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Putin Meets Trump Envoys for Over Three Hours, No Breakthroughs on Ukraine War Russian President Vladimir Putin met with U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner on September 5 to discuss ways to end the war in Ukraine for over three hours. Both Russia and the U.S. described the talks as "very beneficial" and involving "substantive discussions," but no signs of a breakthrough on key issues emerged.According to Reuters, following the meeting, Yuri Ushakov, a foreign policy advisor to the Kremlin, stated that the U.S. side presented several ideas for resolving the conflict. He noted that discussions went beyond simple exchanges of opinions on the Ukraine crisis, delving into economic issues and potential major mutually beneficial U.S.-Russia projects. He characterized the negotiations as timely and highly beneficial for both sides.However, he also reported that President Putin expressed confidence in the Russian military's "substantial progress" on the battlefield and reiterated the need to address "all root causes" of the conflict to achieve peace. The "root causes" mentioned by Russia include Ukraine's NATO membership and territorial claims over regions in Ukraine.A White House official also told Reuters that the meeting involved "substantive discussions" and that the next steps would be announced within weeks. Witkoff and Kushner left Moscow shortly after the talks and are scheduled to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv on September 6.This visit by the U.S. envoy team is seen as a significant attempt to revive peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine this year. However, substantial differences in positions regarding the end of the war remain.President Putin continues to insist that Ukraine must cede control of four regions claimed by Russia and abandon its NATO membership plans. In contrast, Ukraine maintains that it cannot relinquish territory it has defended at great cost.Meanwhile, as both sides escalate long-range missile and drone attacks, President Putin reportedly ordered Russian forces to halt attacks on Kyiv for three days in light of the U.S. envoy team's visit.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-06 14:40:00 -
Lee heads to France for state visit to deepen strategic cooperation SEOUL, September 06 (AJP) - President Lee Jae Myung left for France on Sunday for a state visit aimed at expanding cooperation in advanced industries and strengthening ties with Europe. The visit comes at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron, who asked Lee during his trip to South Korea in April to co-chair the Lumière Summit, an international film and audiovisual industry gathering in southern France. Lee is scheduled to attend the summit with Macron in Saint-Paul-de-Vence on Monday before traveling to Paris for a two-day state visit beginning Tuesday. Following an official welcoming ceremony, Lee will hold a one-on-one luncheon with Macron at the Élysée Palace, followed by an expanded summit involving delegations from both countries. The two leaders are expected to discuss ways to deepen cooperation in advanced technology sectors including artificial intelligence, space, nuclear energy and biotechnology. Seoul also hopes to expand exchanges involving young people and science and technology, while creating more opportunities for Korean cultural content in the European market. Lee will also attend a Korea-France business roundtable involving more than 20 companies from the two countries and a state dinner hosted by Macron and his wife. The trip comes as South Korea and France mark the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year. His trip is also taking place as search efforts continue in Nepal for nine South Koreans who remain missing following severe flooding. “I will continue to receive updates while in France and make sure that all necessary measures are taken,” Lee said before his departure, adding that he would also carry out his diplomatic responsibilities “for the national interest and future generations.” On the final day of his visit Wednesday, Lee is scheduled to meet French National Assembly President Yaël Braun-Pivet and OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann. He is also expected to hold a luncheon with members of the Korean community in France. 2026-09-06 14:34:16 -
Gmarket Launches First ChatGPT Plugin for Shopping Gmarket is expanding its shopping interface beyond traditional product searches by introducing a generative artificial intelligence (AI) feature.On September 6, Gmarket announced the launch of the 'Gmarket ChatGPT Plugin,' which allows users to explore and receive product recommendations through the ChatGPT platform.Users can log into ChatGPT, select 'Plugins' from the left menu, and enter 'gmarket' in the search bar to connect to the service.This marks the first time a major open market in South Korea has offered direct product exploration and recommendation services within ChatGPT. The plugin connects a wide range of products from Gmarket, including digital goods, electronics, fashion, beauty, groceries, and home and leisure items, to AI shopping.For example, a user can input, 'Recommend a gift set for my parents who love Hanwoo beef, around 200,000 won for Chuseok,' and the AI will suggest products based on the specified criteria such as purpose, price range, and recipient.After reviewing the recommended products, users can navigate to the Gmarket purchase page to complete their transactions. The structure allows for product exploration and recommendations to be conducted by AI, while actual purchases are made through Gmarket.This new feature is also expected to provide sellers with increased exposure for their products, as it allows for visibility beyond traditional portals and shopping platforms to AI-based channels.Gmarket anticipates that the specific presentation of purchasing intentions and conditions will enable more precise recommendations that connect consumer demand with available products.In the future, Gmarket plans to enhance the accuracy of product recommendations based on customer usage patterns and to continuously expand the range of applicable products and categories.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-06 14:32:00
