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  • Young Artists Reimagine The Three Little Pigs
    Young Artists Reimagine 'The Three Little Pigs' Young artists are intentionally deconstructing the familiar tale of 'The Three Little Pigs.' The story of pigs and a wolf is pushed aside in favor of questions that blur the lines between performance art, installation, reality and illusion, memory and the present.The musical 'So the Wind Blows, and I Ate My Two Brothers,' which flips the original fairy tale on its head, will be staged at the Sejong Center in Seoul from August 15 to 17. Lee Ha-neul serves as the director, music director, and composer, with contributions from Lee Han and Shin Ye-hoon. Jeong Han-gyeol will conduct, and visual artist Yang Jeong-wook will serve as the scenographer.There is no intention to faithfully recreate the original story. In a recent written interview with reporters, Lee Ha-neul stated, "The initial thought was, 'I want to break apart a story everyone knows.' I chose 'The Three Little Pigs,' one of the most familiar tales, to borrow its framework but deconstruct and reconstruct it in a completely different direction."For Yang Jeong-wook, the original story serves as a guide for creating a new narrative. During a press conference on August 3, he remarked, "Just because a few people gather late at night to eat chicken doesn’t mean the chicken is the important part. 'The Three Little Pigs' is just the chicken. The real story could be about war or stocks."One of the real stories explored is the belief in the unseen. The focus is on the 'trust in the wolf.' Lee Ha-neul explained, "We are often more easily swayed by what we believe exists than by what actually does. Fear, rumors, beliefs, prejudices, religion, and ideologies—things we cannot confirm—often dictate our actions and can sometimes hold more power than reality." This is examined through the symbol of the 'wolf.'The production also questions the reality created by repetition and seeks to re-examine the very form of performance.The title itself hints at the deconstruction. In the original story, the wolf eats the first and second pigs, while the third pig kills and eats the wolf that comes down the chimney. The reason for the title 'I Ate My Two Brothers' is rooted in this.The differences among the three pigs are expressed through movement and sound. The first and second pigs are given distinct repetitive movements and sounds, which are then transferred to the third pig that swallows the wolf. As their actions repeat and infect one another, the three pigs become intertwined.Yang Jeong-wook, who has two children aged two and six, draws inspiration for choreography and direction from them. He shared, "I noticed my eldest imitating me as I took clothes out of the washing machine and threw them into the dryer. The youngest later came over and threw something too. I thought there must be points of learning among the three pigs, and I reflected that in the spatial direction and choreography."The work itself continues to mix and strip away the contributions of each participant in composition and direction.Yang Jeong-wook stated, "It’s not a neatly finished piece, so I don’t know where it will end. It might feel complete during rehearsals. If it’s too tight, we’ll strip away what’s unnecessary, like taking away gochujang (red chili paste) during rehearsals."The performances will take place from August 15 to 17 at the S Theater of the Sejong Center. 2026-08-07 10:36:10
  • Korea Electric Power Corporation Launches KEPCO Technology Holdings to Foster Energy Unicorns
    Korea Electric Power Corporation Launches KEPCO Technology Holdings to Foster Energy Unicorns Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) has officially launched KEPCO Technology Holdings, a subsidiary aimed at connecting its portfolio of over 8,000 patents and public energy technologies to the growth of private enterprises. The initiative seeks to establish a comprehensive commercialization system that supports everything from technology transfer to direct investment, validation, and market expansion both domestically and internationally, with the goal of nurturing unicorn companies in the energy sector.The Ministry of Climate, Energy, and Environment announced the launch ceremony on August 7 at KEPCO's headquarters in Naju, South Jeolla Province, attended by Minister Kim Sung-hwan and other officials.KEPCO Technology Holdings is a wholly-owned subsidiary established to specialize in the commercialization of energy technologies. It will connect KEPCO's extensive patent portfolio related to power grids, transmission and distribution, renewable energy, and power data with promising startups and innovative energy companies.Beyond simple technology transfers, the subsidiary plans to invest directly in promising companies and pursue technology contributions and joint ventures. As companies reach growth stages, KEPCO Technology Holdings aims to establish scale-up funds to support follow-up investments.The subsidiary will also assist in technology validation using KEPCO's energy infrastructure and data. The objective is to create a complete growth system that encompasses business planning, technology transfer, validation, investment, product commercialization, and entry into domestic and international markets.KEPCO has initially invested 20 billion won and plans to increase its capital by 20 billion won annually over the next five years, totaling 100 billion won. By 2035, the company aims to support 300 investment firms, manage assets worth 300 billion won, and achieve a valuation of 3 trillion won