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North Korea Promotes Hostility Towards South Korea Amid Peace Proposals North Korea is reportedly conducting ideological training for its military to instill hostility towards South Korea. In contrast, President Lee Jae-myung has officially proposed discussions on ending the war, highlighting a stark divergence in messages from both Koreas.According to recent reports from the North Korean-focused media outlet RFA, an internal source revealed on August 12 that "ideological training to foster hostility towards South Korea is being conducted across the military." The source added, "Kim Jong-un's intention is that the conflict with South Korea must be resolved through military means." Reports suggest that North Korea is also instilling this anti-South sentiment among its citizens.Conversely, a contrasting message has emerged from South Korea. In a Liberation Day speech on August 15, President Lee stated, "We will embark on a journey to transform the unstable armistice system on the Korean Peninsula into a peace system," and proposed initiating discussions among the parties involved to end the long-standing war. He also indicated that discussions on ending the war could lead to effective measures to halt North Korea's nuclear capabilities.The government's proposal aims to reduce mutual threats between the two Koreas and promote peaceful coexistence while initiating dialogue to transition from an armistice to a peace system. Since last year, President Lee has emphasized respect for the North Korean regime, the exclusion of absorption unification, and the prohibition of hostile actions as key principles in dealing with North Korea.Opposition parties have raised security concerns regarding President Lee's proposal to end the war. The People Power Party criticized it as "a pathetic plea for peace that disarms us," while lawmaker Ahn Cheol-soo argued that a peace agreement not predicated on denuclearization could lead to the acknowledgment of North Korea's nuclear arsenal, advocating for the strengthening of nuclear deterrence.As of now, North Korea has not issued any official response to President Lee's proposal for discussions on ending the war. Kim Jong-un was reported to have attended events in Pyongyang on Liberation Day.Online, reactions criticizing the government's North Korea policy have surged. Netizens expressed sentiments such as, "We are begging for peace even after witnessing the destruction of the inter-Korean liaison office," and "This regime is compromised by the North due to the remittance scandal," among other criticisms.Further comments included, "With declining approval ratings, they are resorting to desperate measures," and "Isn't it obvious what North Korea wants? Guarantees for its regime, economic support, a reduction in U.S.-South Korea joint exercises, and easing of sanctions?" 2026-08-18 07:52:00
Half of Travel Expenses Refunded for Visitors to Hwacheon Starting in September Tourists visiting Hwacheon in Gangwon Province will receive half of their travel expenses back in mobile local currency starting in September. Individuals can receive up to 100,000 won, while groups can get 200,000 won, and families can claim up to 500,000 won.According to Hwacheon County, the area was selected on August 6 by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism for the 'Local Love Vacation Support' pilot project. Hwacheon is the only area in Gangwon Province chosen for this initiative in the second half of the year.The program will run from September to December. Tourists from outside the region, excluding residents of neighboring cities and counties, will receive 50% of their spending at participating local merchants back in mobile local currency.The refund limits are set at 100,000 won for individuals, 200,000 won for groups of two or more, and 500,000 won for families. Specific eligibility criteria and details will be finalized later.Tourists interested in participating must pre-register on a dedicated website that Hwacheon County will establish. The site will provide information on participating accommodations and restaurants.The refunded local currency can be used again at participating merchants in Hwacheon. This initiative aims to reduce the financial burden on tourists while encouraging them to spend locally, thereby boosting sales for small businesses and local markets.This program is noteworthy as it seeks not only to increase tourist numbers but also to translate that into actual local consumption, reflecting Hwacheon County's tourism policy experiment. As the range of participating sectors, including accommodations, dining, and experiences, expands, it is expected that tourists will stay longer and explore more.To coincide with the launch of the program in the fall, the county plans to host a nationwide park golf tournament and other sporting events. It also aims to promote key tourist attractions such as the Oxygen Road, Paroho Lake, the Peace Dam, and the Baegamsan Cable Car.The strategy is to guide sports event participants to general tourist sites, accommodations, and restaurants, connecting natural and security tourism resources into a cohesive travel route that encourages 'visit-stay-consume' tourism.The success of the program will depend on securing sufficient participating merchants, simplifying the application and refund process, and effectively encouraging tourists to reuse the local currency. The county plans to disclose detailed operational plans after completing the system setup and merchant recruitment.Kim Se-hoon, the mayor of Hwacheon County, stated, “With this selection, we will actively market Hwacheon’s tourism resources nationwide to attract more visitors without financial burden. We aim to establish a sustainable model where tourist influx revitalizes the local economy.”Information on application methods and refund criteria will be provided through the Hwacheon County website and official social media channels.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-18 07:48:00
