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  • LG Expands AI Education Program for Youth and Employees
    LG Expands AI Education Program for Youth and Employees LG is expanding its tailored artificial intelligence (AI) education system for youth, young adults, and employees. The initiative aims to broaden the domestic AI talent pool by connecting AI theory education with real-world problem-solving, recruitment, and the development of in-house experts.On September 20, LG announced that it held the 'LG Aimers' hackathon over two days starting September 19 at its LG Inhwa Center in Icheon, Gyeonggi Province. Since its inception in 2022, more than 23,000 young people have participated in LG Aimers.This year, a record 3,393 applicants competed for the ninth edition, with 96 advancing to the finals after an online training and preliminary round that featured a 34-to-1 selection ratio. All participants received a total of 100 million won in support funds.The challenge presented by LG Sports was to develop an AI model to predict the success rate of a pitcher's control. Participants created models that utilized game situations and pitcher-specific characteristics to forecast the likelihood of successful pitch control, rather than relying solely on traditional metrics like earned run average or walk and strikeout ratios.In the previous hackathon held in April, LG proposed a challenge to develop a lightweight model using its own AI model, 'ExaOne.' The company aims to nurture a total of 50,000 young AI talents by 2030 through the LG Aimers program.The top three teams will receive a total of 10 million won in prize money and will be exempt from the document screening process when applying for jobs at LG. On September 20, a job fair was also held, featuring participation from LG AI Research Institute, LG Electronics, LG Uplus, and LG CNS, offering talent pool registration and career counseling.LG is also expanding its talent development programs to include youth. The company is recruiting 100 participants for the fourth session of the 'LG AI Youth Camp' in collaboration with Seoul National University, with applications open until October 22. Selected students will work on AI problem-solving projects with mentors from Seoul National University starting in February next year. Outstanding participants will also be offered training opportunities in Silicon Valley, USA.LG operates a comprehensive education system tailored to different age groups and roles, ranging from youth programs to the LG Aimers for young adults, and the 'LG AI Academy' and 'LG AI Graduate School' for employees.Koo Kwang-mo, Chairman of LG Group, has emphasized that technology should not be an end in itself but a warm tool designed to bring smiles to people's faces, ultimately focusing on human needs. LG's policy is to prioritize the cultivation of talent capable of applying AI technology to solve real-world problems.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-20 10:08:20
  • Houthi Attacks Trigger Air Raid Alerts in Saudi Capital, Fuel Tank Fire Near Airport
    Houthi Attacks Trigger Air Raid Alerts in Saudi Capital, Fuel Tank Fire Near Airport The Iran-aligned Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for missile and drone attacks targeting Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia. The Saudi military intercepted ballistic missiles aimed at Riyadh, leading to air raid alerts and a fire at a fuel tank near the international airport.According to reports from AFP and Reuters on September 19, Saudi civil defense authorities issued warnings of potential aerial attacks in Riyadh and several other regions from the previous night into the morning. This marked the first such alert for Riyadh since clashes between the Houthis and Saudi forces escalated in July.Residents in Riyadh reported multiple explosions overnight. Authorities later declared the situation safe and lifted the alerts, although flames and large plumes of black smoke were observed near King Khalid International Airport.AFP reporters witnessed firefighters battling a blaze at a fuel storage facility marked with the logo of Saudi state oil company Aramco.Flight operations at the airport were disrupted, with cancellations and delays reported by the flight tracking site FlightRadar24.The Houthis claimed they conducted the attacks on Riyadh and other locations.Yahya Saree, a military spokesperson for the Houthis, stated that they carried out two military operations against Saudi Arabia using ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones. He claimed the first operation targeted 'sensitive facilities' in Riyadh, while the second aimed at Aramco facilities in Yanbu on the Red Sea coast.The Saudi-led coalition confirmed that the Houthis launched ballistic missiles toward Riyadh.Turki al-Maliki, a spokesperson for the coalition, stated that Saudi air defense successfully intercepted and destroyed the ballistic missiles fired by the Houthis early in the morning. He added that the Houthis also attempted to target civilians and civilian infrastructure in Bish, Taif, Farasan, and Yanbu, but Saudi defenses thwarted these attacks.Clashes between the Houthis and Saudi forces have intensified recently. The Houthis have expanded their offensive, capturing key positions in the western Yemeni port of Mocha and the island of Perim at the entrance to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.In response, Saudi forces have conducted airstrikes on Houthi positions in Yemen. As the conflict escalates, concerns are growing that the Yemeni civil war, which had seen a relative lull since a ceasefire in 2022, may reignite.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-20 10:08:00