for its investment companies. Long-term goals include nurturing 10 global energy unicorns by 2050.Lee Jong-min, a former vice president who led SK Telecom's future research and development organization, has been appointed as the inaugural CEO. Lee is a technology management expert with experience in artificial intelligence and communication technology development at the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) and SK Telecom. KEPCO plans to leverage private sector commercialization experience to develop KEPCO Technology Holdings into a specialized investment company.During the launch ceremony, three memorandums of understanding were signed to foster a new energy industry ecosystem.KEPCO and seven domestic solar inverter manufacturers, including OCI Power and Das Tech, agreed to collaborate on expanding domestic manufacturing capabilities. Additionally, LS Electric, Hyosung Heavy Industries, and HD Hyundai Electric will work together to establish a direct current (DC) industrial base in the Naju region, jointly promoting research and development, corporate investment, validation, and commercialization.KEPCO and KEPCO Technology Holdings also formed an 'Energy New Business Investment Alliance' involving 10 investment institutions, including the Industrial Bank of Korea, IBK Industrial Bank, Korea Investment Partners, and IMM Investment. The participating institutions will jointly identify promising technologies and companies in the energy new business sector and facilitate private follow-up investments.Minister Kim Sung-hwan stated, "KEPCO Technology Holdings should serve as a growth platform that connects public accumulated technologies to the market and develops corporate ideas into new industries. I hope that unicorn companies will emerge in the domestic energy sector, laying the foundation for South Korea to lead the global energy and green industry."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-07 10:32:10
  • Is Limiting Early Morning Delivery Hours a Solution for All?
    Is Limiting Early Morning Delivery Hours a Solution for All? Early morning delivery has become a vital part of our society's infrastructure. Households with dual incomes, single-person households, and even the elderly regularly use the service to receive essential goods ordered at night by the next morning. Established during the COVID-19 pandemic, this service has evolved beyond a mere marketing tool for companies, becoming a key component that enhances consumer convenience and boosts the competitiveness of the distribution industry.In this context, the ruling party is pushing for a revision of the logistics law to legally limit the working hours of delivery drivers for early morning deliveries. The intention to protect the health rights of delivery drivers is commendable. Reducing long working hours and creating a safe working environment is undoubtedly a challenge that society must address together.However, the method raises concerns. The proposed amendment seeks to legally establish a key issue while social dialogue is still ongoing, which could undermine the significance of such discussions. If legislation is enacted without sufficient consensus, it may exacerbate conflicts rather than resolve them.Moreover, the voices of the drivers who actually perform early morning deliveries are not reflected in the legislation. A survey conducted by the Coupang Partners Union in January found that 91.5% of 2,098 drivers opposed a limit of 40 to 46 hours per week. Additionally, 92.2% indicated that if delivery hours were reduced, they would need to seek other jobs to make ends meet. A separate survey of 2,405 night drivers in November 2025 revealed that 93% opposed restrictions on late-night deliveries.As these surveys indicate, a significant number of delivery drivers oppose limits on working hours, citing income loss as the primary reason. Early morning deliveries typically offer higher earnings, making them a voluntary choice for many drivers. Reducing working hours could force them to find additional jobs to cover living expenses, which could ironically harm their health rights. Policies aimed at protecting health rights should not lead to a paradoxical outcome of worsening livelihoods.Consumer burden cannot be overlooked either. To compensate for the reduced workforce and maintain drivers' incomes due to the working hour limits, substantial additional costs will inevitably arise. The industry anticipates an increase in costs amounting to billions of won annually and a rise in transportation fees per delivery. Since companies cannot absorb all these costs, it is likely to result in increased delivery fees or product prices, ultimately raising the cost of living for consumers.While the health of delivery drivers must be protected, limiting working hours uniformly is not the only solution. Various alternatives should be considered, such as expanding automation in sorting, ensuring appropriate delivery volume distribution, guaranteeing rest periods, enhancing safety management, and improving autonomous working systems. Above all, it is essential to design a system through social consensus that all stakeholders, including labor, the delivery industry, the government, and consumers, can accept.Good policy does not satisfy only one side. A sustainable system can be achieved when the health rights and livelihoods of delivery drivers, consumer convenience, and industry competitiveness are balanced. The revision of the logistics law should also be pursued cautiously, following ample social dialogue and objective impact analysis. Hasty legislation could lead to unforeseen side effects, such as increased delivery fees and consumer inconvenience, without satisfying anyone. It is ironic that while discussions are underway to lift outdated regulations on early morning deliveries introduced 14 years ago, another regulation limiting early morning delivery hours is being proposed.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-07 10:32:00
