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  • Bithumb Enables Online Account Creation with KB Kookmin Bank Without App Installation
    Bithumb Enables Online Account Creation with KB Kookmin Bank Without App Installation 빗썸 has announced an update to its non-face-to-face account opening service, allowing users without a KB Kookmin Bank account to create one online without needing to install a separate banking application. With this update, Bithumb users who do not have a KB Kookmin Bank account can now open a new account in a web environment without the need to install the KB Star Banking app. Previously, users had to switch to the bank's app during the account creation process, but this change reduces the need for app installation and navigation. Account creation is available through both the Bithumb app and website. During the account verification stage, users can select 'Create Account via Web' to establish a KB Kookmin Bank account without installing a separate banking app. Once the account is created, the account number is automatically copied. Users can then paste the account number into the Bithumb app to complete the account linking process. A Bithumb representative stated, "We have diversified the non-face-to-face account opening options to ensure that anyone can conveniently use our services, regardless of their environment. We will continue to assess service convenience from the user's perspective to create a seamless virtual asset trading environment."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-20 08:24:00
  • Ruling Party Calls for Action on Youth Housing Crisis in Seoul
    Ruling Party Calls for Action on Youth Housing Crisis in Seoul The Democratic Party's Seoul City Party urged Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon on August 20 to stop merely repeating claims about redevelopment and reconstruction, calling for cooperation with the government. They also emphasized the need for innovative measures utilizing excess tax revenue.Kim Young-bae, chair of the Seoul City Party, made these remarks during a meeting at the National Assembly focused on solutions for the youth housing crisis. He stated, "The supply issue in Seoul has been consistently raised," adding, "The Korea Research Institute for Human Settlements warned in 2024 about a shortage of housing starts in Seoul, predicting that a supply deficit will become a reality within two years." He criticized Mayor Oh, who has led the city for over five years, for blaming his predecessors, saying, "Isn't that an insult to the youth? I hope he presents alternatives."Calls were also made to use excess tax revenue from the semiconductor boom to address the youth housing crisis. Han Jeong-ae, the party's secretary-general, emphasized, "The unprecedented tax revenue situation could last for several years. Bold measures beyond the usual are necessary regarding housing supply." Lawmaker Oh Gi-hyung added, "We should boldly invest about 20 trillion won in additional tax revenue for youth housing supply."Lawyer Kim Nam-geun criticized Mayor Oh for focusing solely on redevelopment and reconstruction, questioning whether housing prices ranging from 1.5 billion to 2 billion won can be considered youth housing policy. He noted that the promotion of youth housing near transit stations has stalled during Mayor Oh's term, making future supply seem difficult. He pointed out that current projects were initiated by the previous administration and stated, "Mayor Oh should first reveal his plans for youth housing supply instead of just opposing the government's proposals."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-20 08:20:00
  • Government Considers Special Disaster Designation for Areas Affected by Heavy Rain
    Government Considers Special Disaster Designation for Areas Affected by Heavy Rain The government is considering designating Geoje and Tongyeong in South Gyeongsang Province as special disaster areas due to damage from recent heavy rainfall. The ninth oil price cap, reflecting recent increases in international oil prices, will be announced on August 21 and will take effect at midnight on August 22.Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Koo Yun-cheol made these remarks on August 20 during a meeting of the Emergency Economic Headquarters at the Government Complex in Seoul.Koo stated, "The government will mobilize all available means, including the consideration of declaring special disaster areas, to actively support the swift recovery of residents in affected areas." Record rainfall during the recent holiday period caused significant damage in Geoje and Tongyeong.The government will determine the ninth oil price cap based on international oil prices and domestic inflationary pressures. Koo noted, "The ninth oil price cap, effective from midnight on August 22, will be announced at 7 p.m. on August 21 after discussions that take into account the recent rise in international oil prices and the burden on households."As the 60-day deadline for negotiations on a ceasefire memorandum between the U.S. and Iran has expired, uncertainty in the Middle East is increasing. The government plans to review existing emergency response measures and