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  • KOTRA Hosts Korea-China Robot Week in Beijing
    KOTRA Hosts Korea-China Robot Week in Beijing The Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) announced on August 20 that it is hosting the 'Korea-China Robot Week' in Beijing, in collaboration with the Global Innovation Center (KIC China), a nonprofit organization. The event will run until August 21.KIC China operates under a global cooperation program from the Ministry of Science and ICT and the National Research Foundation of Korea. Twelve domestic robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) companies with proprietary component and control software technologies are participating, engaging in exhibitions, technical presentations, one-on-one consultations, networking events, and industry tours.The event is linked to the 'World Robot Conference (WRC),' which will continue until August 23. Korean companies are seizing opportunities to establish practical sales channels by connecting with numerous overseas buyers.The event has attracted significant interest from local buyers, featuring companies recognized for their outstanding technology, including those awarded at this year's CES Innovation Awards and global research institutions. Participants reported gaining confidence in expanding overseas and understanding specific buyer requirements as key achievements.During the program, participating companies showcased their technologies to over 80 Chinese robotics firms and investment institutions. In addition to 72 pre-arranged consultations, additional on-site meetings facilitated discussions on purchasing, joint development, and investment opportunities.Under the 'K-Team' collaboration framework between KOTRA and KIC China, support was provided in a one-stop manner, from recruiting companies to arranging one-on-one consultations and networking.Jang Sang-hae, head of KOTRA's China Regional Headquarters, stated, "It is important to directly observe the rapidly growing Chinese robotics market. I hope that domestic companies will use this participation as an opportunity to grasp market trends and enhance their competitiveness." 2026-08-20 16:04:00
  • Vietnam Advances to ASEAN Cup Final with Undefeated Record
    Vietnam Advances to ASEAN Cup Final with Undefeated Record The Vietnam national football team, led by coach Kim Sang-sik, has advanced to the final of the 2026 ASEAN Modern Cup after defeating Malaysia. Vietnam recorded five wins and one draw across six matches from the group stage to the semifinals and will face Thailand for the championship on the 22nd and 26th.According to local media reports on the night of the 19th, Vietnam secured a 2-0 victory over Malaysia in the second leg of the semifinals held at Hanoi's My Dinh Stadium. After winning the first leg by the same score, Vietnam confirmed their place in the final with an aggregate score of 4-0.Vietnam dominated the flow of the game in the second leg, particularly after Nguyen Suan Son, who was substituted in the 58th minute, scored both goals to lead the team to victory.After the match, Suan Son stated, "There is no special message. What I want is to contribute to the team's victory. I play for the team, and whether the coach gives me 30 minutes or 90 minutes, I will give my best effort."Vietnam's Undefeated Journey to the Final Focuses on RecoveryCoach Kim expressed his honor and joy in leading Vietnam to the final against Thailand once again. He noted that the players showed improved performance in the second leg compared to the first and overcame previous shortcomings. With only one day of rest and training, he made some positional changes to maintain the players' stamina.Kim emphasized that recovering the players' fitness is the top priority following their advancement to the final. Given that the final matches are scheduled just two days apart, managing stamina will be crucial. He is analyzing Thailand's gameplay but stressed that restoring the players' condition is paramount with limited time remaining.Kim also positively assessed the competition among the attacking players, including Suan Son and Nguyen Dinh Bac. He expressed hope that Suan Son would score three goals in the two final matches against Thailand. Regarding Dinh Bac, he noted the player's youth and good condition, indicating he may be utilized in the final, although he mentioned that more activity is needed defensively compared to their offensive capabilities.Vietnamese Public's Mixed Expectations Ahead of the FinalVietnam remains the only undefeated team in the tournament, with five wins and one draw from six matches. Their offensive prowess is notable, having scored 17 goals, the highest in the tournament, while conceding only one goal, the fewest allowed.Thailand ranks second in scoring with 14 goals. They passed the group stage without conceding a goal but exchanged wins and losses against Singapore in the semifinals, allowing three goals.In Vietnam, excitement is building over the team's advancement to the final, especially after Suan Son, returning from injury, scored two goals after being substituted in the second leg of the semifinals, raising hopes for the final against Thailand.However, some fans have expressed concerns about player selections and offensive strategies ahead of the final. There are calls to enhance the attacking effectiveness before the championship match. Overall, the prevailing sentiment is one of optimism regarding the national team's stable performance throughout their undefeated run.Vietnam will face Thailand for the ASEAN Cup title on the 22nd and 26th. This marks the fourth time the two teams will meet in the final, with Vietnam aiming for a second consecutive championship, bolstered by Suan Son's offensive strength.