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Space Agency and UN Explore AI Solutions for Space Disaster Response with Experts from 25 Countries The Space Agency announced on September 6 that it will host the '2026 International Space Environment Conference (ISWI)' in collaboration with the United Nations from September 7 to 11 at the Glad Hotel in Yeouido, Seoul. The conference will focus on 'International Cooperation and Capacity Building in Space Environment Using Artificial Intelligence (AI).' It aims to address the risks of space radio disasters caused by solar activity, which can significantly impact national infrastructure such as satellites, aviation, navigation, and power communications, while enhancing collaborative research and capabilities within the international community. More than 200 experts from 25 countries, including major space organizations such as the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), NASA, the Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research in Germany, and the National Space Science Center in China, will participate. The event will feature academic exchanges to share international space environment policies and the latest observation and prediction technologies. Keynote speeches from Germany and the U.S. will kick off the conference, which will include 15 sessions and poster presentations on AI-based space environment prediction technologies. Additionally, practical training on ground observation instruments and AI-based space environment data analysis will be provided for participants from Asia and Africa. Plans for a collaborative system between research and operations to utilize the domestic space environment forecasting and warning system, established under the Third Basic Plan for Space Disaster Management, will also be shared. Oh Tae-seok, head of the Space Agency, stated, "The field of space environment is not only essential for preparing for space radio disasters that threaten global infrastructure and human safety through accurate prediction and analysis of solar activity, but it is also a fundamental area for opening the era of space navigation. Through this event, we will further strengthen international cooperation and collaboration in the field of space environment."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-06 14:28:00
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Son Heung-min Scores and Assists in LAFC's Draw Against Real Salt Lake Son Heung-min, playing for Los Angeles FC (LAFC) in Major League Soccer (MLS), scored for the first time in eight games. However, his team could not break its winless streak.On September 6, LAFC drew 2-2 against Real Salt Lake in a road match at America First Field in Salt Lake City, Utah.Starting the match and playing the full 90 minutes, Son recorded one goal and one assist, bringing his season total to 5 goals and 11 assists in the regular league. In all competitions this season, including the CONCACAF Champions Cup, he has 7 goals and 18 assists.In the 14th minute, Son and Denis Bouanga combined for the opening goal. Son provided a through ball that Bouanga dribbled past defenders before finishing with a right-footed shot.After conceding an equalizer in the 18th minute, Son became the scorer in the 38th minute. Bouanga, cutting in from the left, passed to Son, who calmly finished with a left-footed shot.This marked Son's first goal since August 2, when he played against the Vancouver Whitecaps, resulting in a 1-1 draw.However, LAFC could not maintain its lead, conceding a goal to Noel Caliskan in the 75th minute.In the 87th minute, Son had a golden opportunity to secure a win. He broke through the defense and attempted a shot after rounding the goalkeeper, but was thwarted by a tackle from DeAndre Yedlin, missing the chance for a decisive goal.With the match ending in a 2-2 draw, LAFC extended its winless streak to six games in the regular season (four draws and two losses) and remains in third place in the Western Conference with 37 points (10 wins, 7 draws, and 7 losses).* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-06 14:24:00
