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  • Bodyfriend Enters Health Supplement Market with Bodyfriend Healthcare Launch
    Bodyfriend Enters Health Supplement Market with 'Bodyfriend Healthcare' Launch Bodyfriend announced on August 10 that it is entering the health supplement market with the launch of its brand, 'Bodyfriend Healthcare.'The company explained that this move marks its first step in expanding its business beyond massage care centered on healthcare robots to include daily inner care, positioning itself as a 'total care company for health span.'Bodyfriend Healthcare has identified six key areas based on accumulated data and health interests from its customer base of over 1.6 million. These areas include muscle strength, joint health, body fat and blood sugar, sleep, eye health, and vitality.The product packaging has also been differentiated. Each product features a one-syllable keyword that intuitively evokes its purpose and function, such as 'tight,' 'fit,' 'full,' 'bright,' and 'boost.'Particularly, the products focus on managing the complex health concerns of modern individuals with 'all-in-one' solutions, utilizing individually recognized ingredients and functional materials approved by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. This approach aims to enhance product reliability and improve the inconvenience of needing to take multiple supplements.The first products launched include: △ Muscle Fit Curcumin Gold △ Joint Fit Chondroitin Mucopolysaccharide 1200 △ Slim Fit Diet Morosil Vita. The company plans to complete a lineup of six products through sequential releases.A Bodyfriend representative stated, 'Bodyfriend Healthcare will propose a new health span routine that combines movement through healthcare robots and inner care to enhance health from within. We aim to expand products and services tailored to individual lifestyles to achieve our goal of extending human health span by 10 years.'* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-10 10:20:00
  • Sangsangin Securities Shares Double Amid Shinhyup Bank Acquisition Talks
    Sangsangin Securities Shares Double Amid Shinhyup Bank Acquisition Talks Sangsangin Securities has seen its stock price more than double over eight consecutive trading days, fueled by news of Shinhyup Bank's interest in acquiring the firm. However, the specifics of the acquisition and transaction terms have yet to be finalized.As of 9:56 a.m. on the Korea Exchange, Sangsangin Securities shares were trading at 1,227 won, up 24 won (2.00%) from the previous day. Since July 30, the stock has surged nearly 110% over the eight-day rally.On August 6, news broke that Shinhyup Bank was pursuing the acquisition of Sangsangin Securities, leading to the stock hitting its upper limit on both August 6 and 7.According to investment banking sources, Shinhyup Bank signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Sangsang Group last month regarding the acquisition. The two parties have reportedly established exclusive negotiation rights without seeking additional buyers until the third quarter.Shinhyup Bank has selected Samil PwC and law firm Kim & Chang as advisors and is currently conducting due diligence on Sangsangin Securities. A stock purchase agreement (SPA) has not yet been signed, so the final transaction price and acquisition details will be determined after the due diligence process.If the acquisition goes through, it will mark the first change in ownership of a securities firm since KCGI acquired Hanyang Securities last year. KCGI purchased a 29.59% stake in Hanyang Securities from Hanyang Academy for 220.3 billion won.This transaction is notable as it involves a bank directly acquiring a securities firm, contrasting with the previous case of a private equity firm acquiring Hanyang Securities.Shinhyup Bank has been expanding its non-banking operations, having acquired Trinity Asset Management from SK Securities last year and rebranding it as Shinhyup Asset Management. If the acquisition of Sangsangin Securities is successful, it will further broaden its portfolio of non-banking subsidiaries.However, several procedural steps remain before the final transaction can be completed. As Shinhyup Bank is a special bank wholly owned by the National Federation of Fisheries Cooperatives, it must consult with the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries regarding the acquisition. Additionally, to become the largest shareholder of Sangsangin Securities, it must obtain approval from the Financial Services Commission for the change in major shareholders.Sangsangin Securities reportedly recorded a net profit of approximately 10 billion won in the first half of this year. After posting a net loss of about 50 billion won in 2024, it reduced its deficit to around 9 billion won last year and successfully returned to profitability this year.The largest shareholder of Sangsangin Securities is Sangsangin, which holds a 55.85% stake. Including related parties, the largest shareholder's total stake is approximately 65%.Meanwhile, Sangsangin Securities stated on August 6 that specific details regarding the acquisition are not yet finalized. The company noted, "Our largest shareholder, Sangsangin, is in discussions with Shinhyup Bank regarding the sale of our shares, but no concrete agreements have been established as of now. We will re-disclose any confirmed information or within one month."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-10 10:20:00
