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  • South Koreas Science Ministry Restructures AI Foundation Model Project
    South Korea's Science Ministry Restructures AI Foundation Model Project The Ministry of Science and ICT is reviewing the restructuring and integration of existing AI projects, including the Independent AI Foundation Model (IndepAI), to better respond to the development of global frontier-level artificial intelligence (AI) models. The third phase of the IndepAI evaluation will proceed as scheduled, selecting two out of three elite teams, while a new competitive framework for developing frontier-level AI models is being planned.On August 18, the ministry announced the results of the second phase evaluation of the IndepAI project. As a result, three elite teams—Upstage, SK Telecom (SKT), and LG AI Research—will advance to the next stage. However, Motif Technologies, which joined through an additional application, did not pass the second phase evaluation.Along with the evaluation results, the ministry indicated it is considering restructuring the competition and support system for the IndepAI project. This decision stems from concerns that the current approach cannot keep pace with the rapid advancements in global frontier AI models.Deputy Minister Ryu Je-myung stated, "The performance of frontier models from global companies is advancing exponentially," adding that discussions with businesses have focused on whether the current scale of support and competition can keep up. He noted, "There is a consensus on the need to shift from the current competitive model to one that allows us to compete effectively with frontier companies." The ministry confirmed that the third phase of the IndepAI evaluation will proceed as originally planned, with no changes to the selection of two teams from the three elite teams.Potential restructuring will be considered after this phase. The government is exploring ways to link and restructure existing projects, including the IndepAI, while reviewing plans for developing frontier-level AI models. The continuation of the fourth phase of the IndepAI project is also under consideration. The ministry plans to announce specific directions for the frontier-level model development project soon.Deputy Minister Ryu mentioned, "We are discussing new competitive methods, resource concentration and distribution, and consortium formation with businesses," but noted that specific plans are difficult to disclose until the budget is finalized.In the second phase evaluation, not only technical capabilities but also usability and applicability influenced the outcomes. The elimination of Motif, which performed well in global benchmarks, was attributed to these factors. Ryu explained, "Motif demonstrated high performance in the AAII global benchmark, proving its innovative algorithms and AI capabilities. However, it received lower evaluations in usability and applicability compared to other companies." However, the ministry clarified that no single evaluation criterion determined the outcomes. The score gap between the first and fourth places in the benchmark evaluation was only four points, with expert evaluations showing a difference of 2.4 points and user evaluations differing by five points. The top companies varied across different evaluation areas. Ryu noted, "The results were a cumulative outcome of minor score differences across evaluations." Additionally, the newly introduced public evaluation did not impact the final outcomes. About 1,400 people applied for the public evaluation panel, with 200 selected, and after conflict of interest checks and actual response verification, 185 ultimately participated. Ryu stated, "After thorough review, we found that the public evaluation did not influence the outcomes." 2026-08-18 12:36:00
  • Changwon City Begins 2026 Eulji Exercise with Terror Response Training
    Changwon City Begins 2026 Eulji Exercise with Terror Response Training Changwon City officially commenced the '2026 Eulji Exercise' on August 18, holding an initial situation report meeting at the city hall with over 100 participants, including Mayor Kang Ki-yoon and heads of various departments. The exercise, which will last until August 21, aims to assess the national emergency response system and inter-agency cooperation.The meeting, which began at 9 a.m., included military situation reports, initial situation assessments, and discussions on key issues during wartime, focusing on the collaboration between civilian, military, police, and fire services in the event of a national emergency.On the first day of training, the main topic addressed was the emergency recovery and comprehensive water supply measures in response to potential nuclear attacks and radiation contamination affecting water purification and supply facilities.A representative from the city's Civil Defense Team, which oversees the entire exercise, stated, "We provided specific reports on how to recover based on basic data and what methods to use for water supply during recovery when water supply is disrupted. This training simulates wartime conditions, so there may be some differences from normal situations."This year's Eulji Exercise will primarily focus on tabletop training with specialized discussions and practical drills scheduled for each day. Notably, on the third day, August 20, a discussion on 'Disaster Relief Measures for Victims of Drone Attacks on Public Facilities' will be led by the social welfare