Journalist
Lee Dong Geon
ldg920210@ajunews.com
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MBC’s “True Story Expedition” Probes Parking Dispute at Car Wash, With 4.8 Million Won in Fees MBC’s investigative program ‘True Story Expedition’ is tracking a dispute over a commercial building’s parking lot. In an episode titled ‘Parking War, Don’t Cross the Line,’ airing on the 30th, the show examines a conflict between a car wash operator and a building representative over parking rules at a shopping complex. Kim Dong-su runs a car wash on the building’s first floor. He said he signed a lease and opened after reviewing about 100 potential locations, but soon faced unexpected friction after launching the business. The conflict began immediately after the car wash opened in April 2023, Kim said. He alleged that a man identified as Jung, described as the building owner and using a pseudonym, asked him to run personal errands starting on the first day of business. Kim said the demands escalated and interfered with work, and when he refused to continue, Jung began enforcing what Kim called “the building owner’s own parking rules.” Kim said the lease allowed him to use two parking spaces in front of the car wash. But he alleged Jung insisted that vehicles must not even slightly cross any other parking lines, and that Jung caused disturbances by demanding parking fees if a customer’s car encroached on another line, even briefly. Kim also described disputes over using the parking-lot drive lane. He said Jung demanded that even when moving a vehicle briefly, drivers should not turn around inside the lot but instead exit the building and re-enter. Kim said the rules inconvenienced customers and made it difficult to operate. Kim said the dispute has intensified recently. He alleged Jung installed a parking gate earlier this month, leaving him in a situation where he must pay parking fees even when using the spaces included in his contract. Kim said he is currently paying customers’ parking charges himself. Kim said the cost is substantial. He said he paid about 4.8 million won in parking fees to Jung over 15 days, more than his monthly rent, adding to his financial strain. During reporting, the production team said it confirmed an unexpected detail: the Jung involved in the dispute is not the building’s actual owner. The program asks who the real owner is and whether that person knows what is happening at the property. The full account of the parking dispute will be aired on ‘True Story Expedition’ at 9 p.m. on the 30th.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-30 20:37:17 -
Pension Lottery 720+ Draw 313 Numbers Awaited as Winner Story Draws Attention "A long time ago, an ancestor appeared in my dream and gave me lottery numbers, but I thought, 'No way,' so I didn't buy them — and I actually missed the first prize." As interest builds in the Pension Lottery 720+ Draw 313 winning numbers on April 30, a winner's account from Draw 293 has drawn attention. The person won with one first-prize ticket and four second-prize tickets, according to a post on Donghaeng Lottery's winners' bulletin board. The winner said they buy Lotto and Pension Lottery tickets whenever the thought occurs. While working, they happened to see a lottery retailer and bought tickets as usual. They said they had been struggling with a recent problem and suddenly remembered they had not checked their tickets, so they checked the numbers right away. "It turned out I won both first and second prizes at the same time, and I couldn't believe it, so I checked again and again," the winner wrote. They recalled a past experience in which an ancestor appeared in a dream and gave Lotto numbers, but they did not buy them and later missed the first prize. "After that, nothing seemed to go well, and I wondered if my ancestor was angry that I let the chance pass," the winner said. "With this win, it feels like I've been given another opportunity, and I'm grateful." The winner said the ticket was purchased at a lottery shop in Danwon-gu, Ansan, Gyeonggi Province. Asked what they usually buy, the winner said they purchase Lotto and Pension Lottery tickets in small amounts. They said they plan to use the winnings to repay loans and buy a home. The Pension Lottery 720+ Draw 313 winning numbers will be available after 7:05 p.m. today (30).* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-30 18:51:17 -
