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Seoul Education Office Proposes $9.1 Billion Budget for School Improvements The Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education has proposed a supplementary budget of 11.71 trillion won (approximately $9.1 billion) to address long-standing issues such as the renovation of aging restrooms, a priority for students and parents. This budget aims to maximize student safety and enhance educational welfare under the vision of 'Basic Education for All.' On August 10, the Seoul Education Office submitted the '2026 Second Supplementary Budget Proposal' to the Seoul City Council. The proposal is designed to immediately reflect the three core indicators of the recently announced Seoul Education Vision: 'Start with Precision,' 'Strengthen the Basics,' and 'Diverse Growth' in the upcoming school semester. The largest allocation of the budget, totaling 6.254 trillion won, is dedicated to creating a 'Safe and Comfortable Learning Environment.' Of this amount, 2.142 trillion won will be specifically invested in renovating restrooms at 230 schools, which have been identified as areas students tend to avoid. Additionally, 3.29 trillion won will be allocated for improving school environments, including heating and cooling systems and seismic reinforcements. Another 560 billion won will modernize aging cafeterias and cooking facilities, while 253 billion won will be used for minor safety facility repairs and the installation of intelligent CCTV systems. Furthermore, 9 billion won will be dedicated to protecting teachers' educational activities. The 'Student Mental Health Recovery and Teacher Rights Protection Project' will actively utilize special grants from the Ministry of Education in the second half of this year, with plans to expand it in the 2027 budget. In the area of 'Equal Starting Line and Inclusive Educational Welfare,' 191 billion won has been earmarked. In line with the government's phased implementation of free education, 111 billion won will be preemptively allocated to support free education for 35,000 three-year-olds attending public and private kindergartens and daycare centers. Moreover, 17 billion won will improve working conditions for private kindergarten teachers, 38 billion won will support special education, 21 billion won will assist multicultural and alternative education, and 4 billion won will be allocated for student mental health recovery. To promote 'Diverse Growth through Experience and Reading,' 336 billion won will be invested. This includes 173 billion won for providing digital electronic blackboards in sixth-grade elementary and third-year high school classrooms to establish an AI and digital-based future learning environment. Support for autonomous reading education activities in schools will receive 137 billion won, while 22 billion won will be allocated for field trips that reduce teachers' administrative burdens and offer diverse activities for students. Superintendent Jeong Geun-sik stated, "There are children who are reluctant to go to the restroom at school. This supplementary budget prioritizes resolving students' daily inconveniences while strengthening basic education and preparing for future AI education." He added, "Once the budget is approved, we will execute it swiftly so that students and staff can feel the impact immediately."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-10 13:04:00 -
Naju City Achieves Success in Early Dementia Screening for High-Risk Groups Naju City, located in Gwangju, is achieving notable success in enhancing early screening for high-risk dementia groups.This success is attributed to the early detection of pre-dementia stages and timely, tailored management.According to Naju City, an analysis of recent changes in dementia prevalence and early screening outcomes revealed a decrease in overall dementia rates, while the prevalence of mild cognitive impairment, a pre-dementia stage, is on the rise.The city attributes the increase in early detection cases to the activation of early dementia screening initiatives, which have facilitated timely management.From 2023 to 2025, Naju conducted a comprehensive early dementia screening survey, resulting in 39,723 screenings and the early identification of 1,635 dementia patients.This year, the city is intensifying early screenings, particularly for high-risk groups.To encourage participation, Naju sent out early screening invitations to 5,497 high-risk individuals and seniors aged 75 and older living alone.Additionally, the city has implemented outreach early