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  • Gwangju Education Office Enhances Early Childhood and Elementary Education for the AI Era
    Gwangju Education Office Enhances Early Childhood and Elementary Education for the AI Era The Gwangju Metropolitan Office of Education is enhancing the integration of early childhood and elementary education curricula to align with the era of artificial intelligence (AI) and to strengthen teachers' capabilities in utilizing digital tools and AI. On September 16, the office announced that it would hold a workshop for kindergarten and elementary school teachers at the Suncheon Bay Ecological Culture Education Center. The workshop, themed 'Wise Coexistence in the AI Era: Awakening Learner Autonomy through Digital and AI Utilization,' aims to improve teachers' understanding of using digital devices in play and lessons while reinforcing the continuity of the curriculum from kindergarten to elementary school. Particularly, the workshop will share educational directions for digital and AI utilization that consider the developmental stages of young children and lower elementary students, and explore practical teaching methods that can be applied in educational settings. The program includes special lectures on connecting and expanding digital and AI-based play and lessons, discussions on teacher professionalism and ethics, and sharing examples of digital play support and lesson cases in kindergartens. Participating teachers will examine cases of digital and AI education in kindergartens and elementary schools and discuss ways to ensure a seamless learning experience for children as they transition between school levels. The education office plans to support the application of digital and AI education in a way that enhances learner autonomy, encouraging young children and students to explore and engage actively rather than merely using digital devices. Kim Bo-kyung, head of the Early Childhood and Elementary Education Division at the Gwangju Metropolitan Office of Education, stated, "The integration of early childhood and elementary education is a crucial educational task that maintains the continuity of children's growth and learning. I hope this workshop will broaden early childhood and elementary teachers' understanding of digital and AI education in the AI era and help disseminate practical integration strategies in the field." Meanwhile, the workshop will be conducted regionally. Following the eastern region workshop on the 16th, training for teachers in the central and western regions will take place on the 29th, focusing on sharing examples of curriculum integration and digital and AI education.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 15:08:10
  • Gunpo City Corporation to Open 33 Public Parking Lots for Free During Chuseok Holiday
    Gunpo City Corporation to Open 33 Public Parking Lots for Free During Chuseok Holiday The Gunpo City Corporation is implementing special transportation measures to assist citizens and travelers during the Chuseok holiday. According to the corporation on September 17, from midnight on September 24 to midnight on September 27, 33 paid public parking lots and the city hall's auxiliary (civil service) parking lot will be opened for free. This initiative is expected to enhance parking convenience for visitors and residents in Gunpo during the Chuseok holiday. In particular, it aims to reduce parking burdens for citizens visiting traditional markets and local businesses, contributing to the revitalization of the local economy during the holiday period. Residents have generally welcomed the free parking initiative during the holiday. As parking demand increases due to family visits and traditional market usage during the holiday, the free parking will alleviate some of the parking pressures for citizens. One resident stated, “Finding a parking spot during the holiday is a burden, but if I can use the public parking for free, it will be much more convenient for outings with my family.” Additionally, the Gunpo City Mobility Support Center for the Disabled will operate special transportation measures from September 24 to 27 during the Chuseok holiday. To facilitate the movement of the mobility impaired, a total of 43 vehicles, including special and alternative transportation, will be in operation to support their travel during the holiday. Meanwhile, President Bae Jae-guk stated, “We have prepared transportation measures to ensure that citizens can move more conveniently and safely during the Chuseok holiday, and we will continue to do our best to provide transportation services that assist citizens in their daily lives.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 15:08:10
  • Korean Womens Volleyball Team Dominates Qatar, Secures Second Straight Win at 2026 Asian Games
