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  • Korea Electric Power Corporation Conducts Emergency Recovery Training for Power Facilities
    Korea Electric Power Corporation Conducts Emergency Recovery Training for Power Facilities Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) conducted emergency recovery training for power facilities at the Sinyeong Substation, which connects power generation from the East Coast to the main power grid. The training simulated a complex threat scenario involving simultaneous drone attacks and cyberterrorism, assessing the entire process from facility protection to rescue operations and power restoration.On August 19, KEPCO announced that it held the '2026 Eulji Exercise Emergency Recovery Training for Power Facilities' at the Sinyeong Substation in Yeongju, North Gyeongsang Province.Approximately 160 personnel from various agencies participated in the training, including KEPCO, the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment, the Army's 50th Division, Yeongju City, Yeongju Police Station, and Yeongju Fire Station. The agencies collaborated on facility protection and equipment recovery, confirming their roles and coordination in the event of an emergency.The Sinyeong Substation is a critical facility that supplies power to the North Gyeongsang region while linking large-scale power generation from the East Coast to the main power grid. Any disruption at this facility could impact not only local power supply but also the integration of generated power into the grid, making rapid protection and recovery capabilities essential.The training was conducted under the assumption that the substation's equipment was damaged due to attacks from enemy special forces and drones, resulting in casualties and fires. The scenario also incorporated cyberterrorism to evaluate whether physical equipment recovery and normalization of the power grid could occur simultaneously.Participating agencies carried out sequential tasks including rescue operations, emergency treatment for the injured, fire suppression, facility protection, and emergency recovery. As threats to the power grid expand beyond physical attacks to include drones and cyber domains, the importance of real-time information sharing and integrated responses among relevant agencies is increasing.KEPCO plans to continue conducting integrated training exercises that simulate real-world conditions to strengthen the emergency response system for the power grid.Kim Jae-gun, KEPCO's Vice President of Power Systems, stated, "This training was an opportunity to comprehensively assess our integrated protection posture and emergency recovery capabilities in preparation for threats to critical national infrastructure. I urge everyone to establish a perfect state of emergency preparedness even in complex crisis situations."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-20 09:20:00
  • Credit Guarantee Foundation Launches Re-Entrepreneurship Training for Small Businesses in Jeju
    Credit Guarantee Foundation Launches Re-Entrepreneurship Training for Small Businesses in Jeju The Credit Guarantee Foundation announced on August 20 that it will conduct the third round of the Hope Return Package re-entrepreneurship training for small business owners in the Jeju region.The training will be held at the Jeju YWCA over six sessions, targeting small business owners preparing for re-entrepreneurship or industry transition after business closure or debt repayment.Each session will provide practical training necessary for re-entrepreneurship, covering finance, marketing, legal and tax issues, and the use of big data over two days. Previous training sessions were held in April and July, with the remaining sessions scheduled monthly from this month through November.Graduates of the program will be eligible for up to 50 million won in special guarantees linked to the Credit Guarantee Foundation's re-entrepreneurship support, as well as access to special funds from the Small Business Market Promotion Corporation for re-entrepreneurship and business commercialization. However, those in restricted industries or with overdue debts or tax delinquencies will not qualify for funding.Additionally, the first 50 graduates will receive one-on-one customized advanced training focused on marketing and establishing a foundation for re-entrepreneurship.Won Young-jun, president of the Credit Guarantee Foundation, stated, "In a challenging business environment for small business owners, this initiative that combines re-entrepreneurship training, consulting, and financial support will provide practical assistance. We will continue to dedicate all our resources to support smooth re-entrepreneurship for small business owners."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-20 09:20:00
  • SK Enmove Partners with HF Sinclair for North American Lubricant Supply