department and Masan Health Center.The Civil Defense Team representative added that the training will involve discussions on how to respond to drone threats, including how to provide relief to victims in the event of a drone attack on public facilities.In addition to the tabletop training, a practical drill will take place at 1 p.m. on the same day at Changwon Sports Park, simulating a terrorist attack on public facilities, including bomb disposal and rescue procedures.The overall coordination of the Eulji Exercise will be managed by the Civil Defense Team, with each department responsible for reporting on specific issues to enhance the professionalism and effectiveness of the training. Additionally, the city will conduct training on transitioning to wartime procedures and evacuating residents during the exercise period. On August 18, a military equipment exhibition will be held in front of the city hall to provide citizens and public officials with a security experience opportunity.Mayor Kang Ki-yoon stated, "Peace can only be maintained through prepared strength, which comes from the thorough preparation of each public official. I urge everyone to approach this exercise with the understanding that it is not a formal procedure but a real situation, and to actively participate in familiarizing themselves with their departmental duties and identifying any shortcomings in the plans."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-18 12:32:00
  • Inje Countys Water Supply Satisfaction Score Ranks First Nationwide
    Inje County's Water Supply Satisfaction Score Ranks First Nationwide The Inje County Water and Sewage Office achieved the highest score among water supply agencies in a national customer satisfaction survey.On August 18, Inje County announced that its Water and Sewage Office recorded an overall satisfaction score of 86.17 in the '2025 Local Public Enterprise Management Evaluation Customer Satisfaction Survey.'This score is the highest among 122 local public water supply agencies surveyed nationwide, exceeding the overall average of 82.90 by 3.27 points.The survey was conducted to assess the customer service levels of local public enterprises in accordance with the Local Public Enterprises Act. The Local Public Enterprise Evaluation Institute commissioned a professional research organization to carry out the evaluation from June to October 2025, targeting 389 institutions.The evaluation covered five areas: service environment, service process, service results, social satisfaction, and overall satisfaction. Specific aspects assessed included convenience, comfort, safety, accessibility, responsiveness to complaints, processing speed, service reliability, public interest, fairness, and sustainability.Notably, the results reflect the perceived service level by users rather than a technical assessment of water quality or facility performance. This score represents residents' evaluations of the overall operation of the water supply, including stable water delivery, complaint handling, and administrative reliability.Inje County, which has a wide distribution of mountainous villages, requires relatively more time and resources for water supply, facility management, and emergency complaint responses. Achieving the highest satisfaction score under these regional conditions indicates that user-centered field responses and administrative services received positive feedback.Building on this achievement, the Inje County Water and Sewage Office plans to enhance stable tap water supply and prompt complaint responses. They also aim to continue improving services that residents can feel.Lee Sang-do, head of the Inje County Water and Sewage Office, stated, “We will ensure safe and stable tap water supply while carefully addressing any inconveniences from the users. We will continue to provide trustworthy water and sewage administration to the residents.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-18 12:20:00
  • Employers Must Report Withdrawal from Joint Labor Welfare Fund Within Three Weeks
    Employers Must Report Withdrawal from Joint Labor Welfare Fund Within Three Weeks If an employer withdraws from the Joint Labor Welfare Fund, the fund must report this to the administrative agency within three weeks.The Ministry of Employment and Labor announced on August 18 that a revision to the Enforcement Decree of the Labor Welfare Basic Act was reviewed and approved at a Cabinet meeting.According to the ministry, the in-house labor welfare fund is a system where companies contribute a portion of their profits to create a fund that is used to enhance the stability and welfare of employees. The Joint Labor Welfare Fund is established when two or more employers jointly contribute a portion of their profits to create a fund for the welfare of their employees.Under the current Labor Welfare Basic Act, employers who withdraw from the Joint Labor Welfare Fund must use the assets distributed to them for the welfare of their employees. Withdrawn employers are required to either establish a new in-house labor welfare fund or contribute the distributed assets to an existing in-house labor welfare fund.However, there has been no separate reporting procedure for administrative agencies to promptly identify when an employer withdraws from the joint fund. This has made it difficult to immediately verify whether the withdrawn employer has actually established an in-house labor welfare fund or used the distributed assets for employee welfare projects.The revised enforcement decree mandates that if a specific employer withdraws from the Joint Labor Welfare Fund, the fund must report this fact to the administrative agency within three weeks.The ministry will verify whether the withdrawn employer has established an in-house labor welfare fund or contributed the distributed assets to the fund based on the report. If legal obligations are not fulfilled, the ministry plans to encourage compliance and provide guidance to prevent any gaps in employee welfare.The revised enforcement decree will take effect immediately upon promulgation. The government plans to apply the revised regulations as early as the end of this month after going through the necessary procedures.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-18 12:20:00