BLACKPINK's Jennie Faces Controversy Over Wardrobe Malfunction at Summer Sonic 2026 BLACKPINK's Jennie encountered several unexpected situations during her performance at the Summer Sonic 2026 music festival in Japan, leading to ongoing debate about the authenticity of a video that circulated afterward.Jennie headlined the festival with a solo set lasting about an hour in Tokyo. Following her performance, footage quickly spread across social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter).The controversial video appears to show a moment during the performance when Jennie's outfit shifted, seemingly exposing part of her body. While some viewers claimed it was a genuine wardrobe malfunction, others argued that the video had been manipulated using AI.Some users suggested that the footage depicted not actual exposure but rather parts of a nipple cover or patch. However, it remains unverified whether the video is an authentic recording or an AI-altered version.Additionally, there were reports of microphone issues during the performance. Footage from the event captured Jennie checking her microphone and communicating with staff about the situation.As multiple issues arose during her set, Jennie was seen adjusting her outfit and appearing emotional, with some fans noting that she seemed to tremble. Nevertheless, she completed her performance, prompting fans to commend her professionalism despite the challenges.After the concert, Jennie reportedly shared a message on her social media, indicating that "not everything can be perfect."The controversy appears to have gained traction primarily on international social media, likely due to the performance being held in Japan. The rapid re-sharing of the short video has led to unverified claims about whether the incident was real or AI-generated.As of now, it has been confirmed that Jennie faced wardrobe and microphone issues during her Summer Sonic performance, and related footage is circulating online. The actual nature of the exposure in the controversial video and whether it was manipulated by AI has yet to be determined. 2026-08-18 07:16:00
Seongnam Mayor Shin Sang-jin Unveils Vision for a 'Super Gap Transportation City' Shin Sang-jin, the newly elected mayor of Seongnam, has officially launched his administration with the vision of establishing 'Seongnam as the standard for South Korea.' Mayor Shin has expressed a strong commitment to delivering tangible changes and results that citizens can feel in their daily lives, with a focus on transportation and urban infrastructure. In his inaugural speech, he stated, "We will eliminate the blind spots in subway access and create a super gap transportation city in Seongnam," highlighting key projects such as the extension of Subway Line 8, the Wirye-Samdong Line, and the Southern Gyeonggi Metropolitan Railway. He also emphasized the importance of a dense rail network, including SRT Oori Station, Dochon, Yatap, Pangyo, Seongnam City Hall, and Baekhyeon Mais Station. Additionally, he proposed a plan to connect the old city center with Bundang, Pangyo, and Wirye through a 500 billion won railway construction fund and a comprehensive circular road network, aiming to create a 15-minute living zone across Seongnam. A key feature of the transportation policy for this administration is the shift from merely adding a single route to connecting the entire city as a cohesive transportation network. The most notable project is the extension of Subway Line 8 from Moran to Pangyo, which aims to enhance accessibility between the old city center and Pangyo, thereby strengthening the north-south transportation axis in Seongnam. The addition of the Wirye-Samdong Line is expected to further improve connectivity between Wirye, the old city center, and the Gwangju area. The Southern Gyeonggi Metropolitan Railway is a core project for the regional transportation expansion in Seongnam. This 50.7 km line will connect Seoul with Seongnam, Yongin, Suwon, and Hwaseong, and Mayor Shin is focusing administrative efforts on incorporating it into the fifth national railway network construction plan. He views this line as essential infrastructure linking the Pangyo Techno Valley and other advanced industrial hubs in southern Gyeonggi. Strengthening the regional transportation system centered around GTX-A Seongnam Station is also a significant change. Mayor Shin aims to enhance transfer convenience between the GTX and local bus networks, transforming Seongnam Station into a major transportation hub rather than just a railway station. Alongside expanding the rail network, improvements in local transportation are also a priority. The goal is to enhance transportation convenience for