  • Coupang Expands AI Use for Product Comparison and Review Summaries
    Coupang Expands AI Use for Product Comparison and Review Summaries Coupang is expanding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) beyond product search and recommendations to include comparison and purchase decision stages. The strategy aims to enhance the shopping experience by summarizing key information and analyzing differences between similar products, allowing consumers to avoid sifting through extensive product descriptions and reviews. On August 7, Coupang announced the implementation of AI-based features such as 'Product Overview,' 'Product Highlights,' 'AI Infographics,' and 'Review Summaries' across major product categories. The 'Product Overview' feature extracts and displays essential information from product descriptions. It goes beyond merely listing specifications by presenting characteristics that consumers may find relevant during the purchasing process, considering price ranges and product traits. The 'Product Highlights' feature, located below the product name on the detail page, provides a brief overview of key features, enabling customers to grasp the main attributes without needing to read the entire description. For products with numerous comparison points, such as home appliances, the 'AI Infographics' feature is utilized. This feature transforms complex specifications into images and charts for items like refrigerators, air conditioners, beds, and curtains available for Rocket Delivery. For instance, washing machine capacity is displayed in terms of the number of t-shirts that can be washed or the appropriate number of household members. AI also analyzes customer reviews, summarizing frequently mentioned positive and negative aspects from multiple user comments. This allows consumers to quickly access key evaluations without reading through numerous reviews. AI is also applied to product comparisons. The 'AI Product Comparison' feature, introduced in the electronics and digital categories, suggests comparable products based on customers' browsing history and product information, analyzing their features and differences. For example, a customer viewing a 16-inch laptop might be shown a 17-inch model or one with larger storage capacity, with explanations such as 'suitable for multitasking' or 'high cost-performance ratio.' To enhance the accuracy of its AI features, Coupang is standardizing millions of product images, descriptions, and attributes. This effort aims to improve the accuracy of AI shopping services by refining not only the AI models but also the underlying product data used for search and recommendations. A Coupang representative stated, "Beyond the successfully implemented features like AI comparison summaries, we plan to expand the application of AI across the entire product detail page and introduce customer-friendly technologies. Our goal is to create an optimal shopping environment where customers can easily and comfortably select products without any inconvenience."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-07 10:32:00
  • Lotte Shopping Shares Plunge 14% Despite Strong Q2 Performance
    Lotte Shopping Shares Plunge 14% Despite Strong Q2 Performance Lotte Shopping's shares fell sharply in early trading on August 7, despite reporting strong second-quarter results that did not meet market expectations.As of 10:15 a.m. KST, Lotte Shopping's stock was trading at 98,400 won, down 16,100 won (14.06%) from the previous trading day, according to the Korea Exchange.The company announced that its consolidated revenue for the second quarter reached 3.485 trillion won, with an operating profit of 89.9 billion won. These figures represent increases of 4% and 121.2%, respectively, compared to the same period last year.The department store division led the overall performance improvement, with sales rising 9.2% year-on-year to 891.2 billion won and operating profit reaching 119.7 billion won. Analysts attribute this growth to an increase in foreign tourists and a recovery in consumer sentiment.Both the supermarket and home shopping divisions also showed growth, with supermarket sales increasing by 2.6% and home shopping sales rising by 3.3% compared to the previous year. Overall, the company saw significant improvements in profitability across its main business segments.However, the stock decline is believed to be a result of not meeting market expectations. According to financial information provider FnGuide, analysts had projected Lotte Shopping's second-quarter operating profit to reach 113.3 billion won, but the actual results fell short by 20.65%.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-07 10:24:00
  • Han Byeong-do: People Power Party Hinders Housing Supply, Must Support Legislation
