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Binance Expands Media Outreach in South Korea Amid Controversy Over Unregistered Operations Global cryptocurrency exchange Binance is expanding its promotional activities targeting South Korean media, raising concerns about the scope of unregistered foreign cryptocurrency operators in the country. While it has not directly attracted customers or provided trading services, critics argue that its indirect marketing appears aimed at domestic investors.According to the financial investment industry on September 17, Binance has been holding press conferences in South Korea this year and has been distributing materials showcasing its services and technology. Previously focused on stabilizing its management as the largest shareholder of local exchange Gopax, Binance is now increasing efforts to promote its own brand and services.The key issue is whether these activities can be classified as domestic operations under the Act on Reporting and Use of Specific Financial Transaction Information. Current law requires that any entity engaging in cryptocurrency business in South Korea must register with the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU). Foreign operators are also subject to the same registration obligations if they target domestic customers.The FIU has determined the domestic operations of foreign businesses based on criteria such as operating a Korean-language website, conducting events for Koreans, and supporting transactions in Korean won. If unregistered operations are confirmed, the FIU notifies law enforcement and takes measures to block access to domestic websites and applications.As of now, Binance has not registered as a cryptocurrency operator in South Korea. However, it is difficult to definitively conclude that merely holding press conferences and distributing press releases constitutes domestic business activities under the law. A comprehensive assessment is needed to determine whether it has encouraged service sign-ups or trading, and whether its promotional content specifically targets domestic investors.Within the South Korean cryptocurrency industry, there are concerns that Binance's recent actions blur the line between direct sales and corporate promotion. Even if it is not engaging in direct customer sales, continuous exposure of its services and products through local media could ultimately attract domestic users.The financial authorities have yet to make a determination. They plan to review whether Binance's activities fall under domestic operations as defined by the law.Local exchanges are raising issues of regulatory fairness. Domestic operators invest resources and costs to maintain their status as cryptocurrency operators, including obtaining Information Security Management System (ISMS) certification, establishing anti-money laundering systems, verifying customers, and complying with travel rule requirements. They also face restrictions on transferring cryptocurrencies with unregistered foreign operators and must verify trading partners.A representative from a domestic exchange stated, “While domestic operators bear legal obligations and related costs, foreign operators can enhance brand recognition without registration. Clear criteria are needed to determine what constitutes corporate promotion and at what point it is considered targeting domestic customers.” In response, a Binance representative argued, “This should be viewed not as marketing or service promotion, but as efforts to inform users about protection and technology.”Domestic exchanges primarily offer spot trading, while foreign exchanges, including Binance, operate a variety of products such as derivatives. With the implementation of cryptocurrency taxation next year, there are predictions that domestic investors may increasingly turn to foreign exchanges.Another industry representative noted, “While it is not appropriate to automatically classify the promotional activities of unregistered foreign operators as illegal, the potential for attracting domestic users should be examined. The financial authorities need to establish criteria that distinguish the activities of major shareholders from the domestic operations of foreign exchanges.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 15:12:00 -
KT Enhances Specialized 5G Services for Businesses and Public Institutions As the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and flexible work arrangements expands, concerns about security are growing. KT is enhancing its specialized 5G wireless services to ensure safe access for businesses and public institutions.On September 17, KT held an online briefing on its 'B2B and B2G 5G' initiatives, announcing plans to establish a dedicated 5G network separate from commercial mobile networks to securely protect internal systems.Myung Yoo-jae, Senior Vice President of KT's Enterprise Service Division, stated, "Using a dedicated enterprise gateway can enhance security while reducing costs. Based on our experience in commercializing the first standalone 5G in the country, we are continuously expanding the application of dedicated 5G services across industries such as manufacturing and logistics."KT plans to implement 'app slicing' technology in its dedicated 5G services, allowing different networks to be used based on the type of data. Personal apps will operate on the general internet, while work-related apps will be separated on the enterprise network, enhancing security and reducing costs for businesses.To address challenges in accessing company networks from remote locations, KT introduced a dedicated 5G work device called 'Egg.' This device allows users to connect to the company network simply by linking it to a laptop.In response to the era of AI and quantum computing, KT is researching hybrid security that combines post-quantum cryptography (PQC) with existing encryption systems, as well as 'SIM PQC' technology for storing key generation information.KT is also developing AI-RAN technology necessary for the physical AI era. This technology integrates AI into mobile networks to operate network support efficiently and reliably manage AI workloads and traffic generated by robots and on-device AI. The company is also working on AI autonomous security technology to detect abnormal behaviors in networks and devices.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 15:12:00