citizens by closely connecting buses, roads, and pedestrian environments. To ensure the benefits of large-scale railway projects reach citizens' doorsteps, a robust bus and road system connecting stations with residential areas and industrial complexes is essential. Enhancing the safety of urban infrastructure is another critical task for this administration. In his first executive communication meeting, Mayor Shin emphasized the importance of public safety and urged the need to create results that citizens can feel in their daily lives. This includes not only expanding new facilities but also safely managing existing roads, bridges, and urban infrastructure. Community infrastructure is also a key aspect of urban policy that citizens can feel. The focus is on improving living spaces such as parks, rivers, pedestrian paths, and bike lanes to create a 'comfortable city' that goes beyond just being 'easy to move around in.' Another reason Seongnam's transportation policy is gaining attention is its connection to industrial policy. Expanding advanced industries centered around Pangyo and establishing new industrial hubs near Oori Station necessitate the enhancement of transportation infrastructure. Mayor Shin's emphasis on both advanced industries and transportation aims to proactively respond to the transportation demands arising from industrial growth. In the previous administration, 134 out of 148 pledged projects were completed or are ongoing, achieving a 97.4% fulfillment rate. The ninth administration is now tasked with translating this foundation into tangible results for citizens. Ultimately, the success of Mayor Shin's transportation and urban infrastructure policies will depend not on how many projects are announced, but on how quickly they are realized to change citizens' lives. If the national plans for major railway projects like the extension of Line 8, the Wirye-Samdong Line, and the Southern Gyeonggi Metropolitan Railway are implemented, along with improvements to the transfer system centered around GTX-A Seongnam Station, and enhancements to buses, roads, and pedestrian environments, Seongnam's urban competitiveness could significantly increase. The vision of 'Seongnam as the standard for South Korea' will ultimately be evaluated in the daily lives of its citizens. A city where commuting times are reduced, transfers are convenient, public transportation is accessible close to home, and safe roads, bridges, pleasant parks, and pedestrian environments are enjoyed is the change that the ninth administration of Seongnam aims to achieve. From 'planning Seongnam' to 'experiencing Seongnam,' Mayor Shin's transportation and urban infrastructure policies aim not only to change the map of Seongnam but also to transform the daily lives of its citizens. Mayor Shin concluded, "The remaining task is to connect plans to execution, projects to results, and results to citizens' experiences."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-18 06:04:00
Korean Won Hits Yearly Low Against Dollar, Approaching 1300 Won The won-dollar exchange rate has dropped to its lowest level of the year, bringing the 1300 won range into sight. While improvements in supply and a record-high current account surplus support the strength of the won, analysts suggest that new momentum is needed for further declines.According to the Bank of Korea's Economic Statistics System (ECOS), the average won-dollar exchange rate as of August 14 was 1421.45 won, with last week's average falling to 1417.56 won, marking a yearly low.Monthly average rates for this year have been as follows: January 1456.3 won, February 1448.9 won, March 1492.5 won, April 1485.0 won, May 1491.3 won, June 1527.9 won, and July 1489.4 won. After surpassing 1500 won in June, the rate has seen a rapid decline over the past two months.Market attention is focused on whether the exchange rate will break through the 1400 won mark and enter the 1300 won range. The last time the won-dollar exchange rate was in the 1300 won range was on September 30 of last year, when it hit a low of 1399.3 won.Since SK Hynix's American Depositary Receipts (ADR) listing, the exchange rate has remained in the 1400 won range for five consecutive weeks. The reduced demand from foreign investors for domestic stock market rebalancing following the ADR listing has also contributed to the strength of the won.A key factor contributing to downward pressure on the exchange rate is the record-high current account surplus. According to the Bank of Korea, the cumulative current account surplus for the first half of this year reached $191.01 billion, nearly four times the $47.87 billion recorded during the same period last year. The Bank of Korea has indicated that the annual current account surplus could exceed the previously projected $250 billion, suggesting a continued dollar supply advantage in the foreign exchange market.Market analysts estimate the short-term low for the won-dollar exchange rate to be around 1380 won. While a continued downward trend could allow for entry into the 1300 won range, further declines may be limited.Choi Kang-hyun, a researcher at LS Securities, noted, "There is a high possibility of further declines, with some predicting it could drop below 1380 won. However, considering fundamental and supply-demand factors, new downward pressures will be necessary for significant