screening programs for seniors aged 75 and older, conducting screenings at community centers, senior job programs, and through home visits, with 2,400 individuals screened to date.The Dementia Safety Center has conducted diagnostic tests for 250 individuals at high risk, including those with cognitive decline and mild cognitive impairment.Based on screening results, dementia patients are connected to services at the Dementia Safety Center, including support for treatment costs, tailored case management, and missing person prevention services.Individuals with mild cognitive impairment are being supported through cognitive enhancement programs and ongoing post-management to prevent the progression to dementia.Naju City is also pioneering a school-style dementia care program, the Naju Model, which is the first of its kind in the country.In collaboration with local institutions such as Dongshin University and the National Naju Forest Healing Center, the program offers integrated care services, including cognitive rehabilitation, forest therapy, and physical activity programs.Building on the success of the dementia care school, Naju plans to publish a scholarly paper analyzing the effects of frailty prevention and share the results with relevant organizations, including the Central Dementia Center, the Forest Service, and the Korea Forest Welfare Institute, to promote the Naju dementia management model nationwide.Naju Mayor Yoon Byeong-tae stated, "The earlier dementia is detected, the more effective treatment and management can be. We will continue to strengthen early screening and tailored management for high-risk groups and develop a regionally specialized model for dementia prevention and care through the Naju dementia care school."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-10 12:52:00
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BOK revamps monetary bonds as market liquidity thins SEOUL, August 10 (AJP) - The Bank of Korea is out to sharpen the appeal of its policy bonds by concentrating issuance into fewer, larger benchmark securities, as outstanding central-bank debt falls below 100 trillion won ($70.6 billion) while government bonds increasingly dominate Korea’s public fixed-income market. The overhaul will also divide early redemptions into a predictable schedule and a more discretionary operation, giving the central bank greater flexibility to manage bank reserves as Korea’s liquidity conditions become less one-sided. Monetary stabilization bonds, or MSBs, are debt securities issued by the BOK to drain reserves from the financial system. Issuance withdraws liquidity, while maturity payments and early redemptions return funds to the market. The bonds have historically played an unusually prominent role in Korea because the central bank used them to sterilize liquidity generated by current-account surpluses, capital inflows and the accumulation of foreign-exchange reserves. That environment has shifted as rising demand for banknotes, larger statutory reserve requirements and the BOK’s foreign-exchange swaps with the National Pension Service have reduced the amount of excess reserves that must be absorbed. Outstanding MSBs fell from 107.29 trillion won at the end of last year to 95.16 trillion won in March, dropping below the 100 trillion-won mark for the first time since 2003. The declining stock has added urgency to a longstanding liquidity problem. Research by the Korea Capital Market Institute found that MSBs trade less actively than Korean government bonds and that turnover drops sharply after the first month following issuance. The BOK will extend the fungible issuance period for one-year MSBs to three months from two, reducing the number of new one-year securities created each year to four from six. The new securities will be dated March 1, June 1, Sept. 1 and Dec. 1, replacing the current cycle of six issue dates. Concentrating issuance over a longer period should increase the amount outstanding in each security and make it easier to trade without moving prices sharply. The most recently auctioned coupon bond in each of the one-, two- and three-year maturities will also be designated as the benchmark issue and identified in the BOK’s monthly issuance plan. The designation is intended to give investors a clearer reference price for each maturity, although it does not by itself guarantee deeper trading. Unlike primary dealers in the Korean government bond market, MSB participants are not required to provide continuous exchange quotes, and most transactions take place over the counter. The BOK said