Exclusive: Yonsei Med Director’s $240M Allowance Triggers Outcry

A dispute has arisen among faculty members at Yonsei Medical Center, which manages Severance Hospital, following the disclosure that its director received an additional payment of 240 million South Korean won earlier this year, just after a controversy involving hospital management occurred.

As per reports from the healthcare sector released on the 10th, Yonsei Medical Center distributed a combined amount of 700 million South Korean won in bonuses to nine senior executives during January and February of this year. Director Geum Ki-chang was awarded 240 million South Korean won, with four hospital directors receiving between 60 million and 120 million South Korean won each, and four heads of departments/offices getting 40 million South Korean won apiece.

In order to achieve this, the center introduced new internal rules and categorized the payments as "hospital management allowance" and "administrative responsibility allowance." Nevertheless, certain senior hospital administrators allegedly contributed the entire sum back to the hospital right after becoming aware of the payments.

The recent disclosure has led academics to express worries. Last month, the faculty committee at Yonsei University School of Medicine convened and asked for verification of the details from the hospital.

A lecturer from Severance Hospital stated, "Throughout the administrative dispute in healthcare, 13,000 staff came together, rotated shifts for security duties, and voluntarily took unpaid time off to manage the emergency. However, according to reports, the hospital director supposedly received a 'personal incentive' (bonus based on performance). Such an occurrence has never been seen before during the medical facility's 140 years of operation."

The hospital responded by saying, "This was not a 'performance incentive' but an 'additional payment,' which was lawfully provided following established rules and processes. The wages and additional payments for the head of Yonsei Medical Center and others were less compared to leading hospitals, so extra support was needed. These figures were set after taking into account financial performance and salary structures at rival institutions."

It stated, "Nevertheless, we recognize the comments indicating that 'sufficient input from various members should have been collected' concerning the allowance. We will take feedback into account and implement enhancements moving forward."

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Couple Defies Court Order to Reopen Footpath Through £2M Home Garden

A pair whose fences were removed from their property by local authority employees following a six-year court dispute regarding a riding path might now be subject to legal proceedings due to allegations that they have obstructed the pathway once more.

On Monday, workers came to dismantle the three obstacles and thick thorny bushes that had grown along the path which angry locals claimed had been used for over 100 years.

A High Court decision supported the local council and the Planning Inspectorate following their confirmation that the route located next to David and Dawn Moore's home in Little Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, constitutes a public footpath.

Residents applauded when the gates were removed — though the process was briefly stopped two times to allow an ambulance to respond as Mrs. Moore reportedly became unwell amid the commotion.

At a certain moment, Mr. Moore approached spectators who were recording the event, one of whom said to him: 'I'm applauding because the bridle path is now accessible.'

He responded, "Ah. Open at the cost of my wife fainting, right? Are you satisfied with that?"

But jubilation has turned to renewed frustration after villagers complained at least one of the gates had been rehung and the Moores – who are believed to have spent up to £400,000 on their failed legal case - were warning anyone attempting to utilize the footpath making an effort to use the bridleway seeking to access the bridleway trying to make use of the walking trail endeavoring to follow the bridleway struggling to navigate the bridleway looking to travel along the bridleway trying to take the bridleway route attempts to use the designated path efforts to proceed via the bridleway that they were ‘trespassing’.

Other allegations suggested that the pair stopped municipal employees from installing a fresh equestrian path sign on publicly owned property located just across from their residence the next day, following an argument with them.

A person said to the Mail: "I had just gone through, and Mr. Moore informed me that I was trespassing. As I kept walking, he shut the gate behind me."

I've informed the committee and provided them with images.

One person stated: "Dawn Moore was the first to confront [the individual attempting to use the bridleway] and inform him that he was taking the incorrect route."

Then David went out and declared that he was entering without permission—so both of them were doing the same.

Other remarks included: "Mr. Moore and his wife were both outside urging the individuals attempting to install the directional sign, who eventually stopped after hearing an emotional tale."