    SK Enmove Partners with HF Sinclair for North American Lubricant Supply SK Enmove is teaming up with U.S. oil giant HF Sinclair to expand its distribution in the North American lubricant market.On August 19, SK Enmove held a signing ceremony at the SK Serin Building in Jongno-gu, Seoul, to establish a supply and distribution partnership for Group III lubricants in North America. The two companies had previously signed a long-term supply agreement on August 3.Under this agreement, SK Enmove will supply HF Sinclair with high-quality Group III base oils for its lubricants and specialty products. HF Sinclair plans to produce its own lubricants using SK Enmove's YUBASE products and will also exclusively distribute YUBASE in certain regions of North America.HF Sinclair, headquartered in Dallas, Texas, operates refineries in Kansas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico.The partnership aims to enhance market competitiveness by combining SK Enmove's stable production capabilities of high-quality base oils with HF Sinclair's extensive sales network in North America.Lubricants are essential materials in industries and automotive applications, reducing friction between parts and dissipating heat, with engine oil being a prime example. Base oils are the key raw materials for lubricant production.Base oils are categorized into groups based on their raw materials and refining methods. Group III is classified as a high-quality base oil made from highly refined crude oil. Compared to Group I and II base oils, Group III has fewer impurities and a higher viscosity index, resulting in stable performance across a wide temperature range.Recently, geopolitical risks in the Middle East have disrupted refinery operations, leading to supply shortages, particularly in the Group III base oil market.SK Enmove exports and sells Group III base oils in over 40 countries worldwide, including the Americas, Europe, and Asia. The company has established production bases for Group III base oils in Ulsan, Spain, and Indonesia.This agreement is expected to significantly expand SK Enmove's market access for Group III base oils in North America and strengthen its influence in the global market.Kim Won-ki, President of SK Enmove, stated, "This agreement will secure a stable distribution channel in North America, further strengthening SK Enmove's business foundation in the region. By combining SK Enmove's reliable supply capabilities with HF Sinclair's extensive distribution network, we will provide a more stable product supply base to our North American customers."SK Enmove is known for its premium base oils (YUBASE) and engine oil brand (ZIC) and currently operates as a corporate independent company (CIC) and a merged entity under SK On.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-20 09:16:20
  • Park Hong-geun Urges Complete Halt to Subway Protests in Meeting with Disability Rights Leader
    Park Hong-geun Urges Complete Halt to Subway Protests in Meeting with Disability Rights Leader Park Hong-geun, the Minister of the Ministry of Planning and Budget, met with Park Kyung-seok, the representative of the National Coalition for the Elimination of Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (Jeonjangyeon), to request a complete cessation of subway protests.According to the Ministry of Planning and Budget on August 20, Minister Park announced on his Facebook page that he had discussed issues related to disability mobility rights and public employment with Park Kyung-seok during their meeting the previous afternoon.Minister Park stated, "I listened carefully to the opinions from the field regarding the policy challenges related to disability mobility rights and public employment," but emphasized, "I clearly request that protests that infringe on the daily lives and rights of non-disabled citizens be completely halted going forward."He added, "Jeonjangyeon will finalize its position on August 24 after an internal meeting, and I will wait with expectations from the perspective of the public."Previously, Jeonjangyeon had announced plans to conduct daily subway protests during rush hour until the Ministry of Planning and Budget included a budget for disability rights in the 2027 government budget proposal.In response, Minister Park urged Jeonjangyeon to refrain from protests that repeatedly cause harm and inconvenience to citizens during their commutes. Following this, Jeonjangyeon temporarily suspended its protests, leading to the meeting between the two parties.Minister Park reiterated, "I listened carefully to the opinions from the field regarding the policy challenges related to disability mobility rights and public employment," and expressed hope for Jeonjangyeon's upcoming announcement on August 24.He also called for an understanding of the government's policies and financial conditions. He noted, "From the perspective of those affected, government policies may still feel insufficient, but it is also necessary to understand and respect the government's position in implementing policies within limited resources."Furthermore, he stated, "Since its inception, the government has established national tasks to enhance the basic rights and quality of life for persons with disabilities and has implemented related policies. In the future, we will continue to keep the door open for dialogue and listening, paying closer attention to the voices of persons with disabilities and those in the field."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-20 09:16:20