    Han Byeong-do: People Power Party Hinders Housing Supply, Must Support Legislation Han Byeong-do, the acting leader of the Democratic Party, criticized the People Power Party on August 7 for obstructing housing supply while continuing to attack the government's real estate tax reform plan. He urged the party to cooperate in processing housing supply legislation.During a meeting at the National Assembly, Han stated, "Have you forgotten that the number of housing starts has significantly decreased during the Yoon Suk Yeol administration and that the supply of housing in the third new towns has been delayed?"He added, "Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon is also to blame. He has stirred market confusion with the lifting and re-designation of land transaction permission zones in February, yet he is now raising his voice against the government."Han pointed out that the People Power Party is using provocative language to criticize the government's tax reform plan. He emphasized, "Without constructive criticism, we cannot make any progress toward stabilizing housing for ordinary citizens and normalizing the real estate market," and noted that the party claims to stabilize housing prices through supply while actually blocking the government's follow-up legislation on supply measures in the National Assembly.He further stated, "Related bills, including the Housing Act, Urban Redevelopment Act, and Special Act on Public Housing, have passed through the Land and Transport Committee and the Judiciary Committee, but the processing in the plenary session has been delayed due to opposition from the People Power Party. If they are sincere about housing supply, they should cooperate in processing the related bills at the plenary session scheduled for the 13th."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-07 10:20:00
  • GS Retail Reports 27.5% Increase in Q2 Operating Profit Driven by Convenience Stores and Supermarkets
    GS Retail Reports 27.5% Increase in Q2 Operating Profit Driven by Convenience Stores and Supermarkets GS Retail has reported a significant increase in its second-quarter operating profit, reaching 109.4 billion won, thanks to balanced growth across its three main business sectors: convenience stores, supermarkets, and home shopping. The surge in sales at existing GS25 stores, along with a growing demand for fresh food and foreign customers, has become a new growth driver. GS The Fresh and GS Shop also contributed to improved profitability. On August 7, GS Retail announced that its consolidated operating profit for the second quarter of this year was 109.4 billion won, a 27.5% increase compared to the same period last year. Sales rose to 3.175 trillion won, up 6.7% year-on-year. Net profit soared to 64.6 billion won, marking a 354.5% increase. The operating profit exceeded the FnGuide consensus of 101.3 billion won. GS25 led the performance improvement, with second-quarter sales reaching 2.3844 trillion won, a 7.1% increase from the previous year, and operating profit rising 21% to 71.4 billion won. The average daily sales growth rate for existing stores was 7.5%. The expansion of stores focusing on fresh food has positively impacted customer numbers and average transaction values. GS25 has increased its fresh-specialized stores, which offer groceries like vegetables, fruits, and meat, to 1,000 locations. Sales of grocery items in the second quarter increased by 49.6% compared to the same period last year. The sales growth rates for specific categories were 64% for vegetables, 61% for meat, 28% for fruits, and 13% for seafood. The rise in foreign customers also boosted convenience store sales. GS25's foreign sales, based on foreign payment methods, increased by 67.2% year-on-year in the second quarter. Sales of collaborative and differentiated products utilizing intellectual property (IP) such as 'Monchhichi' and 'Jjuyang' also increased. The 'Hyejaroun' product line expanded to include bakery items, leading to a 20% increase in general bread sales and a 98% rise in health functional food sales. GS Retail is not only increasing the number of stores but also implementing a 'scrap and build' strategy, which involves expanding existing stores or relocating to prime locations. This strategy aims to enhance profitability per store and broaden the role of convenience stores as a channel for nearby grocery shopping, focusing on fresh food. The growth of GS The Fresh was even more pronounced. Second-quarter sales reached 469.8 billion won, a 10.1% increase from the previous year, while operating profit surged 72.2% to 9.3 billion won. By the end of the second quarter, the number of stores had increased by 36 to 596, with a 3.9% rise in existing customer numbers. Quick commerce also continued its growth trend. GS The Fresh's quick commerce sales increased by 49.5% year-on-year in the second quarter, with quick commerce accounting for a record 9.9% of total sales. GS Shop improved its performance by focusing on exclusive products. Second-quarter sales reached 268.2 billion won, up 0.9%, while operating profit rose 6% to 26.7 billion won. This marks the third consecutive quarter of improved performance since the fourth quarter of last year. In the second quarter, GS Shop expanded the number of exclusive products in fashion, beauty, and living categories by 46% compared to the previous year. Brands such as 'Core Authentic,' 'Jason Wu,' and the new underwear brand 'UBGS,' along with the beauty private brand 'VU' and health functional food private brand 'Simple Bio,' contributed to sales. GS Shop has strengthened its sales strategy by connecting TV, mobile, and social media, as well as enhancing its mobile app's sections for fashion, beauty, and food. A GS Retail official stated, "The results reflect our focus on enhancing the profitability of individual convenience stores, improving the condition of existing stores, and increasing operational efficiency." 2026-08-07 10:20:00
  • Ruling Party Criticizes Chief Justice for Delaying Appointments
