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  • Inspire Accelerates Global Tourism Hub Strategy Connecting South Korea, China, and Japan
    Inspire Accelerates 'Global Tourism Hub' Strategy Connecting South Korea, China, and Japan As South Korea's inbound tourism market shows a clear recovery due to the easing of visa policies for China, Inspire Entertainment Resort is rapidly establishing partnerships across the inbound sectors of China, Japan, and domestically to attract foreign tourists.Recent statistics from the Korea Tourism Organization and Korea Credit Data (KCD) indicate a significant surge in the number of foreign visitors and card sales, revitalizing the tourism market. The trend in inbound tourism is shifting towards personalized travel and experiential content.In response, Inspire is actively utilizing its vast infrastructure within the resort to implement tailored strategies for attracting tourists from different countries. The resort features three five-star hotel towers with 1,275 rooms, a 15,000-seat arena, an indoor water park, an outdoor entertainment park, and a 150-meter-long digital entertainment street. In its first year of operation, Inspire welcomed over 4 million visitors.Building on this competitive edge, Inspire is focusing on targeting individual tourists (FIT) in the Chinese market through live commerce and online platforms. On July 22, Inspire participated in a live commerce broadcast on Ctrip, China's largest online travel agency (OTA), to conduct a solo promotion.During the broadcast, Inspire CEO Ko Kyu-beom appeared alongside Ctrip Vice President Sunny Sun to introduce the 'playcation' experience, which combines entertainment and relaxation, to Chinese consumers. Inspire emphasized its infrastructure that allows for a comfortable experience of Korean culture without the hassle of navigating a busy urban environment, highlighting the arena, shopping mall, and Aurora Night Market. The broadcast featured four discounted packages tailored to Chinese customers' spending habits.In addition, Inspire is expanding its engagement with Chinese customers by operating an official WeChat mini program and hosting concerts featuring artists from the Greater China region, such as Jang Hak-woo and Lim Jun-geol.In the Japanese market, Inspire is focusing on securing high-value MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) demand through corporate events and incentive tourism. Last month, Inspire signed a memorandum of understanding with the third division of JTB Business Solutions, Japan's largest travel agency, to establish a cooperative framework for attracting outbound groups and MICE demand from Japan.With a total of 1,275 rooms and the largest convention facilities in the country, Inspire is conveniently located just 15 minutes from Incheon International Airport, making it well-suited for attracting large MICE groups. Through this collaboration, Inspire aims to solidify its position as a K-MICE destination in line with the Korea Tourism Organization's strategy to attract high-value tourists and expand the premium MICE market.Inspire is also diversifying its collaborative network with the domestic inbound travel industry. On August 8, Inspire co-hosted the 'Inbound Business Connect 2026' event with the Korea Association of Travel Agents (KATA). Approximately 250 representatives from major inbound travel agencies attended, where Inspire presented new inbound tourism product development directions utilizing complex tourism content such as the arena and Le Space, garnering industry attention.An Inspire representative stated, "In the changing global tourism trends, close and diverse collaboration with key partners from South Korea, China, and Japan is essential for diversifying the attraction of foreign tourists. We aim to combine our world-class MICE infrastructure, unique entertainment facilities, and differentiated playcation content with the expertise of the domestic and international travel industry to become a leading tourism destination in Asia."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-20 09:40:00
  • Modernas 177% Surge Boosts Samyang Biopharm Amid Cancer Vaccine Optimism
    Moderna's 177% Surge Boosts Samyang Biopharm Amid Cancer Vaccine Optimism Samyang Biopharm surged to its daily limit early in the trading session. Following a significant rise in Moderna's stock price due to the successful results of a Phase 3 clinical trial for its mRNA cancer treatment, investors flocked to Samyang Biopharm, which is considered a related stock.As of 9:10 a.m. on the Korea Exchange, Samyang Biopharm's shares were trading at 56,200 won, up 12,900 won (29.79%) from the previous trading day.On the New York Stock Exchange, Moderna announced that its patient-specific mRNA cancer treatment, developed in collaboration with Merck, successfully reduced the risk of cancer recurrence and metastasis in high-risk melanoma patients during a Phase 3 trial, leading to a staggering 177% increase in its stock price.The positive results from the large-scale Phase 3 trial for the personalized mRNA cancer treatment have heightened market expectations for mRNA-based cancer therapies.Samyang Biopharm is classified as a related stock in the domestic market due to its pipeline for mRNA-based cancer vaccines and its gene delivery system platform.The company's gene delivery platform, SENS (Selectivity Enabling Nano