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  • Trump Reduces Recommended Childhood Vaccines from 18 to 11, Excluding Flu and COVID-19
    Trump Reduces Recommended Childhood Vaccines from 18 to 11, Excluding Flu and COVID-19 President Donald Trump has signed an executive order reducing the number of vaccines recommended for all children from 18 to 11. The new guidelines exclude flu, COVID-19, and hepatitis A and B, allowing vaccination decisions to be made based on a child's health status and risk of infection.According to the White House on August 10, the diseases for which vaccination is now recommended include measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), pneumococcal disease, human papillomavirus (HPV), and varicella.The White House explained that while the CDC had recommended vaccinations or preventive measures for 18 diseases as of 2024, this number has now been reduced to 11. At that time, the CDC also recommended vaccinations for 17 diseases and antibody treatments for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).Vaccinations for hepatitis A and B, as well as RSV and meningococcal infections, will now be administered based on the risk of infection among children. Vaccines for flu and COVID-19 will not be universally recommended; instead, doctors and guardians will assess the child's condition to determine vaccination.The vaccination approach will also change. Instead of the combined MMR vaccine for measles, mumps, and rubella, each vaccine will be administered separately at different times. Other vaccines will also be recommended to be given separately rather than in combination.However, the separate administration of the MMR vaccine cannot be implemented immediately, as single vaccines for measles, mumps, and rubella are not currently available in the U.S. The executive order stipulates that separate vaccinations will be conducted once single vaccines are supplied, and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is tasked with coordinating supply with pharmaceutical companies.During the signing ceremony, President Trump reiterated concerns that increased vaccination rates may be linked to rising autism rates. He stated, “The number and types of vaccines children receive have significantly increased compared to the past,” arguing for the need to space out vaccinations.However, the U.S. medical and scientific communities report that there is no credible scientific evidence supporting claims that vaccines cause autism. In fact, there are concerns that longer intervals between vaccinations could delay or miss immunizations, increasing children's exposure to infectious diseases.This executive order does not immediately change vaccination standards across the U.S. The authority to mandate vaccinations for school entry lies with state governments, not the federal government.Legal issues also remain. The Trump administration had previously reduced the CDC's childhood vaccination recommendations in January, but medical organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, filed lawsuits, and a federal court temporarily suspended the revised guidelines in March. Additional lawsuits regarding this executive order are also likely.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-11 13:28:00
  • Damyang County Urges Management to Reduce Heat Stress for Strawberry Production
    Damyang County Urges Management to Reduce Heat Stress for Strawberry Production Damyang County in Gwangju is urging farmers to manage heat stress as extreme heat and humid weather continue, raising concerns about damage to strawberry seedlings.August is a critical month for producing high-quality strawberry seedlings and for the differentiation of flower buds, which is essential for future production.Given that the growth conditions during this period significantly impact the quantity and quality of strawberry production, careful management to reduce heat stress is necessary.The Damyang Agricultural Technology Center is providing on-site technical support to farmers, advising on shading and ventilation in greenhouses, appropriate irrigation, balanced nutrient management, and pest and disease prevention.On days when heat advisories are in effect, farmers are encouraged to work during the cooler early morning or evening hours and to avoid working in greenhouses during the hottest part of the day to prevent heat-related illnesses.Park Hong-young, head of the Damyang Agricultural Technology Center, stated, “I hope farmers pay special attention to basic management practices such as shading and ventilation in strawberry greenhouses, appropriate irrigation and nutrient management, and pest and disease prevention throughout August.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-11 13:28:00
  • 2027 College Entrance Exam Registration Begins on 24th: Online Pre-Input Required
