procedure Act on July 31, 2026. • The new legislation officially abolishes the powers of prosecutors to conduct both direct and supplementary investigations. • This move represents a significant shift in the country's legal framework by stripping investigative authority from the prosecution service.

• Former Korea Football Association President Chung Mong-gyu and former national team coach Hong Myung-bo appeared before a parliamentary hearing on July 30. • Both officials issued formal apologies following South Korea's premature exit from the North and Central America World Cup. • The hearing serves as a critical accountability measure to address the failures of the national team's performance on the global stage.

• Michelle Steel arrived in Seoul on July 30, 2026, to officially begin her tenure as the new U.S. ambassador to South Korea. • The appointment marks a key diplomatic transition in the bilateral relationship between the United States and South Korea. • Steel's arrival is intended to strengthen strategic ties and maintain security cooperation between the two nations.

• Five individuals have been selected as winners of the 2026 Manhae Grand Prize. • The award honors the legacy of Han Yong-un, a Korean independence activist, Buddhist monk, and poet, focusing on peace, social action, and literary spirit. • This recognition highlights ongoing efforts to promote humanitarian values and social justice across the region.

• A manual recount of the June 3 Tongyeong mayoral election has officially confirmed the victory of Democratic Party candidate Kang Seok-joo. • The recount was necessary to verify the results of the local election and ensure the accuracy of the vote count. • This confirmation resolves the leadership dispute for the Tongyeong mayoralty, providing political stability to the region.

• The Seoul High Court ruled on July 24, 2026, that SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won must pay his former wife, Roh Soh-yeong, 944 billion won (approximately US$680 million). • This decision comes as part of a landmark divorce settlement, marking one of the most significant financial payouts in a South Korean legal case. • The ruling is notable due to the immense scale of the assets involved and the high profile of the SK Group leadership.

• Malaysia has achieved a high global ranking in travel accessibility, surpassing advanced economies such as the United States, Iceland (joint 10th), and Hong Kong (14th). • Other Southeast Asian nations trailed behind, with Thailand ranking 63rd (77 destinations), Indonesia 68th (70 destinations), and the Philippines 72nd (65 destinations). • Lower rankings were recorded for Vietnam (87th), Cambodia (88th), Laos (89th), and Myanmar (91st), highlighting a significant disparity in regional connectivity.