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POSCO Challenges Japan's Anti-Dumping Tariffs on Korean Steel Products POSCO has submitted a rebuttal to the Japanese government, which has decided to impose preliminary anti-dumping tariffs of 20% to 30% on Korean steel products. According to industry sources, POSCO filed the rebuttal with Japan's Ministry of Finance on August 7, arguing that the tariffs on Korean hot-dip galvanized steel and plates are excessive.Galvanized steel plates account for about 25% of South Korea's steel exports to Japan. With exports to Japan decreasing to 359,000 tons in the first half of this year, the imposition of these preliminary tariffs is expected to further dampen trade.POSCO reportedly included data from its previous responses, on-site inspections, and references to the World Trade Organization (WTO) anti-dumping agreement and case law in its submission.On July 24, Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry announced preliminary anti-dumping rulings against Korean galvanized steel plates, imposing tariffs ranging from 32.49% to 42.69% on companies including POSCO, KG Steel, Dongkuk Steel Mill, and SeAH Steel. The rationale was that Korean and Chinese hot-dip galvanized steel and plates were being sold at unfairly low prices, harming Japan's domestic industry.The Japanese government determined that the dumping margin for Korean products ranges from 32.49% to 42.69%, leading to the decision to impose preliminary anti-dumping tariffs. POSCO faces a tariff of 29.2%, while KG Steel and other companies face rates as high as 38%.This measure is in effect from August 8 until December 7, after which a final decision will be made. A POSCO official stated, "We submitted detailed clarifications based on factual evidence and the WTO anti-dumping agreement, and we hope the margin rates will be adjusted accordingly."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-11 09:16:10 -
Byun Yo-han, Ahn Jae-hong, and Ha Yoon-kyung's 'Day Without a Hand' Wraps Filming The film 'Day Without a Hand' wrapped filming at the end of July.'Day Without a Hand' follows Woo-jin, who experiences strange occurrences as he prepares to move into a new home on an auspicious day. He meets a shaman, Tae-joo, who insists that he must receive a divine revelation.The production team stated, "Byun Yo-han, Ahn Jae-hong, and Ha Yoon-kyung fully immersed themselves in their characters, showcasing overwhelming synergy." They added that Director Heo Jung and the staff worked closely to enhance the film's quality.In the film, Byun Yo-han plays Tae-joo, a skilled shaman and disciple of a master, serving as the central figure of the story.After completing filming, Byun Yo-han expressed, "Reading the script ignited a sense of challenge within me as an actor. I hope audiences will experience a range of emotions and enjoy the film, which was created with the collective effort of many talented actors and staff."Ahn Jae-hong portrays Woo-jin, a realistic lawyer who only believes in what he can see. He remarked, "The set was truly exhilarating. I felt the energy of the entire staff coming together as one throughout the shoot. I expect a dense and impactful film to emerge from this experience."Ha Yoon-kyung plays Hee-yeon, Woo-jin's wife and the catalyst for the strange events. She shared, "Thanks to the consideration of the wonderful actors, director, and staff, I was able to enjoy the filming process. I believe this will be a memorable work for a long time. I hope audiences look forward to the intriguing story of 'Day Without a Hand.'"The production team also released a first-look still, featuring a close-up of a calendar marked with 'Day Without a Hand' in a red circle, piquing viewers' curiosity. The still captures the familiar yet ominous essence of 'Day Without a Hand,' hinting at the film's mysterious and chilling atmosphere.Directed by Heo Jung, known for blending everyday horror with psychological thrillers in works like 'Hide and Seek' and 'Jangsanbeom,' 'Day Without a Hand' is anticipated to deliver a gripping suspense that intertwines the ordinary with the bizarre, as it explores the strange events that unfold in the lead-up to a move.'Day Without a Hand' is set to undergo post-production before its release to audiences.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-11 09:16:00
