Producer Klozer set to release first full-length album SEOUL, June 4 (AJP) - South Korean producer and artist Klozer is set to release his first full-length album on Thursday, according to distributor Danal Entertainment. The 10-track eponymous album is scheduled to be available on AURORA, Danal Entertainment’s global music distribution platform, as well as other music streaming sites. All songs on the album were written and composed by Klozer. The title track, "More Than Expected," features Babylon and Newaile. The R&B soul track was written and composed by Klozer, Kangta, a former member of K-pop group H.O.T., Youngjun, Babylon and Newaile. The album also includes "Falling," featuring Kim Won-jun; "Only for a While," featuring Dmeanor; "YUSE," featuring Jin Hyo-jung; "Watermelon," featuring Byeol Eun; and "Once Again." Previously released tracks "Lowkey," featuring Lee Ba-da; "Waiting for You," featuring Danny Koo; and "Walking on Snow," featuring Yoo Seong-eun, are also included on the album. Klozer has worked as a producer on projects including Danny Koo's "Danny Sings" and Baek Z Young's "Ordinary Grace." He has also collaborated with K-pop groups CNBLUE and TVXQ, as well as artists including Taeyeon, Doyoung, Ben and Hwang Ga-ram. 2026-06-04 15:29:09

Coinone Partners with Hanwha Investment & OKX to Expand Digital Finance Coinone is taking steps to secure its position in the future digital finance market by attracting strategic investments from Hanwha Investment & Securities and global cryptocurrency exchange OKX. The company aims to evolve from a simple cryptocurrency exchange into a comprehensive financial platform that encompasses next-generation digital asset markets, including token securities (STO) and stablecoins. On June 4, Cha Myung-hoon, CEO of Coinone, held a joint press conference at the company's headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, stating, "This investment goes beyond mere financial investment; it lays the groundwork for establishing the digital asset industry as a trusted institutional sector among the public and authorities. We aim to grow into a comprehensive financial company based on blockchain technology, surpassing the traditional cryptocurrency exchange model." Previously, Hanwha Investment & Securities and OKX Ventures each secured a 20% stake in Coinone, making them joint third-largest shareholders alongside Cha (30.36%) and Com2us Holdings (24.54%). Cha noted, "Even with new shareholders participating in the board to discuss major decisions, I will maintain over 30% ownership, ensuring continuity and stability in management." Hanwha Investment & Securities emphasized that this investment is a strategic investment (SI) rather than just a financial investment (FI). Kim Sung-hwan, CEO of Hanwha Investment & Securities, explained, "As the institutionalization of digital assets like token securities and stablecoins accelerates, the market will shift from simple trading competition to a focus on new financial services. We decided on a strategic investment to secure a hub connecting traditional finance and digital assets." Regarding the choice of Coinone over larger exchanges like Upbit and Bithumb, Kim stated, "We did not solely consider trading volume or market share. Coinone has not experienced a single security incident since its establishment and has a proven blockchain infrastructure." OKX plans to provide Coinone with global infrastructure and technological support. Star Xu, Founder and CEO of OKX, remarked, "Leveraging the technology, security, and risk management expertise accumulated over 13 years of operating a global exchange, we will support Coinone in becoming a safer and more trusted platform." Existing major shareholder Com2us Holdings played a bridging role in this investment process. Song Byung-jun, Chairman of Com2us Holdings, stated, "To respond to the rapidly changing digital finance environment, we redesigned the shareholder structure with Coinone. The combination of Hanwha Investment & Securities' financial expertise and OKX's global network has laid the foundation for Coinone to take a significant leap forward." Coinone emphasized the significance of collaboration among top-tier companies in various fields. Cha stated, "We will build a digital finance ecosystem that combines the trust of traditional finance, global technological capabilities, and content and IT expertise. In the long term, we aim to evolve into a global comprehensive digital financial platform."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-04 15:27:00