    Korean Women's Volleyball Team Dominates Qatar, Secures Second Straight Win at 2026 Asian Games The South Korean women's volleyball team, aiming for its first Asian Games medal in eight years, decisively defeated Qatar, achieving its second consecutive win in the group stage of the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.Under the guidance of head coach Cha Sang-hyun, South Korea (ranked 28th by the International Volleyball Federation) triumphed over Qatar (ranked 106th) with a set score of 3-0 (25-6, 25-6, 25-10) in the second match of Group D held at Komaki Park Arena in Japan on September 17.This victory follows their win against Hong Kong the previous day, marking two straight wins without dropping a single set. Notably, the match against Qatar concluded in just 54 minutes.Key players Jeong Ho-young (Heungkuk Life) and Park Eun-jin (Korea Expressway Corporation) stood out, scoring 15 and 14 points, respectively, to lead the team's offense. Park Eun-seo (Pepper Savings Bank) also contributed with 11 points.During the match, South Korea managed player fatigue by adjusting the playing time of key athletes, including middle blocker Lee Da-hyun (NEC Red Rockets) and captain Kang So-hwi (Korea Expressway Corporation). They substituted in Jeong Ho-young and Yook Seo-young (IBK Industrial Bank) to enhance the overall match readiness of the team.Despite these adjustments, the team's performance remained strong. South Korea quickly took control in the first set, scoring 10 consecutive points to lead 11-4 and easily secured the set.In the second set, leading 6-2, Jeong Ho-young delivered three consecutive service points, allowing South Korea to maintain dominance and win the set 25-6, mirroring the first set's score.The third set also saw South Korea build a significant lead of over 10 points early on. The match concluded with Park Eun-seo's attack, sealing the victory at 24-10.With this second consecutive win, South Korea now leads its group and will face Vietnam (ranked 32nd) in the final group stage match on September 18 at 4 PM at the same venue.In this tournament, the top two teams from each group will advance to the quarterfinals. For South Korea to secure a spot in the quarterfinals as the group leader, a victory over Vietnam is essential.If South Korea loses to Vietnam and finishes second in the group, it will face the likely group winner from Group B, which is expected to be China (ranked 7th).* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 15:08:00
  • Toss Invests 30 Billion Won in Oasis and Launches Dedicated Delivery Service
    Toss Invests 30 Billion Won in Oasis and Launches Dedicated Delivery Service Toss (Viva Republica) is expanding its commerce business by partnering with early morning delivery service Oasis. The company announced on September 17 that it has opened a dedicated section for Oasis Market on Toss Shopping and made a 30 billion won equity investment. Viva Republica stated that it has signed an exclusive cooperation agreement with Oasis and launched the 'Oasis Market Dedicated Section' on Toss Shopping. The dedicated section will operate as a separate tab within Toss Shopping. This marks the first time Toss Shopping has provided a permanent dedicated tab for a specific seller. Customers will be able to purchase approximately 7,000 types of fresh produce directly sourced and sold by Oasis Market. Users can explore products, make payments, track deliveries, and inquire about customer service through the Toss app without needing to sign up for a separate Oasis Market membership. Payments will utilize Toss Pay, and rewards will be earned through Toss Points. The dedicated section is set to be unveiled one week before the Chuseok holiday. Product and inventory information will be linked in real-time, and orders will be delivered through Oasis's existing logistics network. Pricing, reward benefits, and discount promotions will align with those offered by Oasis Market. As part of this collaboration, Toss will invest approximately 30 billion won by acquiring new shares issued by Oasis, which has been valued at 1.3 trillion won prior to the investment. Oasis plans to use the funds to enhance its logistics facilities and expand its workforce. A Toss representative stated, "By broadening our service range to include early morning delivery of fresh produce, we have made it easier for customers to conveniently purchase everyday items within Toss. We will continue to strengthen our product competitiveness to meet diverse shopping demands within the Toss platform." * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 15:08:00
  • Man Sentenced to Life for Killing Mother-in-Law and Hiding Body in Suitcase
    Man Sentenced to Life for Killing Mother-in-Law and Hiding Body in Suitcase A 26-year-old man, Jo Jae-bok, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for killing his mother-in-law and disposing of her body in a suitcase. The prosecution requested the life sentence during the final hearing at the Daegu District Court on September 17, where Jo was charged with homicide and other offenses.The prosecution described the case as a gruesome crime that violated human ethics, occurring in the heart of a major city. They noted that both Jo and his wife have developmental disabilities and sought to consider this in their assessment. However, they emphasized the brutality of the crime, highlighting that the assault was prolonged and that Jo continued to attack the victim despite her pleas for mercy. They argued that Jo's history of violent behavior indicated a need for permanent isolation from society.In his closing statement, Jo's attorney argued that his client, due to his developmental disability and lower IQ, could not fully comprehend the situation and should not be seen as lacking remorse. The attorney also contested the prosecution's claim that Jo had confined his wife, stating that they had shared outings together.During his final remarks, Jo expressed remorse, saying, “I sincerely apologize to my mother-in-law and my wife. I promise not to do