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  • MINI Korea Launches All-Electric MINI Countryman with 381 km Range
    MINI Korea Launches All-Electric MINI Countryman with 381 km Range MINI Korea announced the launch of the all-electric SUV, the 'All-Electric MINI Countryman,' designed to enhance driving range and overall appeal.The newly released electric MINI Countryman features an optimized battery management system, software enhancements, and a new inverter. As a result of improved energy efficiency, the driving range on a single charge has increased. The combined energy consumption of the Countryman E has risen from 4.8 km/kWh to 5.3 km/kWh, extending the driving range from 349 km to 381 km.By incorporating a silicon carbide (SiC) inverter and an advanced battery management system, the vehicle reduces power conversion losses and increases the usable battery capacity to 65.2 kWh. The overall aerodynamic performance of the body has been optimized, achieving a drag coefficient of 0.26.The new model is available in two variants: E and SE ALL4, each offered in three trims: Classic, Favored, and JCW. The Countryman E delivers a maximum output of 204 horsepower and a peak torque of 25.5 kg·m through an electric motor mounted on the front axle, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.6 seconds.The all-wheel-drive Countryman SE ALL4 also shows improvement, with its combined energy consumption increasing from 4.4 km/kWh to 5.0 km/kWh. Its driving range has grown by 35 km to 361 km. This model features electric motors on both the front and rear axles, producing a maximum output of 313 horsepower and a peak torque of 50.4 kg·m, reaching 100 km/h in just 5.6 seconds.Previously exclusive to the All-Electric MINI SE ALL4 model, the panoramic glass sunroof is now standard across all models and trims. The spacious interior and rear seats that split in a 4:2:4 ratio provide flexibility for everyday commuting, long-distance travel, and outdoor activities.Meanwhile, MINI is accelerating its transition to electrification. Last year, the company sold 105,535 all-electric vehicles globally, marking an 87.9% increase from the previous year. Electric vehicles now account for over one-third of total sales, which reached 288,290 units.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-13 11:24:00
  • Incheon Airport tops world in international passenger traffic for first time
    Incheon Airport tops world in international passenger traffic for first time SEOUL, August 13 (AJP) - Incheon International Airport ranked first in the world for international passenger traffic in the first half of this year, marking the first time it has claimed the top spot since opening in 2001. Incheon International Airport Corp. said Thursday that the airport handled a provisional 38.39 million international passengers from January through June, up 6.3 percent from a year earlier. The figure was the highest among 1,234 airports worldwide, according to preliminary data from Airports Council International. London Heathrow Airport ranked second with 37.79 million international passengers, followed by Singapore Changi Airport with 34.53 million. Incheon has steadily climbed the global rankings over the past two decades. It ranked 10th in 2002 with 20.55 million international passengers, fifth in 2018 with 67.68 million and third in 2024 with 70.67 million. The airport operator attributed the latest rise partly to disruptions in Middle Eastern aviation following the U.S.-Iran war, which disrupted connecting traffic through major hubs such as Dubai and redirected some Europe-bound passengers through Incheon. Transfer passenger traffic at Incheon rose 18.1 percent year-on-year to 4.24 million in the first half. Transfers involving European routes jumped 63.2 percent to about 210,000. Foreign travelers also accounted for a record 44.4 percent of total passengers during the March-to-June period. The airport operator cited timely infrastructure expansion, backed by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, and Incheon’s extensive international network as key factors behind its rise to the top ranking. Through four phases of expansion since its opening, Incheon has secured annual capacity for 106 million passengers, giving it the world’s third-largest airport infrastructure by capacity, according to the operator. A total of 101 airlines currently connect Incheon with 183 cities in 53 countries, including passenger and cargo services. Its international passenger network covers 158 destinations, compared with 139 at Hong Kong International Airport, 92 at Shanghai Pudong International Airport and 86 at Narita International Airport. “We are grateful for the government’s support, the public’s encouragement and the efforts of everyone working at the airport who helped make Incheon the world’s No. 1 airport,” said Kim Bum-ho, acting president of Incheon International Airport Corp. “We will continue to improve passenger convenience and contribute to the development of Korea’s aviation industry.” 2026-08-13 11:23:52
  • KB Financial Group Supports Descendants of Independence Activists with Premium Store Initiative