  • Yuhan Corporation Engages with Investors to Discuss Growth Strategies and Enhance Shareholder Value
    Yuhan Corporation Engages with Investors to Discuss Growth Strategies and Enhance Shareholder Value Yuhan Corporation is holding a corporate presentation (Non-Deal Roadshow) for domestic institutional investors from August 19 to 21, focusing on its performance and new drug pipeline to outline future growth strategies. The company aims to enhance its corporate value by expanding communication with both institutional and individual investors. According to Yuhan Corporation on August 20, the presentation will highlight the growth potential of its existing pharmaceutical business and the global achievements of its new drug initiatives. The company plans to discuss stable performance metrics, including revenue growth and increased demand in the pharmaceutical sector, as well as overseas business opportunities arising from changes in the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) market supply chain. Investors will also be updated on the prescription expansion of Lazertinib (Lazara), which is currently seeing increased sales in global markets. The growth strategy for its research and development (R&D) in new drugs will also be a key focus. Yuhan Corporation intends to implement tailored business development strategies to enhance the commercialization of its pipeline, while diversifying its business model through collaborative clinical research and Newco approaches. The company is also strengthening its investor engagement activities. Starting this year, it has produced investor relations materials in Korean, English, Japanese, and Chinese to make company information more accessible to stakeholders, including overseas investors. Following the NDR for institutional investors, Yuhan Corporation plans to visit personal banking centers at securities firms in the metropolitan area and provinces to continue engaging with individual investors. Additionally, Yuhan Corporation is pursuing a shareholder return policy. Last month, the board of directors resolved to retire all of its treasury shares, amounting to 425.3 billion won, including common and preferred stocks. After the retirement, the number of issued shares will decrease from approximately 80.82 million to 74.76 million, a reduction of 7.5%. A Yuhan Corporation representative stated, "Through this NDR, we will transparently communicate the company's growth direction and business strategies to investors. We will continue to expand our communication with the market in various ways to enhance corporate value and trust in our information." Meanwhile, Yuhan Corporation is running a 'Brand Week' promotion on its official online mall, Budal Market, offering concentrated discounts on one selected brand each week until September 6. This promotion features Yuhan Corporation's major consumer brands, ranging from health supplements to household goods and pet products, showcased weekly. Special prices for each brand will open on Mondays and close on Sundays, with new brands and products introduced each week.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-20 09:16:00
  • DB HiTek to Participate in Electronica India 2026 to Target Indian Market
    DB HiTek to Participate in 'Electronica India 2026' to Target Indian Market DB HiTek will participate in 'Electronica India 2026,' taking place in Bengaluru from September 16 to 17, as part of its strategy to penetrate the Indian market.According to DB HiTek, Electronica India is a leading electronics industry exhibition in South Asia, focusing on electronic components, systems, and related solutions.At the event, DB HiTek will showcase its core BCD process and key technologies, including next-generation power semiconductors such as silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN). The company aims to identify new customers among local fabless firms.India's semiconductor ecosystem is rapidly expanding, bolstered by government policies supporting the industry. Local companies are increasingly shifting from semiconductor design to developing their own products, leading to a sharp rise in foundry demand.In line with this trend, DB HiTek plans to strengthen collaborations with local fabless companies and broaden its engagement with potential customers. The company will share its achievements in expanding high-value applications in sectors such as automotive and industrial, based on its cumulative wafer shipments of 9 million units from its BCD process.DB HiTek will also unveil its production roadmap for the recently validated 1200V SiC MOSFET process and the 650V GaN process, which is expected to be validated by December this year. Additionally, the company will present specialized process technologies, including Specialty CIS and Mixed-Signal/RF.A DB HiTek representative stated, "India is a rapidly growing market with a thriving ecosystem of local fabless companies. Through this participation, we aim to expand our connections with local customers and discover new business opportunities based on our competitiveness in power semiconductors and specialized processes."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-20 09:16:00
