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Seragem Customers Prioritize Design When Buying Massage Chairs Nearly half of customers purchasing massage chairs consider design a key factor in their decision-making process.On August 13, Seragem conducted a survey of 802 customers who bought the Pause M collection. The results showed that 48.3% prioritized design, followed closely by product efficacy and effectiveness at 46.2%. Other factors included benefits, user reviews, and product price. This indicates that customers are not only focused on the product's core benefits but also on how well it integrates with their living spaces.In terms of post-purchase satisfaction, design and heating features received high marks. Among customers of the 'Pause M8 Fit,' satisfaction ratings were highest for color (85.9%), exterior finish material (83.2%), and size (82.1%), with the patented direct heating function following at 78.8%. Of the 19 survey items, the top four satisfaction ratings were related to design and heating features.Seragem's Pause M collection is a premium massage chair that incorporates patented direct heating balls to provide deep massage and heating functions while enhancing design to blend seamlessly into living spaces. The 'Pause M8 Fit' features interchangeable side covers, allowing for a total of 12 style combinations based on color, material, and pattern.Previously, in December of last year, Seragem introduced the 'Pause M8 Fit' in collaboration with emerging artist Seo Ho-seong at the Seragem Wellstore in Yongin Giheung.A Seragem representative stated, "This survey confirmed that not only core performance aspects like massage and heating functions are important, but also the design that harmonizes with home environments is a significant consideration during the purchasing process."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-13 14:24:00 -
Youth Housing Policy Faces Backlash Over Limited Options The government is set to introduce a policy mortgage aimed at supporting first-time homebuyers under the age of 39 in purchasing non-apartment properties valued at up to 400 million won. Online reactions have surfaced regarding this initiative.Critics argue that the government's plan to eliminate the requirement for desks in goshiwon (small residential units) and allow bathtubs instead effectively forces young people to choose between villas and goshiwon.According to a comprehensive financial plan for stabilizing the real estate market announced by the Financial Services Commission on August 13, the 'Youth Future Bogeumjari Loan' will be launched in January 2027. This program is designed for first-time homebuyers under 39 years old, allowing them to purchase non-apartment properties with a maximum area of 85 square meters.The loan-to-value (LTV) ratio will be set at a maximum of 80%. Income eligibility is capped at 70 million won per year, and for newlywed couples, the income threshold will be based on the earnings of one spouse rather than the combined income.The government describes this initiative as a 'ladder to home ownership at the level of monthly rent.' Considering that the average monthly rent for non-apartment properties is around 800,000 won, the government provided an example where a loan of 200 million won over 30 years at a 3% interest rate would result in a monthly payment of approximately 850,000 won.However, the government's push to relax regulations on goshiwon as a viable living space for single-person households has intensified backlash online.On August 12, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced plans to revise building standards for multi-use facilities. Currently, goshiwon can have individual bathrooms and shower stalls, but bathtubs are not permitted, and facilities for studying, such as desks, are required. The ministry plans to change these standards to allow bathtubs and remove the desk requirement, with implementation expected as early as January 2027.Despite the government's explanation of these two policies as a 'youth housing ladder,' critics argue that they ultimately shift the burden of non-apartment housing onto young people.Online users expressed their frustration, with comments like, 'Are you telling us to live in villas for life instead of aspiring for apartments?' and 'This translates to 'just live in a villa.' Others pointed out that in major areas of Seoul and Gyeonggi, many villas already exceed 400 million won, suggesting that the government is merely pushing young people to buy properties that match those prices.Additionally, some questioned the logic of equating renting with homeownership, stating, 'Buying a house and paying rent are completely different issues, so I don't understand how you can say you can buy a house at the level of monthly rent,' and 'Is this really the right approach when it just costs more money?'Some have raised concerns about the effectiveness of the policy, suggesting it presents young people with a choice between villas and goshiwon, and appears to be a strategy to encourage non-apartment purchases for those unable to afford apartments. 2026-08-13 14:24:00
