Latest news with #Lee
Wales Online
43 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
TV licence rules explained as changing watching habits could save £174
TV licence rules explained as changing watching habits could save £174 Some households may not even need a TV Licence, but avoiding it when you do need one could cost £1,000 Deciding what to watch could cost your £174 or more (Image: GETTY ) TV Licence regulations can be confusing, with some people potentially paying £174.50 unnecessarily, while others could be risking a £1,000 fine by unlawfully evading the fee. The need for a TV Licence largely hinges on the type of television you watch or record, and if you don't meet the criteria for a TV Licence, completing a straightforward form can keep the agency at bay. According to the TV Licensing authority, you'll need a TV licence if you watch any of the following: All live TV channels such as BBC, ITV and international channels Paid live TV services like Sky and Virgin Media Live streaming on services like Amazon Prime Video and Netflix BBC iPlayer This also encompasses watching, recording or downloading any of the above on any device. However, if you aren't watching any type of live TV or using BBC iPlayer, there's a chance that you might not require a TV licence. For instance, if you're solely watching DVDs, on-demand services like ITVX and All 4 or streaming sites like Netflix and Disney+, then according to the Daily Record, you won't need a licence. Article continues below Lee Stuart, a resident of Kirkby, falls into this category as he exclusively watches online streaming services. Initially, Lee had a TV licence registered at his home, but after ceasing to watch broadcast TV, he cancelled his licence. Months later, he subsequently received a Single Justice Procedure Notice in January alleging that he was watching live TV without a valid licence. When a case escalates to such an extent, people may face a penalty of up to £1,000 plus legal costs if they are brought to court. However, Lee, who represented himself in front of the judge, saw his case thrown out due to lack of proof. Following the judgement, a spokesperson from TV Licensing said: "This was reviewed by TV Licensing following the court hearing in April 2025 as is standard practice, and no failings were highlighted." Lee was under the impression his ordeal had ended, but he was promptly reminded by the agency about a potential need for a TV licence. Consequently, he lodged an official complaint and completed a 'No Licence Needed' (NLN) declaration. TV Licensing has acknowledged receipt of Mr Stuart's NLN form. Article continues below The online NLN declaration process involves outlining your viewing activities to establish whether you indeed require a licence. TV Licensing warns: "If you tell us you don't need a licence we may visit you to check. "If we then find that you have been watching, recording or streaming programmes illegally, you risk prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000 plus any legal costs and compensation you may be ordered to pay." TV Licensing's spokesperson further clarified that by declaring no need for a TV licence, one could halt the barrage of correspondence recommending and reminding the individual to procure a licence; this respite from letters will only persist for a year, after which they will recommence in case there has been a change in situation.
Korea Herald
an hour ago
- Business
- Korea Herald
Kospi closes above 3,020 for first time in 3 1/2 years
Postelection optimism fuels sharp rally, lifting hopes of a market renaissance The Kospi did not just return — it roared back. On Friday, South Korea's benchmark index surged past the long-awaited 3,000 mark and kept climbing, closing at 3,021.84, up 1.48 percent from the previous session. It was the first time the Kospi ended above 3,020 since Dec. 28, 2021. The rally seemed modest at the start, with the index opening just 0.29 percent higher at 2,986.52. Retail investors led early gains with net buying, while foreigners and institutions sold into strength, keeping the benchmark tightly anchored below the key level. That restraint vanished once the Kospi cracked 3,000 around 10:45 a.m. Momentum took over, lifting the index past 3,010 by 11:20 a.m. The market stayed buoyant throughout the afternoon, hovering near 3,010, before accelerating again in the final minutes of trading. The Kospi hit an intraday peak of 3,022.06 just before the close, settling near the high of the day. It was a historic session: Not only did the Kospi reclaim the 3,000 level for the first time since January 2022, but total market capitalization hit a record 2,472 trillion won. According to the Korea Exchange, the Kospi first crossed the 3,000 mark on Jan. 7, 2021, peaking at 3,305 in July that year. But post-COVID-19 momentum faded amid a global slowdown and recession fears, pushing the index into a prolonged slump. For much of the past year, it remained trapped in a narrow range between 2,200 and 2,800. Gains were broad-based, with most of the Kospi's top market heavyweights finishing higher. SK hynix and LG Energy Solution each rose more than 4 percent, while Naver surged nearly 7 percent. Hyundai Motor climbed 1.5 percent and Samsung Biologics added 1.7 percent. The tech-heavy Kosdaq also posted solid gains, rising 1.15 percent to close at 791.5. Institutional and foreign investors bought a combined 84 billion won, offsetting retail selling. Friday's milestone extends a two-week honeymoon rally under President Lee Jae-myung's new administration, reinforcing renewed investor confidence despite external headwinds, including Middle East tensions and lingering tariff risks. The Kospi has staged a near-unbroken rally since June 2, the eve of the general election, logging only one down day on June 13. After crossing the 2,700 mark on Lee's first full day in office, the index has jumped 12 percent, buoyed by expectations for policy reform and pro-growth momentum. 