They continuously replace a hazardous and unstable gate, while instructing individuals to leave the property because they are considered trespassers.

They had previously received warnings from the committee, suggesting they may face legal action.

'Strange that she [Mrs Moore] had a miraculous recovery just to challenge those using the footpath.'

The entrance points were taken down following Mr. Moore and his spouse, a medical professional recognized as Dr. Dawn Carnell, disregarding an official directive issued by Hertfordshire County Council.

Violating an enforcement order issued by a local authority constitutes a criminal offense that may result in prosecution before a magistrate’s court, with the possibility of imposing unbounded penalties.

Alternatively, the committee might tear down or eliminate unauthorized elements and seek reimbursement from the property owner.

Court orders may also be issued by the local court or Supreme Court to stop ongoing or serious unauthorized actions.

The ongoing conflict centers around the six-bedroom Breach House, some sections of which can be traced to the 17th century. The Moores purchased it for £1.2 million in 2015 and later invested heavily in restoring the neglected home.

In 2019, residents found that the public path crossing the 1.75-acre area had been blocked by signs and secured gates—according to the Moores, the equestrian trail actually passed between two adjacent cottages.

Hertfordshire County Council got involved and issued an order confirming that the bridleway ran across the couple's property, prompting the Moores to appeal their case to the Planning Inspectorate.

Over the course of a four-day hearing, senior final mapping official Gavin Harbour-Cooper stated that the council examined the issue back in 1956 and determined that the path passed through Breach House.

However, when the initial "Definitive Map" was created three years later, it depicted the "incorrect path" between the houses, even though the Definitive Statement provided the accurate details.

Nigel Adams, the creator of the online real estate platform BigBlackHen.com, who had family members that possessed Breach House between 1973 and 1985, mentioned that he was responsible for selling the house to Mr. Moore and his spouse in 2015.

He stated: 'Throughout this process, I regularly talked with the Moores about the current bridleway and its path across the Breach House property.'

William Marques, who resided in the home during the 1960s, also remembered the path running through it.

He explained how he utilized it to reach his grandparents' house since the alternative path, via road, was 'too risky'.

However, Mr. Moore, who operates an oncology company alongside his wife, informed the investigation that the council acknowledged in 2020 that the bridleway signs near his residence were incorrect, leading to their removal.

He stated: "When I bought the house, I wasn't informed about the presence of a bridlepath running through the land."

After the planning inspector rejected the Moores' case, they took their appeal to the High Court, where the judge also supported the locals and highlighted the 'fundamental unlikelihood of the Claimants' stance'.

They were denied permission to appeal to the Court of Appeal last year, but in an interview last month, Mr. Moore mentioned he is considering taking his case to the European Court of Human Rights.

He explained that he would be "arguing under Article 8 of the Human Rights Convention and also Article 1, Schedule 1 of the ECHR," adding: "All of this centers on the choice to alter my specified 2015 purchasing criterion, which is now established in the High Court."

You have the right to what you bought following full investigation.

Speaking about the six-digit amount he and his spouse invested in their failed court case, Mr. Moore mentioned to the Mail early this year: 'The expense isn't really a factor anymore. It's about whether you believe you're correct or not.'

He mentioned that his wife has fully backed him in the current legal dispute, as both of them feel the council is responsible for supplying incorrect paperwork when they purchased their house.

“This isn’t about me embarking on an adventure into the wilds, donning my helmet, and declaring ‘Whatever occurs, occurs,’” he stated.

This reflects two rational individuals examining the situation from 2015 and being certain of their correctness.

The hostile atmosphere created by the conflict within the neighborhood led Mr Moore — whose spouse is employed at University College Hospital in London — to report incidents such as vehicle vandalism, like scratches on his car, along with acts of intimidation.

In the meantime, the residents of the two adjacent bungalows—among them Wayne Morris, head of the local parish council—invested many thousands of pounds in their personal legal expenses.

