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Hoban Construction Joins '1 Trillion Club' with Changdong Reconstruction Project Hoban Construction has surpassed 1 trillion won in urban regeneration project contracts, officially joining the '1 Trillion Club.' On September 20, Hoban Construction announced that it was selected as the contractor for the 'Changdong Sang-a 1st Apartment Reconstruction Project' in Dobong-gu, Seoul, and the 'Jungwha Station 2-6 District Street Housing Regeneration Project' in Jungnang-gu on September 19. With this latest contract, Hoban Construction's cumulative contract amount for urban regeneration projects in Seoul and the surrounding metropolitan area this year has reached 1.1526 trillion won. The company has secured several projects this year, starting with the reconstruction of the Gojan 6 District in Ansan, followed by the street housing regeneration projects in Myeonmok 6-3, 4, and 5 Districts in Jungnang-gu, and the redevelopment project in Geumjeong 3 District in Gunpo. The Changdong Sang-a 1st Apartment Reconstruction Project involves the construction of eight residential buildings with 962 units and community facilities, spanning four underground floors and 45 above-ground floors. The total floor area is 147,044 square meters, with a total contract amount of approximately 308.3 billion won. This reconstruction project is the largest single regeneration area contract Hoban Construction has secured in Seoul. It marks the first introduction of the 'Hoban Summit' brand in the northeastern region of Seoul, including Nowon, Dobong, and Gangbuk districts. It is also the second project won using the trust executor method, following the Geumjeong 3 District redevelopment project. The Jungwha Station 2-6 District Street Housing Regeneration Project will create five residential buildings with 259 units and community facilities, spanning three underground floors and 27 above-ground floors. The total floor area is 39,772 square meters, with a total contract amount of approximately 92.6 billion won. This latest contract is a follow-up to the project Hoban Construction secured in November of last year for the Jungwha Station 2-4 District. The company plans to expand the two street housing regeneration project areas to create a 'Hoban Summit' brand town with a total floor area of 156,473 square meters and 990 units. This achievement reflects Hoban Construction's strengthened expertise through the establishment of an organization dedicated to urban regeneration projects in Seoul and the metropolitan area. In August 2025, the company set up a dedicated organization, including the Southern Seoul Business Office, and officially opened it on October 15 of that year at the Korea Press Center in Jung-gu, Seoul, establishing a system for securing regeneration project contracts. A representative from Hoban Construction stated, “As a result of continuously enhancing our capabilities in discovering and executing urban regeneration projects centered on Seoul and the metropolitan area, we have exceeded 1 trillion won in contract amounts this year. We will continue to enhance our competitiveness by type of project and expand our presence in urban regeneration projects in the metropolitan area based on the differentiated product quality of Hoban Summit.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-20 10:56:10 -
Hwacheon County Restructures Organization, Establishes Tourism City Division Hwacheon County in Gangwon Province has expanded its main office organization to a structure of 1 division, 2 bureaus, and 15 departments to accelerate the implementation of key policies for the 9th elected term. A notable change in this restructuring is the establishment of the Tourism City Division, which will oversee and coordinate tourism and sports as well as urban development.According to Hwacheon County, the main office has been reorganized from the previous structure of 2 divisions and 10 departments to a new system centered around the Planning and Policy Division, the Administrative Welfare Bureau, and the Tourism City Division. The existing structure of 1 town, 4 townships, 2 directly affiliated agencies, and 1 business office will remain unchanged.The Hwacheon County Council passed the relevant ordinance on September 3, and the county announced the revised ordinance on September 11. The number of public servants will increase from 515 to 535, with the recruitment of new personnel expected to begin next year.The Planning and Policy Division will handle government planning and coordination of key projects. The Administrative Welfare Bureau will oversee civil complaints and administrative welfare matters. The Tourism City Division will coordinate tourism, sports, and urban development projects at the bureau level.New departments such as the Strategic Policy Department, Income Support Department, and Tax Management Department have also been established. This aims to promote key projects of the 9th elected term, including basic income for rural areas, sunshine pensions, and the utilization of idle land.The civil complaint handling system will shift from a departmental response to a collaborative approach. The county plans to manage civil complaints involving multiple departments at the