Homeplus to Close 37 Stores Nationwide, Affecting Around 1,500 Employees Homeplus has decided to permanently close 37 stores across the country that were previously temporarily shut down.On June 4, the company informed the Homeplus branch of the Mart Industry Labor Union and the general union that it would close the 37 stores that had been on hiatus since May 10. Initially, the suspension was set to last until June 3, but the decision to close was influenced by the company's restructuring process and financial situation.As part of this closure, Homeplus plans to implement a restructuring support program for the employees at the affected stores. Employees at the managerial level and above will be offered voluntary retirement, although those with less than six months until retirement will not be eligible. Employees below the managerial level will receive support under an employment stability agreement between the labor and management.However, the actual disbursement of support funds remains uncertain. Homeplus stated that the voluntary retirement and support programs would only be applicable if creditors agree to provide emergency operating funds and extend the restructuring process due to the depletion of operational funds. Therefore, it is unclear whether employees will actually receive their retirement or employment stability payments.According to the labor union, approximately 3,500 employees work at the 37 stores, with around 1,500 eligible for voluntary retirement.Meanwhile, the deadline for approving Homeplus's restructuring plan, which entered corporate rehabilitation proceedings in March of last year, is set for July 3. Recently, the company has put its remaining business segments, including its headquarters and online and large store operations, up for sale.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-04 15:27:00

South Korea Launches 2045 Science and Technology Frontier Strategy The Ministry of Science and ICT is preparing a national science and technology blueprint aimed at the 100th anniversary of Korea's liberation in 2045. The initiative focuses on securing technological sovereignty for South Korea and aims to elevate the country to a leading position in science and technology (G3) by establishing the '2045 Science and Technology Frontier Strategy,' centered on future strategic technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), quantum, and biotechnology. On June 4, the Ministry held the inauguration ceremony for the '2045 Science and Technology Frontier Strategy Committee' and its first general meeting at the President Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul. The 2045 Science and Technology Frontier Strategy is a long-term national strategy aimed at advancing South Korea to a G3 status in science and technology. It will develop detailed strategies specialized in the science and technology sector, linked to the 'Korea 2045 National Development Strategy.' Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Science and ICT Baek Beom-kyu stated, "This is a critical time to reflect on how we view science and technology and how we should live in the future. Through this committee, we will discuss not only AI but also how science and technology will change the world in 20 years." To establish the strategy, the Ministry has launched a strategy committee consisting of a general committee and eight subcommittees. The general committee is co-chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Baek and Lee Kwang-hyung, President of the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST). The subcommittees focus on eight areas: future design, superintelligence and hyperconnectivity, life and medical sciences, climate, environment and energy, future mobility, space and deep-sea exploration, future materials and manufacturing, and innovation policy. Experts from academia, industry, and research, along with young researchers and science fiction writers, will participate in identifying future technological agendas and supporting strategy development. During the inauguration ceremony, the timeline and direction for developing the 2045 Frontier Strategy were revealed. Jeong Il-young, a researcher at the Science and Technology Policy Institute (STEPI), noted, "We have moved beyond an era where a catch-up growth strategy was effective; now is the time for us to transition into a leading country that designs its own future." Consequently, this strategy will deviate from the traditional approach of relying on a single future vision. Instead, it will derive multiple future scenarios and combine future forecasting with reverse engineering to validate feasibility. The strategy development will proceed in a four-stage cyclical structure: designing future visions, identifying science and technology challenges, setting directions for frontier organizations and research and development (R&D), and proposing improvements to the national science and technology system. The subsequent open discussion covered various topics, including space data centers, investment in young researchers, and scientific talent. Park Soo-bin, the youngest member of the committee and a graduate student at Yonsei University, emphasized the need for investment in basic sciences. She remarked, "As we prepare for 2045, we should reflect on what thoughts guided us in 2006 to prepare for 2026. Just as fields like quantum and AI have become central, continuous investment in basic sciences is essential." Following this inauguration, the Ministry plans to fully operate each subcommittee. Based on this groundwork, it aims to identify science and technology challenges in the third quarter and prepare a list of frontier technologies and a draft strategy in the fourth quarter. A public hearing is scheduled for the first quarter of 2027, with the final strategy to be announced in the second quarter. Deputy Prime Minister Baek emphasized, "By 2045, the 100th anniversary of our liberation, South Korea should no longer be a follower of advanced nations but should firmly establish its technological sovereignty and position itself as a science and technology powerhouse contributing to human progress." He added, "We will do our utmost to prepare for the next 20 years of South Korea's science and technology by gathering the wisdom of top experts in each field."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-04 15:24:00