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-20 16:00:10
  • Samyang Biopharms mRNA Cancer Vaccine Delivery System Research Published in International Journal
    Samyang Biopharm's mRNA Cancer Vaccine Delivery System Research Published in International Journal Samyang Biopharm announced that the results of its non-clinical research on the messenger RNA (mRNA) cancer vaccine delivery system, 'NanoReady,' have been published in an international journal.The company revealed on August 20 that a research paper on NanoReady, one of its proprietary gene delivery platforms called 'SENS (Selectivity Enabling Nano Shell),' was featured in the 'Journal of Controlled Release,' a leading journal in the field of drug delivery and formulation technology.The paper is titled 'NanoReady: A ready-made DC-selective delivery platform for personalized mRNA cancer vaccines with strong NHP immunogenicity.' It was selected as a cover article due to its originality and academic value.NanoReady is a nanoparticle-based gene delivery system created by combining lipids and biodegradable polymers developed by Samyang Biopharm. It is characterized by its ability to selectively deliver mRNA to dendritic cells in the spleen, which are responsible for immune function.Notably, the delivery system can be manufactured and stored separately from the mRNA. Once mRNA containing antigen information tailored to individual cancer characteristics is prepared, it can be mixed with NanoReady to produce a personalized mRNA cancer vaccine.According to Samyang Biopharm, unlike conventional lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) widely used for mRNA delivery, NanoReady is designed with a multilayer structure. It can carry approximately 20 times more mRNA per particle than LNPs, thereby inducing a stronger immune response from T cells that attack cancer cells.The safety of repeated administration is also highlighted as a key differentiator. Samyang Biopharm explained that PEG-lipids and PC series auxiliary lipids used in LNPs may promote the removal of particles from the body during repeated administration or cause hypersensitivity reactions depending on dosage and administration methods.In contrast, NanoReady is designed to be suitable for repeated administration by optimizing its composition without using PEG-lipids and PC series auxiliary lipids. Since cancer vaccines may require multiple doses during treatment, the safety of repeated administration is a crucial factor.In non-human primate (NHP) experiments, the administration of NanoReady loaded with cancer antigen mRNA showed that the delivery system selectively transported the antigen mRNA to spleen cells and induced T cell immune responses against the cancer antigen. Comprehensive evaluations, including blood and tissue tests after repeated administration, did not reveal any systemic toxicity.Samyang Biopharm plans to continue publishing research results on SENS-based delivery systems that can be applied to preventive vaccines and treatments for liver and lung diseases.Additionally, the company aims to explore next-generation therapeutic pipelines utilizing the SENS platform for in vivo CAR-T therapies, central nervous system (CNS) targeted therapies, and new RNA cargo areas.A representative from Samyang Biopharm stated, 'The results of this research support that NanoReady is a platform that can be applied to various mRNA candidates beyond a research-stage delivery system. We will focus on expanding platform-based business through the follow-up development of our own mRNA cancer vaccine pipeline, as well as global technology transfers and joint drug development.'* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-20 16:00:00
  • Nexon to Invest Up to 250 Billion Won in Game Startups for IP Development