  • KB Securities: Big Tech Will Continue AI Investments, Watch Capital Providers
    KB Securities: Big Tech Will Continue AI Investments, Watch Capital Providers To gauge the direction of the artificial intelligence (AI) investment cycle in the second half of the year, analysts suggest focusing on the movements of capital providers rather than the investment scale of big tech companies. While big tech firms are likely to continue investing due to anticipated future profits from AI, capital providers such as banks, venture capitalists, and pension funds may halt funding if the risk of losses increases.Lee Eun-taek, head of research strategy at KB Securities, stated at a press conference on asset market strategies for the second half of 2026 held at the Korea Exchange in Yeouido, Seoul, that he believes the stock market will perform reasonably well in the second half, but the cycle is approaching its later stages. He emphasized the need to pay attention to the actions of capital providers.Lee noted, "The likelihood of big tech companies voluntarily halting their investments is very low," citing differences in investment structures. He explained, "Hyperscalers can push through to success regardless of cash flow, which makes it difficult for them to stop investing."In contrast, capital providers are more sensitive to the possibility of recovering their principal than to the additional profits from successful investments. Therefore, to determine the turning point of the AI investment cycle, it is more important to observe when capital providers might stop funding rather than how much big tech will invest.Lee pointed out that in the past three instances of bubble collapses, it was capital providers who ceased funding rather than companies reducing their investments, which led to a downturn in the investment cycle. He identified economic slowdown and rising interest rates as factors that could alter capital providers' judgments. As the economy slows and corporate profits decline, capital providers' risk perceptions increase, and rising interest rates may lead to a shift of funds to relatively safer assets.He specifically highlighted a trend of rising interest rates as a common phenomenon in the three previous bubble collapses. However, he cautioned against predicting market bubble collapses solely based on rising interest rates.Lee remarked, "Nine out of ten interest rate hikes present buying opportunities," stressing that the conditions of the final interest rate hike that triggers a bubble collapse are crucial. He indicated that what investors should focus on is not the interest rate increase itself, but rather a 'No Way Back' situation where the market perceives that rates can no longer decrease.He identified inflation as a key factor contributing to such a situation. When inflation rises, central banks find it challenging to lower rates or shift to accommodative policies, which can prolong the period of rising interest rates.Additionally, he pointed out that a specific interest rate level to watch in the current market is the U.S. 10-year Treasury yield in the low 5% range. Lee stated, "If the U.S. 10-year Treasury yield consistently surpasses the low 5% range, it could pose some risks," adding that exceeding 5% would mark the highest level since 2007.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-18 12:16:00
  • Yanggu Seeks Vendors for Night Market Featuring Food Stalls and Food Trucks
    Yanggu Seeks Vendors for Night Market Featuring Food Stalls and Food Trucks The Yanggu County government is recruiting local food vendors for the upcoming night market, 'Yanggu Night Market,' scheduled for September.According to Yanggu County on the 18th, the '2026 Yanggu Night Market' will take place from September 18 to 19 in the parking lot of Yanggu Central Market.The event aims to revitalize traditional markets and stimulate local consumption. It will operate as a nighttime cultural space combining food sales, experiential programs, and performances.A total of 10 teams will be selected, including eight food stalls and two food trucks. Small businesses that can prepare and sell snacks, light meals, desserts, and beverages on-site are eligible to apply.Applicants must have a business location in Yanggu County and be actively operating as of the announcement date. Restaurants, cafes, and instant food manufacturing and processing businesses are among the relevant sectors, and applicants must participate in sales during the event.Yanggu produces a variety of agricultural specialties, including Gomchwi (a type of edible plant), Punchbowl radish, apples, melons, asparagus, Odae rice, and honey. Utilizing these products could lead to