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  • U.S. Imposes Tariffs on Drones, South Korea to Discuss Certification Standards
    U.S. Imposes Tariffs on Drones, South Korea to Discuss Certification Standards The U.S. government has decided to impose tariffs of up to 100% on unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and key components, with a maximum of 15% on products from South Korea. In response, the South Korean government will engage in discussions regarding detailed certification standards.According to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, the White House announced on August 13, based on Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, the imposition of tariffs on UAS. This measure aims to reduce dependence on foreign supply chains and address cybersecurity vulnerabilities while enhancing domestic production capabilities for UAS and components.Starting September 3, UAS with a maximum takeoff weight exceeding 25 kg will be subject to a 100% tariff. This rate will also apply to UAS equipped with thermal imaging equipment, UAS docking stations, and certain key components.For UAS weighing 25 kg or less without thermal imaging equipment, a 25% tariff will be imposed. The 25% tariff on certain components will take effect on February 9, 2027. However, companies that receive drone-related certifications or approvals from the U.S. Department of Defense or the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will be subject to the tariffs starting February 9, 2027.Products manufactured in South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and the European Union (EU) will be eligible for special preferential conditions. If companies can prove that all key components and technologies are sourced from these countries or the U.S., the total tariff rate will not exceed 15%.Details regarding which components and technologies will be considered for origin determination and how companies must prove this are yet to be finalized. The U.S. Department of Commerce plans to establish procedures for assessing compliance with the requirements for key components and technologies.The tariff regulations also include exemptions to encourage investment in domestic production facilities. Companies that begin the establishment, renovation, or expansion of UAS and component production facilities in the U.S. before January 20, 2029, can import products and production equipment without tariffs during the construction period, subject to approval from the U.S. Department of Commerce.While this measure secures the possibility of lower tariffs for South Korean UAS compared to competing products, companies still face the burden of proving the origin of key components and technologies. Notably, products classified as South Korean that utilize key components or technologies from non-preferential countries like China may not benefit from the 15% cap.In light of this, the South Korean government plans to engage in discussions with the U.S. The Ministry stated, "We plan to negotiate with the U.S. regarding the unconfirmed details necessary for the application of preferential tariff rates for South Korean products, and we will also assess the impact on domestic industries' exports to the U.S. and supply chains in collaboration with relevant ministries."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-14 17:04:00
  • Korean Industry Minister Discusses SMR Collaboration with Bill Gates
    Korean Industry Minister Discusses SMR Collaboration with Bill Gates The South Korean government is expanding domestic nuclear companies' participation in the small modular reactor (SMR) project of the U.S. company TerraPower. SK Innovation and TerraPower have agreed on key conditions for a global joint venture, aiming to solidify their collaboration in the overseas SMR market, including the United States.The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced that Minister Kim Jong-kwan met with Bill Gates, chairman of the board of TerraPower, in Seoul on August 14 to discuss ways to enhance Korean companies' involvement in TerraPower's SMR project.TerraPower received construction approval from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) in March and is working towards a target of commercial operation by 2031. The company is developing its fourth-generation SMR, known as 'Natrium,' in the Kemmerer area of Wyoming, which uses sodium as a coolant instead of conventional water to transfer heat from the reactor to the steam generator.Korean companies, including SK and HD Hyundai, have been financially investing in and building partnerships with TerraPower. Domestic nuclear firms are also pursuing opportunities to participate in various aspects of TerraPower's projects in the U.S. and abroad, including equipment supply, operations, and construction.During the meeting, Minister Kim emphasized the importance of manufacturing and construction capabilities to complete projects within planned budgets and timelines to expand the overseas SMR market. He noted that Korean companies could play a pivotal role in realizing TerraPower's projects based on their accumulated experience in nuclear construction and operations.Kim also suggested that to ensure the economic viability of SMRs, it is essential to combine TerraPower's standardized designs with South Korea's reliable mass production supply chain. He highlighted that over the past 50 years, South Korea has built and operated nuclear power plants, establishing a sophisticated manufacturing ecosystem that includes both large corporations and small to medium-sized enterprises, making it a potential key supply chain for TerraPower.Following