    Nexon to Invest Up to 250 Billion Won in Game Startups for IP Development Nexon is launching a long-term investment program of up to 250 billion won to discover early intellectual property (IP) from game startups and new developers. The initiative will involve collaboration with the government and specialized venture capital (VC) firms to provide funding from the early stages and continue with additional investments for global market entry.On August 20, Nexon announced the launch of a long-term investment program aimed at supporting early-stage developers and new IPs, in partnership with the government and game-focused VCs. This investment is intended to secure Nexon's future growth drivers while assisting domestic game startups in securing funding.The investment targets include new IPs with global expansion potential, next-generation live service games based on user acquisition marketing, and developers utilizing AI technology. Nexon plans to inject scale-up funds directly when developers transition from early stages to global live services and marketing, particularly around closed beta testing (CBT).Nexon Partners, Nexon's investment subsidiary, and Kona Venture Partners, a game-focused VC, are participating in the investment structure. The two firms have launched the 'Kona Global IP Investment Fund' with a total size of 120 billion won, which includes 60 billion won from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism's IP fund.Roles in the investment stages are divided, with Kona Venture Partners responsible for discovering and nurturing early-stage companies from seed to Series A, while Nexon Partners will co-invest in some Series A rounds and participate as direct investors in subsequent stages.Game startups often require additional funding as they move from early development to closed beta testing (CBT), open beta testing (OBT), and scaling up for launch. Nexon aims to expand funding for companies in the so-called 'death valley' phase through a structure that allows for follow-up investments after initial funding.Nexon has chosen an 'open ecosystem' approach for this investment, meaning that the funded developers will not be required to enter into publishing contracts with Nexon, allowing them to grow as independent entities.The first investment reviews will begin in the second half of this year. Through this program, Nexon plans to fill the funding gap in the early investment market while securing new IPs and technologies.Kim Han-jun, Nexon's Chief Investment Officer (CIO), stated, “Securing next-generation IPs and unique technologies proactively is Nexon's most important business challenge to maintain leadership in the global gaming market. Through public-private collaboration, we will fill the gaps in the early investment market and establish a long-term ecosystem investment program to ensure promising startups can grow on the global stage.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-20 16:00:00
  • South Korea extends curbs on hoarding urea, syringes for two more months
    South Korea extends curbs on hoarding urea, syringes for two more months SEOUL, August 20 (AJP) - South Korea will extend anti-hoarding measures on automotive urea solution and medical syringes for two months through the end of October, the Ministry of Economy and Finance said Thursday. The ministry made the decision at an emergency meeting chaired by Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Koo Yun-cheol. But it will ease inventory rules for urea as supply conditions improve. The measures, which were due to expire at the end of this month, will remain in place from Sept. 1 through Oct. 31 as the government prepares for possible supply disruptions amid lingering uncertainty in the Middle East caused by the conflict between the U.S. and Iran. Under the government's eased inventory rules for urea solution and urea, importers, manufacturers and sellers will be allowed to keep up to 200 percent of their average monthly sales from a year earlier, up from the current 150 percent. The current rule prohibits companies from holding inventories above 150 percent of their average monthly sales for seven days or longer. The relaxation comes as China's allocation of about 2 million metric tons of urea export quotas has improved import prospects, with South Korean companies arranging contracts for about 7,000 tons of Chinese urea, equivalent to roughly one month of domestic demand. Combined public and private urea inventories have also recovered to the equivalent of three to four months of normal demand, according to the ministry. South Korea relies on urea solution in diesel vehicles to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions, making disruptions in urea imports a potential risk to road freight and other diesel-dependent transport. Anti-hoarding restrictions on medical syringes and needles will likewise be extended through Oct. 31 amid lingering concerns over supplies of raw materials such as naphtha, although domestic syringe inventories have been recovering since June. Manufacturers held about 69.54 million syringes in inventory in the second week of August, up from 49.77 million in the first week of May, government data showed. The government had already relaxed the syringe inventory threshold to 200 percent of average monthly sales and removed sales restrictions on July 24 as supplies stabilized. The government will separately announce its ninth round of maximum petroleum prices on Friday, with the new ceilings taking effect at midnight Saturday, after considering recent increases in global oil prices and their impact on household costs. Koo also said the government was preparing a package of measures ahead of the Chuseok holiday including large-scale discounts to help ease food-price pressures following heatwaves and heavy rainfall. 2026-08-20 15:58:41