    2027 College Entrance Exam Registration Begins on 24th: Online Pre-Input Required The Ministry of Education announced on August 11 that registration for the 2027 College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT) will begin on August 24 at 85 education support offices and high schools nationwide.To enhance convenience for test-takers, an online pre-input system will be available. However, candidates must visit the registration site in person for identity verification to complete their registration, requiring careful attention from applicants. Registration for the CSAT will be conducted through online pre-input and in-person registration. In-person registration will take place daily from August 24 to September 4, excluding weekends, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The online pre-input system, designed to reduce the hassle of the registration process, will be operational from 9 a.m. on August 20 until 6 p.m. on September 3. During this period, candidates can access the system 24/7 to enter their exam information. Additionally, the payment method for exam fees has been improved this year. Fees can be paid via credit card, virtual accounts, or mobile payments at both the online pre-input system and in-person registration sites. However, cash payments will not be accepted on-site. It is crucial to note that even after completing the online pre-input, candidates must visit the registration site to undergo identity verification with an ID and receive a 'registration receipt' to finalize their application. Those who find it difficult to use the online system or need to submit supporting documents, including foreigners, should bring the necessary paperwork to the registration site directly. For current students, registration will be conducted at their respective high schools, while graduates should register at their former high schools. However, if a graduate's current registered address differs from the location of their former high school, they may register at the education support office corresponding to their current address. Those who passed the high school equivalency exam can also register at their local education support office. Candidates must register in person, and proxy registration is only permitted for individuals with unavoidable circumstances, such as long-term hospitalization, military service, incarceration, or those residing abroad on the registration date, provided they have received approval from the local education superintendent. When visiting the registration site, candidates must bring an ID for verification along with two recent passport-sized photos (3.5 cm x 4.5 cm) taken within the last six months. A Ministry of Education official stated, "After the in-person registration deadline, no additional registrations or modifications to applications will be allowed. Candidates must carefully verify all information during the designated registration period to avoid any disadvantages."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-11 13:24:00
  • Alteogen Shares Plummet 7% After Seven Days of Gains
    Alteogen Shares Plummet 7% After Seven Days of Gains Alteogen's stock has reversed course after seven consecutive days of gains. The recent sharp rise in share price appears to have triggered profit-taking.As of 1:13 PM on the Korea Exchange, Alteogen shares were trading at 323,000 won, down 25,000 won (7.18%) from the previous trading day.From July 31 to August 10, Alteogen's stock rose for seven straight trading days. The share price increased from 308,500 won on July 31 to 347,000 won on August 4, before adjusting to 277,000 won on August 5 due to the impact of a rights offering. The stock then rebounded to 293,500 won on August 6, 305,000 won on August 7, and reached 348,000 won on August 10, surging 14.10% in just one day.On August 7, Alteogen announced its preliminary results, reporting consolidated revenue of 140.5 billion won, operating profit of 73.5 billion won, and net profit of 101.3 billion won for the first half of the year. Compared to the same period last year, revenue increased by 37%, operating profit by 21%, and net profit by 108%. Analysts note that Alteogen's growth is driven by recurring revenue from commercial product sales, beyond one-time technology fees. Daishin Securities raised its target price for Alteogen by 6.6% to 410,000 won while maintaining a 'buy' rating.Additionally, BlackRock is reported to hold a 5% stake in Alteogen, which has heightened expectations of interest from global institutional investors. However, the recent surge in stock price has led to increased profit-taking pressure, contributing to today's decline.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-11 13:24:00
  • NHN Shares Surge Over 14% Following Strong Q2 Earnings Report