the meeting, Minister Kim, Bill Gates, and Chey Tae-won, chairman of SK Group, attended the signing of a memorandum of understanding on key conditions for a global joint venture between TerraPower and SK Innovation. This agreement allows SK Innovation to participate in the development of TerraPower's SMR projects in the U.S. and abroad.The Ministry stated, "With the expansion of AI-based infrastructure and the increase in data centers, the demand for SMRs from global big tech companies is rapidly growing. As over 100 SMRs are being developed worldwide, companies will likely expand cooperation beyond national borders to secure early market and supply chain positions."Additionally, the Ministry noted, "In light of changes in the global nuclear power market, the investment and business development of Korean companies in overseas SMR models and supply chain entry is significant for diversifying nuclear exports. The current phase, being the early stage of SMR supply chain formation, presents an opportune moment for Korean companies to actively engage in the overseas SMR supply chain through this meeting."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-14 17:00:20
  • Prosecutorial Human Rights Committee Adds 12 Cases for Investigation
    Prosecutorial Human Rights Committee Adds 12 Cases for Investigation The Ministry of Justice's Prosecutorial Human Rights Respect Future Committee has added 12 cases for investigation, including the Seongnam FC incident involving President Lee Jae-myung.On August 14, the committee announced that it had received suggestions from various academic groups, civic organizations, the Korean Bar Association, and the public over a five-week period starting June 16. These suggestions, combined with cases identified by the committee, led to the selection of 12 additional cases for investigation.The committee explained that it considered the severity of human rights violations, public interest, social impact, the need for prevention of recurrence, and the victims' opinions in its selection process.Among the cases under investigation are allegations of misuse of corporate cards in Gyeonggi Province, the Baekhyeon-dong development corruption case, and allegations of illegal sponsorship related to Seongnam FC, all linked to President Lee. The case involving Kim Yong, a close aide to President Lee, regarding witness tampering in a trial has also been added.Other cases include the prohibition of former Vice Minister of Justice Kim Hak-eui from leaving the country, wage arrears involving Daeyu Winia Group, allegations of interference in the Ulsan mayoral election by the Blue House during the Moon Jae-in administration, preferential hiring allegations concerning the former son-in-law of President Moon, and allegations of covering up investigations into unpaid severance at Coupang.The investigation will also cover allegations of targeted investigations against a former Daegu deputy mayor, improper searches related to a former high-ranking prosecutor turned lawyer, and suspicions of orchestrated investigations by the Blue House, bringing the total number of cases under investigation to 12.The committee is expected to finalize a second batch of cases for investigation soon and recommend them to the fact-finding team.Chairman Jeong Joo-young stated, "The committee hopes for a swift and thorough investigation from the perspective of protecting human rights and ensuring the proper exercise of prosecutorial authority. We will correct past wrongs in the exercise of prosecutorial power and establish effective preventive measures and institutional improvements going forward."The committee was established in June to investigate allegations of human rights violations and abuse of power in the exercise of prosecutorial authority and to recommend measures to prevent recurrence.The initial batch of cases included the Ssangbangwool North Korea remittance case, the Daejang-dong case, the Kim Yong case, the Wirye New Town case, the shooting incident involving a public official in the West Sea, the statistics manipulation case, and allegations of false reporting regarding the defamation of Yoon Seok-yeol, totaling seven cases.With the addition of the 12 newly selected cases, the total number of investigations recommended by the committee has increased to 19.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-14 16:56:10
  • Ministry of Industry, Army, and Hyundai Motor Sign MOU for Defense Robots
    Ministry of Industry, Army, and Hyundai Motor Sign MOU for Defense Robots The Ministry of Industry, the Army, and Hyundai Motor Group are expanding the application of robots and physical artificial intelligence (AI) in the defense sector. They aim to establish a collaborative system that quickly tests advanced civilian technologies in military settings, linking them to actual product purchases and military readiness.On August 14, the Ministry of Industry signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Army and Hyundai Motor Group in Gyeryong, South Chungcheong Province, to enhance the use of robots, physical AI, and advanced technologies in defense. This MOU is part of the government's three major mega-projects, focusing on applying physical AI in the defense sector and increasing the adoption of defense robots.The initiative aims to reduce the workload of soldiers by deploying robots for dangerous or repetitive support tasks. The agreement includes civil-military cooperation for research and development of defense robots and physical AI, establishing testing environments, and expanding demonstrations through equipment and personnel support. The introduction of robots in areas such as