  • Trump seeks talks with North Korean leader as Pyongyang remains skeptical
    Trump seeks talks with North Korean leader as Pyongyang remains skeptical SEOUL, August 20 (AJP) - U.S. President Donald Trump said Wednesday that he expects to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong-un later this year. When asked whether he expects to meet Kim, Trump told reporters at the White House, "Yeah, I will be." But he did not provide details about when or where the meeting could take place. Trump also said North Korea has "57 very powerful nuclear weapons," while reiterating his "good" relationship with Kim. But the figure of 57 nuclear weapons could not be verified, as North Korea's nuclear arsenal is highly secretive and outside estimates vary. Trump has also frequently made claims that were later found to be inaccurate. Trump's remarks came a day after the Wall Street Journal reported that he was pushing for a meeting with Kim, possibly during his next trip to Asia for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Shenzhen, China in November. But Trump declined to comment on whether the denuclearization of North Korea remains among his goals in potential talks with Pyongyang, raising questions about whether his administration could instead focus on reducing tensions and managing the risks posed by the North's nuclear weapons. "I don't want to talk about that, but I do have a good relationship with Obama. He didn't like anybody, but he likes me and I just got along with him very good." Trump has often stressed his good personal relationship with Kim, whom he met three times during his first term in Singapore in June 2018, Hanoi in February 2019 and at Panmunjom on the inter-Korean border later that year, although all three meetings ended with little more than a photo op. The development came just a few days after Trump ordered the annual joint military exercise with South Korea, dubbed Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS), which began earlier this week, to be scaled down, in what was seen as an overture to North Korea for talks with Kim. The exercise, originally scheduled to run through Aug. 27, was nearly halved and will now end this week. North Korea, however, played down the reduced exercise, saying it made little difference. Kim Yo-jong, the North Korean leader's sister, said later in the day that Pyongyang was more concerned that the exercise was still taking place. "Reducing the scale or duration of the drills does not change the provocative and aggressive nature of the ," she said in a statement carried by the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), criticizing the exercise as "an unmistakable expression of hostility toward North Korea." She also said she was "unaware" of any recent communication between Trump and Kim. "Perhaps it is the only matter I do not know about in relation to our supreme leadership's foreign policy," she said. Nevertheless, she said the North Korean leader "holds good memories and feelings toward Trump," leaving open the possibility of another meeting between them. AJP Takeaways • U.S. President Donald Trump said Aug. 20, 2026, that he expects to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong-un later this year, although he did not provide details on the timing or location. • Trump said North Korea has 57 "very powerful" nuclear weapons while reiterating his good personal relationship with Kim. • Trump declined to say whether North Korea's denuclearization remains a goal of potential talks, raising questions about whether his administration could instead prioritize reducing tensions and managing nuclear risks. • The United States and South Korea have scaled back the Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise, which was originally scheduled to run through Aug. 27, with the move seen as a possible step toward renewed dialogue with North Korea. • North Korea criticized the continued U.S.-South Korea military exercise but said Kim Jong-un has "good memories and feelings" toward Trump, leaving open the possibility of another meeting between the two leaders. 2026-08-20 09:13:21
  • Deadline Approaches for Special Appointments at Major Crimes Investigation Agency
    Deadline Approaches for Special Appointments at Major Crimes Investigation Agency The application period for special appointments at the Major Crimes Investigation Agency (MCIA), set to officially launch in October, closes today. Despite the government's significant incentives, including new allowances and support for living conditions, the recruitment of key personnel, particularly prosecutors and senior investigators, is expected to fall short, raising concerns about initial investigative capabilities.The Ministry of Interior's MCIA preparation team will close applications for investigator positions at 6 p.m. today. From August 5 to 12, the team held briefings for prosecutors and investigators from 18 local prosecutor's offices nationwide who wish to transition to the MCIA, starting to accept applications on August 