  • Shinhan Financial Expands Collaboration with Vietnams Leading Vingroup to Capital Markets
    Shinhan Financial Expands Collaboration with Vietnam's Leading Vingroup to Capital Markets Shinhan Financial Group is expanding its collaboration with Vietnam's largest private enterprise, Vingroup, from automotive finance to capital markets.On September 17, Shinhan Financial announced that it met with Vingroup executives at its headquarters in Ho Chi Minh City to discuss ways to broaden their cooperation into capital markets and other areas.Shinhan Financial has been increasing its automotive finance transactions, particularly with Vingroup's electric vehicle manufacturer, VinFast. Starting in 2024, Shinhan Vietnam Bank plans to offer a total of $100 million in auto loans to VinFast customers, while Shinhan Vietnam Finance provided financing for approximately 14,000 motorcycles worth 15 billion won in the first half of this year.Building on this foundation, both parties agreed to extend their collaboration into the capital markets sector. Shinhan Investment Corp. Vietnam will seek business opportunities related to Vingroup's capital and bond procurement, while Shinhan Vietnam Bank and Shinhan Vietnam Finance plan to expand automotive finance in line with the demand for VinFast electric vehicles.Shinhan Investment Corp. Vietnam will serve as the sole financial advisor for Vingroup's first Arirang bond (won-denominated bond) issuance, aiming for a launch in the fourth quarter while identifying demand from domestic institutional investors. Shinhan Investment Corp. will also participate as a co-underwriter for the domestic bond issuance, planning a direct investment of 40 billion won.Jin Ok-dong, Chairman of Shinhan Financial, stated, "Based on our accumulated transaction experience with Vingroup, we will expand our collaboration into various areas, including capital markets, to create new business opportunities." 2026-09-20 10:08:00
  • Manufacturing Sector Shows Increased Optimism; Automotive and Semiconductor Outlook Positive
    Manufacturing Sector Shows Increased Optimism; Automotive and Semiconductor Outlook Positive Domestic manufacturing sentiment has remained above the baseline for two consecutive months, with expectations for improvement in the coming month. Notably, the semiconductor and automotive sectors are anticipated to perform well, while the steel industry is expected to continue its downturn.According to the 'Industrial Business Expert Survey' released by the Industrial Research Institute (KIET) on September 20, the October manufacturing outlook expert survey index (PSI) rose to 113, an increase of 5 points from the previous month. A PSI of 100 serves as the baseline, with values closer to 200 indicating a more favorable outlook compared to the previous month, while values near 0 suggest a worsening situation.The domestic demand outlook stands at 111, and exports are at 118, both exceeding the baseline. Production is at 119, and investment is at 117, with profitability also surpassing the baseline at 103.By sector, semiconductors lead with a PSI of 144, followed by bio-health at 124, automotive at 123, home appliances at 113, and displays and machinery and chemicals each at 106, all above the baseline. The automotive outlook saw a significant increase of 23 points from the previous month. In contrast, the steel sector dropped 11 points to 89, falling below the baseline. Shipbuilding, mobile phones, and textiles remained at the baseline of 100.Currently, manufacturing sentiment continues to show improvement. The September manufacturing status PSI held steady at 107, maintaining its position above the baseline of 100 for the second consecutive month. Domestic demand reached 106, surpassing the baseline for the first time in three months, while exports remained strong at 119, exceeding the baseline for five consecutive months. Production and investment recorded 112 each. However, despite product prices rising to 125, profitability fell to 97, remaining below the baseline for three months.In September, the semiconductor sector maintained a high PSI of 144, while chemicals rose 23 points from the previous month to 117. Mobile phones recorded 112, displays at 108, textiles at 107, machinery at 106, and automotive at 104, all above the baseline. Conversely, shipbuilding dropped 14 points to 86, and steel fell 11 points to 67.By industry type, the ICT sector significantly exceeded the baseline with a PSI of 120. The materials sector also rose 7 points from the previous month to 102, surpassing the baseline for the first time in four months, while the machinery sector reached the baseline at 100.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-20 10:04:00
  • Apgujeong Hyundai Apartments: Building a New Future
