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Korean trade minister flies to US as $200 bln deal snags SEOUL, August 17 (AJP) - South Korea's industry minister arrived in Washington on Sunday and said that detailed disputes had surfaced in the final stretch of talks over a $200 billion investment package, casting doubt on a late-August announcement of the first project Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources Kim Jung-kwan told reporters at Dulles International Airport on August 16 (local time) that video conferences and working contacts had not resolved the issues and that the whole file needed sorting in one pass. The end of the month remains the goal, he said, though more has come up than expected. He made the trip three weeks after his last visit and without a chief trade negotiator. President Lee Jae Myung removed Yeo Han-koo from the post effective midnight on Aug. 15 through compulsory dismissal, a step rarely used against a political appointee, and gave no reason. No successor has been named. The $200 billion is the strategic investment portion of a $350 billion commitment made under last year's tariff agreement, which cut U.S. tariffs on Korean goods from 25 percent to 15 percent, with $150 billion allocated to shipbuilding. A joint fact sheet and a strategic investment memorandum released on Nov. 14 set the total to be pursued by January 2029 and capped outflows at $20 billion a year. Kim said he had received no warning that tariffs would rise if Seoul did not move faster. He said Trump had been calling for speed since early this year and that Seoul shared the aim, with a year already passing. Trump wrote on Truth Social on Jan. 26 that because the National Assembly had not enacted the trade deal, he was raising tariffs on Korean automobiles, lumber and pharmaceuticals and all other reciprocal tariffs from 15 percent to 25 percent. The increase was not carried out, and the National Assembly passed the special law on Korea-U.S. strategic investment on March 12. The tariff ceiling is the second front. The U.S. Trade Representative opened two Section 301 investigations in March, one into forced labor and one into structural overcapacity, and Korea was a target of both. The forced-labor measure took effect July 24 and raises most-favored-nation rates up to 12.5 percent rather than adding 12.5 points on top of them. The overcapacity finding has not been issued. Seoul's position is that the combined total must not exceed 15 percent. Kim said Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer had both said they would honor the spirit of the agreement, and that he would not prejudge the outcome. Washington had indicated late August for the overcapacity result, he said, but it now felt like it was running longer. He would not confirm that combined-cycle power generation remained the leading candidate for the first project, saying only to wait and see. Three weeks ago he said the first project was being discussed with energy at the center. Commercial reasonableness is the governing principle, and the law permits only investments whose principal and interest can be repaid over the investment period. Among the candidates Washington has proposed, few have been found commercially viable. Japan closed its tariff talks in July 2025 and announced its first two projects in February and March. Korea finished about three months later and has yet to name one. 2026-08-17 11:25:14 -
'Odyssey' Surpasses 5 Million Viewers in 13 Days, Tops Weekend Box Office for Two Weeks The film 'Odyssey' has surpassed 5 million viewers just 13 days after its release.According to the integrated ticketing system on August 17, 'Odyssey' exceeded 5 million cumulative viewers as of 10:22 a.m. on that day.This pace is similar to that of Christopher Nolan's domestic blockbuster 'Interstellar,' which reached 5 million viewers in 12 days.In comparison to other successful films this year, 'Odyssey' achieved this milestone faster than 'The King’s Affection,' which reached 5 million in 18 days, and 'The Army of the Dead,' which did so in 24 days. It also outpaced last year's box office hits 'Zootopia 2,' which hit 5 million in 19 days, and 'Avatar: The Way of Water,' which did so in 17 days.The film's weekend performance remained strong. The integrated ticketing system reported that 'Odyssey' attracted approximately 1.69 million viewers from August 14 to 16, surpassing its opening weekend figure of 1.33 million. It has held the top spot at the weekend box office for two consecutive weeks.The film also maintains a leading reservation rate. As of 10:25 a.m. on August 17, 'Odyssey' recorded the highest reservation rate for 15 consecutive days, indicating strong potential for continued success.Audience reactions further support its box office success. Positive reviews regarding the direction, music, sound, and performances by the cast have been noted on online ticketing sites and portals. The film is being recognized as suitable for family audiences, contributing to positive word-of-mouth.Having surpassed 5 million viewers in just 13 days, 'Odyssey' is currently showing in theaters nationwide.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-17 11:16:00 -
