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  • Hyundai Motor Group Targets Smart City Development in Kazakhstan
    Hyundai Motor Group Targets Smart City Development in Kazakhstan Hyundai Motor Group is seeking opportunities in smart city projects in Kazakhstan. On September 16, Hyundai Motor Group signed an agreement with Kazakhstan's private investment firm 'Caspian Group' and financial and investment company 'United Group Alatau' to advance the Alatau City Project. The Alatau City Project is the largest new city development in Kazakhstan, covering 880 square kilometers north of Almaty, the country's largest city. Caspian Group will lead urban development and local execution, while United Group Alatau will integrate financial and digital ecosystems. Through this agreement, Hyundai aims to establish Kazakhstan as a hub for physical AI-based future city projects in Central Asia, collaborating with local companies to explore and validate the feasibility of smart city initiatives in Alatau City. Hyundai will prioritize business opportunities related to urban development and operations in the key area of Alatau City, which connects to Almaty. Additionally, the company will comprehensively review collaboration possibilities in mobility, energy, and digital sectors, gradually specifying the scope of projects and participation methods through feasibility studies. A Hyundai representative stated, "Kazakhstan is an important market where we have built a business foundation over many years. Through this collaboration, we aim to discover new business opportunities based on actual customer and urban demand. We will strive to ensure that Alatau City becomes a model for demonstrating future urban services and new mobility business models after thorough business viability assessments." Meanwhile, Hyundai has a local production base in Almaty capable of producing 50,000 vehicles annually.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 14:16:00
  • KDRTs Second Team Concludes Operations in Nepal; Joint Response Team Continues Work
    KDRT's Second Team Concludes Operations in Nepal; Joint Response Team Continues Work The second team of the Korea Disaster Relief Team (KDRT), dispatched to assist in Nepal following severe flooding, concluded its operations today. Meanwhile, the government joint response team will remain on-site to continue its work.The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the KDRT's second team is scheduled to return home as planned after a seven-day mission involving eight members.The ministry added, "The government joint response team will stay in Nepal to closely cooperate with local authorities and continue supporting necessary tasks, including family assistance from the Korean Embassy in Nepal."It was noted that the joint response team consists of eight members, including three from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, two from the National Fire Agency, and three from the National Police Agency. The ministry emphasized that additional personnel could be dispatched if needed.Furthermore, it was explained that two firefighters from the KDRT's second team will remain as part of the joint response team and will work alongside the newly dispatched team leader, Kang Yong-gu, from the Korean Consulate General in Los Angeles, to locate missing Korean nationals.Additionally, personnel from the National Police Agency will continue to work with local staff at Nepal's Central Forensic Science Laboratory, where the Korean government has provided four rapid DNA analysis machines, to assist in identifying deceased individuals.Currently, nine South Koreans are still reported missing. 2026-09-17 14:16:00
  • Seoul City Council Chair Im Man-kyun Inspects Swimming Pool Facilities at Cheongun Elementary School
    Seoul City Council Chair Im Man-kyun Inspects Swimming Pool Facilities at Cheongun Elementary School Fourteen aging school swimming pools in Seoul will undergo renovations in phases. Additionally, the fee reduction for female youth using public swimming pools is set to expand. According to the Seoul City Council on September 17, Im Man-kyun, the chair of the council, visited the swimming pool facilities at Cheongun Elementary School in Jongno District on September 16 to assess the condition and safety management of the facilities. He was accompanied by Yoon Sun-hee, a Seoul City Council member. After receiving a report on the renovation plans, Im inspected user convenience facilities such as changing rooms and showers, as well as the safety management of the facilities. The Cheongun Elementary School swimming pool, located on the basement level, has been operating with six