    Ruling Party Criticizes Chief Justice for Delaying Appointments The Democratic Party of Korea criticized Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae on August 7 for delaying the exercise of his authority to recommend Supreme Court justices without valid reasons. However, the party urged caution regarding calls for his impeachment made by some candidates for party leadership.Acting party leader and floor leader Han Byung-do stated during a meeting at the National Assembly that "it has been over five months since former Supreme Court Justice Roh Tae-ak retired, leaving a vacancy in the position."He added, "Supreme Court justices are appointed by the president with the consent of the National Assembly based on the chief justice's recommendations. The refusal to exercise this authority by Chief Justice Cho has paralyzed the entire appointment process."Han also pointed out the "abnormal situation" where the process for selecting a successor for Supreme Court Justice Lee Heung-gu, who is set to retire in September, is underway without filling the current vacancy.Furthermore, he emphasized that the Supreme Court must promptly conclude hearings on major insurrection cases, warning that the decision to refer cases to the full bench should not delay justice for insurrection crimes. "We will be watching this closely with the public," he said.In response, floor spokesperson Kim Seong-hwa urged against overinterpreting Han's comments, stating, "He did not mention impeachment, so please refrain from expanding on that."Earlier, candidate Song Young-gil held a press conference at the National Assembly, announcing his intention to push for Chief Justice Cho's impeachment as a party stance. Candidate Kim Min-seok also expressed agreement with this position.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-07 10:16:00
  • Labor Department Launches Investigation into Fatal Machinery Accident at HL Mando
    Labor Department Launches Investigation into Fatal Machinery Accident at HL Mando The labor authorities have initiated a forced investigation related to a machinery accident that resulted in the death of a subcontracted worker in his 20s.According to the Ministry of Employment and Labor, the Pyeongtaek branch of the Gyeonggi Provincial Employment and Labor Office and the Southern Gyeonggi Police Agency conducted a search and seizure at the HL Mando factory in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, on July 22, in connection with the death of Kim Seung-mo.This search comes 16 days after the incident occurred.About 30 labor inspectors and police officers were involved in the operation, aiming to secure computers and other materials from relevant parties. They plan to closely examine whether the employer has fulfilled safety regulations to prevent such accidents during maintenance work and whether a safety and health management system is in place.The Ministry stated, "We recognize the seriousness of the recurring machinery accidents in the manufacturing sector and will conduct a thorough investigation into potential violations of the Industrial Safety and Health Act and the Serious Accident Punishment Act."Additionally, they emphasized, "In cases of major fatal accidents or repeated incidents due to non-compliance with basic safety regulations, we will actively utilize forced investigations, including searches and arrests."Earlier, at around 12:50 p.m. on July 22, Kim, who was responsible for machinery maintenance at the factory, died after becoming trapped between a malfunctioning processing machine and a wall while inspecting it. Kim's family has postponed funeral arrangements indefinitely, demanding a thorough investigation and accountability from those responsible.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-07 10:12:00
  • Posco Future M Shares Rise 6% on Long-Term Supply Deal for LFP Cathodes
    Posco Future M Shares Rise 6% on Long-Term Supply Deal for LFP Cathodes Posco Future M is experiencing a surge in stock prices following news of a long-term supply agreement for lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cathodes with domestic battery manufacturers. The announcement of a large-scale supply plan to meet the growing demand in the North American energy storage system (ESS) market has also led to increased buying interest in related secondary battery stocks.As of 9:36 a.m. on the Korea Exchange, Posco Future M shares were trading at 157,300 won, up 9,800 won (6.64%) from the previous trading day.The rise in stock prices is attributed to Posco Future M's announcement that it plans to formalize a long-term supply contract with a domestic battery company in the third quarter.Posco Future M explained that this contract aims to proactively respond to the surging demand for ESS in North America, with plans to supply over 190,000 tons of LFP cathodes from next year through 2032. However, the names of the client companies have not been disclosed.LFP batteries, while offering slightly lower output compared to nickel-cobalt-manganese (NCM) and nickel-cobalt-aluminum (NCA) batteries, are known for their cost competitiveness and long lifespan. Their usage has been increasing in various fields, including ESS and electric vehicles.Meanwhile, the news of Posco Future M's large-scale supply agreement has also positively impacted other secondary battery stocks. At the same time, Samsung SDI shares rose by 6.56%, SK Innovation by 4.14%, and LG Energy Solution by 3.33%. In the KOSDAQ market, leading secondary battery stocks such as EcoPro (up 3.47%) and EcoPro BM (up 3.41%) also showed gains.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-07 10:12:00