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  • Three College Students Killed in Collision with Dump Truck After Film Shoot
    Three College Students Killed in Collision with Dump Truck After Film Shoot Three college students were killed in a tragic accident while returning home after filming a movie.According to Yonhap News and the Anseong Police Station, the collision occurred at 4:50 a.m. on August 11 on National Route 38, across from Dong-Ah Broadcasting Arts University in Samjuk-myeon, Anseong.The accident happened when a 20-year-old student, identified as A, was driving an Orlando vehicle and, for unknown reasons, crossed the center line, colliding head-on with an oncoming dump truck.In the crash, A, along with two passengers in the back seat—B, a male student, and C, a female student, both in their 20s and studying broadcasting at Dong-Ah Broadcasting Arts University—lost their lives.B and C were returning home after completing a film shoot with about 20 other students in Anseong, while A, who attended a different university with a similar major, was driving them.The police noted that the damage to the vehicles was severe, making it difficult to determine whether a black box was present in A's vehicle. The dump truck did not have a black box installed, prompting authorities to secure nearby CCTV footage for investigation.The dump truck driver reported to the police that the Orlando vehicle had crossed the center line.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-12 09:32:00
  • Lee offers condolences to victims of deadly earthquake in Columbia
    Lee offers condolences to victims of deadly earthquake in Columbia SEOUL, August 12 (AJP) - President Lee Jae Myung mourned the victims of a strong earthquake in Colombia earlier this week and expressed hope that the missing would still be found safe. In a post on X, formerly Twitter, on Monday, Lee said he was saddened by the devastating damage caused by a magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck western Colombia, killing more than 100 people and damaging hundreds of buildings. He offered condolences to Colombians who lost family members and neighbors in the sudden disaster and wrote, "May all the victims rest in peace."' With search and rescue operations underway, Lee said he hoped "even one more person" would be rescued safely and reunited with their family, adding that South Koreans stand with the Colombian people in hoping for a swift return to normal life. The strong quake struck in the South American country's coastal province of Chocó on Monday, with tremors felt in western cities including its capital and largest city of Bogotá as well as Cali, Manizales, Pereira and Quibdó. The Foreign Ministry here said no South Korean casualties have been reported so far. AJP Takeaways: - President Lee Jae Myung expressed condolences to the victims of a magnitude 7.4 earthquake in Colombia on Aug. 10, 2026, saying he was saddened by the devastating damage and deaths caused by the disaster. - The magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck Colombia's coastal Chocó Province on Aug. 10, 2026, killing more than 100 people, damaging hundreds of buildings and sending strong tremors across western cities including Bogotá, Cali, Manizales, Pereira and Quibdó. - President Lee Jae Myung expressed hope that people still missing after the earthquake would be rescued safely and reunited with their families, saying South Koreans stand with the Colombian people. - Search and rescue operations were underway following the earthquake, as authorities continued efforts to find survivors and assess the damage. - South Korea's Foreign Ministry said no South Korean casualties had been reported as of Aug. 12, 2026, while continuing to monitor the situation through local diplomatic missions. 2026-08-12 09:31:16
  • Yongin City Moves Forward with Expansion of National Route 45 for Semiconductor Cluster
    Yongin City Moves Forward with Expansion of National Route 45 for Semiconductor Cluster Yongin City, led by Mayor Lee Sang-il, announced that the expansion project for National Route 45 has recently been put out to bid in a turnkey format by the Seoul Regional Land Management Office.National Route 45 is a key infrastructure that runs through the 'Yongin Advanced System Semiconductor Cluster National Industrial Complex' in the areas of I-dong and Namsa-eup. The city expects that the turnkey bidding will accelerate the progress of the project.The project involves the construction of a 12.53-kilometer stretch that extends from the Daechon Intersection in southeastern Cheoin-gu to the Jangseo Intersection in Yangseong-myeon, Anseong City, expanding the existing 4 lanes to a maximum of 6 to 8 lanes. The total project cost is estimated at 891.1 billion won.There have been ongoing calls for the early advancement of the National Route 45 expansion project due to anticipated increases in traffic from the national industrial complex and the I-dong public housing development.Following the announcement of the plan to establish the Yongin Advanced System Semiconductor National Industrial Complex on March 15, 2023, the city has repeatedly requested the government to exempt the project from preliminary