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Citizens of Gwacheon Demand Government Withdraw Housing Plans for Racecourse The representatives of Gwacheon citizens are drawing attention as they visit the government office in Sejong to demand the withdrawal of housing supply and relocation plans for the Gwacheon Racecourse. According to the city of Gwacheon, about 20 citizen representatives held a launch ceremony in the lobby of the city hall on the morning of September 17, expressing their opposition to the government's unilateral push for housing supply and the relocation of the racecourse, before moving to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport in Sejong to hold a rally. Former Gwacheon City Council Chairperson Ha Young-joo and former Gwacheon Association Chairperson Kim Seong-hoon represented the citizens and issued a statement. The citizen representatives stated, "It is unacceptable for the government to promote the Gwacheon Racecourse and surrounding areas as a large-scale housing supply site without sufficient consultation with the citizens of Gwacheon," demanding a comprehensive review of the plans. They particularly argued, "In light of the ongoing large-scale development projects such as the Gwacheon Knowledge Information Town and Gwacheon District, it is more important to enhance the currently lacking transportation, education, and living infrastructure before pursuing additional housing supply." Previously, the government announced plans to supply 9,800 housing units in the area around the Gwacheon Racecourse and the Defense Security Command, with construction aimed to begin by December 2029 after relocation and permitting processes. In response, the citizen representatives expressed their opposition to relocating or developing the racecourse, which has served as a recreational and cultural space for Gwacheon residents and those in the metropolitan area. They also raised concerns that if large-scale housing supply is pursued again, it could exacerbate existing traffic congestion and the lack of educational and living infrastructure, as citizens are already experiencing inconveniences due to the failure to meet initial plans for ongoing development projects. Kim Hang-sik, a citizen representative, stated in a separate statement, "Over the past five years, as a representative of residents in the Gwacheon Knowledge Information Town, I repeatedly heard responses like 'it's already decided' and 'there's no choice' while negotiating with the Korea Land and Housing Corporation on current issues." He added, "While the completion of infrastructure, including the Information Town Station, has been delayed, residents continue to move in, causing suffering for citizens as people arrive on schedule while facilities lag behind." Furthermore, he emphasized, "Even after the government's plan to supply 4,000 housing units on the Gwacheon government site was scrapped due to citizen opposition, the supply volume did not disappear; instead, a new development area was created in Galhyeon-dong, Gwacheon," urging the government to stop changing housing supply sites within Gwacheon. Kim asserted, "No one has asked us for our opinion," and insisted, "The government must fulfill the promised infrastructure before making new promises about future developments." During the rally, the citizen representatives planned to present their main demands, which include the withdrawal of housing supply plans without the consent of Gwacheon citizens, the cancellation of the racecourse relocation plan, and the cessation of unilateral housing supply while engaging in discussions with Gwacheon citizens. After the rally, they will also visit the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs to deliver a petition outlining the demands of Gwacheon citizens. The citizen representatives will call for a comprehensive review of the large-scale housing supply plans for the racecourse and the Defense Security Command site, and demand that the ongoing development projects' transportation, education, and living infrastructure be responsibly completed before any new housing supply is initiated. Additionally, they will urge that sufficient consultation with Gwacheon citizens be conducted before making decisions on major development plans in the city. Meanwhile, the citizen representatives plan to continue their activities in response to the government's unilateral policy implementation until their demands are met. 2026-09-17 10:08:00 -
Health Checkups for Residents at Hanawon Facility in Hwacheon A large-scale medical service was held for residents at the Hanawon facility in Hwacheon, Gangwon Province, which has been operating as a settlement education center for North Korean defectors.According to Hwacheon County, Coupang conducted a mobile health checkup program called 'Coupang On-Dongnae Care' on September 16 at the Hanawon Hwacheon branch in Gandeok-myeon.About 600 participants included over 550 residents of Hwacheon County, including more than 200 children and teenagers, as well as 50 North Korean defectors.More than 40 medical professionals from the Korean Medical Volunteer Corps, including doctors, dentists, and pharmacists, conducted blood tests, dental and oriental medicine consultations, and bone density tests. Dementia and depression screenings, as well as child growth and development assessments, were also