this again. If given leniency, I will not commit such acts.”Earlier this year, in March, Jo assaulted his 54-year-old mother-in-law, identified as A, in an officetel in Daegu, leading to her death. He then concealed her body in a suitcase and disposed of it by the riverside in Buk-gu.Jo's wife, Choi (26), testified in July, detailing the violence she endured since their marriage. She recounted that the abuse escalated after they moved to Daegu, with Jo attacking her over trivial matters and threatening her life if she did not bring home money. On the day of the incident, she described how her mother was beaten to the point of being unable to walk or speak properly. Choi expressed her fear of reporting the abuse, worried that Jo would retaliate if they went to the hospital.Choi stated, “I hope he receives a life sentence, and I want to divorce him as soon as possible.” Jo is also facing charges for other acts of violence against his wife and mother-in-law.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 15:04:20
  • IBK Industrial Bank Supports Vulnerable Single-Parent Families with $1.6 Million
    IBK Industrial Bank Supports Vulnerable Single-Parent Families with $1.6 Million IBK Industrial Bank announced on September 17 that it is launching the 'On-IBK Together Care' initiative in collaboration with the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family to support the stability and independence of vulnerable single-parent families.The bank is investing a total of 1.6 billion won (approximately $1.6 million) in this initiative, which will provide tailored support in three areas: housing, livelihood, and childcare.In the housing sector, IBK will partner with the Korean Single Mothers Support Network to offer one-on-one housing consultations, moving cost assistance, and improvements to living conditions. The goal is to help establish stable housing foundations through on-site, personalized support based on each family's circumstances.In the livelihood sector, the IBK Happiness Sharing Foundation will provide emergency living expenses and financial education to single-parent families facing economic difficulties. In the childcare sector, the initiative will subsidize out-of-pocket costs for childcare services to alleviate the burden of raising children.An IBK official stated, "We hope this initiative will provide practical assistance for the stability and independence of single-parent families. We will continue to expand our social contribution activities and take the lead in inclusive finance for those in need."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 15:04:20
  • Impact of U.S. Federal Reserve Tightening on Financial Sector and Borrowers
    Impact of U.S. Federal Reserve Tightening on Financial Sector and Borrowers The U.S. Federal Reserve has raised its benchmark interest rate for the first time in over three years and hinted at the possibility of further increases. This prolonged tightening from the U.S., combined with domestic factors such as rising prices and housing costs, is raising concerns about increased funding and refinancing costs for financial companies, as well as heightened repayment burdens for vulnerable borrowers.According to the Korea Financial Investment Association, the yield on AAA-rated one-year bank bonds reached 3.965% on September 16, marking the highest level of the year. This is the highest rate in nearly two years and ten months, since late November 2023, and represents a 22 basis point increase compared to the end of June. The yield on five-year bank bonds rose by 34 basis points during the same period.The concerns over U.S. tightening, coupled with rising domestic prices and housing costs in the metropolitan area, as well as the potential for further rate hikes by the Bank of Korea, have contributed to the upward trend in government and financial bond yields. The government and financial authorities assessed during an expanded macroeconomic and financial meeting that the recent rate hike by the Federal Reserve has largely been priced into the market.The issue is that the possibility of additional rate hikes in the U.S. could prolong the tightening trend. The Federal Reserve's Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting on September 15-16 resulted in a 0.25 percentage point increase in the target policy rate range to 3.75-4.00%, leaving the door open for further increases this year.Additional rate hikes in the U.S. could also put pressure on the Bank of Korea's monetary policy. An expanding interest rate gap between the U.S. and South Korea could increase downward pressure on the won, especially as domestic prices and housing costs continue to rise. The median forecast for the conditional benchmark interest rate over the next six months, released by the Bank of Korea last month, was also 0.25 percentage points higher than the current rate at 3.25%.Rising market interest rates are driving up funding costs for financial companies. When bank bond yields increase, banks must bear higher rates when refinancing maturing bonds or issuing new ones. The five-year bank bond yield is a key indicator for fixed-rate mortgage loans, which could subsequently affect household loan rates.Non-bank financial institutions, such as credit card and capital companies that do not have deposit-taking functions, are more directly impacted by rising funding rates. The total amount of bonds maturing for eight major credit card companies