feasibility studies, emphasizing the need to expedite the expansion of National Route 45, which is a critical road for the complex. The government announced the exemption from the preliminary feasibility study and national funding support on June 26, 2024, and confirmed the exemption on August 22 of the same year.Mayor Lee stated, "In the semiconductor industry, speed is life, and since time is a subsidy, we must accelerate the expansion of infrastructure such as roads. The establishment of the Yongin Advanced System Semiconductor National Industrial Complex is a national strategic project and a major initiative for the future of the country, so construction must proceed as planned, regardless of any obstacles."The Yongin Advanced System National Industrial Complex was decided by the government in March 2023, designated as a national specialized complex for advanced strategic industries in July of the same year, and received approval for the national industrial complex plan as a 100% national project in December 2024.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-12 09:24:00
  • KOSPI Opens Strong with 1% Gain; KOSDAQ Retreats Below 840
    KOSPI Opens Strong with 1% Gain; KOSDAQ Retreats Below 840 The KOSPI index is showing a strong gain of over 1% in early trading, driven by rising shares of major semiconductor companies such as Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix. In contrast, the KOSDAQ is experiencing a decline due to profit-taking following the previous day's gains.As of 9:10 a.m. on August 12, the KOSPI is trading at 6,430.68, up 85.15 points (1.34%) from the previous trading day. The index opened at 6,438.50, up 92.97 points (1.47%).Individual and foreign investors are net buyers, purchasing 31.8 billion won and 34.1 billion won worth of shares, respectively. However, institutional investors are net sellers, offloading 59.4 billion won.Most of the top market capitalization stocks are rising, including Samsung Electronics (up 2.30%), SK Hynix (up 1.79%), Samsung Electronics Preferred (up 2.16%), SK Square (up 4.76%), Samsung Electro-Mechanics (up 2.46%), LG Energy Solution (up 0.56%), Samsung Biologics (up 0.19%), Samsung Life Insurance (up 3.80%), KB Financial Group (up 0.78%), and Samsung C&T (up 1.74%). In contrast, Hyundai Motor is down 0.50%.At the same time, the KOSDAQ is trading at 846.67, down 11.17 points (1.30%) from the previous day. The index opened at 854.85, down 2.99 points (0.35%) and has since widened its losses.Individual investors are net buyers, purchasing 106.3 billion won, while foreign and institutional investors are net sellers, offloading 79.5 billion won and 20.1 billion won, respectively.Most of the top KOSDAQ stocks are in the red, including Alteogen (down 3.21%), EcoPro (down 1.33%), EcoPro BM (down 1.09%), Rainbow Robotics (down 1.46%), HLB (down 1.91%), Rino Technology (down 0.98%), Wonik IPS (down 1.53%), and ABL Bio (down 2.13%). However, JUSUNG Engineering (up 0.99%) and IOTech (up 2.04%) are among the few that are rising.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-12 09:16:10
  • Kumho Resort Hosts 2026 Summer Festa at Water Parks Nationwide for Liberation Day
    Kumho Resort Hosts '2026 Summer Festa' at Water Parks Nationwide for Liberation Day Kumho Resort is set to host the '2026 Summer Festa' at three water parks across the country—Asan Spavis, Hwasun Aquana, and Jeju Aquana—during the Liberation Day holiday.First introduced last year, the Summer Festa has become Kumho Resort's signature summer festival. In fact, during its inaugural year in August, visitors to Asan Spavis and Hwasun and Jeju Aquana increased by 9% compared to the previous year.This year's event, themed 'Last Summer,' targets late summer vacationers and features experiential programs and events suitable for the whole family.The natural hot spring water park, Asan Spavis, will hold its festivities from August 15 to 17. Daily DJ performances, cheerleader shows, and K-pop dance stages will take place at the outdoor wave pool. A bubble show will be featured at the outdoor hot spring pool, while the indoor experience zone will offer various family-friendly activities, including bath bomb making, sticker tattoos, and lucky gacha games.During the same period, Hwasun Aquana at Kumho Hwasun Spa Resort will host the '2nd Aquana Waterful Challenge' at its outdoor swimming pool. Unique water mini-Olympics will provide a different aquatic experience, including the 'Parent-Child Water Operation,' the Little Seal Championship, Brain Survival, and Water Loop Operation.Jeju Aquana at Kumho Jeju Resort will operate a child-friendly 'Ponding Kids Water Party' on August 15 and 16. Programs will cater to various age groups, featuring the 'Lucky Duck Challenge' for children under 7, where they can catch rubber ducks with a net alongside their guardians, and a 'Mini Water Olympics' for elementary school-aged children and older.Musical performances will also enhance the summer vacation atmosphere. 'Alpaca Acoustic' will perform a poolside busking show at Hwasun Aquana on August 15 at 12:30 PM and at Jeju Aquana on August 22 at 2 PM.Additionally, Kumho Resort is offering a special 'Last Summer' room package at a discount of up to 30% off the regular price through the online platform Tripbitoz until August 16 for customers planning a late vacation.A Kumho Resort representative stated, “We organized this Summer Festa to ensure that customers visiting the water parks during the Liberation Day holiday can enjoy a variety of summer leisure activities with their families. Given that a record heatwave is expected to continue through mid-August, we hope our guests can cool off at the water parks.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-12 09:12:00