surveillance, reconnaissance, sustained support, and logistics will also be increased.Each organization has defined its role. The Ministry of Industry will support the technological development and testing of defense robots and provide policy support to connect robot companies' technologies with military needs. Hyundai Motor Group will supply the necessary personnel and technology for robot development and testing, incorporating feedback from soldiers into product development. The Army will provide military facilities, such as field units and training institutions, as test beds for technology validation and will support the related environment to ensure stable testing operations.The Ministry of Industry is currently supporting demonstrations of patrol robots, cleaning and cooking robots, and logistics robots through its 'Intelligent Robot Distribution Expansion Project.' The Army has been providing field units and educational institutions as test beds. The three organizations plan to expand robot demonstration and distribution projects into various areas, including patrol and surveillance.Before the signing ceremony, a meeting chaired by Army Chief of Staff Kim Kyu-ha discussed the application of physical AI technology in defense and civil-military cooperation tasks.Lee Min-woo, the Deputy Director of the Ministry of Industry's Industrial Growth Office, stated, 'The government will promote domestic robot production by creating public demand in defense, public safety, and disaster response. We will closely cooperate with the military to ensure that the results of demonstrations in the defense sector lead to actual product purchases and military readiness.'Army Vice Chief of Staff Choi Jang-sik emphasized, 'For physical AI to translate into actual combat power, it is crucial to quickly validate advanced technologies in the field and reflect the results in technology development and systems. We will accelerate the application of technologies needed for future battlefields and hasten the transition to a high-tech military.'* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-14 16:56:00
  • China cracks memory club, but harder test looms
    China cracks memory club, but harder test looms SEOUL, August 14 (AJP) - China's heavily government-backed chipmakers are breaking into the once-exclusive global memory club, with Yangtze Memory Technologies Co. (YMTC) vaulting into the world's top three NAND flash suppliers for the first time. But just as China closes the gap in manufacturing scale, artificial intelligence is moving the industry's profit pool toward a harder target. YMTC captured 14 percent of global NAND bit shipments in the second quarter, overtaking Japan's Kioxia to rank behind Samsung Electronics at 25 percent and SK hynix at 22 percent, according to Counterpoint Research. The ranking marks a striking ascent for a company founded only a decade ago and offers some of the clearest evidence yet that China's push for semiconductor self-sufficiency is reshaping a memory market long dominated by a small group of South Korean, Japanese and U.S. suppliers. Much as ChangXin Memory Technologies (CXMT) has broken into the DRAM market, YMTC has achieved scale that is yet to translate into meaningful numbers on the top and bottom lines. It ranked third in NAND shipments during the quarter but only fifth in revenue, behind Kioxia and Micron Technology, as its product mix remained concentrated in lower-priced consumer applications rather than high-value data-center storage, Counterpoint said. That distinction matters more than ever. Enterprise solid-state drives, or eSSDs, accounted for 48 percent of global NAND bits shipped in the second quarter, up sharply from 26 percent a year earlier. Counterpoint expects their share to exceed half of all NAND shipments by the end of this year. The shift reflects the widening deployment of AI from model training toward inference, where enormous volumes of data must be stored and retrieved rapidly and with low power consumption. That is turning storage — long overshadowed by graphics processors and high-bandwidth memory in the AI investment boom — into an increasingly important part of data-center infrastructure. For Samsung and SK hynix, it creates an unusual competitive dynamic. YMTC's rapid expansion threatens to intensify competition in mainstream NAND, where additional Chinese supply could eventually pressure market share and pricing. At the same time, the industry's most valuable demand is migrating toward enterprise products, giving the Korean companies another layer of defense. Lee Jong-hwan, a professor of system semiconductor engineering at Sangmyung University, said YMTC's rise should not be dismissed as a temporary phenomenon driven simply by price competition. "Chinese memory companies are different from what they used to be," Lee said. "Their technological capabilities have improved considerably, and they are investing heavily in research and development at a rapid pace to compete with Samsung and SK hynix." Samsung has been expanding high-capacity enterprise SSD products for AI servers, while SK hynix has built a substantial data-center storage business through Solidigm, the U.S.