adjust them flexibly according to international oil prices and supply chain conditions.Domestic external soundness is assessed to be stable. The ratio of short-term external debt to foreign exchange reserves remains in the low 40% range, and Korea's credit default swap (CDS) premium has decreased from 36.0 basis points on March 30 to 22.4 basis points on August 19.Koo explained, "Reflecting the recent significant increase in exports, major institutions are consecutively raising their growth forecasts for our economy to the 3% range this year." The Korea Development Institute (KDI) has revised its growth forecast from 2.5% to 3.2%, while Moody's has increased its forecast from 2.5% to 3.5%.The ban on hoarding of urea and syringes, which was set to expire at the end of this month, has been extended for two months until the end of October. However, due to improved conditions for urea imports following China's export quota allocation, the criteria for determining hoarding will be relaxed from exceeding 150% of the previous year's monthly average sales to exceeding 200%.To alleviate the burden of rising prices due to heatwaves and heavy rainfall, the government is preparing measures for Chuseok, including large-scale discount events for agricultural, livestock, and fishery products.Koo stated, "We will systematically and collaboratively respond to unfair trading practices, collusion, and various consumer deception activities that disrupt distribution order and undermine the stability of people's livelihoods."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-20 08:16:00
  • Moderna Stock Soars 130%, Options Yield 600,000% in Unprecedented Surge
    Moderna Stock Soars 130%, Options Yield 600,000% in Unprecedented Surge The stock price of the American pharmaceutical company Moderna surged over 130% in a single day, leading to an extraordinary phenomenon in the derivatives market with a yield of 600,000%.According to the released stock price chart, Moderna (MRNA) shares began to rise from around $62.70, reaching a peak of $149.63 during trading. In just one day, the stock increased by an impressive 130.70% from its lowest point, attracting a massive buying spree.The catalyst for this buying frenzy was the announcement of the successful Phase 3 clinical trial (INTerpath-001) of the personalized mRNA cancer vaccine, Intismeran (V940/mRNA-4157), which is being co-developed with global pharmaceutical company Merck (MSD).This result is particularly significant as it marks the first successful Phase 3 clinical trial for an mRNA-based cancer treatment and personalized neoantigen therapy (INT) in history. Moderna and Merck plan to initiate the process for early approval from major regulatory authorities, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), based on these clinical results.As the stock price doubled in just one day, the call options market, which bets on stock price increases, experienced an unprecedented surge.According to the disclosed Moderna options trading screen, the yield for an $80 strike price option reached an astonishing 599,900.00% (approximately 600,000%). Additionally, options with $85 and $90 strike prices recorded yields of 513,300% and 497,900%, respectively, showcasing unrealistically high returns. Theoretically, an investment of just 100,000 won could yield 600 million won.Upon hearing this news in domestic stock communities, netizens reacted with shock and excitement.Some users commented, "Even a small investment for fun turned out to be a jackpot," and "This is a typical lottery-like trade favored by foreign investors," expressing their amazement at how 100,000 won could turn into 600 million won.However, the majority of users cautioned about the severe risks associated with options trading. They warned, "Wake up! You could end up with 600 million won in debt in just one minute with a small investment in the futures and options market," and "Options trading is not for everyone; it's like guessing lottery numbers." Others noted, "Buying a 5,000 won lottery ticket is easier and cheaper than this."They further emphasized, "The options market is a classic zero-sum game; if someone makes a 600,000% profit, someone else has incurred a 600,000% loss," and cautioned against the excessive illusions surrounding derivatives investment, stating, "Many have ended up in debt and ruined their lives after dabbling in options trading."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-20 08:08:00
  • Hyundai Wia Expands Parking Robot Business with New Demonstrations