  • South Korea warns of new voice-phishing scam laundering stolen funds
    South Korea warns of new voice-phishing scam laundering stolen funds SEOUL, August 10 (AJP) — South Korean scammers are using loan offers to gain access to low-credit borrowers’ bank accounts and launder money stolen through voice phishing, the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) warned Monday. The warning came after the regulator found that criminal groups were increasingly using gift certificates to move stolen funds instead of transferring the money or withdrawing it from ATMs, making the proceeds harder to trace. The scheme begins with people who have low credit scores and may struggle to obtain conventional loans. Posing as employees of savings banks or other financial institutions, scammers tell them that repeated gift certificate purchases can build a transaction record and help them qualify for financing. They then offer to handle the purchases and ask for the applicants’ bankbooks and debit cards, making the request appear to be part of the loan process. Handing over a bank account or debit card can itself be illegal in the country. Under the Electronic Financial Transactions Act, doing so can carry up to five years in prison or a fine of up to 30 million won ($21,600). Those who provide their banking information knowing it will be used for crime could also face criminal charges, the FSS said. Once the accounts are secured, the fraudsters target other victims, offering to replace their existing loans with lower-interest ones. One of them then poses as an employee of the victim’s current lender and demands immediate repayment, falsely claiming that the new loan application breaches the existing agreement. The target is then told to send the repayment to a personal account — one obtained earlier from a low-credit loan applicant, claiming that using the lender’s official account would leave a record of the supposed loan violation. As soon as the money is transferred, it is used to buy large amounts of gift certificates, which are quickly converted into cash. The cash is then converted into cryptocurrency and ultimately sent to operators overseas, according to the FSS. The regulator also stressed that legitimate refinancing is handled between financial institutions and does not require customers to send repayments to personal accounts. “Any claim that buying gift certificates will help you get a loan is a scam,” the FSS said, urging consumers never to hand over their bankbooks or debit cards. Those who have already done so should immediately contact their financial institution to block the card and suspend transactions, then report the case to police, it added. In response, the FSS worked with major retailers and gift certificate issuers to cut the purchase limit at unmanned kiosks from 5 million won ($3,600) per transaction to 1 million won per transaction and per day. Larger purchases must now be made in person at store counters. 2026-08-10 10:18:02
  • Bae Chung-sik Takes Office as KAIST President, Promises AI-Driven Campus Transformation
    Bae Chung-sik Takes Office as KAIST President, Promises AI-Driven Campus Transformation "We will create an 'AI Native Campus' that fundamentally transforms education, research, and administration centered around artificial intelligence (AI)."Bae Chung-sik was inaugurated as the 18th president of the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) on the 10th at the university's main auditorium in Daejeon. Having begun his term on July 1, Bae outlined his vision in his inaugural address, presenting 'continuity and innovation' as the core philosophy for university operations and detailing plans to innovate education, research, and administration through AI.Bae aims to elevate KAIST to a 'globally leading university with strong fundamentals' by its 60th anniversary in 2031. To achieve this, he will implement five key development strategies: Beyond AI, Beyond Laboratory, Beyond Barriers, Beyond Carbon, and Beyond KAIST.The first step will be to overhaul education to align with the AI era. Bae defined AI as a general technology and tool of civilization, emphasizing the need to cultivate talent with both foundational knowledge and AI capabilities.He plans to assign AI utilization levels to all courses, categorizing the curriculum into three stages: basic education without AI, AI-led education, and courses that involve designing AI. Existing curricula will