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  • Young Investors Turn Away from Korean Stocks, Shift to U.S. Markets and Cryptocurrencies
    Young Investors Turn Away from Korean Stocks, Shift to U.S. Markets and Cryptocurrencies At the end of last year, there were 14.42 million domestic stock investors in South Korea, an increase of over 300,000 from the previous year. This surge was fueled by a rising stock market in the latter half of the year, attracting many young investors in their 20s and 30s. This trend continued into the first half of this year. However, since late June, the domestic stock market has experienced a rollercoaster ride, leading to a rapid decline in investor sentiment. Industry analysts note that while this decline in sentiment is evident across all age groups, young investors in their 20s and 30s are increasingly turning to alternative investment options such as the U.S. stock market and cryptocurrencies.On August 31, an analysis by Aju Economy of trading data from Samsung, Hana, and Hyundai Motor Securities revealed a clear trend of stock market exit among young investors. Trading volume for those in their 20s and 30s dropped from 114.1479 trillion won in June to 41.7027 trillion won in August. During the same period, the number of trading customers fell sharply from 684,144 to 501,361.The influx of new young investors is also declining rapidly. Separate data on new customer statistics shows that the number of monthly new customers in their 20s and 30s fell from 32,802 in June to 19,298 in July and 17,830 in August, marking a 45.6% decrease over two months. This indicates a slowdown in both existing investors' trading activity and new customer acquisition.The decline in trading is not limited to young investors. Data on trading by age group shows that stock trading volume for those outside the 20s and 30s demographic also decreased, from 11.4139 trillion won in June to 7.3266 trillion won in July and 4.0884 trillion won in August. The number of trading customers in these age groups also fell from 59,393 to 46,200 and then to 32,217.The overall composition of investors by age indicates a rising proportion of investors aged 60 and older. According to one source, the share of customers under 20 decreased from 8.43% at the end of June to 8.30% by August 26, while the share of those in their 30s dropped from 14.49% to 14.40%. In contrast, the proportion of investors in their 60s increased from 32.34% to 32.66%.Other data also shows a decline in the share of customers in their 30s from 19.19% at the end of June to 19.14% by August 26, and a slight decrease for those in their 40s and 50s. Meanwhile, the share of investors aged 60 and older rose from 22.03% to 22.15%. The proportion of customers under 20 increased slightly from 13.25% to 13.27%.As overall investor sentiment weakens, young investors appear to be leaving the domestic stock market in search of alternative investment opportunities in the U.S. stock market and cryptocurrencies. Choi Hyeon-jae, head of the research center at Yuanta Securities, stated, "In fact, those in their 20s and 30s have been actively trading stocks in the U.S. market. It may not mean they are leaving the stock market entirely, but rather that they find the Korean market uninteresting and are exploring other options." He added, "Recently, the cryptocurrency market has shown some improvement, which likely attracts many investors there as well."The tightening of investment thresholds for high-risk products, such as single-stock leverage, is also cited as a reason for the exodus of young investors. Baek Young-chan, head of the research center at SangSangIn Securities, noted, "As the domestic index continues to decline and face corrections, some investors may have cut their losses and moved to the U.S. or other foreign markets. Those who do not meet the qualification requirements are likely unable to participate, as very few can meet the deposit criteria. This is also presumed to be a factor in their exit."Market analysts caution against viewing the recent decline in trading solely as a 'great escape' by young investors. They emphasize that the overall decline in investor sentiment due to increased market volatility should also be considered. A securities industry official remarked, "As market volatility has increased, investors' risk appetite has generally weakened. This is not just a phenomenon limited to a specific generation but rather a broader change in investor sentiment in response to recent market conditions."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-31 18:48:00
  • Exodus of Young Investors: Trading Volume Drops 60% in Three Months
    Exodus of Young Investors: Trading Volume Drops 60% in Three Months The exodus of young investors in their 20s and 30s from the stock market is becoming more pronounced. Trading volume among this demographic at major brokerages has plummeted by over 60% since June. The number of stock investors in their 20s and 30s has also decreased by nearly 30%. Analysts suggest that the investment sentiment of these young investors, who had jumped on the stock trading bandwagon in the latter half of last year, has rapidly cooled as market volatility has persisted since June.On the 31st, an analysis of customer trading data from Samsung, Hana, and Hyundai Motor Securities revealed that the trading volume of 20- and 30-something investors at these firms dropped from 114.15 trillion won in June to 85.32 trillion won in July, and further down to 41.70 trillion won in August. This marks a decrease of 72.45 trillion won (63.5%) from June to August.The number of young stock investors has also significantly declined. The count of 20- and 30-something clients at the three brokerages fell from 684,144 in June to 576,842 in