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  • Government to Reduce Industrial Electricity Rates by Up to 10% Regionally
    Government to Reduce Industrial Electricity Rates by Up to 10% Regionally The government is moving forward with a plan to implement a regional differential pricing system for industrial electricity rates. Companies in the southern region, including Yeongnam and Honam, are expected to benefit from rates that are up to 18 won lower per kilowatt-hour (kWh) than current prices.According to the energy sector on August 13, the Ministry of Climate, Energy, and Environment recently held a closed meeting with electricity-demanding businesses to present proposals for regional differential industrial electricity rates.The government is considering a plan to categorize the country into four major regions: the southern region, central region, northern metropolitan area, and southern metropolitan area, applying different electricity rates accordingly. The southern region is projected to receive a discount of up to 18 won per kWh, while the central region, including Gangwon and Chungcheong, may see discounts of up to 15 won. The northern metropolitan area, which includes Incheon and northern Gyeonggi Province, is also expected to receive a discount of up to 10 won.However, significant discounts are not being considered for the southern metropolitan area, where electricity demand is concentrated. This approach aims to widen the gap in electricity rates between metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas, encouraging businesses with high electricity consumption to relocate and invest in other regions.Considering that the current average industrial electricity rate is about 182 won per kWh, companies in the southern region could see a reduction of approximately 10%. The central region could expect a reduction of around 8%, while the northern metropolitan area may see a decrease of up to 5%.Meanwhile, the regional differential electricity pricing system is based on the 'Special Act on the Activation of Distributed Energy,' which was enacted in 2024. The current law allows for the establishment of different electricity rates based on transmission and distribution costs among regions.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-13 21:16:00
  • People Power Party Files Constitutional Appeal Against Abolition of Supplementary Investigation Rights
    People Power Party Files Constitutional Appeal Against Abolition of Supplementary Investigation Rights The People Power Party filed a constitutional appeal with the Constitutional Court on August 13 against the amendment to the Criminal Procedure Act that abolishes the supplementary investigation rights of prosecutors.Kim Tae-kyu, the party's legal advisory committee chair, spoke to reporters outside the Constitutional Court in Jongno, Seoul, stating, "The abolition of supplementary investigation rights will lead to the collapse of the entire framework of the Criminal Procedure Act, so it is necessary to raise this issue of unconstitutionality and seek a ruling from the Constitutional Court."He pointed out that the amended Criminal Procedure Act could fundamentally block victims from receiving redress through supplementary investigation rights. Without these rights, judicial oversight of the basic elements of criminal law may not be conducted properly, potentially infringing on citizens' fundamental rights.Additionally, the People Power Party explained that the amendment violates principles such as the right to due process, personal freedom, the inherent rights related to prosecutors' warrant applications, the right to a speedy and fair trial, the presumption of innocence, the right of criminal victims to make statements in court, and the principle of proportionality. They also noted that subordinating prosecutors to police investigation results undermines the checks and balances within the criminal justice system, which contradicts the principle of functional separation of powers.Alongside the People Power Party, Representative Jang Dong-hyuk also included his name on the list of petitioners. Kim explained, "Political parties can be subjects of fundamental rights in relation to their functions and activities. Even if a political party cannot be a petitioner, individuals certainly can, which is why we included Representative Jang as a petitioner."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-13 21:04:00
  • G-STAR 2026 Fills Gaps with AI and Non-Gaming Content Amid Major Absences