Government to Address Delays in Arts Activity Certification Processing The South Korean government is taking steps to address delays in processing the Arts Activity Certification, a crucial system for supporting artists. With a surge in applications leading to significant backlogs, officials plan to enhance efficiency through staff expansion and the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. During a meeting on June 4 at the Seoul Square Arts Welfare Foundation, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Choi Hwi-young stated, "We will seek to improve the efficiency of the Arts Activity Certification system while adapting flexibly to the changes of the times." Choi emphasized that the certification serves as a vital safety net for artists, allowing them to focus on their creative work with pride. He noted, "It is essential to ensure the fairness of the system and gain the trust and understanding of the arts community, as it underpins various welfare support programs." He acknowledged the challenges posed by lengthy processing times, burdensome documentation requirements, unclear evaluation criteria, and disconnects with the field. The Arts Activity Certification is a system that assesses whether artists are engaged in full-time creative activities. It is a prerequisite for applying for various welfare programs, including living stability loans and industrial accident insurance support. Without this certification, artists cannot apply for public support programs, directly impacting their livelihoods. Recently, controversies arose regarding evaluation standards, highlighted by the case of bestselling author Park Sang-young, whose application was rejected five times. Additionally, the typical processing time of two to three months has drawn criticism, as many artists find themselves in a welfare gap. This year, the expiration of certifications that were automatically extended for up to three years during the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a spike in applications. According to the Arts Welfare Foundation, over 67,000 applications had been submitted by May, already surpassing last year's total of 66,000. The foundation anticipates that the total number of applications for the year will exceed 130,000. Park Do-won, the team leader responsible for the Arts Activity Certification, explained, "During the pandemic, the validity period was extended for up to three years, and now we are seeing a surge as those certifications expire. We expect this level of applications to continue annually." A significant challenge remains the shortage of personnel. Currently, only ten staff members, including both full-time and part-time employees, are dedicated to this work. Although the government has recently hired eight additional short-term staff through a supplementary budget, they will require training and adjustment time. Jeong Yong-wook, head of the Arts Welfare Foundation, noted, "Thanks to the efforts of our team and the entire organization, we have reduced processing times from a maximum of 13 weeks to about eight weeks. We plan to further improve this duration." Since the beginning of the year, the government has been operating a task force to improve the Arts Activity Certification system, exploring options such as relaxing evaluation criteria, enhancing administrative efficiency, and incorporating AI. A study is also underway to overhaul the system, with findings on administrative efficiency measures, including the introduction of AI-assisted evaluation systems, expected to be released by the end of October. Minister Choi emphasized the need for various improvements, stating, "We must enhance the system through staff reinforcement and the introduction of new technologies, ensuring that the system itself is trusted and that staff feel a sense of fulfillment in their work."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-04 15:24:00

Election Commission Apologizes for Ballot Shortage Amid Ongoing Protests The National Election Commission (NEC) issued a public apology for an unprecedented ballot shortage that prevented voters from casting their votes during the June 3 local elections. Despite the apology, conservative groups have continued to protest outside the NEC headquarters since the previous night, and several top officials have been reported to authorities. On June 4, conservative groups gathered outside the NEC office in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province, to express their outrage over the ballot shortage that occurred during the election. Among the protesters was Jeon Han-gil, a lecturer who has long claimed election fraud. He led hundreds of demonstrators in a protest demanding the election be declared invalid. Jeon claimed over a microphone that evidence of election fraud was rampant across the country, while protesters waving South Korean and American flags chanted slogans such as "Election Fraud Legislative Dictatorship," "Declare the Election Invalid," and "Stop the Counting," demanding access to the NEC's main entrance. Other notable figures at the protest included PD Lee Yong-don, Professor Moss Tan from Liberty University in the U.S., and Hwang Kyo-ahn, head of the Liberty and Innovation Party. As daylight broke, some protesters left, but Jeon and others remained at the NEC's main entrance, confronting police who had deployed over 300 officers, including riot police, in anticipation of potential unrest. Complaints have also been filed against key NEC officials. The conservative civic group, the People's Livelihood Countermeasure Committee, reported NEC Chairman Noh Tae-ak, Secretary General Heo Cheol-hoon, Seoul Election Commission Chairman Oh Min-seok, and others to the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency for abuse of power and neglect of duty. The committee stated, "Depriving citizens of their right to vote undermines and destroys the foundations of liberal democracy," and called for a suspension of the counting process and a national audit until the issue is resolved. Civic group Participation Solidarity also issued a statement criticizing the NEC for its lax management of election procedures, which led to a fundamental infringement of voters' rights. They emphasized that the NEC's excuses were unacceptable given the anticipated increase in voter turnout due to early voting. They called for a thorough investigation to clarify how such a shocking situation occurred and to hold those responsible accountable. Despite ongoing complaints and protests from civic groups, the NEC has firmly stated that there will be no re-election. In a statement, the NEC explained that the ballot shortage at some polling stations on election day does not constitute grounds for postponement or re-election under the Public Election Act. They pledged to make every effort to investigate the matter and implement measures to prevent a recurrence once the counting process is complete. Secretary General Heo also expressed deep regret, stating, "We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused to citizens who came to exercise their precious right to vote and for undermining public trust in fair election management. The NEC recognizes the seriousness of this issue and will accurately identify the causes and problems behind the ballot shortages at certain polling stations and establish preventive measures immediately after the counting concludes." On June 3, some polling stations in Gangnam, Gwangjin, and Songpa districts of Seoul experienced ballot shortages, leading to disruptions in voting. In some locations, voting was halted around 4:10 PM, and voters were issued waiting numbers. The NEC later confirmed that 14 polling stations (12 in Songpa, 1 in Gangnam, and 1 in Gwangjin) were affected by the ballot shortage. However, the People Power Party claimed that ballot shortages also occurred at some polling stations in Incheon’s Yeonsu District and Dongtan District in Gyeonggi Province.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-04 15:12:00