MONSTA X Captivates 60,000 Fans at Istanbul Festival 그룹 몬스타엑스가 튀르키예 관객들과 만났다. 몬스타엑스(MONSTA X)는 지난 15일 현지시간 튀르키예 이스탄불 페스티벌 파크 예니카프에서 열린 ‘이스탄불 페스티벌(Istanbul Festival)’ 무대에 올랐다. 올해로 5회째를 맞은 ‘이스탄불 페스티벌’은 튀르키예의 대형 음악 축제 중 하나다. 이날 현장에는 약 6만명의 관객이 모인 것으로 전해졌다. 몬스타엑스는 ‘드라마라마(DRAMARAMA)’로 공연을 시작했다. 객석에서는 한국어 가사를 따라 부르는 떼창이 이어졌고, 한국어로 적힌 플래카드도 곳곳에서 포착됐다. 이어 ‘러시 아워(Rush Hour)’ 무대에서는 보컬과 퍼포먼스를 앞세워 공연 분위기를 끌어올렸다. 멤버들은 무대 중간 오랜만에 튀르키예를 찾은 소감을 전하며 현지 팬들에게 인사를 건넸다. 공연은 강렬한 곡과 감성적인 무대를 오가며 구성됐다. 몬스타엑스는 ‘더 드리밍(The Dreaming)’과 ‘그로잉 페인스(growing pains)’로 보컬 중심의 무대를 선보였고, 관객들은 휴대전화 플래시를 켜고 호응했다. 아티스트 Q&A 시간도 마련됐다. 셔누와 주헌은 과거 방송 촬영 이후 다시 튀르키예를 찾은 소회를 전했고, 멤버들은 다음에는 아이엠까지 함께 완전체로 다시 오고 싶다는 뜻을 밝혔다. 이후 ‘러브 킬라(Love Killa)’, ‘두 왓 아이 원트(Do What I Want)’, ‘버닝 업(Burning Up)’ 무대가 이어졌다. 객석에서는 다시 한국어 떼창이 이어졌고, 관객들은 노래를 따라 부르며 무대에 호응했다. 공연이 끝난 뒤에는 앙코르 요청이 이어졌다. 몬스타엑스는 다시 무대에 올라 ‘존(ZONE)’을 선보이며 공연을 마무리했다. 몬스타엑스는 소속사를 통해 “튀르키예 몬베베들을 직접 만날 수 있어 너무 행복했다. 몬베베 분들과 관객분들이 진심으로 호응해주시는 모습을 보며 큰 감동과 에너지를 받아가는 것 같다”고 소감을 밝혔다. 이어 “다음에는 아이엠까지 완전체로 꼭 다시 오고 싶다”며 “보내주신 응원에 보답할 수 있도록 앞으로도 좋은 무대와 음악으로 찾아가겠다”고 전했다. 한편 몬스타엑스는 오는 9월 4일 신보 ‘더 페이즈(The Phase)’를 발매하고 컴백한다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-17 11:12:00
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President Lee's Approval Rating Hits Record Low at 43.0% Amid Decline President Lee Jae-myung's approval rating has dropped for five consecutive weeks, reaching a record low in the low 40s, according to a recent poll. Realmeter, commissioned by Energy Economy News, conducted a survey from August 10 to 14 among 2,511 adults aged 18 and older. The results showed that the positive evaluation of President Lee's governance fell by 0.3 percentage points to 43.0% compared to the previous week. The negative evaluation rose to 54.1%, an increase of 1.1 percentage points, marking the third consecutive week it has exceeded the positive rating outside the margin of error (±2.0 percentage points at a 95% confidence level). The percentage of respondents who answered 'don't know' was 2.9%. Regionally, the largest decline was seen in Incheon and Gyeonggi, where the approval rating fell by 2.6 percentage points to 41.5%. Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam recorded 36.3%, while Daejeon, Sejong, and Chungcheong saw a drop to 41.3%, down 2.4 and 1.9 percentage points, respectively. Conversely, Daegu and Gyeongbuk experienced a 6.6 percentage point increase, reaching 36.4%. Jeonnam, Gwangju, and Jeonbuk also saw a rise of 2.8 percentage points to 73.5%. By age group, support among those in their 60s fell by 6.1 percentage points to 43.1%. The approval ratings for those in their 30s and 40s also declined, dropping 2.9 percentage points to 30.3% and 1.5 percentage points to 47.5%, respectively. Support among those in their 70s increased by 5.3 percentage points to 48.7%, while the approval rating for those in their 20s rebounded by 3.1 percentage points to 31.0%. In terms of ideological orientation, support among progressives fell by 4.6 percentage points to 59.1%. The centrist group also saw a decline of 1.9 percentage points to 43.4%, while support among conservatives rose by 4.8 percentage points to 22.4%. Realmeter analyzed that the decline in positive evaluations was due to accumulated distrust in policies, triggered by confusion over real estate tax reform and controversy surrounding comments on youth housing. In a separate survey conducted on August 13-14 among 1,004 adults aged 18 and older regarding party support, the Democratic Party recorded 47.9%, while the People Power Party stood at 33.1%. The Democratic Party's support increased by 3.3 percentage points, while the People Power Party saw a decrease of 4.5 percentage points. Aside from a 10.8 percentage point drop in Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam (33.4%), the Democratic Party showed an upward trend in most regions. Realmeter noted that the Democratic Party's rise can be attributed to the upcoming party convention, which has strengthened the cohesion among party members and supporters. The support for the Justice Innovation Party was recorded at 2.5%, while the Reform Party garnered 2.2%. The Progressive Party received 1.9%, other parties accounted for 2.3%, and the undecided group made up 10.1%. Both surveys were conducted using a wireless automated response method. The margin of error for the presidential approval rating survey is ±2.0 percentage points at a 95% confidence level, with a response rate of 4.0%. The party support survey had a margin of error of ±3.1 percentage points at a 95% confidence level, with a response rate of 3.5%. For more details, refer to the website of the National Election Survey Deliberation Commission.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-17 11:08:10