lanes. After more than 20 years since its completion, the need for renovations due to facility aging has been raised. The pool has been closed since July for renovations, which are expected to be completed in the second half of next year. Currently, there are a total of 48 school swimming pools under the jurisdiction of the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education. Among these, 14, including Cheongun Elementary, are set to undergo renovations to improve aging facilities. Im Man-kyun stated, "With the mandatory swimming education, school swimming pools have become important educational and sports facilities that support the healthy growth and safety of students. We will gradually improve aging facilities to ensure that students and local residents can conveniently access swimming pools nearby." The Seoul City Council is also expanding the 10% fee reduction for female youth using public swimming pools. Reflecting the reality that the growth and onset of secondary sexual characteristics in adolescents have been occurring earlier, the council is proposing to lower the minimum age for fee reductions from the current 13 to 9 years. The amendments will affect four ordinances, including the 'Ordinance on the Installation and Operation of Seoul City Sports Facilities,' the 'Ordinance on the Management and Operation of Seoul City Community Plazas,' the 'Ordinance on the Use and Operation of Sports Facilities under the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education,' and the 'Ordinance on the Opening and Use of Public School Facilities by the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education.' Yoon Sun-hee remarked, "Since the Youth Basic Law defines youth as starting at age 9, it is necessary to adjust related ordinances accordingly. We will improve the system to ensure that female youth can grow healthier through swimming." Im emphasized, "We will listen to the voices from the education office and school sites to improve necessary systems in line with reality. Public sports facilities, including schools, are not only for students but also serve as community sports hubs, so we will carefully monitor facility renovations, safety enhancements, and the expansion of sports welfare." 2026-09-17 14:12:10
  • New Online Platform for College Educators Launches in South Korea
    New Online Platform for College Educators Launches in South Korea To enhance the quality of liberal arts education in universities, the latest educational content encompassing artificial intelligence (AI) teaching methods and interdisciplinary education will be made available for free to college educators. This initiative aims to provide practical educational resources that can be immediately utilized in university settings, thereby strengthening the expertise of foundational education, which is central to higher education.The Korean Council for University Education (KCUE) announced on September 17 that the Korean Foundation for Liberal Arts Education has been operating the '2026 Online Platform for Foundational Education' (libedu.kr) since August 10. In response to changing times and the needs of universities, the foundation has added 15 new courses this year, bringing the total to 91 courses available at no cost.The newly introduced 15 courses focus on three key areas that are currently in high demand in higher education. The largest section, 'Artificial Intelligence and University Education,' includes eight courses.Specifically, these courses cover topics such as: - 'Ethics and Dilemmas in Research and Study in the Age of Generative AI' (Im Tae-hyung, Jeonju University) - 'Utilizing AI in Actual Research Processes' (Sun Ae-kyung, Korea University) - 'Teaching Calculus Using AI Autonomous Learning Systems' (Choi Byeong-moon, Daejeon University) - 'Outsourcing Thought and Cognitive Subjectivity' (Lee Cheong-ho, Sangmyung University), addressing practical content aligned with changes in teaching paradigms and ethical issues.Additionally, four courses in the special section 'Caring for the Mind: The Meaning of Life and Respect for Life' aim to support students' psychological well-being and value formation, along with three courses in the interdisciplinary area of 'Science Fiction and Scientific Imagination' that break down academic boundaries.Since its launch in 2022, this platform has become a key resource for enhancing the professionalism of educators involved in liberal arts education.Lee Gi-jeong, president of the KCUE, stated, "University education in the AI era must evolve beyond the ability to utilize technology to foster a broad understanding of humanity and society, as well as integrative thinking. The KCUE will continue to develop and share high-quality educational content to help college educators effectively apply AI and interdisciplinary education in their teaching practices."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 14:12:00