be organically redesigned, and teaching methods will be adapted to incorporate AI in instruction, learning, and assessment.Bae stated, "The beginning of AX educational innovation is not just the transmission of knowledge but the design of learning that utilizes AI. We must create an environment where every professor's expertise can be combined with AI."Research in physical AI will also be strengthened. Bae intends to expand research applying AI principles to industries such as robotics, autonomous driving, and manufacturing, thereby enhancing industrial competitiveness and added value. Research in future strategic technologies, including quantum and climate-energy, will also be expanded.In the research sector, he plans to establish an 'AI Autonomous Lab' to support long-term basic science research while expanding large-scale research planning and deep-tech-focused national strategic technology research. He aims to increase partnerships with industry, including attracting satellite research labs and collaborative research centers, such as those with NVIDIA. An AI Autonomous Lab will also be established to integrate AI into joint research and development processes with companies.Entrepreneurship education will be expanded as well. Specialized entrepreneurship training will be introduced for new students, and a model focused on education and practical training involving alumni and industry experts will be developed. The goal is to enhance KAIST's existing entrepreneurship education system to become a leading global institution in entrepreneurship.In administration, a digital one-stop system utilizing AI will be established to streamline administrative procedures, enhancing the focus of students and faculty on education and research. Employees leading AI innovations will receive special incentives, and barriers between departments and disciplines will be lowered to promote interdisciplinary research and education.Bae also aims to strengthen global competitiveness by expanding participation in dual degree programs for outstanding international students and involving overseas scholars in thesis evaluations. He plans to form a global advisory board and promote international joint research and the attraction of global deep-tech companies.Bae concluded, "While maintaining continuity with our vision of being a leading university in global value creation and upholding the core values of creativity, challenge, and consideration, we will innovate towards the new goal of being a 'globally leading university with strong fundamentals.'"He added, "We have many dreams, and by 2031, our 60th anniversary, we will realize these dreams. I will serve as a supportive leader who listens widely and acts decisively."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-10 10:16:10
  • Eugene Groups Eugene ENT Hosts Second EUCON to Promote K-Industry and K-Culture
    Eugene Group's Eugene ENT Hosts Second EUCON to Promote K-Industry and K-Culture Eugene Group's Eugene ENT announced on August 10 that it will hold the second EUCON competition, aimed at supporting video content production and distribution while discovering new creators.The competition will focus on two themes that have garnered significant interest both domestically and internationally: 'K-Culture from an industrial and economic perspective' and 'K-Industry.'The K-Culture category invites video content that explores the expansion of Korean culture—encompassing music, drama, entertainment, webtoons, and food—into industries such as intellectual property (IP), tourism, performance, and commerce.The K-Industry category will spotlight video content that highlights how South Korean industries, including semiconductors, shipbuilding, defense, materials, components, and equipment, are gaining competitiveness and growing in the global market. Eugene ENT plans to select outstanding video content in both categories for production and distribution support.The application period runs from August 10 to September 4 at noon. Applicants must submit a proposal, script or outline, storyboard, production timeline, budget, and portfolio.Teams selected through external judging will begin production after signing an agreement, with a mid-term review scheduled for December. Final submissions are expected between January and February 2027. The submitted works will be evaluated for quality, technical specifications, and rights management, with plans to negotiate broadcasting on domestic and international channels and digital platforms starting in the first half of next year.The total production support fund amounts to 120 million won, with up to two teams selected to receive a maximum of 60 million won each, depending on their project plans and budgets.Seventy percent of the production funding will be disbursed upfront after the agreement is signed, with the remaining 30% provided after passing a mid-term review of the production process and rough cut. Producers must cover at least 10% of the