Mr. Morris has stated that "a significant amount of time and resources have been squandered" on this matter.

A representative from Hertfordshire County Council stated, “We have learned about this issue through nearby residents and are currently evaluating the possibilities at our disposal.”

The Moores were asked for their response.

Read more

Faith Leaders Intervene to Stop Xenophobic Attacks in George

Anti-immigrant demonstrations have already resulted in fatalities along the Garden Route.

Last month in Mossel Bay, many homes were set ablaze and two individuals lost their lives in an incident involving... violent xenophobic protest .

Protests in the same area have led to hundreds of migrants being affected. repatriate to Malawi and Mozambique.

Near the Garden Route city of George, located 50 kilometers from Mossel Bay, local officials worry about increasing hostility toward immigrants and fear that violent incidents may soon occur.

During Sunday night, hundreds of individuals participated in an event hosted by an organization named Qina Mhlali (strong residents) at the All Bricks community center located in Thembalethu, a neighborhood near George. The venue was filled to capacity, with many others standing outside.

During the days before the gathering, a post was shared online. Mabahambe "Go away!" the sign stated.

As a reply, the Thembalethu Pastor's Fraternal issued an open letter urging for composure and condemning aggression. "Today the Lord places a responsibility upon us: to speak and take action against xenophobia in our neighborhoods," stated the open letter.

On Friday, the chairman of the organisation, Pastor Boyce Saleni, convened a gathering with the event coordinators and Mayor Browen Johnson from George, along with representatives from the business association and the South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO).

The decision was made to invite Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber to visit George later this month to speak about the community's issues.

Unemployment is high in the Southern Cape, and residents are uneasy," Saleni said to GroundUp. "They believe they're losing their jobs while foreigners are employed and managing businesses.

"The church has clearly stated that foreigners should be safeguarded. We oppose any violence or loss of life. The legal process needs to proceed as intended," he mentioned.

Individuals who were interviewed by GroundUp stated that certain sectors within the town have been taken over by immigrants, many of whom, according to them, lack legal authorization to work in South Africa.

Two years prior, an apartment complex in downtown George collapsed During the construction phase, 34 individuals lost their lives, with at least 26 being migrants. Out of the 28 survivors, most sustained injuries, some resulting in long-term impairments. Numerous workers lacked proper authorization to be employed in South Africa and were not eligible for UIF benefits or compensation from the funds.

The community gathering held on Sunday afternoon in Thembalethu became intense. Certain individuals arrived carrying sjamboks and knobkieries, ready for confrontational behavior. A foreigner who happened to be nearby was pursued and intimidated.

The event organizers soothed the audience.

"A number of community members wished to take action right after the meeting, yet this wasn’t the intention behind the assembly," noted Bathini Malobola, a coordinator with Qina Mhlali.

"Our agreement is that we will wait until 19 June before taking any action," he said. Protest action might follow, he warned.

"The appropriate authorities have been provided with a chance to resolve our issues. We will follow the law," stated Mandlenkosi Kopana, the vice-chair of Qina Mhlali.

Nomaphuthukezi Mditshwa, a local from Thembalethu who participated in the gathering, stated that her neighbor, who started a small shop, struggled to match the competition from foreign-run stores offering cheaper products.

"we aren't engaging in conflict, yet we're stating that foreigners ought to go back to their home nations. we'll await the minister's statement," she mentioned.

Some people present stated that immigrants were dealing narcotics.

Following the meeting, a group of men, some of whom were intoxicated, separated from the others and moved towards the town area. The GroundUp photographer was advised against pursuing them. One individual held up a stick that had nails driven into it.

A SAPS representative from the Southern Cape, Warrant Officer Christopher Spies, stated that authorities broke up a group that turned unruly on Sunday night. A case of public disorder was initiated, though no one was taken into custody.

"The police respect the right of citizens to protest, but any acts of violence or incitement to violence will not be tolerated," said Spies.

He mentioned that the Public Order Police had arrived and were remaining highly vigilant.