-based company created after its acquisition of Intel's NAND and SSD operations. SK hynix's share in the second quarter was helped by a roughly 40 percent quarter-on-quarter increase in Solidigm's bit shipments, according to Counterpoint. YMTC increased shipments 22 percent from a year earlier and 5 percent from the previous quarter as shortages emerged in parts of the consumer market while established suppliers increasingly favored higher-margin products. China, in other words, is catching up fastest where the market has been. The harder question is whether it can catch up where the market is going. For YMTC, sustaining its new ranking will increasingly require competing in enterprise SSDs, where it faces higher barriers than in supplying NAND for smartphones and personal computers. Data-center customers demand endurance, reliability, power efficiency and sustained performance, while products typically undergo extensive qualification before they can be deployed across servers at scale. Samsung, SK hynix and Micron also have long-established relationships with global cloud and server customers that cannot be replicated simply by adding fabrication capacity. Like other Chinese names, YMTC has been on the U.S. Commerce Department's Entity List since December 2022, subjecting exports, reexports and transfers of covered U.S. technology to stringent licensing requirements. Those restrictions have constrained its access to certain advanced chipmaking technologies and added another commercial and compliance hurdle as it seeks to expand internationally. Washington's broader semiconductor controls have simultaneously reinforced Beijing's determination to build a more self-sufficient chip industry, turning memory into one of the central battlegrounds in China's technology push. Still, the restrictions have not stopped YMTC's technological or capacity advance. The company is mass-producing 267-layer 3D NAND and developing technology with more than 300 layers using its Xtacking architecture, while continuing to expand supply to Chinese device makers, according to Counterpoint. YMTC has also begun moving toward enterprise SSDs, the research firm said, with plans to increase their share in its product mix during the second half. The stakes are particularly high because NAND has become the second front of China's challenge to the global memory hierarchy. CXMT has already emerged as the No. 4 DRAM player and made a blockbuster Shanghai debut on July 27 after raising 57.92 billion yuan ($8.6 billion) in the biggest semiconductor IPO ever on mainland China. Its shares surged 466 percent on their first trading day. YMTC is set to follow the same path. The NAND maker formally began the process for a listing on Shanghai's technology-focused STAR Market in May, potentially opening another source of capital for capacity expansion and next-generation development. State-backed entities, including China's national semiconductor funds and local government investors, are among its major shareholders. Together, CXMT and YMTC represent something the global memory industry has not previously confronted at this scale: Chinese challengers gaining ground simultaneously in both of its major markets. The threat is not yet symmetrical. In DRAM, Samsung and SK hynix retain a formidable lead in high-bandwidth memory, or HBM, the premium memory stacked alongside AI accelerators. In NAND, the Korean companies similarly hold stronger positions in high-value enterprise storage even as YMTC closes the shipment gap. But memory-chip history shows why scale itself matters. The industry is notoriously cyclical. Relatively modest changes in supply can produce sharp swings in prices once inventories start accumulating. A well-funded Chinese supplier capable of steadily adding capacity could therefore influence the broader market long before it catches the incumbents at the technological frontier. Lee said that is precisely where YMTC's growing scale could become a more immediate concern for the Korean memory makers, even before it closes the technology gap. "The larger their share becomes, the greater the possibility that prices will come down," Lee said. "Samsung and SK hynix will have to keep investing and pursuing research and development to maintain the gap." For Samsung and SK hynix, the challenge is consequently no longer simply to keep YMTC behind them in shipment rankings. As with smartphones, Korean chipmakers are likely to separate themselves by concentrating on the premium market — HBM in DRAM and enterprise SSDs in NAND. YMTC has crossed the first barrier, and its ability to cross the next will determine if China's NAND rise remains largely a volume story — or becomes a direct challenge to the memory industry's most profitable markets. 2026-08-14 16:55:37
  • SeAH Steel Holdings Reports 2nd Quarter Operating Loss of 50.8 Billion Won
    SeAH Steel Holdings Reports 2nd Quarter Operating Loss of 50.8 Billion Won SeAH Steel Holdings announced on August 13 that it recorded sales of 1.1669 trillion won and an operating loss of 50.8 billion won for the second quarter. While sales increased by 14.3% compared to the same period last year, the company shifted to an operating loss.On a standalone basis, SeAH Steel reported sales of 457.7 billion won and an operating profit of 32.6 billion won, marking increases of 19.2% and 54.3%, respectively, from the previous year.Despite logistical disruptions due to global geopolitical risks, the company saw an increase in sales of oil and gas steel pipes in North America and a rise in prices, contributing to higher consolidated sales compared to the previous year.However, the operating loss was attributed to the initial depreciation costs of facilities established by SeAH Wind to respond to global offshore wind projects, as well as anticipated future costs, which were accounted for as one-time provisions.Looking ahead to the second half of the year, demand for oil and gas projects in the Americas and the Middle East is expected to expand, and production of pre-ordered quantities for offshore wind projects in the UK is set to begin, which should improve performance.SeAH Steel stated, "While the demand for oil and LNG infrastructure investment in the Middle East remains positive, the pace of project orders is somewhat slowing due to prolonged geopolitical risks affecting raw material procurement and shipping delays. We plan to defend our profitability by focusing on urgent delivery projects amid rising raw material price pressures."Additionally, SeAH Steel is actively pursuing the eco-friendly decarbonization energy infrastructure market, having signed a supply contract for high-value-added steel pipes for a CCUS project led by the UK government in June. 2026-08-14 16:52:20
