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  • Construction Begins on South Koreas Largest Solar Power Plant in Haenam
    Construction Begins on South Korea's Largest Solar Power Plant in Haenam 전남 해남에 단일 부지 기준 국내 최대 규모인 400㎿급 태양광발전단지가 들어선다. 연간 13만 가구가 사용할 수 있는 전력을 생산하고 사업 기간 총 1500억원 규모의 발전수익을 지역사회에 환원할 계획이다. 기후에너지환경부는 오는 7일 오후 전남 해남군 태양광발전 예정부지에서 '해남 재생복합단지 태양광 발전사업' 착공식을 개최한다고 6일 밝혔다. 이번 사업은 염해간척지 등 유휴부지 약 479만㎡에 400㎿ 규모의 태양광발전단지를 조성하는 프로젝트다. 2028년 준공을 목표로 하며, 전체 설비 가운데 10㎿는 태양광 발전과 농사를 병행하는 영농형 태양광으로 추진한다. 태양광 모듈과 셀, 인버터 등 주요 기자재에는 국산 제품을 사용한다. 활용도가 낮았던 대규모 유휴부지를 이용해 사업비 부담을 줄이고 발전단가를 낮춘다는 구상이다. 발전사업자는 지역 주민이 사업에 참여하고 수익을 공유하는 주민참여·이익공유 체계를 마련한다. 사업 기간 총 1500억원 규모의 발전수익이 지역사회에 돌아가도록 하고, 설계·조달·시공과 유지관리 과정에서도 지역 기업과 주민의 참여를 확대할 방침이다. 준공 이후 예상 발전량은 연간 529GWh로 약 13만 가구가 사용할 수 있는 규모다. 생산된 전력은 재생에너지 100% 사용(RE100)을 추진하는 기업과 산업단지 등에 공급된다. 공급 대상에는 SK하이닉스와 솔라시도 인공지능(AI) 국가컴퓨팅센터 등이 포함된다. 이번 사업은 기후부가 지난 4일 대통령 업무보고에서 제시한 재생에너지 중심의 전력 공급능력 확충 계획의 하나다. 정부는 대규모 태양광 보급과 함께 국산 기자재 사용, 발전단가 인하, 주민 이익공유를 추진한다는 방침이다. 김성환 기후부 장관은 "유휴부지를 활용한 대규모 재생에너지 보급을 확대해 발전단가를 낮추고 지역과 산업이 함께 성장하는 재생에너지 전환모델을 만들어 나가겠다"고 밝혔다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-06 10:44:00
  • Political Change Needed for Economic Growth in South Korea
    Political Change Needed for Economic Growth in South Korea The government, now in its second year, faces new challenges alongside the Democratic Party, which is electing new leadership, and the People Power Party, which is under pressure to innovate. If the past year was about setting the direction for governance, the focus now must shift to delivering results. Politics must change, primarily for the sake of the economy. The true role of politics is not to lead the economy but to create an environment where it can grow steadily.South Korea's economy is currently confronting significant changes, including competition in the artificial intelligence (AI) industry, supply chain restructuring, low growth, low birth rates, and an aging population. None of these issues can be resolved quickly; they require long-term policies and sustained investment. However, if politics remains mired in conflict, national strategies will inevitably falter. Companies may miss investment opportunities, and citizens will grow weary amid ongoing disputes.What companies fear most is not the change of government itself, but the abrupt shifts in policy and unpredictable regulations. If tax and real estate policies change with each administration, and if industrial support directions fluctuate while regulations are frequently altered, businesses will struggle to commit to long-term investments. Building a semiconductor plant takes years, and investments in AI and biotechnology require a decade or more of foresight. If politics remains focused solely on short-term interests, national competitiveness will inevitably weaken.The Democratic Party, as the ruling party, bears the responsibility for stable governance. While speed is important in the legislative process, enhancing policy effectiveness through social consensus and thorough discussion is crucial. The People Power Party must also evolve from merely opposing the government to becoming a policy-oriented party that presents a vision for the future. While it is the opposition's duty to hold the government accountable, it should not turn issues critical to the nation's future into mere political battlegrounds.Cooperation is not just a slogan for political compromise; it is a necessity for the economy. Major developed countries like the United States, Japan, and Germany have demonstrated collaboration across party lines on issues that impact industrial competitiveness and national strategy. Challenges that determine the nation's future, such as semiconductor and AI development, energy security, low birth rates, and pension reform, are not the sole responsibility of any one administration. When both parties establish minimal common principles and ensure policy continuity, businesses can invest with confidence.The public's expectations for politics are not vastly different. They desire solutions to problems rather than extreme confrontations, and they seek competition for the future rather than blame directed at opponents. As political conflicts escalate, social costs rise, and the burden ultimately falls on citizens and businesses. The dignity of politics lies not in defeating opponents but in improving the lives of the people.The upcoming Democratic Party convention and discussions on innovation within the People Power Party should not merely result in a change of leadership. They must serve as an opportunity for South Korean politics to mature. The measure of success should not be who raises their voice the loudest, but who presents a more stable governance and sustainable growth strategy.As we conclude this special series marking the first year of the administration, it is clear that South Korea needs a growth strategy, an AI national strategy, and reforms to the national system and real estate policies. However, the power to realize all these tasks ultimately comes from politics. Politics should not be a hindrance to the economy but a solid foundation supporting it. Only by ending the era where politics stifles the economy and moving towards a political framework that supports economic growth can South Korea truly advance to the next level of developed nations. 2026-08-06 10:44:00