    G-STAR 2026 Fills Gaps with AI and Non-Gaming Content Amid Major Absences G-STAR 2026 will fill the absence of major domestic game companies with artificial intelligence (AI) and other non-gaming content such as films and comics. With Nexon, NC, Netmarble, and Krafton missing from the current participant list, the G-STAR organizing committee is seeking a way forward through diverse content.However, the absence of these leading domestic game companies has raised concerns about the status of G-STAR, the country's largest gaming exhibition.On August 13, the G-STAR organizing committee held a press conference at COEX in Seoul to outline the operational direction for G-STAR 2026, scheduled for November. Cho Young-ki, chairman of the Korea Game Industry Association and G-STAR organizing committee, stated, "We will ensure that both participants and visitors can empathize and be satisfied with the event."This year, the main sponsor will be Lutten Technologies, which provides an AI character chat service called 'Crack.' In a year where participation from major game companies has decreased, a non-gaming service company is taking the lead as the main sponsor for the first time.G-STAR has traditionally been a key platform for domestic game companies to unveil new titles and offer users hands-on experiences. However, with the recent decline in participation from game companies, concerns have emerged regarding the scale of the exhibition, the competitiveness of its content, and its identity as a gaming show.The concerns regarding the departure of domestic game companies have materialized in this year's participant list. Major participants include Crack, Google Play, Webzen, 4:33, HoYoverse, NetEase Games' Joker Studio, Bilibili Games, and Century Games. Among these, only Webzen and 4:33 are domestic game developers. Notably, Nexon, NC, Netmarble, and Krafton, which have participated in previous G-STAR events, are absent from the initial list released this year.The organizing committee cited changes in the industry structure as a reason for the absence of large domestic game companies. As major developers shift from mobile game development to console game development, the development period and resources required have increased, significantly reducing the opportunities for a single company to showcase new titles at G-STAR.In response, the organizing committee has set 'expansion of outreach' and 'in-house content expansion' as this year's operational directions. They plan to fill the gaps left by major domestic game companies with webtoons and international and indie games. Highlights will include the key visual from 'Yumi's Cells' and a Hyundai Motorsports experience, while the second exhibition hall will feature special demonstrations from Sega and Koei Tecmo, as well as an indie showcase.The expansion of non-gaming content will also be prominent at the G-STAR conference. Film directors like Jang Hang-jun from 'The King’s Affection,' webtoon artists, and animation producers will be among the speakers. Main sponsor Crack will also participate as a co-main sponsor of the conference.It is difficult to avoid the criticism that the organizing committee's expansion of outreach essentially fills the void left by games with cultural content. While acknowledging that there are shortcomings in G-STAR, the committee maintains that it will uphold the fundamental values of the gaming show.Jung Seung-woo, head of the G-STAR organizing committee, stated, "Even as we broaden the content area, it will be done within the limits that do not undermine the basic value of a gaming exhibition," adding that they are considering ways to expand content while maintaining the principle that G-STAR must remain a gaming show.Concerns have also been raised regarding the effectiveness of holding G-STAR in Busan, given the distance from the capital region, transportation accessibility, and accommodation costs. In response, a Busan city official stated, "We are providing 3 billion won annually and administrative support, and we are also considering additional financial support."Jung added, "The location for G-STAR is selected through a bidding process by local governments," emphasizing that the organizing committee does not engage in activities to attract or collaborate with specific cities.The global blockbuster game 'GTA 6,' which coincides with the G-STAR opening and release schedule, is also seen as a variable for its success. The new title from Rockstar Games is a sequel to the globally successful 'GTA 5.' Given the long-term success and high recognition of previous series, it is considered one of the most anticipated titles in the global gaming market this year.Industry analysts suggest that during the G-STAR period, interest from gamers and influencers is likely to focus heavily on GTA 6. As G-STAR has strengthened its on-site and online content using influencers in recent years, the release of GTA 6 could also impact online buzz and content dissemination.Cho acknowledged, "I believe it could have an impact," but added, "This is still a matter we have not deeply examined, and we will consider ways to minimize its effects on G-STAR."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-13 20:52:00
  • Goyang City Mayor Calls for Government Accountability on Housing Trust
    Goyang City Mayor Calls for Government Accountability on Housing Trust Jang Dong-hyuk, the leader of the People Power Party, emphasized on August 13 that "the change of government should not result in innocent citizens suffering."The party's Real Estate Policy Normalization Special Committee visited the construction site of the Changneung New Town in Goyang City to hear from local stakeholders and held a meeting with applicants for the 'New Home' pre-application program. The public housing initiative has faced controversy as promised loan support, including preferential interest rates, has vanished ahead of the main application process.During the meeting, Jang criticized the administration of Lee Jae-myung for unilaterally changing mortgage conditions as loan regulations were tightened, stating, "In