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  • Special Prosecutors Conduct Search at Supreme Prosecutors Office in Investigation of Shim Woo-jung
    Special Prosecutors Conduct Search at Supreme Prosecutors' Office in Investigation of Shim Woo-jung The Special Prosecutors' team, led by Kwon Chang-young, has initiated a forced investigation related to allegations against former Prosecutor General Shim Woo-jung and former Supreme Prosecutors' Office Chief of Staff Jeon Mu-gon for their involvement in a critical national security mission.On August 6, the Special Prosecutors announced in a media statement that they began executing search warrants at the Emergency Safety Division and Information Communications Division of the Supreme Prosecutors' Office starting at 10 a.m. The investigation focuses on allegations of involvement in a critical national security mission and abuse of power by Shim and Jeon.Shim is accused of considering sending prosecutors to the Joint Investigation Headquarters of the Martial Law Command following the declaration of a state of emergency on December 3, 2024, under the direction of former Justice Minister Park Sung-jae.Jeon is alleged to have assisted Shim in drafting documents related to the jurisdiction of trials under martial law and participating in discussions regarding trial jurisdiction.The Special Prosecutors believe that discussions regarding involvement in the insurrection occurred during a meeting of Supreme Prosecutors' Office executives held on the day of the emergency declaration and are currently verifying related details.The Emergency Safety Division is known to have attended the executive meeting to explain matters related to martial law regulations.This division, present in various government departments, oversees operations in response to national emergencies such as martial law.Previously, during the search of the Supreme Prosecutors' Office, the Special Prosecutors secured documents outlining the jurisdiction of trials and investigations during the martial law period.During the investigation of Supreme Prosecutors' Office officials, statements were reportedly obtained indicating discussions on how to respond to crimes that would fall under military court jurisdiction if the martial law were to be enacted.The Special Prosecutors requested arrest warrants for Shim and Jeon, but the court denied the requests.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-06 18:56:10
  • Han Dong-hoon Denies Receiving Summons from Special Prosecutors
    Han Dong-hoon Denies Receiving Summons from Special Prosecutors The second special prosecutor team, led by Kwon Chang-young, has requested that independent lawmaker Han Dong-hoon, who previously served as the leader of the People Power Party, appear for questioning regarding his attendance at a government meeting and a subsequent evening gathering on December 3, the day after the emergency martial law was declared. Han asserted, "I have not received any summons notification," but the special prosecutors countered that they had delivered the notice to his office.In a press release on the morning of August 6, the special prosecutors stated, "We will summon Han as a witness on August 12 regarding the government meeting and evening gathering held on December 4, 2024, where he attended as the party leader." They added that they plan to confirm the circumstances of his attendance and the discussions that took place at the meeting.In response, Han issued a statement claiming, "The political special prosecutors of the Lee Jae-myung administration are engaging in media play," and reiterated, "I have not received any notification of a summons." He further stated, "Despite being the party leader on the day of the martial law, I took the lead in opposing it more than anyone else," and criticized the Lee administration for previously imposing travel bans without justification during the election period, extending them arbitrarily for months without ever calling him in for questioning. He expressed his refusal to assist what he described as a politically motivated investigation by the Lee administration's special prosecutors.In response to Han's claim of not receiving a summons, the special prosecutors maintained, "The summons notice was received at the lawmaker's office today."Han attended the government meeting as the leader of the People Power Party the day after the emergency martial law was declared. He later participated in an emergency parliamentary meeting, where he told reporters, "The martial law cannot be merely a warning," and conveyed demands for the resignation of former President Yoon Suk-yeol to the presidential office.Previously, the Seoul Central District Court's Criminal Division 33, presided over by Judge Lee Jin-kwan, sentenced former Justice Minister Park Sung-jae to 25 years in prison for his involvement in a coup-related charge, determining that plans for the impeachment of former President Yoon and responses to investigations were discussed during the government meeting.The court found that Park had instructed Im Se-jin, the former head of the Ministry of Justice's prosecution department, to draft a document justifying the martial law, and that attendees of the evening gathering used this document to construct arguments regarding the legitimacy and necessity of the emergency martial law, which were then reported to former President Yoon.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-06 18:56:00
