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  • RIIZE shines at seoul forest photocall
    RIIZE shines at seoul forest photocall Members of K-pop boy group RIIZE pose for photos during a photocall event at Setter House Seoul Forest in Seongdong-gu, Seoul, Aug. 11, 2026. 2026-08-11 18:58:21
  • Elderly Residents in Haenam Boost Confidence Through Walking Classes
    Elderly Residents in Haenam Boost Confidence Through Walking Classes Elderly residents, who have long endured the physical toll of farming, are straightening their backs and walking confidently through the classroom. This special walking class in Haenam goes beyond simply teaching how to walk; it helps restore proper posture and self-assurance among seniors in rural communities. The 'Silver Wings Model Class,' operated by Haenam County and the Haenam Rural Community Support Center, is designed to promote healthy lifestyles and enhance vitality among elderly residents. The program aims to relieve the stiffness caused by years of repetitive labor in agriculture, teaching participants proper posture and walking habits through community engagement. Classes progress from stretching exercises that alleviate tension to posture correction and walking training. Participants also learn how to incorporate the movements into their daily lives, along with health management techniques. The program began in 2024 with basic courses in Hwawon and Hwangsan. This year, the advanced course was completed in Hwawon, and since July, the 'Wobbly Walking Class' has been offered in Bukpyeong as a foundational course. Notably, participants can observe changes in their posture and walking style before and after the training, which enhances engagement and satisfaction with the program. One participant expressed, "After working in agriculture, my back has straightened, and I feel younger as I walk with confidence," reflecting satisfaction with the changes in their daily life. Haenam County plans to connect the program to increased social participation among residents, moving beyond mere health and exercise education. The county will gradually expand walking training based on local demand and diversify related courses to enable graduates to work as professional senior models. Considering the rapid aging of rural areas, the county will continue to identify cultural and welfare programs that encourage resident participation. Park Mun-kyu, head of the Rural Economy Division's Rural Space Development Team, stated, "Through the Silver Wings Model Class, residents are learning the importance of proper posture and walking, experiencing changes in their lives firsthand. We will continue to operate cultural and welfare programs that enhance residents' health and quality of life."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-11 18:56:00
  • Jangheung County Strengthens Measures to Prevent Livestock Damage Amid Prolonged Heatwave
    Jangheung County Strengthens Measures to Prevent Livestock Damage Amid Prolonged Heatwave As the ongoing heatwave raises concerns about heat stress and mortality among livestock, Jangheung County is intensifying on-site management and damage prevention efforts for local farms. On August 11, the county inspected a broiler farm in Yongsan-myeon, assessing the temperature inside the barn, ventilation systems, and overall farming conditions in response to the heatwave. This inspection was conducted to evaluate the situation on the ground and understand the challenges faced by farmers due to the prolonged high temperatures. Jangheung County Mayor Sa Sun-moon visited the farm, examining temperature control and the operation of ventilation systems. He also discussed the difficulties faced by farmers due to the extended heat and potential preventive measures. The farm raises approximately 110,000 broilers across five barns. The farm received chicks on August 4 and is scheduled to harvest on September 4, making effective management of the summer heat critical. The farm owner, who is also the president of the local poultry association, shared not only the specific challenges of his farm but also the difficulties and suggestions from other poultry farmers in the region regarding heatwave responses. To mitigate livestock damage from the heat, Jangheung County is investing a total of 3.8 billion won this year in related support projects. Key initiatives include providing livestock stress relief supplies, installing heat prevention facilities, implementing thermal insulation for barn roofs, and supporting livestock disaster insurance. The county aims to minimize livestock damage caused by high temperatures through facility improvements and proactive measures. Mayor Sa stated, "As the heatwave continues, we are concerned about heat stress and mortality among livestock. I urge farmers to strictly adhere to heat response guidelines, including ensuring adequate water supply, ventilation, and maintaining appropriate farming conditions." He added, "During this prolonged heat, we will enhance on-site inspections and farmer assessments while swiftly implementing necessary support measures." Jangheung County plans to continuously monitor the heat situation and the impact on livestock farms, maintaining on-site inspections and surveillance activities. In the event of damage, a rapid field investigation and follow-up response system will be in place.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-11 18:52:00