declines below current levels."In particular, increased dollar demand due to domestic investments abroad and direct investments in the U.S. are seen as factors supporting the lower limit of the exchange rate. The decision on whether the National Pension Service will extend its strategic currency hedging is also expected to be a key variable influencing future exchange rate declines.Kwon Ah-min, a researcher at NH Investment & Securities, stated, "If the dollar supply advantage continues, there is a possibility of a decline to the high 1300 won range, but this is considered the lower limit for the year." He added, "This should be viewed as a temporary strength due to supply-demand factors rather than a fundamental shift towards a stronger won, as dollar demand from overseas investments and U.S. FDI, along with the National Pension Service's hedging decisions, are likely to limit the lower boundary of the exchange rate."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-18 05:04:00
AI Chatbots Outperform Humans in Romance Scam Success Rates Artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots have demonstrated a significantly higher success rate than human scammers in a week-long experiment designed to build romantic feelings through text messaging. This finding highlights the AI's ability to mimic unwavering attention and memory, effectively surpassing human capabilities.On August 17, the IT industry reported that a joint research team from four universities—Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham in India, Ca' Foscari University of Venice in Italy, the University of Melbourne in Australia, and Ben-Gurion University in Israel—published their findings in a paper titled "Love, Lies, and Language Models," comparing the romance baiting scam abilities of AI and humans.The researchers conducted the experiment with 22 participants, who exchanged messages with two strangers over a week. One was a real human scammer, while the other was an AI chatbot instructed to act like a human without revealing its identity. At the end of the experiment, the AI chatbot successfully persuaded 46% of participants to install malicious apps, compared to an 18% success rate for human scammers. The AI accounted for 80% of the total messages exchanged, overshadowing the human partner's 20% share.Notably, the AI partner outperformed the human partner in most trust-related metrics, including emotional trust, bonding, and overall trustworthiness, as revealed in post-experiment surveys.The researchers explained that the AI did not employ particularly sophisticated tactics but instead created an "emotional bond" by meticulously remembering small details about the participants and consistently expressing interest without fatigue. The paper warns that scam AI could increase the number of victims of romance scams originating from Southeast Asian scam rings.This advantage in empathy is not unique to this study. A separate experiment conducted by a joint research team from the University of Oxford, the UK AI Safety Institute, Stanford University, and the London School of Economics analyzed data from 6,923 participants and 18,978 conversations. The AI consistently proved to be more persuasive than all human groups, including sports champions and professional fundraisers.In particular, during a charity donation solicitation experiment, the AI generated nearly three times the actual donation amounts compared to professional fundraisers. The researchers noted that when they restricted the AI's message writing speed and volume to match that of humans, the AI's advantage over top human debaters virtually disappeared, indicating that its persuasiveness stems from its speed of information processing and tireless persistence.The Oxford and AISI research teams concluded that the AI's persuasiveness arises not from personalized phrasing or model performance but from the density of factual information in its responses. Together, these studies suggest that AI can adeptly navigate between "logical persuasion" and "emotional intimacy" more skillfully than humans, depending on the context.This pattern also appears outside of criminal simulations. A joint research team from the University of Nottingham and the University of Leicester analyzed 15 studies related to medical consultations, integrating data from 2,164 patient interactions. They found that AI chatbots were rated 73% more likely to be perceived as warm and empathetic compared to actual medical professionals. On a 10-point empathy scale, the AI scored an average of about 2 points higher than medical staff.In a separate study involving cancer patients, when patients evaluated responses, they found that answers generated by Anthropic's Claude were perceived as more empathetic than those from actual doctors. Researchers noted that unlike medical professionals, who face time pressures and emotional exhaustion, AI can maintain a consistent level of attention in every consultation.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-17 22:48:00