the development of night market menu items that reflect local flavors, such as Gomchwi pancakes, Gomchwi rice wraps, and drinks and desserts made from apples and melons.However, there is no requirement for specific menu items in this recruitment. The county plans to encourage participation from various sectors, expanding visitors' choices from snacks to meals and desserts.On the second day of the event, September 19, activities related to Youth Day will also be held. The program aims to spread consumption to the central market and surrounding areas, allowing residents and tourists to enjoy the festivities together.The application period runs until 6 p.m. on the 31st. Interested participants can register by visiting the Economic and Sports Department at Yanggu County Hall.Application forms and detailed information can be found on the Yanggu County website under 'Government News - Announcements - Notices and Announcements.'Kim Soon-hee, head of the Economic and Sports Department, stated, 'We will prepare this night market to invigorate the traditional market and local economy, ensuring it is an enjoyable event for both residents and tourists. We hope for the active participation of small businesses showcasing diverse local foods.'* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-18 12:08:00
  • Average Household Welfare Benefits Reach 9.26 Million Won
    Average Household Welfare Benefits Reach 9.26 Million Won In 2024, the government provided an average of 9.26 million won in in-kind welfare benefits to households, with an increase in medical support but a decrease in education and childcare assistance.According to the National Data Agency's report on income statistics reflecting social in-kind transfers, the average social in-kind transfer income per household in 2024 was 9.26 million won, up 40,000 won (0.4%) from 2023.Social in-kind transfers refer to the value of goods and services provided by the government to households or individuals, including health insurance premiums, free education and meals, childcare fees, and social service vouchers.The average household income for 2024 was 74.27 million won, a 3.4% increase from the previous year. When adjusted for social in-kind transfer income, the adjusted household income rose to 83.53 million won, a 3.0% increase. The scale of in-kind welfare accounted for 12.5% of household income, down 0.4 percentage points from the previous year.Medical support increased from 4.72 million won in 2023 to 4.88 million won in 2024, a rise of 3.5%. Its share of total in-kind transfers grew from 51.2% to 52.8%, an increase of 1.6 percentage points.In contrast, education support decreased from 3.9 million won to 3.77 million won, a decline of 3.4%. Its proportion also fell from 42.3% to 40.7%, a drop of 1.6 percentage points. Education support has decreased for five consecutive years, down from 4.15 million won in 2019.Childcare support fell from 350,000 won to 320,000 won, a 7.2% decrease. Other vouchers increased from 250,000 won to 280,000 won, an 11.4% rise. Medical and educational support accounted for 93.5% of total in-kind transfer income.By age group, households led by individuals in their 40s received the highest in-kind transfer income at 14.99 million won, largely due to education support reaching 10.77 million won. This was followed by households in their 50s at 9.74 million won, those in their 60s and above at 7.97 million won, and those under 30 at 5.72 million won.Households with members aged 65 and older received 8.69 million won in in-kind transfer income, with medical support accounting for 8.12 million won. In contrast, households under 30 had a relatively high proportion of childcare support, while those in their 40s focused on education and those over 60 on medical assistance.For the lowest income quintile, in-kind transfer income was 7.27 million won, while the highest quintile received 12.53 million won, indicating that higher-income households received more in absolute terms. However, the proportion of in-kind transfers relative to household income was significantly higher for the lowest quintile at 46.8%, compared to 7.2% for the highest quintile.In the lowest quintile, 88.0% of in-kind transfers were for medical support, while in the highest quintile, education made up 57.0% of the total.In terms of household size, in-kind transfer income was 3.54 million won for single-person households, 6.73 million won for two-person households, 10.34 million won for three-person households, and 19.14 million won for four-person households. Households with five or more members received 30.19 million won.When accounting for in-kind transfers, the Gini coefficient decreased from 0.325 to 0.281, a drop of 0.044, and the income quintile ratio fell from 5.78 to 4.33, a reduction of 1.45.The relative poverty rate dropped from 15.3% to 10.5% after accounting for in-kind transfers, a decrease of 4.8 percentage points. The poverty rate among retirees improved significantly, falling from 37.7% to 25.7%, a reduction of 12.0 percentage points.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-18 12:04:10
  • National Tax Service Extends Corporate Tax Deadline for Flood-Damaged SMEs in Geoje and Tongyeong