July, and then to 501,361 in August. Over the two months since June, the reduction amounts to 182,783 individuals (26.7%).The proportion of young investors among all clients has either stagnated or decreased. According to one brokerage that provided age demographic data, the share of 20- and 30-something clients dropped from 23.16% at the end of last year to 22.70% as of August 26, a decline of 0.46 percentage points. Another brokerage reported a slight decrease from 32.55% to 32.40% during the same period.Experts believe that the recent corrections and increased volatility in the domestic stock market have driven young investors away. The KOSPI index has been on a downward trend since reaching an all-time high of 9,114.55 on June 22. During this period, there were 25 trading days where the market experienced fluctuations of more than 4% in either direction. As market volatility has increased, the amount of capital waiting to be invested has also been steadily declining.Baek Young-chan, head of the research center at Sangsangin Securities, stated, "As the domestic stock index continues to decline and undergo corrections, it is possible that some investors have cut their losses and exited the market or shifted their investments to overseas markets like the U.S."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-31 18:48:00
  • Mokpo University President Resigns After Medical School Selection Failure
    Mokpo University President Resigns After Medical School Selection Failure Song Ha-cheol, president of Mokpo National University, has announced his resignation following the university's failure to be selected as a candidate for the National Medical University in Jeollanam-do. This decision comes as the community grapples with the disappointment of a 36-year aspiration for a national medical school in the western region of Jeonnam.In a statement on August 31, President Song expressed, "I feel a heavy responsibility as the president for not meeting the hopes of Mokpo citizens and residents of western Jeonnam who have supported the establishment of a medical school for 36 years. The responsibility for this outcome lies with me, and I hereby resign from my position as president."He explained that over the past three years, he focused all university resources on establishing the medical school. This included developing necessary curricula, securing educational facilities and faculty, and preparing clinical training systems, moving beyond mere advocacy to concrete planning for the establishment and operation of the medical school.Song emphasized that he believed he had addressed all obstacles to the enhanced establishment and accreditation of the medical school, expressing regret that these efforts were not adequately recognized in the evaluation process.He also highlighted that during the competitive process with Suncheon University, Mokpo National University did not prioritize its own interests. He cooperated with the previous policies of Jeollanam-do and, after the establishment of the integrated special city of Gwangju-Jeonnam, he believed it was crucial to avoid internal conflicts that could jeopardize the larger goal of establishing a national medical school.Despite acknowledging his responsibility for the outcome, Song raised serious questions about the evaluation process. He pointed out that the final score difference between the two universities was only 1.3 points, suggesting that such a significant evaluation, which could determine the future of both institutions, was conducted without sufficient verification of plans or prior explanation."It is difficult to accept that evaluators, whose expertise was not verified, were convened to conduct evaluations in a short time frame," he stated, adding, "Respecting the outcome and questioning the evaluation process are two different matters."In response to Song's resignation, there are growing calls within the Mokpo community for political accountability. A local resident, identified as Mr. So (56), remarked, "President Song has devoted himself to the pursuit of the national medical school with a sense of urgency over the past three years. Now that he has not achieved this goal, he has chosen to take responsibility without shifting blame to anyone else. The political community must not evade responsibility or remain silent while a 36-year aspiration crumbles."Another resident, Mr. Lee (59), expressed frustration that while the university president is willing to resign, the political leaders responsible for the future and health rights of the community have yet to demonstrate similar accountability. He urged the political community to focus on how to address the healthcare gaps in the western region rather than engaging in self-serving calculations.President Song reiterated that the core issue surrounding the national medical school is not merely competition among universities or institutional development, but rather the need to address healthcare inequality in western Jeonnam. He stressed, "It is a pressing issue for residents of western Jeonnam to endure health and life inequalities due to their place of residence. We must not allow the cycle of underperformance in medical school establishment competitions to continue, leaving these areas as healthcare deserts due to population and infrastructure shortages."He called on the government and the integrated special city of Gwangju-Jeonnam to provide concrete measures to fill the healthcare gaps in western Jeonnam, which has been excluded from the list of candidate universities for the national medical school, and to establish essential and critical healthcare systems."I will contribute my efforts to ensure that Mokpo National University rises stronger from this outcome and that residents of western Jeonnam receive proper medical services, regardless of where they live," he stated. He added, "While I will step down from the position of president, I will not abandon my role in supporting Mokpo National University and the western Jeonnam region, pledging to serve in a different capacity."With President Song's resignation, the controversy surrounding the selection results for the national medical school candidates is expected to extend beyond the university level, prompting demands for accountability from the local political community and solutions to address the healthcare gaps in western Jeonnam.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-31 18:40:00
