AJU PRESS ASIA FIRST NEWS AGENCY

Journalist

&
""
Latest by
  • Yeosu to Transform 15,000 Square Meters into Garden for K-Garden Festival
    Yeosu to Transform 15,000 Square Meters into Garden for K-Garden Festival The Jeonnam Gwangju Integrated Special City will host the 'Namdo K-Garden Festival' in conjunction with the 2026 Yeosu World Island Expo, transforming downtown Yeosu into a large-scale garden. According to the Jeonnam Gwangju Integrated Special City on August 9, the festival will take place from September 11 to October 31, covering approximately 15,000 square meters from Yeosu's Yeosodong cultural street to the scenic plaza. Under the slogan 'Yeosu Night Garden Embracing Islands,' the event aims to create various types of gardens along city streets, plazas, and commercial areas, allowing citizens and tourists to enjoy both the gardens and cultural programs as they stroll. The festival will particularly showcase Yeosu's islands and sea, connecting streets, plazas, and alleys into a cohesive green space, presenting a new tourism content that makes gardens easily accessible in the urban environment. A highlight of the festival will be the garden 'Thornbush Dream' designed by renowned garden designer Hwang Ji-hae. This work symbolizes the red sun, subtropical forest, and the future of cities and islands. Hwang won a gold medal at the 2023 Chelsea Flower Show in the UK and previously showcased the traditional Namdo garden 'Aeyangdan' at the Korean Cultural Center in New York in 2024. The festival will feature ten selected artist gardens, 30 commercial gardens, and six community gardens created through a public competition. The commercial and community gardens will be designed as spaces closely connected to daily life, with local residents and business owners actively participating. Underutilized areas, such as spaces in front of shops or small street corners, will be transformed into gardens, providing relaxation spots throughout the city. After the event, the gardens will not be temporary installations; a garden supporters program involving citizens will be established for ongoing maintenance. Cultural and experiential programs utilizing the gardens will also be organized. During the festival, activities such as flea markets, gardening experiences, and garden busking will be held, transforming the event into a festival where citizens and tourists can actively participate and linger. The festival will also strengthen tourism connections with the 2026 Yeosu World Island Expo. The Jeonnam Gwangju Integrated Special City plans to operate a free shuttle bus connecting the main expo venue with the garden festival site, allowing expo visitors to explore both the urban gardens and local businesses. The shuttle will operate along a round trip of 15.6 kilometers between the main expo venue and downtown Yeosu until 10 p.m. Through this event, the Jeonnam Gwangju Integrated Special City aims to create a new garden culture space in downtown Yeosu while encouraging expo visitors to engage with the city and its local economy. Moon Mi-ran, head of the Forest Recreation Division at Jeonnam Gwangju Integrated Special City, stated, “The Garden Festival will support the successful hosting of the 2026 Yeosu World Island Expo and serve as an opportunity to promote the garden culture of the integrated special city. We will prepare to establish gardens that embrace Yeosu's islands and sea as a new brand for the city.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-09 12:28:00
  • South Korean Lawmaker Inspects Drought-Affected Agricultural Water Supply in Yeongam
    South Korean Lawmaker Inspects Drought-Affected Agricultural Water Supply in Yeongam South Korean lawmaker Seo Sam-seok, chair of the National Assembly's Agriculture, Food, Rural Affairs, Oceans and Fisheries Committee, visited agricultural sites in Yeongam struggling with water supply due to drought. On August 7, Seo, accompanied by Yeongam Mayor Woo Seung-hee, inspected the Bangadeul Reservoir in Samho-eup to evaluate the water supply conditions for nearby farmland. Local residents and officials were present to discuss the ongoing heatwave and lack of rainfall affecting agricultural water supply and to explore measures to prepare for prolonged drought conditions. The Bangadeul Reservoir has seen a significant reduction in water levels due to the recent heat and insufficient rainfall, making it urgent to secure agricultural water for surrounding farmland. To minimize crop damage, Yeongam County has deployed water trucks for emergency supply and is utilizing available facilities and equipment, such as pumping stations, to provide water to drought-prone areas. Seo and Woo inspected the water supply operations using water trucks and heard from residents about the challenges faced in farming due to the lack of agricultural water. They agreed that it is essential to develop medium- to long-term strategies to ensure a stable water supply in regions that frequently experience drought, rather than relying solely on short-term emergency measures. Woo Seung-hee, the mayor of Yeongam, stated, “It is most urgent to supply water to where it is needed to minimize crop damage,” adding, “We will actively utilize available equipment and administrative resources to ensure there are no disruptions in agricultural water supply.” He emphasized the need to devise plans to secure a stable water supply for areas that are prone to recurring droughts. Seo Sam-seok remarked, “I have directly witnessed the difficulties faced by farmers and the lack of agricultural water,” noting that securing necessary water for farming is a critical issue for maintaining agricultural production. He also stated, “We will collaborate with relevant agencies to explore necessary support measures on the ground.” Yeongam County plans to continuously monitor weather conditions and water levels while utilizing available facilities and equipment, such as water trucks and pumping stations, to supply agricultural water to drought-prone areas. In preparation for prolonged drought, additional measures to secure water sources will also be pursued.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-09 12:20:10