it would work with relevant institutions on further measures to promote trading in the benchmark issues. Early redemptions will be separated into two operations. A first-Tuesday operation will cover three securities selected according to a predetermined remaining-maturity schedule, while a third-Tuesday operation will cover about three securities chosen each month according to reserve and market conditions. The BOK has already conducted two buybacks in some recent months, but the overhaul formalizes the arrangement and separates predictability from discretion. Uneven demand was evident in an Aug. 7 operation, when one one-year security attracted no bids even though total offers exceeded the planned purchase amount. The approach brings the MSB market closer to the logic underpinning Korea's much larger Treasury market, where liquidity tends to concentrate in benchmark securities. The contrast between the two markets is becoming more pronounced. While MSBs are shrinking, Korean government bonds are becoming more deeply integrated into global fixed-income portfolios following Korea's entry into the FTSE World Government Bond Index. South Korean government bonds began entering the WGBI in April this year, with inclusion being carried out in eight monthly stages through November. That process is increasing the importance of deep liquidity and reliable benchmark pricing in the Treasury market as index-tracking global investors allocate money to Korean sovereign debt. Rather than competing with government bonds for scale, the BOK is trying to ensure that its smaller pool of central-bank securities does not become fragmented into increasingly illiquid individual issues. Unlike primary dealers in the Korean government bond market, MSB participants are not required to provide continuous exchange quotes, and most trading takes place over the counter. The BOK said it would therefore work with relevant institutions on additional measures to promote transactions in designated benchmark issues. The overhaul also changes the other side of the MSB market — how the BOK takes its securities back before maturity.Early redemptions will be divided into two operations. A first-Tuesday operation will cover three securities selected according to a predetermined remaining-maturity schedule, giving investors greater certainty over which bonds are likely to be bought back. A third-Tuesday operation will cover around three securities selected each month according to reserve conditions and market circumstances, preserving the BOK's ability to inject liquidity where it considers necessary. The central bank has already conducted two buybacks during some recent months, but the new system formalizes the arrangement and draws a clearer distinction between predictable market operations and discretionary liquidity management. In an Aug. 7 early-redemption operation, one one-year security received no bids even though aggregate offers across the operation exceeded the BOK's planned purchase amount, illustrating how liquidity and investor demand can vary sharply between individual MSB issues. The reform also reflects a broader transformation in the way the BOK manages reserves. A falling MSB balance does not necessarily imply easier monetary policy. The BOK raised its base rate by 25 basis points to 2.75 percent on July 16, even as the amount of structural excess liquidity requiring absorption has declined. The two developments highlight the distinction between setting the price of money through the policy rate and managing the quantity of reserves through MSBs, repurchase agreements and other open-market operations. As reserve conditions become more balanced, the BOK increasingly needs the ability to both absorb and supply liquidity rather than operating primarily in one direction. The BOK will move its one-year auction from the second Wednesday of each month to the first and shift the two-year auction in the opposite direction. The changes take effect Aug. 31 and will be reflected in the September issuance plan scheduled for Aug. 27. ___________________________________________________________________________________ AJP Takeaways The BOK will reduce the number of new one-year MSB issues to concentrate liquidity in larger benchmark securities. Early redemptions will combine a fixed schedule with a flexible monthly operation to improve reserve management. The reform addresses market liquidity but stops short of replacing MSBs with repurchase agreements. 2026-08-10 12:41:53 -