  • Ansan City Council to Hold 305th Extraordinary Session with 47 Agenda Items
    Ansan City Council to Hold 305th Extraordinary Session with 47 Agenda Items Gyeonggi's Ansan City Council will hold its 305th extraordinary session from August 24 to September 10. According to the council on August 14, this session will include discussions on ordinances and various agenda items, covering a wide range of municipal activities. The council's operations committee met in the conference room of the fourth standing committee during the closure of the 304th extraordinary session to finalize the agenda and schedule for the 2026 administrative audit. The 305th extraordinary session will present a total of 47 agenda items, including three ordinances proposed by council members. Plenary sessions are scheduled for August 24, September 1, 9, and 10. Reviews by standing committees will take place from August 24 to 31. The budget and settlement special committee will elect a chair and vice chair during its first meeting on August 24, followed by five meetings from September 2 to 8. The 2026 administrative audit will be conducted over nine days from October 13 to 21. This year, due to the nationwide local elections, the first regular session will be held in October, coinciding with the administrative audit. With this schedule confirmed, the major legislative activities of the Ansan City Council for the second half of the year have been outlined.Community interest is expected to focus on the content of the 47 agenda items to be addressed during the extraordinary session, as well as how the administration's key projects and overall governance will be evaluated during the October audit. In particular, the administrative audit is a crucial opportunity for the council to examine projects and budget execution closely related to citizens' lives, raising expectations for inquiries and improvement requests from council members regarding local issues. Lee Jae-bok, chair of the operations committee, stated, “As this is the first session where substantive agenda items will be reviewed since the 10th council was inaugurated, I urge my fellow council members and public officials to actively cooperate to ensure the session is productive.” Previously, on August 11, the council held meetings with the city administration by standing committee to discuss the agenda for the 305th extraordinary session. The extraordinary session is set to open on August 24 and conclude on September 10.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-14 16:52:00
  • E-Land Reports Record Half-Year Operating Profit of 231.6 Billion Won
    E-Land Reports Record Half-Year Operating Profit of 231.6 Billion Won E-Land World achieved its highest half-year operating profit in a decade, driven by balanced growth across its key sectors, including fashion, dining, and retail.On August 14, E-Land announced that its consolidated operating profit for the first half of this year reached 231.6 billion won, a 48% increase compared to the same period last year. This marks the highest level for the first half in the past ten years. Cumulative sales during the same period totaled 2.8398 trillion won, up 4% from the previous year. Improved profitability also led to a net profit increase of 111.4 billion won compared to last year.An E-Land Group official stated, "Both cumulative sales and net profit have grown in the first half of this year, reflecting the positive impact of restructuring efforts across our major business divisions and brands."The fashion sector showed particularly strong growth. Sales in this division increased by 9% year-on-year, while operating profit rose by 29%. New Balance and New Balance Kids continued their stable growth, and the performance of E-Land's own brands, including Spao, Misso, and Huayu, also improved. E-Land noted that the simultaneous increase in sales and operating profit across its major brands has enhanced the overall competitiveness of its fashion portfolio.The dining sector also maintained its growth trend. E-Land Eats reported a cumulative sales increase of 11% year-on-year, with net profit rising by 50%. E-Land Eats has achieved six consecutive years of growth, successfully expanding its scale while improving profitability.The flagship brand, Ashley Queens, led the performance with double-digit growth in both sales and operating profit. Sales for Pizza Mall, Deli by Ashley, and Rooun increased by 36%, 35%, and 43%, respectively.E-Land Retail, responsible for the retail sector, also saw a significant improvement in profitability. Cumulative transaction volume for the first half increased by 3% compared to the previous year, while operating profit surged by 243%.An E-Land Group official remarked, "With our highest operating profit in a decade, we aim to continue this growth trend annually by enhancing the competitiveness of our core business areas while maintaining our focus on management efficiency."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-14 16:52:00