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An Na-rin Ties for 5th at LPGA Portland Classic; Victory Goes to Titiya Kun An Na-rin tied for fifth place at the LPGA Tour's Standard Portland Classic, which has a total prize purse of $2 million, marking her first top-10 finish of the season.On August 17, in the final round held at the Columbia Edgewater Country Club in Portland, Oregon, An Na-rin shot a 3-under 69, with four birdies and one bogey.With a total score of 16-under 272, An Na-rin finished tied for fifth with Celine Boutier of France and Pajari Anannarukarn of Thailand.Since debuting on the LPGA Tour in 2022, An Na-rin has struggled this season, failing to secure a top-10 finish until this tournament, where she achieved her best result of the year.This marks the first time An Na-rin has finished in the top five at an LPGA Tour event since tying for fifth at the CME Group Tour Championship in November 2024, nearly 19 months ago.Entering the final round in fourth place, three strokes behind the leader, An Na-rin faced challenges early in the round. However, she made three consecutive birdies starting from the 7th hole (par 5) through the 9th hole (par 4), joining the competition at the top.In the back nine, she made her first bogey on the 11th hole (par 4), but quickly recovered with a long putt for birdie from about 15 meters on the 14th hole (par 4). She finished the round without adding any more strokes.The championship was claimed by world No. 2, Titiya Kun of Thailand. Starting the final round in third place, two strokes behind the leader, she delivered an impressive performance with one eagle, eight birdies, and two bogeys, finishing with an 8-under round.Titiya Kun's total score of 22-under 266 allowed her to win by one stroke over the group tied for second place, earning her a prize of $300,000. This victory marks her 10th win on the LPGA Tour.The tournament showcased a strong performance from Thai players, with Titiya Kun, along with Chanette Watanasiri and Arpichaya Yubol, who tied for second place with a total score of 21-under 267, contributing to five Thai players finishing in the top 10.Among the Korean players, Lee So-mi, Jeon Ji-won, and Choi Woon-jung finished tied for 10th place with a total score of 14-under 274.Choi Hye-jin, who was in second place after the second round, ended the tournament tied for 20th with a total score of 11-under 277.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-17 11:08:00
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Naver, Coupang, YouTube Among 163 Online Fertilizer Sellers Cited for False Advertising The National Agricultural Products Quality Management Service reported on August 17 that it has identified a total of 163 cases of false and exaggerated advertising, as well as violations of labeling regulations, during a special inspection of major online platforms such as Naver, Coupang, and YouTube. The inspections, conducted from April to July, focused on companies selling fertilizers through major e-commerce platforms and YouTube. The agency scrutinized whether advertisements misled consumers into confusing fertilizers with pesticides or growth regulators and whether legal labeling requirements were properly met.The most common violations included advertisements that misled consumers into thinking fertilizers promoted root growth or increased sweetness, followed by ads that could confuse consumers regarding disease prevention and pest control. Additionally, many cases involved missing labeling information or the use of vague expressions like 'best' or '100%' without objective evidence.The inspection also highlighted exaggerated advertising on YouTube. The agency reported the relevant videos to the platform's operators, leading to the removal and blocking of sales links, and plans to request enhanced self-monitoring from the platform in the future.In collaboration with the Korea Online Shopping Association, the agency has guided online sellers to mandatorily post labeling information for fertilizers. Furthermore, it plans to gradually increase the current annual quality inspection volume of online fertilizers, which stands at about 50 cases, to enhance quality control effectiveness.Kim Cheol, the head of the National Agricultural Products Quality Management Service, stated, "We will strengthen guidance and promotion to prevent consumers from being harmed by exaggerated advertising when purchasing fertilizers online," and urged the industry to actively participate in eradicating false advertising to establish proper distribution order.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-17 11:04:20