Individuals from abroad who have resided in this region for many years are thinking about going back to their homeland, yet they don't have enough money to make the trip.

"Ever since I came to South Africa, I haven't faced issues with the local community. However, things have changed recently," mentioned a Zimbabwean merchant who preferred anonymity. She noted that in the last couple of months, there has been a decrease in customers from the area.

She mentioned she planned to shut down her store earlier on Sunday, "as I am worried about what could occur."

Jose Mabunda, hailing from Mozambique, has been residing in South Africa since 2015, though he is currently thinking about going back to his homeland. He was among those affected by the structural failure in 2024.

"I'm frightened. If I had the funds, I'd depart right now. I arrived here to work and provide for my family. I'm not here to steal job opportunities from South Africans," he stated.

Mussa Duad, hailing from Malawi, expressed concerns over the uncertain situation affecting his future. "I am married to a South African woman and have a six-year-old daughter. If I decide to go away, who will look after them?" he questioned.

A person from Ghana, who chose to remain anonymous, stated, 'We accept that if we have to go back, we will.' However, 'returning home requires funds that most of us lack.'

The SANCO regional chairman, Xolisani Booi, advised citizens against taking justice into their own hands.

"None of the community members have the authority to review papers or implement immigration regulations," he stated.

He cautioned that certain people might be exploiting public dissatisfaction for political gain.

He mentioned his concern that there are groups present who are attempting to escalate this matter due to their desire for political influence.

The mayor of George, Browen Johnson, remained unavailable for comment prior to the release since he was participating in meetings in Cape Town.

© 2026 GroundUp. All rights reserved. Published by AllAfrica Global Media (Ants).

Tagged: South Africa, Religion, Migration, Southern Africa

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Mystery Platform: China Claims Research at Scarborough Shoal

An announcement follows as Manila submitted an official complaint regarding the "unlawful presence" of a floating facility at the contested reef.

China stated that it conducted a scientific mission at Scarborough Shoal, as tensions with the Philippines escalate over the contested area. South China Sea atoll.

A research expedition that started on May 20 included the deployment of a mobile platform for ecological surveillance and data collection, according to a release from the South China Sea Institute of Oceanology under the Chinese Academy of Sciences issued on Wednesday.

It followed when Manila filed a formal diplomatic protest On Tuesday, regarding what it referred to as the "unlawful occupation" of a floating facility in Scarborough Shoal.

Are you curious about the major issues and developments happening globally? Find your answers here with SCMP Knowledge Our latest platform featuring carefully selected content, including explanations, frequently asked questions, analysis, and visual graphics, presented by our acclaimed team.

The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea—an intergovernmental group responsible for managing Manila’s naval approach in the South China Sea—reported that air surveillance over the reef has identified a buoyant structure resembling an antenna.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry stated that it was properly using its rights to conduct actions such as "scientific research" at Scarborough Shoal and called on the Philippines to cease its "exaggerated publicity."

The research center stated that its voyage had explored all parts of the reef with the objective of gathering information about the geological development and biological reactions of coral reefs to changing environments.

Located approximately 124 nautical miles (230 kilometers or 143 miles) from the shores of the Philippines, Scarborough Shoal is a triangular coral reef encircling a lagoon. In China, it is referred to as Huangyan Island, while in the Philippines, it is called Panatag Shoal.

The group has emerged as a key point of contention in the ongoing conflict between the two countries above the South China Sea.

Last September, Beijing declared the creation of a natural sanctuary near the reef , sparking discussion about China's attempts to establish long-term structures there.

A Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson named Jay Tarriela informed journalists on Wednesday that their maritime surveillance mission conducted on May 30 was confronted by a Chinese People's Liberation Army aircraft.

He further mentioned that no excavation ships—employed for constructing man-made islands—were present in the region.

"I'm certain we still haven't figured out what they're up to," Tarriela remarked.

However, I prefer to think that the reason for the Chinese research ships being there is because they have a base.