Yoonkyung Forum Holds 23rd CEO Ethics Pledge Ceremony on AI-ESG Strategy The Yoonkyung Forum, hosted by the Industrial Policy Research Institute and Seoul School of Integrated Sciences & Technologies, held its 23rd CEO ethics pledge ceremony on Wednesday at the Ahn Jung-geun Memorial Hall in Seoul, organizers said. Held under the theme “the convergence of AI and ESG,” the event drew about 100 leaders from private companies, public institutions, government and civil society. Participants discussed strategies that combine AI-driven innovation with ESG management and pledged to put them into practice. Organizers said the gathering underscored that strengthening ethical management with AI and building ESG competitiveness are key factors shaping the future competitiveness of South Korean companies. They noted that ESG is moving beyond declarations toward data-based execution and verification, and that combining AI with ESG is increasingly seen as a driver of competitiveness and sustainable growth. In a video message, the prime minister called the ceremony a meaningful occasion to reaffirm the idea that “ethics is competitiveness,” and said AI is opening a new chapter for ESG management. The prime minister said ESG is developing toward transparent, data-based verification, and that market trust is concentrating on companies that grow in sustainable ways. The prime minister added that the convergence of AI and ESG will be a key engine for competitiveness and sustainable growth, and said the government would support efforts to further embed ethical management in the AI era. A congratulatory address by the chairperson of the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission followed. The chairperson emphasized that responsible management grounded in ethics, fairness and transparency strengthens trust and provides a foundation for sustainable growth, and stressed the importance of public and private sectors working together to spread a culture of ethical management. The event was moderated by Kang Shin-sook, former head of SH Suhyup Bank, and included welcoming and congratulatory remarks, an awards presentation, a calligraphy performance, a CEO ethics pledge and a group recitation of “Our Pledge,” followed by a commemorative photo. Attendees agreed that ethical management is not optional but a necessary strategy for sustainable growth and public trust. An awards ceremony for the sixth annual contest recognizing institutions with strong ethical-management practices was held alongside the event. The contest, held annually since 2021, aims to identify organizations that have embedded ethical management institutionally and culturally, establish social standards and spread best practices. This year’s winners were Korea Ginseng Corp., Korea Water Resources Corp., Merz Aesthetics Korea, Korea Ocean Business Corp., KEPCO KPS and Korea Land & Housing Corp. Founded in 2003, the Yoonkyung Forum has promoted seminars, research and campaigns under the principle that “ethics is competitiveness.” Organizers said the 23rd CEO pledge ceremony and the contest again highlighted the forum’s role as a platform for cooperation to strengthen ethical and ESG management suited to the AI era and to bolster the global competitiveness of South Korean companies.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-30 18:09:21 -
Why Not Having 100 Million Won in Your 30s Doesn’t Mean You’re Behind, Data Show “I’m in my 30s — if I still haven’t saved 100 million won, am I already behind?” Anxiety about building savings is growing among office workers. Personal-finance videos and online communities repeatedly cite “average assets for people in their 30s,” “saving 100 million won,” and “minimum money before marriage,” treating a certain level of financial assets as a yardstick for stability. The short answer is no: Not having 100 million won in financial assets in your 30s does not automatically mean it is “too late.” Asset statistics are not the same as an individual bank balance. Official household asset figures are compiled by household, not by person, and they reflect the heavy weight of real estate and the influence of high-asset households. According to the National Data Center’s “2025 Household Finance and Welfare Survey,” as of the end of March 2025, average assets per household stood at 566.78 million won, up 4.9% from a year earlier. Average debt was 95.34 million won, up 4.4%, and net assets — assets minus debt — rose 5.0% to 471.44 million won. Average household income in 2024 was 74.27 million won, with disposable income at 60.32 million won. On the surface, household wealth increased. But it is not appropriate to compare the 566.78 million won average directly with an individual’s deposits, stocks or cash-like holdings. As of the end of March 2025, average household financial assets were 136.9 million won, while nonfinancial assets were 429.88 million won — meaning much of household wealth is tied up in real estate and other tangible assets rather than cash. The survey also highlights the “average trap,” in which high-asset households pull up the mean. The top 10% by net assets accounted for 46.1% of total household assets. The net-asset Gini coefficient, a measure of inequality, rose to 0.625 from 0.612 a year earlier. That helps explain why a higher average does not mean conditions improved for all households. Younger households, in particular, did not share in the gains. The National Data Center said assets increased across all age groups except households headed by someone 39 or younger, where