    Hyundai Wia Expands Parking Robot Business with New Demonstrations In an underground parking garage, a pair of parking robots, thin and flat like a clipboard, smoothly slide under a double-parked GV80 vehicle and lift it effortlessly. These parking robots, only 110 mm thick, can rotate 360 degrees and maneuver vehicles to find available spaces. While spectators are captivated by the robots' impressive capabilities, another pair of robots skillfully retrieves a requested vehicle and transports it to the exit zone. The entire process of removing the double-parked car and retrieving the final requested vehicle took just 2 minutes and 30 seconds. With these parking robots, there's no need to search for a parking spot or push aside double-parked cars in the sweltering heat; simply call the vehicle from inside and drive away from the perfectly positioned car at the parking entrance. This demonstration of parking robots took place on August 19 during Hyundai Wia's 'Parking Solution Client Invitation Event' at the Hyundai Motor Group Uiwang Research Center in Gyeonggi Province. The event aimed to showcase Hyundai Wia's parking robot technology and introduce architectural design and permitting strategies necessary for implementing parking robots in residential areas. Approximately 800 clients, including construction companies, builders, and housing redevelopment associations interested in adopting parking robots, attended the event. The parking robots developed by Hyundai Wia operate in pairs. Using LiDAR sensors, the robots identify the position and size of a vehicle's wheels before entering beneath the vehicle and lifting the wheels with attachments on both ends. These robots can transport vehicles to empty parking spaces or to the entry and exit zones. They are capable of lifting vehicles weighing up to 3.4 tons, accommodating heavy electric cars and large SUVs, while also being designed to handle low-slung luxury sports cars due to their slim profile. The demonstration included various scenarios such as vehicle entry and exit, perpendicular and parallel parking, vehicle repositioning, and responding to unexpected situations. The robots adeptly managed complex scenarios, including retrieving vehicles from double- and triple-parked arrangements and adjusting to sudden obstacles, showcasing their ability to prioritize tasks effectively. Starting next month, these parking robots will be implemented in a trial at 'Hills State The Wave City' in Siheung, where Hyundai Wia plans to validate the operational stability, parking efficiency, and user convenience of the robots in actual residential settings. Baek Ik-jin, Executive Director of Hyundai Wia's Mobility Solution Division, stated, "Based on our experience operating parking robots in various environments, including the headquarters of Hyundai Motor Group and the Factory Seoul office building, as well as in Singapore's innovation center and our Alabama plant in the U.S., we have addressed our clients' pain points. This has allowed us to lower the height of the robots and increase their total carrying weight, enabling them to accommodate nearly all vehicles sold in Korea, from electric cars to supercars." The economic benefits are significant. Implementing parking robots reduces the space needed for opening and closing vehicle doors, allowing for double and triple parking, which can accommodate 20% to 50% more vehicles than traditional self-parking garages. The space utilization can increase by up to 1.5 times compared to existing areas, enhancing the utility value of buildings. Additionally, for residential complexes of a certain size, there is less need for additional infrastructure like control systems, reducing user fees. Baek emphasized, "Parking issues are already severe in urban apartments, department stores, shopping malls, and mixed-use buildings. Parking robots can park more precisely than humans and can expand the utilization of existing spaces by up to 50%, proving their value. We will continue to enhance the utility of the robots by creating additional value, including electric vehicle charging, car washing, and early detection of electric vehicle battery fires." Hyundai Wia aims to increase its revenue from the robotics (mobility solutions) sector to 400 billion won by 2028 and plans to expand the external revenue share of its robotics division to 50% by 2030. Alongside the introduction of parking robots, the company has developed a 'Smart Parking Control System' capable of managing over 50 parking robots simultaneously, now in its second version. This system assists parking robots in navigating optimal routes and efficiently dispatching multiple vehicles. A system capable of controlling over 100 sets of parking robots is also under development, which could manage approximately 4,000 parking spaces based on a single floor. A company representative noted, "After evaluating the business viability of deploying two sets of parking robots in a parking tower in the Gangnam Teheran-ro area, we found that the investment could be recouped in two years. The business model has been validated, and now the key is how much high added value we can provide to our clients by attaching various services to the parking robots. With the institutional foundation for installing parking robots in residential complexes established, we will continue to develop optimized parking robots for residential facilities, convenience and commercial facilities, transportation hubs, and public facilities, thereby expanding our client base."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-20 08:04:00
  • KOSPI Companies Report Record Revenue of 200 Trillion Won in First Half of 2026