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Gwangju, South Korea, Faces Severe Agricultural Losses Due to Drought and Heatwave As prolonged drought and heat continue, agricultural damage in Gwangju, South Korea, has exceeded 100 hectares, with livestock deaths reaching 320,000. The Gwangju Metropolitan City announced on the 13th that it is continuously monitoring agricultural water supply and enhancing emergency water delivery and support for farmers, particularly in areas with low reservoir levels. As of August 11, the total agricultural damage due to drought and heat has been reported at 103.7 hectares across 17 cities and districts. In terms of specific crops, rice has suffered damage on 32.3 hectares, representing 0.02% of the total cultivated area, while soybeans have been affected on 21.2 hectares, or 0.17% of their cultivated area. The impact on livestock is even more severe. In 19 cities and counties, 218 farms have reported the death of 320,100 animals due to the heat. The shortage of rainfall has also raised alarms regarding the availability of agricultural water. The cumulative rainfall in the Gwangju area stands at 738.2 mm, which is 82% of the normal level of 900.1 mm. The average water level in 3,206 local reservoirs is at 44.1%, significantly lower than the normal level of 64.7%, which is 68.2% of the average. The Gwangju Metropolitan City is utilizing nearby pumping stations to supply agricultural water to areas with low reservoir levels and is deploying available equipment, including fire trucks and water supply vehicles, to provide emergency water support. The city has also requested an expansion of government support to alleviate the burden on farmers. On August 5, it proposed additional tax-exempt fuel allocations for agricultural water pumps in drought-affected areas and an expansion of the subsidy program for tax-exempt agricultural fuel linked to fuel prices. Farmers who have subscribed to crop disaster insurance are being advised to report damages promptly to agricultural cooperatives to facilitate early insurance payouts. In collaboration with the Agricultural Technology Institute, the city is enhancing on-site technical guidance for the recovery of damaged crops through foliar fertilization and pesticide application. Livestock farmers are being provided with heat stress relief products and are encouraged to reduce their livestock numbers by 10% and to consider early sales to minimize further losses. The number of heat-related illnesses among farmers is also on the rise. As of August 9, there have been 70 reported cases, an increase of 14 from the same period last year. Among these, 32 cases, or 45.7%, involve individuals aged 70 and older. The Gwangju Metropolitan City has deployed heat illness prevention personnel and safety managers to the field and is strengthening safety management for vulnerable groups, including elderly farmers, during the heatwave. Jeong Won-jin, head of the Gwangju Metropolitan City’s Food and Horticulture Division, stated, “In the ongoing situation of heat and drought, ensuring the safety of farmers and preventing crop damage is of utmost importance. We will strengthen field inspections and utilize available resources and budgets to secure agricultural water and minimize damage.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-13 14:20:00
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Election Season Arrives for War Leaders: Trump, Putin, Netanyahu Face Voter Judgment Leaders of nations engaged in conflict will face voter judgment this fall. U.S. President Donald Trump, grappling with rising prices due to the war with Iran, Russian President Vladimir Putin, burdened by the prolonged war in Ukraine and fuel shortages, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whose political standing is shaken by the war in Gaza and a hardline stance on Iran, are at the forefront.The Russian State Duma elections are set for September 20, Israel's general elections on October 27, and the U.S. midterm elections on November 3. The Nihon Keizai Shimbun reported on the 13th that "the public's anxiety in each country is forcing leaders to focus on domestic issues, making the election outcomes potential variables in the Iran and Ukraine wars."As a result of the war with Iran, gas prices have surged, creating a 'price backlash' for President Trump. According to averages from various polls compiled by RealClearPolitics, Trump's approval rating has dropped to 39%, the lowest level since he took office.Trump, engaged in a standoff with Iran, maintains a tough stance regarding the Strait of Hormuz, leading to a stalemate in negotiations. Stabilizing shipping through the Strait could help lower international oil prices and gas costs, but if Trump concedes to Iran, he risks facing criticism both domestically and internationally.The Republican Party currently controls the presidency and both houses of Congress. However, various polls indicate a competitive race between Republicans and Democrats in the upcoming midterm elections. If the Republicans lose their majority in Congress, it could lead to a significant weakening of Trump's influence and increased congressional oversight of the war with Iran.In Russia, fuel shortages are hindering Putin's administration. Ukraine continues to target Russian oil facilities with long-range drone strikes, resulting in widespread fuel shortages across the country.According to the All-Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VCIOM), Putin's approval rating in July was 65%, a 10 percentage point drop from the beginning of the year, marking the lowest level since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.While the ruling United Russia party is expected to win in the September elections, the number of seats it secures will be a key indicator of the stability of Putin's regime.Public fatigue over the prolonged war is growing in Russia. A July survey by the independent Levada Center found that 62% of respondents believe peace negotiations should begin. The Nikkei noted, "With Ukraine refusing any concessions, there is keen interest in whether President Putin will adopt a flexible approach in negotiations."Israel will hold its general elections in October, the first since the war in Gaza began following the Hamas attack in October 2023.Currently, Netanyahu is facing political pressure for failing to prevent the Hamas assault and is also on trial for corruption charges.Netanyahu, who has maintained a hardline stance on the Palestinian issue and Iran, could face calls to resign if his ruling coalition fails to secure a majority in the upcoming elections. The Nikkei stated, "Netanyahu's fate will significantly influence the situation in the Middle East." 2026-08-13 14:12:20