Vietnam Warns of Scams Targeting Seasonal Workers Seeking Jobs in South Korea Illegal brokerage scams targeting seasonal workers in South Korea are spreading in Vietnam. Scammers are luring workers seeking high-paying overseas jobs with promises of 'low costs,' 'no foreign language required,' and 'quick departures,' only to abscond with deposits and document fees. Authorities have warned that online advertisements and fake documents are being used, urging caution against recruitment offers that do not follow official channels.Recently, the police in Can Tho City have alerted citizens to the complex scams disguised as South Korea's seasonal worker program. These scammers have been promoting job opportunities on social media platforms like Facebook, Zalo, and TikTok, promising monthly earnings of 40 million to 60 million VND (approximately $1,700 to $2,600).The scam organizations prey on the anxieties and hopes of job seekers. They attract workers with claims of low costs, simple procedures, no foreign language skills required, nearly 100% acceptance rates, and rapid departures. Can Tho police explained that such tactics not only lead to financial losses but also undermine the trust of Vietnamese workers in South Korea.Several actual cases of victims have been reported in the Can Tho area. According to police, some residents paid deposits, document submission fees, and so-called 'seat reservation fees' after receiving misleading consultations, only to find that the processes were delayed or promises unfulfilled. Some brokers reportedly disappeared after receiving payments.Scammers have also employed tactics to build trust online. They posted photos and videos depicting life and work in South Korea and created separate chat groups to make their operations appear legitimate. Additionally, they impersonated authorized companies or used the names of reputable overseas employment service providers to deceive job seekers.There have been instances of fake documents being used. Some organizations forged contracts, invitation letters, and worker registration confirmations to compel job seekers to pay. Police stated that such documents were used to lower victims' suspicions before robbing them of their money.Confirming Official Procedures Can Prevent ScamsThe E-8 visa, introduced by South Korea to address labor shortages in agriculture and fisheries, allows foreign workers to stay and work in South Korea for 5 to 8 months, making it popular among Southeast Asian countries like Vietnam. However, to obtain an E-8 visa, foreigners must have a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between their local government and a Korean local government or be family members of legally residing marriage immigrants in Korea.Thus, there is a call to guide those wishing to work seasonally in South Korea through these official procedures. Bui Duc Hung, CEO of HT Daizhuang Education and Settlement Consulting Company, explained, "The E-8 visa is a short-term seasonal work visa that allows foreign workers to work for 5 to 8 months based on seasonal demand in agriculture." HT Daizhuang has been designated by the South Korean Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City as an agency for visa application document submission.Hung noted that the E-8 program operates through direct cooperation between local governments in Vietnam and South Korea. He emphasized that it does not go through private brokerage companies, individual brokers, or online chat groups. He added that demands for 'guaranteed acceptance,' 'quick departures,' or deposits or 'seat reservation fees' should raise suspicions of potential scams.In this regard, Can Tho police have provided specific guidance on overseas employment application channels. Residents should register for overseas employment programs only through the Can Tho Employment Service Center, cultural and social departments under local people's committees, or authorized companies listed on the electronic information network of the Ministry of Public Security's Overseas Labor Management Bureau.Furthermore, police urged individuals not to send deposits or service fees to organizations or individuals with unclear legal status or provide personal documents. They emphasized the importance of verifying information through relevant authorities rather than believing repetitive online advertisements promising 'easy jobs with high wages,' 'guaranteed acceptance,' or 'quick departures.'If suspicious circumstances are detected, it is crucial to report them immediately to the nearest police agency. Can Tho police stated that information about illegal overseas employment brokerage organizations or individuals would be processed according to relevant regulations.Meanwhile, Can Tho police have requested cooperation from various agencies, local governments, media organizations, and citizens in reporting illegal overseas employment brokerage activities. They stated that confirming official procedures with authorized companies is essential to prevent financial losses and maintain the trust of Vietnamese workers in the overseas labor market.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-10 12:32:00