performed.'Coupang On-Dongnae Care' is a social contribution initiative aimed at providing health checkups in areas with declining populations where access to medical facilities is limited. The program began in April in Jeonbuk's Jangsu and has since expanded to include regions such as Chungbuk's Danyang, Gyeongbuk's Yeongdeok, and Jeonnam's Haenam.This health checkup aligns with the movement to open the Hanawon facility to the local community.The Ministry of Unification opened the second Hanawon in Gandeok-myeon, Hwacheon County, in 2012 to provide initial social adaptation education for male North Korean defectors and vocational and advanced education for settled defectors. Recently, as the number of defectors entering the country has decreased, the facility's educational functions have been reduced, prompting a transition to a space for both defectors and local residents.On September 10, the Hwacheon branch and the Korean Medical Volunteer Corps signed a memorandum of understanding to promote health for both North Korean defectors and local residents. The two parties agreed to collaborate on health consultations, screenings, disease prevention education, and mobile medical services.The timeline for opening the second Hanawon to residents has been delayed beyond initial expectations. According to the Ministry of Unification, the designation of the facility as a national security facility managed by the National Intelligence Service was lifted at the end of May, but the revision process for the Ministry of National Defense's designation of the facility as a national important facility continued until July.Plans to convert the Hanawon-affiliated clinic into a general medical facility and expand its services to include local residents also require discussions with relevant authorities.Hwacheon County anticipates that the second Hanawon will officially open to residents as early as October. The exact opening date, the facilities available, and the scope of services for residents will be clarified once the Ministry of Unification finalizes its operational plans.Jang Young-cheol, executive director of Coupang's social contribution division, stated, "We will continue our efforts to address healthcare gaps in collaboration with the local community."Kim Se-hoon, the mayor of Hwacheon County, remarked, "We will strengthen our cooperation with the second Hanawon to enhance the health and medical welfare of our residents."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 10:04:20 -
DDP Area to Transform into Cultural Hub for K-Pop and Entertainment The Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) area in Seoul will be transformed into a cultural and tourism hub that combines entertainment companies, K-culture content, hotels, and green spaces.On September 17, the Seoul City government announced that the 15th Urban Planning Committee had approved a revised plan to designate the DDP 1, 2, and 3 urban redevelopment areas. The targeted locations include Euljiro 6-ga 1-1, Sindang-dong 773, and Euljiro 299.Once a center for the fashion industry, the DDP area has faced economic decline due to the shift to online shopping and the rise of Chinese e-commerce, leading to a vacancy rate exceeding 70% in some fashion stores. However, the DDP attracts about 17 million visitors annually, highlighting its potential as a tourism hub. The city aims to revitalize the area and establish it as a center for K-culture, particularly K-pop.Incentives of up to 200% for entertainment companiesEntertainment companies that set up in the area will receive incentives allowing for a maximum floor area ratio of 200%. Additionally, businesses in the beauty and fashion sectors can benefit from a 50% increase in allowable floor area. Experience-based entertainment spaces will also receive up to 100% in floor area incentives, and registered performance venues can have their height limits relaxed by up to 20 meters. The plan encourages the development of K-culture infrastructure, including an open observation deck and performance spaces with views of the DDP and Hanyangdoseong.The city also plans to expand tourism hotels. For hotels rated three stars or higher, the allowable floor area ratio can reach up to 150%, or a maximum of 240% depending on size. Establishing tourist information centers and luggage facilities can yield an additional 100% in floor area incentives.Green spaces and pedestrian areas will also be enhanced. A 30-meter-wide east-west green corridor will connect the Sewoon district to the DDP, linking open spaces around the DDP. A media facade will be installed along Jangchungdan-ro to create a nighttime landmark.This redevelopment plan serves as a master plan that will guide future private sector initiatives, with specific project plans to be finalized through community proposals and related procedures.Kim Chang-kyu, head of the Seoul City Urban Space Headquarters, stated, "We will create a complex city that integrates a K-culture-centered cultural and tourism hub with green spaces."Yonsei University to build innovation center and medical schoolDuring the same Urban Planning Committee meeting, a revised plan for the detailed facilities of Yonsei University was also approved. The city announced that Yonsei University will construct an innovation growth facility and a medical school in the Sinchon area of Seodaemun-gu.The innovation growth facility will be built on the site of the existing alumni hall, covering approximately 109,000 square meters and rising 17 stories. It will include an AI convergence college and specialized medical institutions for heart and cerebrovascular diseases, along with a 13,000-square-meter community facility for AI career experiences, entrepreneurship education, and open cultural classrooms.The medical school will be constructed on the site of the existing Allen Hall and the Yonsei Medical Center administrative building, covering about 97,000 square meters and rising 11 stories. Construction for the innovation growth facility is set to begin in March 2028, while the medical school is scheduled to start in June 2027.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 10:04:10 -