  • Kim Min-seok Opposes Lees Call for Resignation, Citing Constitutional Guidelines
    Kim Min-seok Opposes Lee's Call for Resignation, Citing Constitutional Guidelines Kim Min-seok, the leader of the Democratic Party, expressed opposition to the claim made by Lee Seok-yeon, head of the National Integration Committee, that President Lee Jae-myung should resign for the sake of national unity. He stated, "The Constitution stipulates political parties," during a party meeting held at the National Assembly on August 20.Kim emphasized, "The party constitution and regulations clearly outline the relationship between the party and the president." He added, "According to Article 105 of the party constitution, a member elected as president has the right to participate in party decisions and the obligation to implement party policies. The party must actively support the president's governance."He further noted that the recent calls for a complete separation of party and government, as well as the notion of a president leaving the party in their first year, stem from a misunderstanding of the Constitution.Additionally, Kim mentioned a dinner he had the previous day with President Lee and fellow lawmakers Jeong Cheong-rae and Song Young-gil, who competed in the party convention. He stated, "We discussed various matters and concluded that we should move forward together after successfully navigating the party convention process," indicating a desire for unity within the party.Regarding the controversy surrounding Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae's sudden nomination, Kim remarked, "I believe he has sufficient grounds for impeachment," but added, "I think we need time to adequately inform the public about the necessity of impeachment."He also expressed hope that the Supreme Court and the judiciary would clarify their positions, asserting, "If the Chief Justice makes a mistake, the Supreme Court and the judiciary should humbly acknowledge their errors." 2026-08-20 15:52:00
  • Handok Expands Sleep Portfolio with Distribution of A-Sleeps ChronoTrack
    Handok Expands Sleep Portfolio with Distribution of A-Sleep's ChronoTrack Handok is partnering with sleep AI company A-Sleep to distribute the sleep rhythm recording digital medical device, ChronoTrack, in South Korea. This move aims to enhance Handok's portfolio, 'Handok Sleep Science,' by adding sleep recording and evaluation to its existing insomnia pharmaceuticals and digital therapeutics (DTx).On August 20, Handok announced the signing of a distribution and sales agreement for ChronoTrack with A-Sleep. This agreement will enable Handok to establish a patient-centered sleep management system that connects sleep recording, treatment, and monitoring, expanding its sleep business from pharmaceuticals to digital healthcare.Previously, A-Sleep formed a distribution partnership with Jungongdang for its sleep apnea testing software medical device, AppnoTrack. The ChronoTrack agreement reaffirms the commercialization pathway for digital medical devices through pharmaceutical distribution networks.ChronoTrack is a digital medical device that records and monitors sleep patterns in daily life. Users only need to place their smartphone next to their bed, allowing AI to analyze sounds of breathing and movement during sleep, automatically recording 14 days of sleep data without the need for additional wearable devices or contact sensors.Healthcare professionals can objectively assess patients' sleep conditions based on this data and continuously monitor treatment effectiveness. Additionally, its applicability under non-reimbursable legal provisions allows for immediate use in medical settings without the need for new billing codes, lowering barriers to adoption.Handok is broadening its sleep business area into digital healthcare based on its existing pharmaceutical operations. Following the introduction of the prescription insomnia digital therapeutic device, SleepQ, in collaboration with Welt, based on its insomnia medication, Stilnox, the addition of ChronoTrack completes a comprehensive sleep management portfolio that encompasses recording, evaluation, treatment, and monitoring.Through this, Handok is expected to accelerate the implementation of 'Handok Sleep Science,' which enables personalized treatment and long-term monitoring based on sleep data, moving beyond simple prescriptions.Handok plans to expand the introduction of ChronoTrack in medical settings in collaboration with A-Sleep and raise awareness of the importance of sleep recording and evaluation through academic and educational activities. A-Sleep aims to leverage Handok's nationwide sales network to expedite the introduction to medical institutions.Kim Mi-yeon, CEO of Handok, stated, "Sleep health can be improved when accurate diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and continuous management are interconnected. We will enhance sleep recording capabilities through ChronoTrack and implement Handok Sleep Science based on the synergy with insomnia pharmaceuticals and the digital therapeutic device, SleepQ."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-20 15:48:10
