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Samsung Life Selects Nine Consumer Protection Heroes 삼성생명은 서초 삼성금융캠퍼스에서 ‘고객을 지키는 약속, 신뢰로 잇는 미래’를 슬로건으로 제2회 ‘금융소비자의 날’ 행사를 열었다고 17일 밝혔다. 행사에는 임직원과 컨설턴트, 고객 패널 등 200여명이 참석해 소비자보호 실천 사례와 주요 성과를 공유했다. 이날 행사에서는 소비자보호에 기여한 임직원과 컨설턴트 9명이 ‘소비자보호 히어로’로 선정됐다. 고객 권익 보호뿐 아니라 취약계층 지원과 금융피해 예방 등 현장에서 소비자보호를 실천한 사례를 발굴해 공유하는 자리다. 서면지역단 광무제일지점 이미자 컨설턴트는 암 진단을 받은 고객의 치료 과정에 지속적으로 동행한 사례로 선정됐다. 보험의 필요성을 느끼지 못했던 고객에게 보장자산의 중요성을 안내한 이후 인연을 이어갔으며 암 발병 후에도 필요한 지원을 제공했다. 소비자권익보호위원회의 활동 성과도 소개됐다. 삼성생명은 학계·법조계·의료계 등 외부 전문가로 구성된 위원회를 2018년부터 운영하고 있다. 소비자 권익과 관련한 주요 사안을 심의하고 고객 관점의 의사결정을 지원하는 역할이다. 지금까지 위원회에 상정된 안건은 총 198건이며 이 가운데 118건이 최종 수용됐다. 올해는 10건 가운데 9건이 수용됐다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 09:52:10 -
PGA Tour to Implement Promotion and Relegation System Starting in 2028 The PGA Tour has finalized details for its promotion and relegation system, set to begin in 2028.On September 16, the PGA Tour announced the membership categories for the new 'PGA Tour Championship Series' and the qualifications for the lower-tier 'PGA Tour Challenger Series,' which will replace the current competitive structure.The key feature is the annual promotion and relegation system between the two series. The Championship Series will feature an average of 120 players. After the season concludes, the top 90 players in points will retain their membership for the following season. Among those who do not make the top 90, 20 players will be relegated to the Challenger Series, while the top 20 from the Challenger Series will be promoted to the Championship Series.There will also be pathways for promotion during the season. Players in the Challenger Series who achieve two or more wins in a season can be promoted to the Championship Series mid-season. Additionally, the player who finishes first in the PGA Tour college rankings after the NCAA Championship will receive immediate entry into the Championship Series.The benefits for winning major tournaments will be reduced. Previously, major champions received a five-year exemption, but starting with the 2027 major winners, they will only receive a two-year exemption. After the introduction of the Championship Series, the exemption period for major tournaments will align with that of regular events. Winners of Championship Series events will be guaranteed entry for the current season and the following two seasons. However, players who secure a five-year exemption by winning a major tournament this year will retain their rights.A new 'Last Chance Series' will also be established, providing opportunities outside of regular promotions. This series will consist of at least four events held in the fall, featuring players relegated from the Championship Series, those remaining in the Challenger Series, players promoted from the Korn Ferry Tour, top performers from PGA Q School, and college players ranked 2nd to 5th, competing for three spots in the Championship Series.Brian Loughnane, CEO of the PGA Tour, stated, "From the beginning, our goal has been to uphold the unique competitive principle of golf, where opportunities are awarded based on performance. Through the new eligibility criteria and various pathways to the PGA Tour, we aim to reward outstanding achievements and provide a clear path for players to advance to the next level, regardless of where they are in their careers. Fans will have a clearer understanding of what players are competing for at each event and throughout the season."In the final season under the current system in 2027, the criteria for entry will also change. Currently, players ranked up to 100 in the FedEx Cup standings earn entry for the next season, but in 2027, players must finish in the top 95 to qualify for the 2028 Championship Series.Meanwhile, the PGA Tour will kick off its fall series on September 17 with the Biltmore Championship, featuring eight events over ten weeks. Players must finish in the top 100 of the FedEx Cup standings after the fall series to secure eligibility for 2027.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 09:52:00
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Coway Partners with Seoul National University to Launch Microbial Food Waste Processor Coway announced on September 17 that it has signed a technology transfer agreement with Seoul National University for the development of a 'microbial food waste decomposition mixed strain technology.'Professor Kang Dong-hyun's research team at Seoul National University has secured optimal microbial selection technology that effectively decomposes proteins, carbohydrates, dietary fibers, and fats, tailored to the characteristics of South Korea's food waste, which is often spicy, salty, and moist.Through this academic partnership initiated in 2023, Coway has gained a competitive edge in identifying and evaluating superior microbes from traditional fermented foods. The company has internalized research capabilities to select and cultivate decomposition strains optimized for the Korean food waste processing environment based on exclusive technology transfer.Currently, Coway is preparing to launch its 'Zero Food Waste Processor - Microbial Type' at the end of this month, with pre-consultation reservations and promotions underway.Professor Kang Dong-hyun stated, "This is a significant case of transferring nature-friendly foundational technology, and I hope it serves as a solution to hygienically and environmentally address the food waste issue."Coway emphasized, "With the exclusive technology transfer, we have secured a unique technological advantage in the food waste processor market and will lead the market by introducing next-generation eco-friendly food waste processors."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 09:52:00