    KOSPI Companies Report Record Revenue of 200 Trillion Won in First Half of 2026 ◆Aju Economic Focus▷KOSPI companies achieve record revenue of 200 trillion won; operating profit up 76% excluding Samsung and SK Hynix- In the first half of this year, the revenue of companies listed on the KOSPI exceeded 200 trillion won for the first time, with operating profit and net profit surging by 254.15% and 333.30%, respectively.- Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix led the performance improvement, with their combined operating profit and net profit accounting for 63.09% and 65.46% of the total for the KOSPI market.- However, excluding these two companies, listed firms also saw operating profit increase by 75.61% and net profit rise by 119.68%, indicating that the performance improvement was not limited to large semiconductor stocks.- The financial sector and KOSDAQ market also showed strong performance, particularly with securities firms reporting an operating profit of 9.2066 trillion won, a 163.37% increase, while net profit for KOSDAQ-listed companies surged by 286.95%.- Nonetheless, the debt growth rate for KOSDAQ-listed companies outpaced the capital growth rate, leading to an increase in the debt ratio from 113.58% to 126.04%, indicating a growing financial burden.◆Major Reports▷August Monetary Policy Committee expected to raise key interest rate by 25 basis points - Daishin Securities forecasts that the Bank of Korea's Monetary Policy Committee will raise the key interest rate from 2.75% to 3.00% by 25 basis points in August.- This increase would mark the second consecutive 'back-to-back' hike following July's adjustment, driven by stronger-than-expected recovery in the real economy, including robust exports and improved domestic demand.- The Bank of Korea's growth forecast for 2026 is expected to be significantly revised upward from 2.6% to between 3.2% and 3.3%, with a maximum optimistic scenario suggesting a rise to 3.5%.- Daishin Securities anticipates that there will be additional rate hikes in the fourth quarter of this year and the first quarter of next year, raising the terminal rate of this cycle from the previous 3.25% to 3.50%.- Inflation forecasts indicate that the core inflation rate for 2026 is expected to rise from 2.4% to 2.5%, and for 2027, from 2.3% to 2.4%.◆Major Announcements After Market Close (19th)▷Woori E&L Harutin to lift trading suspension on the 20th▷Raon People to lift trading suspension on the 20th▷Daishin Balance No. 17 SPAC to be delisted on the 1st of next month; trading for liquidation from the 21st to 31st▷Duoback to change CEO▷Nano CMS to decide on a third-party allocation capital increase of 2 billion won▷BGF Eco Materials to acquire an additional 800,000 shares of BGF Eco Solutions▷JTC to decide on a buyback of 10 billion won worth of its own shares▷Canvas N to lift trading suspension on the 20th◆Fund Trends (as of the 18th, excluding ETFs)▷Domestic equity: -6 billion won▷Overseas equity: +3.4 billion won◆Key Schedule for Today (20th)▷Germany: Producer Price Index (July)▷United States: Philadelphia Fed Index (August), Leading Economic Index (July)* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-20 08:04:00
  • Chinas AI Manufacturing Policies Raise Questions for South Korea
    China's AI Manufacturing Policies Raise Questions for South Korea Recent discussions surrounding AI in China have focused on how the country's new models compare in performance to the latest models from the United States. However, performance comparisons alone do not fully capture the changes in China's AI policies. To understand Chinese AI, it is essential to examine not only the performance of the models but also the actual changes occurring in factories. A notable example is the 'Artificial Intelligence + Manufacturing' action plan released by Hebei Province on August 10. This plan outlines how AI will be applied to key local industries such as steel, chemicals, biopharmaceuticals, and automotive production processes.This shift is also reflected in the central government's policies. Earlier this year, eight ministries, including the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, released a similar action plan that aims to expand the application of AI from research and development to encompass the entire manufacturing process, including production, marketing, and operations management. The goal is to deploy 1,000 industrial AI agents and 500 representative application scenarios by 2027. The accompanying 'AI Application Guidelines for Manufacturing Enterprises' instruct companies to assess their level of digitalization and identify bottlenecks in production before implementing AI, prioritizing areas based on economic viability and risk. This indicates that the central government is focusing on how companies can apply AI to specific processes and the resulting benefits.Hebei Province has tailored this directive to its local industries, announcing plans to develop four to five large-scale industrial models and 30 industrial AI agents by 2027, as well as establish 300 advanced smart factories. What stands out is the specific application areas: in steel, the focus will be on steelmaking processes and energy management; in chemicals, on safety management and predictive maintenance; in biopharmaceuticals, on new drug development; and in automotive, on intelligent production scheduling, smart cockpit