in the fourth quarter of this year is approximately 6.79 trillion won.The yield on three-year financial bonds, which indicate the funding conditions for credit card companies, reached 4.589% on September 16, an increase of 1.844 percentage points from a year ago. During the same period, the credit spread between three-year government bonds also widened from 33 basis points to 54 basis points. This means that credit card companies are likely to refinance maturing bonds at higher rates than before.If the rising funding costs for financial companies are reflected in loan interest rates, the repayment burden for borrowers could increase. According to the Bank of Korea, the interest rate on new household loans at deposit banks was 4.64% in July, up 0.14 percentage points from the previous month. Household loan rates have shown an upward trend for three consecutive months.The problem is that vulnerable borrowers, who will have to bear the burden of additional rate hikes, are already facing weakened repayment capacities. According to data submitted by the Credit Recovery Commission to Park Seong-hoon, a member of the National Assembly's Political Affairs Committee, the number of confirmed debt adjustments increased by 56.1% over three years, from 121,095 in 2022 to 189,062 last year. In the first half of this year, 97,199 individuals also received debt adjustments.There are also increasing cases of borrowers seeking living expenses after managing their debts through adjustments. In the second quarter of this year, applications for small loans from diligent debt adjusters reached 14,893, with a total application amount of 47.019 billion won, marking the highest quarterly figure since 2022.A financial industry official stated, “The impact of rising interest rates is likely to be more pronounced for users of credit cards, capital companies, and savings banks, where the proportion of high-interest loans is relatively high. If additional rate hikes lead to increased delinquencies and debt adjustments, financial companies may face greater burdens in terms of provisioning and maintaining soundness.” 2026-09-17 15:04:20
  • Shinhan Financial Group Plans Up to $200 Million Support for Uzbek Financial Institutions
    Shinhan Financial Group Plans Up to $200 Million Support for Uzbek Financial Institutions Shinhan Financial Group is accelerating its expansion in Central Asia by enhancing financial cooperation in Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.On September 17, Shinhan Financial announced that it signed agreements with Uzbekistan's Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade and Kazakhstan's National Development Finance Group, Baiterek, on September 14-15.Under the agreement with Uzbekistan's Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade, Shinhan Financial aims to establish a funding limit of up to $200 million for local financial institutions. The partnership will focus on jointly identifying local investment projects and participating in project financing in infrastructure and renewable energy sectors.This collaboration is intended to develop discussions that began with local government officials, including Uzbekistan's Deputy Prime Minister in December and the Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade in June, into concrete business initiatives.After the signing of the cooperation agreement, Shinhan Financial Chairman Jin Ok-dong met separately with Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, who was visiting South Korea for a summit, to discuss the development of the local financial industry and Shinhan Financial's business expansion plans.Shinhan Financial is also expanding its financial cooperation with Kazakhstan. During the Korea-Kazakhstan Business Roundtable, the company signed a memorandum of understanding with Baiterek to enhance the sharing of financial expertise and support for local enterprises.The two parties will promote the sharing of financial information through training and seminars, as well as expand financial support for the development of Kazakhstan's industry and infrastructure and for Korean companies entering the local market.Chairman Jin stated, “We will solidify practical investment and financing cooperation with Uzbekistan and support the mutual growth of the financial industry. We will also enhance financial support for infrastructure and enterprises in Kazakhstan, strengthening our role as a financial bridge connecting Korea and Central Asia.” 2026-09-17 15:04:10
  • Gwangju City Launches Local R&D Initiative with $11 Million Investment in Semiconductors, Energy, and Mobility
    Gwangju City Launches Local R&D Initiative with $11 Million Investment in Semiconductors, Energy, and Mobility Gwangju City is launching a local autonomous research and development (R&D) initiative focused on semiconductors, energy, and mobility, aimed at identifying and developing technologies needed by local industries and businesses.According to Gwangju City, the Ministry of Science and ICT recently held a launch ceremony for the '4-Region 3-Specialty Local Autonomous R&D Project' at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), marking the start of the initiative. A total of 13.1 billion won (approximately $11 million) will be invested in the Honam region this year.Local autonomous R&D moves away from a central government-led support model, allowing regions to directly plan and execute research projects