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August Exports Reach Record $21.3 Billion, Driven by Semiconductors 반도체 활황에 힘입어 이달 초 수출이 지난해 같은 기간보다 45% 넘게 증가하며 8월 기준 역대 최대 기록을 새로 썼다. 반도체 수출은 약 100억 달러로 불어나 전체 수출의 절반 가까이를 차지했다.11일 관세청에 따르면 이달 1∼10일 수출액은 212억8600만 달러로 지난해 같은 기간보다 45.3% 증가했다. 8월 1∼10일 기준 역대 최대치로, 종전 최고였던 2022년 8월의 156억 달러를 넘어섰다.조업일수는 7.0일로 지난해 같은 기간과 동일했다. 이에 따라 일평균 수출액도 30억4000만 달러로 45.3% 늘었다.품목별로는 반도체 수출이 99억5200만 달러로 전년 동기 대비 155.4% 증가했다. 지난해 같은 기간의 약 2.6배로, 8월 1∼10일 기준 역대 최대 규모다. 전체 수출에서 반도체가 차지하는 비중은 46.8%로 1년 전보다 20.1%포인트 상승했다.석유제품 수출도 19억9700만 달러로 65.3% 증가했고 컴퓨터 주변기기는 5억8700만 달러로 139.5% 늘었다. 철강제품은 4.3% 증가했다.반면 승용차 수출은 1억8200만 달러로 80.9% 급감했다. 선박(-58.2%), 자동차부품(-36.3%), 무선통신기기(-9.1%), 가전제품(-9.0%) 등도 감소했다.국가별로 보면 중국 수출이 67억4600만 달러로 134.8% 급증했다. 베트남(45.4%), 홍콩(259.4%), 유럽연합(EU·57.2%), 일본(20.3%), 인도(28.9%) 등으로의 수출도 늘었다.미국 수출은 20억4500만 달러로 0.2% 감소했다. 대만(-4.4%)과 싱가포르(-70.7%)로의 수출도 줄었다. 중국·베트남·미국 등 상위 3개국이 전체 수출에서 차지하는 비중은 52.5%였다.같은 기간 수입액은 194억8800만 달러로 지난해 같은 기간보다 23.1% 증가했다.반도체 수입이 90.8% 증가했고 반도체 제조장비도 77.3% 늘었다. 기계류(25.4%), 승용차(36.5%), 무선통신기기(58.2%) 등의 수입도 증가했다.반면 원유 수입은 16.9%, 가스는 10.0% 각각 감소했다. 원유·가스·석탄을 합한 에너지 수입액은 13.8% 줄었다.국가별 수입은 중국(48.3%), 미국(38.2%), 일본(47.3%), EU(15.9%), 대만(70.4%) 등에서 늘었다. 사우디아라비아(-37.7%), 호주(-11.0%), 러시아(-16.1%) 등에서는 감소했다.수출이 수입을 웃돌면서 무역수지는 17억9800만 달러 흑자를 기록했다. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-11 09:16:00
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Han Yuwon Announces Second Round of Public Institution Support for Technology Development Products The Korea Small Business and Startups Agency announced on the 11th that it will accept applications for the second round of the 'Public Institution Support Project for Technology Development Products' until the 24th.This initiative aims to assist technology-driven small and medium enterprises, including startups, in establishing a foundation for entering public procurement and private markets by providing support for field verification costs.Eligible applicants include small and medium enterprises that possess certification for 12 technology development products and cooperative products.Notably, the second round will grant an additional 2 points to startups with less than seven years of experience in entering the public market. This measure is designed to support the entry of early-stage startups into public markets and help establish a stable growth foundation.Applications can be submitted through the public procurement comprehensive information network application page.Lee Tae-sik, CEO of Han Yuwon, stated, "We will ensure that the demonstration support project provides substantial assistance to various small and medium enterprises, including startups."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-11 09:16:00
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Massive blaze hits hazardous chemical warehouse in Pyeongtaek, no casualities SEOUL, August 11 (AJP) - No casualties were reported after a massive fire tore through a hazardous-chemical warehouse in Pyeongtaek early Tuesday, with firefighters bringing the main blaze under control in about five hours while the extent of property and chemical damage remained unclear. The fire broke out at 12:03 a.m. at PJK's Pyeongtaek No. 1 Center in Cheongbuk-eup, Pyeongtaek, about 70 kilometers south of Seoul, according to the Gyeonggi Fire and Disaster Headquarters. The warehouse where the fire started contained about 1.91 million liters of chemicals, including around 100 types of Class 4 hazardous materials — a category covering highly flammable liquids such as petroleum products, alcohols and other combustible chemicals. Fire authorities said no casualties had been confirmed as of Tuesday morning. The blaze prompted one of the country's highest levels of emergency firefighting mobilization because of concerns that flames could spread through the chemical storage complex. Authorities raised their response to Level 1 at 1:32 a.m. and Level 2 at 2:40 a.m. before issuing a national fire mobilization order at 3:39 a.m. Fire engines, water tankers and chemical-response vehicles were dispatched from neighboring Chungcheong provinces, Sejong and