technology, and driving assistance systems. Even within a national strategy, the application of AI can vary significantly based on regional industries.These differences extend beyond application areas. The policy tools used by local governments to implement AI in industrial settings also vary. Shenzhen is fostering industrial AI agents as 'digital employees' for use in research and development, production, and supply chain management, while also promoting the establishment of innovation centers and industry knowledge alliances. This approach emphasizes broadening the base for developing and utilizing industrial agents. In contrast, Beijing's 'AI + New Materials' initiative goes beyond developing new materials and related equipment and components; it also requires demand companies to validate applications and encompasses a technology package that includes intelligent design, simulation, experimental data, and manufacturing processes. This approach embeds the need for research outcomes to transition into large-scale validation and actual industrial applications.The relationship between manufacturing AI and regional industrial structures is inseparable. Each factory has different equipment specifications, process sequences, and quality standards, and the experience of skilled workers varies. There are also differences in the quantity, format, and management level of data held by companies. Understanding where delays occur in processes, the causes of recurring defects, and whether investments in automation can yield returns requires knowledge of the specific operational context. The role of local governments and regional support organizations becomes crucial in identifying company-specific needs, connecting necessary technologies, and disseminating validated methods to other companies.However, the importance of local roles does not guarantee success. If multiple regions compete to create similar models, data centers, and industrial complexes, it can lead to redundant investments and resource waste. The Chinese central government has also urged regions to develop policies suited to their conditions while encouraging differentiated development among companies, warning against 'involutionary competition' that leads to wasteful rivalry. No matter how many models and agents are developed, if there is a lack of usable data or if existing equipment is not properly integrated, production environments will not change. A critical consideration is whether companies can continue to use these systems at their own expense after pilot applications conclude.South Korea has also begun efforts to connect manufacturing AI with regional industries. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy is promoting the Manufacturing AI Transformation (M.AX) initiative, launching the 'MINI Alliance' involving local companies and universities in existing demonstration industrial complexes in Changwon and Gwangju, with plans to expand this framework to three additional complexes selected this year. The aim is for companies in these complexes to jointly utilize AI-related infrastructure, technology, and personnel. The challenge remains whether these systems will lead to tangible changes in the field. The ministry has supported the AI transformation of over 170 business sites through its AI Factory Leading Project. Among these, 42 sites that started their projects relatively early have begun to show concrete results, with productivity increasing by an average of 30.1% and defect rates decreasing by an average of 15.5%. While these results are noteworthy, they cannot be generalized across all supported sites. It remains to be seen whether similar improvements will occur in other sectors and companies, and whether the benefits will persist after government support ends.To assess the effectiveness of policies, it is essential to examine how production times, defect rates, equipment utilization, and energy consumption have changed, as well as to evaluate the costs of technology adoption against the benefits gained. Instances where expected results were not achieved can also provide valuable data. Documenting where technical limitations emerged and why economic viability was not secured can help reduce trial and error in future projects. The key is not only the success of individual demonstrations but also how those results inform subsequent policies. This brings to light the questions posed by China's local government manufacturing AI policies for South Korea. Therefore, when pursuing manufacturing AI policies, South Korean local governments should focus on designing the post-demonstration phase. Ensuring that confirmed results can be replicated across different companies and sectors, and that businesses can sustain AI utilization independently after government support ends, is crucial. Ultimately, the success of manufacturing AI policies will be measured not by the number of projects but by how deeply these changes take root in the field. 2026-08-20 08:04:00
  • Gwangmyeong City Council Visits Emergency Response Drill Site
