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  • Gwangju to Conduct Civil Defense Drill on August 20 in Preparation for Air Raids
    Gwangju to Conduct Civil Defense Drill on August 20 in Preparation for Air Raids The city of Gwangju will conduct a civil defense drill on August 20, in conjunction with the Ulchi exercise, to prepare for potential air raids. This will be the first drill since the city was integrated.The exercise aims to enhance citizens' ability to respond quickly and safely in the event of an air raid. It will take place simultaneously across the country, focusing on evacuation procedures and educating residents on emergency response protocols.At 2 p.m. on August 20, a siren will sound for one minute to signal the start of the air raid alert, prompting citizens to move to the nearest civil defense shelter or safe underground area.Locations of the shelters can be found using Naver or Daum search engines, or by searching for 'civil defense shelter' in mapping applications like Safety Step, Naver, Kakao, or T-map.Inside the shelters, residents will listen to radio broadcasts and receive training on emergency response protocols. The alert will be lifted around 2:15 p.m., allowing residents to return to normal activities.The drill will conclude with the lifting of the alert at approximately 2:20 p.m.This exercise will also include training on finding shelters, wearing gas masks, and ensuring smooth passage for emergency vehicles.Participation in the drill will also be encouraged at large facilities such as supermarkets, department stores, and cinemas.Prior to the drill, Gwangju city officials will inspect civil defense shelters and alert systems, and deploy personnel to guide citizens to safety.In particular, plans will be established to prevent heat-related illnesses and ensure the safety of vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and disabled, who may have difficulty evacuating.Kim Jun-young, head of the Gwangju City Safety Office, stated, "This civil defense drill is significant as it is the first conducted since the integration of Gwangju. It emphasizes our commitment to protecting the lives and safety of our citizens as a unified community. I encourage all citizens to actively participate in the drill."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-18 09:48:00
  • Trump hints at prospects for talks with North Korea as US scales back joint exercise
    Trump hints at prospects for talks with North Korea as US scales back joint exercise SEOUL, August 18 (AJP) - U.S. President Donald Trump said Monday that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has responded to his overture for talks, describing the current state of U.S.-North Korea relations as "very positive." When asked why Kim had not responded to his calls for talks, Trump pushed back, saying, "How do you know he hasn't responded?" When pressed on whether Kim had in fact responded, Trump replied, "Yeah, he has." But Trump did not provide any further details, leaving it unclear how or when Kim responded. He also did not say whether Kim's response could lead to formal talks. Still it was the first time since returning to office that Trump has said publicly that North Korea had responded to his calls for dialogue. Trump has frequently highlighted his personal relationship with Kim, whom he met three times during his first term, in Singapore in 2018, Hanoi in 2019 and at Panmunjom on the inter-Korean border later that year. Trump's comments at the White House came a day after he instructed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to "substantially" scale back a joint military exercise between Seoul and Washington, which began its 10-day training earlier this week. In a post on Truth Social, Trump argued that the "costly" exercise sent an "inappropriate and hostile" message to North Korea, adding that Kim had always treated him "with great respect." The developments have raised questions about whether Washington is trying to make room for renewed talks with Pyongyang, while some observers worry that smaller military exercises could weaken deterrence and readiness on the Korean Peninsula. Trump also criticized South Korea for its reluctance to back U.S. policy on Iran and raised questions about the cost of keeping U.S. troops in South Korea. He disclosed that he had recently asked Seoul to assist with the ongoing conflict with Iran, but South Korea declined. He then questioned why South Korea would not assist the U.S. while Washington maintains tens of thousands of troops on the Korean Peninsula. "We have 39,000 soldiers over there guarding you from Kim Jong-un, your next-door neighbor, and you are not going to help us on a very easy military operation in Iran," Trump said. "That's strange," warning that the U.S. could not indefinitely provide security guarantees to countries that he believes do not reciprocate. It remains unclear whether Washington and North Korea will resume talks, but Trump's latest comments and decision to scale back the joint exercise suggest that he may seek dialogue with Kim amid declining approval ratings ahead of the U.S. midterm elections this fall. AJP Takeaways: - U.S. President Donald Trump said on Aug. 17, 2026, that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un had responded to his offer of talks, but Trump gave no details about when or how Kim responded or whether the exchange could lead to formal negotiations. - Trump described the current state of U.S.-North Korea relations as "very positive" and again emphasized his personal relationship with Kim Jong-un, whom he met three times in 2018 and 2019. - Trump ordered Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to substantially scale back a joint U.S.-South Korea military exercise, arguing that the costly drills send an "inappropriate and hostile" message to North Korea. The move has raised concerns about its potential impact on deterrence and military readiness. - Trump criticized South Korea over its refusal to assist the United States in the conflict with Iran, questioning why Seoul would not provide support while the United States maintains tens of thousands of troops on the Korean Peninsula. - Trump's comments and the decision to reduce the military exercise could signal an effort to create room for renewed diplomacy with North Korea, although it remains unclear whether Washington and Pyongyang will resume formal talks. The developments come ahead of the Nov. 3, 2026, U.S. midterm elections. 2026-08-18 09:43:35