  • Pulmuone Foundations Childrens Plays Win Gold and Silver at International Science Theater Festival
    Pulmuone Foundation's Children's Plays Win Gold and Silver at International Science Theater Festival Pulmuone Foundation announced on August 9 that two outstanding works from its '4th Children's Science Theater Festival' won gold and silver awards in the video category at the 'International Science Theater Festival 2026 (ISDC)'.Now in its 11th year, the International Science Theater Festival is an annual event sponsored by the Asia-Pacific Network of Science Centers (ASPAC). This year, the festival selected winners in two video categories—short films and short clips—and two live performance categories—junior and open—under the theme 'Our Future as Seen Through the Eyes of Humans and Artificial Intelligence (AI)'. The National Gwacheon Science Museum represented South Korea by submitting works in the video category.The award-winning pieces are the result of the 'Children's Scientific Thinking Laboratory' program, which Pulmuone Foundation has operated in collaboration with Project Planet since 2023. Participating children planned and created their plays after attending science lectures and discussions on AI from February to April. The two works that received the Grand Prize (Director of the National Gwacheon Science Museum Award) at the festival in May were submitted as representatives of South Korea for this international competition.The gold-winning short film 'Are You Human?' explores the challenges faced by humans and humanoid AI in a future classroom where AI technology is highly advanced. The silver-winning short clip '78%' depicts the journey of humanity breaking free from dependence on AI to think and act independently, working to restore a planet threatened by environmental pollution.Lee Byung-in, a project manager at Pulmuone Foundation, stated, "It is meaningful that a program aimed at fostering scientific thinking in future generations has led to success at the International Science Theater Festival. We will continue to support various science education initiatives to help children develop both knowledge and creativity."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-09 12:20:00
  • KFTC Imposes $4.6 Million Fine on Nonghyup Hanaro Distribution for Unlawful Incentives
    KFTC Imposes $4.6 Million Fine on Nonghyup Hanaro Distribution for Unlawful Incentives 농협하나로유통 has been caught repeatedly unlawfully receiving incentives for new product listings, even for items that have been on the market for as long as 8 years and 9 months. On August 9, the Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) announced it would impose a fine of 462 million won (approximately $4.6 million) on Nonghyup Hanaro Distribution for delaying the provision of written contracts to suppliers and for receiving promotional staff without prior agreements.According to the KFTC's investigation, from February to November 2021, Nonghyup Hanaro Distribution collected a total of 323.6 million won (about $323,600) in new product listing incentives from 43 suppliers for 187 products that had been on the market for more than six months. The company justified this by claiming that any product newly listed at Hanaro Mart was considered a new product, regardless of its actual market release date.Notably, some products that had been on the market for 8 years and 9 months were misrepresented as new, allowing the company to extract 10% of the supply price as an incentive. The KFTC determined that this practice exceeded reasonable industry standards, which typically consider products as new only within six months of their release, thus violating Article 15 of the Large-Scale Distribution Industry Act.The KFTC also found that Nonghyup Hanaro Distribution delayed the issuance of written contracts. Between January 2021 and July 2024, the company entered into 863 supply and lease contracts with 426 suppliers but failed to provide official written contracts immediately, as required. The average delay in providing these documents was 30 days, with 64 instances exceeding 100 days.Additionally, from April 2021 to January 2024, the company received 43 promotional staff members from 10 suppliers without prior written agreements on the terms of their deployment. These employees worked in an illegal status for up to 365 days, with labor costs amounting to 108 million won (approximately $108,000) borne by the suppliers.In response, the KFTC issued a corrective order and imposed the fine. A KFTC official stated, "It is significant that we have strictly sanctioned the act of receiving new product listing incentives from suppliers for products that are not new, thereby providing economic benefits unlawfully. The KFTC will continue to monitor unfair practices by large-scale distributors to protect the rights of suppliers and retailers and will take strict action against any violations of the law." 2026-08-09 12:12:00