effect, the government has engaged in a fraudulent housing sale to the public." He added, "If citizens trusted the government's promises and applied, the government must be accountable for that trust."Members of the People Power Party's Real Estate Special Committee engaged with on-site staff and pre-application winners to seek solutions. Participants shared experiences of difficulties in securing funding after the promised dedicated mortgage was eliminated. They noted that while they were informed about the Didirim loan as an alternative, not everyone qualifies for it.Jung Dong-man, a member of the National Assembly's Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee from the People Power Party, remarked, "To deny what is clearly stated in the announcement and to remain silent is beyond irresponsibility; it mocks the citizens." He assured that the committee recognizes the seriousness of the real estate policy issues and pledged to support those affected.Jang urged, "The dreams of young people, low-income families, and newlyweds for home ownership are collapsing, yet neither the Minister of Land nor the President seems to grasp this reality. I ask the Land Committee to follow through on this issue until the end."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-13 20:52:00
  • Democratic Party Expels Member Over Proxy Voting Allegations
    Democratic Party Expels Member Over Proxy Voting Allegations The Democratic Party's Central Election Management Committee announced on August 13 that it has decided to expel Jung Dal-sung, the head of the Jung Cheong-rae Support Group, over allegations of proxy voting in the Jeonnam Gwangju region while supporting party leader Jung Cheong-rae.On this day, the committee stated that Jung's actions constituted election fraud under Article 34, Section 13 of the party's regulations, which includes proxy voting and the use of placards. The committee made this announcement through a public notice signed by Chairman So Byeong-hoon.Following the committee's decision to expel Jung, the party's Ethics Tribunal will investigate the allegations of election fraud and determine whether to impose disciplinary measures.Jung was embroiled in controversy the previous day during a street campaign in the lower Jang area of Suncheon, Jeonnam, where he faced accusations of proxy voting. In a statement, he asserted, "Providing guidance on voting methods is entirely different from proxy voting," and added, "To conclude proxy voting based on isolated scenes is clearly inconsistent with the actual facts."He further clarified, "The choice of candidates and voting were conducted directly by the party members themselves according to their own will, and there was absolutely no instance of selecting a specific candidate on behalf of others or exercising voting rights on their behalf."This controversy arose during the online voting process for party members in the Honam region, which began on August 11 and will conclude on August 14. The Democratic Party is set to elect its next party leader at a convention on August 17.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-13 20:00:00
  • LG Energy Solution Reports 52.8% Production Rate in First Half of 2026, Record R&D Investment
    LG Energy Solution Reports 52.8% Production Rate in First Half of 2026, Record R&D Investment LG Energy Solution's average production rate at its domestic and international facilities rebounded in the first half of 2026.According to the semi-annual report released on August 13, the company's production capacity reached 27.954 trillion won, with an average utilization rate of 52.8%. This marks a 5.2 percentage point increase from last year's annual average of 47.6%.Over the past four years, LG Energy Solution's production rates have declined, recording 73.6% in 2022, 69.3% in 2023, 57.8% in 2024, and 47.6% in 2025. This year, attention is focused on whether the company can sustain a rebound in production rates due to the shift to manufacturing batteries for energy storage systems (ESS) and the recovery in electric vehicle demand.North American production facilities that had been idle are also set to resume operations. LG Energy Solution's joint venture with GM, Ultium Cells, will restart its plant in Ohio next week, approximately seven months after halting production in response to a slowdown in electric vehicle demand.In the first half of 2026, LG Energy Solution's research and development (R&D) expenses reached 725.9 billion won, the highest amount recorded for a half-year period. R&D accounted for 5.1% of total revenue. CEO Kim Dong-myung's compensation for the first half of the year was 811 million won.Meanwhile, LG Energy Solution is significantly increasing its local production capacity to meet the growing demand for ESS in North America. In addition to its facilities in Holland and Lansing, Michigan, and Windsor, Canada, the company plans to utilize the second Ultium Cells plant in Tennessee and the Honda joint venture plant in Ohio to expand its North American ESS battery production capacity to over 50 GWh by the end of the year.This strategy aims to reduce new investment burdens while increasing the utilization rates of existing plants by converting production capacity from electric vehicle batteries to ESS.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-13 19:52:00