  • People Power Party Leaders Meet with Former Presidents to Unite Ahead of Elections
    People Power Party Leaders Meet with Former Presidents to Unite Ahead of Elections Jung Jeom-sik, the floor leader of the People Power Party, visited former President Lee Myung-bak on August 31, following his invitation to former President Park Geun-hye to a party retreat. Lee emphasized the importance of party unity and urged the need to fight against the ruling party with the support of the public. The meetings with former presidents are seen as efforts to resolve internal conflicts and consolidate the conservative base.On this day, Jung met with Lee at the Yeongpo Building in Seocho, Seoul. He expressed gratitude for Lee's support during the June 3 local elections and sought advice on the party's future direction.Lee advised Jung, saying, "The role of the party is important, but the role within the National Assembly is even greater. We should cooperate where necessary with the ruling party, but firmly oppose where needed, fighting with the support of the people."He added, "Isn't it impossible to win with numbers alone? It is crucial for the public to recognize that what the opposition is saying is right and beneficial for the country."After the private meeting, Jung told reporters that Lee stated, "The most important thing is to unite the party and win the 2028 general elections." He also expressed disappointment regarding the recent cabinet reshuffle by the Lee Jae-myung administration, commenting that it seemed very transparent and emphasized the need to resist it until the end.Earlier, Jung had invited Park Geun-hye to the party's National Assembly retreat, marking her first attendance at such an event in 14 years since she was the presidential candidate for the Saenuri Party in 2012, where she also stressed the importance of party unity.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-31 18:32:00
  • Gwangju-Jeonnam Integrated Special City Support Committee Holds First Meeting, Approves 5 Trillion Won Financial Support for 2027
    Gwangju-Jeonnam Integrated Special City Support Committee Holds First Meeting, Approves 5 Trillion Won Financial Support for 2027 The government has officially launched a support system aimed at ensuring the successful establishment and ultra-regional innovative growth of the Gwangju-Jeonnam Integrated Special City. A total of 5 trillion won in financial incentives is set to be provided in 2027. On August 31, the first meeting of the Gwangju-Jeonnam Integrated Special City Support Committee was held at the Government Seoul Office, chaired by the Prime Minister, where the committee's operational rules and the financial support plan for 2027 were reviewed and approved. The Gwangju-Jeonnam Integrated Special City Support Committee is a key body that deliberates on major policies to support practical local decentralization and balanced national growth. Chaired by the Prime Minister, the committee consists of 39 members, including 19 government officials, the mayor of Gwangju-Jeonnam Integrated Special City, the superintendent of the integrated special city education office, and private experts in urban development, local decentralization, and educational autonomy. Attending the inaugural meeting were Prime Minister Han Seung-soo, 16 government officials, Mayor Min Hyung-bae of Gwangju-Jeonnam Integrated Special City, Superintendent Kim Dae-jung, and 15 private committee members. The committee reviewed the operational rules necessary for future meetings and discussed the financial incentive support plan, which has been a major issue since the launch of the integrated special city. The core of the plan is the total financial support of 5 trillion won for 2027. Of this amount, a new 'Integrated Local Government Support Fund' of 4.35 trillion won will be established. The integrated special city mayor will manage this fund, which will be used to enhance the region's competitiveness through projects aimed at boosting growth potential, improving living conditions, and fostering the semiconductor industry in the southwestern region. The remaining 650 billion won will be allocated in connection with the operations of special local administrative agencies transferred to the Gwangju-Jeonnam Integrated Special City. The establishment and operation of the Integrated Local Government Support Fund will be included in the 'Special Act for the Establishment of Gwangju-Jeonnam Integrated Special City.' Once the legal basis is established, the special city will undergo annual evaluations of the fund's management. The government aims for this financial support to serve as a foundation for the region to secure its own growth potential and enhance the competitiveness of the ultra-regional economic zone, rather than merely covering integration costs. Prime Minister Han Seung-soo stated, "We have finalized the financial support plan of up to 5 trillion won annually, which the government promised during the integration of metropolitan local governments in January, and it will be reflected in the 2027 government budget." He also urged relevant ministries, including the