Latest news with #Yoo
Time of India
6 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
A year's worth of mascara? Fans of Korean beauty stock up as tariffs loom
When Esther Lee, a 32-year-old marketing agency owner from Los Angeles, heard that U.S. tariffs would soon hit South Korea, she and her husband jumped online to buy a year's worth of Korean eyeliners and sunscreens. It was triple their usual haul and cost hundreds of dollars. The couple is among swarms of K-beauty consumers in the United States who have stocked up to brace for a potential price hike on their favourite cosmetic and skincare products. Influencers have shared their bulk shopping hauls on social media. "The future is uncertain, but there is one thing I am certain about," Taylor Bosman Teague said to her 500,000 TikTok followers in May while unboxing bottles of toner and moisturisers. "I am not willing to lose certain Korean skincare products." The panic buying began in April, when President Donald Trump announced plans for sweeping tariffs on South Korea's exports to the United States, but then suspended them to allow for negotiations. In early July, he threatened to impose a 25% tariff on almost all South Korean and Japanese goods if an agreement could not be made before Aug. 1. This has caused ripples in the K-beauty industry, which has been booming, along with the rise of K-pop and K-dramas more broadly, and had record-high exports in the first half of the year. South Korean cosmetic exports reached a record $5.5 billion in the first half of this year, nearly 15% higher than the first half of 2024, according to the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. Amorepacific , Korea's largest beauty company, reported a 40% increase in overseas sales in the past year. Some people in the United States "are acting ahead of the tariffs" and purchasing more imported goods, said professor Rob Handfield, who studies supply chain management at North Carolina State University. U.S. trade partners have been "stonewalled" by Washington in their attempts to reach a trade deal, Handfield said. He added that, for South Korea and Japan, it doesn't seem like there is "any possibility of working something out" by the Aug. 1 deadline. Liah Yoo, a 36-year-old content creator from New York and founder of KraveBeauty, a U.S.-based K-beauty brand, said in an email that the tariffs would have a "massive impact" on the beauty industry at large. Her brand's products are formulated in South Korea. A free-trade agreement between the two countries has long kept cosmetics duty free, and one of the biggest pluses of Korean products is affordability, she said. Korean brands that have relied solely on price to stay competitive will be hit the hardest, Yoo said. She said she would "not make reactive pricing decisions" and would monitor how things develop over the next six months. A silver lining, Yoo said, is that tariffs may be "exactly what the industry needs" to place a focus on value instead of just cheaper prices. Fans of K-beauty say the products offer good value for money, and are often lighter and less abrasive than those in the United States. Their stylish packaging and popularity with Korean celebrities also add to their appeal. Lee, the marketing agency owner, said over Zoom that she was wearing eyeliner from Clio, brow mascara from Espoir and mascara from Etude House, all Korean brands. Korean products comprise around 80% of her makeup and skin-care routine. "Korean eye products don't smudge as much on my hooded lids as do American ones," she said. Lee, who is Korean American, said if the price of Korean beauty products rose because of the tariffs, she would buy in bulk every time she visits South Korea or ask her friends to purchase them for her when they travel there. After Trump sent a letter to South Korea about the potential tariffs a few weeks ago, Seoul sent its top negotiator, Yeo Han-koo, to Washington to meet with Jamieson Greer, the U.S. trade representative. Yeo came back largely empty handed. "We are doing our best to bring about a result that is mutually beneficial to both sides, but we have been unable to establish what each side exactly wanted from the other side," President Lee Jae Myung of South Korea said about trade talks this month. Some consumers said they would stay loyal to their favourite Korean brands even if they became more expensive. Sophie He, a 27-year-old from San Jose, California, who is studying Korean at Yonsei University in Seoul over the summer, said all of her makeup was from Korean brands, and that she would buy several months' worth of moisturisers and serums for herself and her friends before going home. She became interested in K-beauty in middle school, after influencers popped up on her social media feeds. She found that Korean products have lighter formulas and pigmentation than those in the U.S. and better match her complexion, she said. At a branch of Olive Young, a major cosmetics chain, He pointed to a dozen products, rattling off their functions and ingredients by heart. "K-beauty is fun, trendy and constantly evolving," she said. When her stash runs out, she won't hesitate to pay higher prices for more. "For me, it's worth it."