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Universal Public Rental Housing to Improve Location and Quality, Key is Affordable Housing Costs The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport has emphasized that for the universal public rental housing, set to be introduced next year, to serve as a safety net for the homeless, it must not only be located in preferred areas with high living standards but also offer affordable deposits and rents.According to the ministry on September 6, the universal public rental housing program aims to provide public rentals at levels comparable to private housing in desirable locations, such as transit-oriented developments in the third phase of new towns and central areas of Seoul, while relaxing income and asset criteria to accommodate a wider range of homeless individuals.Potential supply sites include the S10 block in Wangsuk, Namyangju, the AC2-1 block in Gyeyang, Incheon, and the public complex site in Gyosan, Hanam. The basic residency period is set at six years, but it can be extended based on childbirth and the number of children, allowing families with three or more children to stay for up to 20 years. More than 50% of the total units will be allocated to young people without homes.While existing public rentals primarily target low-income individuals, the universal public rental housing differs by expanding eligibility and improving housing quality to accommodate a broader range of homeless individuals.However, the specific methods for calculating deposits and rents have not yet been disclosed. Even with relaxed entry criteria and improved locations and sizes, if actual housing costs remain high, accessibility for young people and the homeless may decrease.Public rental housing costs can be designed based on surrounding market prices, housing supply costs, and the income of tenants. If linked to market prices, areas with high home and rental prices will see increases in deposits and rents. Even if based on supply costs, rising land and construction costs could lead to higher rents. Differentiating rents based on income could reduce tenant burdens, but would require financial support from the government and public institutions.The long-term lease housing program by the Seoul Housing and Communities Corporation (SH) has a different pricing structure than the universal public rental housing, but it illustrates the potential burdens that can arise when public rentals in desirable locations are linked to market prices. Long-term leases calculate deposits based on the average contract amounts of nearby complexes, meaning that as surrounding rental prices rise, so do the deposits.In the recent eighth recruitment announcement for long-term lease housing (Miril House), the deposit for a 59 square meter unit in Cheongdam, Gangnam, was set at 1.17 billion won, while a 84 square meter unit in Banpo-dong, Seocho-gu, was priced at 1.3884 billion won.In last month's 51st long-term lease housing recruitment announcement, out of a total of 1,381 units, 421 units (30.5%) had deposits exceeding the basic total asset limit of 662 million won applicable to childless households. Additionally, 82 units (5.9%) had deposits of over 1 billion won. Even if the asset criteria are met, significant funds are still required for entry.However, there are concerns about the limits of lowering housing costs while improving location and quality. Lee Eun-hyung, a researcher at the Korea Construction Policy Institute, stated, “In a situation where resources and supply capacity are not infinite, there are limits to providing spacious and high-quality housing at low prices. To recover input costs, a certain level of rent is necessary, making it difficult to simply lower supply prices.”Consequently, there are calls for the public sector to devise ways to reduce supply costs, including land and construction expenses.Kwon Dae-jung, a professor of real estate economics at Hansung University, noted, “Since universal public rental housing is rental housing rather than for sale, we need to consider ways to lower housing costs. Securing affordable land for supply could help reduce rents.” He added, “As costs for rental housing increase, the burden of monthly rents will inevitably rise. It is also crucial for the public sector to find ways to lower costs such as land and construction expenses.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-06 14:12:00
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168 Public Institutions in the Seoul Metropolitan Area: Will Second Relocation Lead to Urban Housing Supply? The government is accelerating the second phase of relocating public institutions, raising interest in whether the remaining facilities and land in the Seoul metropolitan area can be repurposed for new housing. With 168 public institutions headquartered in the metropolitan area, discussions may arise on utilizing vacant land in key locations in Seoul and Gyeonggi for housing once the relocation targets are confirmed.According to the Public Institution Management Information Disclosure System (ALIO) on September 6, 168 of the 355 public institutions nationwide are based in the metropolitan area, accounting for 47.3% of the total.Regionally, there are 130 institutions in Seoul, 29 in Gyeonggi, and 9 in Incheon, with institutions in Seoul making up 77.4% of the metropolitan total.Seoul hosts numerous organizations, including public enterprises like SR and the Korea Airports Corporation, as well as the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), the Korea Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Korea Trade Insurance Corporation, the Korea Development Bank, and the Export-Import Bank of Korea.The core principle of the second phase of public institution relocation, announced by the government on September 3, is to 'minimize remaining institutions in the metropolitan area.'The government plans to reassess the criteria for remaining institutions that were applied during the first phase of relocation, aiming to move those that do not have a compelling reason to stay in the metropolitan area to provincial locations. The government intends to finalize the relocation plan in the fourth quarter of this year and begin relocating leading institutions in 2027.Attention is now focused on how to utilize the metropolitan sites vacated by institutions that move to provincial areas.As the government pushes to expand housing supply in the metropolitan