Ministry of Planning and Finance and the Ministry of Interior and Safety, to actively explore additional support measures, emphasizing the government's responsibility for the success of the integrated special city. Mayor Min Hyung-bae expressed gratitude for the government's support and stated his intention to make the integrated special city a leading model for region-led growth. Mayor Min said, "The integration of Gwangju-Jeonnam is a leading model of the 'Five Extremes and Three Specials' national agenda of the Lee Jae-myung government, and we will fulfill our responsibility for region-led growth by achieving clear results." He added, "We will gather a wide range of opinions from experts and citizens to ensure that the government financial incentives are used appropriately and serve as a foundation for regional development." With the basic framework for large-scale financial support now established, attention will turn to the specific allocation of the 5 trillion won and the selection of projects. In particular, how the 4.35 trillion won from the Integrated Local Government Support Fund will be distributed for balanced regional development, industrial promotion, and improvement of living conditions is expected to be a key task that will influence the early achievements of the integrated special city.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-31 18:24:00
  • No Chinese Cabbage Containing Formaldehyde Imported to South Korea, Agency Confirms
    No Chinese Cabbage Containing Formaldehyde Imported to South Korea, Agency Confirms The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety confirmed on August 31 that no Chinese cabbage containing formaldehyde from Zhangjiakou, Hebei Province, has been imported into South Korea, following verification through the South Korean embassy in China.Formaldehyde is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a part of the World Health Organization (WHO), indicating sufficient evidence that it can cause cancer in humans.Since implementing enhanced inspection measures at customs on August 24, the ministry has conducted formaldehyde tests on every shipment of Chinese cabbage during the import process. Inspections are also ongoing for cabbage kimchi and pickled cabbage at various manufacturing facilities.As of August 31, tests on 15 batches of Chinese cabbage and 124 batches of cabbage kimchi have shown no detection of formaldehyde.Oh Yu-kyung, head of the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, visited the Pyeongtaek Import Food Inspection Center on the same day to oversee the inspection process for Chinese cabbage and cabbage kimchi, urging strict adherence to food safety management for imported products.Oh stated, "Blocking potential hazards from imported food at the customs stage is a crucial safety measure for protecting public health. We will maintain a rigorous inspection system, ensuring that not a single hazardous food item is allowed for import."The ministry plans to continue enhanced inspections of Chinese cabbage, pickled cabbage, and cabbage kimchi at the import stage to ensure public confidence in food safety.Additionally, the ministry will closely analyze risk information regarding potentially hazardous imported foods and swiftly implement necessary measures to strengthen food safety management.This controversy arose after it was confirmed that a solution containing formaldehyde was used to maintain the freshness of cabbage in Kangbao County, Zhangjiakou, Hebei Province, China.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-31 18:24:00
  • Busan to Launch Cashless Bus System in October
    Busan to Launch Cashless Bus System in October Busan City will begin a pilot program for a cashless bus system starting in October, covering 35 routes and 542 buses.With the cash fare usage on city buses currently dropping to about 1%, this initiative aims to reduce costs associated with cash fare management and transition to a transportation card-based fare system.Starting in October, the pilot program will run for three months, involving approximately 20% of the city's buses. The selected routes include seat buses and those with relatively low cash usage. During the pilot, the city plans to analyze citizen feedback, the usage of alternative payment methods by cash passengers, and input from drivers and transportation companies before deciding on a full rollout.Passengers with only cash will still be able to use the buses. The city will implement a 'priority boarding' policy, instructing passengers to transfer their fare to a designated account after boarding. For those who find smartphone transfers challenging, the city will guide them to purchase prepaid transportation cards at convenience stores.Drivers will not verify account transfers or explain payment methods during boarding to avoid delays and safety issues that could arise from extended stop times or distracted driving.A Busan City public transportation official stated, "While we will track the amount transferred and the recovery rate, we do not have a system in place to contact passengers for unpaid fares. Even if some payments are missed, the cashless system is financially more efficient considering the costs of cash management." Currently, the city spends about 1 billion won annually on maintaining cash fare boxes and managing cash revenue.The official added, "Currently, cash fare usage on Busan city buses is just over 1%. If the cashless bus system is established, we expect cash usage to drop to around 0.1%. Even with some unpaid fares, we believe the financial impact will be minimal compared to cash management costs." In other regions that have already implemented cashless systems, cash usage has significantly decreased. For instance, in Daegu, cash fare usage dropped from