  • Surge in M&A Activity for Restaurant Franchises Including Burgers, Coffee, and Chicken
    Surge in M&A Activity for Restaurant Franchises Including Burgers, Coffee, and Chicken The domestic restaurant franchise merger and acquisition (M&A) market is heating up again. With burger, coffee, chicken, and dessert brands increasingly available for sale, interest from private equity firms and foreign capital is growing. The combination of stable profit structures and the global expansion potential of K-food is drawing attention to restaurant franchises as investment assets.According to investment banking sources on August 6, major burger brands are emerging as significant assets in the recent restaurant franchise M&A market. KL & Partners, the largest shareholder of Mom's Touch, has selected Citigroup Global Markets as the lead manager for the sale of its 100% stake. Following an EBITDA of 103.1 billion won last year, the company is valued at around 1 trillion won in the market.Hong Kong-based private equity firm Affinity Equity Partners has also re-entered the market after three years, selecting Deutsche Securities to manage the sale of BKR, which operates Burger King and Tim Hortons. BKR's estimated EBITDA last year was 106 billion won, with a market valuation also around 1 trillion won.Sales activities for premium and value-for-money burger brands are also picking up. Hanwha Galleria is in final negotiations with H&Q Korea, the preferred bidder for the stake in FG Korea, the operator of Five Guys in South Korea. Recently, FrankF&B, which operates Frank Burger, has also joined the sales race by selecting Samil PwC as its sale manager. Frank Burger operates over 600 locations nationwide and recorded an EBITDA of 6 billion won last year, with a market valuation estimated at about 50 billion won.Transactions involving coffee and chicken franchises are also accelerating. The global milk tea franchise Gong Cha is set to change ownership as global private equity firm Bain Capital agrees to acquire the global operations from its largest shareholder, TA Associates. The deal is reported to be worth approximately $635 million (about 900 billion won), with completion expected in the fourth quarter of this year. Bonchon Chicken, which is being sold by domestic private equity firm VIG Partners, is in final discussions with foreign strategic investors.Investors are focusing on restaurant franchises due to their stable cash generation capabilities. As the number of franchise locations increases, headquarters can secure steady revenue through royalties, raw material supply, and logistics. After acquisition, there is significant potential to enhance profitability through expanded digital ordering, improved logistics efficiency, and brand renewal.Global expansion potential is also a key factor attracting investment. With the popularity of K-food, there is growing optimism about successfully establishing domestically validated brands in international markets. Mom's Touch has expanded into Thailand, Mongolia, and Japan, while Bonchon Chicken operates over 500 locations across 10 countries worldwide.Successful transactions that improve operational efficiency post-acquisition serve as catalysts for investor sentiment. After private equity investment, Twosome Place strengthened its premium strategy and digital competitiveness, surpassing 1 trillion won in consumer sales for the first time last year. KFC Korea also completed a successful exit model, being resold for around 200 billion won after expanding its franchise operations and improving efficiency.However, there are rising concerns about the potential downsides and risks associated with increased capital inflow. Due to the structural characteristics of private equity firms, there is pressure to generate high returns and recoup investments within a certain timeframe. This can lead to excessive cost-cutting measures that undermine brand identity. If the burden of raw material supply costs, logistics fees, and advertising expenses is passed on to franchisees, it could lead to serious conflicts between headquarters and franchise owners. Employment instability issues arising from significant reductions in company-owned stores and organizational streamlining are also major challenges.A franchise industry insider stated, "In the past, the number of stores determined corporate value, but now profitability per store, global expansion potential, and digital competitiveness are more important evaluation criteria. For the time being, M&A activity in the restaurant franchise sector is likely to continue, focusing on brands that have proven their competitiveness." 2026-08-06 18:56:00
  • Korea Urges UK to Consider Energy Security in Russian LNG Sanctions