'The Kospi reversed course earlier this year as dip-buying resumed and the Trump administration announced tariff deferrals, with the rally gaining further traction around the presidential election,' the Korea Exchange said. 'The launch of the new administration has eased political uncertainty and lifted sentiment on expectations of market-friendly policies.' Analysts say the market is responding sharply to government signals. 'The Kospi's strength is being driven more by expectations of capital market reform and a valuation rerating than by earnings growth,' said Kang Jin-hyeok, analyst at Shinhan Securities. He added that Friday's rally reflected investor optimism following Thursday's unveiling of a 30.5 trillion won ($22.3 billion) supplementary budget. "This, combined with expectations of one or two additional rate cuts later this year, is fueling hopes for increased liquidity in the market.' Market watchers expect momentum to persist, brushing aside concerns of postelection fatigue. 'If current earnings trends hold, the Kospi could reach 3,100 by year-end,' said Noh Dong-kil, strategist at Shinhan Securities. 'And if rising liquidity drives a further rerating in valuations, the index could climb as high as the 3,400 range.' 'Despite the rally, Kospi's valuation remains at a neutral level," said Lee Soo-jung of Meritz Securities, adding, "With stimulus measures such as the supplementary budget and revisions to the Commercial Act upcoming, there's a strong possibility of an overshoot in the Korean stock market.' Lee anticipated foreigners to remain key drivers. After nearly 10 months of net selling, foreign investors turned net buyers in May, purchasing 1.2 trillion won, followed by an additional 5.3 trillion won in June. They remain net sellers of 8 trillion won year-to-date. Still, caution lingers as external risks and a slowing domestic economy continue to pressure sentiment. 'Despite strong policy momentum and supportive catalysts unique to the Korean market, broader fundamentals and external risks — such as weak earnings prospects, trade tensions and geopolitical instability — should not be overlooked,' said Han Ji-young, strategist at Kiwoom Securities. 'A breakout above 3,100 this year is possible, but navigating volatility will be crucial at those levels.'
Straits Times
an hour ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
New S. Korean President's call for public to suggest Cabinet members ‘more than a populist move'
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung mooted the crowdsourcing idea as a 'meaningful first step towards the people becoming the main actors in running the state'. PHOTO: AFP SEOUL - K-pop singer IU for Cultural Minister? How about Oscar-winning director Bong Joon-ho of the Parasite movie fame or even popular show host Yoo Jae-suk? A crowdsourcing exercise by the administration of the new South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, seeking public inputs towards the forming of its new Cabinet, has yielded these amusing results, along with more considered suggestions. Mr Lee, who took office on June 4, had mooted the crowdsourcing idea as a 'meaningful first step towards the people becoming the main actors in running the state'. The 62-year-old former human rights lawyer was elected on June 3 in a snap election after the ouster of former president Yoon Suk Yeol over the botched martial law attempt of Dec 3, 2024. Given the lack of a transition period unlike usual elections, Mr Lee has been working with the old Cabinet of his predecessor Yoon, while taking steps to form his own Cabinet. While the unusual crowdsourcing exercise is widely seen as a populist move, observers say that it is a shrewd decision by Mr Lee in more ways than one. 'Through this public nomination system, Mr Lee is able to not only cater to his supporters by giving them a voice, but also buy time to vet nominations thoroughly before formalising his Cabinet,' said Kyonggi University political science and law lecturer Hahm Sung-deuk. In his social media post on June 10 promoting the initiative, President Lee said that the process marks the beginning of a 'national sovereign government' and pledged transparency and fairness in ensuring that only 'truly qualified people' are selected. The public nominations were open from June 10 to 16, allowing South Koreans to submit their choice of Cabinet ministers, vice-ministers or heads of public institutions along with supporting reasons, via a dedicated website, a dedicated e-mail account and even through direct messages to Mr Lee's social media accounts. Self-nominations were accepted. By the closing date of the public nomination exercise, some 74,000 suggestions had been received, with the posts of health minister, justice minister and prosecutor-general receiving the most number of nominations. South Korean media reported that while there were throwaway nominations like suggestions that ex-president Yoon, a former prosecutor-general, return to the top prosecutor job, there were more considered nominations too. These included one for former director of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency Jeong Eun-kyeong, who had led the nation through the Covid-19 pandemic, to be considered for the health minister position. The