Daejeon. A total of 95 vehicles and 238 personnel were deployed to the scene. The main fire was brought under control at around 5:16 a.m., prompting authorities to lower the emergency response from Level 2 to Level 1. The national mobilization order remained in place as firefighters guarded against the possibility of the blaze flaring up again. The warehouse directly affected by the fire has a floor area of about 937 square meters. It forms part of a much larger specialized logistics complex operated by PJK. According to company information, the Pyeongtaek No. 1 Center occupies a 26,793-square-meter site with total floor space of about 9,214 square meters. It consists of six warehouse buildings and one management building. The warehouses are equipped for frozen, refrigerated, temperature-controlled and humidity-controlled storage of hazardous materials and regulated chemicals. PJK specializes in the storage and transportation of dangerous goods, hazardous chemicals and materials used in the rechargeable-battery industry. Company materials show that its logistics business has handled products ranging from finished electric-vehicle and energy-storage-system batteries to cathode and precursor materials, lithium hydroxide, lithium carbonate and nickel sulfate. In a company post describing its nickel sulfate logistics operation, PJK said the material is used in applications including battery cathode production and that it provides both storage and transportation services for it. PJK has also described the Pyeongtaek operation as a top-tier facility under Korea's Chemical Accident Prevention Management Plan. In a May 2025 company posting, it said the facility had permits covering 359 chemical substances. The company also obtained authorization from Pyeongtaek Customs in 2025 to operate a bonded area of about 2,678 square meters, allowing hazardous materials and chemicals to be stored as part of import and export logistics. That combination has made the site an important specialized warehouse for chemicals and battery-related cargo rather than a conventional distribution center. Fire authorities, however, had not confirmed whether rechargeable batteries, battery materials or specific substances such as nickel sulfate were actually stored inside the warehouse that caught fire Tuesday. PJK's ability to handle those products does not establish that they were involved in the blaze. Pyeongtaek city sent emergency alerts urging nearby residents to keep windows closed and avoid going outdoors because of the fire and smoke, while motorists were advised to stay away from the area. Interior and Safety Minister Yun Ho-jung ordered fire, police and local authorities to mobilize available personnel and equipment, protect firefighters working at the scene and prevent secondary damage to nearby residents and businesses. Authorities were continuing firefighting and safety operations Tuesday morning. The precise cause of the fire, the amount of chemicals destroyed or damaged and the resulting property losses will be investigated after the blaze is fully extinguished. 2026-08-11 09:14:14 -
12% of Wage Workers Earn Below Minimum Wage, Many Are Women and Non-Regular Workers A recent report reveals that 12% of wage workers in South Korea earn less than the minimum wage. The data indicates a higher prevalence among temporary workers, with a significant proportion being women.According to the Minimum Wage Commission's '2026 Minimum Wage Review Manual' released on August 11, the number of workers earning below the minimum wage last year was 2.769 million, accounting for 12.4% of the total wage workforce of 22.413 million.Over the past decade, the percentage of workers earning below the minimum wage rose until 2019, then began to decline, fluctuating since 2021.The number of workers earning below the minimum wage by year includes 3.215 million (15.3%) in 2021, 2.756 million (12.7%) in 2022, 3.011 million (13.7%) in 2023, 2.761 million (12.5%) in 2024, and 2.769 million (12.4%) in 2025.The proportion of workers earning below the minimum wage was higher in smaller businesses and among unstable employment types. Last year, 30.3% of workers in microbusinesses with 1 to 4 employees earned below the minimum wage, while 17.6% of those in businesses