bureau level to reduce delays and gaps in accountability.Notably, the establishment of the Tourism City Division reflects a commitment to elevate the tourism industry as a core pillar of the local economy. It is seen as a foundation for expanding seasonal tourism beyond the current focus on the Sancheoneo Festival and park golf, linking regional tourism resources.The 9th elected term has identified key tasks such as transitioning the Sancheoneo Festival to an AI-based global smart festival, establishing a DMZ peace tourism hub, and fostering year-round tourism and sports industries.In the county, there is growing anticipation among residents for tourism development in preparation for the opening of the Gwangdeok Tunnel, as well as stay-type tourism connecting Samil Valley, the northern slopes of Hwaksan Mountain, and arboretums.This restructuring is expected to enhance the execution of key projects by reallocating dedicated organizations and responsible personnel. With clearer stages for policy decisions and inter-departmental coordination, it is anticipated to improve the speed of civil complaint processing and the effectiveness of tourism development.However, it is premature to conclude that the expansion of the organization alone will meet residents' expectations. The effectiveness of the restructuring will depend on the allocation of dedicated personnel and budgets by region, inter-departmental collaboration, the speed of project implementation, and outcomes linked to residents' incomes.In subsequent personnel changes, Seo Ki-hyeol has been appointed as the head of the Planning and Policy Division, Nam Jae-seon as the head of the Administrative Welfare Bureau, and Kang Du-il as the head of the Tourism City Division.The county plans to reflect public service experience, contributions to the organization, work capabilities, and expertise in personnel decisions, while also establishing a predictable regular personnel system.Kim Se-hoon, the county mayor, stated, “We will create an organizational atmosphere where public officials can work diligently, and ensure that the results of the restructuring lead to prompt civil complaint processing and improved convenience for residents.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-20 10:56:00
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Hanwha to Advance Payments of 185 Billion Won to Partners Ahead of Chuseok Hanwha Group announced on September 20 that it will make early payments totaling approximately 185 billion won to over 1,580 partner companies ahead of the Chuseok holiday. The payments will include 52.5 billion won from Hanwha Aerospace, 55 billion won from Hanwha Ocean, 24.5 billion won from Hanwha Systems, and 14 billion won from Hanwha's construction division.This early payment initiative is expected to help the partner companies manage their financial burdens, facilitating the distribution of bonuses and payments for materials to secondary and tertiary suppliers.Hanwha Group has a history of making early payments to alleviate the financial pressures on its partners before holidays, having disbursed approximately 179 billion won ahead of the Lunar New Year in February.Kim Seung-yeon, Chairman of Hanwha Group, emphasized in his New Year’s address that “the workers of our partners are also part of the Hanwha family, and the local communities are the foundation of our business,” highlighting the group’s principle of co-prosperity, “Going Together, Going Far.”Additionally, major subsidiaries such as Hanwha Aerospace, Hanwha Ocean, and Hanwha Solutions will conduct community support activities ahead of the Chuseok holiday. Hanwha Aerospace plans to deliver rice, snacks, and daily necessities to underprivileged neighbors in Daejeon, Changwon, and Yeosu. Hanwha Ocean and Hanwha Solutions will also host events to share holiday meals with local residents in Geoje, Ulsan, and Daejeon.Meanwhile, Chairman Kim Seung-yeon has been proactive in realizing the value of “Going Together, Going Far” by gifting health foods to over 69,000 domestic employees in August as a gesture of gratitude and encouragement.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-20 10:56:00
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SK On Wins CSR Award in Hungary for Second Consecutive Year SK On announced that it received the 'Exemplary Practice in Sharing' award at the '2nd CSR Awards for Companies Entering Hungary' in recognition of its ongoing social contribution activities in Hungary.The awards ceremony, hosted by the Korean Embassy in Hungary, took place on September 18 at the Korean Cultural Center in Budapest. The event was attended by Park Cheol-min, the Korean Ambassador to Hungary, and representatives from major Korean companies operating in Hungary.This marks the second consecutive year that SK On has been recognized, having previously won the 'Innovative CSR Practice Award' at last year's inaugural ceremony, further acknowledging its efforts to foster collaboration with the local community.The awards were established to identify and promote exemplary cases of social contribution activities by Korean companies in Hungary, focusing on community contributions, environmental protection, and support for education and welfare.Kim Seong-sik, head