  • Food Industry on High Alert as Heatwave Threatens Product Safety
    Food Industry on High Alert as Heatwave Threatens Product Safety As temperatures soar above 104 degrees Fahrenheit, the food industry is ramping up efforts to ensure product quality and food safety. Companies are altering distribution methods for heat-sensitive products and monitoring refrigeration and freezing temperatures in real time to combat the extreme heat.According to the food industry on August 9, the food service sector, which directly handles and distributes ingredients, is enhancing management standards throughout the entire process—from receiving to storage, delivery, and preparation—to mitigate the risk of foodborne illnesses associated with high temperatures. Microbial growth can accelerate in warmer conditions, and the risk of spoilage increases if refrigeration and freezing conditions are not maintained during delivery.Samsung Welstory operates a 'pre-forecasting system' that predicts the potential for quality degradation based on historical temperature changes and quality data. If abnormalities are anticipated, on-site inspections are intensified, and alternative products may be selected. Delivery vehicles are pre-cooled before departure, and temperatures are continuously monitored using temperature recording devices and real-time monitoring systems. Logistics centers maintain refrigeration at 37 to 41 degrees Fahrenheit and freezing at below 0 degrees Fahrenheit.Since June, Auhome has implemented a special food safety management system, expanding inspections and safety checks for foods with a high risk of foodborne illness during the summer, such as cold noodles, seafood, salads, and kimchi. During extreme heat, the use of fresh kimchi in food service and dining establishments is temporarily restricted. CJ Freshway is also operating a summer food safety management period, enhancing on-site guidance for group meal locations. Real-time temperature monitoring systems are applied to logistics centers and delivery vehicles to ensure the cold chain remains intact from transport to storage.The processed food sector is focusing on preventing products from being exposed to high temperatures during distribution to consumers. Chocolate, in particular, is sensitive to temperature changes and can melt or change shape if exposed to high heat for extended periods, leading to a phenomenon known as 'bloom,' which can diminish product quality.Lotte Wellfood is distributing some chocolate products, such as Ghana chocolate, under refrigeration instead of at room temperature during the summer months. They are also requesting retailers to maintain appropriate temperatures during storage and display. Orion is using refrigerated trucks for the delivery of chocolate products like Choco Pie. Samlip adjusts the expiration dates for its baked goods each summer to account for potential quality changes due to rising temperatures.Workforce management is also under pressure. Samidang Holdings is monitoring real-time temperature and humidity levels at major production sites and mandating rest breaks when the perceived temperature rises. Workers are provided with cooling gear, electrolyte drinks, and ice water, and the installation of cooling equipment in workplaces is being expanded.An industry representative stated, "During heatwaves, even finished products can be affected by exposure to high temperatures during storage or transport, necessitating more meticulous management than usual. We are adjusting distribution and storage methods according to product characteristics while also enhancing safety management for on-site workers." 2026-08-09 12:00:20
  • New Voice Phishing Scheme Exploits Low-Credit Borrowers with Gift Cards
    New Voice Phishing Scheme Exploits Low-Credit Borrowers with Gift Cards A new voice phishing scheme has been identified, where fraudsters target low-credit borrowers by offering loans as bait. They obtain bank accounts and debit cards, which are then misused to receive funds from other voice phishing victims and launder money through gift cards.On August 9, the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) revealed this gift card-based money laundering method and issued a consumer alert.According to the FSS, scammers impersonate employees of financial institutions, such as savings banks, and approach low-income individuals who struggle to secure loans due to poor credit scores. They deceive victims by claiming, "Your loan was denied due to insufficient card usage. If you repeatedly purchase gift cards with your debit card, you can increase your loan limit."They then request, "I will buy the gift cards for you, but please hand over your debit card and bank account." Once they secure the accounts, they use them to receive loan repayments from other voice phishing victims.Additionally, the fraudsters lure other victims with offers of low-interest refinancing loans, falsely stating, "You must first repay your existing loan principal," and direct them to send money to the previously secured accounts. Once the funds are deposited, a collector purchases large quantities of gift cards at self-service kiosks in supermarkets, cashes them out, and converts the money into virtual assets to send to overseas masterminds.Individuals who hand over their bank accounts or debit cards while seeking loans may also be considered complicit in voice phishing crimes and could face criminal charges.To prevent the spread of voice phishing involving gift cards, the FSS has reduced the purchase limit for gift cards at self-service kiosks from 5 million won per transaction to 1 million won per transaction and per day. They also plan to monitor for 'balloon effects' where criminals might evade these limits through alternative distribution channels.Furthermore, the FSS will expand information sharing among related agencies through the voice phishing information-sharing and analysis AI platform, 'ASAP,' and will share the latest criminal methods and on-site response strategies. 2026-08-09 12:00:20