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Purchases of Industrial Robots on Alibaba.com Surge 300% as Korean Companies Expand Smart Manufacturing Sourcing Korean companies are broadening their online overseas procurement from finished products to industrial equipment and components. According to July B2B (business-to-business) purchasing data from Alibaba.com, purchases of industrial robots surged over 300% compared to the previous year, with significant growth also seen in electrical equipment and electronic components used in production sites. On July 13, Alibaba.com reported that during last month's major promotional period, the top 10 purchasing categories for Korean buyers included packaging & printing, industrial machinery, electronic components & accessories & communications, electrical equipment & supplies, and commercial equipment & machinery. Purchases of electrical equipment & supplies, which provide or distribute power to production facilities, increased by 50% year-on-year. Electronic components & accessories & communications items, utilized in smart equipment, also saw an increase of over 30%. Outside the top 10 categories, the growth in automation and supply chain-related items was even more pronounced. Materials used for storage, transportation, and shipping rose by over 100% compared to the previous year. Purchases of power transmission devices and measuring instruments used for quality control and inspection during production processes also increased. The most significant growth was observed in industrial robots. Although the overall purchase volume remains relatively small, it increased by more than 300% compared to the same period last year. Alibaba.com noted that the simultaneous rise in purchases of industrial machinery, electrical equipment, and components indicates a growing demand for automation-related procurement among companies. There was also a notable increase in purchases of beauty devices. Equipment used in dermatology, aesthetics, and beauty salons rose by nearly 150% year-on-year. As summer vacations and back-to-school preparations coincided, consumer goods purchases also increased. Among the top 10 purchasing categories, gifts & crafts saw growth, and there was an expansion in office & stationery items, including notebooks and writing pads. Footwear & accessories also rose due to summer outings and outdoor demand. Alibaba.com is a B2B platform that allows business buyers to compare suppliers and products from various countries online and obtain quotes. It offers logistics, customs, and payment services, as well as AI-based product recommendations and supplier discovery features. A representative from Alibaba.com stated, "The July purchasing data shows that Korean companies' global B2B sourcing is expanding beyond finished products to include industrial equipment, components, automation, and logistics—areas essential for actual production and business operations." They added, "Alibaba.com will continue to enhance the digital sourcing environment to enable small and medium-sized enterprises to connect efficiently with global suppliers and flexibly procure the products they need." * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-13 14:12:20
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Syswork Shares Plunge 97% on First Day of Trading Suspension Syswork's stock price plummeted below 100 won on the first day of trading suspension due to delisting.According to the Korea Exchange, as of 2 p.m. on August 13, Syswork's shares were trading at 27 won, down 862 won (96.96%) from the previous trading day. Trading volume exceeded 36 million shares. During the trading suspension period, there are no price limits, allowing the stock to drop nearly 97% in just one day.Previously, Syswork faced delisting due to a refusal of audit opinions, citing uncertainty about its ability to continue as a going concern. A request to suspend the delisting decision was also rejected, leading to the start of the trading suspension today. This suspension will continue until August 24, with the official delisting date set for August 25.Syswork is currently undergoing rehabilitation proceedings. The deadline for submitting a rehabilitation plan is set for September 4, but the stock will proceed with delisting regardless of the rehabilitation process. Syswork specializes in manufacturing automatic control devices, focusing on motors and controllers used in clean rooms for semiconductor and display production processes, as well as integrated environmental monitoring and control systems.Meanwhile, the trading suspension allows investors to sell their shares of a company that has been confirmed for delisting. Unlike regular stock markets, there are no price limits during this period, and Syswork shares are traded in a single-price competitive trading method at 30-minute intervals from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-13 14:12:20
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Free Screening of 'Chunhyang's Escape' at Gangjin Cinema on the 19th What if Chunhyang, instead of waiting in prison for Mong-ryong, escapes to find him? Gangjin County announced that it will host a free screening of the romantic comedy opera 'Chunhyang's Escape' on the 19th at 5:30 PM at Gangjin Cinema. This screening is part of the 'SAC on Screen' project, which involves filming performances from the Seoul Arts Center for nationwide distribution. The initiative aims to provide access to performing arts for residents who cannot visit the venue in person. Gangjin Cinema collaborates with the Korean Small Cinema Association and the Seoul Arts Center to present these performance videos to local audiences. 'Chunhyang's Escape' is a creative opera that reinterprets the familiar tale of 'Chunhyangjeon' from a modern perspective. In the original story, Chunhyang waits in prison for Mong-ryong's return, but in this adaptation, she takes the initiative to escape and seek him out. The characters include a reimagined Mong-ryong as a student preparing for exams and a unique version of Byeon Hak-do, diverging from traditional portrayals. The use of contemporary dialogue and dialects offers a fresh take on the original characters and narrative. The screening will last 96 minutes and is suitable for all audiences. Admission is free, and attendees can reserve tickets on-site at Gangjin Cinema on the day of the screening without prior booking. A representative from Gangjin Cinema stated, “We hope this screening provides an opportunity for residents to engage with a new interpretation of the classic 'Chunhyangjeon' and the charm of opera. We will continue to expand cultural opportunities for our community through various arts programs.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-13 14:12:00