of SK On Europe, attended the event to present the company's key social contribution activities and achievements.Since commencing commercial operations in Komárom, Hungary, in 2020, SK On has consistently expanded its community engagement efforts. A notable example is the 'Great Music Festival (GMF)' for individuals with developmental disabilities.In collaboration with its parent company, SK Innovation, SK On plans to host the GMF in Hungary for two consecutive years in 2024 and 2025, providing a platform for local musicians with developmental disabilities to showcase their talents. The third event is scheduled for late November this year.SK On Europe has also maintained local-focused social contributions, including donations to public foundations in the Komárom-Esztergom region and support for essential goods for vulnerable populations.Employee participation in volunteer work and educational support is also active. SK On Europe conducts plogging and regular blood donation events biannually in the Komárom-Esztergom area, with over 600 employees participating in blood donations since 2021, earning an honorary certificate from the local Red Cross.Additionally, the company has provided vocational training in the battery industry to local students, with 800 graduates to date. In recognition of these efforts, SK On received the 'Large Company Award' from Komárom-Esztergom County in 2021, and in 2024, a road connecting the Iváncsa factory to the existing highway will be named 'SK Road.'Currently, SK On operates the Komárom Plant 1 (7.5 GWh), Komárom Plant 2 (10 GWh), and the Iváncsa Plant (30 GWh), securing a total production capacity of 47.5 GWh in Europe.Kim Seong-sik stated, "This award recognizes the sincerity of SK On's social contribution activities aimed at growing together with Hungary. We will continue to expand our collaborative efforts through activities that genuinely benefit the local community."Meanwhile, SK On has established a local production capacity of approximately 100 GWh in the U.S., including its standalone factory, SK Battery America, and the joint factory with Hyundai Motor Group, HSBMA.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-20 10:56:00
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BTS Shines at 2026 iHeartRadio Music Festival, Marking Their Return After Six Years 그룹 방탄소년단(BTS)이 미국의 대형 음악 축제 '2026 아이하트라디오 뮤직 페스티벌(2026 iHeartRadio Music Festival)'의 대미를 화려하게 장식했다. 소속사 빅히트뮤직에 따르면 방탄소년단은 지난 18일(현지시간) 미국 라스베이거스 티모바일 아레나에서 열린 이번 페스티벌 첫날 공연의 마지막 주자로 무대에 올랐다. 방탄소년단이 '아이하트라디오 뮤직 페스티벌'에 출연한 것은 2020년 이후 6년 만으로, 이날 공연에는 카디 비, 스눕독, 벤슨 분 등 세계적인 팝스타들이 함께했다. 이날 방탄소년단은 팀의 제2막을 의미하는 'BTS 2.0'을 주제로 압도적인 스케일의 연출을 선보였다. 정규 5집 '아리랑(ARIRANG)'의 타이틀곡 '스윔(SWIM)'을 시작으로 '2.0', '마이크 드롭(MIC DROP)', 'FYA' 등 총 4곡을 열창하며 현장 열기를 끌어올렸다. 특히 각 무대마다 곡의 서사를 극대화하는 시각적 장치들이 눈길을 끌었다. '스윔'에서는 대형 LED 화면에 넘실대는 물결을 띄웠고, '2.0'에서는 화려한 라스베이거스의 야경을 연출했다. 이어 '마이크 드롭'에서는 우주로 뻗어 나가는 시각 효과로 팀의 전진을 상징했으며, 마지막 곡 'FYA'에서는 7개의 혜성이 사막에 충돌하는 강렬한 영상으로 몰입도를 높였다. 뜨거운 함성 속에서 무대를 마친 방탄소년단은 "(팬덤 '아미'는) 세상에서 최고의 팬"이라며 "모든 한국어 가사를 따라 부르는 게 정말 놀랍고 감격스럽다"고 벅찬 소회를 전했다. 한편 이번 페스티벌 둘째 날인 19일에는 걸그룹 르세라핌이 K팝 걸그룹 최초로 무대에 올라 축제의 열기를 이어갈 예정이다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-20 10:52:00
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Hyundai Engineering Surpasses 10 Trillion Won in Urban Redevelopment Orders for Second Consecutive Year Hyundai Engineering has exceeded 10 trillion won in urban redevelopment orders for the second consecutive year. Following its historic achievement last year as the first construction company in the industry to reach an annual order volume of 10 trillion won, the company has again become the first among domestic construction firms to surpass this milestone this year.On September 19, Hyundai Engineering announced that it secured construction rights for the Yeouido Plaza Apartment 38-1 reconstruction project, the Ulsan Nam-gu B-01 district redevelopment project, and the Daegu Myeongnyun district redevelopment project, bringing its cumulative order volume for urban redevelopment projects this year to 10.118 trillion won.The construction costs for the three projects are as follows: 5.463 trillion won for the Yeouido Plaza Apartment 38-1 reconstruction, 7.110 trillion won for the Ulsan Nam-gu B-01 district redevelopment, and 5.001 trillion won for the Daegu Myeongnyun district redevelopment.The Yeouido Plaza Apartment 38-1 reconstruction project will involve the construction of three buildings with a total of 405 units, reaching a height of up to 49 stories above ground and seven stories below ground in the Yeouido-dong area of Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul. Hyundai Engineering has proposed the name 'Willow 168' for the complex.The Ulsan Nam-gu B-01 district redevelopment will create a residential complex with 1,482 units and neighborhood facilities on a 93,084 square meter site in Sinjeong-dong, Ulsan, with a maximum height of 35 stories above ground and three stories below ground. The proposed name for this complex is 'Hillstate Sinjeong Riverfront.'The Daegu Myeongnyun district redevelopment will consist of 1,082 residential units and 92 officetels on a 48,353 square meter site in Namsan-dong, Jung-gu, Daegu, with a maximum height of 29 stories above ground and four stories below ground. Hyundai Engineering has suggested the name 'Hillstate Namsan Signature.'This year, Hyundai Engineering has also secured contracts for the redevelopment of the Apgujeong 3 and 5 districts, the Gunpo Geumjeong 2 district redevelopment, the public redevelopment of the Sin-gil 1 district, and the public redevelopment in the Chung-hunbu area of Anyang. In the fourth quarter, the company plans to pursue major redevelopment projects, including the Mokdong 10 complex reconstruction and the Yongsan Hangang-ro district.Despite rising construction costs and volatility in the financial markets, Hyundai Engineering continues to lead the urban redevelopment market with a selective order strategy focused on key locations.