  • Hyundai Motor Group Supports National Fire Hospital with Ambulances and Rehabilitation Robots
    Hyundai Motor Group Supports National Fire Hospital with Ambulances and Rehabilitation Robots Hyundai Motor Group continues its support for the treatment and rehabilitation of firefighters who ensure public safety at disaster sites.On August 11, Hyundai Motor Group announced that it donated vehicles and rehabilitation equipment for firefighters during the opening ceremony of the National Fire Hospital in Eumseong, North Chungcheong Province.The donated items include two Hyundai ST1-based ambulances, three rehabilitation robots including the medical wearable robot 'X-ble MEX,' one cardiopulmonary rehabilitation exercise testing device, one hyperbaric oxygen therapy device, and two mental health treatment devices.The ST1-based ambulances are designed to provide ample emergency care space and accommodate various medical equipment. They feature a walkthrough structure that allows movement between the driver's seat and the patient area, enhancing the mobility and convenience for medical staff.The X-ble MEX is a medical wearable robot developed by Hyundai and Kia's Robotics Lab. It assists patients with lower limb paralysis and disabilities in walking, supporting rehabilitation therapy and gait training. The robot aids in five movements: walking, standing, sitting, climbing stairs, and turning.The length of the robot can be adjusted according to the user's physical condition, and it can be worn while seated. The National Fire Hospital plans to operate a dedicated robotic rehabilitation room centered around the X-ble MEX.Additionally, Hyundai Motor Group provided a hyperbaric oxygen therapy device for treating burns that may occur during firefighting and mental health treatment devices to support the psychological recovery of firefighters.Hyundai Motor Group is committed to expanding its support for the safety and recovery of firefighters. Since 2023, it has donated ten 'Firefighter Recovery Support Vehicles' to fire departments nationwide to assist firefighters during their rest periods.In 2024, the company developed the 'EV Drill Lance,' a firefighting device that sprays water by puncturing electric vehicle battery packs, and delivered 250 units to the National Fire Agency. This year, it donated four 'unmanned firefighting robots,' developed in collaboration with the National Fire Agency.Seong Kim, head of strategic planning at Hyundai Motor Group, stated, "We hope that the vehicles and rehabilitation equipment reflecting Hyundai Motor Group's technology will aid in the recovery and treatment of injured firefighters. We will continue to support firefighters so they can perform their duties in a safer environment." Earlier this year, Hyundai Motor Group deployed unmanned firefighting robots at the site of a factory fire in Eumseong, marking their first operational use. These robots enter high-heat and smoke environments that are difficult for humans to access, assisting in firefighting and assessing the situation.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-12 09:12:00
  • Kolon Industries Targets Low-Carbon Engineering Plastics Market for Medical Use
    Kolon Industries Targets Low-Carbon Engineering Plastics Market for Medical Use Kolon Industries is intensifying its efforts to enter the low-carbon engineering plastics market for medical applications.On August 12, Kolon Industries announced its plan to commercialize KOCETAL® ECO-E, an eco-friendly POM (polyacetal) product. This marks the world's first commercialization of low-carbon POM aimed at the medical market.POM is an engineering plastic used in various advanced industries, including automotive, electronics, and medical, due to its low friction coefficient, excellent wear resistance, and dimensional stability. ECO-E is produced using renewable energy-based E-methanol instead of fossil fuel-based methanol, maintaining the excellent properties and processability of traditional POM while also achieving carbon reduction.Kolon Industries has been promoting the application of sustainable engineering plastic materials in medical products through partnerships with global medical clients. The company plans to begin mass production of ECO-E for medical products in the second half of this year, with commercial supply expected to start in the fourth quarter.Entering the medical POM market requires rigorous safety and reliability verification, and Kolon Industries is already producing and supplying POM for medical products to global clients. The commercialization of E-POM will further enhance its portfolio of high-value technology products.With this commercial supply initiative, the company aims to expand