tight-knit medical community, in particular, had called for doctors to actively nominate medical field experts with good understanding of medical issues for the health minister position, in order to resolve the fall-out from the mass doctors' walk-out in February 2024 when the previous Yoon administration tried to unilaterally increase medical school admissions. This would be an example of political figures or influential people in various sectors of South Korean society mobilising their support bases to influence the outcome, said Sogang University's Associate Professor Hannah Kim. She also pointed out that there would inevitably be concerns that the selection process 'prioritises popularity over competence' although the public nomination process may appeal to voters 'frustrated by elite-driven decision-making and the revolving-door of establishment politics'. Such a nomination process many also deepen existing divisions, given the country's political polarisation driven in part by extreme fandom in both the opposing conservative and liberal camps, said Prof Kim. 'Moreover, President Lee is likely to face backlash regardless of which decision he makes – whether he goes with popular suggestions or ignores them and appoints allies or controversial figures . And with the latter, this could increase cynicism about democratic participation itself ,' she added. At a press briefing on June 16, a presidential spokesperson gave the assurance that the public nomination system is 'not a popularity contest', so the recommendations would only be for reference. The presidential office has said that the received nominations will be put through rigorous vetting first, with final nominations to be released later at an unspecified date. Prof Hahm says such a time-buying tactic is a smart political move by Mr Lee, who has already faced roadblocks in the formation of his government in his first week of office. 'It allows him to further scrutinise his future nominations, to make sure there are no more controversies to trip them up,' he said. A senior presidential aide was forced to resign four days after his appointment, after allegations surfaced of his undisclosed real estate holdings and a hefty 1.5 billion won (S$1.4 million) loan he allegedly took out using a friend's name. Mr Lee's pick for the prime ministerial position, Mr Kim Min-seok, has also come under intense scrutiny over his past conviction for accepting illegal political funds and his significant increase in assets over the last five years. Mr Kim, a seasoned lawmaker from Mr Lee's ruling Democractic Party (DP) who had warned about Yoon's possible martial law attempt as early as August 2024 and was a key strategist in Mr Lee's presidential campaign, has refuted the allegations and called them politically motivated attacks by the erstwhile ruling People Power Party (PPP) . The PPP, now the main opposition party, had staged a rally in Seoul on June 20 calling for the withdrawal of Mr Kim's nomination. Referring to Mr Lee's legal woe s that have been temporarily put on hold because of his presidency, a PPP spokesperson said: 'If both the president and the prime minister have moral issues and a history of criminal offences, we cannot expect proper appointments of public officials below them!' Mr Kim, who met the foreign press corps in Seoul on June 17, said that he understands the reasons behind the attacks and is optimistic that he will win the opposition over with his patience. 'However, even if I understand their opposition, that doesn't mean that the legal allegations that are untrue, are true. I would definitely address all of the issues and do my best to clear the nomination hearing,' said Mr Kim, whose parliamentary confirmation hearings will take place on June 24-25. Mr Lee himself has expressed confidence that Mr Kim would be able to 'explain himself sufficiently' . Pointing out Mr Kim's contributions during the martial law crisis and the ruling Democratic Party's majority in the Parliament, Prof Hahm said it was unlikely that Mr Kim's nomination would fail. He said: 'Do not forget that this is still the 'honeymoon' period for the president. His popularity is running high and people would not want anything to obstruct his presidency at this moment.' Wendy Teo is The Straits Times' South Korea correspondent based in Seoul. She covers issues concerning the two Koreas. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Metro
2 hours ago
- Metro
'I beat the system and proved I didn't need a TV licence'
A man who thought he 'beat the system' by getting his TV licence cancelled after proving he only watches streaming services still ended up being threatened with a criminal conviction. Lee Stuart applied for one when he moved into a new home in Kirkby, Merseyside, but later decided to scrap it because he preferred bingeing Netflix and Amazon Prime. He was visited by an inspection officer last September and says they agreed he did not watch any live TV or use the BBC iPlayer. But in January this year, a letter came through saying he was being prosecuted under the controversial single justice procedure (SJP). The SJP was set up in 2015 to allow magistrates to decide on minor offences, such as using a television without a licence or driving without car insurance, without defendants going to court. Wake up to find news on your TV shows in your inbox every morning with Metro's TV Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your show in the link we'll send you so we can get TV news tailored to you. Around 25,000 people were convicted of not paying their TV licence in the year ending June 2024, the Standard reports. There have been calls to reform the system after it was revealed sick pensioners, people with mental health problems and bereaved families were being given criminal convictions for failing to pay. Lee said of his inspection: 'I told him I didn't pay for a TV licence because I didn't think I needed one because I don't watch live TV. I don't even have an aerial installed in my TV.' He said he 'just watches Netflix and Amazon Prime through the PlayStation', which the inspector agreed. 