assets fell 0.3% from a year earlier. Data for households in their 30s show the strain. According to the Korean Statistical Information Service (KOSIS), average assets for households headed by someone in their 30s were 359.58 million won, down 0.6% from a year earlier — even as overall average household assets rose 4.9% and assets increased for households headed by those 29 or younger, in their 40s, 50s and 60 or older. For households in their 30s, income rose but assets fell. KOSIS data showed ordinary income increased 2.6% from a year earlier, but financial assets fell 0.5% and nonfinancial assets fell 0.7%. Savings also declined 1.3% to 69.89 million won. Meanwhile, average debt for households in their 30s rose to 108.98 million won, and net assets fell 1.3% to 250.6 million won. That trend aligns with what many workers describe as “account anxiety.” Even with higher pay, fixed costs such as housing, loan repayments, wedding expenses and family support can limit the ability to save. Whether someone lives with parents, pays rent or provides living expenses to family can also make saving speeds differ sharply even at the same salary level. The anxiety is difficult to explain as a matter of spending habits alone. While overall household assets are rising, younger households are building wealth more slowly, and debt burdens for those in their 30s are increasing. The question “Did you save 100 million won in your 30s?” has become a symbol of broader worries tied to marriage, housing and retirement preparation. In the end, the answer to “Is it too late if you don’t have 100 million won in your 30s?” is “not necessarily.” Average asset figures can make personal finances look stronger than they are. Because the statistics are household-based, heavily shaped by real estate and lifted by high-asset households, they are hard to compare directly with an individual’s financial assets. The concerns are not baseless: Conditions for young people to build assets remain challenging, and the wealth gap is widening. Still, what matters more than comparing yourself with an average is reviewing your own financial structure — not just how much you earn each month, but how much you can consistently set aside and whether your assets are growing while you manage debt and fixed costs. For building a lump sum, managing cash flow should come before taking on risky investments. With income growth difficult, practical checks include adjusting housing and fixed expenses, managing debt, automating savings and seeking additional sources of income. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-30 17:28:33 -
HappyTalk Named No. 1 AI Customer Service Platform for Brand Loyalty for Second Straight Year Blumn AI, an AI customer communications solutions company led by co-CEOs Kim Beom-su and Park Jin-young, said on the 30th that its AI chatbot and live-chat platform HappyTalk was selected No. 1 in the AI customer service platform category of the “2026 Brand Customer Loyalty Awards.” It ranked first in the same category for a second consecutive year. The Brand Customer Loyalty Awards are run jointly by the Korea Consumer Forum and U.S. brand evaluation firm Brand Keys. Winners are chosen by category based on measures including consumers’ emotional attachment to a brand, intent to repurchase and willingness to recommend. This year’s survey drew 380,000 participants and more than 1.96 million responses. HappyTalk is an AI-based customer service platform that supports corporate contact center operations. It allows companies to manage multiple inquiry channels in one place, including KakaoTalk, Naver TalkTalk and web chat, and offers real-time agent support, chatbot auto-replies, AI-generated consultation summaries and other tools to assist agents. Blumn AI said it has been upgrading HappyTalk’s AI capabilities as demand grows for generative AI in customer service. Beyond FAQ-based chatbots, the company has strengthened an AI assistant that supports agents and AI agent functions designed to handle inquiries in line with a company’s policies and workflows. The HappyTalk AI agent is built as a hybrid that combines scripted scenarios with AI decision-making, the company said. It is designed to identify customer intent and, using a prebuilt knowledge base and links to external systems, handle repetitive tasks such as order lookups, reservation checks and information guidance. The company attributed its two-year top ranking to a steady base of repeat users, stable service operations and continued upgrades to AI counseling functions. It said automation and agent-support features usable in real service settings helped raise client satisfaction. “Being selected No. 1 for two consecutive years in a survey with more than 380,000 consumers is the market’s assessment of our customer-centered technology innovation,” Park said. “We will continue advancing our AI technology to help improve operational efficiency for corporate customers and the user communication experience.” Blumn AI said it also plans to accelerate work on an open, integrated AI customer service infrastructure that lets companies choose and use AI technologies suited to their needs. The company said it aims to provide a “BYOA” environment that enables customers to connect external AI models with its solutions, including HappyTalk and CallBridge. BYOA stands for “Bring Your Own AI,” meaning a company links its own or preferred AI models to its business systems. Blumn AI operates HappyTalk, the AI phone counseling platform CallBridge and CRM marketing solutions, and is expanding an AI-based SaaS business aimed at integrating customer communications.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-30 14:12:33 -