  • JW Pharmaceutical Applies for Clinical Trial of Obesity Drug Bopanglutide
    JW Pharmaceutical Applies for Clinical Trial of Obesity Drug Bopanglutide JW Pharmaceutical has announced its initiation of a Phase 3 clinical trial for its obesity treatment candidate, Bopanglutide, which is administered once every two weeks.The company submitted the Investigational New Drug (IND) application for Bopanglutide to the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety on August 18. The trial will involve 300 adult participants in South Korea who are obese or overweight. The company plans to start the trial in December and evaluate the efficacy and safety of Bopanglutide compared to a placebo group until March 2029.Bopanglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist for which JW Pharmaceutical secured exclusive development and commercialization rights in South Korea from China’s Gan & Lee Pharmaceuticals in April. The drug works by stimulating insulin secretion and delaying gastric emptying through the pancreatic GLP-1 receptor, promoting satiety and reducing appetite, leading to weight loss.Unlike existing GLP-1 obesity treatments that require weekly injections, Bopanglutide is being developed as a subcutaneous injection administered every two weeks. This reduces the annual injection frequency from 52 to 26, potentially improving patient adherence and convenience.In a previous Phase 3 trial conducted in China (GRADUAL-1), significant weight loss effects and tolerability were confirmed, with a 15.12% reduction in weight for the 24 mg group and an 18.54% reduction for the 48 mg group after 52 weeks of treatment.JW Pharmaceutical plans to sequentially pursue additional Phase 3 trials for other indications beyond obesity to expand its portfolio of original prescription drugs in the metabolic disease field.A company representative stated, "We plan to demonstrate the excellent weight loss effects and tolerability of Bopanglutide, confirmed in previous overseas trials, in domestic patients as well. We will accelerate development to provide a new obesity treatment option that combines clinical efficacy and convenience of administration."Previously, the company signed an exclusive licensing agreement for Bopanglutide with Gan & Lee, with a total contract value of $81.1 million. The agreement includes milestones for the development, approval, and sales of four indications: type 2 diabetes, obesity, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASH). Royalty payments will be made separately based on a percentage defined by sales brackets.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-18 09:40:00
  • LIV Golf Cancels Season Finale Amid Financial Crisis, Ending Season Early
    LIV Golf Cancels Season Finale Amid Financial Crisis, Ending Season Early LIV Golf has canceled its season finale, the Team Championship, due to financial difficulties, ending the season a week earlier than planned.Major news outlets reported on August 18 that LIV Golf will not hold the Team Championship, originally scheduled for four days starting August 27 in Plymouth, Michigan.As a result, the tournament in Indianapolis, set to begin on August 20, will now serve as the final event of the 2026 season. LIV Golf plans to combine the individual awards with the crowning of the final team champion at the Indianapolis event.Jon Rahm of Spain has already secured the individual championship for this season.Scott O'Neil, CEO of LIV Golf, stated in a release, "By wrapping up the season quickly, we can focus our efforts on preparing for the next chapter of the tour and transitioning operations. The Indianapolis event will be a fantastic finale for fans and a starting point for LIV Golf's new leap forward."The early conclusion of the season is primarily due to severe financial issues. LIV Golf, launched in 2022 with substantial backing from the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF), faced a critical juncture after PIF decided to halt additional funding in April.Earlier this month, LIV Golf announced it had reached agreements with other investors to maintain a new format for the tour. However, specific details about the investors or future operational plans have not yet been disclosed. The number of tournaments is also expected to decrease, with next season likely featuring only 10 events, down from 14 this year.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-18 09:32:10
  • Dongseo Foods Launches Brand Campaign for 2026 Kanu Barista Championship
    Dongseo Foods Launches Brand Campaign for 2026 Kanu Barista Championship Dongseo Foods is launching a brand campaign that allows consumers to experience the beans used in the upcoming finals of the 2026 Kanu Barista Championship, along with limited edition products.On August 18, Dongseo Foods announced that it will present limited edition products and both online and offline experiential events in conjunction with the finals of the 2026 Kanu Barista Championship, scheduled for September 19-20 at the Shinsegae Department Store in Gangnam.Now in its third year, the Kanu Barista Championship is a barista competition organized by Dongseo Foods to promote the development of coffee culture in South Korea. This campaign is designed to connect the beans and coffee showcased in the competition with everyday consumers.First, the 'Kanu Guatemalan Antigua Cafetillo Bourbon Natural Micro Lot' beans, used by finalists during their demonstrations, will be featured. These beans, harvested from the