'To be honest, I was really made up with myself, thinking I'd beaten the system and proved I didn't need a licence,' he added. But that relief was wiped out when the SJP notice came through the letter box in January. Speaking to the Echo, he said: 'It said if I pleaded not guilty, the fine would be larger, and I may have to pay court costs. So, I'm not sure what's going on at this point.' He said the inspector's statement was included in the paperwork but the question 'May I come in to inspect the TV receiver?' was marked 'No'. It also stated he had admitted to watching the news days earlier. More Trending Lee decided to contest the case in court – despite warnings he faced a large fine as well as prosecution costs – and ended up proving his case a second time. 'I can see why people just accept it, but I knew I was innocent, and I wasn't paying for a TV licence that I didn't need so I fought it,' he said. Magistrates threw out the case due to insufficient evidence. A TV Licensing spokesperson said: 'This was reviewed by TV Licensing following the court hearing in April 2025 as is standard practice, and no failings were highlighted.' A TV licence covers you for: All TV channels – like BBC, ITV, Channel 4, U&Dave and international channels – like BBC, ITV, Channel 4, U&Dave and international channels Pay TV services – like Sky, Virgin Media and EE TV – like Sky, Virgin Media and EE TV Live TV on streaming services – like YouTube, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video – like YouTube, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video Everything on BBC iPlayer This includes watching, recording and downloading. On any device. The full list of rules can be found here. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: BBC star Naga Munchetty facing bullying allegations and inappropriate 'sex jibe' claims MORE: Netflix's rudely axed Mindhunter could be returning with a twist MORE: More schedule changes confirmed as EastEnders is pulled from BBC One
AFP
2 hours ago
- Politics
- AFP
G7 pictures misrepresented to claim South Korean president was snubbed
"(Lee Jae-myung) can't be seen in the G7 leaders' group photo, even with invited countries," reads a Korean-language post shared June 17, 2025 on Facebook. Another post shares a different picture with a similar . Image Screenshots of the false Facebook posts captured June 19, 2025, with orange X's added by AFP Lee attended the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta from June 15-17 at the invitation of the summit's host, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney (archived here and here). South Korea was one of seven non-member countries invited to participate in sessions on global issues, including economic security, artificial intelligence and climate cooperation. Lee also held bilateral talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and other leaders during the summit (archived link). Other posts on Threads and South Korean forums such as Ilbe made similar claims, suggesting Lee was not recognised as an official invitee -- a falsehood AFP previously debunked. Comments indicate some users believe Lee's absence from the pictures shows he was not formally invited. "Of course they wouldn't let an observer enter the group photo," one user commented. Another wrote: "What a national embarrassment, going all the way there just to be pulled out of a group photo." The first photo in the false post was taken during a meeting of G7 finance ministers and central bank governors held in late May in Banff, Alberta -- weeks before the summit of national leaders (archived link). A picture captured May 21 by the Italian NurPhoto shows the same scene. It does not feature the barrel seen in the false post, which appears to be a reference to far-right allegations surrounding the death of past associates to Lee (archived link). Image Screenshot comparison of the false post with an orange X added by AFP (L) and the NurPhoto picture of the G7 finance ministers' meeting The Canadian G7 presidency also published the photo on the meeting's website (archived link). second photo in the false posts shows a picture consisting only of leaders from the European Union and G7 member states -- including Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States. South Korea is not a member of the G7, so Lee was not expected to appear in the photo. AFP distributed a picture of the same scene with a caption saying it shows the group's "family photo". Image Screenshot comparison of the false post with an orange X added by AFP (L) and the G7 leaders' group photo It matches the leaders' photo published on Canada's G7 website (archived link). Lee was photographed June 17 alongside other invited "outreach partner" country leaders, including those from Brazil, India and South Africa. Image Lee in a group picture with other leaders at the G7 summit (GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / POOL) AFP footage of the photo being taken also shows Lee on stage with other . (AFPTV / Daphné LEMELIN, Cecilia SANCHEZ) South Korean and news outlets published similar photos (archived here, here and here).