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-20 10:48:00
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Lotte Department Store Expands 3-Hour Delivery and Hand-Carry Gift Options Ahead of Chuseok Lotte Department Store is increasing its stock of small gift sets while offering a '3-hour delivery' service in the Seoul metropolitan area leading up to Chuseok. This initiative aims to enhance convenience for customers preparing last-minute gifts. On September 20, Lotte Department Store announced that it will operate a 'Chuseok Immediate Delivery Service' until 6 p.m. on September 23 at its main store and Jamsil branch, along with 15 other locations in the metropolitan area. Customers can have Chuseok gift sets delivered within three hours to addresses within a 5 km radius of these stores. To attract last-minute shoppers, the store is also enhancing its benefits. Customers who purchase Chuseok gift sets worth over 200,000 won by September 23 will receive 5% in L.POINT rewards. Popular hand-carry items, including Korean beef, dried yellow corvina, and fruit, will be discounted by up to 40%. The 'hand-carry gifts' that customers can take with them on their travels have seen a 20-30% increase in stock compared to last year. The company noted that during the previous Lunar New Year, sales of desserts and health products in the week leading up to the holiday accounted for half of total sales, indicating a high demand for last-minute purchases. Lotte Department Store has also diversified its product offerings. It is introducing 'premium K-desserts' that reinterpret traditional sweets, including the 'Limited Edition Lotte Exclusive Set' (98,000 won) featuring fresh fruit rice cakes and handmade ceramics, the 'Crispy Chef Edition Mixed Gift Set' (67,000 won) containing seaweed snacks, and the 'Kang Sung-eun's Six Types of Jeon' (50,000 won). To cater to health-conscious consumers, the store has expanded its offerings to include a high-polyphenol olive oil series, featuring 'Art Sass Polyphenol Olive Oil' (199,000 won) and 'Hyperrelion Organic Polyphenol Olive Oil' (160,000 won). Convenient health gifts such as honey and honey sticks are also available. For budget-conscious shoppers, the store is promoting 'value premium' items under 100,000 won, including beef jerky, caramel, kimchi, and pollack roe. The 'Lotte Hotel Premium Kimchi Can Seamer' is priced at 95,000 won, while the 'Three Types of Pollack Roe Gift Set' costs 53,000 won. Since September 4, Lotte Department Store has been selling Chuseok gifts, increasing its overall inventory of meat, produce, seafood, and grocery items by about 20% compared to last year. The store is focusing on hand-carry and immediate delivery options as the holiday approaches, expanding choices from high-end gifts to easily transportable products. Yang Seong-jin, head of the food division at Lotte Department Store, stated, "We will continue to differentiate our product offerings and enhance services to ensure a joyful holiday for both gift givers and recipients."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-20 10:48:00
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Delivery Workers' Safe Driving Insurance Discounts Expanded to 11% Delivery workers who complete traffic safety education or install safety devices can receive discounts of up to 11% on their commercial transportation insurance premiums.The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and the Delivery Service Mutual Aid Association announced that they will increase the discount rate for the currently operating special provisions related to traffic safety from a maximum of 5% to 11%, encouraging voluntary safe driving efforts among delivery workers.This measure aims to alleviate the financial burden of insurance premiums following the mandatory insurance enrollment for commercial transportation and to enhance incentives for safe driving.Delivery workers who complete traffic safety education, which includes practical driving training, or install a digital tachograph (DTG) will see their discount rates increase by 5% each. The discount for those with a front license plate on their two-wheeled vehicles will also rise from 1.5% to 5%.Each discount category can be applied cumulatively, allowing workers to benefit from a maximum insurance premium reduction of 11% solely from traffic safety-related discounts.The expanded discount rates will apply to new contracts or renewals of the mutual aid association's commercial transportation insurance starting from the 21st. Existing members can also receive discounts by enrolling in the special provisions.The mutual aid association plans to launch a specialized product for driver injury support later this year, reflecting the nature of work where serious injuries and immediate income loss can occur during delivery.It remains to be seen whether the increase in insurance discounts will reduce the financial burden on delivery workers while encouraging the installation of safety devices and participation in training.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-20 10:48:00