area, public institution sites in transit-oriented developments or urban centers could become viable candidates for housing without the need for large-scale land acquisition. Given the challenges of securing new residential land in Seoul, the mixed-use development of public facilities and vacant land is seen as a potential strategy for increasing urban housing supply.A government official stated, "If there is available land after the relocation of public institutions, discussions about housing supply could certainly be connected," but added, "We are not yet at the stage of related discussions." There is also a precedent for this approach. In a plan announced on January 29 to expand urban housing supply, the government decided to provide 1,500 housing units on the site of the Korea Defense Research Institute and the Korea Economic Development Exhibition Hall in Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul.Additionally, 1,300 housing units will be supplied on the sites of the Korea Administrative Research Institute, the Korea Environmental Industry Technology Institute, the Korea Gender Equality Education Institute, and the Korea Women's Policy Institute in Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul. This plan involves relocating public institutions and supplying a total of 2,800 housing units on the existing sites.As the second phase of relocation gains momentum, there is potential for additional sites to be identified for similar use.One of the candidates mentioned is the Korea National Research Institute located in Bundang-gu, Seongnam, which is close to Pangyo Techno Valley and has a relatively large site. If it is included in the actual relocation targets, discussions on land utilization may follow.Industry insiders noted, "Not all 168 public institutions in the metropolitan area will relocate, and even if they do, not all sites can be used for housing. Institutions in leased buildings will not generate available land, and existing sites must be evaluated based on size, zoning, and transportation and educational infrastructure." 2026-09-06 14:12:00
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Lotte Engineering Wins Contract for Dogok Woosung Reconstruction, Surpassing 4 Trillion Won in Urban Renewal Projects Lotte Engineering announced on September 6 that it has been selected as the construction company for the Dogok Woosung Apartment reconstruction project in Gangnam, Seoul.The reconstruction will transform the existing complex into a six-story underground and 26-story above-ground structure, comprising four buildings with a total of 566 units. Additional community facilities will also be developed. The total construction cost is estimated at 400.2 billion won.Lotte Engineering proposed the name 'Dogok Leel' for the complex, incorporating its high-end residential brand. The company plans to collaborate with the global architectural firm JERDE to enhance the exterior design.Community amenities will include a sky lounge with views of Lotte World Tower, Daemosan, and the Gangnam city center, as well as landscaped areas featuring walking paths, grassy plazas, and gardens that harmonize with nature.With this contract, Lotte Engineering's total urban renewal project contracts for the year have increased to six, totaling 4.1 trillion won. Major projects include the redevelopment of the Seongsu Strategic Maintenance Zone District 4 (1.3492 trillion won), public redevelopment in Anyang's Chungunbu area (756.7 billion won), redevelopment of the Geumho 21 district (624.2 billion won), reconstruction of the Garak Geukdong Apartments (484 billion won), and reconstruction of the Yongho District 3 in Changwon (396.7 billion won).Notably, the total contract amount for projects in Seoul, including Dogok Woosung, stands at 2.8576 trillion won, accounting for 71.2% of the overall contracts. Among these, the Seongsu Strategic Maintenance Zone District 4 represents the largest share at 33.6% of the total contract performance.Following the Dogok Woosung contract, Lotte Engineering plans to pursue additional projects in the Gangnam area and Mokdong, as well as a mixed-use public housing project near the Aksu Station and a public redevelopment project in the Myeonmok 9 district.A Lotte Engineering official stated, "Based on our accumulated construction capabilities and project experience, we plan to complete the Dogok Woosung Apartment as a landmark residential complex representing Gangnam."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-06 13:44:10
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Jung Jeom-sik Questions Ministerial Nominee Yong Hye-in's Alleged Underworld Ties Jung Jeom-sik, the floor leader of the People Power Party, criticized on September 6 the allegations surrounding Yong Hye-in, the nominee for Minister of Gender Equality and Family, regarding her supposed connections to an "underworld" organization. He stated that the upcoming confirmation hearing would not be about Yong Hye-in but rather a "hearing on the Kim Gil-o underworld organization." He urged Yong to resign from both her ministerial nomination and her position as a lawmaker.In a post on his Facebook page, Jung remarked, "Yong is merely a political product presented by the underworld organization. There are growing suspicions that an underworld organization centered around Kim is operating behind the scenes."He further questioned whether President Yoon Suk-yeol's past decision to grant Yong a second opportunity as a proportional representative and now a chance to serve as Minister of Gender Equality and Family was aimed at supporting the underworld organization.Jung