  • Samsung Electronics to Supply AI Integrated Solutions for Philippine Complex
    Samsung Electronics to Supply AI Integrated Solutions for Philippine Complex Samsung Electronics will provide an integrated operating solution that encompasses artificial intelligence (AI) appliances and building management for a large mixed-use complex in the Philippines. The company aims to expand its presence in the Southeast Asian market by applying business-to-business (B2B) solutions across the entire development, which includes residential spaces, hotels, commercial facilities, and an international school.On September 17, Samsung Electronics announced that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with real estate developer DH Plus to supply AI appliances, SmartThings Pro, and the building integration solution b.IoT for the 'Grants Forest Park' development project in Cebu, Philippines.Grants Forest Park is a premium mixed-use complex set to be completed by 2030, covering an area of approximately 20,000 pyeong. The development will feature three residential buildings, one hotel, private villas, commercial facilities, and an international school.Samsung will establish an 'AI Home' in the residential facilities, integrating AI appliances with SmartThings. The residences and hotel will be equipped with TVs, air conditioners, refrigerators, and washing machines, allowing residents and guests to control devices in their rooms through SmartThings.The complex will utilize SmartThings Pro, a B2B connection and integrated control platform for operations. Administrators will be able to remotely check the status of facilities and respond to issues while minimizing on-site visits.Samsung's b.IoT building integration solution will be applied to common areas and commercial facilities. b.IoT integrates control of HVAC, lighting, and power systems, using energy algorithms to manage energy consumption efficiently. It will also support analysis of individual unit power usage and costs in conjunction with SmartThings Pro.Samsung plans to implement b.IoT in commercial facilities, hotels, and the international school as well. The company will use digital twin technology to create a 3D representation of the actual building, allowing for monitoring of key equipment status and predicting maintenance needs. AI agents will provide integrated control for HVAC, lighting, power, and security systems.Through this project, Samsung aims to expand its B2B business combining residential AI homes and building management solutions in the Southeast Asian region."This collaboration is a significant example of introducing AIoT-based customized integrated operating solutions for residential and commercial spaces," said Hwang Tae-hwan, Vice President of Samsung Electronics' B2B Integrated Offering Center. "We will actively participate in mixed-use development projects in the Southeast Asian market utilizing B2B integrated operating solutions."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 14:08:00
  • Financial Supervisory Service Reports 43% Drop in Voice Phishing Victims
    Financial Supervisory Service Reports 43% Drop in Voice Phishing Victims 금융감독원이 금융소비자보호 정책을 통해 분쟁조정과 보이스피싱 피해 예방 등에서 성과를 거뒀다고 평가했다. 동시에 단기실적 중심의 상품 판매와 법인보험대리점(GA) 불법 영업 등은 개선이 필요한 과제로 꼽고 감독을 강화하기로 했다.금감원은 일반 금융소비자, 금융업계·유관기관 및 외부전문가 등 250여명이 참석한 가운데 '금융소비자보호 성과 대국민 보고대회'를 개최했다고 17일 밝혔다. 지난해 9월 금융소비자보호 실천 결의 이후 추진한 금융소비자보호 개선 로드맵 등 소비자보호 강화 노력을 공유하는 자리다. 금감원은 △금융소비자보호 조직 내재화 △상품 생애주기별 사전예방적 감독체계 구축 △민생금융범죄 예방 등을 성과로 꼽았다. 우선 금감원은 내부위원 6명과 소비자·언론·학계·업계 등 외부위원 12명으로 구성된 금융소비자보호자문위원회를 출범시켜 4차례 회의에서 33개 안건을 논의했다. 분쟁조정위원회 개최도 매월 정례화해 티메프 사태 관련 동일 유형 분쟁 1만1696건에 대해 132억2000만원을 소비자에게 환급하도록 하는 등의 성과를 냈다.아울러 판매 단계에서는 소비자가 핵심 위험을 쉽게 이해할 수 있도록 '투자성 상품 설명 가이드라인'을 마련했다. 가입서류 통폐합과 서명·덧쓰기 축소 등으로 상품 가입시간을 1시간 내외에서 30~40분으로 단축하는 방안도 추진 중이다. 보이스피싱 정보공유·분석 인공지능(AI) 플랫폼을 통해서는 46만3000건의 정보를 공유하고 7009개 계좌를 지급정지해 663억6000만원의 피해를 막았다. 그 결과 보이스피싱 피해금액은 지난해 10월 이후 10개월 연속 전년 동기 대비 감소했다. 올해 7월 기준 6324억원으로 1년 전보다 43.2% 줄었다. 금감원은 보완할 점도 적지 않다고 평가했다. 은행권 상장지수펀드(ETF) 신탁거래의 경우 대부분 6개월 내 단기매매(94.6%)임에도 단기거래에 불리한 선취수수료가 91.7%를 차지하는 등 판매유인 구조가 여전히 단기실적 중심으로 운영되고 있다고 지적했다.민생금융범죄 대응과 관련해서는 신종피싱, 펀플루언서 불법행위, 병·의원발 보험사기 등 범죄 수법이 지능화·고도화되는 데 비해 인력 규모로 대응하기엔 한계가 있다고 진단했다. 금감원은 앞으로 업권별로 한층 강화한 소비자 보호 제도를 추진한다는 계획이다. 보험 분야에서는 GA의 불법 영업을 막기 위해 상호에 보험대리점을 명시하도록 하는 등 'GA 종합 감독방안'을 추진한다. 은행권은 ETF 판매 확대에 따른 민원에 대응해 수수료 체계와 내부 판매절차를 개선한다. 이 밖에 디지털자산기본법 제정에 대비한 감독체계 마련, 'AI 민원포탈' 구축 등도 추진 과제로 제시됐다. 이찬진 금감원장은 "소비자 중심의 조직개편, 사전예방적 감독체계로의 전환, 민생금융범죄 엄정 대응, 포용금융·복지 기반 강화 노력 등 소비자보호를 추진해왔다"며 "현장의 불편과 비판에 귀 기울여 향후 정책에 반영하겠다"고 밝혔다. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 14:04:00