    NHN Shares Surge Over 14% Following Strong Q2 Earnings Report NHN's shares surged over 14% during trading after the company reported second-quarter results that exceeded market expectations.As of 12:41 PM on August 11, NHN's stock was trading at 47,900 won, up 6,150 won (14.73%) from the previous trading day. The stock opened at 51,400 won and reached a high of 51,500 won during the session, before giving back some gains but still maintaining a strong performance.The stock's rise is attributed to an 'earnings surprise' announced before the market opened. NHN reported a consolidated operating profit of 57.9 billion won for the second quarter of this year, a 164% increase compared to the same period last year. Revenue for the same period was 757.9 billion won, up 25.3% year-on-year, while net profit rose to 29.1 billion won, a 159% increase.The improvement in performance was driven by growth in its core payment and technology sectors. Revenue from the payment segment, which includes Payco and KCP, reached 394 billion won, a 27.3% increase from the previous year. The technology segment, which includes AI cloud services, also saw revenue rise to 159.8 billion won, marking a 52.9% increase.Additionally, the gaming segment reported revenue of 139.6 billion won, driven by growth in both mobile and PC online gaming, representing a 21.5% increase compared to the same period last year.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-11 13:20:00
  • Naju City Achieves A Grade in Renewable Energy Support Project
    Naju City Achieves 'A' Grade in Renewable Energy Support Project Naju City in Gwangju has achieved an 'A' grade in the public evaluation of the '2027 Renewable Energy Support Project,' placing it in the top 10% nationwide.The city's project plan, based on its experience in renewable energy distribution and citizen-focused energy policies, received high marks in a national assessment.The evaluation was conducted by the Ministry of Climate and Energy and the Korea Energy Agency.According to Naju City, these agencies assessed the feasibility of project plans, implementation systems, distribution effects, project management, and post-management plans for 173 local governments participating nationwide.Naju aims to be a leading energy hub city in South Korea, where public institutions and research and educational organizations in the energy sector are concentrated. The city is committed to policies that allow citizens to directly experience the benefits of energy transition.Since 2020, Naju has steadily promoted renewable energy distribution projects, installing solar and thermal energy systems in over 3,200 locations, amounting to 23.9 billion won, thereby expanding the foundation for energy transition in daily life.Building on this experience and capability, Naju plans to implement the '2027 Renewable Energy Support Project,' which will distribute renewable energy systems to a total of 486 locations, including 417 solar, 55 thermal, and 14 geothermal sites.The focus is on expanding the distribution of renewable energy systems in everyday spaces used by citizens, such as homes, buildings, and public bathhouses.Additionally, Naju has proposed a model for energy transition that connects energy production and utilization, creating a virtuous cycle that can lead to reduced energy costs for residents and revitalization of the local economy.The project plan and the city's ongoing achievements in renewable energy distribution and systematic project management received high evaluations, resulting in the A grade.Naju City plans to continue the support project next year without interruption, aiming to expand renewable energy distribution linked to the region's energy infrastructure and characteristics, while continuously enhancing the foundation for energy transition that citizens can feel.Yoon Byeong-tae, the mayor of Naju City, stated, “We will continue to increase the distribution of renewable energy, creating a sustainable energy-specialized city where citizens can produce, save, and benefit from energy.” 2026-08-11 12:56:00
  • New Regulations Set Distance Limits for Solar and Wind Energy Installations
    New Regulations Set Distance Limits for Solar and Wind Energy Installations The South Korean government is establishing nationwide distance regulations for solar and wind energy installations, which have varied significantly by region. Solar installations must now be set back a maximum of 200 meters from residential areas, while wind turbines cannot exceed a distance of 1.5 kilometers. Local governments currently enforcing stricter regulations will need to amend their ordinances.The Ministry of Climate, Energy, and Environment announced on August 11 that a partial amendment to the Enforcement Decree of the Act on the Promotion of Development, Use, and Distribution of New and Renewable Energy was approved during a Cabinet meeting. This new regulation will take effect on September 18, aligning with the revised Renewable Energy Act passed in March.A key change in this amendment is the establishment of a national upper limit for the distances that local governments can set for renewable energy installations. Currently, 129 out of 228 local governments have regulations in place, with distances for solar ranging from 100 to 1,000 meters and for wind from 100 to 2,000 meters, leading to significant discrepancies based on location.This inconsistency has made it difficult for developers to assess the feasibility of projects and has limited available sites for renewable energy facilities. The government's decision to set a national maximum aims to address these issues.Under the new decree, if local governments set distance regulations for solar installations, they cannot exceed 200 meters from residential areas with five or more homes. Regulations based on road proximity for solar installations are prohibited.For example, if a local