    Korea Urges UK to Consider Energy Security in Russian LNG Sanctions Yeo Han-goo, head of the Trade Negotiation Headquarters at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, urged the UK government on August 6 to consider South Korea's energy security and supply stability when implementing sanctions on Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG). He also emphasized the need for reasonable quota allocations for South Korean products in relation to the UK's new steel measures.The Ministry reported that Yeo held a video conference with Anas Sarwar, the new UK Trade Minister, at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Seoul to discuss key trade issues between the two countries.This meeting was organized to congratulate Sarwar on his appointment following the formation of the new UK cabinet and to explore avenues for trade cooperation.Yeo expressed concerns regarding the UK's planned comprehensive ban on services related to Russian LNG, including shipping and insurance, set to take effect in January 2027. He explained that disruptions in fulfilling existing contracts due to these sanctions could impact South Korea's LNG supply stability and energy security.He also noted that the European Union's recently announced 21st package of sanctions against Russia includes an exemption for South Korea's imports of Russian LNG. Yeo proposed that the UK maintain close communication and flexibility in cooperation to ensure global energy market stability and address challenges faced by South Korean companies when applying sanctions.The discussion also covered the UK's 'new steel measures.' Yeo called for reasonable import quotas for South Korean steel products, urging the UK to consider the mutual benefits of the Korea-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to create a balanced trading environment for businesses in both countries.Both sides exchanged views on follow-up measures for improving the Korea-UK FTA and the UK's introduction of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), agreeing to strengthen future-oriented cooperative relations across industry, trade, and energy.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-06 18:52:20
  • Cellbiotechs DuoLac Launches Summer Campaign with Travel Creator Pani Bottle
    Cellbiotech's DuoLac Launches Summer Campaign with Travel Creator Pani Bottle As interest in gut health management rises during the summer vacation season, Cellbiotech's probiotic brand DuoLac is launching a summer campaign in collaboration with travel creator Pani Bottle. The campaign aims to promote gut health management during vacations by highlighting the benefits of products that can be stored at room temperature.On August 6, Cellbiotech announced that, thanks to the brand content created with Pani Bottle surpassing 3.18 million views on YouTube, it will hold a 'Summer Vacation, Gut Care Festa' on its official DuoLac mall until the 25th.During the summer, outdoor activities such as traveling, camping, and overseas trips can easily disrupt gut health. As a result, more consumers are seeking probiotics that suit their living conditions and health status.The brand content created with Pani Bottle introduces 'DuoLac Stop,' suitable for situations requiring gut health management, such as overseas travel or changes in water, along with the flagship product 'DuoLac Gold One Pack a Day.'When choosing probiotics for travel, storage convenience is also a crucial factor. DuoLac employs a patented 'Dual Coating' technology that maintains stability from minus 70 degrees to plus 40 degrees Celsius.According to the company, this technology increases the survival rate of probiotics by up to 91.6%, demonstrating up to 221 times higher intestinal survival compared to non-coated probiotics in human application tests. This means they can be stored and consumed at room temperature, even during travel or long journeys when refrigeration is not possible.Through this promotion, Cellbiotech is offering a 10% discount on the 'DuoLac Stop Special Package,' along with additional discounts based on purchase quantity, free gifts of key products, discount coupons based on purchase amounts, and a best review event.A Cellbiotech representative stated, 'During the vacation season, gut health can easily be compromised, so we hope consumers choose probiotics that suit their situations to maintain healthy gut conditions.'* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-06 18:52:20
  • Minister Song Mi-ryeong: Mobilizing Resources to Prevent Heat-Related Illnesses for Farmers and Foreign Workers
    Minister Song Mi-ryeong: Mobilizing Resources to Prevent Heat-Related Illnesses for Farmers and Foreign Workers Song Mi-ryeong, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, stated, "As heat waves continue, we will mobilize all available resources to prevent heat-related illnesses among farmers and foreign workers." On August 6, Minister Song visited a heat relief center operated by a local agricultural cooperative in Gapyeong, Gyeonggi Province, to assess measures for preventing heat-related illnesses among local farmers and foreign workers. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced that it will work closely with the Korea Forest Service, the Rural Development Administration, the National Agricultural Products Quality Management Service, and local governments to respond comprehensively to the ongoing heat wave and drought. As of today, there have been 381 reported cases of heat-related illnesses in rural areas, with five fatalities. With forecasts indicating that this year's heat wave may be more severe than last year's, the government is strengthening its alert status. The Ministry of Agriculture will activate a 24-hour emergency response system centered at the Agricultural Disaster Response Center. This system will monitor daily damage to farmers, foreign workers, and agricultural products, hold situation meetings when heat advisories are issued, send disaster text alerts, and disseminate guidelines for responding to heat waves. Efforts to prevent heat-related illnesses among farmers and foreign workers will also be expanded. The Korea Forest Service will utilize drones and vehicles for surveillance activities. Additionally, starting this year, personnel dedicated to preventing heat-related illnesses will be deployed to distribute preventive supplies and conduct vehicle patrols in nearby fields and greenhouses. On-site guidance to reduce heat-related damage among foreign workers will be intensified. The first half of August has been designated as a period for focused management of foreign workers' responses to the heat, with inspections conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Employment and Labor. Community broadcasts and multilingual text messages will also be used to encourage the suspension of outdoor work during peak heat hours. Support to minimize damage to agricultural products is also being accelerated. The ministry plans to expand 'mobile watering support' using disinfection vehicles to reduce temperatures in livestock facilities and has allocated a budget of 68.7 billion won for preventive supplies, including cooling equipment and stress relief agents. To maintain crop yields, the ministry will support the application of nutrients and pest control, and secure stockpiles of cabbage and radish for market stability. Measures to mitigate drought damage are also underway. Currently, 50 cities and counties in the southern region have entered a drought crisis stage, and the Ministry of Agriculture, along with local governments, is implementing water supply measures, including filling reservoirs, dredging riverbeds, and deploying 11,930 mobile pumps. Additionally, 22 forest fire-fighting vehicles from the Korea Forest Service are being mobilized to supply 500 tons of water daily in preparation for prolonged drought conditions. Minister Song emphasized, "We will strengthen on-site actions through enhanced surveillance, expanded inspections, and campaign activities in collaboration with relevant agencies, and we will strive to minimize heat-related illnesses among farmers and damage to agricultural products."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-06 18:52:20
  • Burung Leads Logistics Innovation with AI-Driven Delivery System
    Burung Leads Logistics Innovation with AI-Driven Delivery System Delivery platform Burung is presenting a new competitive model in the logistics industry with its next-generation artificial intelligence (AI) automatic dispatch system, Burung Plus. This system goes beyond simply connecting orders with delivery riders by establishing a framework where AI analyzes and optimizes regional logistics operations in real-time, enhancing both operational efficiency and service quality.According to industry reports, Burung introduced Burung Plus in April. The system simultaneously analyzes pickup locations, delivery destinations, rider positions, travel routes, store preparation times, order density by time, and regional cargo volumes. It consolidates multiple orders into a single flow to design optimal routes while considering the impact of current dispatches on future operations.If a surge in orders is anticipated during a specific time, riders are pre-positioned, and routes in congested areas are adjusted in advance. This represents an AI-based operational system that manages the entire regional operation as a single entity rather than optimizing individual orders.This strategy is seen as a way to overcome the structural limitations of the existing delivery market. Traditionally, delivery services have relied on a 'combat dispatch' model, where riders select orders on a first-come, first-served basis. This often results in experienced riders taking the most profitable orders first, leaving less desirable ones for newcomers, which leads to disparities in delivery quality and reduced productivity for new riders.These strategies have yielded tangible results. In a three-week pilot program conducted in the Jungnang District of Seoul prior to the full rollout, the rate of deliveries completed within 40 minutes improved by 15 percentage points after the introduction of AI automatic dispatch. The service level agreement (SLA) achievement rate for corporate clients also rose to 98%. This demonstrates not only an increase in delivery speed but also a proven quality competitiveness in delivering reliably within promised timeframes.Specific operational data further illustrates the effectiveness of the AI system. An analysis of 17 