Shell), utilizes biodegradable polymers and ionic lipids to deliver drugs for gene therapies. It is also conducting research and development on mRNA cancer vaccines, including SYP-2135.Additionally, the company bolstered investor sentiment with the announcement of its research results prior to the market opening. Samyang Biopharm revealed that a paper detailing the non-clinical research results of its gene delivery system 'NanoReady,' which can be used for mRNA cancer vaccines, was published in the international journal 'Journal of Controlled Release.'NanoReady, part of the SENS platform, is a nanoparticle delivery system that combines self-developed lipids and biodegradable polymers. It is designed to selectively deliver mRNA to dendritic cells in the spleen, allowing for the production of personalized cancer vaccines containing antigen information tailored to individual cancer characteristics, according to the company.Building on this research achievement, Samyang Biopharm plans to advance the development of its own mRNA cancer vaccine pipeline while also expanding its platform business through global technology transfers and joint drug development. 2026-08-20 09:40:00
  • Korean Film Commission Visits Taste of Prison Set to Review Mid-Budget Film Support
    Korean Film Commission Visits 'Taste of Prison' Set to Review Mid-Budget Film Support The Korean Film Council visited the set of the mid-budget film 'Taste of Prison,' which is part of its production support program.On August 19, Han Sang-jun, chairman of the Korean Film Council, visited the filming location at 'Papillon Zip' in Jeongnam, Jangheung, where he held a meeting with the production team and cast.'Taste of Prison' is one of the selected projects under the Korean Film Council's '2025 Mid-Budget Korean Film Production Support Program.' The film, produced by Jupiter Film, is a culinary comedy that tells the story of a star chef and inmates in a prison kitchen.The mid-budget film production support program was launched in 2025 to revitalize the Korean film ecosystem and encourage new productions amid a decline in investment following the COVID-19 pandemic. The initiative aims to attract private investment and promote mid-budget film production.This site visit was organized to assess the current situation of mid-budget film productions and to hear about any challenges faced during the production process. The Korean Film Council has previously visited the sets of other mid-budget supported projects, including 'Six Liars College Students,' 'My First Graduation,' 'The Ripple,' and 'Gardeners.'After touring the set, Han held a meeting with director Kim Gu-jung and actors Lee Sun-bin, Park Ji-hwan, Bae Hyun-sung, Park Young-kyu, Jo Bok-rae, Jo Dong-in, and the crew.Han stated, 'To overcome the stagnation of Korean cinema and make a comeback, it is crucial to activate mid-budget films that provide strong support. I will spare no effort in providing diverse support to ensure that films like 'Taste of Prison,' which have originality and artistic value, can be completed in a stable environment.'Meanwhile, the Korean Film Council selected 16 mid-budget Korean film projects for production support in April of this year, confirming a total production cost support of 19.86 billion won. An additional budget of 26 billion won for further support will be announced in September. 2026-08-20 09:40:00
  • Fukuoka Ranked Top Destination for Korean Travelers During 2026 Chuseok
    Fukuoka Ranked Top Destination for Korean Travelers During 2026 Chuseok As the 2026 Chuseok holiday approaches, the travel preferences of South Korean tourists heading to Japan are shifting. According to an analysis of booking data from the online travel platform Rakuten Travel, Fukuoka has emerged as the most popular destination for Korean travelers during this holiday period. It is followed by Oita, Hokkaido, Tokyo, Okinawa, and Hyogo. Fukuoka, which ranked third last year, has climbed two spots to take the lead this year. The city's appeal lies in its short flight time and minimal travel burden, allowing visitors to enjoy both urban shopping and nearby hot spring resorts within a limited schedule. Oita, which secured the second spot, is also favored for its renowned hot spring destinations, such as Beppu and Yufuin, catering to holiday relaxation needs. Notably, Hyogo Prefecture has made a significant entry into the top rankings. Previously, travel in the Kansai region was primarily centered around Osaka and Kyoto, but recent expansions in flight routes have broadened options to include surrounding small cities. Hyogo offers diverse attractions, including Kobe's culinary scene, shopping, Arima Onsen, and Himeji Castle, making it an appealing alternative for those seeking a more localized travel experience. As travel demand diversifies from major cities to smaller towns and hot spring areas with distinct regional characteristics, the criteria for accommodation selection are becoming more stringent. Rakuten Travel plans to support tailored bookings for holiday travelers based on its extensive accommodation network, which includes large hotels, traditional ryokans, and resorts, along with over 10 million local review data. Kim Tae-gwang, country manager of Rakuten Travel Korea, emphasized the importance of providing meticulous services tailored to individual preferences and schedules during the holiday season, which typically sees a concentration of short-distance travel. He stated that the company aims to continue offering differentiated travel experiences based on its comprehensive accommodation infrastructure across Japan.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-20 09:36:20