  • Seafood Prices Surge Amid Heatwave and Supply Issues
    Seafood Prices Surge Amid Heatwave and Supply Issues As sea temperatures rise due to a heatwave, the phenomenon of 'hitflation' is causing seafood prices to soar, exacerbated by losses in some fish farms.According to Yonhap News on August 9, the price of 300 grams of flounder sashimi at large supermarkets is around 25,000 won. This marks a significant increase compared to May, when a promotional event saw 360 grams of flounder sashimi sold for 19,000 won.Wholesale prices are also on the rise. The Korea Fisheries Association's weekly seafood trends report indicates that the average auction price for farmed flounder reached 22,300 won per kilogram from July 27 to August 1, a 13.2% increase compared to the same month last year.The primary cause of this price surge is attributed to the heatwave. At the end of last month, over 21,000 flounders died in a Jeju fish farm due to high temperatures. The optimal water temperature for flounder farming is between 18 and 25 degrees Celsius, and temperatures exceeding 27 to 28 degrees significantly increase the risk of heat-related damage.Wild Pacific saury have also been affected by the high temperatures. The phenomenon has led to a decrease in the number of fish entering coastal waters, resulting in lower catch volumes and higher prices. On August 8, the average auction price for live Pacific saury at the Noryangjin Fisheries Wholesale Market was recorded at 17,000 won per kilogram, an increase of 10,000 won compared to August 2 of last year.Additionally, the price of black rockfish remains high, primarily due to farms located in the southern sea. According to the Korea Fisheries Association, the average auction price for black rockfish reached 25,000 won per kilogram on August 6.Due to the ocean's slower heating and cooling compared to land, the period from late August to early September is classified as the time when sea temperatures are at their highest along the Korean coast. Consequently, the inflationary pressures caused by the heatwave are expected to persist into September. As catch volumes decline due to high temperatures, wholesale prices will rise, leading to increased prices at supermarkets and sashimi restaurants.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-09 11:56:00
  • Samsung steps up US hiring ahead of chip plants launch in Texas
    Samsung steps up US hiring ahead of chip plant's launch in Texas SEOUL, August 9 (AJP) - Samsung Electronics is ramping up efforts to secure local talent for its semiconductor fab in Taylor, Texas, as it prepares to begin initial operations later this year. According to industry sources on Sunday, the chip giant recently opened applications for its first summer internship program at the Taylor fab. It marks the first time the facility has been included in Samsung's annual overseas internship program, highlighting the company's efforts to build a pipeline of engineers in the U.S. ahead of the start of advanced chip production there. The 11-week program will give participants an opportunity to work alongside Samsung engineers on projects involving manufacturing processes and product technologies. It will provide hands-on experience in semiconductor manufacturing while helping build a talent pool for future hiring at the facility. Samsung is also hiring engineering graduates for entry-level positions, training and preparing them ahead of the fab's launch. The recruitment drive is part of its efforts to strengthen its U.S. manufacturing operations amid growing pressure to secure skilled workers. The move comes as chipmakers race to expand advanced manufacturing capacity in the U.S. Samsung and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) are among the companies investing heavily in new fabs while seeking to secure local talent. TSMC, for example, has expanded apprenticeship and training programs for technicians in Arizona as it builds up its manufacturing workforce. A recent analysis by global trade association Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International (SEMI) projected that the U.S. semiconductor and microelectronics industry could face a workforce shortfall of up to 157,000 workers by 2030. Samsung's investment in the fab focuses on advanced foundry manufacturing, with an initial investment of at least US$17 billion. It plans to start production using advanced chipmaking processes and gradually increase its capacity to produce 3-nanometer and 2-nanometer chips. Samsung is also preparing to further expand the site, with additional facilities planned as part of its long-term U.S. manufacturing strategy. AJP Takeaways: - Samsung Electronics opened applications for its first summer internship program at its semiconductor fabrication plant in Taylor, Texas, according to industry sources cited on Aug. 9, 2026. - Samsung Electronics' summer internship program at the Taylor, Texas fab runs 11 weeks and gives participants the opportunity to work alongside Samsung engineers on projects involving manufacturing processes and product technologies. - Samsung Electronics is also hiring engineering graduates for entry-level positions at the Taylor, Texas fab, training them ahead of the facility's launch. - Samsung Electronics' recruitment drive at the Taylor, Texas fab is part of a broader effort to strengthen its U.S. manufacturing operations amid growing pressure to secure skilled semiconductor workers. - Samsung Electronics is preparing to begin initial operations at its Taylor, Texas semiconductor fab later in 2026. - Samsung Electronics' investment in the Taylor, Texas fab focuses on advanced foundry manufacturing, with an initial investment of at least $17 billion. 2026-08-09 11:46:33