Uiwang City Corporation Enhances Privacy Training Amid AI Expansion The Uiwang City Corporation in Gyeonggi Province has conducted training to enhance employees' capabilities in protecting personal information in response to changes in the digital work environment. According to the corporation, it held a '2026 Privacy Protection Training' for all employees over two days from the 12th to the 13th. This training was designed to prevent potential personal data leaks and breaches that may occur during work processes and to improve employees' understanding of personal information protection. The training was conducted in three sessions, tailored to employees' roles and responsibilities, with Professor Sim Mi-na from Sungkyunkwan University, an expert in privacy protection, leading the lectures. Topics included key amendments to privacy protection laws, real-life case studies, safe handling of personal data, prevention of data leaks, and precautions when using work materials. Particularly, issues related to privacy protection in the context of increasingly utilized generative AI were a major focus. It was emphasized that indiscriminately inputting work-related data or personal information into generative AI services could expose information, highlighting the need to verify whether data contains personal information and whether it can be shared externally before using such services. This training aimed not only to convey legal requirements but also to help employees understand how to handle personal information in their actual work through case studies. For citizens, the safe management of personal information held by public institutions is directly linked to trust in administrative services. As the use of new technologies like generative AI expands, there is a growing need for ongoing training in information protection and personal data management within public institutions. Uiwang City Corporation President No Seong-hwa stated, “Protecting personal information is a core responsibility of the corporation that is directly tied to citizens' trust. We will proactively respond to the rapidly changing digital environment and continuously strengthen employees' capabilities in personal information protection to ensure that new technologies, including generative AI, can be used safely.” Furthermore, the corporation plans to continue training employees on privacy protection and information security in line with the evolving digital landscape, aiming to create a public service environment where citizens can feel secure.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-17 21:56:00
Kim Min-seok Elected as New Leader of the Democratic Party Amid Leadership Challenges Kim Min-seok elected as party leader; leadership tested after failing to secure majorityThe Democratic Party of Korea elected Kim Min-seok as its new leader on August 17. However, Kim failed to secure a majority in the first round of voting, and the election of the Supreme Council members saw the pro-Lee Jae-myung faction lose to the pro-Jung Cheong-rae faction, putting his leadership to the test. Soh Byung-hoon, chair of the party's central election commission, announced the results at the third regular national party convention held at the Daejeon Convention Center. Kim received 54.08% of the votes through a preferential voting system after failing to achieve a majority in the first round. This system was implemented to determine the winner by combining the second-choice votes of the third-place candidate if no candidate received a majority in the first round. In the voting, Kim led with 66.69% among national delegates and 55.94% among party members but fell short in a public opinion poll, receiving 49.30% compared to Jung's 50.70%. The election results were based on 70% from national delegates and party members and 30% from public opinion polls. Despite his election, Kim's failure to secure a majority and the underrepresentation of the pro-Lee faction in the Supreme Council elections mean he must prove his leadership. Kim had previously expressed confidence in achieving a majority, which some analysts suggested favored the pro-Lee faction. However, there were concerns that the preferential voting system could provoke backlash from Jung's supporters. Both candidates have stated they will accept the results.Park Sung-jun and Kim Tae-sun appointed as key aides to Kim Min-seokFollowing his election as the new leader of the Democratic Party, Kim Min-seok appointed Park Sung-jun as the party's chief spokesperson and Kim Tae-sun as his secretary. Kim's first official schedule was also announced. After the convention concluded on August 17, Kim held an immediate Supreme Council meeting to appoint his aides. Park explained to reporters that he was asked by Kim to take on the role of chief spokesperson. During the first Supreme Council meeting, Park announced the appointment of Kim as the secretary, noting that Kim had previously served as the chief aide to presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung. Park also discussed Kim's first actions following his election, stating, "Kim will immediately travel to Goeje, where heavy rain has caused significant damage. He will assess the situation on-site and work on response measures." He added that Kim plans to visit temporary housing facilities to meet and comfort those affected by the flooding. On August 18, Kim is scheduled to meet with Kang Hoon-sik, the secretary to the president, and Hong Ik-pyo, the chief of political affairs, at 8 a.m. He will also pay respects at the National Cemetery and the 5·18 Gwangju Democracy Movement Memorial at 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., respectively.People Power Party