  • Students in Gwangju, South Korea, Win Awards at National AI Education Competition
    Students in Gwangju, South Korea, Win Awards at National AI Education Competition Students from Gwangju, South Korea, showcased their data-driven problem-solving skills by winning multiple awards at a national competition that utilized educational public data and artificial intelligence (AI).The Gwangju Metropolitan Office of Education announced on August 11 that 16 teams from the region received four top awards and 12 excellence awards at the 8th National AI Utilization Competition for Educational Public Data, co-hosted by the Ministry of Education and regional education offices across the country.A total of 1,886 entries were submitted for this year's competition. After a thorough evaluation and public verification process, three grand prize winners, 36 top award winners, 104 excellence award winners, and 10 encouragement award winners were selected, totaling 153 final awardees.The competition focused on solving educational challenges or proposing new content using educational public data and AI technology. It was divided into two categories: 'Creating Promotional Videos for Schools Using AI' and 'AI Utilization Idea Planning.'In the school promotional video category, the 'Hanareum Future Exploration Team' from Hanareum Elementary School, led by student Yoon San, and the 'Rock Badger Team' from Eoryong Elementary School, consisting of students Go Myung-ji and Kim Seon-yu, received top honors.In the AI utilization idea planning category, the 'HOMO LUDENS' team from Jeonnam Science High School, comprising students Kim Ji-an, Jeong Yeo-jin, and Jeong Seon-a, along with the 'Bellman's Compass' team from Bongsun Middle School, consisting of students Lee Seung-yu and Yeom Ji-seong, were also awarded top prizes.Notably, these students did not merely use AI as a content creation tool; they proposed solutions to real educational issues, such as learning environments and educational funding.The 'HOMO LUDENS' team analyzed public data related to youth sleep and mental health using AI to offer a customized timetable that considers each student's learning load and health status, proposing a 'Brainwave (EEG) Integrated AI Learning Routine and User-Customized Management Service.'The 'Bellman's Compass' team presented an 'Educational Resource Allocation Policy Simulator' that combines school budget expenditure public data with AI reinforcement learning. This idea explores budget allocation strategies to reduce financial disparities among schools, extending the use of public data and AI into the realm of educational policy.In addition to these four teams, 12 other teams from Gwangju also received excellence awards, bringing the total number of award-winning teams to 16.Award-winning teams will receive certificates, cash prizes, and additional rewards, including digital badges. The winning projects will be showcased as examples of public data utilization on an educational data platform in the future.Kim Du-seok, head of the General Affairs Division at the Gwangju Metropolitan Office of Education, stated, "The students' exploration of educational issues using data and AI has led to impressive results. We will continue to support various educational activities to help students enhance their data-driven problem-solving skills and AI capabilities."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-11 18:44:00
  • Mokpo City Takes Initiative on Integrated Special City Policies, Identifies 37 Key Projects
    Mokpo City Takes Initiative on Integrated Special City Policies, Identifies 37 Key Projects Mokpo City is taking proactive measures to incorporate key local issues into the policies and promises of the integrated special city of Jeonnam-Gwangju before they are finalized. The city has identified a total of 37 strategic projects, including Mokpo New Port, offshore wind energy, a national medical school, and the K-seaweed industry, with plans to expand them into city-wide initiatives. On August 11, Mokpo City held a strategy meeting on responding to the integrated special city promises, led by Mayor Kang Seong-hwi, to discuss ways to incorporate these 37 projects into future policies aimed at regional growth and balanced development in the southwestern region. The core of this initiative is to move away from the traditional approach of demanding project inclusion only after the promises of the integrated special city are finalized. Instead, the city aims to include Mokpo's key issues from the promise formulation stage. The city analyzed the policy plan released by the Jeonnam-Gwangju Transition Planning Committee in July, selecting 37 projects across seven areas: eight in future industries, six in balanced development, three in agricultural and life sciences, five in basic social services, six in culture and tourism, eight