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BIGBANG to reunite solo colors on 20th-anniversary single 'BiiiG' SEOUL, August 10 (AJP) - K-pop super group BIGBANG will release a new digital single, "BiiiG," on Aug. 19, marking the group's first new song in more than four years and tying the comeback directly to its 20th anniversary. YG Entertainment unveiled the release poster through its official channels Monday. The single will arrive two days before BIGBANG opens its 20th-anniversary world tour, "XX : COSMOS," with three concerts at Goyang Stadium from Aug. 21 to 23. It is the group's first new release since "Still Life" in April 2022, and it comes after G-Dragon, Taeyang and Daesung each restarted major solo activity in recent years. BIGBANG also returned to the stage as a group at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in California in April, where the members said they had completed work on a new album and would begin a world tour in August. The "BiiiG" poster, with red, blue and yellow vertical lines, appears to echo the visual worlds each member has carried through his solo releases, reading like a small map of BIGBANG's separate paths converging back into one. G-Dragon released his third solo studio album, "Übermensch," in February 2025, his first full-length album in 11 years. Daesung followed in April 2025 with "D's Wave," his first solo EP. Taeyang released his fourth studio album, "Quintessence," in May this year, his first full-length album in nearly nine years. Read against that sequence, "BiiiG" looks less like a routine anniversary single than a reunion built by placing three sharply defined solo identities side by side, rather than erasing them. BIGBANG debuted in August 2006 and became one of the defining acts of second-generation K-pop with songs including "Lies," "Last Farewell," "Haru Haru," "Fantastic Baby" and "Bang Bang Bang." The group also helped shift the image of idol acts in Korea by placing greater emphasis on songwriting, production and performance identity, with its members building solo careers alongside group releases. That history gives "BiiiG" more weight than a standard anniversary project. "Still Life," released in 2022 after a long hiatus, was widely read as a reflective return. "BiiiG" arrives in a more active moment, just ahead of a stadium tour that will take BIGBANG through North America, Europe, Oceania and Asia, according to YG's tour schedule. YG said "BiiiG" will show the current state of BIGBANG as the group marks its 20th anniversary. The question around the single is not only what BIGBANG sounds like after four years, but how three sharply defined solo identities settle back into one group frame. AJP Takeaway: ▲BIGBANG will release “BiiiG” on Aug. 19, its first new song since “Still Life” in April 2022 and a direct marker of the group’s 20th anniversary. ▲The single arrives two days before BIGBANG opens its “XX : COSMOS” world tour with three concerts at Goyang Stadium from Aug. 21 to 23. ▲The “BiiiG” poster’s red, blue and yellow lines appear to echo the solo eras of G-Dragon, Daesung and Taeyang, whose recent albums include “Übermensch,” “D’s Wave” and “Quintessence.” ▲The release frames BIGBANG’s anniversary not only as a return after four years, but as a reunion of three members who have each rebuilt distinct solo identities. ▲The next question is how BIGBANG’s group sound will absorb those solo identities as the tour moves across North America, Europe, Oceania and Asia. 2026-08-10 12:27:23 -