    KB Financial Group Supports Descendants of Independence Activists with 'Premium Store' Initiative KB Financial Group is launching a support initiative for small business owners who are descendants of independence activists, coinciding with the 81st anniversary of Korea's liberation. On August 13, KB Financial announced that it is recruiting participants for the second year of its 'Premium Store' program. 'Premium Store' is short for 'stores that embody honor,' aimed at improving the living conditions and providing stable business foundations for stores operated by descendants of independence activists. The initiative began last year, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of liberation, in collaboration with the Ministry of Veterans Affairs, the Korea Economic Association, Habitat for Humanity Korea, and the Korean Liberation Association. This year, the program has expanded its support to include management and financial consulting in addition to improving existing stores and living environments. The program will select five small business stores operated by descendants of independence activists. The selection process will comprehensively evaluate the relationship to the independence activist, the type of business, income level, store condition, and future sustainability of operations. Selected stores will receive facility improvements along with tailored consulting through the KB Small Business Consulting Center. This will include assessments of the owner's management situation and financial needs, providing support for fund management and business operations. Applications will be accepted until August 31, and details on the application process and required documents can be found on the Habitat for Humanity Korea website. A KB Financial representative stated, "We will strive to assist the self-reliance of small business owners who are descendants of independence activists and to spread the values of honor and coexistence within the community." * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-13 11:20:00
  • SK hynix to break ground on chip packaging facility in Indiana
    SK hynix to break ground on chip packaging facility in Indiana SEOUL, August 13 (AJP) -SK hynix is set to break ground later this month on its $3.87 billion advanced semiconductor packaging plant in Indiana, the chipmaker’s first U.S. production base for packaging high-bandwidth memory used in artificial intelligence systems. The West Lafayette project will also include an advanced packaging R&D facility and is scheduled to begin mass production in the second half of 2028. According to industry sources on Thursday, the South Korean memory chipmaker has sent invitations to major customers and business partners for a formal groundbreaking ceremony scheduled for Aug. 27. Preliminary construction is already underway, with full-scale structural work expected to follow the ceremony. Among the expected attendees are senior executives and representatives from major global technology companies, with particular attention on whether SK Group chairman Chey Tae-won and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang will meet again. SK hynix and Nvidia have been strengthening their cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI)-related sectors, including the supply of memory chips and graphics processing units for AI data centers. Chey and Huang have met several times in South Korea and the U.S. since last year to discuss the rapidly growing AI and semiconductor markets. If Chey attends the ceremony, market attention is also likely to focus on whether he unveils plans for additional investment in the U.S. Chey recently said that SK hynix could consider building a memory chip manufacturing plant in the U.S. if key conditions are met. The comments were seen as a response to the U.S. government's push for South Korean chipmakers to expand their production bases in the U.S., after U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick repeatedly called on Samsung Electronics and SK hynix to increase memory chip production there. SK hynix is investing US$3.87 billion in the West Lafayette facility on the campus of Purdue University as part of its strategy to build a more localized AI semiconductor supply chain and expand its U.S. operations. Once completed, it will be SK hynix's first advanced packaging and research and development facility on U.S. soil to produce high-bandwidth memory (HBM) chips for AI applications, with mass production targeted for the second half of 2028. The project is also backed by U.S. government support, with the Commerce Department pledging up to US$458 million in direct funding under the CHIPS and Science Act, which aims to boost domestic semiconductor manufacturing, reduce reliance on foreign supply chains and support research in areas such as artificial intelligence and robotics. AJP Takeaways: - SK hynix will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for its advanced semiconductor packaging facility in West Lafayette, Indiana on Aug. 27, 2026. - SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang could attend the ceremony, drawing attention to their companies' growing cooperation in artificial intelligence and semiconductors. - SK hynix is investing US$3.87 billion in the West Lafayette facility on the campus of Purdue University to expand its U.S. operations and build a more localized AI semiconductor supply chain. - The facility will be SK hynix's first advanced packaging and research and development facility in the United States and is scheduled to begin mass production of high-bandwidth memory (HBM) chips for AI applications in the second half of 2028. - The U.S. Department of Commerce has pledged up to US$458 million in direct funding under the CHIPS and Science Act to support the project and strengthen domestic semiconductor manufacturing. 2026-08-13 11:17:18
  • Samsung Electronics Union Demands Spark Controversy Over Negotiation Strategies