  • Chairman Song Hyung-gon: The Era of Memory Establishes History at Comfort Women Memorial Day
    Chairman Song Hyung-gon: 'The Era of Memory Establishes History' at Comfort Women Memorial Day Song Hyung-gon, Chairman of the Gwangju-Jeonnam Unified Special City Council, pledged that the council would uphold historical truths and the values of human rights and peace while remembering the courageous testimonies of Japanese military comfort women victims.Chairman Song (Democratic Party, Goheung 1) attended the '2026 Memorial Day for Japanese Military Comfort Women Victims' event held at Jeonil Building on August 13, reflecting on the significance of restoring the dignity and honor of the victims.The event, organized by the Gwangju-Jeonnam Unified Special City and the Gwangju Memorial Day Promotion Committee, was themed 'From Courageous Testimonies to Steps Toward Peace and Solidarity.'More than 300 attendees, including Min Hyung-bae, the Mayor of Gwangju-Jeonnam Unified Special City, Kim Dae-jung, the Superintendent of Education for Gwangju-Jeonnam Unified Special City, and members of the unified special city council, as well as representatives from civil society and women's organizations, gathered to honor the victims and reflect on the historical significance of the day.In his commemorative speech, Chairman Song emphasized the historical importance of the late Kim Hak-soon’s public testimony.He stated, “On August 14, 1991, the late Kim Hak-soon bravely broke through the walls of long-standing fear to come forward with her testimony, opening the door to truths that had been locked in silence. This became a firm starting point for restoring the dignity and honor of the victims.”He added, “When memory becomes solidarity, it generates the power to change the world. The Gwangju-Jeonnam Unified Special City Council will carry on that noble courage and commitment to solidarity to establish historical justice.”He also expressed a commitment to practicing the values of human rights and peace within the community.Chairman Song Hyung-gon stated, “We will continue the spirit of the citizens of Jeonnam and Gwangju, who have listened to the voices of the oppressed and stood with the suffering to lead change toward a better world. We will faithfully fulfill our legislative duty to create a society where human rights and peace are part of everyday life and to restore the honor and truth of the victims.”The Memorial Day for Japanese Military Comfort Women Victims commemorates the day when the late Kim Hak-soon publicly testified about her experiences on August 14, 1991. The government has designated August 14 as a national memorial day under relevant laws to raise awareness of the issue and honor the victims.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-14 16:48:00
  • Government Prepares for Heavy Rain During Holiday Weekend, Urges Caution
    Government Prepares for Heavy Rain During Holiday Weekend, Urges Caution As the holiday weekend begins, the government is taking precautions against heavy rain expected to start in southern regions on August 15 and spread nationwide by the early hours of August 16.The Ministry of the Interior and Safety announced on August 14 that a meeting was held under the leadership of Kim Kwang-yong, head of the Disaster and Safety Management Headquarters, to discuss measures in preparation for the rain.According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, rain will begin in the southern regions on the afternoon of August 15 and will expand to most areas of the country by early August 16. Particularly, heavy rainfall of over 150mm is anticipated along the southern coast and near Jirisan.During the meeting, Kim emphasized the importance of preventing casualties from the impending rain and urged local governments and relevant agencies to review their preparedness measures. He instructed that real-time monitoring of weather conditions be maintained throughout the holiday to ensure a robust response system is in place.Kim also referenced a recent incident on August 8, where heavy rainfall in mountainous areas caused rapid rises in water levels in downstream valleys and rivers, leading to the isolation of tourists. With many visitors expected in mountainous valleys and camping sites during the holiday, he stressed the need for proactive measures to prevent casualties, including preemptive evacuations if necessary.Additionally, he highlighted the need to assess risks along coastlines, where heavy rain, strong winds, and high waves could pose dangers to travelers. He called for thorough checks of potential hazards and the restriction of access to rocky shores and breakwaters.In areas prone to flooding, such as semi-basement homes and underground roads, real-time monitoring will be conducted, and immediate action will be taken to control access if flooding is anticipated. Residents who may have difficulty evacuating on their own will be assisted by evacuation support teams.Furthermore, Kim urged for enhanced inspections and monitoring of steep slopes, areas vulnerable to landslides, and locations with a history of past damage. He called for thorough maintenance of drainage facilities, including stormwater drains and pumping stations, in preparation for the heavy rain.Kim stated, "We will establish an emergency response system for heavy rain during the holiday period and will act swiftly to implement preemptive controls and evacuations to prevent casualties if any warning signs are detected. I urge everyone to refrain from going out during heavy rain and to avoid dangerous areas such as landslide-prone regions, riverbanks, and underground spaces."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-14 16:44:20