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  • Korean Foreign Minister Arrives in Nepal to Discuss Missing Nationals
    Korean Foreign Minister Arrives in Nepal to Discuss Missing Nationals Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin is in Nepal for three days, where he will meet with the families of missing Koreans and representatives from Korean companies, as well as encourage the overseas emergency rescue team (KDRT) deployed in the area.According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Minister Park arrived in Kathmandu on September 5 to discuss the search for nine Koreans missing due to the recent floods in Nepal.He departed from Incheon International Airport on a Korean Air flight and landed at Tribhuvan International Airport.The Nepalese military has recently restricted the KDRT's ground search efforts in the mountainous area where the Koreans went missing. Minister Park emphasized, “Given the various climatic and geographical challenges, the rescue operations are limited, but we plan to negotiate with the Nepalese side to maximize the search efforts.”The nine missing Koreans were workers involved in the construction of the Upper Trishuli (UT)-1 hydropower plant in the Rasuwagadhi area of central-northern Nepal. They include six employees from Doosan Enerbility and three from Korea Southeast Power.On the same day, a joint rescue team from the Nepalese military and KDRT rescued one Chinese man from a tunnel at the UT-1 construction site. The Nepalese military reported that the joint team, consisting of Nepalese soldiers and Korean disaster experts, rescued the man from a 225-meter tunnel and is currently assessing his health condition.This marks the ninth rescue operation conducted by KDRT since its establishment in 2007. The team previously rescued eight individuals during the 2023 earthquake in Turkey.After concluding his schedule in Nepal, Minister Park is expected to travel directly to France to accompany President Lee Jae-myung on a state visit.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-06 07:28:00
  • President Yoon Suk Yeol Departs for State Visit to France Amid Hormuz Deployment Debate
    President Yoon Suk Yeol Departs for State Visit to France Amid Hormuz Deployment Debate 이재명 대통령이 6일 에마뉘엘 마크롱 프랑스 대통령의 초청으로 프랑스 국빈 방문길에 오른다. 이 대통령은 오는 9일까지 프랑스에 머물며 국제 영화·영상 정상회의인 ‘뤼미에르 서밋’에 공동의장으로 참석하고, 마크롱 대통령과 정상회담을 한다. 이번 방문은 지난 4월 한국을 국빈 방문한 마크롱 대통령이 이 대통령을 뤼미에르 서밋 공동의장으로 초청하고 프랑스 국빈 방문을 제안하면서 성사됐다. 지난 4월 격상된 한·프랑스 ‘글로벌 전략적 동반자 관계’를 내실화하고, 수교 140주년을 맞아 양국 관계의 새로운 협력 기반을 마련하는 계기가 될 것으로 청와대는 기대하고 있다. 특히 순방을 앞두고 국내에서는 파병 등 호르무즈 해협의 자유항행을 위한 군사적 기여 방안이 새로운 현안으로 부상했다. 이 대통령도 지난 4일 시민사회단체 관계자들과의 간담회에서 호르무즈 해협 문제와 관련해 “아직 진척된 것은 없다”고 밝힌 바 있다. 이 대통령은 미국뿐 아니라 영국과 프랑스 등 유럽 국가들과도 안전항행 확보 방안을 논의하고 있다고 밝혔지만, 어떤 방식으로 참여할지 또는 참여하지 않을지를 포함한 최종 결정은 내려지지 않았다고 설명했다. 공식적으로 호르무즈 문제가 한·프랑스 정상회담 의제로 확정된 것은 아니지만, 이 대통령이 프랑스를 비롯한 유럽 국가들과 안전항행 방안을 논의하고 있다고 밝힌 만큼 순방 기간 관련 협의가 이뤄질지 주목된다. 먼저 이 대통령은 6일 프랑스에 도착한 뒤 7일 프랑스 남부 생폴드방스에서 열리는 뤼미에르 서밋에 마크롱 대통령과 공동의장으로 참석한다. 뤼미에르 서밋은 영화·영상 산업의 미래를 논의하는 국제회의로, 30여개국에서 150명의 주요 인사가 참석할 예정이다. AI(인공지능)이 영화·영상 산업에 미치는 영향과 미디어 리터러시, 산업의 지속가능한 성장 방안 등이 논의된다. 청와대는 이번 서밋을 계기로 프랑스와 함께 글로벌 영화·영상 산업의 미래 논의를 주도하고, K-콘텐츠와 국내 기업의 유럽 및 세계시장 진출 기반을 확대한다는 구상이다. 이 대통령은 8일부터 파리에서 국빈 방문 일정을 이어간다. 개선문에서 무명용사의 묘에 헌화한 뒤 프랑스 정부가 주최하는 공식환영식에 참석하고, 엘리제궁에서 마크롱 대통령과 단독 오찬을 한다. 이후 양국 대표단이 참석하는 확대 정상회담을 열어 국제질서 변화에 대한 대응과 안보·경제·과학기술·문화·인적교류 분야의 협력 방안을 논의할 예정이다. 정상회담에서는 AI·우주·원자력·바이오 등 첨단기술 분야 협력 확대와 공동 연구개발, 기업 간 협력, 청년·과학기술 교류 활성화 방안 등이 주요 의제로 다뤄질 전망이다. 이 대통령은 이어 양국 20여개 기업이 참여하는 한·프랑스 비즈니스 라운드테이블에 참석한다. 저녁에는 마크롱 대통령 내외가 엘리제궁에서 주최하는 국빈 만찬에 참석한다. 방문 마지막 날인 9일에는 야엘 브론-피베 프랑스 하원의장을 면담하고, 프랑스 동포들과 오찬 간담회를 한다. 이어 마티아스 코먼 경제협력개발기구(OECD) 사무총장을 접견할 예정이다. 위성락 국가안보실장은 “이번에 프랑스와도 5개월 만에 상호 국빈 방문을 완성해 주요국 정상과의 긴밀한 관계를 구축하고 대한민국의 전략적 외교 기반을 더욱 확충해 나가겠다”고 밝혔다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-06 07:08:00
  • Weather Forecast: Sunday Highs Reach 31 Degrees with Rain Expected on the East Coast and Jeju