LG Electronics Employees Celebrate Chuseok by Making Songpyeon with Disabled Individuals Employees of LG Electronics visited a welfare facility for disabled individuals to make songpyeon and prepare holiday food as part of their community service activities ahead of Chuseok. The donations collected from the employee cafeteria are used to support local volunteer efforts.On September 15, LG Electronics announced that its 'Life's Good' volunteer group conducted Chuseok service activities at the Yeomni Disabled Day Care Center in Mapo, Seoul.The volunteer group made songpyeon and prepared traditional holiday dishes with the center's users. They also delivered pre-prepared rice cakes and played yut nori together. The Yeomni Disabled Day Care Center is a facility for individuals with severe disabilities under the Korea Social Welfare Association.Since 2014, the LG Electronics Life's Good volunteer group has been collaborating with the Korea Social Welfare Association to provide services for vulnerable communities. The costs for this activity were funded through the 'donation menu' operated by the employee cafeteria.The donation menu reduces the number of side dishes in regular meals, and the savings are accumulated as donations by the company. This initiative, which started in 2011, has nearly reached a total of 300 million won in donations. It allows employees to participate in social contributions through their meal choices without a separate donation process.LG Electronics has been operating voluntary employee service activities since 2010, with approximately 5,000 employees participating in the last five years, supporting around 23,000 individuals in the community and marginalized groups. Last year, these efforts were recognized with a presidential citation at the 'Korea Volunteer Awards.'To support employee participation in volunteer work, the company also offers up to eight hours of paid volunteer leave per year. Since the program was introduced in 2013, employees have accumulated over 40,000 hours of volunteer leave.LG Electronics is expanding its volunteer efforts beyond environmental cleanup and neighbor care to include product repairs, career mentoring, and AI photography, utilizing employees' skills and expertise.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 10:04:00 -
LG's Koo Kwang-mo: AI is a Core Focus, Not an Option LG has reassessed its investment decision-making framework in line with the AI era. The company has identified AI factories, Physical AI, and semiconductor materials and substrates as key areas for competition, aiming to enhance its strategy and execution speed to make swift investment decisions based on market and technological changes.On September 16, LG Group Chairman Koo Kwang-mo and over 40 executives from major affiliates gathered for an executive meeting at LG Inhwa Center in Icheon, Gyeonggi Province. Executives from LG Electronics, LG Display, LG Innotek, LG Chem, LG Energy Solution, and LG Uplus discussed investment strategies for approximately eight hours.The meeting focused on reviewing existing investment outcomes and future strategies centered on AI factories, Physical AI, semiconductor materials and substrates, and AI transformation (AX). The rapid changes brought by AI in industrial structures, manufacturing, and research and development necessitate an upgrade in existing investment criteria.The executives agreed to first establish clear business objectives and portfolio strategies, then validate multiple scenarios based on market, competition, and technological changes to enhance the quality of investment decisions. They also reached a consensus on concentrating resources and capabilities in necessary areas to accelerate execution when investment opportunities arise.Last month, LG formed a strategic partnership with NVIDIA in the fields of robotics, AI factories, and mobility, planning to establish an AI factory based on the next-generation AI platform 'Vera Rubin' next year and expand it to 80MW in Chungnam by 2028, thus transitioning AI investments into actual production infrastructure.Amid market debates over the pace of AI investment, LG has decided to focus on creating value in real customer and industrial settings rather than just the technology itself. Recently, LG AI Research Institute unveiled AI technology capable of predicting factory conditions and conducting inspections, further extending AI from the research phase to industrial applications.This year, LG has also been specifying the themes of its executive meetings on a quarterly basis. In March, the focus was on AX to discuss execution speed, while June's meeting centered on 'Winning R&D' to assess research and development competitiveness. The September meeting prioritized investment strategy as a core agenda item.Koo Kwang-mo stated, "AI is no longer an area that can be addressed selectively; it is a core pillar that determines future competitiveness. I urge the executives to maintain a rapid pace and relentless execution to win in the future battleground of AI." 2026-09-17 10:04:00 -