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Global Youth Gather in Seoul for 2027 World Youth Day In the summer of 2027, young people from around the world will head to Seoul. This is not the Olympics or the World Cup; it is the World Youth Day (WYD), the largest international event of the Catholic Church where the Pope and youth share questions of faith and life. This will be the second WYD held in Asia, following the event in Manila, Philippines, in 1995, and the first to take place in a non-Christian cultural context. The Seoul WYD will not only be a church event but also a platform showcasing how Seoul and Korean society will welcome global youth. Pilgrimage from Lisbon to Seoul The decision to host the event in Seoul was made during the closing Mass of the World Youth Day in Lisbon, Portugal, in August 2023. Following this, the organizing committee was established in December of the same year, and the inaugural ceremony and Mass were held at Myeongdong Cathedral in 2024. In September 2024, the official theme, "Take Courage. I Have Conquered the World" (John 16:33), chosen by Pope Francis, and the event logo were unveiled. In April 2026, five patron saints were selected to symbolize the spiritual journey of the event. The main event will take place in Seoul from August 3 to 8, 2027. Prior to this, from July 29 to August 2, 15 dioceses across the country will hold local gatherings. International pilgrims will stay with local churches to experience Korean faith and culture and interact with local youth before moving to Seoul. This connection is crucial, as the gatherings across the country will culminate in prayer and celebration with the Pope in Seoul. Why Seoul? A City Where Symbolism Meets Reality The first significance of hosting the event in Seoul lies in the religious landscape. In South Korea, Catholics do not constitute the majority of the population. The fact that the World Youth Day will be held in a large city where citizens of different faiths or no faith coexist tests the possibilities of dialogue and coexistence beyond a church-centered celebration. The organizing committee emphasizes that the event is open to everyone, regardless of their religious affiliation. The second reason is the city's connectivity and operational capacity. Incheon International Airport and Gimpo Airport serve as gateways for international participants, while extensive rail, subway, and bus networks connect the metropolitan area. The city is also home to a variety of accommodations and large medical facilities. However, having ample infrastructure does not automatically mean readiness. If hundreds of thousands of people travel simultaneously, the usual transportation systems may face limitations. Plans must integrate accommodations, transportation, heat management, and safety measures into a cohesive operational strategy. Seoul as a Key Public Partner, Not Just an Organizer The church's preparation and operation for the World Youth Day will be managed by the 2027 Seoul World Youth Day organizing committee under the guidance of the Vatican. It is not entirely accurate to label the city of Seoul as the official organizer of the event. However, the roles of the city government, police, fire services, and medical institutions are crucial on the ground. Managing roads, public transport, public facilities, crowd control, and disaster response cannot be handled solely by church organizations. In July 2026, the city of Seoul established an administrative support framework based on the "Seoul City Ordinance for Supporting the 41st World Youth Day in 2027." A special committee in the Seoul City Council and a task force in the National Assembly are also discussing collaborative frameworks for transportation, safety, medical, and administrative sectors. The city must not approach the event merely as a tourism project, nor should the organizing committee take public support for granted. A transparent collaborative structure is needed to share responsibilities, costs, and decision-making authority. More Important Than '1 Million' is the Official Count Some reports predict attendance could reach up to 1 million, discussing an economic impact of around 2 trillion won. However, the organizing committee's official D-365 materials describe the expected attendance as "hundreds of thousands." The estimates before