Divorce Becomes Variety-TV Material in South Korea, Drawing Mixed Reactions Celebrity divorces have become a staple of variety shows and YouTube content, turning what was once treated cautiously as private life into material for jokes and talk. Public reaction, however, remains divided. The debate resurfaced after comments by actor Ahn Jae-hyun. On April 28, a video titled “Crossing the line Son Byung-ho game. Kang So-ra shares her 15-day proposal story. Alddalcham Season 2 EP.5” was posted on the YouTube channel ‘Alttalttalhan Chamgyeon.’ The cast played the “Son Byung-ho game,” folding down fingers if a prompt applied. Comedian Heo Kyung-hwan said, “I’ve never had a wedding,” and Ahn immediately folded a finger. When others looked briefly startled, Ahn explained, “I didn’t have a wedding.” Ahn married actor Ku Hye-sun in 2016 but did not hold a separate wedding ceremony and donated the cost. The two later divorced in 2020. Since returning to TV after his divorce, Ahn has repeatedly faced on-air situations that evoke his marriage and divorce across variety shows and YouTube. Ku said on social media last year that she was uncomfortable with the divorce process being repeatedly revived through entertainment programs and headlines. “Continual and indirect references are a cowardly thing,” she wrote, warning that repeated consumption of a divorce can hurt those involved. A similar dispute has followed talk about baseball player Hwang Jae-gyun remarrying. In an episode of MBN and Channel S’ “Jun Hyun-moo Plan 3” airing May 1, Jun Hyun-moo, KwakTube and Hwang are shown on a food trip to Mungyeong. In footage released ahead of the broadcast, Jun tells Hwang, “You have to meet another woman,” raising the topic of remarriage, and Hwang appears flustered. Hwang married Jiyeon, formerly of the group T-ara, in December 2022, but their divorce mediation was finalized at the Seoul Family Court on Nov. 20, 2024. Hwang has expanded his public profile through entertainment shows after announcing he would retire as an active player at the end of the 2025 season. But as dating and remarriage are repeatedly raised whenever he appears after the divorce, some viewers have criticized what they see as a lack of consideration for the other party. Divorce may be one person’s present and past, they argue, but it is also another person’s private life. The trend extends beyond any one celebrity. In recent years, broadcasters have increasingly used divorce as a variety-show hook. SBS’ “Shoes Off, Dolsing Fourmen” centered talk by divorced male cast members including Tak Jae-hoon, Im Won-hee, Lee Sang-min and Kim Jun-ho. Premiering in July 2021, it made “dolsing” — a Korean term for divorced people — its core concept and ran for more than four years until ending with Episode 213 in December 2025. TV Chosun’s “We Got Divorced,” first aired in 2020, is also cited as a landmark in popularizing divorce-themed entertainment. It drew attention by reuniting divorced couples and having them spend time together, posting strong ratings from its debut and turning post-divorce relationships into observational TV. MBN’s “Divorced Singles” has continued for multiple seasons, focusing on dating and cohabitation among divorced men and women. Programs observing life after divorce have also emerged. TV Chosun’s “Now I’m Alone” follows the daily lives of people who have experienced divorce or are going through the process, including Jeon No-min, Jo Yoon-hee, Choi Dong-seok and Lee Yoon-jin. Producers said the aim was to focus not on the reasons or process, but on life after becoming single again and starting over. More recently, TV Chosun launched “X’s Private Life.” First aired March 17, it is a reality observation show in which one divorced spouse watches the other’s current daily life and new relationships. While the program says it aims to look at life after divorce and the process of moving on, the format — observing an ex-spouse’s private life — has raised questions about how far divorce entertainment can go without becoming exploitative. A shifting social climate has also helped divorce become a broader TV theme. According to the National Data Center’s “2025 Marriage and Divorce Statistics,” South Korea recorded 88,130 divorces in 2025, down 