also referenced allegations that Kim Hyun-ji, the chief of the presidential office's first secretariat and a close aide to the president, was involved in the appointments. He stated, "Kim, who is believed to have orchestrated all these appointments, remains shrouded in secrecy, creating a true triangle of mystery involving Yong Hye-in, Kim Gil-o, and Kim Hyun-ji."He concluded that the confirmation hearing, which he believes will focus on the underworld organization, should not take place. Instead, he suggested that nominating Kim, the actual head of the underworld, for the ministerial position would be a more transparent choice. He reiterated that Yong should resign from both her ministerial nomination and her parliamentary role.Jung emphasized, "The public did not vote for the Democratic Party to provide government subsidies to a cult-like underworld organization."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-06 13:44:00
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The Forest Has Swallowed the Path: Memories of Life on Mount Hwaak "People used to walk here all the time," said 64-year-old Kil Bong-soon, pointing beyond the thicket on September 5 in the northern foothills of Mount Hwaak in Hwacheon County, Gangwon Province. Before her, there was no visible path; brush and weeds had overtaken the area, and old trees loomed overhead. Without Kil's guidance, it would be hard to recognize that this was once a well-trodden route.However, Kil's memories are not the only remnants of the past. According to the National Archives, the forest management project began in the mid-1960s in Gangwon Province, with a focus on relocating and settling forest dwellers in the 1970s.Records related to the Samil Branch School indicate that it was established in 1954 but closed in 1995 due to declining student numbers, which were attributed to the "eviction of forest dwellers in the 1970s." This intersection of local memories and historical records highlights the impact of these changes.As Kil led the way along the old logging road, she recalled, "It used to be a footpath where people gathered wild greens and herbs." The path I walked on was the same location she remembered, but it looked different now. Where people once walked, grass had grown, and trees had taken root in their absence.Deeper into the woods, birch trees appeared, their orderly planting evident, yet they were now intertwined with underbrush and weeds. Kil noted, "The birch trees line both sides of the road, providing good shade and keeping it cool even in summer."As the sound of vehicles faded, the sound of water flowing could be heard from beyond the thicket. Water cascaded down the sloped rocks. "The water flows over the rocks, looking like a dragon moving," Kil remarked.The flow was not substantial, and the dense foliage made it difficult to see the entire waterway. Kil recalled that there were more such streams deeper within Mount Hwaak, but precise locations and details would require further investigation.What captivated me during the interview was not just the waterway itself but the stories Kil shared each time she paused. In her memories, Mount Hwaak was once frequented by many more people.She recounted how residents would traverse the mountain to gather wild greens and herbs, and that logging activities also took place. Some locals even cultivated crops like potatoes.The backdrop to these memories is the forest management project initiated by the government in the 1960s and intensified in the 1970s. Records from the National Archives confirm that efforts were made to settle and relocate forest dwellers during this period.Local records regarding the Samil Branch School also indicate that the eviction of forest dwellers was a significant factor in the decline of student numbers, suggesting that the forest management project affected the lives of Samil residents. However, this investigation did not uncover specific administrative records detailing where forest dwellers lived in the northern foothills of Mount Hwaak or how and when they relocated.Listening to Kil's explanations, I looked around again. There were no houses or fields in sight, just trees. Without someone to tell me, it would be hard to guess that people once used this mountain as a living space.As we continued walking, Kil pointed out the directions where people used to travel. Yet, following her finger, I found mostly forest. As the paths disappeared, so too did the memories.The northern foothills of Mount Hwaak do not only hold the promise of new scenic views. They also preserve the history of where footpaths once existed, the routes people took, and what they cultivated and foraged from the mountain.Old place names, mountain paths, and the practices of gathering wild greens and herbs do not remain in visible forms like buildings. If we investigate the oral histories of residents who remember that time, along with administrative documents and old maps, we could reconstruct the living history of the northern foothills of Mount Hwaak more concretely.After concluding the interview, I headed back toward the Hwaak Tunnel. Looking back, the mountain I had just walked seemed like an ordinary forest again. But for Kil, it was not just a forest. There were paths once walked, fields once tended, and the lives of people who moved through the mountain in search of sustenance.Most of those traces are now hidden beneath trees and grass. Kil gazed at the mountain and said, "People used to walk here all the time." The path has nearly vanished, but those who remember it still remain.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-06 13:40:00