Maeil Dairy Apologizes for Worker Death at Pyeongtaek Plant, Prioritizes Family Support Maeil Dairy has issued an official apology regarding the death of a worker at its Pyeongtaek plant, promising support for the victim's family and measures to prevent future incidents.On August 10, CEO Lee In-ki released a statement expressing, "We extend our deepest condolences and sincere apologies to the family and colleagues of the precious life lost in the accident at the Pyeongtaek plant." He added, "We also convey our heartfelt sympathy to the family and fellow workers who are experiencing great sorrow and shock." Maeil Dairy committed to fully cooperating with all investigative processes, stating, "Our top priority is to support the affected workers and their families, and we will provide all necessary assistance for the swift recovery of the injured worker." The company also promised to enhance safety management to prevent recurrence. It emphasized, "We will thoroughly investigate the circumstances of the accident and, based on the findings from relevant agencies, we will reassess our on-site safety management system and take all necessary measures to ensure such unfortunate incidents do not happen again." CEO Lee reiterated, "Once again, I bow my head and deeply apologize to the deceased and their family." The accident occurred around 3 p.m. on August 9 at the condensed milk storage tank in the Maeil Dairy Pyeongtaek plant. Two workers were found collapsed while cleaning the tank; one was pronounced dead after being transported to the hospital, while the other is receiving treatment.Following the incident, Maeil Dairy halted operations in the affected area and began providing psychological support for fellow workers. Relevant agencies are currently investigating the exact cause and circumstances of the accident.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-10 12:16:00
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Domestic Recall Cases Increased Last Year for the First Time in Three Years Last year, the number of recalls conducted in South Korea increased for the first time in three years. This rise is attributed to efforts to block the distribution of hazardous products purchased overseas and to enhance food safety.The Fair Trade Commission announced on August 10 the results of its comprehensive analysis of recall data from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, and local governments.In total, there were 2,656 recalls last year, an increase of 119 cases (4.7%) compared to the previous year. Of these, 905 were mandatory recalls (34.1%), 886 were recommended recalls (33.3%), and 865 were voluntary recalls (32.6%). While mandatory and voluntary recalls decreased by 10.3% and 3.7%, respectively, recommended recalls saw a significant increase of 40.6%.This marks the first increase in recall numbers since 2022. Over the past five years, the recall figures were as follows: 3,470 in 2021, 3,586 in 2022, 2,813 in 2023, 2,537 in 2024, and 2,656 in 2025.According to the Fair Trade Commission, 95.3% of all recalls were based on seven major laws, including the Consumer Basic Act, Medical Device Act, Pharmaceutical Affairs Act, Chemical Products Safety Act, Automobile Management Act, Food Sanitation Act, and the Basic Product Safety Act.Notably, recalls under the Consumer Basic Act increased by 41.6% to 851 cases compared to the previous year. This is interpreted as a result of proactive measures taken by relevant authorities to block the sale of recalled products in domestic open markets.By category, consumer goods (1,282 cases) and medical devices (308 cases) saw increases of 8.6% and 8.5%, respectively, while recalls for automobiles (300 cases) and pharmaceuticals (295 cases) decreased by 24.8% and 13.5%. Local government recalls also rose significantly, recording 254 cases, a 144.2% increase from the previous year, based on the Food Sanitation Act and other regulations.In light of the recent increase in overseas direct purchases, the government is enhancing monitoring through cooperation among relevant agencies to address the growing distribution of hazardous products from abroad. When products are subject to overseas recalls or identified as hazardous through domestic safety investigations, online platform operators are requested to swiftly block the distribution of these hazardous products.A Fair Trade Commission official stated, "We are providing integrated information on recalls through the Consumer 24 portal to ensure that consumers can easily access domestic and international recall information. We will continue to work closely with relevant agencies to thoroughly block the distribution of hazardous products in the country."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-10 12:04:20