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Deputy Prime Minister Koo Yoon-cheol Chairs Final Economic Meeting Amid U.S. Rate Hikes Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Koo Yoon-cheol chaired what is effectively the last expanded macroeconomic financial meeting, urging close cooperation among the economic and financial teams in response to U.S. interest rate hikes. He also expressed gratitude to the heads and staff of related agencies for their collaboration in stabilizing the financial and foreign exchange markets.On September 17, Koo convened the meeting at the Government Seoul Complex with Bank of Korea Governor Lee Hyun-song, Financial Services Commission Chairman Lee Ok-won, and Financial Supervisory Service Chairman Lee Chan-jin to assess the impact of the Federal Open Market Committee's (FOMC) interest rate hike and the financial and foreign exchange market effects stemming from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.Participants noted that the U.S. Federal Reserve raised its policy rate considering robust economic and employment conditions, high inflation, recent increases in international oil prices, and heightened geopolitical uncertainties.This rate hike had already been factored into the market, and overall financial market conditions remain stable, suggesting limited impact on the market. However, they agreed to monitor the Fed's strengthened commitment to price stability, the possibility of further rate hikes this year, and upcoming monetary policy decisions from the Bank of Japan (BOJ) and the Bank of England (BOE).The meeting also outlined plans to closely monitor international oil prices and global capital flows, ensuring ongoing assessments of their effects on the domestic financial and foreign exchange markets through inter-agency cooperation.Regarding the government bond market, they diagnosed that volatility has increased due to changes in domestic and external conditions, including the Fed's rate hike. Given the potential for continued uncertainty, they will keep a close watch on market trends and implement necessary stabilization measures if excessive market concentration occurs.They also reviewed the repayment burdens on vulnerable borrowers due to rising loan rates. Participants agreed to proceed with previously announced support measures for these borrowers and to develop supplementary plans if necessary.Recent changes in domestic and external economic conditions, such as the current account surplus, and their impact on market liquidity were also discussed. They plan to examine related capital flows and liquidity conditions while assessing their effects on financial and asset markets.Koo expressed gratitude to the Bank of Korea, the Financial Services Commission, the Financial Supervisory Service, and other related agencies for their efforts to stabilize the market. He urged the economic and financial teams to continue responding swiftly and organically based on the cooperation framework they have built.Meanwhile, the National Assembly adopted the confirmation report for Lee Hyung-il, the nominee for Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, indicating that this meeting will likely be Koo's last as chair. 2026-09-17 09:52:00
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Kyobo Life Successfully Tests Stablecoin for Japan-Korea Fund Transfers 교보생명이 국내 보험업계 최초로 스테이블코인 활용 한·일 자금이전 실증에 성공했다.교보생명은 SBI그룹과 지난 7월부터 진행한 ‘한일 스테이블코인 기반 크로스보더 실증 프로젝트’를 마무리했다고 17일 밝혔다.국가 간 기관자금의 이전부터 환전, 정산까지 전 과정을 검증한 국내 보험업계 첫 사례다.이번 실증은 SBI그룹 산하 SBI Digital Practice와 공동으로 진행됐다. 금융기관용 블록체인인 ‘캔톤 네트워크’ 테스트 환경에서 이뤄졌다.기존에는 일본에서 엔화를 달러로 바꾼 뒤 다시 원화로 환전하는 방식이 필요했다. 이번 실증에서는 엔화 스테이블코인을 원화 스테이블코인으로 직접 환전하는 구조를 적용했다. 실제 자금 대신 테스트 토큰을 활용해 달러를 거치지 않는 자금 이전 과정을 검증했다.교보생명은 이번 실증을 통해 블록체인 기반 국경 간 자금이전의 처리시간을 줄이고 중간 환전 절차를 간소화할 가능성을 확인했다고 설명했다. 거래 정보를 실시간으로 확인·추적하는 한편 해외에서 이전된 디지털자산과 관련 정산금을 국내에서 처리하는 운영모델도 함께 검증했다.교보생명은 향후 관련 제도와 금융 인프라가 마련되면 이번 실증 구조를 해외 금융거래의 효율성을 높일 수 있을 것으로 보고 있다.양사는 실증 결과를 바탕으로 한·일 간 디지털자산 환전과 자산운용 연계, 실제 거래를 기반으로 한 신규 사업모델 발굴 등 웹3 금융 분야에서 협력을 확대할 계획이다.교보생명 관계자는 “이번 실증을 통해 스테이블코인과 블록체인을 활용한 국가 간 기관자금 이전의 기술적 가능성과 효율성을 확인했다”며 “앞으로도 SBI그룹과 협력을 확대하며 웹3 금융 인프라 변화에 대응해 나가겠다”고 말했다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 09:48:00
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Kim Min-seok: Discussions on Progressive Coalition Already Underway Kim Min-seok, leader of the Democratic Party, responded to claims from the Justice Innovation Party that there had been no discussions regarding a progressive coalition, stating, "We have already entered the discussion process." He also indicated that he would reveal the status of investigations into allegations of dual party membership and Shincheonji involvement at an appropriate time.On September 17, during an appearance on the Democratic Party's official YouTube channel, Minty07, Kim said, "We have already met with the Innovation Party. I have instructed members of the coalition integration task force to continue outreach." He dismissed the claim that discussions on easing coalition requirements were not taking place, adding that talks are ongoing regarding issues raised by progressive parties, including the easing of coalition requirements.The Democratic Party and the Innovation Party clashed the previous day over the criteria for easing coalition requirements. Kim's proposal to lower the threshold from the current 20 seats to 15 sparked a backlash from the Innovation Party, which claimed there had been no formal proposal for discussion. Officials