    National Tax Service Extends Corporate Tax Deadline for Flood-Damaged SMEs in Geoje and Tongyeong The National Tax Service (NTS) will extend the corporate tax payment deadline by two months for approximately 1,200 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Geoje and Tongyeong affected by recent heavy rains.On August 18, the NTS announced that it would provide tax support to SMEs in these regions, considering that the current period is for the interim corporate tax prepayment reporting and payment.These businesses can now pay their interim corporate tax, originally due by the end of this month, until November 2 without needing to submit a separate application, as the NTS will automatically extend the deadline.Dedicated support centers for taxpayers affected by the heavy rains will be established at the Tongyeong Tax Office and the Geoje Tax Office. These centers will operate as one-stop services, allowing affected businesses to apply for tax support and receive consultations in one location.Corporations that have lost more than 20% of their business assets can apply for disaster loss tax deductions. The NTS plans to proactively identify eligible corporations and guide them through the deduction application process during the interim tax payment.Disaster loss tax deductions can be applied for online after checking the relevant information in the Home Tax system under the disaster loss tax deduction menu.Taxpayers in other southern regions affected by the heavy rains will also be eligible for tax support. The NTS intends to assess the damage and extend reporting and payment deadlines, as well as defer seizures and sales, within the limits allowed by law.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-18 12:04:10
  • AI-Based Motionary Analyzes Physical Function and Movement for Seniors
    AI-Based Motionary Analyzes Physical Function and Movement for Seniors Removing Company has developed 'Motionary,' an AI-based healthcare solution that analyzes the movements of seniors and provides personalized exercise recommendations. Users perform guided movements in front of a camera for about 10 minutes without wearing any additional sensors. The AI analyzes joint movements and physical functions, quantifying strength, endurance, joint health, balance, stability, gait, and symmetry. The solution goes beyond mere analysis. Based on the results, it recommends necessary exercise content, allowing users to set difficulty levels and exercise durations for ongoing practice at home or in facilities. Results and exercise history are stored on a personal management page, enabling users to track changes in physical function through re-evaluations. Facility operators can manage multiple users' measurements and exercise records within a single system, making it highly applicable in settings that serve numerous seniors, such as welfare centers, health clinics, and senior community centers. The development of Motionary addresses the lack of specialized personnel and facilities to provide personalized exercise services amid rapid aging. Removing Company has standardized its accumulated training experience from senior home visits and professional personal training studios using data and AI technology. The aim is to enable seniors to assess their physical functions and start suitable exercises regardless of their location or economic conditions. Ultimately, the goal is to support seniors' independence by helping them maintain their ability to perform daily activities, such as walking, eating, and going out. The application of this technology in public and welfare sectors is also expanding. After conducting a pilot project with the Gangnam District Office in 2023, Removing Company plans to install the analyzer at the Gyeongju Senior Comprehensive Welfare Center in 2024. Currently, it is being supplied through a B2G model to public touchpoints such as senior centers, welfare facilities, health clinics, and community centers, and has also been applied in services for mobility-impaired individuals at Gimpo Airport. According to the company, over 30 institutions have experienced the service, spanning more than 12 cities. Motionary is not a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment but a data-driven health management platform that helps seniors and trainers choose necessary exercises more easily and specifically. 2026-08-18 12:04:10
  • AI Technology Reveals Personal Health Insights in Just 10 Minutes
    AI Technology Reveals Personal Health Insights in Just 10 Minutes On August 13, at the Removing Company studio in Apgujeong-dong, Gangnam, a 64-year-old participant stood in front of the AI-based body function and movement analyzer. As the demonstration on the computer screen began, the participant followed instructions, lifting arms and shifting body weight on a mat. A camera recorded the movements. Typically, the participant assessed their physical condition based on the sensation of walking without discomfort. However, after the measurement, the screen displayed a different narrative: strength and endurance scored 45, joints 59, balance and stability 68, gait 90, and symmetry 74. The assessment indicated that strength and endurance, as well as joint function, required maintenance, while balance, stability, and symmetry were rated as good, and gait was optimal. The most notable aspect was the gap between the gait score and the strength score, suggesting that while walking appeared stable, foundational strength needed separate attention. Coaches Immediately Begin Exercise Guidance The participant's highest score was 90 for gait, while strength and endurance were the lowest at 45. This score was not a medical diagnosis but rather an evaluation of the participant's exercise capabilities by