  • Yoon Poong-young Appointed Head of SK Hynix Global Growth Task Force
    Yoon Poong-young Appointed Head of SK Hynix Global Growth Task Force Yoon Poong-young has been appointed as the head of SK Hynix's Global Growth Task Force (TF).According to industry sources on August 13, Yoon is expected to manage the TF while also overseeing the expansion of SK Hynix's global artificial intelligence (AI) business.The Global Growth TF is a newly established organization consisting of about ten technical leaders from SK Hynix. The task force will focus on expanding global AI operations and identifying new business opportunities.Born in 1974, Yoon holds a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Yonsei University and an MBA from INSEAD in France. He joined SK Group in 2007 and was appointed president of SK C&C, the predecessor of SK AX, before moving to the role of president of the SK Supex Council in October of last year.The establishment of this task force is expected to accelerate SK Hynix's global expansion. Last month, SK Hynix issued American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) and was listed on NASDAQ, while also creating a dedicated AI investment firm, 'AI Company,' with a focus on local business development.Meanwhile, SK Hynix reported record quarterly earnings for the second quarter of this year, with revenues of 79.3187 trillion won and an operating profit of 60.5426 trillion won, driven by increased demand for AI memory. This represents a 257% increase in revenue and a 557% increase in operating profit compared to the same period last year. 2026-08-13 19:40:00
  • SK hynix Launches Unified Labor Union with 2,400 Members
    SK hynix Launches Unified Labor Union with 2,400 Members SK hynix has officially launched the 'Hynix Unified Labor Union,' which encompasses both production and technical office workers. The establishment comes amid ongoing challenges in this year's wage and collective bargaining negotiations, particularly regarding the performance bonus payment system, and the emergence of an independent union is expected to shift labor-management discussions.According to industry sources, the SK hynix Unified Labor Union received official certification from authorities on the afternoon of August 13, marking its formal inception. The union currently boasts over 2,400 members, surpassing the membership of the existing technical office workers' union.SK hynix is currently engaged in wage and collective bargaining negotiations with three existing unions representing its full-time employees in Icheon and Cheongju, as well as technical office staff.Recently, dissatisfaction has arisen among SK hynix employees regarding the existing unions, particularly in light of government moves to revise the performance bonus system linked to operating profits and discussions on restructuring the company's bonus framework. This has led to calls for a new union that consolidates the voices of employees across different job categories and regions.In response, the committee for establishing the unified union submitted an application for union formation on August 8 and began recruiting members.The unified union aims to be a 100% independent organization, not affiliated with higher-level groups such as the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions or the Federation of Korean Trade Unions. It plans to secure approximately 18,000 members from SK hynix's total workforce of about 35,000, thereby achieving a majority union status.Currently, the existing unions have conducted six rounds of negotiations with management and have jointly issued a statement urging the company to make a prompt decision. Reports indicate that management has proposed partial changes to the performance bonus system, suggesting that some bonuses be paid in stock with restrictions on selling for a certain period.Meanwhile, SK hynix reported record-breaking second-quarter earnings, driven by increased demand for artificial intelligence (AI) memory, with revenues reaching 79.3187 trillion won and operating profits at 60.5426 trillion won. This marks a 257% increase in revenue and a 557% increase in operating profit compared to the same period last year.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-13 19:32:00
  • Busan to Invest $38 Million in Smart Port Development for Arctic Route
    Busan to Invest $38 Million in Smart Port Development for Arctic Route The Busan New Port logistics terminal is set to transform into a fully autonomous smart port.The city of Busan announced that it has been selected for the 'Development of Autonomous Driving-Based Smart Port Mobility Platform Technology' project under the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy's 2026 automotive industry technology development initiative.From 2026 to 2029, a total of 45.46 billion won (approximately $38 million) will be invested to convert the loading and transportation equipment at Busan Port to autonomous driving and to develop an integrated control system for its operation.The project site is located at the Dongwon Global Terminal in Busan New Port. The core of the initiative is to localize and commercialize smart port mobility safety and collaboration platforms using port-specific precision positioning technology that combines vehicle-to-everything (V2X) and ultra-wideband (UWB) wireless communication, as well as collaborative perception technology between workers, equipment, and autonomous mobile robots (AMR).The total project funding consists of 20 billion won from the national government, 15 billion won from the city, and 10.46 billion won from private investment. The city’s contribution of 15 billion won, which is a fixed matching amount, will be reflected in the supplementary budget.A Busan city official explained, "In terms of total project costs, the city will bear about 30% of the expenses." The private investment of 10.46 billion won includes cash contributions from participating companies, labor costs, and the valuation of owned equipment. The project duration is set for four years, but the actual implementation period will be 42 months.Korea Automotive Technology Institute and Busan Port Authority to Lead ProjectThe application and overall management of this project will be led by the Korea Automotive Technology Institute and the Busan Port Authority. The detailed project management will involve the Korea Automotive Technology Institute, Smart M2M, and MTI, with a consortium of nine organizations and companies, including Seongwoo Hi-Tech and Hyosung Electric.A Busan city official noted, "Since this project requires the development of both autonomous driving and vehicle systems, the Korea Automotive Technology Institute, the only automotive research institution in the country, is leading the initiative, and key companies capable of fulfilling specific roles have been selected for the consortium."The research project is divided into an overall project (4.6 billion won) and three detailed projects. The first project (10.1 billion won) focuses on developing port-specific autonomous driving technology, the second project (17.7 billion won) on developing an electrified vehicle platform, and the third project (17.2 billion won) on developing integrated control and demonstration technology based on autonomous driving.Technology demonstrations will take place at the Dongwon Global Terminal in Busan. Dongwon has joined as a major participating company, and Hyundai Motor will also participate as a demand company.Busan city emphasized that this project has distinct differences from existing port automation initiatives.A city official stated, "While we are developing autonomous vehicles, this project is unique in that it involves converting existing automated guided vehicles (AGV) to autonomous mobile robots (AMR) and developing the entire system."Legal and institutional enhancements necessary for operating unmanned vehicles in the port will be discussed with relevant ministries, including the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and the Ministry of Trade, in the future. Safety guidelines for dockworkers and labor-management consultation procedures will also be detailed in collaboration with the terminal during the project implementation.A Busan city official remarked, "If the development of this integrated system is successful, it will significantly expand the business areas of participating companies and create jobs in the autonomous driving sector. We anticipate an increase in related sales of about 400 billion won within three years after the project concludes." Additionally, the official stated, "We aim to enhance the operational efficiency and safety of Busan Port and solidify the future mobility industry ecosystem in preparation for the Arctic route era."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-13 19:12:00
  • Steven Oh, Creator of Drone Technology for Mission Impossible, Collaborates with Na Hong-jin on Hope
    Steven Oh, Creator of Drone Technology for 'Mission Impossible,' Collaborates with Na Hong-jin on 'Hope' A breathtaking scene of Tom Cruise's fall, lasting just over 20 seconds on screen, required seven cameras on set. This moment is part of the latest film by director Na Hong-jin, titled 'Hope.'The special effects for the action sequences in this film were overseen by Steven Oh, a veteran in Hollywood's special effects industry. Oh was responsible for six of the seven cameras used in the cliff diving scene featuring Tom Cruise in 'Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part One.' During his visit to Busan, he shared insights about his work.Technology Behind Hollywood's Iconic Scenes... Innovation in Special Effects Continues with 'Hope'Oh dedicated a significant portion of the interview to discussing the cliff jump scene in 'Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part One.' He recalled, "We were responsible for six of the seven cameras. Given the high stakes of the shoot, which could not be repeated, we set up three monitors to ensure everything went smoothly." He estimated that the cost for this single scene exceeded 30 billion won.Existing equipment could not keep up with Cruise's speed or withstand the strong winds at the cliff. Oh noted, "It was impossible with standard drones, so we created a custom drone specifically for that scene."His journey into designing and building filming equipment began over a decade ago when commercial drones were only capable of carrying small cameras. With no drones available to support heavy film cameras, he took on the challenge of designing a 25 kg drone. Lacking access to carbon fiber propellers, he