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The article was first published on the South China Morning Post (www.scmp.com), a top-tier news outlet covering developments in China and Asia.

© 2026. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.

Lagos APC Candidates Condemn "Mischievous" Link Between Speaker Obasa and Protest

A group of candidates from the just-ended All Progressives Congress (APC) primary elections have criticized what they called a "slanderous and diverting effort" to associate the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Dr. Mudashiru Obasa, with the recent non-violent demonstrations held during the party's nomination process.

A forceful declaration, authored by notable members of the party and made public through the media on Wednesday, June 10, stated that the protest represented an unorganized display of frustration from candidates and their backers throughout Lagos State.

The declaration was endorsed by, among others, Hon. Seye Oladejo (Mushin), Hon. Kolawole Taiwo (Ajeromi-Ifelodun), Hon. Noheem Adams (Eti-Osa), Hon. Stephen Ogundipe (Oshodi), Hon. Apata Samuel (Somolu), Hon. David Doherty (Amuwo-Odofin), Hon. Ganiyu Egunjobi (Agege), and Hon. Ganiyu Ayuba (Alimosho).

Candidates emphasized that the demonstration stemmed from real concerns and was not supported by any external funding.

The statement asserted that implying thousands of dedicated APC members and advocates needed backing to express their grievances is offensive to their intellect and overlooks their valid issues.

As per the group, the demonstrators highlighted claims of interference, misrepresentation of outcomes, fraud, and neglect of party rules throughout the primary elections. They contended that these worries are not singular or baseless, but rather express the dissatisfaction of committed party members who dedicated their time, money, and political influence to the electoral system.

The signatories blamed unknown people for trying to blame Speaker Obasa in an effort to minimize the concerns and shift focus away from the importance of justice, healing, and solidarity inside the APC.

"Instead of tackling the core problems behind the demonstration, certain people have opted for an easy way out through blame-shifting. These ineffective efforts are evidently aimed at diverting public focus from the importance of justice and group solidarity," they stated.

As they look toward the upcoming general election, candidates called on party officials to address unresolved matters from the primary process. They highlighted that the APC's power comes from its capacity to welcome varied viewpoints, fix internal problems, and become more resilient through discussion and integrity.

"The worries of disappointed candidates and their backers warrant focus, rather than being ignored. Tackling these issues genuinely and promptly can enhance trust in the party's internal democracy and allow us to face the upcoming elections as a cohesive and powerful team," the statement ended.

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Traditional Rulers of Nsukka Call on Obi and Okonkwo to Reconcile Amid Conflict

CHIDI UGWU

The Enugu North Traditional Rulers Council for Peace, Justice and Social Harmony (ENTRC) has urged calmness, respect, and healing in the current conflict involving ex-Labour Party presidential hopeful, Peter Obi, and actor-turned-politician Kenneth Okonkwo.

A declaration issued by its Chairman, His Royal Majesty Eze-Igwe Williams Ezugwu, Eze Ogbozarra III from the Opi Ancient Kingdom, stated that the group has raised worries about increasing conflicts and open disputes between two well-known Igbo individuals, cautioning against speech that could worsen splits within the community.

Traditional leaders stated they knew about reports of legal actions taken concerning the conflict and emphasized their support for the court system and adherence to the law. They mentioned that, out of consideration for the judicial process, they would avoid discussing the details of the claims and responses made by each side.

The committee stated that differences in opinion are a normal part of a democratic system but cautioned that the growing use of personal insults and provocative speech within Nigeria's political arena endangers community unity and the principles of democracy.

Speaking to Okonkwo, referred to as an esteemed member of Nsukka, the committee encouraged him to maintain dignity and composure in his political activities, highlighting that disputes should be centered around policies, values, and concepts instead of personal attacks.

Traditional leaders asserted that principles such as fairness, reciprocal respect, accountable governance, and harmonious living have historically shaped the Nsukka area and must remain influential in shaping community behavior.