Saudi Gazette
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Saudi Gazette
South Korea retrying spy chief who assassinated a president
SEOUL — Two gunshots. That is how Yoo Seok-sul begins recounting the night of Friday, 26 October, 1979. A former security guard in the Korea Central Intelligence Agency, or KCIA, as the South's spy division was known, Yoo has many stories to tell. But this is perhaps the most infamous. He remembers the time — nearly 19:40 — and where he had been sitting — in the break room. He was resting after his shift guarding the entrance to the low-rise compound where President Park Chung-hee entertained his most trusted lieutenants. They called it the "safe house". In his 70s now, wiry with sharp eyes, Yoo speaks hesitantly at first — but it comes back to him quickly. After the first shots, more gunfire followed, he says. The guards were on high alert but they waited outside for orders. The president's security detail was inside, along with the KCIA's top agents. Then Yoo's boss, a KCIA officer who oversaw security for the safe house, stepped outside. "He came over and asked me to bury something in the garden." It was two guns, bullets and a pair of shoes. Flustered, Yoo followed orders, he did not know who had been shot, and he didn't ask."I never imagined that it was the president."The guns Yoo buried were used to assassinate Park Chung-hee, who had ruled South Korea for the previous 18 years, longer than any president before or since. The man who shot him was his long-time friend Kim Jae-gyu, who ran the much-feared KCIA, a pillar of Park's Friday shook South Korea, ending Park Chung-hee's stifling rule and ushering in another decade under the military. Kim was executed for insurrection, along with five 46 years later, that night is back in the spotlight as a court retries Kim Jae-gyu to determine if his actions amounted to treason. He has remained a deeply polarising figure — some see him as a killer blinded by power and ambition, others as a patriot who sacrificed himself to set South Korea on the path to democracy. The president he killed is no less divisive, lauded for his country's economic rise and reviled for his authoritarian family fought for the retrial, arguing that he cannot be remembered as a traitor. They will now have their day in the Seoul High Court — hearings began on Wednesday — just as impeached president Yoon Suk Yeol goes on trial for the same charge that sent Kim to the martial law order last December was short-lived but it threw up questions about South Korean democracy — and that may influence how the country sees a man who shot dead a dictator he claimed was on the brink of unleashing Kim trying to seize power for himself or to spark a revolution, as he claimed in court?When news of the shooting broke in the morning, it sent shockwaves through South Korea. Initial reports called it "accidental".What was left of Park's coterie tried to make sense of what had happened. Kim had been a close ally since Park seized power in a coup in 1961. They shared a hometown and had started out together at the military journalist Cho Gab-je acknowledges that Kim seemed uncomfortable with some of Park's actions, but "there's no record that Kim actually acted on those concerns, no evidence he released political prisoners, clashed with Park, or submitted formal objections".Kim told the court he had thought about killing Park at least three times. But history shows he supported Park as he tightened his grip, abolishing direct presidential elections and term limits, allowing him to control the National Assembly and even suspend constitutional rights."My brother was never the kind of person who would commit such an act just to become president," insists his sister Kim Jung-sook, who is now he ran the KCIA, which was notorious for jailing, torturing and even framing innocent students, dissidents and opposition figures with false charges."They tortured people, fabricated charges, and imprisoned them... and if you criticised that, you'd get arrested too," says Father Ham Se-woong, who was imprisoned twice in the 1970s for criticising the was not a saviour many could accept. But that is the mantle he took on, according to court transcripts that were not widely reported at the time. He told the judges he believed it was imperative to stop Park, whose ruthlessness could plunge South Korea into chaos and cost them a critical ally, the United States."I do not wish to beg for my life, as I have found a cause to die for," he said, although he asked the court to spare his men who followed his orders — "innocent sheep", he called them. He said he had hoped to pave the way for a peaceful transition of power, which had eluded his country so hearing about this back then, even a fierce critic like Father Ham tried launching a campaign for him. "He wanted to prevent further bloodshed. That's why we had to save him," he Ham ended up in prison again for his efforts, as the trial became a sensitive subject. The country was under martial law. Days after the trial started — on December 12 — the man who led the investigation into the assassination, General Chun Doo-hwan, seized power in a in the military court moved at lightning speed. On 20 December, it convicted Kim of trying to seize power through murder, and six others of aiding him. Yoo was sentenced to three years in prison for hiding the 20 May the following year, Kim had lost