Farmers' Cooperative Invests $882 Million to Support Onion Prices Amid Decline Recently, as onion prices have plummeted, the National Agricultural Cooperative Federation (NACF) announced on June 4 that it will invest 882 billion won (approximately $682 million) to implement additional purchases and loss compensation measures for farmers.According to the NACF, the wholesale price of onions at Garak Market last month was 570 won per kilogram, a 30% decrease from 812 won during the same period last year. In response, the NACF is rolling out support measures ahead of the peak shipping season for mid-late season onions to stabilize farmers' operations.To facilitate additional purchases of onions from local cooperatives, the NACF will allocate 800 billion won in special interest-free funds and focus on supporting packaging and sorting operations.Additionally, a 32 billion won loss compensation program will be implemented. If the market price of onions shipped through the NACF falls below the standard price, farmers will receive up to 200 won per kilogram in support. Cooperatives participating in joint marketing will also receive compensation of 50 to 150 won per kilogram for incurred losses.The NACF plans to promote onion consumption through a 24 billion won initiative utilizing its nationwide distribution network. This includes large discount events at Hanaro Mart, providing onion juice at NACF financial branches as cooling stations, distributing onions to customers at NACF gas stations, enhancing sales at direct agricultural markets, and increasing supply to military units.Kang Ho-dong, Chairman of the NACF, stated, "The ongoing price weakness due to increased onion supply this year has significantly impacted farmers. The NACF will mobilize all its resources to ensure that the onions cultivated by farmers receive fair prices."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-04 15:12:00

Kia begins production of hybrid version of Sportage SUV at Georgia plant SEOUL, June 4 (AJP) - Kia has begun production of the hybrid version of its Sportage SUV at a plant in Georgia, U.S., marking the first Kia model and first hybrid vehicle in the plant's lineup, the automaker said on Thursday. Kia America and Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) held a ceremony at the Ellabell, Georgia, plant on Tuesday to mark the start of production, with the first vehicle produced there brought onto the stage by an autonomous parking robot. The Sportage is the third model to be built at HMGMA, following Hyundai's Ioniq series of electric vehicles. Kia said the addition expands the plant's scope to cover both electric and hybrid vehicles. The start of production gives Kia more capacity to serve the U.S. SUV market and supports its broader push to electrify its lineup in North America. Kia plans to combine production capacity at HMGMA with its existing plant in West Point, Georgia, to secure annual production capacity of up to 550,000 vehicles by 2030. Tuesday's ceremony was attended by Georgia governor Brian Kemp, Kia North America and Kia America President and CEO Yoon Seung-kyu, HMGMA CEO Tony Heo, Korean Consul General in Atlanta Lee Jun-ho, and other employees. Kemp said HMGMA has built a strong team since production began in 2025 and is now adding another vehicle for customers across the country. Yoon said the Metaplant represents Kia's second major investment in Georgia and reflects the company's view of the state as a growing automotive manufacturing center. "The Sportage, which received product upgrades last year, is one of Kia's best-selling models," Yoon said. "Production at the Metaplant is expected to further strengthen Kia's growth in the U.S." Heo said the plant was able to prepare for its first hybrid and first Kia model through its flexible production system and manufacturing capabilities. 2026-06-04 15:10:31