based on their industrial conditions, scientific capabilities, and technological demands from businesses.The '4-Region 3-Specialty Local Autonomous R&D Project' will see a total investment of 78.9 billion won (about $66 million) across seven regions nationwide this year. Each of the four regions will focus on three key technology areas, while each of the three specialties will concentrate on two, aligning R&D efforts with regional industrial and scientific strengths.In the Honam region, Gwangju City will set the project direction based on local industrial policies and corporate technology needs, with the Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) leading the initiative to support research planning and execution among local universities, research institutions, and businesses.The three core areas of focus are semiconductors, energy, and mobility.In the semiconductor sector, the initiative aims to develop advanced packaging and thermal management technologies based on artificial intelligence (AI), as well as high-reliability AI, optical, and power semiconductor technologies, facilitating proof of concept and commercialization.In the energy sector, the focus will be on securing next-generation clean energy technologies, including virtual power lines (VPL), sodium-ion battery-based grid-forming energy storage systems (ESS), green hydrogen, and laser nuclear fusion.In mobility, the project plans to develop AI-based autonomous manufacturing technologies using multi-type robots, non-destructive diagnostics and resource recycling for used batteries, and traffic safety and disaster response technologies based on urban digital twins, with plans for on-site proof of concept.The Honam project team held an information session at GIST on September 4 to outline the project direction and research group application plans to local universities and research institutions. Recruitment for research groups participating in the project began on September 11.Seo Hyung-bin, Director of the Strategic Industry Bureau of Gwangju City, stated, "This project is significant as it allows the region to identify and plan the necessary R&D projects independently, linking them to future industries. We will support the connection between the integrated city's research and industrial foundations and local academic and industrial capabilities to ensure that R&D outcomes lead to business growth and enhanced industrial competitiveness."This initiative differs from traditional central government-led R&D efforts by reflecting the actual technological needs of local industries and businesses from the project selection stage. The integrated city aims to establish a regionally driven R&D ecosystem that connects the research capabilities of local academic and industrial entities, ensuring that technology development leads to proof of concept and commercialization.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 15:04:10
  • Check Your National Pension Contributions Instantly via KakaoTalk Chatbot
    Check Your National Pension Contributions Instantly via KakaoTalk Chatbot Users can now easily check their National Pension contribution history through KakaoTalk without needing to install a separate application or visit a website. The National Pension Service (NPS) has introduced a chatbot service utilizing artificial intelligence (AI), enhancing accessibility to public services.On September 17, the NPS, led by Commissioner Kim Sung-joo, announced the launch of a new KakaoTalk-based service linked to the 'AI National Secretary' platform promoted by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety. The 'National Pension Contribution History Inquiry' service is now available, and by the end of September, a 'Voluntary Enrollment Application' service will be gradually introduced for individuals not required to enroll, such as housewives and students.The 'AI National Secretary' service allows citizens to conveniently access public services through a widely used private messaging platform. With this integration, National Pension subscribers can quickly check their pension information without the hassle of complicated authentication processes or navigating through menus.Using the service is straightforward. Users can access KakaoTalk (More tab ➔ click on AI National Secretary icon) and simply request, 'Check my National Pension contribution history' or 'I want to apply for voluntary enrollment' in everyday language.The system identifies the user's intent in real-time and guides them to the necessary services. After a simple verification process (consent and authentication for third-party provision), users can immediately view detailed information, including total months of contribution and contribution amounts.Previously, accessing pension-related services required visiting the NPS website or downloading a dedicated mobile app to navigate through various menus. The NPS stated, 'In the future, everyone will be able to use the services they want more easily and quickly just by starting a conversation in a familiar messaging app used nationwide.'Commissioner Kim Sung-joo remarked, 'Now, citizens can check their National Pension contribution history and apply for voluntary enrollment conveniently, just like chatting with a friend on KakaoTalk. We will continue to lead the transition of public institutions to AI by providing more convenient and reliable pension services using AI technology.' 2026-09-17 14:52:00