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Saemaul Geumgo Offers 15 Billion Won Special Guarantee Loans for Jeju Small Businesses 새마을금고가 제주지역 소상공인과 중소기업을 대상으로 150억원 규모의 특별보증대출을 지원한다. 새마을금고중앙회는 제주특별자치도, 제주신용보증재단과 '제주 소상공인 희망전환 특별보증' 사업을 추진한다고 17일 밝혔다. 이번 사업은 제주지역 소상공인과 자영업자 등의 금융 부담을 낮추고 경영 안정을 지원하기 위해 마련됐다. 새마을금고중앙회가 10억원을 특별출연하면 제주신용보증재단이 출연금의 15배인 150억원 규모의 특례보증을 공급하는 방식이다. 제주지역 41개 새마을금고가 보증서를 발급받은 소상공인과 중소기업을 대상으로 대출을 실행한다. 지원 대상은 제주도에 소재한 중소기업과 소상공인으로 업체(인)당 최대 7000만원까지 대출받을 수 있다. 보증료율은 연 0.9%로 고정된다. 제주도의 이차보전도 연계된다. 대출 이용자는 이차보전을 통해 최대 연 4.25%까지 지원받을 수 있다. 제주도는 이번 사업에 연간 최대 6억3700만원의 예산을 투입할 계획이다. 김인 새마을금고중앙회장은 "이번 특별보증이 제주지역 소상공인과 소기업 등의 금융 부담 완화에 도움이 되길 기대한다"며 "앞으로도 지역 금융 수요를 고려한 다양한 지원을 이어가겠다"고 말했다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 15:08:20
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Shinhan Bank Joins Kakao Consortium as Financial Partner for 'Everyone's AI' Project Shinhan Bank announced on September 17 that it will participate as a financial partner in the Kakao consortium for the 'Everyone's AI' project, organized by the Ministry of Science and ICT.The 'Everyone's AI' initiative aims to connect various industries and services with artificial intelligence (AI) to help citizens experience its benefits in their daily lives. The ministry has selected three leading consortiums to carry out the project.As part of the Kakao consortium, Shinhan Bank will focus on developing AI services in the financial sector. The plan is to combine KakaoTalk's customer engagement capabilities and LG Uplus's AI models and communication infrastructure with Shinhan Bank's financial expertise and customer service experience.The bank intends to utilize AI to enhance customer understanding of complex financial products and regulations. It will explore ways to explain financial concepts and systems clearly based on customer inquiries and situations, as well as guide them to necessary financial information and services.A Shinhan Bank representative stated, "Given the complexity and expertise required in financial products and regulations, it is crucial to assist customers in accurately understanding and making informed decisions about the information they need. We aim to discover new service possibilities that will make financial transactions easier and more convenient."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 15:08:20
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KIST Transitions to Mission-Centric Research Institute, Tackles Seven R&D Challenges The Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) has officially transitioned to a mission-centric research institute, taking on challenges in seven areas, including semiconductor and humanoid technology development.On September 17, KIST announced that it held a public report conference at its headquarters in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, themed "Our Mission, Your Future." The event aimed to share the changes and innovations KIST has pursued over the past two years in its mission-centric research.In his welcoming remarks, KIST President Oh Sang-rok stated, "This is an opportunity to discuss why we needed to change, how we have changed, and how we will continue to evolve. KIST has been attempting to transition to mission-oriented research and development (R&D) for the past two years, and we want to share this experience."Approximately 100 attendees were present, including officials from the Ministry of Science and ICT, the National Science and Technology Council's K-Moonshot Promotion Team, venture capitalists, and key stakeholders from academia and industry.KIST introduced its mission-oriented research system in 2024, implementing changes across its research framework, including the introduction of a project manager (PM) system.During the event, KIST presented its major achievements over the past two years and announced its commitment to tackle seven missions.First, the Next-Generation Semiconductor Research Institute aims to develop a reasoning processing unit (RPU) with 1,000 times the computational performance of existing computers while reducing power consumption to one-hundredth of current levels.The AI and Robotics Institute plans to accelerate the advancement and demonstration of humanoid technology by 2030, leveraging LG Electronics' KAPEX technology transfer.The Climate and Environmental Research Institute has developed an AI-based climate prediction model to enhance South Korea's capacity to respond to climate disasters. It also aims to secure mass production technology for its self-developed carbon absorption materials by 2030, moving into the industrialization phase.The Clean Hydrogen Fusion Research Institute seeks to reduce hydrogen production costs to around $5 per kilogram and implement the world's first ammonia-based hydrogen and electricity co-production system. It also aims to achieve $1 per kilogram hydrogen production by 2033.The Brain Science Institute is working towards the final approval of a new drug for dementia, based on successful global technology transfers worth 500 billion won.The Natural Product Drug Business Unit has successfully transferred technology for the world's first eye drop formulation candidate for treating age-related macular degeneration, aiming to accelerate entry into the global market for treatments of age-related diseases.The Space Composite Materials Research Group plans to develop ultra-lightweight, high-shielding, and high-insulation composite materials.President Oh expressed hope that KIST's proactive approach and changes will contribute to shaping the future direction of national science and technology policy innovation.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 15:08:10
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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