in green policies, and one in citizen sovereignty. Key projects include the establishment of a new industrial complex at Mokpo New Port, the MASGA project for ship maintenance, and the creation of an offshore wind energy industry cluster at Mokpo New Port. Also included are long-standing local issues such as the establishment of a national medical school and university hospital, the construction of a complex transfer center at Mokpo Station, the development of a global K-seaweed industry hub, the building of a regional convention center in the southwestern area, and the establishment of an integrated management system for the Yeongsan River estuary. Mokpo City plans to approach these projects not merely as local issues but as regional initiatives that will drive growth for the entire integrated special city and promote balanced development in the southwestern region. The strategy focuses on linking Mokpo's marine, port, fisheries, and cultural tourism resources to the growth of the integrated special city while enhancing the competitiveness of the southwestern region through improvements in medical, transportation, and industrial infrastructure. During the meeting, discussions centered on how individual projects could align with the promises of the integrated special city, the feasibility and urgency of these projects, and the need for financial and policy support at the regional level. Mayor Kang Seong-hwi stated, "If we wait until the promises of the integrated special city are finalized, it will be too late. We need to establish clear logic for each project now and actively persuade the relevant departments of the integrated special city." He further urged, "Please respond proactively to ensure that Mokpo's key projects are maximally reflected in the promises and policies of the integrated special city." Following this meeting, Mokpo City will begin formal discussions with the relevant departments of the integrated special city regarding the 37 projects. The city plans to continuously monitor the promise confirmation process and policy implementation trends to enhance the likelihood of project inclusion. Once the promises of the integrated special city are finalized in the second half of this year, Mokpo City will reassess the inclusion of the 37 projects. Projects that are included will move forward with securing budgets and establishing execution plans, while those not included will have their necessity and regional impact arguments strengthened for continued policy advocacy.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-11 18:32:00
  • Kyobo Life Attempts to Reacquire AXA General Insurance After 20 Years
    Kyobo Life Attempts to Reacquire AXA General Insurance After 20 Years Kyobo Life is moving forward with plans to acquire AXA General Insurance, aiming to enhance its portfolio in the non-life insurance sector.According to financial industry sources on August 11, Kyobo Life is in the process of selecting an advisory firm for the acquisition. The company has sent out requests for proposals (RFPs) to global investment banks and accounting firms, and it is expected to begin due diligence once an advisor is chosen. Kyobo Life has confirmed its intention to pursue the acquisition of AXA General Insurance.AXA General Insurance is primarily owned by the French AXA Group, which holds a 99.76% stake. The company specializes in auto insurance and reported a net profit of 4.5 billion won in the first quarter of this year. Its solvency ratio (K-ICS) stands at 175.6% under transitional measures.AXA General Insurance was previously a subsidiary of Kyobo Life. Kyobo Life acquired Korea Automobile Insurance in 2001, operating it as Kyobo Automobile Insurance, before selling management rights to the AXA Group in 2007. The company considered reacquiring AXA General Insurance in 2020 and 2023, but those negotiations did not materialize.If Kyobo Life successfully acquires AXA General Insurance, it will establish a comprehensive financial subsidiary system that includes life insurance, non-life insurance, securities, asset management, and savings banks. In March, Kyobo Life acquired a 50% plus one share stake in SBI Savings Bank for approximately 900 billion won, and last month, it fully integrated Kyobo AXA Asset Management as a subsidiary.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-11 18:32:00
  • Paris Baguette Opens First Store in Laos, Expanding Southeast Asia Presence