will not consider disciplinary action against Lee Jin-sook over 5·18 controversyThe leadership of the People Power Party has decided not to pursue disciplinary action against lawmaker Lee Jin-sook, who has come under fire for hosting a forum on the 5·18 Gwangju Democracy Movement with right-wing groups. This decision was made on August 17. Park Sung-hoon, the party's chief spokesperson, responded to inquiries from reporters regarding Lee's referral to the Central Ethics Committee, stating, "Since this was not a party-sanctioned event, I cannot provide specific comments. However, it was an academic event, and Lee has clarified that her statements do not reflect her personal views, so we are not currently considering disciplinary action." He added, "The People Power Party has repeatedly expressed its position on the 5·18 Democracy Movement. We are aware of the public's concerns and hope this does not lead to excessive political attacks." Previously, on August 13, Lee co-hosted a public forum titled 'Revisiting the 5·18 Democracy Movement' at the National Assembly Library with a civic group. Her characterization of the movement as a 'disturbance' during the forum sparked strong criticism, particularly from the Democratic Party. On August 14, the Democratic Party submitted a resolution to the National Assembly calling for Lee's expulsion, and some members of the People Power Party also expressed that her comments were inappropriate. Additionally, some party members have filed complaints against Lee with the party's ethics committee, condemning her for sitting alongside Heo Hwa-pyeong, the chairman of the Future Korea Foundation and a former aide to Chun Doo-hwan.President Lee expresses condolences to families affected by heavy rains in southern regionsPresident Lee Jae-myung expressed his condolences on August 17 for the loss of life caused by heavy rains in Goeje and other southern regions. He also urged relevant agencies to take proactive measures to prevent further damage. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), President Lee stated, "I am concerned about the damage caused by the heavy rains in Goeje and other southern areas. I extend my deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives due to the sudden downpour." He wished for a swift recovery for the injured and emphasized that preventing additional damage is of utmost importance. President Lee instructed relevant agencies and local governments to promptly implement necessary measures on-site and focus all efforts on minimizing damage. He specifically noted that even after the rain stops, weakened ground and rising river levels could lead to further damage. He urged authorities to closely monitor weather conditions and respond proactively to risks such as landslides and flooding.Goeje Island faces severe flooding and landslides; emergency response activatedGoeje Island has experienced record rainfall, with nearly 900 mm falling over three days during the Liberation Day holiday, leading to flooding and landslides. The fire department has issued multiple emergency mobilization orders to respond to the situation. According to the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters, the cumulative rainfall in Goeje from midnight on August 15 to 5 p.m. on August 17 reached 910.0 mm. The area recorded a maximum hourly rainfall of 124.5 mm, resulting in significant damage. The heavy rains caused a landslide near an apartment complex in Okpo-dong, resulting in one death and four injuries. Reports of flooded homes, roads, and fallen trees have exceeded 2,300, with approximately 380 residents from 240 households evacuated to temporary shelters. In response to the ongoing damage, the fire department has mobilized resources nationwide for rapid on-site assistance. The fire department activated a situation response team at 2:40 a.m. on August 17 and issued the first and second national fire mobilization orders at 6:23 a.m. and 6:35 a.m., respectively. This mobilization included the deployment of 10 rugged pump trucks and 24 personnel to the affected areas in Goeje and Tongyeong. Support was provided from various regions, including one truck from Busan (3 personnel), two trucks from Daegu (5 personnel), six trucks from North Gyeongsang Province (14 personnel), and one truck from Changwon (2 personnel). The national fire mobilization order is issued when local fire resources are insufficient to respond to a disaster, requiring national-level assistance. As a result, the fire department has conducted 20 rescue operations, successfully rescuing 136 individuals from isolation.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-17 21:48:00