the AI system. The core of this experience was not the measuring device itself but what followed. The coach focused on the relatively low scores in strength and endurance, as well as joint mobility. They guided the participant through upper body stretches, movements to elongate the torso while reaching upward, and exercises involving hanging and weight support. Each movement was monitored for posture, breathing, and range of motion, without pushing beyond safe limits. After the session, the participant remarked, "It felt like my body was stretching out." While one session cannot determine disease treatment or long-term functional improvement, it was clear that identifying weak areas and concentrating on them differed from merely repeating full-body exercises. The data served not as a replacement for the coach's observations but as a starting point for prioritizing exercises. Removing Company's 'Measure-Analyze-Exercise-Track' According to product descriptions from Removing Company, this solution quantifies joint, movement, and muscle-related physical indicators after about 10 minutes of performing movements while watching a screen. Based on the analysis, it presents personalized exercise videos, allowing users to set difficulty levels and exercise durations while accumulating performance records. Users can also track their measurement results and changes through a personal management page. CEO Lee Hyun-soo explained, "We developed the movement analysis solution based on our experience in one-on-one senior home exercise and personal training studio operations." This personal training studio is located in Apgujeong-dong, Gangnam. The system captures user movements with a camera, and AI analyzes various actions to provide functional levels and tailored exercise content for different body parts. In other words, the solution follows a process of measurement (performing screen movements) → analysis (scoring by function) → guidance (coach-led personalized exercise) → tracking (changes and performance records). Personalized Exercise to Assist Rehabilitation, Not Replace It This service has the potential to assist in rehabilitation by designing exercises tailored to individual weak indicators. Regular measurements of critical areas such as strength, balance, gait, and joint movement can help clarify exercise goals and track progress, especially for older adults. The World Health Organization (WHO) also emphasizes the benefits of regular physical activity for physical and mental health, highlighting the importance of various activities, including strength and balance, for seniors. However, the functional assessments and personalized exercises provided at fitness facilities are not equivalent to medical diagnoses, prescriptions, or physical therapy. Users experiencing severe pain, recent surgeries, fractures, neurological conditions, or high fall risks should consult medical professionals first. This is why it is more accurate to describe the program as a data-driven tool that supports rehabilitation-focused exercise rather than claiming it delivers rehabilitation treatment effects. The scores from this solution should be viewed as reference indicators for determining exercise direction rather than diagnostic test results for diseases. Why Personalized Exercise is Gaining Popularity in Gangnam The motivation behind this coverage is the growing attention to data-driven personalized exercise in the Gangnam area. The competitive edge observed on-site lies in the personalized approach rather than flashy equipment. Users can see their weaknesses represented in numbers and graphs, while coaches observe the results alongside actual movements to prioritize exercises. After workouts, users have benchmarks for comparison during subsequent measurements. For older adults or exercise beginners, a blanket prescription to do more can create barriers to entry. In contrast, the guidance to maintain strengths while focusing on weaknesses is easier to understand. In this case, the participant had an optimal gait but needed to manage strength and endurance as well as joint function. A single pentagon graph shifted the order of their exercises. Body Function and Movement Analyzer: Providing Clues Instead of Answers The value of the Removing Company solution, confirmed through on-site experience, lies in the connection of measurement, human guidance, and ongoing management as a cohesive process. This solution does not fix the body but reveals previously unseen differences in numerical form, allowing coaches to connect those insights to actual movements. Users engage in exercise with an understanding of their deficiencies. The effectiveness of this solution hinges on consistency rather than a single score. It is essential to observe how functional indicators change during re-measurements under the same conditions, whether users can continue exercising without pain or discomfort, and if daily activities become genuinely easier. For data-driven personalized exercise to establish itself as a trusted health management method beyond a trend, the accuracy and reproducibility of measurements, the expertise of coaches, and the continuous accumulation of long-term user change data must be maintained. After the session, the participant expressed feeling lighter as they left the studio. However, they emphasized that the more important realization was, "It’s not just that I walk well; I need to manage my strength and joints more effectively." 2026-08-18 12:04:00