    Paris Baguette Opens First Store in Laos, Expanding Southeast Asia Presence Paris Baguette has made its debut in Laos, becoming the first domestic bakery brand to enter the country and expanding its Southeast Asian footprint to seven nations.The company announced on August 11 that it has opened its first store in Vientiane, the capital of Laos. Paris Baguette had been preparing for this entry since signing a master franchise agreement with KOLAO Group, a leading local company, in 2024.The new store is located on the first floor of the 'Kokkok Mega Mall Patuxai,' a newly built shopping complex in the bustling Patuxai area of Vientiane. The bakery café spans approximately 360 square meters and features 72 seats.Paris Baguette will offer a mix of products available globally and menu items tailored to local tastes. The offerings include 'Fresh Yogurt Cream Cake,' 'Best Ever Garlic Bread,' and 'Crunchy Choco Bun,' along with desserts like 'Mini Choco Twist' and 'Mr. & Miss Bear Madeleines.' Meal options include 'Classic PB Breakfast,' 'Baked Chicken Mushroom Risotto,' and a local specialty, 'Musang King Durian Roll Cake,' which incorporates the popular durian fruit.With this expansion, Paris Baguette now operates stores in seven Southeast Asian countries, including Singapore, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Cambodia.The company is actively enhancing its business presence in Southeast Asia. Last year, it completed a halal-certified production center in Johor, Malaysia, and in February, it obtained official halal certification from MUIS (Singapore Islamic Religious Council) for all its stores in Singapore. Last month, it also completed halal certification for all its stores in Indonesia.Heo Jin-soo, Vice Chairman of Paris Baguette, stated, "Entering Laos is significant for expanding our Southeast Asian business network and strengthening our global growth momentum. We will present an optimized business model based on our global capabilities and KOLAO Group's local market expertise."Currently, Paris Baguette operates over 730 global stores across 13 countries, including the seven Southeast Asian nations, the United States, Canada, France, the United Kingdom, China, and Mongolia.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-11 18:28:00
  • Mayor Min Hyung-bae Requests President Lee Jae-myung to Attend Yeosu World Island Expo
    Mayor Min Hyung-bae Requests President Lee Jae-myung to Attend Yeosu World Island Expo Min Hyung-bae, the mayor of Jeonnam Gwangju Integrated Special City, officially requested President Lee Jae-myung to attend the opening ceremony of the 2026 Yeosu World Island Expo. With just 25 days until the event, he urged government departments and affiliated organizations to actively engage in ensuring the expo's success. Mayor Min attended the 35th State Council meeting at the Government Sejong Center on August 11, where he outlined the preparations for the 2026 Yeosu World Island Expo and emphasized the need for government support. "The Yeosu World Island Expo is the first international event since the establishment of Jeonnam Gwangju Integrated Special City and the first expo in the world focused on 'islands,'" he said. "It will be an opportunity to share the ecological, historical, and cultural values of islands and their growth potential with the world, presenting a blueprint for sustainable island development." He specifically requested President Lee's presence at the opening ceremony, stating, "This expo will showcase the future of Korea's islands and marine sector to the world. If the President attends, it will clearly demonstrate our national commitment to becoming a maritime powerhouse." He added, "It will also serve as a great encouragement to the citizens of Yeosu, who are facing difficulties due to the downturn in the petrochemical industry." Before Mayor Min's remarks, President Lee and the State Council members watched a promotional video for the Yeosu World Island Expo. Mayor Min also called for participation from government departments and affiliated organizations. He noted, "With government support, the facilities and exhibition preparations at the venue have been completed, and transportation and safety measures for visitors have been established. We will reassess the safety of facilities and overall event operations before the opening." He urged, "I hope each department and affiliated organization will take an interest and come to Yeosu to participate." The 2026 Yeosu World Island Expo will take place from September 5 to November 4 in Yeosu. As the opening approaches, Jeonnam Gwangju Integrated Special City is finalizing preparations for the venue and exhibitions, including enhancing KTX services and finalizing safety management measures. During the State Council meeting, Mayor Min also proposed expanding training for professionals in artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the public sector's capabilities. He suggested that the Ministry of the Interior and Safety expand its 'AI and Data Utilization Professional Training Program' to enable civil servants with administrative experience to develop and apply AI-based administrative systems in the field. Mayor Min emphasized, "While hiring private developers is necessary, it is crucial to educate and utilize employees who understand the actual administrative processes and content." He highlighted the need for nurturing talent that combines administrative experience with AI technology by sharing examples of 7th-grade civil servants who developed systems like 'AI Yeobimon' and 'Contract Support System through Negotiation' after completing the training program. As the Yeosu World Island Expo will be the first international event since its establishment, Jeonnam Gwangju Integrated Special City plans to continue final checks on transportation, safety, facilities, and overall event operations in the remaining time.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-11 18:28:00