sales of low-carbon engineering plastic products into high-value industries such as automotive, electronics, and more. Additionally, it plans to broaden its eco-friendly product portfolio to meet diverse demands in the global market.Jung Hong-ryeong, head of Kolon Industries' ENP Business Division, stated, "The supply of ECO-E is significant as it establishes the foundation for the world's first commercialization of low-carbon POM within our medical portfolio. We will continue to focus on developing and expanding the supply of high-performance, low-carbon materials to meet the sustainable material transition demands of our global clients."Meanwhile, Kolon Industries is also strengthening its portfolio, having held a completion ceremony for its polyurethane artificial leather production line last month.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-12 09:12:00
  • Anyang Mayor Choi Dae-ho Expands Future Technology Experiences for Students and Citizens
    Anyang Mayor Choi Dae-ho Expands Future Technology Experiences for Students and Citizens Anyang Mayor Choi Dae-ho stated on August 12 that the city is proactively adapting to the rapidly changing landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) by expanding opportunities for students and citizens to experience future technologies.Mayor Choi announced that the 23rd Anyang Smart T Festival will take place at the Anyang Sports Complex from the 29th to the 30th of this month.By creating a platform for citizens to directly engage with future technologies centered around AI, the mayor is accelerating the realization of a 'Smart Anyang.'The festival, themed 'Imagination Becomes Everyday Life! Transforming Lives with Anyang Smart T!', will allow citizens to see and experience various future technologies, including AI, robots, drones, mobility, and physical AI, according to Mayor Choi.This event is significant as it embodies the mayor's commitment to making AI-based administration and smart city policies tangible for residents.Mayor Choi is focusing administrative efforts on responding proactively to the rapidly evolving AI era, utilizing AI not only to enhance administrative and urban competitiveness but also as a practical means to improve citizens' lives.In particular, the city is dedicated to expanding AI-driven administrative services and integrating advanced technologies into areas closely related to citizens' daily lives, emphasizing the creation of a smart city that residents can genuinely feel, rather than just 'technology for technology's sake.'The festival will showcase a variety of advanced technologies, with a focus on an AI theme zone that reflects this direction.In the AI theme zone, attendees will have the opportunity to experience robots, drones, mobility, and physical AI firsthand. A special exhibition themed 'AI in the Military' will feature military drones and advanced equipment, along with shooting experiences.A competition for future science talents will also be held, where students will compete in seven categories across three fields: robots, AI coding, and drones.The robotics category will include humanoid combat, recycling robots, battle robot soccer, and line tracing, while the AI coding category will feature coding racing and object recognition. The drone category will include drone soccer, with a total of 85 awards, including one from the Minister of Science and ICT.Experience booths operated by science clubs from 16 middle and high schools in the area will also be set up.Additionally, there will be exhibitions and ride experiences related to autonomous driving, a mobile planetarium, and escape room science buses, providing family-friendly programs for visitors.The opening ceremony will feature a laser show, AI-related lectures, quiz competitions, and prize drawings, enhancing the festive atmosphere.As the festival approaches, the local community is expressing excitement for a family outing at the end of summer vacation and a chance for youth to engage with future technologies.With a variety of programs allowing children, teenagers, and parents to experience robots, drones, and AI, interest is growing.Mayor Choi aims to increase citizens' interest in future technologies through this festival while providing youth with opportunities to explore science and technology without feeling intimidated, helping them consider their future career paths.Mayor Choi stated, 'We have prepared for students and citizens to experience the latest technologies in response to the rapidly changing trends of the AI era. I hope families enjoy a beneficial and fun time experiencing future technologies.'Meanwhile, Mayor Choi plans to continue expanding citizen-centered policies utilizing AI and advanced technologies under the smart city policy direction.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-12 09:08:00
  • Shinhan Bank Launches SOL Cluster Busan to Support Regional Maritime Industry