his final appeal. Four days later he was hanged, along with four others. One was spared and another had been executed earlier. Kim died as the army brutally suppressed a pro-democracy uprising, killing 166 civilians in the city of Gwangju."I got the impression that Chun Doo-hwan was trying to quickly wrap up anything related to the previous regime in order to seize power for himself," says Kim says she saw her brother just once through all this, a week before he was executed: "I think he sensed it might be the last time. So he bowed deeply to my mother as a goodbye."Yoo survived but he says after he was free, he was followed for years: "I couldn't get a job. Even when I returned to my hometown, they kept tailing me. I couldn't say a word about the case." He now works as an attendant in a private parking lot outside Kim says her family did not speak up until about 10 years ago. After South Korea became a democracy, Park's image recovered, improved by time and wealth. His daughter became president, often defending his legacy for its economic was her downfall — following massive protests over a corruption scandal — that threw open the door to revisit Kim Jae-gyu's conviction."This case should never have gone to a military court because the assassination happened before martial law was declared," says Lee Sang-hee, the lawyer in charge of his retrial. She adds that the "sloppy transcripts" would have influenced his appeal because the defence was not allowed to record the proceedings."When I reviewed the documents, I couldn't understand how he could be convicted of insurrection when there was such little evidence. And above all, there was torture," she says, which the court cited as a valid reason when it agreed in February to a accepted Kim's statement, which he submitted in his unsuccessful appeal in 1980, alleging "the investigators beat me indiscriminately and used electric torture by wrapping an EE8 phone line around my fingers".Reports at the time alleged that Kim Jae-gyu's wife had been detained and tortured too, along with her brother-in-law and brothers, which officials at the time in her 90s, his wife has always been opposed to a retrial."She never talked about what she had gone through and trembles even now," Kim Jung-sook, the spy chief's sister, Kim is resolute in her defence of her brother, repeatedly emphasising that "he was a man of integrity"."Because we believe that he did not kill the president and his security chief for personal gain, we have been able to endure all of this."The security chief was Cha Ji-cheol, who had been growing closer to Park, and often clashed with Kim as the two men vied for the president's the weeks before the assassination, they differed on how to deal with Kim Young-sam, an outspoken opposition leader who Park saw as a threat. In an interview with the New York Times, the opposition leader had called on the US to end Park's dictatorship. The National Assembly, controlled by Park, expelled decision kicked off huge protests in Kim Young-Sam's strongholds. Cha wanted to crush the uprising, while Kim Jae-gyu advised caution, which would also reassure a Washington that was growing impatient with Park's told the court he warned against firing at protesters, which would only ignite anger — to which Cha said, "three million died in Cambodia, and nothing happened. If we kill one million demonstrators, we'll be fine".That evening at the safe house, the public broadcaster reported that the US ambassador was going to meet Kim angry Park criticised Kim Jae-gyu for not arresting the opposition leader. When Kim pushed back, the court heard, Park retorted: "The agency should be feared, it should prosecute those who deserve it."They sat across from each other, sipping Scotch and sharing a meal. Park sat between two women, a popular singer and a young model. Cha and Park's chief of staff were also terse exchanges continued, and mid-way through a love song, Kim Jae-gyu said, he pulled out the gun, aimed it at Park and told him he needed to change his politics: "Sir, you should approach things with a more magnanimous vision."Turning to a shocked Cha, he cursed as he pulled the trigger, wounding him in the hand as Cha tried to block the shot. Then Kim fired into Park's chest. Outside, acting on his orders, KCIA agents shot dead the president's security detail — two were eating dinner, and two were on tried shooting the president again, but the pistol malfunctioned. He ran out to one of his men, who gave him a revolver. Having returned, he killed a fleeing Cha, walked towards Park, who was leaning against the model as he bled, and shot him in the two women left unharmed after being paid to keep quiet. The president's chief of staff was never then went to the next building, where the army chief he had summoned earlier was waiting. The men left in a car for KCIA likely he didn't argue with Kim — even a shoe-less, suspiciously rattled Kim was powerful, and his men guarded the compound. But en route he was persuaded to go to the army's headquarters, where he was arrested soon after told the court he had planned to use the army, perhaps even impose martial law, to complete the "revolution" and transition to is the crux of the retrial. The prosecution had argued it was a premeditated coup, while Kim claimed far loftier sceptics point to the lack of planning. The gun that jammed was plucked from a safe before dinner, there were enough