crafted them from wood and machined metal parts himself.The turning point came during the Australian shoot of 'Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales.' When the cinematographer pointed out the limitations of existing equipment, Oh committed to developing a solution, stating, "If I can't do it in three weeks, then it's off."He successfully launched the first drone in just two and a half weeks, although it crashed during test flights. However, he quickly deployed a second drone, completing six months of filming without further issues.Today, XM2's drones have evolved to support payloads of up to 100 kg, capable of carrying heavy digital cinema cameras like the Alexa 65. They were even used for filming in the Gobi Desert of Mongolia for the movie 'Harbin,' at the request of cinematographer Hong Kyung-pyo.XM2's technology is also being adapted for disaster response. A tethered drone connected by fiber optic cable can hover at 120 meters for two to three weeks, transmitting data. This equipment acts as a temporary base station in areas where communication networks have been completely severed due to earthquakes or wildfires, and is currently in use by major U.S. telecommunications companies like Verizon.In major disasters, electricity and communication networks are often the first to fail. When base stations are destroyed, it becomes impossible to request rescue or inform family members of one's status. Oh emphasized, "The ability to send a simple message saying 'I'm okay' can make a huge difference in emergencies." He explained that allowing isolated victims to communicate their conditions can significantly aid rescue teams in prioritizing their efforts.The drones are also equipped with powerful lights for nighttime rescue operations, allowing them to illuminate areas without needing to land for battery changes.Seven Months of Collaboration on Na Hong-jin's 'Hope'... "Korean Cinema is Changing in Flavor, Not Just Level"Recently, Oh completed a seven-month journey working on the action sequences for Na Hong-jin's 'Hope,' traveling between Jeju, Haenam, Hapcheon, and Romania. He directed the use of Steadicams, cranes, and wire filming, and developed new equipment specifically for this project.When asked about the changes in Korean cinema, he offered an interesting perspective: "It's not that the level has risen, but the 'flavor' has changed. It was already excellent, but now there's a new recipe added to the mix."Regarding Busan, the city known for its film industry, he noted, "There isn't a lack of resources, but there has been a tendency for the results to look somewhat similar. Projects like 'Hope' have introduced new changes in that regard."A Broken Ankle Changed His Life... Starting Point for Attracting Hollywood Productions to SeoulAlthough he is now a world-renowned special effects expert, Oh's journey began far from the film industry. Growing up in Australia with a father who was a taekwondo instructor, he studied chemical engineering in college.The turning point in his life came during his sophomore year when he suffered a severe injury while participating in extreme sports. A ski jump accident shattered his right ankle, leading to four surgeries and eight months in a cast, during which he lost all his hair due to the side effects of strong painkillers. He received the devastating news from doctors that he might never walk again.While in Korea for rehabilitation, he stumbled into a job as an interpreter and driver, which led him to an advertising shoot. When filming permits were not granted, he persuaded the authorities to allow the shoot, catching the attention of the cinematographer who encouraged him to enter the film industry.Reflecting on his journey, he said, "If it weren't for the time of despair when my ankle was broken and my hair fell out, I wouldn't be here today."Currently, XM2 operates with a team of 22, with three teams of about five members each working on projects worldwide. With headquarters in Melbourne and offices in Los Angeles and London, they recently opened a branch in Seoul. They are also currently filming different projects in Canada and the UK.Following his involvement in 'Hope,' the Korean film industry has shown increasing interest in his work, leading to a growing presence in Korea. Oh plans to expand his business into producing films.He stated, "Since I know all the know-how from A to Z in filming, I can offer a 'one-stop shop' for production. If everything goes as planned, we will attract several Hollywood productions to Korea."Despite his busy schedule traveling the globe, he expressed, "I don't believe in time differences," showcasing his characteristic energy. During his visit to Busan, he humorously recounted waiting in line for 45 minutes at a pork soup restaurant near Gwangalli Beach, saying, "I thought all pork soups were the same, but they are definitely different." His affection for Korea was evident.After delivering a lecture on 'LIFE & FAITH' at the '2026 Costa World in Busan,' Oh's next destination is Los Angeles. His journey across the Pacific from Busan continues as he embraces new challenges in filming technology, and the industry will be watching closely to see what new equipment and techniques he will bring to life.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-13 19:08:00