total project cost themselves.EUCON is open to domestic production companies with capabilities in producing educational video content, as well as independent creators or production groups.Selected producers will be required to create one educational video of approximately 25 minutes in length during the agreement period and submit subtitle or dubbing files for international distribution.The final product must possess purposefulness and structure as educational content, with no restrictions on format, including documentaries and infographic-based knowledge videos.This year's EUCON has expanded beyond simple production funding to include actual broadcasting and distribution of content. The production period will be approximately 5 to 6 months after selection and agreement signing, allowing creators to enhance the quality of their work. Support will also be provided for negotiations regarding broadcasting with both domestic and international networks.The competition encourages innovative attempts using generative AI during the production phase. A notable example is 'Jeonju Accident Ian Operation,' produced with EUCON support in 2025 and aired on JTV Jeonju Broadcasting. AI technology can be utilized in various aspects of content production, including research, editing, graphics, subtitles, and dubbing, and points will be awarded during the judging process for plans or submissions related to AI utilization, such as trailers, demos, or pilot videos.A representative from Eugene ENT stated, "EUCON is a project that supports both production and distribution to ensure that good ideas reach actual viewers. This year, we hope to discover excellent content that sheds new light on K-Industry and K-Culture from various perspectives, including industry, economy, technology, and society, as global interest continues to rise."They added, "As educational content is a field with relatively challenging production conditions, it is important for creators to have sufficient time and resources to produce high-quality works. Eugene ENT will continue to support outstanding producers and small independent production companies in creating content and connecting with domestic and international audiences."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-10 10:16:00
  • Han Byeong-do: People Power Party is politicizing real estate issues
    Han Byeong-do: People Power Party is politicizing real estate issues Han Byeong-do, the acting leader of the Democratic Party, criticized the People Power Party for politicizing real estate issues.During a policy meeting held on August 10 at the National Assembly, Han stated, "The People Power Party, which was the ruling party during the Yoon Suk Yeol administration, has wasted three years yet shamelessly blames others."He added, "Due to the People Power Party's obstruction, the follow-up legislation for housing supply announced by the government last September is stuck in the National Assembly. What is it that they are opposing that directly impacts people's livelihoods and housing stability?" He emphasized that "we cannot design housing policies that meet the public's expectations through mere verbal political strife."Han also mentioned, "President Lee Jae-myung has called for a comprehensive review of the ISA reform plan and the stock price stabilization law," questioning, "Is the People Power Party suggesting that we should continue with policies once decided, despite public criticism?"He asserted, "Even if the policy objectives are correct, if different outcomes are expected in people's lives and the market, it is our duty to promptly reassess and prepare better alternatives. We will not repeat the arrogance and disconnect represented by the relocation of the presidential office to Yongsan and the Yoon Suk Yeol-style politics." He particularly stressed, "We will become a ruling party that listens to the voices of the people and responds swiftly."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-10 10:16:00
  • Exchange Rate Fluctuates in Early Trading Amid U.S. Employment Data Impact
    Exchange Rate Fluctuates in Early Trading Amid U.S. Employment Data Impact The won-dollar exchange rate is fluctuating in the 1410 won range.As of 9:15 a.m. in the Seoul foreign exchange market, the exchange rate stands at 1,411.6 won against the U.S. dollar. Earlier, at 6 a.m., the rate was trading at 1,407.9 won, down 8.3 won from the previous day's weekly closing price.This decline is attributed to disappointing U.S. employment figures, which have reduced expectations for interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve. However, uncertainty surrounding the opening of the Strait of Hormuz has led to a slight increase in the dollar's value. At the same time, the dollar index, which measures the dollar's value against six major currencies, rose by 0.09% to 99.63 as of 8:55 a.m.International oil prices are on the rise. As of 8:23 a.m., October Brent crude futures increased by 0.90% to $84.30 