3.3% from the previous year. Divorce is no longer viewed as an extremely rare event, and patterns have diversified, including the highest share coming from couples married 30 years or more. That context helps explain the split in public response. Some say divorce is part of a person’s life experience and not something that must be hidden, and that more candid conversations are now possible. Others argue divorce is being consumed too casually, especially when an ex-spouse works in the same industry or the breakup involved public conflict, because a single remark can quickly revive the other person’s name and past events. The issue is not whether divorce can be discussed, but how — and how far. Turning one’s experience into humor is different from repeatedly exposing private life in a way that pulls in the other party. Broadcasters may be moving away from treating divorce as taboo, but if that shift works mainly by reopening someone’s wounds, discomfort is likely to persist.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-30 14:04:52 -
Chabaekdo Launches TWS Collaboration Promotion With New Drinks, Gifts and SNS Event Chabaekdo, a tea beverage brand, is rolling out a collaboration promotion with TWS. Chabaekdo said it will run the “Chabaekdo with TWS” promotion from April 30 to May 15 to mark the release of TWS’ fifth mini album, “NO TRAGEDY.” The campaign includes set menus pairing new collaboration drinks with a popular brand item, limited-edition giveaways and an SNS photo-verification event. TWS released “NO TRAGEDY” on the 27th and began promotions with the title track “You, You” (“널 따라가”). Chabaekdo said it reflected the group’s bright, refreshing image and the new album’s concept across the drinks and the overall promotion. The three new menu items are Grape Jasmine Milk Tea, Apple Peach Snow and Coconut Pop Smoothie. They are sold as sets with Chabaekdo’s signature Mango Pomelo Sago, made with mango, pomelo, sago and coconut milk. “We carefully planned everything from taste and visuals to the concept to capture TWS’ bright, refreshing energy across the menu,” the company said, adding it aimed to deliver a clean, refreshing feel through a balance of fruity flavors and a light tea base. Customers who buy the collaboration set will receive one postcard set featuring images of individual TWS members and two collaboration cup sleeves. The postcard set includes six cards and is available in limited quantities; the giveaway may end early if supplies run out. An Instagram event will also be held during the promotion period. Customers who purchase the collaboration set, post a verification photo with required hashtags and submit a Google form will be entered in a drawing. Five winners will receive a TWS album signed by the members. The event will run in two rounds, from April 30 to May 6 and from May 7 to May 15, with winners notified by direct message. A Chabaekdo official said the collaboration was planned to offer fans and customers a different brand experience to celebrate TWS’ new release, adding it will allow people to enjoy both the brand and the artist through the drinks, giveaways and event. Chabaekdo sells fresh fruit drinks, milk tea and original tea, and has recently expanded its reach with younger consumers through promotions and collaborations.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-30 11:37:15 -
Exhibition Industry Group Urges Lawmaker to Rework COEX Hall Closure Plan The Joint Committee for Promoting Normalization of the Exhibition Industry, led by Chair Kang Ju-yong, met April 29 with Rep. Kim Won-i, the Democratic Party’s floor spokesperson on the National Assembly’s Trade, Industry, Energy, SMEs and Startups Committee, to urge changes to plans to close major COEX exhibition halls for remodeling and to ask for parliamentary mediation. Kang said that if the Korea International Trade Association’s plan leads to a shutdown from July 2027 for about 18 months, export-oriented small and midsize companies could see export losses of about 4.3 trillion won. He said the plan should be reviewed for consistency with policies to foster the MICE industry. Kang also said the association and COEX notified the industry in a blanket announcement in January without sufficient prior consultation, leaving limited time to prepare and increasing the burden on related businesses. The committee has proposed adjusting the construction schedule until the expected completion of KINTEX’s third exhibition hall in late 2028 and securing alternative venues such as Olympic Park. The trade association has not yet presented a detailed position, it said. Kang warned that a prolonged suspension at COEX could push major international exhibitions to Singapore, Shanghai, Tokyo and Dubai, and that winning them back could take considerable time. He said a closure plan without parallel alternatives should be reconsidered. Kim said he shared concerns about the industrial impact of a COEX shutdown and would continue discussions on alternatives so the government can adequately reflect views from the field. He added the issue is also being discussed within the National Assembly and could be reviewed at the party level. Earlier, the committee urged lawmakers to play a coordinating role, arguing the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy’s response has been insufficient. It called for an alternative plan by May, withdrawal of the 2027 exhibition space allocation announcement, and measures to keep exhibitions operating during construction through consultations with the government and the Seoul city government. The committee said it will continue its response while monitoring steps by the ministry and the trade association.