  • Seoul Apartment Prices Rise for 84th Consecutive Week
    Seoul Apartment Prices Rise for 84th Consecutive Week Seoul's apartment prices have risen for the 84th consecutive week. While the Gangnam area, including Gangnam, Seocho, and Songpa, experienced declines, northern districts such as Jungnang, Dobong, and Seodaemun recorded significant increases, driving up the overall housing prices in the city.According to the Korea Real Estate Agency's report on weekly apartment price trends for the second week of September 2026, the national average apartment sale price increased by 0.08% compared to the previous week. The metropolitan area saw a rise of 0.15%, while Seoul's prices climbed by 0.16%, with both growth rates slightly lower than the previous week by 0.01 and 0.04 percentage points, respectively. Notably, this marks 84 consecutive weeks of price increases in Seoul since the first week of February last year. In contrast, regional prices remained stable.In Seoul, a stark contrast emerged between the northern and southern districts. The 14 northern districts saw a 0.29% increase, a decrease from the previous week's 0.33%, yet still significantly above the city average.Jungnang District recorded the highest increase among Seoul's 25 districts, rising by 0.51%, primarily driven by large complexes in Shinnae and Sangbong-dong. Dobong District increased by 0.47%, focusing on small to medium-sized complexes in Chang-dong and Banghak-dong, while Seodaemun District also rose by 0.47%, mainly in Hongun and Bukgajwa-dong. Seongbuk District (0.43%) and Dongdaemun District (0.36%) continued their upward trends, centered around Jeongneung and Donam-dong, and Imun and Dapsimni-dong, respectively.Conversely, the 11 districts in Gangnam saw only a 0.04% increase, halving the growth rate from the previous week's 0.08%. All three Gangnam districts experienced declines, with Gangnam District dropping by 0.36%, the largest decrease, followed by Seocho and Songpa, which fell by 0.26% and 0.12%, respectively. Gangnam and Seocho have seen declines for six consecutive weeks, while Songpa has dropped for two weeks.A representative from the Korea Real Estate Agency explained, "While there are localized downward adjustments in listings leading to some declining transactions, strong demand for preferred properties such as new builds, large complexes, and small to medium-sized units has resulted in overall price increases in Seoul."The rental market also continued its upward trend. Nationwide, apartment rental prices rose by 0.10% compared to the previous week. The metropolitan area saw a 0.16% increase, while Seoul's rental prices rose by 0.17%, and regional prices increased by 0.04%. The growth rates in the metropolitan area and regions remained consistent with the previous week, while Seoul's increase was slightly lower by 0.02 percentage points.In Seoul's rental market, the northern districts showed a pronounced upward trend. The 14 northern districts rose by 0.27%, three times the increase seen in the 11 Gangnam districts (0.09%). Nowon District, focusing on large complexes in Sangye and Gongneung-dong, recorded the highest increase in Seoul at 0.45%, followed by Jungnang District (0.40%) and Dongdaemun District (0.34%), which also showed strong growth.In contrast, the Gangnam area saw Seocho District decline by 0.26%, influenced by the influx of new units in Jamwon and Banpo-dong, while Gangnam District fell by 0.17%, primarily in major complexes in Daechi and Suseo-dong.A representative from the Korea Real Estate Agency noted, "As some complexes have seen price adjustments in transactions, the overall rental prices in Seoul have risen, driven by properties in well-located areas and large complexes."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 14:04:00
  • LS MnM CEO Dong-hwi Koo Pledges Support for Childrens Healthy Growth