witnesses to derail the plot, and he did not seem to have a strategy for his "revolution". He did not even make it to the KCIA say it may well have been an impulsive act of revenge by a man whose power was what the army general investigating the murders alleged two days later — Kim, second only to the president, had so much to lose as Park sidelined him in favour of Cha following month, he also charged Kim with attempting a coup."For a charge of insurrection to be proved, the accused must forcibly halt the function of constitutional institutions, but that didn't happen in this case," says lawyer Lee in impeached president Yoon's case — where the court will decide if he directed the military to block parliamentary proceedings — there is no evidence Kim Jae-gyu tried to seize control of state institutions, she South Korea though, the retrial is more than that. Many see it as a defining moment to reflect on the trajectory of a democracy threatened just six months is also an opportunity to re-evaluate Park Chung-hee, whose legacy some say is overstated. "His achievements were real, but so were his faults," says Kim Duol, an economics professor at Myungji University. "Would South Korea's growth have been possible without such an authoritarian regime?"Kim's family hopes his retrial will shed a kinder light on his legacy. Killing Park was "a painful decision", Kim had told the court, but he had "shot at the heart of Yusin [the regime] with the heart of a wild beast".Is that enough to make the former spy chief a hero? That is a question the court cannot answer. — BBC
NBC News
15-07-2025
- Health
- NBC News
What are ampoules? Everything you should know about the viral Korean beauty treatment
Whether it's sunscreens, sheet masks or serums, Korean beauty has a firm grip on the skin care scene (and for good reason). But one element of K-beauty you may not be as familiar with are ampoules, which are small, highly concentrated doses of skin care ingredients. So, what exactly are ampoules and, most importantly, do you need to be using them? To answer these questions and more, I spoke to Dr. Jane Yoo, a dual board-certified dermatologist, Mohs surgeon and a clinical assistant professor of dermatology at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, about everything you need to know, including the best products and tips for choosing ampoules of your own. What is an ampoule? Ampoules have high doses of active ingredients to address specific skin care concerns, including redness, dryness, textured skin and fine lines, says Yoo. Traditionally, ampoules refer to small, sealed vials that contain skin care treatments and even medications within the medical industry, but nowadays it's much more common for ampoules to come in bottles with squeezable dropper tops, she says. The formulas usually center on one active ingredient like vitamin C, propolis or retinol, or hydrating ingredients like polynucleotides and polydeoxyribonucleotides. 'Sometimes they're described as supercharged serums as they contain higher concentrations of actives than standard serums, and are intended for short-term, targeted use,' says Yoo. How I picked the best ampoules When rounding up the best ampoules to shop, I considered options across a range of active ingredients to make sure that, no matter what concern you're looking to address, you can find a potential answer on this list. Here's more on how I chose the ampoules below: Ingredients: Since ampoules usually focus on a specific active, I chose options that center a single ingredient. Although they may have other ingredients (especially to help balance or hydrate the skin), each ampoule has a star ingredient that's most potent. The best ampoules in 2025 Below, I gathered the best ampoules recommended by Yoo, along with top-rated options from skin care brands we've previously covered and tested. When Round Lab initially sent me this to try, I was new to the world of ampoules, and it ended up being a great introduction. The ampoule's main ingredient, pine tree leaf extract, has anti-inflammatory properties that help calm irritated skin, according to the brand. It also has plant-based peptides to help produce more collagen, which improves the skin's elasticity and firmness. Altogether, this results in firmer, smoother skin with less breakouts and sensitivity. I brought this ampoule along with me on a trip to Brazil, and it helped soothe my skin after long days in the harsh sun. It also prevented my skin from getting overly dry or spawning any new pimples, which is usually what happens to me after spending hours swimming in the salty waters of the beach. This ampoule set comes recommended by Yoo because it can treat fine lines. It also removes dead skin cells, which helps the formula to penetrate more deeply into the skin, she says. Its primary ingredients, epigallocatechin gallate (ECGC) and keratinase, are both derived from green tea, which has antioxidants that protect the skin from environmental stressors like air and chemical pollutants, says Yoo. Best for dry skin If you're looking to strengthen your skin's moisture barrier and add hydration, Yoo suggests these ampoules from Ohui. They have a ceramide complex that seals in moisture and hydrates your skin, says Yoo. It also has glycerin and panthenol, which work together to help your skin retain water, plus aloe juice to soothe irritation and redness, according to Ohui. These ingredients