Ansan Mayor Im Min-keun Aims to Implement European Marine Healing Solutions in Daebudo Im Min-keun, the mayor of Ansan, expressed his ambition on August 17 to incorporate European marine healing solutions into Daebudo. Mayor Im is accelerating plans for an 'Ansan marine healing model' by visiting advanced marine healing facilities in Germany and France to apply their practices to Daebudo. During a week-long trip, he explored marine healing institutions in Usedom, Germany, and Saint-Malo, France, examining their operational systems and programs while establishing a foundation for international cooperation in the marine healing sector. The mayor noted that the competitiveness of marine healing facilities lies not just in their construction but in the integration of healing programs utilizing marine resources, specialized personnel, health management, rehabilitation, and tourism services. In Usedom, he visited marine healing centers, healing forests, and rehabilitation hospitals, observing how they incorporate natural environments and marine resources into health management and rehabilitation practices. He also focused on the systematic approach of tailoring programs based on user demographics and linking medical and rehabilitation services with specialized personnel. Additionally, the mayor signed a memorandum of understanding with the German Medical Wellness Association to promote cooperation in operating marine healing centers, developing programs, training specialized personnel, sharing information, and identifying joint projects. In Saint-Malo, he confirmed the use of seawater, seaweed, and marine climate in marine healing therapies and health management operations. He reviewed programs utilizing seawater pressure and flow, assessed user pathways, and discussed program composition and personnel management with center officials. A memorandum of understanding was also signed with the Saint-Malo marine healing center to establish a foundation for future collaboration in program development and personnel exchanges. Residents of Daebudo emphasize the need to create policies that utilize local marine and tidal flat resources, rather than simply importing foreign advanced cases, to ensure community benefits and stimulate the local economy. They are particularly optimistic that the establishment of a marine healing center will not only enhance health management and relaxation functions but also boost tourism, accommodation, and experiential programs, leading to increased visitor numbers and revitalization of local businesses. The mayor's strategy is to develop a differentiated marine healing model for Ansan by combining Daebudo's tidal flats and marine resources with tourism assets, rather than directly replicating overseas examples. Plans for the future marine healing center will include the development of targeted marine healing programs, securing and training specialized personnel, linking health management and rehabilitation, and creating stay-type programs that integrate tourism and accommodation. Mayor Im stated, "I have confirmed that creating good facilities is just as important as developing programs and specialized personnel that make users want to return." He added, "Having established a continuous exchange foundation with world-class marine healing institutions, I will actively utilize advanced operational experiences and international cooperation networks to develop Daebudo into a leading marine healing and tourism hub in the metropolitan area."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-17 21:40:00
EU Claims Russia Faces €1 Trillion Economic Blow Amid New Sanctions The European Union (EU) has claimed that Russia has suffered an economic blow exceeding €1 trillion (approximately 1,641 trillion won) due to extensive sanctions. The EU is set to impose significant additional sanctions this fall, intensifying pressure on Russia. On August 17, Kaya Kallas, the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, stated in an interview with the German daily Die Welt, "Russia has paid a heavy price due to sanctions. So far, the cost to Russia's war machine has exceeded €1 trillion." She added, "This fall, I will propose the most extensive list of sanctions since the outbreak of the war. If passed, the number of individuals, companies, and organizations sanctioned in Russia will increase by one-third." Since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine in February 2022, the European Commission has adopted a total of 21 sanction packages, targeting approximately 3,000 individuals and entities. Currently, the assets of the Russian Central Bank frozen within the EU amount to about €210 billion (approximately 345 trillion won). Due to trade sanctions, exports to Russia have plummeted by 54% (around €48 billion), while imports have decreased by 58% (around €91.2 billion), with more than two-thirds of the sovereign wealth fund's liquid assets evaporating. Kallas also commented on the recent U.S. Senate approval of a sanctions bill that prohibits the export of U.S. energy and products to Russia and imposes tariffs of up to 500% on Russian imports, stating, "This gives hope that Europe and the U.S. can work more closely together on sanctions issues." Initially benefiting from a wartime economy, Russia now faces severe economic challenges due to escalating war costs and concentrated attacks on its energy facilities by Ukraine. There are signs of rising internal crises. According to foreign reports, Andrei Klepach, chief economist at the Russian Foreign Economic Bank (VEB), was abruptly dismissed after stating that Russia could not win the war of attrition against Ukraine. He had served as chief economist at the state bank for over a decade and reportedly criticized the Western sanctions and high interest rates as obstacles to economic growth, indicating that Russia is facing a social crisis. The Moscow Times reported on August 16 that the bank's management dismissed him after receiving a call from "higher-ups," suggesting directives from the Russian presidential office. 2026-08-17 21:32:00