  • Typhoon Dolphin Approaches Okinawa, Expected to Head Toward China
    Typhoon Dolphin Approaches Okinawa, Expected to Head Toward China Typhoon 13, Dolphin, is maintaining strong intensity as it approaches Japan's Okinawa and Amami regions. After passing near Okinawa, the typhoon is expected to move westward across the East China Sea toward central China. According to the forecast released on the morning of August 6, the likelihood of direct impact on the Korean Peninsula appears low.As of 7:45 a.m. on August 6, the Japan Meteorological Agency reported that Typhoon 13 was located about 300 kilometers east of Minamidaito Island in Okinawa, moving northwest at a speed of 25 kilometers per hour. The central pressure is 950 hPa, with maximum sustained winds of 40 m/s and gusts reaching 60 m/s. The typhoon has weakened from 'very strong' to 'strong' since the previous day, but the radius of the storm-force winds has expanded from 185 kilometers to 220 kilometers.The typhoon is expected to approach about 110 kilometers southeast of Okinoerabu Island in Kagoshima Prefecture by 6 a.m. on August 7, and pass about 170 kilometers northwest of Naha around 3 a.m. on August 8. It will then slow down, moving westward across the East China Sea on the 9th and entering central China on the 10th.There were concerns that if the typhoon turned north in the East China Sea, Kyushu could be in the 'danger semicircle' on the right side of its path. However, the meteorological agency believes the typhoon will not head north and will continue westward. The Yomiuri Shimbun reported that there is no expected impact from heavy rain or strong winds in Kumamoto Prefecture, which was affected by an earthquake. Nevertheless, the Japan Meteorological Agency has advised residents to stay updated on future typhoon information due to potential changes in the forecast.Strong winds and high waves began affecting Okinawa and Amami on August 6, with the peak impact expected on August 7. The maximum wind gusts are forecasted to reach 50 m/s in Okinawa and 35 m/s in Amami on August 6. By August 7, both regions could experience maximum sustained winds of 40 m/s and gusts of 60 m/s. The agency warned of the risk of some houses collapsing due to strong winds and advised residents to seek shelter in sturdy buildings and stay away from windows indoors.Heavy rainfall is also anticipated. From 6 a.m. on August 6 to 6 a.m. on August 7, the expected rainfall in Okinawa is 200 mm, while Amami and southern Kyushu may see 150 mm. From 6 a.m. on August 7 to 6 a.m. on August 8, the forecast increases to 300 mm in Okinawa and 200 mm in Amami and southern Kyushu. Wave heights are expected to reach 10 meters in Okinawa and Amami. The Japan Meteorological Agency has issued warnings for storms and high waves in both regions and advised preparedness for landslides on August 7 and 8. Residents in Okinawa are also cautioned about potential storm surges on August 7.Flight cancellations are already occurring. As of the afternoon of August 5, All Nippon Airways (ANA) has canceled 246 flights primarily on routes to and from Okinawa and Kagoshima from August 6 to 9. Japan Airlines (JAL) has canceled 76 flights on August 6, 145 on August 7, and 11 on August 8.In Kumamoto Prefecture, which suffered damage from a strong earthquake on July 28, humid air from the typhoon is expected to bring rain or cloudy weather starting August 8. Areas with weakened ground due to the earthquake should be cautious of landslides. Before the rain arrives, a heat wave is expected, with temperatures in Kumamoto exceeding 38 degrees Celsius on August 5 and daytime highs forecasted to remain above 35 degrees Celsius until August 7, with nighttime lows around 30 degrees. The Japan Meteorological Agency has urged vigilance against heat-related illnesses.Following Typhoon 14, Kujira, Typhoon 15, Chan-hom, has also formed, resulting in a 'triple typhoon' situation with three typhoons active simultaneously. Typhoon 14 is slowly moving northeast in the South China Sea as of the morning of August 6 and is expected to weaken to a tropical depression near the Philippines' Luzon Island later that day, with no direct impact anticipated on Japan.The large Typhoon 15 is currently moving north-northwest at 30 kilometers per hour near Wake Island as of 6 a.m. on August 6. It is expected to move northwest across the waters east of Japan by August 11. However, the forecast path has a wide margin of uncertainty, and its trajectory will need to be monitored closely.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-06 10:40:20
  • LG Uplus Reports Record Operating Profit of 344.5 Billion Won in Q2