    Samsung Electronics Union Demands Spark Controversy Over Negotiation Strategies Samsung Electronics unions are facing controversy as they pursue separate negotiations for the Device Experience (DX) and Device Solutions (DS) divisions while simultaneously demanding a shared resource pool for overall performance rewards. Critics argue that the call for separate negotiations based on the unique circumstances of each division contradicts the demand for a collective compensation fund.According to industry sources, the super union at Samsung Electronics is advocating for the separation of negotiations between the DS and DX divisions. On May 28, the union announced a restructuring of its negotiation system into a 'two-track' approach, dividing its leadership into five members from DS and three from DX.Following the reappointment of its chairperson on June 30, the union expressed its intention to utilize the labor commission's system for separate negotiations for the DS division. On July 16, it even established a policy committee for the DS division to further organize for these separate negotiations.In contrast, another Samsung Electronics union, Donghaeng, demanded the preemptive securing and transparent disclosure of a company-wide resource pool for all employees during a rally held in Suwon on the same day. They are also calling for the distribution of 1,000 shares of company stock per DX employee, seeking to expand compensation at the corporate level regardless of individual division performance.Critics in the business community have pointed out the contradiction in wanting separate negotiations while also seeking to share financial resources. They argue that while the differing business environments and performances of DX and DS justify separate negotiations, it is inconsistent to request a unified resource pool for compensation.Notably, Samsung Electronics has been operating the DX and DS divisions as effectively independent entities since 2017, separating their finances and human resources. Performance-based bonuses are also determined based on the results of each division and business unit.For instance, in 2024, during a semiconductor downturn, DS employees did not receive excess profit bonuses (OPI), while the MX division, responsible for smartphones, received 50% of their salaries as OPI. At that time, the poor performance of DS was cited as the reason for not distributing DX bonuses to semiconductor employees.The prevailing view in the business community is that if the union acknowledges the differences in performance and working conditions by separating negotiation units, then compensation should also be based on the respective performance of each division. Conversely, if there is a need to share performance and resources at the corporate level, it would be more logical to maintain the existing negotiation system that treats DX and DS as a single unit.At the company level, Samsung Electronics has implemented some measures to improve overall treatment. The company has provided DX employees with company stock worth approximately 6 million won each and has applied a 6.2% wage increase across the board.The demands for separate negotiations from the super union and the call for a shared resource pool from Donghaeng represent different positions from separate unions, making it difficult to view them as conflicting claims from a single union. Nevertheless, the emergence of these opposing demands for 'independence by division' and 'corporate performance sharing' highlights the need for alignment among the unions in future negotiations.A business insider remarked, "If negotiations are separated due to differing management environments, then performance and compensation should also be linked to each division's results. If unions appear to demand separation when performance is good but seek corporate resources when compensation is needed, it could undermine the credibility of their demands."They added, "In companies like Samsung Electronics, where there are significant performance disparities between divisions, the question of how much performance to share is sensitive for both labor and management. It is essential for the unions to establish consistent criteria on whether to apply separate negotiations or a shared corporate resource pool."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-13 11:12:00
  • Special Exhibition Marks 100th Anniversary of Silence of Love
    Special Exhibition Marks 100th Anniversary of 'Silence of Love' A special exhibition commemorating the 100th anniversary of Han Yong-un's representative poetry collection, 'Silence of Love,' will be held in Manhae Village, Inje County. The exhibition will showcase first editions and handwritten materials, allowing visitors to explore his literary works and the spirit of the independence movement.According to Inje County, the exhibition titled 'Places, People, Books, and Writings that Realize the Spirit of Manhae' will take place from August 14 to September 20 at the Manhae Literature Museum in Manhae Village.This exhibition is organized to celebrate the centenary of 'Silence of Love,' published in 1926. It revisits Han Yong-un's life, thoughts, literature, and contributions to the independence movement, highlighting how his spirit continues to resonate today through various materials.The exhibition is structured around nine themes, starting with his ascetic practices in his youth at Seoraksan and Geumgangsan, followed by Buddhist reform, literary activities, the March 1st Movement, and struggles during imprisonment.It will also cover the birth of 'Silence of Love,' his involvement in the New Korean Association, participation in the secret society Mandang, and his life during the Simwoojang period.Displayed items will include the first edition of 'Silence of Love,' Han Yong-un's handwritten notes and manuscripts, and photographs. Additionally, materials related to newspapers, magazines, Buddhism, and the independence movement from that era will be presented.The opening ceremony is scheduled for August 14 at 3 p.m. in Manhae Village. Prior to the ceremony, a creative pansori performance titled 'The Roar of Silence' will take place at 2:30 p.m.Han Yong-un was a monk, poet, independence activist, and Buddhist reformer. He was one of the 33 representatives of the Korean people who signed the Declaration of Independence during the March 1st Movement in 1919 