high-altitude Cafetillo farm in Guatemala, are processed using the natural method, resulting in a harmonious blend of bright fruit aromas and smooth sweetness.Additionally, an instant coffee product, 'Kanu Guatemalan Antigua SHB,' made from beans sourced from the same region as the competition beans, will be released. This product uses SHB grade beans harvested this year, highlighting flavors reminiscent of cocoa with a balanced sweetness and acidity. SHB refers to beans that grow slowly at high altitudes, resulting in a dense and richly aromatic coffee.A limited edition coffee capsule machine, 'Kanu Barista Pebble Black & Red,' featuring the key visuals of the Kanu Barista Championship, will also be available for purchase. The existing Kanu stick and Kanu Barista capsule products will feature the championship logo and QR codes, allowing consumers to participate in various related events.A representative from Dongseo Foods stated, "We planned this campaign so that everyday consumers can enjoy the special coffee showcased at the Kanu Barista Championship. We aim to continue promoting Kanu's coffee expertise through various products and brand activities in the future."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-18 09:32:10
  • Kim Min-seok Emphasizes Party-Government Unity, Pushes for Legislative Support
    Kim Min-seok Emphasizes Party-Government Unity, Pushes for Legislative Support Kim Min-seok, the leader of the Democratic Party, received a congratulatory message from President Lee Jae-myung on August 18 during his first official schedule at the National Assembly. He met with Cheong Wa Dae officials, including Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik, to emphasize the party-government unity he highlighted during the party convention. However, achieving the government's policy objectives will require cooperation with the opposition, making relationship management crucial.During the meeting, Kim stated, "The Democratic Party will convey the voices of the public from the field to the Blue House and the government," adding, "We will engage in discussions to ensure stable collaboration between the party and the government."Kang responded, saying, "We recognize the importance of the party and government working as a unified team. The government will listen more to the party's voice and reflect the public's sentiments in its policies. We hope to foster a closer relationship between the party and the government."Given that Kim was part of the current administration and is aligned with the pro-Lee faction within the party, a more dynamic relationship between the party and the government is expected. Previously, under former leader Jeong Cheong-rae, tensions arose due to conflicts between President Lee and Jeong, leading to speculation about discord between the party and the government.Kim is expected to mobilize efforts to support the government's legislative agenda through party-government unity. Although there were no specific comments during his meeting with Kang regarding this, spokesperson Park Sung-jun noted, "A high-level party-government meeting is scheduled for the 23rd, where discussions will take place." Cooperation from the opposition is essential for the realization of the government's policy agenda, as the first priority set by the administration is constitutional reform.Constitutional amendments require the approval of two-thirds of the National Assembly's members. Currently, there are 299 seats in the National Assembly, with the seat of former People Power Party member Kwon Seong-dong remaining vacant due to a conviction related to bribery.The People Power Party holds 109 seats, meaning at least nine votes from its members are necessary for the constitutional amendment to pass. Therefore, restoring relations with the People Power Party is also critical. During Jeong's leadership, the party was labeled as a 'rebellious faction,' and initial appointments were rejected.In this context, spokesperson Park stated, "As Kim has mentioned ABC (Affordability, Broadening, Competence) politics, it seems likely that he will engage in additive politics as a means of expanding communication with the People Power Party." 2026-08-18 09:32:10
  • Daebon Korea Shares Surge 19% on North American Expansion News
    Daebon Korea Shares Surge 19% on North American Expansion News Daebon Korea's stock has surged following news of its expansion into the North American market, including a restaurant venture in Canada and local sauce production in the United States.As of 9:24 a.m. on August 18, Daebon Korea shares were trading at 19,000 won, up 3,110 won (19.57%) from the previous trading day, according to the Korea Exchange.The surge in investor sentiment is attributed to Daebon Korea's announcement of a partnership with a Canadian hotel and real estate company, as well as plans to produce sauces locally in the U.S.During a business trip to North America, CEO Baek Jong-won signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Sunray Group, a Canadian company that operates around 80 hotels under global brands such as Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt.The two companies plan to convert existing Sunray Group locations in the Markham area of the Greater Toronto Area to Daebon Korea's restaurant brands. They are also considering adding Daebon Korea brands to other hotels and commercial facilities owned by Sunray Group.Additionally, Daebon Korea aims to expand the distribution network for its own sauce brand, TBK. CEO Baek met with executives from two major Canadian food distribution companies to discuss increasing local sales of TBK sauces and other Daebon Korea products. Plans include promotional events in local supermarkets, pop-up food court stores, and menu development using TBK sauces.Through local production, Daebon Korea intends to reduce logistics costs and supply times while establishing a supply chain to support the expansion of its restaurant and distribution businesses in the U.S. and Canada.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-18 09:32:00