government currently requires solar installations to be at least 300 meters from residential areas, it will need to revise this to comply with the new 200-meter limit. Conversely, areas already adhering to a 100-meter distance will not need to change their ordinances.Wind energy regulations allow local governments to set distances of up to 1,500 meters from residential areas and 500 meters from roads, ensuring a minimum distance equal to twice the height of the wind turbine for safety.Not all renewable energy installations are subject to these distance regulations. Community-participation projects, rooftop solar installations, and self-consumption solar systems are exempt.The government aims to promote community participation in renewable energy projects and enhance local acceptance of renewable energy initiatives.Officials emphasized that the newly established distances are not rigid requirements but rather upper limits that local governments must not exceed when creating their regulations. Shorter distances can still be applied.As a result, local governments with stricter existing ordinances are expected to revise them. The Ministry of Climate plans to hold briefings for local governments to ensure necessary amendments are made before the law takes effect on September 18.The legal framework for renewable energy is also changing. Previously, new energy and renewable energy were governed under a single law, but they will now be separated into the 'Act on the Promotion of Development, Use, and Distribution of Renewable Energy' and the 'Hydrogen Economy Promotion and Hydrogen Safety Management Act.' Corresponding enforcement decrees will also be separated and revised.Lee Kyung-soo, Director of Renewable Energy Policy at the Ministry of Climate, stated, "This amendment establishes a national upper limit for distances that varied by region, enhancing predictability for renewable energy projects while considering community acceptance. We will continue to communicate with local governments to ensure the system is effectively implemented and contributes to the expansion of renewable energy supply."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-11 12:48:00
  • Hanwha Moves to Acquire Austal USA to Enhance MASGA Project Competitiveness
    Hanwha Moves to Acquire Austal USA to Enhance MASGA Project Competitiveness Hanwha is actively pursuing the acquisition of Austal's U.S. division, Austal USA, a move aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of its MASGA project. Austal announced on August 11 that it received a non-binding conditional proposal from Hanwha Defense USA to acquire the business and operational organization of Austal USA. The proposed acquisition amount is reported to be between $1.05 billion and $1.2 billion, reflecting the valuation of Austal USA without cash or debt.The scope of the acquisition is limited to the U.S. shipyard of Austal USA and does not include the publicly listed shares of the Australian headquarters or its core shipbuilding operations in Australia and Asia.The Austal board has approved providing Hanwha with a four-week due diligence opportunity to develop a more specific and definitive proposal. However, the process still requires approval from the U.S. government and the formal signing of contracts.To date, Austal USA has delivered 34 vessels to the U.S. Navy and has been involved in the construction of Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) and Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) vessels. In 2022, it also produced modules for nuclear-powered submarines and continues to manufacture towing, rescue, and salvage vessels, as well as landing craft and coastal patrol boats for the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard.Hanwha stated, "Our top priority is to significantly contribute to the revitalization of the U.S. shipbuilding industry," adding that it is exploring various options to expand its business base in the U.S.Additionally, Hanwha secured a 19.9% stake in Austal last year for approximately 330 billion won, becoming the largest shareholder. If the acquisition proceeds, Hanwha will establish its second shipyard presence in the U.S., following its facility in the Philippines.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-11 12:16:00
  • Computer Proficiency Certification Remains Top Qualification for New Hires at Major Firms
    Computer Proficiency Certification Remains Top Qualification for New Hires at Major Firms Among the new hires at South Korea's top 500 listed companies, the most commonly held national technical qualifications are the Computer Proficiency Certifications (CPC), indicating the continued importance of data-driven work skills in the corporate environment.A survey conducted by the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) based on data from the Korea Employment Information Service revealed that out of 23,055 young job seekers with national technical qualifications, 9,780 (42.4%) obtained one of the 11 types of qualifications administered by KCCI. In terms of individual categories, the first and second places were held by Level 1 CPC (5,473 individuals) and Level 2 CPC (3,967 