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NH Nonghyup Bank Offers Tailored Consulting for Import and Export Companies NH Nonghyup Bank announced on September 20 that it held the 'Trade With NH Nonghyup Bank' event for import and export companies at its headquarters in Jung-gu, Seoul, on the 18th. The Trade With NH Nonghyup Bank program is designed to enhance the practical capabilities of import and export companies and support their specific trade operations. The event featured practical training covering all aspects of import and export operations, including customs, clearance, and reporting. It also provided one-on-one tailored consulting, connecting professional customs brokers with participating companies to address their specific trade challenges. As external uncertainties grow due to concerns over a global economic slowdown and rising protectionism, NH Nonghyup Bank aims to strengthen consulting tailored to the individual circumstances of companies facing various difficulties in their import and export processes. Yang Seung-sik, head of the Foreign Exchange Division at NH Nonghyup Bank, stated, "In an environment of increasing external uncertainty, this program is significant in providing comprehensive import and export solutions tailored to the conditions of each company, including foreign exchange and customs. We will continue to support stable overseas market entry and enhance global competitiveness for import and export companies through foreign exchange services and customized consulting."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-20 10:40:00
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Samsung, LG tapped for revived AI draft perk SEOUL, September 20 (AJP) - Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics are among four South Korean conglomerates recommended to host artificial intelligence researchers in lieu of military service, government data showed Sunday. The Ministry of Science and ICT put forward LG Electronics, HD Hyundai Robotics, Samsung Medison and Samsung Electronics for the 2027 program, reviving a perk shut off to large companies since 2013, the data submitted to Rep. Hwang Jung-a of the ruling Democratic Party showed. Nine labs under the four companies are seeking a combined 81 researchers. The tally fills only 67.5 percent of the 120 annual slots the Military Manpower Administration set aside for conglomerate labs in June, leaving 39 seats empty. Some large companies that applied were weeded out before the recommendation stage for failing to meet the criteria. The program, known as technical research personnel, lets science and engineering graduate students fulfill mandatory military service by working three years at designated research institutes. Most South Korean men must otherwise serve about 18 months in uniform. Conglomerates once received about 300 such researchers a year before the government halted new allocations in 2013, amid complaints they drained talent from smaller firms' R&D labs. The June notice reopened the door for AI alone, carving out 240 master's-level slots a year from 2027 to 2029, split evenly between conglomerates and state-funded and defense research institutes. Participating companies must spend at least 5 percent of revenue on R&D, work in fields that do not compete directly with small businesses and prove research results with objective evidence. The window runs only three years, and the manpower agency has yet to finalize selections and headcounts. "Military service exceptions should be opened up more boldly to secure talent and strategic technologies, so that rigid requirements do not limit their effect," Hwang said. She added that young researchers once again have a path to serve at institutions with the country's best research infrastructure. The Ministry of National Defense floated plans in 2016 and 2019 to shrink the program, citing a shortage of conscripts. The science ministry countered in 2019 that cutting alternative service would only defer the problem as the population declines, while lawmakers and scientists warned of a brain drain. AJP Takeaways - South Korea's Ministry of Science and ICT recommended LG Electronics, HD Hyundai Robotics, Samsung Medison and Samsung Electronics to host AI researchers doing alternative military service from 2027, according to data released Sept. 20, 2026. - The four companies' nine labs requested 81 researchers, filling 67.5 percent of the 120 annual conglomerate slots set by the Military Manpower Administration in June 2026. - The conglomerate track, halted in 2013, runs only from 2027 to 2029, and the Military Manpower Administration has yet to make final selections. 2026-09-20 10:35:22