also work to soften skin and smooth texture, making it a great choice to improve your overall complexion. This ampoule is 'a powerhouse of antioxidants,' says Yoo. It has 6% pure vitamin C, which helps brighten your skin's complexion, plus ferulic acid, vitamin E and panthenol to soothe and protect your skin from external stressors like air pollution, according to the brand. The serum is great for addressing dark spots, scarring and dullness, and you should start to see effects less than three days after you start using it, according to Physiogel. This ampoule's main ingredient is centella asiatica extract, which gently soothes and hydrates your skin, and helps reduce the production of oil and sebum, according to the brand. The ampoule, which has a 4.6-star average rating from over 7,500 reviews on Amazon, has a lightweight, fluid texture that absorbs quickly into the skin, making it a great option to layer with other products, according to the brand. It's also noncomedogenic, so it won't clog or disrupt your pores. Best for fine lines This ampoule has ginseng, which is an all-around restorative treatment that moisturizes and firms the skin, according to the brand. The ginseng actives help strengthen the skin and ginseng peptides help increase your skin's elasticity and firmness, while ginseng berry extract reduces the look of fine lines. It has a 4.6-star average rating from 66 reviews on Sulwhasoo. Best for daily use This ampoule helps to heal stressed skin by reducing redness and treating texture, according to the brand. Its star ingredient is black bee propolis extract, which has antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits, according to Cosrx. The serum also has hyaluronic acid and panthenol to hydrate your skin to keep it moisturized and dewy throughout the day. It's free from fragrances, parabens and sulfates, and it has a 4.5-star average rating from over 3,600 reviews on Amazon. How to shop for ampoules Below are Yoo's tips for what to consider when shopping for ampoules, including formula type, skin care concerns and how to apply them. Formula and ingredients Yoo suggests keeping an eye out for a strong concentration of a main ingredient. While the concentrations differ between products, some can go as high as 50% for a single ingredient, which usually yields quick results if you use them properly, says Yoo. They should also have simple formulas that have a short ingredient list and minimal additives, like colorants, preservatives or fragrance, to help prevent irritation. Skin concerns As with any skin care treatment, your purchase should be tailored to addressing your specific skin issues, like breakouts, dullness and dryness. If you have sensitive skin and are looking to try ampoules with stronger ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or retinol, choose a formula that has calming ingredients like ceramides or centella to help offset any irritation, says Yoo. Here are some ingredients to consider based on skin concerns and skin type: Sensitive, irritated skin: Look for soothing ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile and centella asiatica. Dry, dehydrated skin: Look for hydrators like ceramides, glycerin or hyaluronic acid. Dull skin or skin with hyperpigmentation: Consider brightening actives like niacinamide, vitamin C and plant extracts. Instructions Ampoules should come with clear instructions on how and when to use them. Be sure to choose an ampoule that plays well with other products in your skin care routine, she says. Here are some examples of ingredient pairings to avoid that may result in irritation: Vitamin C and retinol Vitamin C and alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) Retinol and benzoyl peroxide Retinol and salicylic acid Frequently asked questions When should you use ampoules? Ampoules are like a booster shot for your skin, so you should use them during periods of skin stress or flare-ups, says Yoo. 'It's a booster step in your routine, not an everyday essential,' she says. 'It can be helpful when your regular products aren't doing enough and you need something more intensive.' She recommends cycling them into your routine after cleansing and before moisturizing, especially at night. However, while some ampoules are gentle enough to use daily, many are also strong formulas that are meant for short-term use, so be sure to check the label for best usage instructions, says Yoo. What's the difference between a serum and an ampoule? The difference between ampoules and serums are in their concentration, and which you should use depends on your skin goals, according to Yoo. Ampoules have a higher concentration of actives and often focus on one key ingredient, while serums are better for daily maintenance and usually combine multiple ingredients. 'Ampoules are more like short-term treatments,' she says. Ampoules also tend to work faster than serums, but Yoo warns they can be more intense for sensitive skin. Meet our experts At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest. Why trust NBC Select? I am an associate SEO reporter for NBC Select, covering skin care, wellness, and more, including stories on the best hyaluronic acid products and sunscreens for dark skin tones. For this story, I spoke to a board-certified dermatologist about everything you need to know about ampoules, including product recommendations and advice on how to shop for your own.