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Manufacturing Employment Insurance Declines for 14th Consecutive Month 국내 제조업 고용보험 가입자가 14개월 연속 감소했다. 표면적인 감소 폭은 3000명이지만 고용허가제 외국인 가입자 증가분을 제외하면 1만5000명 줄어 제조업 고용 부진이 더욱 뚜렷하게 나타났다. 반도체·조선 등 수출 호조 업종은 고용이 늘어난 반면 자동차·화학·섬유 등에서는 감소하면서 업종 간 양극화도 뚜렷한 모습이다.고용노동부가 10일 발표한 '2026년 7월 고용행정 통계로 본 노동시장 동향'에 따르면 지난달 말 기준 고용보험 상시가입자는 1587만7000명으로 전년 동월보다 27만7000명(1.8%) 증가했다. 고용보험 가입자는 올해 들어 7개월 연속 20만명 후반대의 증가세를 유지했다.전체 가입자 증가세는 서비스업이 이끌었다. 서비스업 가입자는 전년 동월보다 28만5000명 늘었다. 보건복지업에서 11만2000명 증가해 가장 큰 폭으로 늘었고 숙박음식업과 사업서비스업, 전문과학기술업, 교육서비스업 등에서도 증가했다.반면 제조업 가입자는 384만4000명으로 전년 동월보다 3000명(0.1%) 줄어 14개월 연속 감소했다. 감소 폭은 지난 5월 8000명, 6월 7000명에서 축소됐다.다만 고용허가제 외국인 가입자 증가분을 제외하면 제조업 고용 부진은 더욱 두드러진다. 지난달 제조업의 고용허가제 외국인은 전년 동월보다 1만3000명 증가했다. 이를 제외한 제조업 가입자는 1만5000명 감소했다.업종별로는 반도체가 포함된 전자·통신 제조업 가입자가 5000명 늘었고, 조선업이 포함된 기타운송장비에서도 6000명 증가했다. 기계장비는 2000명 증가했으며 고무·플라스틱은 20개월 만에 증가로 돌아섰다.반면 섬유제품은 2021년 9월 이후 감소세를 이어갔고 금속가공도 19개월 연속 줄었다. 자동차는 지난 3월 감소로 돌아선 이후 감소 폭이 커졌으며 화학제품도 기초 화학물질과 합성고무·플라스틱 물질을 중심으로 부진했다.조원식 노동부 미래고용분석과장은 이날 브리핑에서 "일부 수출이 잘되는 업종은 괜찮은 편이지만 나머지 업종은 아직 좋지 않다"며 "제조업 내 고용이 양극화하고 있는 상황"이라고 설명했다.연령별로는 60세 이상 가입자가 20만9000명 늘었고 30대는 8만5000명 증가했다. 40대 가입자도 4000명 늘어 33개월 만에 증가로 전환했다.29세 이하 가입자는 5만7000명 줄어 47개월 연속 감소했다. 제조업에서 2만4000명 감소했고 정보통신업과 보건복지업에서도 각각 1만5000명, 1만3000명 줄었다. 노동부는 청년 가입자 감소 원인의 약 60%는 인구 감소, 나머지 40%는 고용 감소의 영향으로 추정했다.기업들이 공개채용을 줄이고 경력자 위주로 채용하는 데다 AI와 로봇 도입으로 신입이나 기간제 일자리가 줄어드는 현상이 나타나고 있다는 게 노동부의 설명이다. 청년 고용이 쉽게 회복되기는 어려울 것이라고도 진단했다.건설업 가입자는 74만3000명으로 전년 동월보다 7000명 줄어 36개월 연속 감소했다. 다만 종합건설업을 중심으로 감소 폭은 축소되는 추세다.지난달 구직급여 신규 신청자는 10만9000명으로 전년 동월보다 2000명(2.2%) 줄었다. 구직급여 지급자는 64만3000명으로 3만1000명(4.5%) 감소했고 지급액도 1조904억원으로 218억원(2.0%) 줄었다.고용24를 통한 신규 구인은 17만7000명으로 1만3000명(7.8%) 증가한 반면 신규 구직은 39만9000명으로 1만1000명(2.8%) 감소했다. 구직자 한 명당 일자리 수를 나타내는 구인배수는 0.44로 지난해 같은 달(0.40)보다 상승했다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-10 12:04:10
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KDI: Semiconductor Exports Drive Economic Improvement Amid Ongoing Uncertainties As semiconductor exports drive economic improvement in South Korea, a national research institute has reported that uncertainties remain due to high inflation and slowing employment.The Korea Development Institute (KDI) released its economic trends report for August on the 10th, noting significant increases in exports and facility investments, particularly in the semiconductor sector, while consumer spending also showed growth, especially in durable goods.A KDI official stated, "Overall industrial production recorded relatively high growth rates, supported by a strong performance in the service sector and a rebound in manufacturing."In May, total industrial production rose from 1.9% to 4.2%, driven by improvements in the service sector and a rebound in manufacturing. Mining and manufacturing production increased from -1.1% to 5.8%, with semiconductors (2.2%), automobiles (12.6%), machinery (14.4%), and electrical equipment (8.8%) all contributing to the overall growth.Service sector production rose from 4.6% to 5.3%, maintaining steady growth, particularly in finance and insurance (9.2%) and professional, scientific, and technical services (13.7%).Consumer spending continued to improve, with durable goods showing increased growth. The retail sales index for June rose by 4.2%, a significant increase from the previous month’s 1.5%. Sales of passenger cars (12.2%) boosted the durable goods figure (10.9%), while semi-durable goods (2.2%) and non-durable goods (1.7%) also showed consistent growth. Last month, the consumer sentiment index rose from 106.6 to 106.8, surpassing the long-term average, indicating generally positive household consumption sentiment.Facility investment saw a substantial increase, with semiconductor-related investments performing well and machinery also rebounding, leading to an overall increase. In June, facility investment surged by 21.7%, more than doubling the previous month’s 9.7% growth.However, the construction sector continues to struggle. In June, construction output fell by 4.0%, with residential building (-8.7%) contracting and civil engineering (-1.4%) also declining. Nonetheless, non-residential construction (22.9%) showed signs of improvement.Exports continued to rise significantly, driven by increased demand for artificial intelligence (AI) products. However, uncertainties in trade conditions have expanded due to ongoing U.S. tariff measures and conflicts in the Middle East.In July, exports surged by 62.8%, primarily in information and communication technology (ICT) items. Notably, shipbuilding (53.0%) saw a temporary increase, and ICT items (178.2%) continued to soar. The rise in petroleum products (39.6%) also contributed to overall growth.Consumer prices have shown a slowdown in growth due to falling international oil prices, but they remain high. The consumer price inflation rate for July was recorded at 2.8%, down from 3.2% the previous month, influenced by a reduction in the price increase of petroleum products (15.5%).However, core inflation rose by 2.6% compared to the previous year, reflecting slight increases in durable goods.A KDI official remarked, "With ongoing U.S. tariff measures and instability in the Middle East, inflation rates remain high, and employment conditions are also slowing, indicating that uncertainties persist both domestically and internationally."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-10 12:04:10