Hana Bank Captures 42% Market Share in National Love Card Program Hana Bank has achieved a market share of over 40% in the National Love Card program, which it entered this year. The issuance of the card has rapidly increased the number of customers using salary transfers for active-duty soldiers, accelerating the bank's efforts to expand its customer base among military personnel.As of the end of August, Hana Bank reported a cumulative market share of approximately 42% in the third phase of the National Love Card program.Selected as the issuer for the third phase, Hana Bank began issuing cards and handling military service examination-related tasks this year. Despite being a new player in the market without prior experience, the bank has established its IT and operational systems from the outset, contributing to its market share growth.In addition to card issuance, the volume of salary transfers for active-duty soldiers has also increased significantly. According to Hana Bank, the amount of military salary transfers has surged 14-fold compared to the end of last year.In the banking sector, the National Love Card is seen as a key opportunity to secure young customers not only during their military service but also afterward. Accounts and cards opened during the military service examination process can be linked to salary transfers or financial transactions after discharge.Hana Bank is also targeting younger customers with card designs and benefits tailored for military personnel. The design card featuring Ahn Yoo-jin from the idol group IVE has surpassed 158,000 issuances as of the end of August.The bank is concurrently conducting financial education and welfare programs for military personnel. It operates a dedicated financial education team, 'Money Special Forces,' which visits military units to provide financial education and conducts financial planning workshops for junior officers.Additionally, Hana Bank has supported the remodeling of physical training facilities for the 2nd Marine Division, donated approximately 5,000 books to the Army's 7th Corps, and renovated the 'Hana Hall' for the Marine Corps on Yeonpyeong Island. The bank also provides support for prosthetic limbs and medical assistive devices for soldiers who have died in the line of duty or have been injured.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 10:00:00 -
Experts Call for Innovation Beyond Integration of Public Enterprises Why do public enterprises exist? As a researcher, I have pondered this question while studying public enterprises and participating in various policy-making processes for a long time. The government establishes public enterprises in response to economic and social needs, sometimes opting for privatization or organizational restructuring. The aim of these changes is to answer the question, 'How can we most appropriately provide public services that the citizens need?' Many scholars are researching ways to enhance the efficiency of public service delivery so that more citizens can universally benefit.The form of public enterprises has evolved in various ways according to the economic and social demands of the times. As a researcher who has long explored public enterprise policy and governance and served as a management evaluation committee member, I recently had the opportunity to witness a significant and practical integration of public enterprises. The merger of Korea Railroad Corporation and SR Corporation has been completed smoothly, meeting public expectations.As the private chair of the high-speed rail integration labor-management-government consultation body, I recall the many meetings I chaired, coordinating the diverse voices of stakeholders. While I have participated in public policy decision-making processes in the past, I have never felt such pressure or maintained such a high level of tension until the very last moment as I did during this integration effort.Integrating two organizations with different histories and cultures cannot be accomplished merely through legal amendments or institutional arrangements. The process of delicately adjusting complex interests, differing organizational cultures, and the anxieties felt by members is far more challenging. In fact, the consultation process was not smooth, and anticipated concerns sometimes manifested as conflicts.During the discussions, many issues clashed, from the method of integration to the organizational structure and working conditions post-merger. The positions of the government, Korea Railroad Corporation, SR Corporation, and the labor unions of both companies varied. However, the key was not to unilaterally enforce one side's claims. It was essential to collaboratively seek alternatives under the goal of 'enhancing public benefit and ensuring safety.'Particularly, discussions regarding the organizational structure after the merger were very challenging. Organizational