    Weather Forecast: Sunday Highs Reach 31 Degrees with Rain Expected on the East Coast and Jeju On Sunday, the 6th, the weather across the country is expected to be mostly clear, but the eastern coast of Gangwon, mountainous regions, parts of Gyeongsang Province, and Jeju Island may experience cloudy conditions with rain.According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, rain is forecasted for the mountainous areas of Gangwon, northeastern Gyeongbuk, and Jeju Island. From the afternoon, rain will also likely fall on the eastern coast of Gangwon and northern Gyeongbuk, with rain expected in Busan, Ulsan, and eastern Gyeongnam, as well as southern Gyeongbuk from the evening.Light rain of less than 0.1 mm is anticipated in the eastern coast of Gangwon, as well as in the inland areas of Busan, Ulsan, and eastern Gyeongnam, and the eastern coast of Gyeongbuk during the early morning hours.Expected rainfall by the 7th includes: ▲ 5-10 mm for the eastern coast and mountainous areas of Gangwon; ▲ 5-10 mm for the inland areas of Busan, Ulsan, and eastern Gyeongnam, as well as the northeastern mountainous areas of Gyeongbuk; ▲ 20-60 mm for the mountainous areas of Jeju; and ▲ 5-20 mm for the coastal areas of Jeju.A strong wind advisory is in effect for the southern coast of Jeollanam-do and Jeju Island, with some areas along the southern coast of Jeollanam-do and Jeju expected to experience wind gusts exceeding 70 km/h (20 m/s) during the day, and over 90 km/h (25 m/s) in mountainous regions.While the weather is generally clear across the country, cloudy conditions are expected in the eastern coast and mountainous areas of Gangwon, as well as in Gyeongsang Province and Jeju Island.Temperatures will range from a low of 16 to 22 degrees Celsius, with highs reaching 25 to 29 degrees. Morning lows in major cities are forecasted as follows: Seoul 19 degrees, Incheon 19 degrees, Suwon 19 degrees, Chuncheon 16 degrees, Gangneung 19 degrees, Daejeon 18 degrees, Cheongju 19 degrees, Gwangju 20 degrees, Jeonju 20 degrees, Busan 23 degrees, Ulsan 22 degrees, Daegu 20 degrees, and Jeju 24 degrees.Afternoon highs are expected to be: Seoul 28 degrees, Incheon 29 degrees, Suwon 28 degrees, Chuncheon 27 degrees, Gangneung 26 degrees, Daejeon 28 degrees, Cheongju 28 degrees, Gwangju 30 degrees, Jeonju 29 degrees, Busan 29 degrees, Ulsan 27 degrees, Daegu 27 degrees, and Jeju 27 degrees.Fine dust levels are expected to be at a 'good' level across all regions.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-06 06:20:00
  • Trumps Son-in-Law Visits Russia and Ukraine Amid Peace Negotiations
    Trump's Son-in-Law Visits Russia and Ukraine Amid Peace Negotiations Jared Kushner, senior advisor and son-in-law of President Donald Trump, along with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, made a surprise visit to Moscow on September 5. After meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Kushner is expected to head to Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, the following day.According to Russia's TASS news agency, Kushner's flight arrived at Vnukovo Airport at 12:52 p.m. local time. The delegation was welcomed by Kirill Dmitriev, a Kremlin envoy for foreign investment and economic cooperation, who is considered a key figure in the Trump administration's efforts to end the war between Ukraine and Russia. Putin expressed his pleasure at the arrival of Kushner and Witkoff, stating that Russia welcomes them and looks forward to collaboration.Kushner and Witkoff are set to travel to Ukraine on September 6. In a rare move, both countries halted their artillery exchanges, which had been intense until September 4, to facilitate the U.S. delegation's visit. Putin ordered a three-day pause in attacks on Ukraine from September 5 to 7. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted on social media that there would be no airstrikes to ensure the Russian airspace operates normally, emphasizing that this was for the benefit of the U.S. envoy delegation.The success of the negotiations will likely depend on Kushner's discussions with Zelenskyy regarding proposals from the Russian side. Zelenskyy stated on social media that he would be watching to see what proposals Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner bring and what they heard in Moscow.However, significant differences remain between the two sides regarding NATO membership and the territorial claims over four regions in Ukraine. According to The Guardian, the Kremlin reaffirmed its stance that Putin's conditions from two years ago still stand: Ukraine cannot join NATO, and the four regions currently occupied by Russia will remain under its control. This is seen as an unacceptable condition for Ukraine.President Trump expressed confidence in the peace efforts surrounding Kushner's visit to Russia and Ukraine. Speaking to reporters on September 4, Trump said, "We have ideas for peace," and noted that he sent skilled negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to see if something could be achieved.There is also interest in whether Kushner's delegation will fly directly from Russia to Ukraine. The BBC reported that the U.S. government aircraft carrying Kushner took off from Helsinki, Finland, and landed in Moscow. However, it remains unclear how the flight path will proceed from Russia to Kyiv, as Ukraine's airspace has been closed since Russia's invasion in 2022. Most foreign delegations visiting Ukraine have entered via train from neighboring countries like Poland.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-06 05:00:20
  • Governments Free Tuition Policy for Regional Universities Raises Concerns
    Government's Free Tuition Policy for Regional Universities Raises Concerns Study warns free tuition may hinder low-income students' access to top universitiesThe South Korean government announced plans to fully waive tuition for new students at 30 regional national universities starting in 2027. However, research suggests that this generous financial support could inadvertently limit opportunities for economically disadvantaged students. Students with strong academic records may opt for these tuition-free institutions instead of higher-ranked universities, which still require some tuition payment. This raises concerns that the government's free tuition policy could entrench educational inequality, effectively pushing low-income students to regional schools while wealthier students attend prestigious universities in Seoul.According to a study released on September 4 by a research team led by Professor Jeong Dong-wook of Seoul National University, the impact of the national scholarship program on college and major selection varies by income level. The team analyzed longitudinal data from the Korea Employment Information Service, comparing cohorts from 2008, before the scholarship program was implemented, and 2018, when benefits were expanded, to track the college enrollment patterns of low-income students.Visiting Hyundai Steel's first U.S. plant in LouisianaAbout an hour's drive from downtown New Orleans, Louisiana, vast sugarcane fields stretch along the roadside. Venturing further down an unpaved road reveals a large, barren site where Hyundai Steel plans to build its 'HPLS Electric Arc Furnace Steel Mill,' with a total investment of $5.8 billion. The site currently appears desolate, making it hard to envision a steel mill.However, by 2029, the landscape will change dramatically. The HPLS Electric Arc Furnace Steel Mill, a joint venture between Hyundai Steel and POSCO, is expected to produce 2.7 million tons of steel annually. This facility will be the first electric arc furnace-based integrated steel mill in the U.S., combining direct reduction processes and electric arc furnaces to reduce carbon emissions by over 70% compared to traditional blast furnace methods.South Korea's exports surpass last year's total in just 248 daysAs of 1 p.m. on September 5, South Korea's export figures reached $709.4 billion, exceeding last year's total exports. This milestone was achieved in just 248 days, driven primarily by a surge in semiconductor