per barrel, while September West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures rose by 0.70% to $78.73 per barrel.The New York stock market is also feeling the effects. At the same time, Dow Jones Industrial Average futures fell by 0.18%, while S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 futures decreased by 0.11% and 0.06%, respectively.In the domestic market, foreign investors are in a selling position. In the securities market, foreign investors have net sold 323 billion won.The exchange rate is expected to widen its decline during the trading session. Min Kyung-won, an economist at Woori Bank, stated, "The won is testing the support level of 1,410 to 1,420 won, which held firm during last year's decline, and this early test is likely to attract offshore short plays, increasing the decline during the session."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-10 10:12:00
  • Korea Zinc Rises 13% as Beneficiary of Trumps Critical Minerals Policy
    Korea Zinc Rises 13% as Beneficiary of Trump's Critical Minerals Policy Korea Zinc is showing strong gains in early trading as it emerges as a beneficiary of the U.S. government's policy to strengthen the critical minerals supply chain.As of 10:05 a.m. on the Korea Exchange, Korea Zinc's stock price has risen by 148,000 won (13.20%) to 1,252,000 won compared to the previous trading day.This increase is attributed to President Donald Trump's announcement of a $3 billion mining project aimed at expanding domestic critical mineral production.On August 7, President Trump revealed the plan during a meeting with mining executives at the State Department in Washington, D.C. At this meeting, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo specifically mentioned Korea Zinc as a prime example of increased investment in critical minerals within the United States.Korea Zinc is advancing its 'Project Crucible,' which involves the construction of a large non-ferrous metal smelter in Clarksville, Tennessee. This facility is expected to produce not only zinc, lead, and copper but also critical minerals such as antimony, germanium, and indium, which are essential for the defense and semiconductor industries.Recently, Project Crucible was selected for the federal government's permitting support program known as 'FAST-41.' This program streamlines administrative processes for national infrastructure and resource development projects, aiming to reduce permitting times.Korea Zinc anticipates that this designation will shorten the final permitting period by approximately 18 months.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-10 10:12:00
  • Voter Count Discrepancies Raise Concerns in June 3 Local Elections
    Voter Count Discrepancies Raise Concerns in June 3 Local Elections Discrepancies between on-site voter counts and final tallies in the June 3 local elections have raised suspicions of statistical manipulation even after the polls closed.According to analysis data submitted by the National Election Commission to the office of Jeong Chun-seng, a member of the Justice Innovation Party, more than half of the 3,558 administrative districts across the country—1,971 in total—showed significant discrepancies.Among these, 29 districts reported differences of over 100 voters, with issues arising in Seoul, Gyeonggi, Jeonbuk, Chungnam, Gangwon, Gyeongbuk, and Busan.In Gyeonggi Province's Anseong City, the voter count at the 4th polling station in Gongdo-eup was recorded at 2,105 at 6 p.m. However, the final count dropped to 1,494, a decrease of 611 voters, or 29%.Similarly, in Seongnam City's Sujeong-gu, the first polling station in Yangji-dong reported a final count of 1,358, down from an initial 1,042, a reduction of 316. In Goyang City's Deogyang-gu, the second polling station in Haengsin 4-dong saw a drop from 916 to 683.Conversely, some areas reported increases in final voter counts. In Busan's Suyeong-gu, Gwang-an 1-dong, the count at 6 p.m. was 7,137, but the final tally rose to 7,922, an increase of 785.At polling stations 2 to 5 in Gwang-an 1-dong, the voter counts at 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. were identical, yet the final tally showed an increase of nearly 800 votes.In Pyeongtaek City, Gyeonggi Province, discrepancies of about 100 voters were noted at each polling station, leading to a total increase of 348. In Jeonju City, Jeonbuk Province, the 7th polling station in Songcheon 2-dong saw an increase of 164 voters, representing 17% of the 968 counted at 6 p.m.Notably, polling stations in Gangnam-gu and Songpa-gu in Seoul, which faced a shortage of ballots, reported final counts that increased by 147 and 98, respectively, while the count in Songpa-gu's Geoyeon 2-dong decreased by 102.On election day, the number of voters is manually verified by election officials at each polling station and reported to the local election commission. The local commission then inputs the data into a system that is verified by the