individuals), respectively, with a gap of more than double compared to the third place, which was the forklift operator certification (1,891 individuals).The CPC exam assesses the ability to handle office administration and practical data processing using spreadsheets and databases. It goes beyond basic program functionalities to comprehensively evaluate practical skills in systematically sorting, validating, refining, and extracting vast amounts of data according to specific conditions.The survey was based on the qualification acquisition status of 65,743 young individuals aged 18 to 34 who joined the top 500 listed companies in 2024, ranked by net profit.This strong demand is also evident in a long-term trend analysis over the past decade. Excluding the temporary surge in applicants during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020-2021), a comparison of the average number of applicants for written exams before (2016-2019) and after (2022-2025) the pandemic showed that the number of Level 1 CPC applicants increased from an average of 149,000 to 184,000, a rise of 23.4%. Similarly, Level 2 applicants grew from 180,000 to 219,000, marking a 21.3% increase during the same period.KCCI explained that the steady demand for CPC amid the rise of AI is due to the fact that data insight and foundational skills significantly influence the effectiveness of AI utilization. In real work environments, the ability to correctly structure and validate data is essential.A 27-year-old employee, identified as Kim, stated, "When I was preparing for employment, there was a strong atmosphere that CPC was essential, so I obtained it. Even after joining the company, I find it useful in my work, and I realize that even when using AI, a verification process is necessary."Starting in 2027, the new written exam standards will focus on verifying the technical understanding required to effectively utilize AI in practical settings, going beyond simple office knowledge. Specifically, new questions will cover topics such as the principles and learning concepts of AI, examples of AI applications, and the limitations and precautions associated with AI.Jung Dong-yeol, a professor at Korea University of Technology and Education and vice president of the Korean Association for Vocational Qualifications, emphasized, "No matter how advanced AI becomes, the insight to determine whether the underlying data is structured correctly and whether the flow is logical remains a human responsibility. The Computer Proficiency Certification proves foundational data insight that AI cannot replace."Kim Ki-soo, head of KCCI's Qualification Evaluation Division, stated, "This analysis confirms that CPC is the most commonly held national technical qualification among young individuals newly hired by the top 500 listed companies. KCCI will continue to improve the CPC to accurately assess the practical skills required in the evolving industrial and work environments."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-11 12:04:10
  • KFTC Fines LF Networks 420 Million Won for Shifting Promotion Costs to Suppliers
    KFTC Fines LF Networks 420 Million Won for Shifting Promotion Costs to Suppliers LF Networks, which operates the LF Square shopping mall, has been penalized by the Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) for improperly shifting promotion costs to suppliers and demanding sales data from competitors. On August 11, the KFTC announced that it imposed a corrective order and a fine of 418 million won on LF Networks for transferring promotion costs without a valid written agreement and requesting sensitive business information from suppliers regarding sales at competing stores. LF Networks operates four locations, including in Incheon and Yangju. According to the KFTC's investigation, LF Networks conducted 29 promotional events with suppliers from December 2022 to December 2024, issuing incomplete agreements that lacked specific product details and signatures. During this process, LF Networks shifted a total of 58.61 million won in promotion costs to 174 suppliers. The KFTC determined that this constituted a violation of the Large-Scale Distribution Business Act, which requires specific agreements on product items and event durations to be signed by both parties before conducting promotional events. Additionally, LF Networks was found to have requested sensitive business information, including sales figures and distribution fees for products sold at nearby department stores, from 47 suppliers between July 2022 and October 2025. This request violated legal provisions designed to prevent the misuse of sensitive business information in unfair trading practices. As a result, the KFTC issued a prohibition order and notification order along with the fine of 418 million won. A KFTC official stated, "The actions of large-scale distributors shifting promotion costs and demanding business information without proper agreements are serious legal violations. This will serve as a wake-up call. We will continue to monitor and take strict action against unfair trading practices targeting suppliers."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-11 12:04:10