  • Shinwon Reports Record Q2 Revenue with 644% Surge in Operating Profit
    Shinwon Reports Record Q2 Revenue with 644% Surge in Operating Profit Shinwon is experiencing a strong early trading session, with shares rising over 17% following the announcement of record revenue and a 644% increase in operating profit for the second quarter of this year.As of 9:21 a.m. on August 18, Shinwon's stock was trading at 1,252 won, up 182 won (17.01%) from the previous trading day, according to the Korea Exchange.The company reported that its consolidated revenue for the second quarter reached 309.9 billion won, marking an approximate 11% increase compared to the same period last year. This is the first time quarterly revenue has exceeded 300 billion won since the company's founding.During the same period, operating profit soared to 7.5 billion won, a staggering 644% increase year-on-year. For the first half of the year, cumulative revenue reached 590.7 billion won, the highest half-year performance on record, while operating profit also rose to 13.8 billion won, up about 92% from the same period last year.According to the company, it plans to continue restructuring its global production bases and expanding production capacity in the second half of the year, while also utilizing artificial intelligence transformation (AX) to enhance efficiency in production planning and process management. In the domestic market, Shinwon aims to sustain its growth by expanding distribution channels for its major brands.Park Jeong-bin, Vice Chairman of Shinwon, stated, "This performance is the result of strengthened competitiveness in both the export and domestic fashion sectors, leading to mutual growth. We will continue to refine our business structure and enhance our growth momentum to ensure stable profitability improvements."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-18 09:32:00
  • Alibabas Qwen AI Model Tops Global Download Charts, Outpacing Google and Meta
    Alibaba's Qwen AI Model Tops Global Download Charts, Outpacing Google and Meta Alibaba's artificial intelligence (AI) model, Qwen, has achieved the top position in global open-source AI model downloads. According to Bloomberg on August 18, Alibaba recently announced that the cumulative global downloads of its Qwen series of open-source AI models have surpassed 3 billion in the past six months. The company has released 460 different types of Qwen models as open-weight models, with over 300,000 derivative models created based on them. Open-weight models allow developers to download the model's weights and modify or enhance them for their own use or as a foundation for new AI services. Therefore, the number of downloads and derivative models serves as an indicator of which AI models developers worldwide are actively utilizing. A report released by the global open-source AI platform Hugging Face on August 14 revealed that the cumulative downloads of Google’s AI models this year reached 418 million, while Meta’s AI models totaled 227 million. Qwen's download count is approximately 7.2 times that of Google and about 13.2 times that of Meta. Notably, the creation of over 300,000 derivative models within the Qwen ecosystem highlights that developers around the world are building their own AI models based on Qwen, indicating a rapidly growing ecosystem. Hugging Face noted, “When developers decide which AI model to use, Qwen has effectively become one of the 'default options.'” Alibaba is attracting developers into its ecosystem by offering open models that are both affordable and high-performing. Additionally, the company is integrating its cloud services to provide offerings to corporate clients in regions such as Southeast Asia and Africa. Previously, among U.S. open-source AI models, Meta's Llama had a strong influence in the global developer market. However, recently, the adoption of Chinese AI models, including those from Alibaba, DeepSeek, Kimi from Moonshot AI, and MiniMax, by overseas developers has been rapidly increasing.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-18 09:28:00
  • U.S.-Iran Negotiation Deadline Ends Amid Rising Tensions in the Middle East
    U.S.-Iran Negotiation Deadline Ends Amid Rising Tensions in the Middle East Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are rising, putting upward pressure on the won-dollar exchange rate.As of 9:10 a.m. in the Seoul foreign exchange market on August 18, the exchange rate for the Korean won against the U.S. dollar is trading at 1,415.5 won.The 60-day negotiation period established under a memorandum of understanding signed by the U.S. and Iran in June ended on August 17 without significant progress. The U.S. has announced plans to impose strong economic sanctions on Iran this week, further heightening geopolitical concerns in the region.U.S. stock markets fell across the board overnight. On August 17, the Dow Jones Industrial Average closed down 272.63 points (0.51%) at 53,459.78. The S&P 500 index dropped 40.70 points (0.52%) to finish at 7,745.06, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index fell 84.25 points (0.32%) to close at 26,644.91.Adding to the uncertainty in the Middle East is news of Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon. The demand for dollars from importers, who are waiting around the 1,410 won level for payments, is also seen as a factor supporting the lower end of the exchange rate.Min Kyung-won, an economist at Woori Bank, stated, "Offshore custody selling and concerns over intervention by Japanese authorities are limiting the upper range of the exchange rate. Given that the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index and Korean stock ETFs rose overnight, and foreign investors have been net buyers on the KOSPI for four consecutive trading days, it is likely that foreign buying will positively influence the KOSPI today."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-18 09:20:00