    Gwangmyeong City Council Visits Emergency Response Drill Site The Gwangmyeong City Council has assessed local emergency preparedness and encouraged officials participating in the Eulji Exercise aimed at ensuring citizen safety.On the 19th, council members visited the 2026 Eulji Exercise command center established at the Gwangmyeong City Emergency Management Facility to review the training progress and the status of emergency response operations.Led by Chair Lee Hyung-deok, the council members received briefings from relevant departments on the exercise's progress and offered encouragement to public officials and related agency personnel working at the command center.In particular, they expressed gratitude for the efforts of those participating in the training and duties amid the ongoing heatwave, highlighting the importance of enhancing emergency response capabilities. They also urged close cooperation among related agencies and the maintenance of a swift response system to protect citizens' lives and safety in actual crisis situations.The Eulji Exercise is a training program designed to assess the response capabilities of administrative and related agencies in preparation for national emergencies, ensuring the protection of citizens' lives and property during crises.Citizens generally view the council's on-site visit as significant, noting the importance of directly observing disaster and emergency response efforts and acknowledging the hard work of those involved.One citizen remarked, “Emergency situations are often not visible in daily life, but quick responses are crucial when they occur. I hope the training leads to a response system that citizens can feel during actual disasters or crises.”There were also calls among citizens for the council to go beyond mere encouragement visits, advocating for the incorporation of identified issues from the training into actual administration and strengthening the system for delivering timely and accurate information to the public during emergencies.Meanwhile, Chair Lee Hyung-deok stated, “The Eulji Exercise is an important process for assessing actual response capabilities in preparation for emergencies that are often hard to perceive in daily life.” He added, “The council will also ensure close cooperation between the city and related agencies, fulfilling its role to establish a local emergency preparedness system that allows citizens to feel secure.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-20 07:52:00
  • Hong Min-kis Ex-Girlfriend Reveals Details of Pregnancy and Abortion Process
    Hong Min-ki's Ex-Girlfriend Reveals Details of Pregnancy and Abortion Process Amid allegations of dating violence against Hong Min-ki, his ex-girlfriend, referred to as A, has disclosed additional details regarding her pregnancy and abortion process.A stated on her Instagram story on the 19th that she had seen a statement from Hong Min-ki's side, asserting, "It is not true that I stalked him by visiting his house or demanded to meet again."She continued, "I only asked for a minimal apology, and I believe it is wrong to suppress someone in this manner, which constitutes secondary harm."A explained that she had been in a relationship with Hong Min-ki since April. She described experiencing jealousy, misunderstandings, and arguments typical in relationships, claiming she endured verbal abuse from him but chose to forgive him, knowing he was suffering from a mental illness.A also refuted claims from Hong Min-ki's side that she had been in continuous contact with his ex-boyfriend.Particularly concerning to A was the issue surrounding her pregnancy and abortion. She claimed that in the first week of July 2026, she realized something was wrong with her body, as she had not had her period for two weeks despite having a regular cycle. She communicated her anxiety about this to Hong Min-ki.According to A, Hong Min-ki responded, "Why don’t you buy a pregnancy test from Coupang? Should I get one for you?" She claimed that she confirmed her pregnancy using a test at his house around July 11-12.A alleged that after returning home from drinking, Hong Min-ki checked the pregnancy test and yelled at her, saying, "Why are you covering yourself with a blanket that isn’t even dry?" He then reportedly asked, "Are you going to have an abortion? Go do it tomorrow," which left her in shock.A stated that on July 13, fearing to accompany Hong Min-ki to the gynecologist, she went alone to undergo the abortion. She claimed to have kept medical records and ultrasound images as evidence.Following the procedure, A alleged that Hong Min-ki attempted to distance himself from her. She claimed he said, "I can’t take care of you," while she pleaded for him to take responsibility until her health improved, but he cut off contact.A reiterated her reasons for visiting Hong Min-ki's house. While his side claimed she repeatedly approached him demanding to meet, A insisted she sought an apology and accountability for the emotional pain she endured during her pregnancy and abortion."I fell into despair with no one to rely on, and that turned into anger, leading me to visit Hong Min-ki's house," she explained. She added that she found it difficult to share her situation with her parents and friends."At that time, the only person I could turn to was Hong Min-ki, who got me pregnant and abandoned