  • Counterfeit K-Beauty Products Spread to Europe Amid Rising Popularity
    Counterfeit K-Beauty Products Spread to Europe Amid Rising Popularity The popularity of K-beauty is leading to an increase in counterfeit products imitating domestic cosmetics brands, spreading from Asia to Europe. Counterfeit goods produced in China are being distributed globally through online platforms, and the methods of imitation have become so sophisticated that they are difficult to distinguish from genuine products, prompting domestic companies to strengthen their responses.According to industry sources, APR confirmed that over 100 suspected counterfeit products of its Mediheal "PDRN Pink Collagen Capsule Cream" were seized last month at the customs of Timisoara Airport in Romania. The products were reportedly so similar in packaging and design to the originals that they were hard to identify with the naked eye.While K-beauty counterfeits have primarily been found in Asia, including China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Vietnam, and Japan, recent cases have also emerged in Europe. As global demand for K-beauty expands, the distribution of counterfeit products is widening as well.China is identified as a major production and distribution hub for these counterfeits. In early July, a joint crackdown by the Public Security Bureau and the Market Supervision Administration in Guangzhou led to the seizure of over 6,000 imitation products of six Mediheal items. Other counterfeit products from domestic brands such as Skin1004 and Arensia were also discovered at the scene.The methods of distribution are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Sellers create third-party accounts on global online platforms, using product images and descriptions from official retailers to make it appear as though they are selling genuine products. When orders are placed, they ship counterfeit items instead.According to the Intellectual Property Office, the number of counterfeit K-brand cosmetics blocked online overseas increased from 16,774 in 2023 to 36,116 last year, more than doubling. Among the 117,005 counterfeit K-brand items detected by the Customs Service last year, cosmetics accounted for the largest share at 41,903 items (35.9%). Of these, 97.7% were produced in China.An industry insider stated, "Counterfeits manufactured overseas and distributed through global platforms are difficult to combat with the efforts of individual companies or domestic authorities alone. A practical international cooperation system involving overseas customs, law enforcement agencies, and online platforms is necessary." 2026-08-09 11:44:00
  • Jang Dong-hyuk Criticizes Lee Jae-myung for Creating Marriage Penalty
    Jang Dong-hyuk Criticizes Lee Jae-myung for Creating 'Marriage Penalty' Jang Dong-hyuk, leader of the People Power Party, criticized on the 9th, "It is President Lee Jae-myung and this administration that created the 'marriage penalty.'"In a Facebook post, Jang stated, "President Lee says there should be no hesitation in marriage due to national policy and that he will correct 22 marriage penalties. This is the peak of 'out-of-body rhetoric.'"He pointed out that the Lee Jae-myung administration has reduced the limits on Ddimum and Buteum loans and tightened regulations as part of the June 27 measures, in addition to cutting newborn special loans. He remarked, "In the end, they are saying they will now lift what they had previously blocked. It seems they are scared as support among those in their 20s and 30s has plummeted and youth backlash has intensified."Jang emphasized that young people are not simply looking for relaxed loan regulations or handouts, but rather want reforms in the labor market, the establishment of a proper financial market, and effective real estate policies.He questioned, "How many of the 22 issues can they actually fix?" and asserted, "The path to finding hope for the youth lies solely in a change of government."Meanwhile, President Lee had stated the previous day on his X (formerly Twitter) account, "There should never be hesitation in marriage due to national policy. I have instructed a thorough investigation into the institutional disadvantages that may arise from marriage and will examine whether improvements are needed and if the solutions can be fair and practically helpful to everyone."He proposed 22 policies, including relaxing income requirements for Ddimum and Buteum lease loans, expanding income criteria for dual-income households for newborn special loans, easing application requirements for newlywed special supply, allowing applications for small two-household ownership after marriage, expanding exemptions on acquisition tax for two-home owners after marriage, and improving tax credit disadvantages related to marriage.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-09 11:44:00