registration begins, attendance at specific events like the closing Mass, and the total number of registered pilgrims are different figures. The economic impact can also vary significantly based on how participant numbers, duration of stay, spending, and public costs are calculated. Emphasizing large numbers without a solid basis can obscure the practical questions necessary for preparation. What matters more than the expectation of how many will attend is the planning for different scales of response. Scenarios should be in place for how accommodations, transportation, meals, and medical services will change with 300,000, 500,000, or more attendees. The positive and negative effects on citizens' daily lives and local businesses should also be disclosed. The event is an opportunity to promote the city while requiring substantial public resources and citizen cooperation. Empowering Youth as Participants, Not Just Guests While the name of the event includes "youth," there is a risk that young people may remain as guides and volunteers during the preparation of this large-scale event. It is crucial to involve both domestic and international youth in the decision-making processes when designing programs, liturgies, cultural events, digital services, and ecological campaigns. For the event to be truly for youth, they must be able to ask questions in their own language and express their failures and anxieties. The voices of non-religious youth, youth from immigrant backgrounds, youth with disabilities, and those who face economic barriers to participation must also be included in the preparation process. To showcase the diversity of the global church, the Seoul WYD must lower barriers to registration fees, transportation, and access to information, not just focus on representation on stage. The significance of choosing the host city will be revealed in how it accommodates those who find participation challenging, rather than merely counting those who can easily attend. D-365: Moving from Foundation to Execution The organizing committee views the past three years as a time for building the foundation. In 2026, the WYD choir and orchestra will be established, and KBS has been selected as the official broadcasting partner. The official theme will be unveiled in August, followed by the global tree-planting campaign, the second international preparatory meeting in September, and the opening of the registration system in October. As of July 20, 2026, the organizing committee consists of 85 full-time staff across three headquarters and 12 departments. Archbishop Jeong Soon-taek stated, "The remaining year is a time to complete preparations to welcome youth from around the world." The significance of hosting the event in Seoul will not be defined solely by the scale of the Mass and crowds. It requires families opening their homes to strangers, volunteers guiding attendees, public institutions minimizing inconveniences, and a city that shares the meaning of the festival, regardless of differing faiths. The answer to why the global church chose Seoul will be written in the preparation process over the next year. 2026-08-17 11:04:10
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Government Takes Action to Expand Egg Production Ahead of 2027 Regulations The government is taking steps to support the construction of barns and ease regulations in anticipation of expanded minimum space requirements for egg-laying hens set to take effect in 2027. This initiative aims to prevent egg supply shortages and stabilize prices. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced on August 17 that it will recruit preliminary project participants to support the costs of building and expanding facilities for egg-laying hens, facilitating the transition to improved density standards (from 0.05 square meters per bird to 0.075 square meters). Starting in September 2027, farms currently adhering to the 0.05 square meter standard will need to either expand their facilities or reduce their flock sizes. To mitigate concerns about potential supply reductions, the government plans to proactively secure production capacity by subsidizing construction and expansion costs. Applications for the program will be accepted through local governments until August 31. The government will evaluate applicants based on their ability to obtain necessary permits and complete projects within the year. Farms that do not currently raise hens but have secured building permits will also be eligible for support. Once the budget for next year is approved by the National Assembly, preliminary participants will be confirmed as project beneficiaries. Additionally, the government is working to rationalize livestock farming restrictions