me. Is asking for help and wanting an apology for the wrongs done to me considered stalking?" she questioned. She also asked, "Is it stalking to express to your mother how difficult it is because of the pregnancy?"A mentioned that she is currently a first-year college student, with classes starting in a few weeks. She expressed that she is still suffering from the aftereffects of the abortion and strongly opposed Hong Min-ki's portrayal of her as a 'stalking perpetrator.'She also made additional claims regarding the costs of the abortion. In a separate post, A alleged that Hong Min-ki had gaslighted her by saying, "The graduation fee wasn’t much; I have no money," ultimately leading her to pay for the entire procedure.As Hong Min-ki's side threatens legal action over A's alleged persistent contact and approach, A maintains that she is merely seeking accountability for her pregnancy and abortion. With both sides presenting conflicting claims, the controversy is likely to escalate from a public dispute to a legal battle.Previously, A accused Hong Min-ki of being a perpetrator of dating violence and released a legal notice through a law firm regarding illegal criminal acts. The document included allegations of throwing a soju bottle on the street, making threatening remarks, physical assault, accessing her phone and KakaoTalk messages, and injuring her while driving an electric scooter under the influence. A also claimed there were ongoing verbal abuse, gaslighting, and abusive behavior towards her pet, as well as violent actions that continued after their breakup.In response, Hong Min-ki's agency, Fable Company, issued an official statement on the 19th, asserting that many of A's allegations do not align with the facts as understood by the agency, claiming that A repeatedly contacted and approached both the actor's and his family's homes.However, the currently disclosed details regarding the pregnancy, abortion, dating violence, and stalking remain based on conflicting claims and social media posts from both sides, with no definitive conclusions reached by law enforcement or the courts.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-20 07:44:00
  • Government Extends Regulations on Urea and Medical Supplies Amid Supply Stability
    Government Extends Regulations on Urea and Medical Supplies Amid Supply Stability The South Korean government has decided to relax the criteria for determining hoarding of urea and urea solution while extending related regulations until the end of October. Although supply conditions have improved following China's lifting of export controls, the government aims to maintain regulatory frameworks in anticipation of uncertainties arising from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.On August 20, a meeting of the Emergency Economic Headquarters, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Koo Yun-cheol, discussed the operational measures for the hoarding prohibition regulations.Currently, importers, manufacturers, and sellers of urea solution are deemed to be hoarding if they store quantities exceeding 150% of the average monthly sales from the previous year for more than seven days. Starting September 1, this threshold will be raised to 200%, allowing companies to increase their inventory levels.The application period for these regulations will be extended from August 31 to October 31. This approach aims to alleviate the inventory burden on manufacturers and distributors while maintaining a management system to respond to emergencies.The government has assessed that the domestic supply of urea is stabilizing. Combined public reserves and private stocks currently hold a level equivalent to 3 to 4 months of normal supply.With China allocating an export quota of approximately 2 million tons, the conditions for imports are expected to improve. Domestic companies are in the process of securing contracts for 7,000 tons of Chinese urea, which corresponds to about one month’s usage.The prohibition on hoarding for medical syringes and needles will also be extended until the end of October. This measure considers the potential instability in the supply of raw materials, such as naphtha, due to the situation in the Middle East.Inventory levels for syringe and needle manufacturers increased from 49.77 million units in the first week of May to 69.54 million units in the second week of August. Last month, the government relaxed the storage standard from 150% to 200% of the previous year’s average monthly sales and lifted sales volume restrictions.Currently, manufacturers and sellers are considered to be hoarding if they store quantities exceeding 200% of the average monthly sales for more than five days. This time, the government will not change the criteria but will only extend the application period.The government plans to monitor the developments in the Middle East conflict and the supply and distribution trends of urea and medical supplies to determine whether to extend the regulations further. The hoarding prohibition for petroleum products, which is currently in effect alongside a price cap, will remain in place until September 12.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-20 07:40:20