regions utilizing AI dispatch in the first half of this year revealed that the average time for riders to reach stores after dispatch decreased from 12.7 minutes to 9.2 minutes, a reduction of about 30%. A strong negative correlation (r=-0.85) was also identified, indicating that shorter store travel times correlate with higher SLA achievement rates. This suggests that the quicker AI can identify the most suitable riders, the better the delivery quality.Regional operational performance has also visibly improved. Following the introduction of AI, the SLA in Wonmi District, Bucheon, increased by 10 percentage points. Significant improvements were also recorded in Daegu's Dalseo District (9.7 percentage points), Seoul's Jungnang District (9.4 percentage points), and Seoul's Seongbuk District (8.5 percentage points).Burung's innovation does not stop here. The company plans to continuously incorporate operational data and field expertise accumulated over the past decade into AI learning, evolving into a self-learning system. This structure allows AI to autonomously learn regional order patterns, rider supply, and cargo volume changes, continuously refining dispatch strategies.By the end of the year, Burung aims to expand the application of Burung Plus to approximately 80 locations, primarily in the metropolitan area and major cities, with plans to extend its operational scope nationwide by next year, fully transitioning to an AI-based automatic dispatch system.This initiative aims to create a structural innovation model in the delivery market, enhancing delivery capacity and quality to improve customer experience (CX), while simultaneously increasing productivity to boost rider income and Burung's profitability.Kim Hyung-seol, CEO of Burung, stated, "It is true that the service quality in the existing delivery industry has lagged behind major domestic order platforms. We aim to significantly enhance our market competitiveness based on the AI automatic dispatch system, Burung Plus, making Burung the only viable alternative in the delivery market."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-06 18:52:10
  • Lee Seung-gi Claims He Has Not Received 10.5 Billion Won Security Deposit
    Lee Seung-gi Claims He Has Not Received 10.5 Billion Won Security Deposit Lee Seung-gi's representatives announced that he has not received a security deposit amounting to 10.5 billion won from Cha Ga-won, the chairman of the Piak Group and CEO of One Hundred.On August 6, Lee Seung-gi's legal representatives, Yoon Yong-seok and Jang Jae-won, issued a statement saying, "This matter is a private issue unrelated to the artist's entertainment activities, but following Cha Ga-won's recent arrest and the approaching expiration of the lease agreement, we felt it necessary to clarify our position due to ongoing inquiries."They further stated, "The issue of Cha Ga-won's failure to return the security deposit is not merely a matter of non-refund; we believe it constitutes 'security fraud' as he accepted the deposit without any intention or ability to return it. It appears that a sophisticated scheme was strategically employed to defraud a well-known celebrity into taking out a large loan to enter into a high-value lease agreement, only to misappropriate the security deposit."As evidence, Lee Seung-gi's team pointed out that Cha initially agreed to sell the property to Hyolim Industries for 7 billion won but abruptly canceled the contract and pursued a higher-value lease agreement instead.They explained, "It seems that Cha's side sold the unit to a third party, then retracted the contract while concealing this fact to push for a lease agreement in Lee Seung-gi's name. There are indications that they anticipated a loan of approximately 7.3 billion won even before the loan review and prepared the lease agreement accordingly."Additionally, they noted, "Immediately after receiving the security deposit, Cha and his spouse transferred ownership of a high-value property from a trust company. We believe they planned to use the lease loan in Lee Seung-gi's name as personal funds, intending not to return it at the end of the contract."They also raised concerns about potential accomplices, stating, "While Cha Ga-won has been arrested, it appears that accomplices are still living off the proceeds of the crime, including Cha's spouse and individuals involved in real estate brokerage, lending, and appraisal."Regarding the process of returning the security deposit, they mentioned, "Cha's legal representatives had recently assured both the court and the artist's side that there were no issues with the return of the deposit. However, on the contract expiration date, Cha's spouse claimed that the return was difficult due to Cha's absence. We prepared to move based on this assurance, but related costs have also become a loss for us."Finally, they stated, "With Cha Ga-won's arrest, staff and artists can feel a bit of relief. We will strive for severe punishment of Cha's side to prevent such crimes from recurring while focusing on our primary entertainment activities."Previously, in 2024, Lee Seung-gi signed a lease agreement for a villa in Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, owned