    Shinhan Bank Launches 'SOL Cluster Busan' to Support Regional Maritime Industry Shinhan Bank has established a corporate finance hub in Busan to enhance financial support for regional strategic industries, including shipbuilding, defense, ports, and logistics.On August 11, Shinhan Bank held the opening ceremony for the 'Shinhan SOL Cluster Busan' at the Busan Seomyeon Financial Center, as announced on August 12.The Shinhan SOL Cluster Busan serves as a regional financial platform that supports the discovery of local strategic industry companies, loan execution, and connections with Shinhan Financial Group affiliates. It aims not only to provide loans to businesses but also to identify companies with high growth potential and new projects by examining investment plans and changes in the local industry.In particular, the Shinhan SOL Cluster Busan plans to focus on supporting the shipbuilding, defense, and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) sectors, as well as the port and logistics fields. It will also respond to the emerging financial demands in shipping, ports, and logistics due to developments such as the opening of Arctic shipping routes and the transition to smart ports.To strengthen on-site support, Shinhan Bank has deployed specialized corporate finance professionals and examiners from its corporate credit review department. They will review business plans and financial structures from the initial stages and connect companies with the headquarters' investment banking department, group companies, and relevant policy organizations as needed.Jung Sang-hyuk, President of Shinhan Bank, stated, "Through the Shinhan SOL Cluster Busan, we will closely engage with local businesses to identify necessary financial solutions and foster tangible growth together."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-12 09:08:00
  • Panama Canal Transit Fees Surge Amid El Niño and Iran Conflict
    Panama Canal Transit Fees Surge Amid El Niño and Iran Conflict The prices for Panama Canal transit rights have soared to record levels due to the ongoing conflict in Iran and the effects of El Niño. While exports of U.S. crude oil and petroleum products to Asia have increased due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, drought conditions have led to lower water levels in the canal. As demand for transit rises and the volume of transportable goods decreases, prices have surged.On August 11, the Financial Times reported, citing data from the commodity price information firm Argus, that the average daily auction price for transit rights through the Panama Canal's major locks this month reached approximately $1.1 million, more than 16 times higher than the average during the same period last year.The transit rights for the Neopanamax locks, used by larger vessels, have recently averaged $2.5 million, marking an all-time high. Since July 28, individual auctions have seen Neopanamax transit rights reach as high as $3.78 million, while Panamax rights peaked at $2.63 million.The surge in prices has been influenced by the Iran conflict. Following U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran on February 28, the Strait of Hormuz was closed, prompting Asian countries to increase their purchases of U.S. crude oil and petroleum products from the Gulf of Mexico. This rise in energy transport from the U.S. to Asia has led to greater demand for the Panama Canal.Additionally, the drought caused by El Niño has compounded the situation. Concerns about falling water levels in the Panama Canal have grown since El Niño began developing in June. The water level of Gatun Lake, which supplies the canal, is currently below the average from 1965 to 2022 and is expected to decline further in the coming months.The Panama Canal Authority has tightened restrictions on the draft, or the depth to which a vessel can be submerged. The allowable draft for Panamax vessels is set to decrease from the usual 50 feet to 47.5 feet by September 3. A reduced draft means vessels must carry less cargo to transit the canal.The number of vessels waiting to transit has also increased significantly. The number of waiting vessels rose from 40 on January 2 to 113 on August 3, nearly tripling.Most large container ships and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) carriers, which frequently use the canal, typically reserve their transit rights in advance. However, up to 30% of all transit vessels can secure their rights through daily auctions, which can lead to significant price increases when demand surges.Market analysts suggest that conditions this year could worsen compared to the record drought experienced in 2023. Although the current water level in Gatun Lake is higher than in 2023, it is declining at a faster rate, and the dry season is approaching in December.Ross Griffiths, Argus's North American freight pricing manager, stated, "Typically, from May to December, water levels should not be falling, but they are currently continuing to drop. There is a possibility that the situation could worsen compared to 2023."The Panama Canal Authority noted that recent auction prices exceeding $1 million reflect temporary market conditions driven by specific vessel demand and differ from official toll rates. They added that while there are no current plans to reduce the number of vessels transiting daily due to the announced draft restrictions, further limitations may be implemented if water levels continue to decline.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-12 09:04:10