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Korean and Chinese Calligraphers Connect Hearts at International Exhibition The '2026 Korea-China Calligraphy International Exchange Exhibition – Connecting Hearts through Calligraphy' opened on August 8 at the Dangjin Arts Center in South Korea. The exhibition features 100 artists, including 60 members from the South Korean Sangnok Calligraphy Association and 40 calligraphers from Liaocheng, China. 'Connecting Hearts' signifies that the hearts of the artists connect through the path of calligraphy, with each piece reflecting the beauty of tradition, artistic spirit, and hopes for friendship between the two countries. Attendees at the opening ceremony included Kim Gi-jae, the mayor of Dangjin, Kim Sun-ho, the chair of the Dangjin City Council, and Ren Feng, director of the Liaocheng News Center in China. Members of the Sangnok Calligraphy Association performed a calligraphy demonstration themed 'Korean Heart, Connecting Hearts, Cultural Companionship' to energetically announce the start of the exhibition. Following its debut in Dangjin, the exhibition will be held at Daewon Gallery from August 15 to September 3, before moving to the Liaocheng Canal Cultural Art Museum in China from September 10 to 13. Kim Yong-nam, an advisor to the Sangnok Calligraphy Association, stated, 'Calligraphy is an art that connects the hearts of people beyond mere writing. I hope the path of the brush that began in Dangjin continues to Liaocheng, fostering understanding and expanding friendships among artists from both countries through ongoing cultural exchange.'* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-13 14:12:00
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Tax watchdog raids KB Kookmin Bank in latest audit of financial sector SEOUL, August 13 (AJP) - About 30 tax officials from the National Tax Service (NTS) on Thursday raided KB Kookmin Bank to conduct a tax audit. They searched the lender's headquarters in Yeongdeungpo, western Seoul, to secure accounting records and other documents needed for the audit. In the probe, which is expected to continue through the end of this year, the NTS is reportedly looking into suspected tax evasion and other irregularities, although the specific reasons for or scope of the probe have not been disclosed. The abrupt raid comes about three months after the NTS launched similar audits of Hana Financial Group, Hana Bank and Meritz Securities in May. The series of recent probes prompted speculation that tax authorities could expand their scrutiny of financial companies after President Lee Jae Myung criticized financial institutions for what he described as a lack of commitment to the public interest and called for the financial sector to play a stronger public role. But the NTS declined to comment, saying, "We cannot confirm information related to tax investigations into individual cases." AJP Takeaways: - About 30 National Tax Service officials raided KB Kookmin Bank's headquarters in Yeongdeungpo, western Seoul, on Thursday for a tax audit. - Investigators secured accounting records and other documents needed for the audit. - The probe is expected to continue through the end of 2026 and reportedly focuses on suspected tax evasion and other irregularities. - The audit follows similar probes of Hana Financial Group, Hana Bank and Meritz Securities launched by the NTS in May. - The latest probe has fueled speculation of broader scrutiny of financial companies following President Lee Jae Myung's calls for the financial sector to strengthen its public role. 2026-08-13 14:10:53 -
Jindo County Offers Summer Cultural Experience Program for Youth Jindo County provided local youth with various cultural and artistic experiences during the summer vacation. The county announced that from July 28 to August 13, it hosted the '2026 Summer Vacation Program' at the Youth Cultural Center for 50 local youth and their parents. This program was designed to allow youth to engage in diverse cultural and artistic activities, fostering creativity and promoting healthy leisure time during the break. The activities were centered around hands-on experiences, taking into account the interests of the youth. In the 'Creative Workshop,' participants made their own keycaps and phone grips, while the 'Creative Art' session allowed them to paint with acrylics. The 'Clay Workshop' featured pottery-making, where participants crafted plates and ramen bowls using clay. Notably, on the final day, August 13, a 'Family Cooking Class' was held, where youth and parents worked together to make homemade hamburgers, fostering communication and collaboration. One participant remarked, "It was a meaningful time to create keycaps and make dishes with friends during the vacation." A Jindo County official stated, "We hope the youth had an enjoyable time experiencing various activities at the Youth Cultural Center during their break, and we will continue to develop programs that support their healthy growth." Jindo County plans to continuously expand tailored experience programs that reflect the interests and demands of local youth in cultural and leisure activities.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-13 14:08:00