and was subsequently imprisoned by the Japanese authorities.Even after his release, he continued his anti-Japanese activities. In 1927, he played a leading role in the formation of the New Korean Association, serving as a central executive member and head of the Gyeongseong branch. He also participated in the anti-Japanese secret society Mandang.Han Yong-un advocated for the reform and popularization of Buddhism, leaving behind works such as 'The Theory of Korean Buddhist Reform' and 'The Great Buddhist War.' He is regarded as a practical intellectual who combined literature, Buddhist thought, and a commitment to independence.'Silence of Love,' published in 1926, contains a total of 88 poems. The titular work, 'Silence of Love,' and other pieces express themes of loss and separation through the language of love and longing. The term 'you' in the poems is interpreted broadly, representing not only a lover but also the nation, the people, and the absolute existence.Inje County has a deep connection to Han Yong-un's life, as the Baekdamsa and Oseam temples, where he practiced asceticism, are located in Inje. It is also said that 'Silence of Love' was written at Baekdamsa in Naeseorak in 1925.The county has been promoting Han Yong-un's thoughts and literature through the development of Manhae Village and support for the Manhae Festival.Lee Ho-seong, head of the Cultural Education Department of Inje County, stated, "This meaningful exhibition allows us to encounter valuable materials that embody the life and spirit of Manhae Han Yong-un on the 100th anniversary of 'Silence of Love.' We hope it serves as an opportunity to reflect on Manhae's thoughts and literary value and to pass on that spirit to future generations."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-13 11:12:00
  • Kwangdong Pharmaceutical Concludes Summer Internship Program with Jeju National University
    Kwangdong Pharmaceutical Concludes Summer Internship Program with Jeju National University Kwangdong Pharmaceutical has completed its summer internship program for students at Jeju National University.The company announced on August 13 that it successfully wrapped up the '2026 Summer Internship Program' in collaboration with Jeju National University.This program was designed as a social contribution initiative by Kwangdong Pharmaceutical, a distribution partner of Jeju Samdasoo, to provide practical job experience to local youth and foster regional talent.Ten students, selected through departmental recommendations and an open recruitment process at Jeju National University, participated in the internship. Over the course of about a month, they gained hands-on experience in various departments, including marketing, product research and development (R&D), and sales planning, enhancing their understanding of job roles.Participants also engaged in departmental projects and had opportunities to communicate with industry professionals through mid-term meetings and activity reports, helping them clarify their career paths.A Kwangdong Pharmaceutical representative stated, "We hope this internship serves as a stepping stone for students in their career planning and job understanding. We will continue to implement various industry-academia cooperation programs to grow alongside the local community as a distribution partner of Jeju Samdasoo."Meanwhile, Kwangdong Pharmaceutical launched an Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) committee under its board of directors in June. The company plans to review its ESG strategies, key policies, implementation plans, and outcomes moving forward.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-13 11:08:00
  • President Lee Holds Golf Meeting with Ruling Party Lawmakers to Foster Communication
    President Lee Holds Golf Meeting with Ruling Party Lawmakers to Foster Communication President Lee Jae-myung has recently held a series of golf meetings with veteran lawmakers from the ruling People Power Party. According to political sources on August 13, President Lee played golf with lawmakers Joo Ho-young and Park Deok-heum at a location in June, coinciding with the formation of the new National Assembly leadership. Joo, a six-term representative from Daegu's Suseong-gu, previously served as the vice speaker of the National Assembly, while Park, a four-term representative from Chungbuk's Boeun, Okcheon, Yeongdong, and Goeisan, currently holds the position of vice speaker. National Assembly Speaker Cho Jung-sik was also reportedly present at the meeting. This gathering appears to have included invitations extended to both the incoming and outgoing leadership of the National Assembly. It has been reported that lawmakers from the ruling party raised the need for integration in the Daegu and Gyeongbuk (TK) region during the discussions. President Lee's team has previously suggested several golf meetings with People Power Party lawmakers. The Blue House has stated that it cannot confirm the president's private schedule.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-13 11:08:00
  • Korea Exchange Begins Delisting of Low-Value Stocks, Aiming for KOSDAQ Normalization