Gulf Today
13-07-2025
- Politics
- Gulf Today
Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed confers First Class Order of Independence on Korean ambassador
President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan has conferred the First Class Order of Independence upon Yoo Jae-sung, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the UAE, in recognition of the ambassador's efforts to strengthen bilateral ties during his tenure in the UAE. Ahmed Bin Ali Al Sayegh, Minister of State, presented the medal to Ambassador Yoo during a reception held at the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy in Abu Dhabi. During the meeting, Al Sayegh conveyed his best wishes to the Ambassador for continued success in his future endeavours and praised his contributions to enhancing the close relations between the UAE and the Republic of Korea across various sectors. In turn, Yoo Jae-sung expressed his deep gratitude to President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and commended the UAE's remarkable progress and achievements, which reflect the leadership's vision and its commitment to advancing the nation's global stature. Ambassador Yoo also extended his appreciation to all UAE government entities for their cooperation, which contributed significantly to the success of his mission to deepen ties between the two countries. WAM
Chicago Tribune
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
Naperville News Digest: Half-price dog park permits on sale for Will County preserves; Neighborhood Historian program features coal miners music
The Forest Preserve District of Will County is offering half-price dog park permits that can be used through the end of the year at all six of its dog parks, including the one at Whalon Lake in Naperville, officials said. Discounted permits can be bought online at or in person at Sugar Creek Administration Center in Joliet, Four Rivers Environmental Education Center in Channahon, Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Bolingbrook, Isle a la Cache Museum in Romeoville and Plum Creek Nature Center in Crete Township. The cost is $20 for Will County residents and $40 for nonresidents. Passes for seniors, veterans and active duty military are $10 for residents, $30 for nonresidents. A current rabies tag number and expiration date must be provided to buy a permit, officials said. Dogs must be at least six months old to use the dog parks. Dog owners can buy a permit for up to three dogs. Naper Settlement's Friendly Neighborhood Historian presentation on Saturday, July 26, will feature the history of poetry and music written by coal miners in Illinois and throughout the United States. The program, 'Down in the Mine: American Coal Miners and Their Songs, 1890-1960,' will be held at 1 p.m. at the settlement, 523 S. Webster St. The event is included as part of the museum's general admission cost. Coal miners have a long tradition creating poetry and music related to their job, settlement officials said. The program will combine musical performance with spoken commentary and will talk about the tradition in a broader historical context. For more information, go to DuPage County board member Yeena Yoo, who represents District 2, has announced a bid for DuPage County treasurer. Yoo, of Elmhurst, is a legal aid attorney who advocates for low-income clients, veterans, senior citizens and working families, a news release announcing her nomination said. Married with two children, she is commissioner of the Elmhurst Senior Citizens Commission, a York Township precinct committeeperson, a board member for the Elmhurst Heritage Foundation board member, a League of Women Voters Elmhurst member, and former chair for Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense-Elmhurst, according to her county biography. She earned a law degree from Washington University in St. Louis, her biography said. Yoo, a Democrat, has served on the DuPage County Board since 2022. Her term expires December 2026. District 2 includes Oak Brook, Oak Brook Terrace, and portions of Elmhurst, Villa Park, Lombard, Hinsdale, Clarendon Hills, Westmont, Downers Grove and Lisle. The treasurer's office, a countywide position, will be on the November 2026 ballot. Incumbent Jean Kaczmarek has not announced if she plans to seek reelection.