from the Innovation Party, including Secretary-General Jeong Chun-sang, argued that the threshold should be lowered to 10 seats instead.Regarding the issue of dual party membership, Kim emphasized that it must be addressed, especially in light of potential unification discussions with the Innovation Party. He stated, "There are cases of dual party membership within the progressive camp. This issue must be resolved before any unification discussions with the Innovation Party can realistically proceed."Kim also noted that investigations into the issue of religious groups' membership in the party, which he raised during the party convention, are ongoing. He mentioned that the task force led by Supreme Council member Park Sun-won is working to resolve issues related to membership lists from Shincheonji and the Unification Church, stating, "The process is being conducted slowly and thoroughly. I understand there has been some progress."He recalled that when he and President Lee Jae-myung raised the issue during his tenure as Prime Minister, related groups began their activities online the following day, saying, "I thought, 'They are marking their territory.'"* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 09:48:00
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KB Kookmin Bank Launches 'KB AI' for Enhanced Banking Experience KB Kookmin Bank announced the launch of 'KB AI,' a conversational financial service powered by generative artificial intelligence (AI), on September 17. KB AI allows customers to ask questions in everyday language, enabling the AI to understand their intent and provide relevant information or financial services. The service employs natural language-based integrated search, allowing users to find menu items, financial products, and frequently asked questions (FAQs) within the KB Star Banking app without needing to know specific terms or menu names.For instance, if a user types, "Show me last month's debit card usage" or "Send my son 100,000 won," the AI analyzes the user's intent and connects them to related services such as inquiries or transfers. A key feature is that users can access functions like search, inquiry, and transfer from a single screen without needing to switch between different chat windows.The bank has also expanded its multilingual services for foreign customers. The 'KB Star Banking Membership' service, which includes account opening and certificate issuance, is now available in multiple languages, increasing the number of supported languages from 11 to 16.A representative from KB Kookmin Bank stated, "We will continue to integrate AI technology into various financial services to provide customers with new financial experiences."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 09:44:20
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KakaoBank Expands Partnership with Naver Pay to Include Personal Business Loans KakaoBank is expanding its collaboration with Naver Pay (Npay) to include personal business loans in its loan comparison service. On September 17, KakaoBank announced its partnership with Naver Pay, allowing users to view personal business loan products through the Npay loan comparison service. Users can compare loan products from various financial institutions, including KakaoBank, after completing identity verification and entering personal information on the Npay loan comparison platform. By selecting KakaoBank's personal business loan and clicking 'Apply for Loan,' users will be redirected to the KakaoBank app to complete the application process. KakaoBank's personal business loan is available to customers who have completed business registration, even without a separate business account. The maximum loan limit is 300 million won. Customers who have held a personal business loan within 180 days prior to the application date, have completed a small business consulting program, or use the KakaoBank 'Business' Hyundai Card may qualify for a preferential interest rate of 0.2 percentage points under certain conditions. However, customers who take out personal business loans exceeding 50 million won will need to undergo a 'post-use fund purpose review.' A KakaoBank representative stated, 'We will continue to expand financial services that reduce the financial burden on personal business customers and support their funding needs.'* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 09:44:00
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Korea and Central Asia Expand Economic Cooperation with $14 Million in Export Contracts Economic cooperation between South Korea and Central Asia is expanding beyond exports to include key raw material supply chains and energy infrastructure. During the recent visit of buyers and suppliers from five Central Asian countries, approximately $14 million in export contracts were signed on-site.The Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) announced on September 17 that it hosted the 'Korea-Central Asia Business Partnership' event at the Westin Chosun Hotel in Seoul on September 16. The event featured participation from 33 Central Asian buyers and suppliers, along with over 90 domestic companies, resulting in more than 200 export consultations.A total of 16 contracts worth about $14 million were signed during the consultations. A consumer goods company secured a $3 million contract with a buyer from Kazakhstan. CU, which operates 70 stores in Kazakhstan, also held a showcase to introduce products from domestic small and medium-sized enterprises.In addition to product buyers, eight infrastructure project agencies and three key raw material suppliers participated in the