    Korea Exchange Begins Delisting of Low-Value Stocks, Aiming for KOSDAQ Normalization The Korea Exchange designated 36 stocks as managed stocks on August 12. These companies either failed to maintain a stock price above 1,000 won or did not meet the market capitalization requirements for listing. This marks the first large-scale action under the revised listing regulations that took effect last month. Observers predict that the number of managed stocks could rise to around 100.For a long time, the Korean stock market, particularly KOSDAQ, has operated under a structure characterized by a high number of listings but a low rate of delistings. Over the past 20 years, 1,353 companies have been newly listed, while only 415 have been delisted. The result? Despite KOSDAQ's market capitalization increasing 8.6 times during this period, the index itself has only risen 1.6 times.The presence of failing companies in the market has weighed down the index, making it difficult for investors to expect reasonable returns. The long-standing stigma of the 'Korea Discount' is closely tied to these structural issues.Low-value stocks are a symbolic example of this problem. Stocks with extremely low prices are highly volatile and often become targets for price manipulation, leading to significant losses for individual investors. It is no coincidence that some of the stocks designated as managed were previously associated with themes like inter-Korean economic cooperation. Stocks that fluctuate wildly based on news, regardless of their performance or growth potential, have long eroded market trust. The current measure to filter out stocks that fail to meet market capitalization requirements is a step toward establishing minimal market discipline.However, there are concerns. Recently, single-stock leveraged products, particularly in the semiconductor sector, have drawn significant capital, causing a sharp decline across the index. KOSPI fell over 40% in just over a month, while KOSDAQ dropped about 37%. Some companies designated as managed stocks may feel unjustly treated.Yet, such concerns should not undermine the integrity of the system itself. If some companies are caught unfairly due to market volatility, this can be addressed through individual appeals or review processes, but it should not dilute the core standard of '45 consecutive trading days.'Experience has shown that if standards are lax, companies will find ways to exploit loopholes. In fact, there are already signs that some companies are attempting to evade the requirements through stock consolidations or reductions.Thus, the future is crucial. Authorities and the exchange must continue to refine measures to prevent 'deceptive exits' that merely meet formal requirements. If companies can escape being classified as managed stocks by simply changing their stock price numerically without addressing underlying issues, this reform will be half-hearted.Additionally, it is essential to establish proper thresholds for both 'exit' and 'entry.' As failing companies are swiftly removed, it is equally important for companies with sufficient growth potential and innovation to enter KOSDAQ to create a healthy ecosystem.The recent mass designation of managed stocks and the subsequent delisting procedures may be painful, but expecting change without discomfort is unrealistic. Authorities must steadfastly uphold principles, and listed companies should seize this opportunity to transform into solid enterprises with strong performance and growth potential. This is the first step toward a healthier KOSDAQ. 2026-08-13 11:04:10
  • Osstem Implant Releases Sustainability Report Highlighting ESG Achievements
    Osstem Implant Releases Sustainability Report Highlighting ESG Achievements Osstem Implant has published a sustainability report detailing its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) management achievements and long-term strategies from the past year.The company announced on August 13 that the report includes its vision for sustainable management, strategic direction, key tasks, and a long-term execution roadmap.The report covers activities and achievements across environmental (E), social (S), and governance (G) areas. Osstem Implant explained that it has adopted a 'Double Materiality Assessment' to identify five key tasks: patient health and safety, ethical management, accessibility to dental services, customer communication, and innovation promotion, linking these to key performance indicators (KPIs) for management.Last May, Osstem Implant strengthened its sustainability governance by launching an ESG committee under its board of directors. The company also enhanced its ISO 37301 framework and established a digital dentistry platform based on information security management system (ISMS) and ISO 27001 certification.ISO 37301 is a standard set by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) that is awarded to companies with systems in place to proactively identify and control corruption and compliance risks.In the environmental sector, the company has pursued greenhouse gas reduction, energy efficiency, and resource recycling initiatives. Its Songdo Triple Tower headquarters has received green building certification (G-SEED Excellent 2nd grade) and an energy efficiency rating of 1++. The company has also expanded the recycling of titanium and zirconia metal scraps and introduced eco-friendly packaging materials.As of 2024, the production of renewable energy has increased by approximately 58% compared to the previous year. The introduction of electronic reporting and a paperless office has led to a 62% reduction in paper usage.In the social sector, Osstem Implant achieved zero major accidents through a preventive safety and health management system, reducing its lost time injury frequency rate (LTIFR) by over 46% compared to the previous year. The company has also strengthened compliance with its suppliers' code of conduct and supply chain management while expanding scholarship programs and community contribution activities.An Osstem Implant representative stated, "This sustainability report reflects the international standards of GRI Standards 2021 and ISSB IFRS S1 and S2, expanding quantitative data and disclosure items by approximately 70% compared to the previous year. We will continue to establish ourselves as a leading ESG company in the global dental market based on transparent information disclosure and stakeholder communication."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-13 11:04:10