Yonhap News Summary

Yonhap News Summary

The following is the second summary of major stories moved by Yonhap News Agency on Monday.

■ Lee urges careful deliberation on special probe over 'fabricated' charges against him under Yoon

SEOUL -- President Lee Jae Myung has stressed the need for public input and careful deliberation, a presidential official said Monday, as the ruling Democratic Party (DP) pushes for a special probe into allegations that he was indicted in multiple cases based on fabricated evidence during the previous administration.

Hong Ihk-pyo, senior presidential secretary for political affairs, made the remarks at a press briefing, citing the president, after the DP proposed a bill last week to mandate a special counsel probe.

https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20260504005700315?section=national/politics

Hong Ihk-pyo, senior presidential secretary for political affairs, speaks at a press briefing at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on May 4, 2026. (Yonhap)

■ (2nd LD) Seoul shares spike over 5 pct to approach 7,000 on chip rally; won sharply up

SEOUL -- South Korean stocks shot up by more than 5 percent to close at a fresh high Monday, approaching the 7,000-point mark, as investors scooped up semiconductor shares while awaiting developments in U.S.-Iran peace talks. The Korean won rose sharply against the U.S. dollar.

The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) added 338.12 points, or 5.12 percent, to a fresh record high of 6,936.99.

https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20260504005652320?section=economy-finance/economy

■ (LEAD) Special counsel says signs found of martial law preparations since early 2024

SEOUL -- A special counsel team said Monday it has found signs a military unit was making preparations for martial law in the first half of 2024, well before former President Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration in December of that year.

Special counsel Kwon Chang-young's team updated reporters on its investigation into allegations surrounding the ousted former president, including his failed martial law bid, which have not been fully covered by previous special counsels.

https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20260504004952315?section=national/national

■ BOK senior deputy gov. says time to consider rate hike on solid growth

SEOUL -- Ryoo Sang-dai, senior deputy governor of the Bank of Korea (BOK), has said it is time to consider a rate hike, citing the country's better-than-expected economic growth in the first quarter.

The comment comes despite the economic uncertainties caused by the ongoing conflict in Iran.

https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20260504005200320?section=economy-finance/economy

(END)