  • Koreas Lending Association President Calls for Expansion of Legal Lending to Combat Illegal Finance
    Korea's Lending Association President Calls for Expansion of Legal Lending to Combat Illegal Finance Jung Seong-woong, president of the Korea Lending Finance Association, has joined the "Financial Relay Campaign to Save Lives," aimed at preventing damage from illegal lending and protecting vulnerable financial groups.The Korea Lending Finance Association announced on August 20 that Jung participated in the campaign organized by the Korea Financial Services Agency. This initiative seeks to protect citizens suffering from illegal lending and to spread the value and commitment of "life-saving finance" throughout society. Jung was invited to participate by Oh Hwa-gyeong, president of the Korea Savings Bank Association.Jung stated, "Just as children need a safe playground to avoid accidents while playing on the street, a vibrant lending market, where vulnerable financial groups can seek help without fear, will naturally eliminate illegal lending in the shadows."He added, "I will take the lead in ensuring that lending becomes a warm and welcoming financial playground, practicing 'life-saving finance' that people can trust and rely on."The Lending Finance Association plans to continue its efforts to prevent and eradicate illegal lending while strengthening its social responsibility to protect vulnerable financial groups. Jung has identified Lee Dong-cheol, president of the Korea Credit Finance Association, and Yoon Young-deok, president of the Korea Credit Information Association, as the next participants in the campaign.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-20 15:48:00
  • Kim Min-seok Appoints Jeon Yong-ki and Kwon Mi-kyung as Top Committee Members
    Kim Min-seok Appoints Jeon Yong-ki and Kwon Mi-kyung as Top Committee Members Kim Min-seok, leader of the Democratic Party, announced on August 20 that he has appointed Jeon Yong-ki and Kwon Mi-kyung, chair of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions' National Public Solidarity Union, as designated top committee members. Jeon will represent youth interests, while Kwon will represent the labor sector.During a party meeting held at the National Assembly, Kim stated, "We concluded that it is not feasible to elect a youth committee member due to potential overlap with the youth chair's electorate, which led to the decision for direct appointments."He added, "The reason for appointing a top committee member to represent the labor sector is to prepare for polarization amid a business-friendly growth environment."Meanwhile, the Democratic Party's leadership is expected to appoint a new deputy floor leader to replace Jeon Yong-ki soon. After the party meeting, Kim Sung-hwa, the party's floor spokesperson, told reporters, "The successor will be announced in the near future."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-20 15:44:10
  • President Lee Calls for Increased Vigilance in Public Service
    President Lee Calls for Increased Vigilance in Public Service 이재명 대통령은 20일 역대 정부가 임기 초반 공직기강 해이로 국민의 신뢰를 잃은 사례를 반면교사로 삼아야 한다며 공직사회에 긴장감과 국정운영 속도를 높일 것을 주문했다. 특히 정부 출범 이후 440여일이 지나 임기의 20% 이상을 소화한 만큼 임기를 새로 시작한다는 각오로 공직기강을 다잡아야 한다고 주문했다. 이 대통령은 이날 오후 청와대에서 수석보좌관회의를 주재하고 “역대 정부에서도 임기 초반 긴장감이 느슨해지는 시기에 공직기강 해이로 국민의 신뢰를 잃는 사례가 자주 발생했다”며 “같은 우를 다시 범하지 않도록 과거 사례를 반면교사로 삼아야 한다”고 밝혔다. 이 대통령은 “우리 정부 출범 이후 440여일이 지났다”며 “전체적으로 보면 임기의 대략 20%를 조금 넘게 지난 셈인데 매우 빠르게 지나갔다고 생각한다”고 말했다. 이어 “임기 초반 대내외적으로 여러 어려움이 있었지만 국정을 정상 궤도에 올려놓았고 3대 메가 프로젝트 같은 국가 대도약의 발판을 마련한 큰 성과도 있었다”며 이를 위해 보이지 않는 곳에서 헌신한 공직자들에게 감사를 전했다. 이 대통령은 정책 수립과 집행 과정에서 국민의 체감도가 충분하지 않다고 지적했다. 이 대통령은 “국민 눈높이에서 보면 여전히 미진하거나 속도를 내야 할 부분이 적지 않다”며 “정책 수립 과정에서 민생 현장의 실정이나 국민의 수용 가능성을 충분히 살피지 못하거나 정책 집행 속도가 기대에 미치지 못하는 경우도 매우 많다”고 진단했다. 그러면서 “이제 다시 심기일전해 임기를 새로 시작한다는 마음으로 신발끈을 다시 매고 국정 속도를 높이는 데 총력을 기울여 달라”고 당부했다. 특히 이 대통령은 “국정의 중심축인 정부 부처들이 능동적이고 적극적이며 선제적으로 움직일 필요가 있다”며 부처 차원의 적극적인 정책 대응을 주문했다. 청와대 참모진을 향해서도 “각별한 책임감을 갖고 정부 부처와 적극적으로 소통하면서 창의적이고 속도감 있는 국정을 뒷받침해야 한다”고 강조했다. 이 대통령은 공정하고 투명한 사회 시스템에 대한 국민의 신뢰가 지속적인 국가 발전의 전제라는 점도 강조했다. 이 대통령은 “규칙을 지키면 손해를 보고 규칙을 어기면 이득을 본다는 인식이 팽배하면 어떤 정책도 효과를 보기 어렵다”며 “국민의 삶을 짓누르는 반칙과 불공정, 비정상을 바로잡는 중단 없는 개혁이 더없이 필요하다”고 역설했다. 개혁의 성과를 국민이 체감할 수 있어야 한다는 점도 분명히 했다. 이 대통령은 범정부 합동대응단 출범 이후 보이스피싱 범죄가 눈에 띄게 감소한 점을 거론하며 “이런 성과를 사회 전 분야로 꾸준히 확산시켜야 한다”고 주문했다. 이어 매점매석과 담합, 주가조작, 국고 부정수급 등 경제질서 교란 행위와 디지털 성범죄, 마약, 중대재해, 공직 부패 등을 국민의 삶에 큰 피해를 주는 사안으로 지목하고 범정부 차원의 집중적인 대응을 지시했다. 이 대통령은 “개혁은 국민 삶의 실제 개선으로 이어질 때 비로소 진정한 의미를 가진다”며 “중단 없는 개혁, 나아가 지속적인 민생 개혁에 힘을 모아달라”고 당부했다. 2026-08-20 15:44:00