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AI Enhances Rainfall Analysis and Flood Prediction for Urban Areas To more quickly assess the risk of urban flooding during heavy rainfall, artificial intelligence (AI) and high-performance computing technologies will be utilized. The integration of advanced technologies, from high-resolution rainfall analysis to ultra-fast flood simulations and the use of closed-circuit television (CCTV) for flood situation recognition, is key to improving flood forecasting.The Han River Flood Control Center, part of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment, announced on August 10 that it will sign a memorandum of understanding with the Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information (KISTI) on August 11 at KISTI's headquarters in Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, to enhance the urban flood forecasting system.Under this agreement, the two organizations will combine the Han River Flood Control Center's operational experience in urban flood forecasting with KISTI's AI and high-performance computing technologies. The goal is to apply and expand the use of advanced technologies developed in research to real-world urban flood forecasting and response.Initially, the urban flood forecasting system of the Han River Flood Control Center will be linked with KISTI's problem-solving support platform. AI and high-performance computing infrastructure and intelligent technologies will be deployed on-site, and a collaborative system will be established for the demonstration and verification of urban flood response technologies.KISTI has been developing technologies such as AI-based high-resolution rainfall analysis and ultra-fast simulations using high-performance computing. It has also developed technology to recognize flooding situations from CCTV footage using explainable artificial intelligence (XAI).XAI is a technology that allows AI to explain the processes it used to arrive at specific results, making it easier for humans to understand. In fields like disaster response, where quick and accurate judgments are essential, this technology can assist on-site personnel in reviewing and utilizing AI analysis results.The two organizations plan to gradually integrate these technologies into the urban flood forecasting system. They will verify prediction accuracy, stability, and on-site applicability using actual observational data and past heavy rainfall cases, thereby supporting the judgment of flood forecasters.As localized heavy rainfall events have become more frequent, the importance of precise flood predictions and rapid situation assessments at the urban level has increased. Once AI and high-performance computing technologies are established on-site, they are expected to aid forecasters in analyzing various observational data and assessing flood risks.The Han River Flood Control Center is currently operating urban flood forecasts in the Gangnam Station and Sindebang Station areas in accordance with the Urban River Basin Flood Damage Prevention Act.Urban flood forecasting is a system that comprehensively analyzes real-time observational data, including rainfall and flood prediction results, as well as data from rivers, sewage systems, and road surfaces, to proactively alert about flood risks and quickly disseminate on-site conditions.Kim Gu-beom, head of the Han River Flood Control Center, stated, "For urban flood forecasting to operate reliably on-site, accurate predictions, rapid situation recognition, and the professional judgment of flood forecasters must be organically linked. We will continue to verify the applicability of advanced scientific technologies and enhance the effectiveness of urban flood forecasting."Lee Sik, head of KISTI, emphasized, "To respond to the climate crisis, it is crucial that science, technology, policy, and on-site operations are closely connected. We will actively collaborate to secure technologies and outcomes that can be utilized in real-world applications."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-10 12:04:00