7.The team plans to finalize the selection of candidates in September and deploy them on October 2, coinciding with the agency's opening. Applicants can withdraw their applications until August 31.According to the Ministry of Interior, the MCIA will have a total of 2,874 positions, with 2,567 (89.3%) dedicated to specific investigators handling seven major crimes, including corruption, economic offenses, defense business crimes, drug-related crimes, insurrection and foreign exchange crimes, cybercrime, and legal distortion. Current prosecutors and investigators can transition to MCIA investigators without a separate examination if they express interest.However, participation from prosecutors, who are essential to the agency's structure, has been notably low. As of August 11, about 3,070 individuals attended the appointment briefing, but only around 260 were prosecutors. This represents approximately 12% of the total prosecutor workforce of 2,215, indicating a lack of interest in becoming MCIA investigators.The primary reason for prosecutors' reluctance to join the MCIA is the change in status and potential decline in treatment. Transitioning to the MCIA means losing the title of 'prosecutor' and becoming an investigator at level 4 or higher. Prosecutors with over ten years of experience are classified as level 3, while deputy and chief prosecutors are classified as level 2, and district chief prosecutors as level 1. However, prosecutors with less than ten years of experience, who typically receive level 3 treatment within the prosecution, would be downgraded to level 4 investigators under the MCIA appointment regulations, effectively resulting in a 'downward job change.'In contrast, interest among regular civil servant investigators appears to be higher, but there are concerns about the agency's ability to secure sufficient investigative power. Approximately 45% of the 6,300 investigators attended the briefing, but interest was primarily concentrated among lower-level investigators at levels 8 and 9.Moreover, senior investigators at level 5 and above are also hesitant to move to the MCIA. They fear that while the workload will increase, opportunities for promotion may decrease. The limited number of regional offices, only six nationwide, adds to the burden of remote work for these individuals.In response to the lukewarm reactions from prosecutors and some investigators, the preparation team has proposed various improvements to working conditions. They plan to offer a 'major crime investigation allowance' of 100,000 to 200,000 won per month for dedicated investigators, and an additional 80,000 won monthly risk allowance for drug investigators. Support for housing and commuting for remote workers, opportunities for overseas training at the level of the Ministry of Justice, and measures to compensate for reductions in existing allowances have also been outlined.Despite these efforts, the atmosphere among current prosecutors remains cold, with the preparation team not disclosing the status of applications. They are not considering mandatory placements for unfilled positions but plan to enhance investigative capabilities by hiring external professionals, including lawyers, certified public accountants, and police officers.Meanwhile, the Ministry of Interior plans to select candidates for the inaugural MCIA chief through public recommendations by August 26. To facilitate this, they established a candidate recommendation committee the day before, appointing Professor Lee Joo-won from Korea University as the chair.The committee consists of nine members, including six ex-officio members and three appointed members, as stipulated by the MCIA Act.The ex-officio members include Lee Jin-soo, Deputy Minister of Justice; Kim Min-jae, Deputy Minister of the Interior; Ki Woo-jong, Deputy Chief of the Court Administration Office; Kim Jung-wook, President of the Korean Bar Association; Choi Bong-kyung, President of the Korean Association of Law Professors; and Hong Dae-sik, Chairman of the Council of Law Schools. 2026-08-20 09:08:00
  • Local Education Funding Program to be Abolished After 55 Years, Future Fund Expected to Exceed 100 Trillion Won
    Local Education Funding Program to be Abolished After 55 Years, Future Fund Expected to Exceed 100 Trillion Won The local education funding program, which mandated the allocation of approximately 20% of domestic taxes, is set to be abolished, with projections indicating that the future response fund could exceed 100 trillion won.According to Yonhap News on August 20, the government is expected to announce plans for the reform of the funding program and the establishment of the future response fund in the near future.Since the introduction of the funding law in 1972, 20.79% of domestic taxes have been automatically allocated to this program. However, concerns have been raised about the need to lower or abolish the funding ratio due to declining birth rates, a shrinking school-age population, and increasing welfare costs.As a result, the government is reportedly considering the abolition of the domestic tax linkage system after 55 years. However, the method for calculating