exports.According to data released by the Korea Customs Service, the cumulative export amount of $709.4 billion is $1 billion higher than last year's total of $709.3 billion, marking a significant achievement 117 days earlier than last year.From January to August, South Korea recorded the highest monthly export figures for each month, with June seeing exports exceed $100 billion for the first time, totaling $102 billion. July and August also reported strong figures of $99 billion and $98.3 billion, respectively.The growth in exports has been largely attributed to semiconductors, which accounted for $281.2 billion in exports from January to August, a 169.6% increase compared to the same period last year, making up 40.6% of total exports of $693.3 billion.Russia strikes Kyiv airport ahead of U.S. delegation's visitAs a U.S. delegation prepares to visit Russia and Ukraine, Russia has launched airstrikes on an airport near Kyiv. Ukrainian officials suggest the attacks may be timed to coincide with the U.S. delegation's visit.On September 5, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that Russia conducted targeted airstrikes on Kyiv and Boryspil airports overnight, describing it as a deliberate act after a long period of inactivity.Zelensky indicated that the strikes were likely aimed at the U.S. delegation, which is expected to land at either Kyiv or Boryspil airport, and claimed that Iranian-made Shahed drones were used in the attacks.U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, son-in-law of former President Donald Trump, are expected to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow before traveling to Kyiv to meet with Zelensky on September 6. Zelensky had previously stated that he would ensure the normal operation of Russian airspace during their visit.Housing prices rise in northern Seoul as southern areas declineIn the Seoul apartment market, price trends in the Gangnam and Gangbuk areas have diverged. While prices in Seocho and Gangnam districts are declining, the Gangbuk area, which includes Seongbuk and Nowon districts, has seen prices rise by around 0.5%, driving the overall increase in Seoul housing prices.According to the Korea Real Estate Agency's weekly apartment price trends report released on September 3, the average price increase for Seoul apartments was 0.22%, a decrease of 0.07 percentage points from the previous week (0.29%). Although key areas in Gangnam are experiencing declines, the Gangbuk area is showing a notable upward trend.Specifically, among the three major districts in Gangnam, Gangnam saw a price drop of 0.41%, an increase of 0.3 percentage points from the previous week, while Seocho recorded a decline of 0.23%, down 0.18 percentage points. Songpa's increase was minimal at 0.01%, approaching a stable range.Conversely, the previously considered outer areas of Gangbuk are showing clear upward trends, with Seongbuk district recording the highest increase at 0.54%, followed by Jungnang at 0.52%, Nowon at 0.5%, and Gangbuk at 0.45%.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-05 21:48:00
  • Putin to Meet Trump Envoys Witkoff and Kushner as Kyiv Attack Paused
    Putin to Meet Trump Envoys Witkoff and Kushner as Kyiv Attack Paused Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to meet with Donald Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, who are visiting Russia.According to Yonhap News Agency, the TASS news agency reported that Witkoff and Kushner arrived at Moscow's Vnukovo-2 Airport at 12:52 p.m. local time. Kirill Dmitriev, Putin's special envoy for foreign investment and economic cooperation, personally welcomed the U.S. delegation at the airport.Dmitriev shared a photo of the handshake with the delegation on social media, stating, “Welcome to Moscow, peacemakers Witkoff and Kushner.”Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesperson, also confirmed during a briefing that the U.S. delegation is scheduled to meet with President Putin.Witkoff and Kushner are expected to travel to Kyiv on September 6 to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Meanwhile, Russia has decided to temporarily halt its attacks on Kyiv.Peskov explained, “President Putin has ordered a three-day pause in attacks on Kyiv starting from midnight today, due to ongoing preparations and contacts with the U.S. side.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-05 21:48:00