    Apgujeong Hyundai Apartments: Building a New Future The union leader election at the Apgujeong Hyundai Apartments is often referred to as the 'Apgujeong Presidential Election.' While the term may be exaggerated, it reflects the scale of the project. The Apgujeong District 3 redevelopment is the largest in the area, combining existing 3,934 units from Hyundai 1, 7, 10, 13, and 14, as well as Daelim Villat. The construction cost proposed by Hyundai Engineering & Construction is approximately 5.561 trillion won. The District 3 union received approval from the promotion committee in 2018 and was officially established in April 2021. In April 2024, Ahn Jung-geun was re-elected as the union leader. In May 2026, the union members selected Hyundai Engineering & Construction as the construction company during a general meeting. Their proposal includes rebuilding the existing complex into a maximum of 65 floors with 5,175 units. However, selecting a construction company is not the end but the beginning of the main process. The proposed design by the construction company is not automatically approved. It must undergo a comprehensive review in accordance with the maintenance plan and Seoul's permitting standards, and a detailed project implementation plan that includes specific unit layouts, sizes, infrastructure, and construction plans must be approved. Following this, evaluations, member allocation applications, and management plans must be completed before determining who will receive which new homes and the associated costs. The first challenge for the next administration will be the design. The Apgujeong District 3 site has a long riverfront along the Han River, with diverse existing unit sizes and land shares. While all members desire a view of the river, the actual value of the view varies significantly by unit and floor. Conflicts are inevitable in the process of incorporating high-rise landmarks, riverfront openness, member rights value, and public pedestrian pathways into the design. The second challenge is financing. The 5.561 trillion won is the construction cost proposed by the construction company. The total project cost, including demolition, design and supervision fees, financing costs, taxes, and union operating expenses, will be higher. If the project is delayed or specialized designs are expanded, financing interest and construction costs will increase. The timing and conditions under which the estimated contribution fees are disclosed will significantly impact the trust of the union members. The third challenge is transparency. The Apgujeong District 3 project will involve numerous contracts related to design, legal and accounting, electrical, telecommunications, fire safety, and relocation and occupancy management. The union leader represents the union in negotiations but does not have the authority to distribute project rights personally. Important contracts must go through budget and bidding processes, as well as approval from the representative council or general assembly, and specialized work must be assigned to companies with legal licenses and proven track records. The exact schedule and candidate landscape for the next union leader election must be confirmed through official announcements. However, it is clear that the election should not be a mere contest of personalities. Candidates must be evaluated on the same criteria regarding project implementation goals, construction cost control, contribution fee disclosure, view allocation, information transparency, and solutions for future housing technologies. The new leader of Apgujeong District 3 should be someone capable of managing the rights of thousands of members through transparent processes, rather than the one with the most extravagant promises. 2026-09-20 10:04:00
  • Authority of the Apgujeong President: Limits on Business Rights
    Authority of the 'Apgujeong President': Limits on Business Rights The head of a reconstruction union represents the group, convening general meetings and delegate councils, negotiating permits with the Seoul and Gangnam districts, and discussing construction and design costs with contractors. This role holds significant influence over the management of funds and partner companies. Given the scale of the project, which is worth trillions of won, the term 'Apgujeong President' has emerged. However, the union leader does not wield absolute power. According to the union's bylaws and urban redevelopment laws, key decisions must be approved by the general assembly of union members. Depending on the nature of the budget and contracts, board and delegate council reviews and competitive bidding may also be required. Auditors oversee the executive body, while the Gangnam district grants approval for the establishment of the union and supervises project implementation and management. Height, aesthetics, and public contributions must pass reviews by the Seoul city government. Only registered professional firms can handle electrical, fire safety, and information technology tasks. The selection process varies depending on whether the contractor is a subcontractor or if the union directly issues the order. Ultimately, while the trust and determination of the union leader are important, personal connections or a single stamp cannot replace a legitimate contract. In union leader elections, the focus should be on the ability to complete the project while adhering to procedures, rather than personal relationships. 2026-09-20 10:04:00
  • Daegu Shinsegae Expands Fashion and Living Sections with 34 International Brands and IKEA