provincial and national election commissions.After polls close, the remaining ballots are counted to report a provisional voter count, with the final voter turnout determined by the number of ballots counted.Due to the manual aggregation process, there is a possibility of data entry errors occurring before the final turnout is announced.The issue lies in the Election Commission's failure to properly correct these errors, instead opting to redistribute data or adjust figures in subsequent reports, indicating potential statistical manipulation.While errors during the day could be attributed to data redistribution, there are concerns that adjustments may have occurred in different ways as the polls closed or after.The joint investigation team, led by Kim Tae-hoon, deputy chief prosecutor of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office, is examining whether the Election Commission re-accessed the vote counting system after the election to correct data entry errors and whether any false entries or manipulations occurred during this process.The Election Commission maintains that the hourly voter counts are provisional figures, and discrepancies with actual counts are inevitable.However, since the trends in voter turnout on election day are crucial for voters' decisions and last-minute mobilization efforts by campaign teams, the Election Commission may find it difficult to evade responsibility for not correcting these figures in a timely manner.Even mismanagement of key indicators could pose significant issues, especially given that the Election Commission has been accused of distorting statistics by arbitrarily entering voter counts.If it is confirmed that the Election Commission manipulated statistics by accessing the vote counting system after the election, it could severely undermine public trust in the electoral system as a whole.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-10 10:08:20
  • Lees approval rating slides further
    Lee's approval rating slides further SEOUL, August 10 (AJP) - President Lee Jae Myung's approval rating slid further to hit a new low, according to a survey released by pollster Realmeter on Monday. In its survey of more than 2,500 adults nationwide conducted last week, 43.3 percent of respondents said Lee was doing a good job, down 2.6 percentage points from the previous week and marking the fourth straight week of decline. The disapproval rating rose 2.5 percentage points to 53 percent, the second consecutive week that negative responses have outnumbered positive ones. Some 3.6 percent remained undecided. The decline in his approval rating to its lowest level since he took office in June last year was particularly pronounced among residents in Seoul, conservatives and older voters. Realmeter attributed the continued decline to controversies over real estate taxes and a bill stripping prosecutors of their investigative powers, compounded by economic woes amid a prolonged heat wave. Meanwhile, in a separate survey of about 1,000 adults conducted last Thursday and Friday, 44.6 percent supported the ruling Democratic Party (DP), down 0.5 percentage points from the previous week, while 37.6 percent supported the main opposition People Power Party (PPP), down 0.1 percentage points. Support for the DP slipped slightly as it lost support among conservative voters over real estate-related policies and growing internal strife among candidates competing for the party leadership, while the PPP saw increased support among conservatives, but those gains were offset by its own internal disputes, leaving its overall support largely unchanged. Among the minor parties, the centrist Reform Party and liberal Rebuilding Korea Party garnered 2.9 percent each, followed by the left-wing Progressive Party at 1.5 percent. Some 9 percent of respondents said they supported none of the parties. The survey was conducted through computer-assisted telephone interviews using randomly generated mobile phone numbers. More details are available on the website of the National Election Survey Deliberation Commission. AJP Takeaways: - President Lee Jae Myung's approval rating fell 2.6 percentage points to 43.3 percent, marking the fourth consecutive week of decline and its lowest level since he took office in June 2025. - Lee Jae Myung's disapproval rating rose 2.5 percentage points to 53 percent, meaning negative responses outnumbered positive ones for a second straight week. - The decline was particularly pronounced among Seoul residents, conservatives and older voters, according to pollster Realmeter. - Realmeter attributed the decline to controversies over real estate taxes and a bill stripping prosecutors of investigative powers, along with economic difficulties amid a prolonged heat wave. - Support for the ruling Democratic Party fell to 44.6 percent, while the main opposition People Power Party stood at 37.6 percent, with both parties losing slightly from the previous week. 2026-08-10 10:04:14