  • Navers Digital Twin Platform Adopted as National Standard in Saudi Arabia
    Naver's Digital Twin Platform Adopted as National Standard in Saudi Arabia Naver's cloud-based digital twin platform has received official approval from the Saudi Arabian government and has been adopted as a national standard platform. This development lays the groundwork for Naver's digital twin business to expand beyond individual projects to encompass local governments across Saudi Arabia.On August 20, Naver announced that its digital twin platform has been officially approved by the Saudi Digital Government Authority (DGA) for use by local governments.Following this approval, the Saudi Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs recently sent a letter to local governments recommending the priority adoption of the Naver platform for their smart city initiatives. This establishes a foundation for linking digital twin and digital urban planning projects being pursued individually by local governments at a national level.The Saudi government plans to utilize Naver's digital twin platform to transition urban planning and operations, as well as asset and infrastructure management and urban safety, to a data-driven approach. By sharing the data and operational experiences accumulated by local governments, the efficiency of the dispersed digital transformation projects across cities will also be enhanced.Naver plans to strengthen collaboration with the Saudi government and local partners, expanding the application of its technologies, including digital twin, artificial intelligence (AI), and cloud services.Chae Sun-joo, Naver's Head of Strategic Business and Chair of Naver Innovation, stated, “The adoption of this national standard is significant not only for validating Naver's technological capabilities but also for the trust and proven results we have built locally. We aim to leverage this as a stepping stone to integrate our technological strengths in digital twin, AI, and cloud into urban infrastructure development across Saudi Arabia, solidifying our position as a key technology partner in the region's digital transformation.” 2026-08-20 09:36:20
  • Seoul Light DDP 2026 to Feature K-Light Art by Nam June Paik and Yoo Young-kuk
    Seoul Light DDP 2026 to Feature K-Light Art by Nam June Paik and Yoo Young-kuk The world's largest unconventional media art festival, 'Seoul Light DDP,' will take place at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) from September 3 to 13, according to the Seoul Design Foundation on August 20.The festival will kick off with an opening performance at 7:30 p.m. on September 3, and will be open for free viewing daily from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.Under the theme 'K-Original Light,' the festival will highlight the fundamental light of K-innovation, featuring works from Cheongguyeongeon (in Hangul) to Yoo Young-kuk (abstract art), Nam June Paik (video art), and DDP 365 Light (laser). For the first time, the festival will present the origins and future of Korean creativity through live performances and responsive media art.Nam June Paik's 'The Break Point' draws from his concept of video synthesizers and experimental spirit. This work will uniquely combine live performances by artist groups with real-time media art, showcasing a performance where the light and visuals on the DDP facade change in sync with the music's beat, presented in collaboration with the Nam June Paik Art Center and Birthday.The opening live performance on September 3 will feature Idiotape's intense synthesizers and drums, followed by performances by Zion on September 4 and 5, Hypnosis Therapy on September 6 and 12, and Soulscape on September 11 and 13, each showcasing their distinct musical styles.Yoo Young-kuk's 'In Search of the Mountain Within Me' unfolds the 'mountain' he has contemplated throughout his life on the organic surfaces of the DDP. His signature vibrant colors and the rhythms of nature will be transformed into constantly evolving landscapes within the digital space created by young media artist Kwon Ha-yoon.In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the establishment of Hangul Day, Cheongguyeongeon's 'A Night When Words Shine' revives the various 'emotions' and 'natural' landscapes contained in the lyrics of the oldest collection of Sijo poetry, 'Cheongguyeongeon,' through contemporary media art. The National Hangul Museum, Sejong City Cultural Tourism Foundation, and Two Gray are collaborating to present the value of Hangul lyrics in today's visual language.This year, the newly introduced laser art 'DDP 365 Light' by Yoon Je-ho, titled 'The Light of the Future, Passing Through the Echoes of Time,' awakens the traces and echoes of the past accumulated in the DDP's historical exhibition space through lasers, traditional percussion, electronic sounds, AI visuals, lighting, and movement.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-20 09:36:00
  • Seongnam Mayor Shin Sang-jin Updates Insurance for Bicycles and PM Devices to Prioritize Citizen Safety