over 2% to around 0.1% after the introduction of cashless buses. Other metropolitan areas, including Gyeonggi Province, are also gradually expanding their cashless routes.Busan is relatively late in adopting the cashless bus system compared to other metropolitan areas. The city will assess fare recovery rates, citizen inconvenience, and complaint occurrences during the three-month pilot before deciding on a full implementation.A key challenge will be minimizing inconvenience for older passengers and those unfamiliar with smartphone transfers or transportation cards.The city plans to conduct campaigns distributing transportation cards in areas with high elderly populations, such as traditional markets, and will provide information about the pilot routes and usage methods through various media, including bus signage and online platforms.Prepaid transportation cards can be purchased at convenience stores regardless of credit status, making them accessible to citizens who may have difficulty obtaining credit cards.A city official remarked, "For those who currently pay cash daily to use the bus, this may initially feel inconvenient. However, maintaining and replacing cash fare boxes incurs significant financial costs, and cash usage continues to decline. We hope citizens will view this as an adaptation to changing times." The official added, "Once accustomed, the convenience of using a transportation card without needing to handle change may be more appealing. We ask for understanding as everyone gradually adapts to this change and the purpose of the new system."Busan City anticipates that establishing a cashless bus system will reduce delays and safety issues associated with cash handling. An increase in recorded entries and exits through transportation cards will also allow for more detailed analysis of bus usage, which can inform future route management.Hwang Hyun-cheol, Director of Busan's Transportation Innovation Bureau, stated, "The cashless bus system aims to improve the convenience and safety of bus travel for citizens in line with the evolving public transportation environment. During the pilot, we will thoroughly gather feedback from citizens and on-site personnel, prioritizing adequate advance notice to minimize any inconvenience caused by the system change."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-31 18:20:20
  • Hah Jung-woo Takes Office as Vice Chair of National AI Strategy Committee
    Hah Jung-woo Takes Office as Vice Chair of National AI Strategy Committee "It would be great if we could create AI better than the U.S. or China, but we need to view the current situation realistically," said Hah Jung-woo, the newly appointed Vice Chair of the National AI Strategy Committee, during his first press briefing.On August 31, Hah expressed concerns about China's rapid expansion in the global AI market, attributing it to the country's open-source and open-weight strategies. The briefing, held at the Government Seoul Building, was attended by 15 media outlets."China is Growing Rapidly Amid Intense Internal Competition"Hah identified state-led investment and fierce internal competition as key factors behind China's AI growth. He stated, "China is experiencing significant state-led investment, and there are many outstanding AI companies competing fiercely. They are growing rapidly in that intense environment." He noted that companies like Alibaba are strengthening their leadership in the open-source ecosystem, supporting developing countries in adopting open-weight models.While he acknowledged that South Korea does not lag significantly behind in terms of individual researchers, he recognized structural gaps. "The capabilities of individual researchers in our country are not far behind, but factors such as the number of researchers, market size, and the power of the Chinese government create significant disparities," he explained.Hah also emphasized that he is closely monitoring recent movements by the Chinese government. He mentioned, "Last month, it was reported that the Chinese Ministry of Commerce summoned major AI companies to discuss the need for government approval before releasing frontier AI models. We must consider the increasing possibility of export controls similar to those in the U.S."Independent Foundation Model: "With Government Support, We Can Compete"Regarding South Korea's independent foundation model strategy, Hah discussed both its achievements and limitations. He explained that the independent AI foundation model (Dukpamo) initiative was launched because domestic companies found it challenging to compete alone. "Upsage ranked seventh in the open router rankings. With adequate government support, we can certainly make progress," he stated.However, he also pointed out the current system's limitations and expressed a need to explore new support methods. "If it is difficult to create top-level frontier AI with the current system, we should consider concentrating support on highly capable groups. By expanding methodologies for creating frontier AI, we can also build competitiveness in the physical AI sector," he said."The Committee is a Coordinator"... Disputes Among Ministries to be Resolved in ConsultationOn the committee's role, Hah described it as a coordinator within a triangular structure. He stated, "The Blue House serves as an advisory organization, the ministries are execution organizations, and the committee organizes direction and coordinates large-scale projects in between. Since there are more private experts than in the Blue House's AI office, we will play a role in coordinating execution." He added that projects with disagreements among ministries will be adjusted in the CAI consultation body.When asked about the most pressing regulatory obstacles, he identified data