that currently affect 87.2% of the land area across the country. Approximately 94.4% of existing layer farms fall within these restricted zones, significantly limiting their ability to build or expand facilities. The Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Climate, Energy, and Environment maintain that expanding and improving facilities for layer farms is necessary, provided it does not increase environmental pollution. They are convening a task force to advocate for local governments to amend ordinances related to layer density improvements. Lee Jae-sik, Director of Livestock Policy at the Ministry of Agriculture, stated, "We will take various necessary measures to meet diverse policy demands, including food safety, animal welfare, stable supply of livestock products, and reduction of environmental burdens, while continuing to collaborate with relevant departments." * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-17 11:04:10
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World Youth Day 2027: Transforming Seoul Through Hospitality and Ecological Heritage Aju Economy is launching a five-part series titled 'WYD Will Transform Seoul' to explore the significance and preparations for the 2027 World Youth Day (WYD) in Seoul, one year ahead of the event. The main event will take place from August 3 to August 8, 2027, in Seoul. Prior to the main event, diocesan gatherings will be held from July 29 to August 2 in 15 dioceses across the country, excluding Seoul. This series will begin by examining the significance of hosting the event in a non-Christian cultural context, followed by topics such as pilgrim homestays, the management of 30,000 volunteers, and the systems for registration, transportation, safety, and medical services. The final installment will address the official theme, Catholic cultural events, and the global tree-planting campaign, focusing on the cultural and ecological legacy and challenges the event will leave for youth and Seoul. Aju Economy will also look into the organizing committee's preparations, the safety of participants and citizens, the role of public institutions, and sustainable youth exchange initiatives following the event. 2026-08-17 11:04:00
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First World Youth Day in a Non-Christian Cultural Context: Significance of Seoul Hosting The 2027 Seoul World Youth Day will be the second held in Asia, following the event in Manila, Philippines, in 1995. The organizing committee describes the Seoul gathering as the "first World Youth Day to be held in a non-Christian cultural context." This highlights the significance of the Pope meeting with young people from around the world in a city where Catholics do not constitute the majority. However, there is no official international standard that distinguishes between "Catholic countries" and "non-Catholic countries." Generally, countries where Catholics make up the majority of the population and where Catholic traditions have significantly influenced history, culture, and institutions are referred to as Catholic countries or Catholic cultural contexts. Conversely, countries with a low percentage of believers or where Buddhism, Islam, Protestantism, or indigenous religions dominate the sociocultural landscape are described as non-Catholic or non-Christian cultural contexts. This classification is not a legal distinction based on the presence of a state religion but rather a conventional expression that explains demographic composition and historical background. South Korea is a multi-religious society where the constitution guarantees freedom of religion and the separation of church and state. According to the "2025 Statistics of the Catholic Church in Korea" published by the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Korea, the number of registered Catholics in the 16 dioceses nationwide was 6,006,832 at the end of 2025, accounting for 11.4% of the total population. Among them, the average attendance at Sunday Mass was 928,195, representing 15.5% of all believers, with a total of 5,797 clergy members. The percentage of believers aged 65 and older was 28.9%, while those under 20 accounted for only 6.2%, indicating a notable aging of the faithful and a decline in the youth demographic. The history of the Korean Catholic Church is unique, as it was laypeople who first embraced the faith and established communities, growing through periods of persecution. The Seoul World Youth Day holds great significance as it will share the experiences of the Korean Church with young people worldwide, while also serving as a platform for dialogue among Catholics, individuals of other faiths, and citizens without religious affiliation. 2026-08-17 11:04:00