restructuring may seem as simple as drawing an organizational chart, but underlying it are complex feelings of belonging, wage systems, and anxieties about future careers among individual members. The more sensitive the issues, the more important it is to listen to the voices of those involved, and compromise and concession are essential. At the same time, we could not overlook the time of the citizens who longed for integration. Ignoring the inconveniences experienced by the public would be a dereliction of public responsibility.The government gathered opinions from stakeholders, including labor unions, and incorporated them into the consultation agenda. The labor unions of both companies narrowed down the issues through a four-party consultation. As a result, they developed a win-win plan to establish a support organization to help SR members adapt for a certain period after the merger. It is significant that not all proposals were adopted as they were, but rather that a solution acceptable to all was created through dialogue. This was evaluated as a groundbreaking example of conflict resolution and provided an opportunity for me, as a researcher, to gain academic assets regarding decision-making.The success of this integration offers several insights.First, the success of innovation depends on the 'design of the process.' The labor-management-government consultation body established a structure that subdivided issues into public benefit, practical integration, legal procedures, and risk management, which were then reviewed by subcommittees before being re-discussed. This approach proved effective by separating issues and maximizing expertise rather than making blanket decisions on complex issues.Second, 'speed' and 'deliberation' are not opposing values. Impatience can amplify conflicts, and waiting solely for consensus can lead to missed opportunities. It is essential to maintain an appropriate pace considering public expectations and the integration timeline. I pay my respects to the stakeholders who made agreements and decisions during this process.Third, the true completion of integration does not end with legal and institutional procedures or the completion of an organizational chart. It is necessary to verify whether members are well-adjusted to the organization after the merger and whether the public feels the changes. I proposed that an external professional organization conduct objective performance evaluations.In this context, it was decided to continue operating the labor-management-government consultation body even after the merger. This is a significant milestone in public sector decision-making. We will continuously monitor improvements in public benefits, such as expanded seat supply and reservation convenience, as well as the functioning of the railway safety management system. The true success of the integration will accumulate through this persistent monitoring process.When both members and the public evaluate that 'the integrated railway has become much safer and more convenient,' the high-speed rail integration will be fully realized. 2026-09-17 10:00:00 -
Daewoo Engineering Partners with Global Firms for Mokdong 8 Complex Reconstruction As the competition heats up for the reconstruction of the Mokdong New Town in Seoul, Daewoo Engineering has begun collaborating with global design and engineering firms to secure the Mokdong 8 Complex project. The company plans to present a differentiated design proposal by involving specialized firms in various fields, from structural safety to landscaping and exterior design.On September 17, Daewoo Engineering announced its collaboration with the UK-based global engineering firm Arup, the New York-based landscape design group Supermass Studio, and the Danish urban and architectural design group Urban Agency for the Mokdong 8 Complex reconstruction.Daewoo Engineering aims to combine the expertise of these global firms to create a landmark complex that represents the Mokdong New Town.In the structural design sector, Daewoo will partner with Arup. Headquartered in London, Arup has participated in the structural design and engineering of global high-rise and mixed-use development projects, including Malaysia's Merdeka 118, China's Shanghai Tower, and Singapore's Marina Bay Sands.Daewoo plans to review the structural system for the Mokdong 8 Complex, which is designed to reach a height of 180 meters, and establish safety measures to withstand external factors such as earthquakes and strong winds.In the landscaping sector, Daewoo will collaborate with Supermass Studio, a landscape design firm involved in global projects such as Helsinki's South Harbor and New York's LaGuardia Airport Terminal B Concourse Park.The key landscaping concept proposed by both firms is the 'Living Arboretum.' This concept envisions the entire complex as a single arboretum, organizing 12 themed tree collections based on a taxonomic classification system.Each tree collection will be linked to pedestrian pathways, water features, and community spaces. The design aims to reflect the local characteristics of Mokdong and its identity as an educational city, allowing residents to experience nature within the complex.The exterior design will be developed in partnership with Urban Agency from Denmark. Daewoo Engineering is analyzing the location of the Mokdong 8 Complex, the surrounding urban