  • North Korean Agent Receives 5-Year Sentence for Espionage Involving Defectors and Military Personnel
    North Korean Agent Receives 5-Year Sentence for Espionage Involving Defectors and Military Personnel A 43-year-old man has been sentenced to five years in prison for collecting information on North Korean defectors and active military personnel under the direction of a North Korean agent.On September 5, the Seoul Central District Court's Criminal Division 21, led by Judge Jo Soon-pyo, sentenced the man, identified as A, to five years in prison and five years of disqualification from holding public office for charges related to espionage under the National Security Law.A, who operated a cryptocurrency investment company, received instructions from a North Korean agent via Telegram in May and June 2021 to gather personal information and activities of defectors with anti-North Korean sentiments. During this period, he received approximately 660 million won (about $600,000) in cryptocurrency from the agent under the pretext of operational funds for his investment business.He approached the head of a defector organization, expressing his intention to provide support, and facilitated the creation of a cryptocurrency wallet, which he then shared with the North Korean agent. The agent sent about 1 million won (approximately $900) in Bitcoin as a donation, which A used to obtain photos and videos related to the defector organization's activities, including the distribution of anti-North Korean leaflets.A also contacted a North Korean defector YouTuber, expressing his interest in North Korean human rights issues via email to obtain a phone number. In July 2021, he received further instructions from the North Korean agent to verify the identities of seven active-duty officers, including their names, affiliations, units, and resident registration numbers.He accessed the social media accounts of one officer, identified as Captain C, to obtain uniform and facial photos. Additionally, he hired a private investigator, asking them to follow C under the pretext of wanting to know about C's daughter's relationship, and received Bitcoin worth 2.5 million won (about $2,250) for this information. The investigator reported back with details about C's unit, residence, and schedule.In August and September of the same year, A attempted to contact another officer via Telegram, offering money in exchange for information about military organizations, but was rejected.The court stated, "If the collected information were to fall into North Korean hands, it could be used to track defectors or retaliate against their families remaining in North Korea," emphasizing the value of the information that needed protection. The court also noted the severity of A's actions, having received a large sum of cryptocurrency and acted on the agent's orders.Previously, A had been separately indicted for approaching an active-duty officer and leaking military secrets under the same agent's direction, resulting in a four-year prison sentence and a four-year disqualification from public office confirmed by the Supreme Court in December of last year.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-05 20:28:00
  • Lottery Winner Reflects on Hardworking Wife After Major Win