    Daegu Shinsegae Expands Fashion and Living Sections with 34 International Brands and IKEA Daegu Shinsegae is enhancing its offerings in international fashion and living content as it marks its 10th anniversary. On September 20, Shinsegae Department Store announced the opening of a 1,536-square-meter 'International Designer Specialty Area' on the fourth floor of Daegu Shinsegae. The store has consolidated various international fashion brands previously scattered across multiple floors and added new brands, bringing the total to 34. Maison Margiela, Sacai, Jacquemus, and Time Paris have opened their first stores in the Daegu area. Acne Studios and Le Maire will join next month. Existing brands such as Max Mara, Pleats Please, Issey Miyake, and Erno have also revamped their stores. This renovation is part of a broader store refresh that Daegu Shinsegae has been undertaking this year. Following the overhaul of the sports and casual section in February, the women's fashion specialty area was completely revamped in June. After the women's fashion renewal, sales in women's fashion and contemporary categories surged by 77.1% year-on-year in July and August, with the number of purchasing customers increasing by 75%. Daegu Shinsegae has also bolstered its living content. On September 17, an IKEA store covering approximately 300 square meters opened on the eighth floor. This is the first IKEA store in the Daegu region and the largest among urban stores. Customers can explore and purchase around 900 products directly, while items not available in-store can be ordered online for delivery. Daegu Shinsegae aims to enhance its competitiveness following its 10th anniversary by strengthening its fashion and living content. Instead of merely expanding existing product lines, the strategy focuses on attracting brands and content that are hard to find in the region, encouraging customers to visit with specific purposes. A Shinsegae Department Store official stated, "The International Designer Specialty Area significantly enhances the presence of popular international brands to meet the growing fashion demand of customers in Daegu and Gyeongbuk. We will continue to introduce new content, including IKEA, to expand the unique shopping experience at Daegu Shinsegae." * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-20 09:56:00
  • Hotel Shilla Expands to Hanoi with Second Silla Monogram Location
    Hotel Shilla Expands to Hanoi with Second Silla Monogram Location Hotel Shilla is set to launch the Silla Monogram in Hanoi, Vietnam's capital. Following its first overseas venture in Da Nang in 2020, the company has chosen the new urban area of Hanoi, which is becoming a hub for global businesses and office facilities. The hotel will adopt a management contract model to reduce initial investment burdens and rapidly expand its international presence.On September 20, Hotel Shilla announced that it will open the five-star 'Silla Monogram Hanoi Westlake' on October 23 in Star Lake, Hanoi. This will be the fourth Silla Monogram hotel, following locations in Da Nang, Gangneung, and Xi'an, China, and the second in Vietnam.The Silla Monogram brand combines the operational expertise gained from 'The Shilla' with local culture and lifestyle. The first hotel opened in Da Nang in 2020, followed by expansions to Gangneung in July 2022 and Xi'an in February 2023.A notable aspect of the Hanoi location is its strategic position. Star Lake is a newly developed area situated between downtown Hanoi and Noi Bai International Airport, concentrating administrative, business, and residential facilities. With government offices relocating and a diplomatic district being established, the area is emerging as a new business hub.The hotel is approximately a 20-minute drive from Hanoi's central business district and major industrial complexes. Hotel Shilla aims to secure business travelers and corporate clients based on this advantageous location, expanding the Silla Monogram's footprint in northern Vietnam's hotel market.The operational model will be similar to existing overseas Silla Monogram hotels, where Hotel Shilla provides brand and operational capabilities rather than owning real estate. This approach allows for reduced initial investments while expanding its hotel portfolio internationally.Silla Monogram Hanoi Westlake will feature a total of 319 rooms, incorporating a three-dimensional design inspired by Vietnam's terraced rice fields throughout the building and spaces, modernizing local aesthetics. The top-floor 'Signature Suite' offers views of the Hanoi skyline.The hotel will also include five dining options, such as the all-day dining 'Dining M' with 234 seats, a bakery café 'Pastry M', a Korean restaurant 'Jinji', a Chinese restaurant 'Hasunko', and a rooftop bar 'Bar M'. The Korean restaurant Jinji will have six separate spaces designed for business meetings and small events.On the 35th floor, the 'Monogram Lounge' overlooks West Lake, offering breakfast, afternoon tea, and happy hour services, along with a separate meeting room. Additional facilities include a banquet hall, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and a spa, catering to both business travelers and leisure tourists.A representative from Hotel Shilla stated, "This new global hub combines Vietnam's growth potential with Hotel Shilla's service competitiveness. We aim to establish ourselves as the representative hotel of Hanoi with differentiated services." 2026-09-20 09:56:00