  • Democratic Party Approves Light Revolution Charter Amendments with 98.06% Support
    Democratic Party Approves 'Light Revolution' Charter Amendments with 98.06% Support The Democratic Party has passed amendments to its charter that explicitly state the historical significance of the 'Light Revolution' and ensure fairness in the composition of delegates.On August 11, the party announced the results of the Central Committee vote held at the National Assembly, approving both the charter and party constitution amendments.In the charter amendment vote, 456 out of 465 participants voted in favor, resulting in a support rate of 98.06%, with 9 votes against.The party constitution amendment also passed with a 96.99% approval rate. Of the 465 voters, 351 supported the amendment while 14 opposed it.The approved charter amendment maintains the party's core values while reflecting the governance standards of the Lee Jae-myung administration. Yoo Dong-soo, the party's secretary-general, stated that the amendment aims to honor the spirit of the great citizens who defended the constitutional order during the 12.3 insurrection and to highlight the historical significance of the 'Light Revolution' in the charter's preamble.He further emphasized a commitment to a robust democracy defined by popular sovereignty, advocating for proactive labor market policies in the areas of economy, jobs, and labor, and pledging to harmonize economic growth with job security. Additionally, the charter amendment includes provisions to ensure youth participation in addressing youth issues and outlines a vision for regional balanced development, scientific technology, and educational innovation in line with the era of artificial intelligence.The party constitution amendment modifies the process for recommending delegates to ensure fairness and representation, allowing recommended delegates to be selected from party members with voting rights for public and party office elections.It also stipulates that the party affairs committee will ultimately decide on strategic regions and adjusts the voting ratio for the election of provincial party chairs to align with the one-person, one-vote system. Furthermore, the name of the social economy committee will be changed to the social solidarity economy committee to align with government policy directions.Earlier that day, the Democratic Party convened the Central Committee at the National Assembly to present the charter and party constitution amendments. Song Ok-joo, the vice chair of the Central Committee, encouraged committee members to vote, stating, "The charter and constitution are commitments to clarify what the Democratic Party aims for and the principles and values it will uphold in serving the public and party members."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-11 18:24:00
  • Lotte Sells 1.3 Trillion Won Stake in Lotte Rental to TPG Amid Restructuring
    Lotte Sells 1.3 Trillion Won Stake in Lotte Rental to TPG Amid Restructuring Lotte has agreed to sell its management stake in Lotte Rental to global private equity firm TPG for 1.31 trillion won. This move is expected to accelerate the group's portfolio restructuring.On August 11, Lotte announced it had signed a contract with TPG for the sale of its entire 61.2% stake in Lotte Rental, which is held by Hotel Lotte and Busan Lotte Hotel. Hotel Lotte owns 38.1% of the shares, while Busan Lotte Hotel holds 23.0%. The sale price is set at 59,000 won per share, totaling 1.31 trillion won.Previously, Lotte had been negotiating with multiple potential buyers after its contract with the previous buyer, Affinity, ended in May. The company selected TPG as the final acquirer after a comprehensive review of the proposed corporate value, acquisition structure, employment guarantees, transaction completion likelihood, and funding capabilities.TPG plans to enhance Lotte Rental's competitiveness and corporate value based on its investment experience in global mobility companies like Uber.Lotte intends to use the proceeds from the sale to improve the financial health of Hotel Lotte and Busan Lotte Hotel and to invest in its core hotel business. With the increase in foreign tourist arrivals, the company aims to secure investment capacity to strengthen its global competitiveness.The group also plans to pursue further business restructuring. Lotte has already begun asset efficiency efforts, including the sale of its subsidiary Lotte Energy Materials, Lotte Eco-Wall, in May, and Lotte Chemical has achieved a turnaround to profitability through production optimization.A Lotte official stated, "We selected the acquirer after considering market conditions and our mid- to long-term growth strategy. We will focus more on strengthening the core business's fundamental competitiveness and enhancing our business portfolio."The transaction is expected to be finalized after receiving approval from the Fair Trade Commission for the business combination.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-11 18:20:10