the funding is expected to change, using the average growth rate of the last three years multiplied by 35% of the change in the school-age population.Based on this new calculation, next year's funding is expected to be around 80 trillion won, a decrease of about 20 trillion won compared to the previous method. Nevertheless, as initially announced by the Ministry of Strategy and Finance, the total funding amount and the per-student funding will increase.This year's supplementary budget estimates the funding at 76.4 trillion won, with next year's total funding projected to increase by about 5%. As the number of students decreases, the per-student funding will rise.However, given the ongoing backlash from the education sector, there are expectations that the new future response fund law may include provisions for compensating the funding shortfall.The future response fund, which the government plans to establish, will be based on additional tax revenues. The Ministry of Strategy and Finance has previously stated that it will allocate increased corporate taxes from the semiconductor boom to the future response fund.Based on existing calculations, the long-term trend suggests a likely average annual increase of 6.1% in domestic taxes over the next 10 to 20 years. Applying this to this year's supplementary budget, next year's domestic tax revenue is projected to be 390 trillion won.The Ministry of Strategy and Finance also forecasts next year's national tax revenue to exceed 500 trillion won. Considering that domestic taxes account for 90% of national tax revenue, domestic taxes are expected to exceed 450 trillion won next year.Based on these projections, subtracting the long-term trend estimate from next year's domestic tax forecast suggests that the future response fund could reach 60 trillion won plus additional amounts. If 20 trillion won is saved from the funding reduction, the future response fund is expected to exceed 80 trillion won.If the national tax revenue progress rate in the first half of this year continues through the end of the year, it could increase by 25.3 trillion won compared to the estimates in the supplementary budget. Considering this, there are predictions that the future response fund could exceed 100 trillion won.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-20 09:08:00
  • 40th Anniversary of Yangban Gim: Nitrogen Packaging Innovation Enhances Freshness
    40th Anniversary of Yangban Gim: Nitrogen Packaging Innovation Enhances Freshness Dongwon F&B is celebrating the 40th anniversary of its 'Yangban Gim' by introducing a nitrogen packaging method to enhance product freshness and strengthen its presence in international markets.On August 20, Dongwon F&B announced the application of the 'Fresh-Lock' nitrogen packaging method, which reduces internal oxygen levels and replaces them with nitrogen.This technology inhibits oxidation, which can degrade the quality of seaweed snacks. Over time, oils in the seaweed can react with oxygen, leading to off-flavors and a loss of crispness. By injecting nitrogen, which is less reactive, the company aims to maintain the fresh, crispy texture and nutty flavor of the seaweed without the need for silica gel. Dongwon F&B estimates that this will reduce its annual silica gel usage by about 300 tons.For export products, both the nitrogen packaging method and silica gel will be used to minimize quality degradation during the longer transportation times associated with international shipping. This innovation has doubled the shelf life of Yangban Gim from six months to twelve months. Currently, Yangban Gim is exported to over 30 countries, including Japan, Thailand, and the United States. Dongwon F&B plans to further expand its overseas sales channels with this new method.This is not the first time Dongwon F&B has improved its packaging. In 2020, it became the first in the industry to introduce an 'eco-package' that eliminated plastic containers. The company addressed the issue of seaweed tearing upon opening by utilizing laser-cutting film, resulting in an annual reduction of about 30 tons of plastic usage.Launched in April 1986, Yangban Gim has led the market through consistent quality control and technological development. The company operates a 'raw material inspector' system to manage the quality of seaweed from the planting stage to harvest. It was also the first in the industry to use aluminum packaging to block oxygen and light. To date, cumulative sales have reached 12 billion sheets of seaweed.To celebrate its 40th anniversary, Dongwon F&B is hosting a consumer event. Customers can participate by posting photos of Yangban Gim products and receipts on Instagram or sharing quiz results until September 20, with a chance to win gold and AirPods Pro 3.A representative from Dongwon F&B stated, "As the number one brand in the seasoned seaweed market, we have adopted the nitrogen packaging method to provide better quality seaweed to consumers. We will continue to enhance our quality competitiveness throughout the entire process, from raw material management to packaging."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-20 09:04:00