  • Thai and Czech Transportation Officials Experience Kakao Mobilitys Autonomous Driving Services
    Thai and Czech Transportation Officials Experience Kakao Mobility's Autonomous Driving Services Officials from Thailand and the Czech Republic visited Kakao Mobility to examine domestic autonomous driving technology and service operations. Their goal was to observe practical applications of autonomous driving as both countries push for the adoption and commercialization of this technology.Kakao Mobility announced that on September 17, a delegation led by Siri Phong Angkasakulkiat, Thailand's Deputy Minister of Transport, visited its headquarters in Pangyo, Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province.The Thai delegation reviewed Kakao Mobility's experience in connecting various modes of transportation and users, as well as its applications of autonomous driving technology in real mobility services. They also exchanged views on the future direction of mobility development.Thailand has recently accelerated efforts to establish a regulatory framework for the introduction of autonomous driving technology. In July, the Thai Ministry of Transport announced plans to implement a regulatory sandbox for Level 3 to 5 autonomous driving systems, aiming to refine the legal and technical standards and road infrastructure necessary for the technology's adoption.Deputy Minister Siri Phong stated, "The experience of test riding autonomous vehicles in Seoul was excellent, deserving a perfect score of 5 out of 5. Kakao Mobility's expertise in connecting various modes of transportation on a single platform and applying AI and autonomous driving technology to real mobility services is a great example of normalizing future mobility technology." He added that the insights gained from this visit would be valuable in exploring the potential application of smart and autonomous mobility solutions in Thailand.The Czech Ministry of Transport also examined the operation of autonomous driving services. Adam Kalus, the Czech Deputy Minister of Transport, test rode the Seoul autonomous vehicle service in Gangnam on September 8. He observed the process of dispatching and operating autonomous vehicles in the late-night urban environment.Deputy Minister Kalus noted that the Czech Republic, as a major vehicle manufacturing hub in Europe, is interested in the development and commercialization of autonomous driving technology, stating, "Kakao Mobility's autonomous driving service provided an excellent experience and offered much inspiration."Ryu Geun-seon, CEO of Kakao Mobility, remarked, "Countries around the world are showing continued interest in our advanced platform environment and practical applications of autonomous driving technology as they pursue the transition to future mobility. We will actively share Kakao Mobility's accumulated capabilities in future mobility and AI ecosystem development with the world, contributing to enhancing Korea's competitiveness in future mobility."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-20 09:52:10
  • Long-term residents drive record foreign jobless payouts
    Long-term residents drive record foreign jobless payouts SEOUL, September 20 (AJP) - Unemployment benefits paid to foreign workers in South Korea hit the highest with 113.4 billion won ($81.8 million) last year, flowing overwhelmingly to long-settled residents, according to labor ministry data submitted to parliament Saturday. Foreign enrollment in employment insurance swelled 2.6 times fold to 458,644 between 2021 and 2025, while benefit recipients rose only to 16,789 from 15,421. Premiums levied on foreign regular workers nearly doubled to 177.3 billion won over the same period, outstripping payouts. Coverage widened after a revision to the employment insurance act took effect in January 2021, making enrollment mandatory for workers on E-9 non-professional and H-2 visit-employment visas. The rule was phased in by company size through 2023, though unemployment benefits remain optional for those workers. Ethnic Koreans from China and other Chinese nationals collected 89.5 billion won, or 78.9 percent of the total, though they made up just 25.9 percent of insured foreign workers. Viet Nam followed with 768 recipients, and the United States with 408. Holders of long-term F-series visas accounted for more than nine in 10 recipients, led by permanent residents at 6,895, overseas Koreans at 4,900 and marriage migrants at 3,138. E-9 guest workers, who must leave the country if they cannot find new jobs, numbered only 20. AJP Takeaways - Unemployment benefits paid to foreign workers in South Korea reached a record 113.4 billion won in 2025, according to Ministry of Employment and Labor data submitted to the National Assembly on Sept. 19, 2026. - Foreign employment insurance enrollment grew 2.6-fold to 458,644 from 2021 to 2025, while recipients rose to 16,789 from 15,421 and premiums nearly doubled to 177.3 billion won. - About 96 percent of 2025 recipients held long-term F-series visas, while E-9 guest workers, who must leave Korea if they fail to find new jobs, accounted for only 20. 2026-09-20 09:50:03