    LS MnM CEO Dong-hwi Koo Pledges Support for Children's Healthy Growth LS MnM launched the first 'Better Tomorrow Campaign' on September 17 at the Seoul SOS Children's Village in Sinwol-dong, Yangcheon-gu, ahead of the Chuseok holiday. The initiative, in collaboration with the Good Neighbors Seoul Western Branch, aims to improve the living and activity spaces for children without family protection. CEO Dong-hwi Koo and about ten employees participated in organizing furniture in program rooms, tidying storage areas, sorting donated books, and cleaning the facility. They also replaced door handles with antimicrobial copper ones to inhibit the growth of harmful microorganisms. Additionally, they prepared and delivered age-appropriate school supplies, snack kits, and encouragement letters. LS MnM has been involved in tailored support projects for vulnerable children and activities such as science camps. Dong-hwi Koo, CEO of LS MnM, stated, "As the holiday approaches, our employees came together to ensure that children can live in a more pleasant and healthy environment. We will continue to strive for the improvement of the environment for children, who are the future leaders of our society."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 14:04:00
  • Song Mi-ryung Inspects Traditional Market Ahead of Chuseok
    Song Mi-ryung Inspects Traditional Market Ahead of Chuseok Song Mi-ryung, the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, visited a traditional market ahead of Chuseok to assess the supply of domestic agricultural products and the status of the Onnuri gift certificate cashback program.On September 17, Song visited the Sinyeong Market in Seoul to review the supply trends of Chuseok essential goods and check on the Onnuri gift certificate cashback event.The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs has allocated 1.49 trillion won from September 3 to September 30 to support discounts of up to 40% on all domestic fresh agricultural products, including Chuseok essentials, at large supermarkets, small and medium-sized markets, eco-friendly stores, local food direct sales outlets, and online malls.In traditional markets, a separate cashback event for Onnuri gift certificates is being held. From September 16 to September 20, consumers can receive up to 30% cashback on purchases of domestic agricultural products at 300 traditional markets nationwide. The cashback limit is set at 20,000 won per person.For purchases between 34,000 won and 67,000 won, consumers can receive 10,000 won, while those spending over 67,000 won can receive 20,000 won.This year, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries' 'Korea Fisheries Festival' will coincide with the cashback event period. To enhance consumer convenience, a mobile waiting system has also been introduced. By entering their phone numbers at kiosks, customers can check real-time waiting information via KakaoTalk messages.Song stated, "We are implementing the cashback event to ensure that consumers purchasing our agricultural products in traditional markets without computerized systems can also benefit from discount support. We will do our utmost to help the public enjoy a more abundant holiday season through this cashback event."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 14:00:20
  • Divorce Lawyer Yang Na-rae Ties the Knot, Husbands Identity Sparks Curiosity
    Divorce Lawyer Yang Na-rae Ties the Knot, Husband's Identity Sparks Curiosity Divorce lawyer Yang Na-rae recently held her wedding, drawing attention to the identity of her undisclosed husband.On September 16, Yang shared a post on her Instagram, stating, "The happiest day of my life, 2026.9.13," along with photos from her wedding at the Shilla Hotel in Seoul.In the photos, Yang is seen smiling broadly in her wedding dress, while her husband's face remains hidden, only a silhouette visible.Yang explained her decision to keep her husband's identity private during an appearance on the YouTube channel 'VIVO TV.' Host Kim Sook expressed curiosity about her husband, saying, "People are so curious about who he is that there are even rumors he might be a National Intelligence Service agent. Why are you keeping him so hidden?" Yang responded, "It was one of the conditions of our marriage. My husband is very introverted. He said that if he had to talk about himself or be exposed, he would feel too embarrassed to live."She added, "He asked me not to talk about him publicly, and I respect his wishes by not revealing his identity."Regarding her decision to marry, Yang noted, "We communicate well. I believe it's important for a couple to express everything they want to say. When we express our feelings, it’s not just about emotional outbursts but ensuring we communicate clearly to avoid misunderstandings."She remarked, "I don’t think we’ve ever gone more than half a day after a disagreement without resolving it. I can be a bit sensitive, and after resolving an issue, I might say, 'I felt a bit hurt by what you said last time. I’ll be more careful in the future,' to which he sometimes replies, 'Don’t you have a great memory?'"Yang gained recognition through her appearances on JTBC's 'Divorce Counseling Camp' and MBC's 'Real Story Investigation.'* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 14:00:10