with 5 to 9 employees also fell below this threshold.In contrast, only 1.8% of workers in businesses with over 300 employees earned less than the minimum wage. Among employment types, temporary workers (38.5%) and daily workers (32.0%) had higher rates of earning below the minimum wage, while regular workers stood at 3.6%.Gender disparities were also evident, with 9.0% of men and 16.2% of women earning below the minimum wage.Age and education level disparities were pronounced as well. Nearly half (49.5%) of workers under 19 earned below the minimum wage, and 31.9% of those aged 60 and older also received less than the minimum wage.In terms of education, those with a high school diploma or less (22.5%) had a significantly higher rate of earning below the minimum wage compared to those with an associate degree (5.8%) or a bachelor's degree (4.3%).* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-11 09:12:10
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KOTRA and Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources Collaborate to Secure Key Minerals 한무역투자진흥공사(코트라)는 한국지질자원연구원(지자연)과 핵심광물 확보 및 공급선 다변화 협력에 나섰다고 11일 밝혔다. 양 측은 지난 10일 서울 코트라 본사에서 '핵심광물 분야 협력 강화를 위한 업무협약'을 체결했다.코트라가 운영 중인 해외 조직망 네트워크와 지자연의 자원개발 전문성을 결합해 해외에서의 핵심광물 확보 효과를 높이고, 국가 공급망 안보 확보에 기여한다는 방침이다. 협력 분야는 △핵심광물의 생산·수출·투자 및 해외 공급망 동향 정보 공유 △해외 자원개발 프로젝트 및 투자 정보 공유 △세미나·포럼·공동연구 △해외 정부·기관·기업과 ODA 등 협력 공동 추진 △기업의 공급망 애로 발굴 및 지원 협력이다. 이번 협약은 핵심광물 공급망 안정화를 위해서는 해외발 위기에 네트워크와 전문성을 결합해 대응하는 것이 필요하다는 양 기관 합의에 따라 추진됐다. 양 측은 협약 이행으로 공급망 위기 조기 대응 역량을 키우고, 해외 핵심광물 확보와 공급망 다변화를 위한 실질적 협력 사업 발굴도 계속해 나가기로 했다.강경성 코트라 사장은 "기술 패권 시대, 지정학적 불안과 자국 중심주의 확산으로 핵심광물 확보 중요성이 갈수록 커지고 있다"며 "한국지질자원연구원의 전문성과 코트라 해외 조직망을 결합해 핵심광물 확보 및 공급선 다변화에 최선을 다하겠다"고 말했다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-11 09:12:00
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Gwangju Mayor Welcomes President Yoon's Directive on Military Airport Site Utilization Gwangju Mayor Min Hyung-bae expressed his support on August 10 for President Yoon Suk Yeol's directive to temporarily utilize the Gwangju military airport by 2028.During the second joint inspection meeting for the mega project, Mayor Min stated, "A specific timeline for the early utilization of the Gwangju military airport site was presented today," adding, "The city of Gwangju welcomes this initiative along with its 3.2 million special citizens." He further noted, "The President urged that even before the temporary deployment, efforts should be made to commence construction of an industrial complex on nearby land," explaining, "It has become clear that we can expedite the use of the site in line with the urgent schedule for semiconductor investments, even before the entire process of relocating the military airport is completed." Mayor Min emphasized, "As the President highlighted, now is the time for a rapid offensive rather than just speed. The next year is a golden time, and the city of Gwangju will concentrate all its efforts." He also stated, "We will closely cooperate with the government, businesses, and relevant agencies to expedite the establishment of the industrial complex and the permitting process. We will ensure that the power and water supply infrastructure, which is crucial for the success of the semiconductor cluster, is in place without any disruptions." * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-11 09:08:00
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Colombia Earthquake Kills 111 Despite Depth of 100 km A magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck western Colombia has resulted in over 100 fatalities, raising questions about the significant damage caused despite the quake originating from a depth exceeding 100 kilometers.According to reports from the Associated Press and Reuters, the earthquake occurred at 7:34 a.m. local time on August 10 near San José del Palmar in Chocó province. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported the epicenter was at a depth of 107 kilometers, marking it as the strongest earthquake recorded in Colombia in the 21st century.At least 111 people have died, and 87 others have been injured. The Colombian government reported that approximately 1,600 buildings were damaged, with at least 61 completely collapsed. Areas such as Pereira, Cali, Chocó, and Manizales experienced significant destruction.Typically, earthquakes that occur at greater depths result in weaker surface shaking. The USGS explains that for earthquakes of the same magnitude, the shaking diminishes with distance from the epicenter, indicating that a quake at a depth of 500 kilometers would produce much less surface shaking than one at 20 kilometers.The depth of this earthquake, between 103 and 107 kilometers, is classified as a 'mid-depth earthquake' in seismology. The USGS categorizes earthquakes based on depth: shallow (0-70 km), mid-depth (70-300 km), and deep (300-700 km). Thus, this earthquake was considerably deeper than shallow earthquakes.Despite its depth, the earthquake's magnitude of 7.4 is cited as a primary reason for the extensive shaking experienced. Earthquake magnitude is measured on a logarithmic scale, and according to the USGS, an increase of 1 in magnitude results in a tenfold increase in the amplitude of seismic waves and approximately 32 times more energy released. This indicates that even with reduced surface shaking due to depth, the energy released by the earthquake was substantial.Susan Vanderleest, a seismologist at Northwestern University, noted that while the earthquake occurred at a significant depth, the large magnitude resulted in strong shaking. She suggested that the quake's size, its inland location, and the strike-slip fault movement may have contributed to the damage in densely populated valley areas.The impact of an earthquake is not determined solely by depth or magnitude. The USGS states that the intensity of shaking felt in a specific area can vary based on several factors, including the distance from the fault rupture, the direction of the rupture, and the geological conditions of the surface. This means that even the same earthquake can result in different levels of shaking and damage in different locations.Meanwhile, the Colombian Geological Survey reported that 21 aftershocks were recorded by late on August 10, with the possibility of additional aftershocks occurring.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-11 09:04:10
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Ecovacs Enhances Data Security System, Empowering User Control Ecovacs Robotics has officially announced its "2026 Data Security Innovation Plan," aimed at enhancing user control over data and improving customer service capabilities.According to Ecovacs on the 10th, the new security initiative significantly expands privacy protection features, allowing users to verify and control their data directly. The plan strengthens local network-based data communication, increasing the proportion of data processed within homes while minimizing cloud transmission.The safety of data throughout the process is also enhanced through encryption of communications and stored data between devices and the cloud, as well as improvements to the over-the-air (OTA) security update system.The "Ecovacs Product Security Center" will also officially open. The company has completed the establishment of a Software Bill of Materials (SBOM) system and the implementation of a Security Development Lifecycle (SDL) process.Ecovacs, which holds global certifications such as ISO 27001 and ISO 27701, plans to actively respond to the latest regulations, including the European Union's Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) and the AI Act.The convenience of purchasing and after-sales service will also be significantly enhanced. The company will support delivery and professional installation of key direct delivery products through Naver's "Hope Delivery" and Coupang's "Rocket Installation." For after-sales service, it will operate an integrated care service called "CareBot," providing diversified customer service channels, including on-site visits, in-store support, and GS25 convenience store delivery.An Ecovacs representative stated, "In the smart home era, data security capabilities are a core brand competitiveness. We will continue to strengthen security technologies and customer care services in line with global standards to provide a trustworthy and satisfying brand experience."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-11 09:04:10