and licensing issues. He noted, "There are various challenges in data utilization, and when trying to quickly establish data center facilities for mega-projects, there seem to be difficulties in obtaining licenses." He also emphasized the need for supply chain diversification, stating, "We have secured a significant amount of GPUs since last year, but being dependent on specific companies can pose risks, so we need to diversify our supply chain.""The AI Gap Between Central and Local Governments is the Biggest Puzzle"Hah shared insights from conversations with local voters during his candidacy for the National Assembly. He remarked, "I felt that the accessibility and understanding of AI among the central government, local industries, and ordinary citizens differ significantly from what government ministries perceive. How we bridge this gap will be a major puzzle for the future of our country's AI industry."In response to criticism of revolving door appointments, he stated that he would address concerns through achievements. He said, "Criticism may arise, but if we create results and contribute to industrial development, such concerns will naturally dissipate." Regarding a provision in the recently proposed AI Transition Basic Law by the Blue House's AI office concerning corporate compensation collection, he expressed a cautious stance. He stated, "While I agree with the intent of the bill, we need to discuss specific implementation plans with relevant committees to find the most suitable solution."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-31 18:16:00
  • Prosecutors Seek Death Penalty for Man Charged with Killing High School Student
    Prosecutors Seek Death Penalty for Man Charged with Killing High School Student Prosecutors have requested the death penalty for Jang Yoon-ki, 23, who is charged with murdering a high school student for the purpose of sexual assault.According to Yonhap News, the Gwangju District Prosecutor's Office made the request during the fourth hearing of the case under the Special Act on the Punishment of Sexual Crimes, held on August 31 at the Gwangju District Court's Criminal Division 13, presided over by Judge Lee Jeong-ho.The prosecution cited the risk of recidivism as a key reason for seeking the death penalty, stating, "There is a high risk of reoffending, including murder and sexual assault, if he returns to society." During his final statement, Jang expressed remorse, saying, "I am sorry to the victim and will carry the burden of my crime for life." The charge of murder with intent to commit sexual assault carries a maximum penalty of death or life imprisonment.The family of the victim, the late Lee Chae-won, urged for severe punishment ahead of the hearing. Lee was a second-year high school student at the time of the incident. The family submitted a petition for harsh punishment signed by over 50,000 citizens and conducted a one-person protest demanding the maximum sentence.A legal representative for the family stated, "The victim's family and those close to her, as well as the entire community, are suffering. Considering the social impact, we urge the court to impose a severe sentence on the defendant."Jang was arrested and indicted for allegedly killing Lee on May 5 at around 12:10 a.m. in a secluded walkway in Wolgye-dong, Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju, while attempting to commit a sexual crime. He is also accused of wielding a weapon when a high school student nearby heard Lee's screams and rushed to help.The prosecution believes Jang's criminal activities extend beyond this murder. The charges include allegations of raping a 26-year-old Vietnamese woman, a co-worker, two days before the murder, and secretly filming a young woman while serving as a social service worker.According to Yonhap, the prosecution has requested the death penalty based on the assessment that Jang poses a significant risk of committing similar crimes if he is released. The court's decision on the prosecution's request for the death penalty is expected to be announced on September 30.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-31 18:16:00
  • South Korea Requests Search Assistance from Nepal Amid Flood Crisis
    South Korea Requests Search Assistance from Nepal Amid Flood Crisis South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun spoke with Nepal's Foreign Minister Shisir Kunal on August 31 to discuss the ongoing search and rescue efforts for flood victims in Nepal. This marked the second conversation between the two ministers regarding the severe flooding, following their initial discussion on August 27.Minister Cho expressed gratitude to the Nepalese government for successfully rescuing ten South Koreans who had been stranded in the affected area.He also requested the Nepalese side's special cooperation to expedite the search and rescue operations for nine South Koreans who remain uncontacted. Cho emphasized the need for concentrated search efforts, particularly around the areas where contact has been lost, and urged support from the Nepalese military.Additionally, he expressed hope for smooth coordination between the South Korean government’s rapid response team dispatched to the area and the Nepalese authorities.Minister Kunal thanked the South Korean side for their condolences and solidarity, providing updates on the damage and ongoing search operations, including tunnel rescues.Cho noted that the South Korean government is reviewing support measures focused on areas where Nepal needs assistance.The two ministers agreed to maintain close communication and cooperation regarding the rescue of victims, including South Koreans, and the recovery efforts in the flood-affected regions.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-31 18:12:00