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-30 11:29:29 -
EasyAI Pitches AI Video Safety System to Help Workers Get Home Safely EasyAI said it is proposing an AI-based safety management solution aimed at helping industrial workers return home safely, timed to May’s Family Month and Children’s Day. According to the Ministry of Employment and Labor’s provisional results released last month on the “2025 status of fatal accidents subject to disaster investigation,” the number of workplace accident deaths covered by the investigation totaled 605 in 2025, up 16 from 589 a year earlier. By sector, construction accounted for 286 deaths, manufacturing 158 and other industries 161. Workplaces with fewer than 50 employees recorded 351 deaths, more than half of the total, underscoring the need to strengthen safety management at smaller sites. The company noted that industrial accidents among men in their 40s and 50s remain high each year, leaving many fathers — often the main breadwinners — among those most exposed to on-site risks. EasyAI said its AI video analysis-based smart safety management system is designed for industrial sites and supports efforts to prevent serious accidents. It said the system can detect failures to wear safety helmets, safety belts and lanyards; identify emergencies such as unauthorized entry, collapses and fires; flag work hazards including collisions, poor housekeeping and pinch points; and provide a KakaoTalk-based hazard notification service. The solution analyzes site conditions in real time and issues on-site alarms and alerts to managers when it detects safety rule violations or accident risks. The company said it aims to raise workers’ safety awareness and help safety managers respond quickly to dangerous situations. An EasyAI official said, “With Children’s Day and Family Month, protecting the dad in children’s drawings so he can always be there is why our AI safety solution exists,” adding, “We will continue expanding a safety management environment that even small and midsize workplaces can adopt without undue burden, so every father working on site can return safely to his family every evening.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-30 11:25:41 -
Virtual Idol Group B:DAWN Releases 'BEOM' MV Teaser Ahead of May 6 Debut Showcase Virtual idol group B:DAWN has begun its debut countdown. Agency Duri Entertainment said April 30 that it released a music video teaser for the group’s debut single, “BEOM,” on B:DAWN’s official social media channels. The short clip offers a first look at the title track’s main melody and concept, pairing a forceful sound with a heavy mood to build anticipation for the group’s debut. The teaser features backdrops associated with Korean imagery, including Namsan Tower and hanok-style traditional houses. Tiger visuals tied to the song title “BEOM” underscore a strong, fearless concept. An addictive beat, rapid cuts and scenes hinting at a powerful performance also stand out, blending Korean symbols with the distinctive look of virtual idols to signal B:DAWN’s own K-pop mood. The teaser follows previously released member images and a title poster as part of the group’s debut promotion. B:DAWN plans to highlight its presence as a next-generation virtual idol act through a concept combining bold visuals, musical identity and Korean symbolism. B:DAWN will hold its debut showcase May 6 for its first official meeting with fans. The event will be streamed exclusively live through Naver’s livestreaming platform, Chzzk. The program will include the debut-stage performance, member introductions, talk about the debut single and real-time interaction. The showcase will be held at the “Vision Stage” at Naver 1784 and will use Naver production technology, which the agency said is expected to present B:DAWN’s performance in a more three-dimensional way. A company official said the title track “BEOM” compresses “the bravery of a tiger and the members’ strong energy into music,” adding that the teaser is the first reveal of part of the music and world the group will present. The official asked for interest and support for the full music video and the May 6 debut showcase streamed exclusively on Chzzk.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-30 10:21:14