event. Given the abundance of essential raw materials such as urea, phosphorous, and tungsten in Central Asia, discussions also focused on potential collaborations for diversifying supply chains for South Korean companies.During the Korea-Central Asia Business Summit held the same day, a joint declaration was adopted to broaden cooperation in areas including critical minerals, energy, and plant infrastructure, as well as artificial intelligence, digital technology, and biotechnology. Additionally, 19 memorandums of understanding were signed.KOTRA also operated a 'Supply Chain Lounge' to facilitate consultations between Central Asian raw material suppliers and domestic companies, with support from the Korea Export-Import Bank, the Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources, and the Korea Mine Rehabilitation and Resource Corporation, which provided consulting on finance and resource development.A development cooperation model linking infrastructure projects and exports was also proposed. The ongoing district heating modernization project in Uzbekistan was introduced, and consultations on equipment supply between companies in the two countries were conducted. Separate exhibition booths were set up for local small businesses and micro-enterprises.The five Central Asian countries are diversifying their industrial structures, including manufacturing and information and communication technology (ICT), while increasing foreign investment, leading to greater demand for energy and infrastructure. KOTRA plans to expand cooperation beyond simple product exports to include supply chains and project contracts as a result of the summit.Kang Kyung-seong, president of KOTRA, stated, "Central Asia offers significant opportunities for cooperation due to its growth potential, abundant raw materials, geographical proximity, and deep historical and emotional ties. We will fully support the active engagement of businesses from both countries in exports, supply chains, energy, and infrastructure." 2026-09-17 09:40:20
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National University Association Opposes Selective Support for '10 Seoul National Universities' The National University Professors Association (referred to as 'National University Association') has strongly opposed the Ministry of Education's selection results for the '10 Seoul National Universities' initiative. They are demanding the immediate inclusion of six national universities that were not selected and a comprehensive review of the competitive ranking policy that promotes selective and concentrated support.On September 17, the National University Association issued an emergency joint statement titled 'Return to the Principles of 5 Extremes 3 Specialties for National Balanced Development,' criticizing the government's '10 Seoul National Universities' project for straying from its original intent of promoting national balanced development and fostering unnecessary competition and disparities among national universities.In the statement, the association outlined three key demands directed at the Ministry of Education.First, they strongly urged the addition of the six unselected national universities to ensure that all national universities can function as core pillars of national balanced development, supported by a stable and continuous national funding system.Next, they called for a complete re-evaluation of the competitive support system that selectively and intensively supports only certain universities, which leads to new disparities and hierarchies. They also demanded the transparent disclosure of evaluation criteria, procedures, and results, as well as institutional guarantees for the independence, objectivity, and fairness of evaluations.The National University Association stated, 'The government's strategy for promoting balanced growth, established with enthusiasm at the beginning of its term to overcome the one-pole system in the metropolitan area and the crisis of regional extinction, has drifted just one year later.' They criticized the government's promise to cultivate growth hubs comparable to the metropolitan area as having been seriously distorted in the execution process.They particularly emphasized that 'reintroducing competition and ranking among national universities that should be nurtured together contradicts the intent of balanced development.' They questioned whether the government's goal is to create new regional disparities by widening the gap between the three selected universities and the six unselected ones.Regarding the opaque evaluation process and fairness issues, the National University Association expressed strong criticism, stating, 'The evaluation criteria for the '10 Seoul National Universities' have not been disclosed at all, and the government's explanations regarding follow-up actions are inconsistent.' They urged that if political or regional considerations have influenced large-scale national financial support, this must be clearly stated, and the evaluation criteria and rationale should be transparently disclosed to university stakeholders.Furthermore, the National University Association asserted, 'Higher education should not be swayed by political gains and losses, as it is a long-term investment for the future.' They called for the immediate exclusion of non-experts who have distorted policies without understanding the characteristics and academic diversity of universities, and emphasized the need for a policy direction led by experts who deeply understand the characteristics of national, public, and private universities.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 09:40:00