Although recognizing Obi's role in shaping national discussions and progress, the committee encouraged both individuals to seek opportunities for conversation, healing, and shared comprehension.

"True leadership is shown not just through the bravery to stand firm in one's beliefs, but also through the insight to seek harmony during times of conflict," the statement noted.

The committee also called on both sides to stay receptive to legal and respectful methods for reaching a peaceful settlement, while encouraging their followers and the general population to refrain from provocative speech and let the court proceedings take place undisturbed.

It renewed its dedication to peace, justice, reconciliation, and national harmony, emphasizing that the Igbo people have traditionally flourished through vigorous discussion while maintaining unity and mutual respect amid differing viewpoints.

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Olukoyede: Governorship Contenders Spend ₦20B–₦30B to Win Elections

Oscar Okhifo

The head of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has expressed worries about the increasing role of funds in Nigeria's election system, stating that certain candidates for governor invest anywhere from ₦20 billion to ₦30 billion to win elections.

On Wednesday, during the first session of the High-Level Guest Speakers' Series hosted by the Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies (CPSS) at the University of Ilorin, Olukoyede stated that this trend has emerged as a significant factor fueling corruption and poses a risk to the nation's democracy.

The head of the EFCC, who gave a speech entitled "Reducing Risks and Engaging Key Stakeholders for Peaceful and Valid 2027 Elections in Nigeria," pointed out that political figures who spend large amounts during elections frequently face demands to recover their costs once they take up positions.

He stated that the high expense involved in running for office leads to the misuse of public money and weakens responsibility, since chosen representatives focus more on recouping their monetary losses than providing effective leadership and public assistance.

Throughout history, campaign expenditures in Nigeria have stayed significant, yet in recent times they have surged to levels experts refer to as "unprecedented."

Opponents claim that conditions have deteriorated partially due to lenient punishments for those who violate election laws, leading many to wonder why no significant political "fall guy" has been established as an example.

Another increasing worry among Nigerians involves the effects of these enormous campaign costs, as numerous people question how chosen representatives might avoid misappropriating government funds following such huge investments to win their positions.

It has been reported that certain candidates resort to selling private assets or securing substantial loans to fund their election efforts, intensifying concerns regarding potential corruption after the elections and the challenges of economic revival.

"The commodification of votes undermines the basis for effective governance as it affects the selection of political leaders. Politicians who secure their positions through financial means tend to prioritize recouping their expenses over acting in the best interests of the people," Olukoyede stated.

The head of the EFCC emphasized the agency's commitment to combat vote-purchasing and various types of monetary incentives that jeopardize the integrity of electoral processes nationwide.

He revealed that the organization had detained multiple individuals associated with vote-purchasing and other election-related violations in past elections, noting that several convictions have already taken place.

As he stated, individuals found guilty of electoral wrongdoing consist of politicians, election workers, and others involved in undermining the fairness of the voting procedure.

He cautioned that not holding those who violate election rules accountable would promote immunity and continue eroding democratic systems, emphasizing that no person should be protected from facing consequences for breaking election regulations.

Olukoyede further stated that the committee intends to use drones and additional technology to enhance monitoring and identify instances of vote-purchasing and monetary incentives in the upcoming 2027 national elections.

He called on political groups, contenders, and their followers to concentrate on campaign strategies centered around issues and steer clear of provocative remarks that could provoke conflict before, during, and following the voting process.

The head of the EFCC also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), law enforcement bodies, non-governmental organizations, the press, and other relevant parties to enhance cooperation in facilitating free, open, and reliable elections.

Previously, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Professor Wahab Egbewole (SAN), characterized electoral fraud as a major obstacle to Nigeria's democratic growth, emphasizing that free and fair elections are essential for national stability, economic advancement, and public confidence in governance.

During his opening speech, Professor G.A. Animasawun, the head of the Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies, stated that the lecture series aims to promote discussion between decision-makers, security specialists, election administrators, and community organizations regarding effective steps to ensure the fairness of the 2027 national polls.

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