President Lee Emphasizes Cooperation with New Local Governments President Lee Jae-myung stated on June 4 that with the elections concluded, the political sphere must unite to focus on improving the livelihoods of citizens, achieving regional balanced development, and fostering national unity.During a senior secretary meeting at the Blue House, President Lee congratulated those who were elected and offered condolences to those who faced disappointing results.Wearing a tie featuring blue, red, and white colors to symbolize unity, President Lee emphasized, "Regardless of the competition during the election, all parties must work together as partners to protect the lives of the people and build a better future for the nation." He pledged that the government would humbly respect the will of the people expressed in the local elections and actively cooperate with newly elected local governments, regardless of their political affiliations.He added, "We will gather the hearts of all citizens and devote our efforts to advancing their lives and the development of South Korea."President Lee noted that today marks the beginning of the second year of his administration, stating, "All public officials must tighten their shoelaces and focus their efforts on accelerating government policy implementation."However, he expressed significant regret regarding the shortage of voting papers that occurred in some areas of the capital region during the June 3 local elections. He remarked, "It is deeply regrettable that there were unacceptable gaps in election management, which should be thorough in a democratic republic."He pointed out, "All state agencies have a duty to ensure that there are no gaps in the process of exercising the sacred right to vote. Unfortunately, residents in some areas of Seoul experienced significant confusion and inconvenience due to the lack of voting papers."President Lee emphasized that relevant authorities must use all the powers and responsibilities of the executive branch to clarify the reasons for the issues that arose and hold accountable those who should be responsible.Additionally, regarding disaster prevention and safety measures for the summer season, he urged, "We must mobilize all available resources to prevent disasters such as heatstroke, flooding, landslides, and collapses of retaining walls, which often lead to significant casualties in summer." He called for thorough inspections of high-risk areas, including construction sites and aging public facilities.He also directed that improvements to break areas for facility management workers, such as security and cleaning staff, be reflected in public institution evaluations. President Lee noted, "While the right to rest for facility management workers is legally guaranteed, the actual situation on the ground remains inadequate. All central and local governments, as well as public institutions, must expedite improvements to these facilities and reflect the results in their evaluations."He added, "I urge the upcoming ninth local governments to pay special attention to this matter and ensure that the basic rights of those who quietly support the lives of citizens in unseen ways are guaranteed." 2026-06-04 15:09:00

Korean Beef Promotion Agency Promotes Beef Jerky on Jerky Day The Korean Beef Promotion Agency launched a campaign to promote Korean beef jerky on June 4, coinciding with Jerky Day. According to the agency, Jerky Day is a unique food industry celebration derived from the pronunciation of the numbers 6 (육) and 4 (포). As the trend of "healthy pleasure" gains traction, beef jerky is increasingly recognized as a convenient snack for protein supplementation, moving beyond its traditional role as a drinking companion. The agency is actively promoting the idea that Korean beef jerky is an ideal food for nutrition before and after outdoor activities and exercise. With the rise in hiking and camping activities, the advantages of beef jerky become even more apparent. It is individually packaged for easy consumption without cooking and requires minimal refrigeration, making it convenient to carry. Its compact size is also beneficial for hiking and camping. Nutritionally, Korean beef jerky is competitive. A 30-gram bag contains about 13 grams of protein, equivalent to a typical protein bar, while only providing 98 calories and 3 grams of fat, making it an easy option for protein supplementation around workouts. The animal protein in Korean beef is well-balanced with essential amino acids, which can aid in muscle maintenance and growth. It also contains various nutrients such as zinc, iron, and B vitamins, contributing to normal energy metabolism and bodily functions. Trust in the ingredients is another differentiating factor for Korean beef jerky. It is made from cattle raised and processed under strict standards, preserving its rich flavor and umami, with a tender texture that appeals to a wide range of ages. Min Kyung-cheon, chairman of the Korean Beef Promotion Agency, stated, "On Jerky Day, we aim to widely promote the value of Korean beef jerky, which combines taste, nutrition, and convenience. As outdoor activities and exercise increase, we hope people enjoy a healthy and vibrant summer with Korean beef jerky, which provides easy nutrition without the hassle of cooking or storage."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-04 15:06:00