    Seongnam Mayor Shin Sang-jin Updates Insurance for Bicycles and PM Devices to Prioritize Citizen Safety Seongnam Mayor Shin Sang-jin announced on August 20 that he is renewing insurance for all citizens to support safe use of bicycles and personal mobility devices (PM), emphasizing that citizen safety is the top priority.Mayor Shin stated, "We have signed contracts for the 'Seongnam Citizen Bicycle and PM Insurance' with five insurance companies, including DB Insurance Co., Ltd."The insurance coverage period extends until August 19, 2027, and all Seongnam citizens will automatically be insured without any separate application process.This initiative aims to alleviate the financial burden on citizens in the event of an accident and to establish a robust safety net.Coverage includes accidents occurring while riding or using bicycles and PM devices, as well as incidents involving pedestrians and cyclists. Mayor Shin noted that the main coverage items include death, disability, injury diagnosis compensation, and hospitalization compensation.In the event of death due to a bicycle or PM accident, 15 million won will be paid, and in cases of disability, compensation can reach up to 20 million won depending on the severity. Additionally, if a diagnosis requires treatment for four weeks or more, compensation for injury diagnosis will range from 300,000 won to a maximum of 700,000 won, and if hospitalized for more than six days, a hospitalization compensation of 200,000 won will be provided.The insurance also covers cases where individuals cause injury or death to others while operating a bicycle or PM, including criminal liability. Fines resulting from a definitive ruling can be covered up to 20 million won per incident, and if a lawyer is needed during detention or formal trial, costs can be covered up to 2 million won. Support for traffic accident processing can reach up to 30 million won per victim.Mayor Shin has been operating citizen bicycle insurance annually since 2013 and has since expanded coverage to include personal mobility devices.Local residents have welcomed the automatic insurance benefits without any application process or premium burden. With the increasing number of bicycle and PM users, this policy is seen as a significant measure to reduce treatment costs and financial burdens in the event of an accident.Mayor Shin emphasized, "We will continue to prioritize citizen safety and build a comprehensive safety net so that users of bicycles and PMs can enjoy their daily lives with peace of mind. We will also expand safety policies that citizens can feel in the future."Furthermore, Mayor Shin plans to continuously enhance the safety net to support citizens in using bicycles and PMs with greater assurance, even after accidents occur.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-20 09:32:00
  • Paiks Coffee Opens First Two Locations in Tokyo, Expanding in Japan
    Paik's Coffee Opens First Two Locations in Tokyo, Expanding in Japan Paik's Coffee, a coffee brand under Dabong Korea, is accelerating its global expansion with the opening of two stores in Tokyo, Japan.Dabong Korea announced on August 20 that it opened its first store in Shinbashi on August 6, followed by a second location in Kanda on August 18. These stores are the first to feature the newly revamped brand identity designed for international markets.Instead of targeting high-traffic tourist areas, the company chose office districts where coffee consumption is more habitual. The Shinbashi location is situated in a bustling area filled with businesses and employees, generating high demand for coffee during commutes and lunch hours. Kanda, on the other hand, is a vibrant area with both office facilities and universities, attracting a mix of professionals and students.Since its official opening, the Shinbashi store has seen long lines, selling over 1,000 beverages on weekdays. The signature 'Original Coffee' has become the top-selling item in the local market.Paik's Coffee in Japan maintains reasonable prices, with items like Americano priced at 250 yen and Cafe Latte at 380 yen, while also introducing a Japan-exclusive coffee blend tailored to local tastes. The menu includes local-friendly ingredients such as corn soup for breakfast, matcha, and kinako (roasted soybean flour).The stores have been designed to cater to takeout demand, featuring separate ordering and pickup zones, along with a 'smart pickup system' that automatically displays the beverage name and order number when drinks are ready. A Japan-exclusive Paik's Coffee app has also been launched, allowing mobile ordering and coupon accumulation. Within just four days of its release, the app surpassed 4,000 subscribers, accounting for about 30% of total orders. Additionally, a 'Paik's Coffee LAB' has been established as a local R&D and store operation testing hub to develop exclusive menu items and train staff.Building on the success of the Shinbashi and Kanda locations, Dabong Korea plans to open more stores in Tokyo later this year and expand into other major cities like Osaka. The company aims to accelerate its global market expansion, starting with a master franchise agreement with a local firm in Taiwan in September, followed by store openings in China later this year and further expansions into the United States, Cambodia, and India next year.A representative from Dabong Korea stated, 'Shinbashi and Kanda are areas where daily coffee consumption is centered around office workers. We will continuously monitor local customer usage patterns and enhance our operational model through Paik's Coffee LAB to expand our global brand presence.'* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-20 09:32:00