    Lottery Winner Reflects on Hardworking Wife After Major Win "I thought of my hardworking wife, and I immediately called her to share the news of the first prize win."As interest grows in the Donghaeng Lottery's 1240th draw, the story of a winner from the 227th Pension Lottery 720+, who won one first prize and four second prizes, is gaining attention.In a post on the Donghaeng Lottery winners' bulletin board, the winner shared, "I buy lottery tickets two to three times a week. As usual, I stopped by my regular lottery retailer to purchase both the Lotto and pension lottery tickets."He recalled, "After arriving at work on Friday morning, I checked the winning numbers online to see if I had won the pension lottery, and I found out I had won the first prize."He added, "I thought of my hardworking wife, and I immediately called her to share the news of the first prize win. She was so surprised and happy, and we are grateful for the pension income it will provide for our future."When asked about his usual lottery purchases, the winner, who bought his tickets at a retailer in Wonmi-gu, Bucheon, said, "I usually buy Lotto, pension lottery, and Spitto lottery tickets."Regarding his plans for the winnings, he stated, "I plan to pay off loans and use the rest for living expenses."Meanwhile, the winning numbers for the 1240th Lotto draw will be available for viewing after 8:35 PM today.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-05 20:28:00
  • Kumho Art Museum to Close After 38 Years, Ending Art Operations in July 2027
    Kumho Art Museum to Close After 38 Years, Ending Art Operations in July 2027 1989 marked the opening of the Kumho Art Museum, originally known as Kumho Gallery, which will cease operations in July 2027 after 38 years. According to a report by Yonhap News on September 5, the Kumho Cultural Foundation announced that it will fully terminate its art operations, including the Kumho Art Museum, by July 2027. The foundation plans to carry out scheduled exhibitions and programs without disruption until July of next year, followed by a gradual implementation of related procedures. Even after the conclusion of its art operations, the preservation and management of its collection and archives will remain a top priority in accordance with its charter. The foundation intends to continue supporting musicians through initiatives such as the Kumho Young Artists Concert, Kumho Instrument Bank, Kumho Soloists, and Kumho Management School, focusing on the developmental stages of artists. The Kumho Art Museum was established in 1989 in Gwanhun-dong, Seoul, as part of the Kumho Group's cultural activities. It has hosted significant exhibitions, including 'Joan Miró,' 'Figurative Art of the 1980s,' and 'The Development of Korean Modernism.' Since 2008, it has consistently organized exhibitions in design and architecture, expanding its focus within the visual arts.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-05 20:12:00
  • Search Continues for Six Missing After TNS Catcher Capsizing Off Busan
    Search Continues for Six Missing After TNS Catcher Capsizing Off Busan Busan's coast guard has launched a fourth night of search operations for six missing individuals following the capsizing of the tugboat TNS Catcher. According to Yonhap News Agency, the Busan Maritime Police announced that nighttime search efforts began at 7 p.m. on September 5. Despite a wave warning being in effect, six vessels over 1,000 tons have been deployed for the nighttime search. The coast guard plans to focus its efforts on a search area measuring 65 kilometers by 31 kilometers. Due to worsening weather conditions, underwater searches have not yet been conducted. Currently, waves in the area are reported to be 2 to 2.5 meters high, with northeast winds blowing at speeds of 12 to 14 meters per second. During the daytime search on the same day, authorities did not locate any missing persons or debris. They also inspected the hull of the container ship M, which was docked at the port, but found no unusual signs. The TNS Catcher capsized on September 2 while towing the M ship approximately 9 kilometers east of Oryukdo. Of the eight crew members on board, one was rescued, while another was found unconscious and later pronounced dead. The remaining six crew members have yet to be located, prompting the coast guard to continue its search efforts.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-05 20:08:00