by Cha Ga-won and his spouse for 10.5 billion won. This property is part of a luxury residential complex developed by Piak Group in UN Village, Hannam-dong, which began sales in 2022 but remained unsold, leading to lease agreements with Lee Seung-gi and EXO member Baekhyun.In response to Lee Seung-gi's allegations of security fraud, Cha's representatives claimed, "Lee Seung-gi requested a lease agreement structured to reduce the tax burden on multiple property owners by accepting the contract fee as an in-kind payment."Cha was arrested on August 3 for allegedly defrauding approximately 30 billion won after receiving a 24.2 billion won advance payment for a contract involving the intellectual property rights of an artist under his management, which he did not utilize for the intended business.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-06 18:52:10
  • Impact of Semiconductor Industry on Education Funding in South Korea
    Impact of Semiconductor Industry on Education Funding in South Korea Concerns are growing that fluctuations in education funding in South Korea are increasingly tied to the performance of domestic companies like Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix. Experts suggest that the local education funding system should be adjusted to better reflect actual student numbers and educational needs.According to relevant authorities and industry sources, the combined operating profits of Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix reached 245 trillion won ($205 billion) in the first half of this year, with Samsung reporting 146.7 trillion won and SK Hynix 98.15 trillion won. This amount represents about one-third of the government's main budget for the year.As the semiconductor industry recovers, corporate performance and tax revenues have improved, leading to a significant increase in local education funding. The government raised its national tax revenue forecast by 25.2 trillion won, resulting in an additional 4.7694 trillion won for education funding. If the semiconductor boom continues into next year and national tax revenues exceed 500 trillion won, education funding could approach 100 trillion won.Currently, local education funding is automatically distributed based on 20.79% of domestic tax revenues to city and provincial education offices. When tax revenues increase, funding rises, and conversely, when revenues decline, education budgets are also cut.The issue lies in the fact that education funding is more heavily influenced by corporate performance and tax revenues than by actual educational demand. During periods of semiconductor prosperity, education offices can quickly secure large amounts of funding, but with a declining school-age population, effectively utilizing these resources becomes challenging. As student numbers decrease annually, the surge in funding leads to a greater focus on one-time projects like facility investments and fund reserves.Conversely, when the industry faces downturns, tax revenue shortfalls can result in education offices receiving less than expected funding or needing to adjust budgets during post-settlement processes. Improvements in school facilities, educational programs, and long-term investment plans are inevitably affected by economic fluctuations. This has led to criticism that education funding operates like a 'tax revenue rollercoaster,' swaying more with economic cycles than with long-term educational policies.To mitigate the volatility of education funding, the government is proposing a formula that utilizes the average growth rate over the past three years. This aims to soften the sharp increases and decreases in education funding due to tax revenue fluctuations. Park Hong-keun, Minister of the Office for Government Policy Coordination, stated on July 30, "Applying the new formula will allow for consistent support in line with the trends observed over the past 20 years."However, some experts caution that changing the funding formula will not completely eliminate uncertainties in education financing. Using the average growth rate over the past three years may hinder quick responses to sudden changes in inflation or educational demand.Experts emphasize that establishing a distribution system that aligns with actual educational needs is more critical than merely increasing the absolute size of education funding. The current structure, which sees funding fluctuate dramatically with tax booms and busts, makes it difficult to implement stable long-term educational policies.Woo Seok-jin, a professor of economics at Myongji University, pointed out, "As student numbers continue to decline, we need to consider whether it is appropriate for the increase in tax revenue to be allocated directly to education funding." He added, "In a progressive tax structure, the growth rate of tax revenue can outpace the general growth rate, and education funding should be restructured to reflect actual educational demand rather than just tax revenue."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-06 18:52:00
  • Severe Drought Hits Gimhae, Rainfall at 35% of Average