  • NS Home Shopping Expands Wellness Brand Nwelth with New Products and Hong Kong Entry
    NS Home Shopping Expands Wellness Brand Nwelth with New Products and Hong Kong Entry NS Home Shopping has launched six new health supplement products under its wellness brand Nwelth and is expanding its sales channels both online and offline, as well as into international markets.On August 20, NS Home Shopping announced the introduction of the new Nwelth products as part of its "National Health Project" series in collaboration with Dr. Yoon Bang-bu, a specialist in family medicine, who contributed to the formulation of the products.The new offerings include the flagship product "Vitality Multi-Vita SHOT" and five value-oriented health supplements.The Vitality Multi-Vita SHOT is a fizzy health supplement that can be mixed with water. It is designed with stick packs to provide essential nutrients for energy, vitality, bone health, antioxidant support, immune function, eye health, metabolism, and blood production all in one serving.The five value-oriented products are: △ Blood Health Supercritical RTG Omega PLUS △ Memory Support Ginkgo PLUS △ Eye Health Lutein and Zeaxanthin PLUS △ Blood Pressure CoQ10 ACE PLUS △ Blood Sugar Banaba PLUS.The six new products will be available for purchase starting August 24 in the "Nwelth Hall" on NS Mall. The Vitality Multi-Vita SHOT will also be featured in upcoming TV home shopping broadcasts.NS Home Shopping is also expanding its offline sales network. The five value-oriented health supplements will be available in 124 Homeplus Express stores starting September 7. This collaboration aims to enhance consumer access by combining NS Home Shopping's product planning and sales capabilities with Homeplus Express's local store network.Additionally, NS Home Shopping is set to enter the overseas market. Next month, it plans to sell Nwelth products through the Hong Kong-based distribution company Hanin Hong. Hanin Hong operates 28 directly managed stores across Hong Kong, offering fresh and processed foods as well as cosmetics through K-food distribution channels.In March, NS Home Shopping signed a memorandum of understanding with Hanin Hong to expand the export of partner products to Hong Kong.Lee Wan-hee, Executive Director of NS Home Shopping's Sales Division, stated, "We will strengthen the competitiveness of our health supplement private brand by expanding the Nwelth product line and establishing a sales foundation that encompasses online, offline, and international markets."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-20 09:28:10
  • NS Home Shopping Expands Wellness Brand Nwelth with New Products and Hong Kong Entry
    NS Home Shopping Expands Wellness Brand Nwelth with New Products and Hong Kong Entry NS Home Shopping has launched six new health supplement products under its wellness brand Nwelth and is expanding its sales channels both online and offline, as well as into international markets.On August 20, NS Home Shopping announced the introduction of the new Nwelth products as part of its "National Health Project" series in collaboration with Dr. Yoon Bang-bu, a specialist in family medicine, who contributed to the formulation of the products.The new offerings include the flagship product "Vitality Multi-Vita SHOT" and five value-oriented health supplements.The Vitality Multi-Vita SHOT is a fizzy health supplement designed to be mixed with water. It features stick packs that allow consumers to intake essential nutrients for energy, vitality, bone health, antioxidant support, immune function, eye health, metabolism, and blood production all at once.The five value-oriented products are: △ Blood Health Supercritical RTG Omega PLUS △ Memory Support Ginkgo PLUS △ Eye Health Lutein and Zeaxanthin PLUS △ Blood Pressure CoQ10 ACE PLUS △ Blood Sugar Banaba PLUS.The six new products will be available for purchase starting August 24 in the "Nwelth Hall" on NS Mall. The Vitality Multi-Vita SHOT will also be featured in upcoming TV home shopping broadcasts.NS Home Shopping is also expanding its offline sales network. The five value-oriented health supplements will be available in 124 Homeplus Express stores starting September 7. This collaboration aims to enhance consumer access by combining NS Home Shopping's product planning and sales capabilities with Homeplus Express's local store network.Additionally, NS Home Shopping is set to enter the overseas market. Next month, it plans to sell Nwelth products through the Hong Kong-based distribution company Hanin Hong. Hanin Hong operates 28 direct stores across Hong Kong, offering fresh and processed foods as well as cosmetics through K-food distribution channels.In March, NS Home Shopping signed a memorandum of understanding with Hanin Hong to expand the export of partner products to Hong Kong.Lee Wan-hee, Executive Director of NS Home Shopping's Sales Division, stated, "We will strengthen the competitiveness of our health supplement private brand by expanding the Nwelth product line and establishing a sales foundation that encompasses online, offline, and international markets."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-20 09:28:00