environment, and key sightlines to create an exterior design that embodies the complex's identity.The core concept of the exterior design is 'Infinite Prism.' Just as a prism expands a single light into various spectra, this design aims to encapsulate the diverse values of Mokdong and the lifestyles of its residents. The focus is on achieving a distinctive skyline for the Mokdong 8 Complex while harmonizing with the surrounding urban landscape.Daewoo Engineering plans to integrate the structural, exterior, and landscaping designs into a cohesive proposal, utilizing Arup for structural safety, Supermass Studio for landscaping, and Urban Agency for exterior and urban landscape design.A Daewoo Engineering representative stated, "Given that the Mokdong 8 Complex is located in the heart of Mokdong, which has represented South Korea for a long time, a new design is needed that not only inherits existing values but also leads future residential culture. Through collaboration with globally recognized firms, we aim to propose a differentiated landmark complex that combines safety and design competitiveness."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 09:56:10 -
KIND Enhances Support for Companies Expanding into Central Asia The Korea Overseas Infrastructure & Urban Development Corporation (KIND) is strengthening its collaboration on infrastructure and urban development with key countries in Central Asia, aiming to expand opportunities for South Korean companies in the region.On September 17, KIND announced its participation in the 'Korea-Kazakhstan Business Roundtable' and the 'Korea-Uzbekistan Business Forum,' as well as the 'Korea-Central Asia Five Countries Business Summit' held in Seoul from September 15 to 16.During the 'Korea-Kazakhstan Business Roundtable' on September 15, KIND met with the President of Kazakhstan to discuss the follow-up development of the 'Alatau New City Smart Town' project, which is part of the K-City Network initiative, as well as ways to identify promising investment projects and increase participation from South Korean companies.The Alatau New City Smart Town project aims to integrate South Korean smart city technologies into a designated area within the smart city being developed north of Almaty, Kazakhstan's economic capital. KIND is managing the project under a mandate from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.KIND also signed a framework agreement with the Alatau City Authority and a memorandum of understanding with the local private developer Caspian Group. Additionally, a strategic cooperation agreement was established to collaborate on the creation of a joint investment platform with the Kazakhstan Investment Corporation and to identify investment development projects.On the same day, at the 'Korea-Uzbekistan Business Forum' held at the Shilla Hotel, KIND met with the President of Uzbekistan to discuss the progress and collaboration on ongoing projects, including the 'Tashkent Smart Bio Cluster' and the 'Smart Aero City' surrounding the new Tashkent Airport. A memorandum of understanding was also signed to enhance cooperation in identifying joint projects in infrastructure and urban development with the Uzbekistan Reconstruction and Development Fund (UFRD).On September 16, KIND participated in the MOU exchange ceremony at the 'Korea-Central Asia Five Countries Business Summit' held at the Westin Chosun Seoul, where it exchanged two cooperation documents with key institutions from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan.KIM Bok-hwan, the president of KIND, stated, “Through this summit, we will strengthen our cooperation with the governments of key Central Asian countries. We have laid the groundwork for promising projects identified through the K-City Network initiative and feasibility study support projects to lead to tangible investment outcomes and participation from our companies in development projects.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 09:56:10 -
Special Prosecutor's Office Conducts First Raids on Election Commission The Special Prosecutor's Office investigating allegations related to a shortage of ballots during the June 3 local elections has launched its first forced investigation just ten days after its establishment.According to legal sources on September 17, the special prosecutor is conducting raids at a total of nine locations, including the National Election Commission and local election offices. This marks the first time the special prosecutor has carried out a forced investigation since its inception on September 7.The special prosecutor has deployed prosecutors and investigators to the National Election Commission to secure materials, including internal server data, from their offices. After analyzing the collected materials, the special prosecutor plans to consider summoning related individuals.The special prosecutor's investigation, which can last up to 150 days, focuses on 12 areas, including allegations of violations of voting rights due to ballot shortages, manipulation of election statistics such as voter turnout, mismanagement of essential election materials like ballot storage boxes, and corruption allegations involving current and former members and staff of the election commission related to overseas trips and preferential contracts.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 09:56:00