    Severe Drought Hits Gimhae, Rainfall at 35% of Average As the Gimhae region in South Gyeongsang Province enters a stage of 'severe drought,' the city has initiated emergency measures, including using treated wastewater from sewage treatment plants for agricultural purposes. Mayor Jeong Yeong-du is personally overseeing drought conditions even during his summer vacation, considering the potential need for city funding if the situation persists.According to the city of Gimhae, rainfall this week has reached only 35% of the average, and the water reservoir levels are at just 50.1% of normal. In response, the city is supplying agricultural water to a total of 342 hectares, including 45 hectares in the Jinrye area and 297 hectares around the Hwapocheon in Hanlim, by reusing treated wastewater and installing temporary weirs in rivers.Funding for drought response includes 670 million won received from the provincial and Ministry of the Interior and Safety this month, along with an additional 100 million won secured through the city's safety department, bringing the total to approximately 770 million won. This budget will be used comprehensively for drought response, including the development of new wells, operation of water supply vehicles, reservoir dredging, and pump operation, with implementation starting this week.One notable measure is the use of treated wastewater from the Jinrye Public Sewage Treatment Plant for agricultural purposes. The city has installed two temporary pumps at existing drop structures in the Jinrye area to push water upstream to supply the nearby 45 hectares (30% facility cultivation, 70% rice paddies).A city official stated, "Measurements taken with our equipment show that the electrical conductivity, a key indicator of water quality, is at half the level of the drinking water standard, making it suitable for use. This information has been communicated to farmers through the township office." The pumps have been tested for 24-hour operation without issues downstream, and the city will cover all electricity costs.In the Hanlim area, a temporary weir has been installed to secure water supply, which will be maintained until sufficient rainfall or water supply is restored.The priority areas for water supply were selected based on the severity of the situation, including the area affected and the number of complaints received, with Jinrye and Hanlim identified as the most critical. However, requests for support from other towns and villages are pouring in, making the availability of water supply vehicles a key concern. Currently, only 1-2 water supply vehicles are available across Gyeongnam, leading to fierce competition among local governments for resources. The city plans to secure four additional water supply vehicles next week to expand support beyond Jinrye and Hanlim.Reports of crop damage are expected to be compiled by responsible officials, with a clearer picture emerging around July 7.The city of Gimhae is also preparing follow-up measures in case the drought continues. A city official noted, "If the drought persists, we expect the province or central government to conduct a new demand survey related to disaster relief and allocate funds. If that does not happen, we plan to actively respond to minimize drought damage using city funds."Park Myung-jun, head of the Gimhae Construction Division, stated, "To respond to the ongoing drought, we are implementing various water supply measures tailored to local conditions, including the reuse of treated wastewater, installation of temporary weirs, and increasing the discharge from water treatment plants. We will continue to work closely with relevant agencies to ensure a steady supply of agricultural water."Mayor Jeong Yeong-du Cancels Vacation to Lead Drought ResponseThis hands-on approach to drought response is evident in the actions of Mayor Jeong Yeong-du. Since starting his summer vacation on August 4, he has been personally driving his car to inspect drought and heat-affected areas, effectively extending his work duties.On the first day of his vacation, Mayor Jeong met with local leaders to discuss drought measures and inspected the Hanlim area. The following day, he visited the severely affected Jinrye area and met with seniors at the Jinrye Agricultural Cooperative to discuss heat safety measures.On August 6, he held a meeting with small business owners, and on the last day of his vacation, which coincides with the traditional market day in Gimhae, he plans to check on local livelihoods while shopping at the market. Earlier, the city, under Mayor Jeong's direction, recommended that elderly residents stop collecting waste for the month of August and is implementing comprehensive measures to address the ongoing heat and drought.Mayor Jeong stated, "If the mayor does not take a vacation, it may be difficult for staff to take theirs, so I took time off, but I cannot remain idle amid the ongoing heat and drought. I am communicating with local residents and inspecting the situation daily. I will do my best to ensure that we do not neglect drought and heat measures even after returning to work, so that citizens do not suffer from climate disasters."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-06 18:52:00