    LG Uplus Reports Record Operating Profit of 344.5 Billion Won in Q2 LG Uplus achieved an operating profit of 344.5 billion won in the second quarter of this year, marking its highest quarterly performance to date.The company reported consolidated revenue of 3.69 trillion won and service revenue of 3.08 trillion won for Q2, according to a disclosure on August 6. While total revenue decreased by 3.9% compared to the same period last year, service revenue, excluding device sales, increased by 2%. The operating profit rose by 13.1% year-on-year, setting a record for the highest quarterly figure. However, this increase was influenced by one-time factors such as facility usage fees, and the adjusted operating profit growth rate was approximately 5%.Net profit for the period was 217.7 billion won, a slight increase of 0.3% from the previous year. EBITDA, a key indicator of the company's cash generation ability, also rose by 5.9% year-on-year to 1.034 trillion won, with an EBITDA margin of 33.6%, up 1.2 percentage points from the same period last year.Breaking down the figures, total revenue in the mobile sector increased by 0.9% year-on-year to 1.66 trillion won, driven by a net increase in subscriber lines and a higher proportion of 5G handset subscriptions. Excluding connection revenue, mobile service revenue reached 1.60 trillion won, up 1.2% from the same period last year.The total number of mobile subscriber lines grew by 5.2% year-on-year to over 31.47 million, with a net increase of approximately 536,000 lines in Q2. MNO subscriber lines numbered over 22.44 million, while MVNO lines reached approximately 9.03 million, reflecting increases of 7.2% and 0.4%, respectively, compared to the previous year.The number of 5G handset subscribers rose by 6.9% year-on-year to 9.55 million, resulting in a 5G penetration rate of 84.9% among all handset subscribers.Revenue from the smart home sector increased by 4.3% year-on-year to 663.8 billion won, driven by growth in IPTV and high-speed internet subscriptions.Internet revenue grew by 7.6% year-on-year to 325.1 billion won, with a net increase of 38,000 internet subscribers in Q2, bringing the total to approximately 5.68 million, a 3.6% increase from the previous year. IPTV revenue also rose by 2.1% year-on-year to 337.7 billion won, with IPTV subscribers reaching 5.78 million, up 1.3% from last year.Revenue from the corporate infrastructure sector increased by 8.6% year-on-year to 464.4 billion won. Notably, the AIDC business saw a significant boost, achieving 124.1 billion won in revenue, a 28.9% increase year-on-year, driven by growth in colocation sales.The solutions sector, which includes AICC and smart mobility businesses, reported revenue of 134.6 billion won, up 6.8% year-on-year, thanks to increased messaging revenue. Corporate line revenue rose by 0.2% to 205.7 billion won during the same period.Yeo Myung-hee, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Risk Officer of LG Uplus, stated, "LG Uplus will leverage the changes brought by the spread of AI as new growth opportunities and enhance operational efficiency and profitability through company-wide AX, further strengthening our growth foundation."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-06 10:40:00
  • Korean military eyes leniency to fight gambling addiction in conscripts
    Korean military eyes leniency to fight gambling addiction in conscripts SEOUL, August 06 (AJP) -South Korea's Defense Ministry is considering offering reduced penalties to service members who voluntarily report illegal online gambling, marking a shift toward treating gambling addiction as a military readiness and welfare issue rather than solely a criminal offense. In a written reply to Rep. Cheon Ha-ram, a member of the National Assembly's Defense Committee, the ministry said it is reviewing a self-reporting program under which troops who come forward could receive lighter administrative or criminal penalties while gaining access to counseling, addiction treatment and debt recovery support. The proposal mirrors a self-reporting program recently introduced for teenage gamblers, reflecting a broader government effort to emphasize rehabilitation over punishment. Under South Korea's conscription system, most able-bodied men serve about 18 months in the military, putting the armed forces at the intersection of wider social problems affecting young adults. Away from family and friends during nearly two years of compulsory service, young conscripts can be especially vulnerable to online gambling once smartphones place betting apps within easy reach, prompting officials to rethink whether punishment alone can address the problem. Army Headquarters said military police booked 313 service members on illegal online gambling charges last year, including 20 officers and noncommissioned officers and 293 enlisted soldiers. While that represents only a small share of the Army's roughly 324,000 personnel, officials acknowledge the true scale is likely larger because gambling addiction often remains hidden. Financial distress has emerged as a growing concern. In one case, a discharged soldier reportedly used tens of millions of won accumulated through the government's military savings program to repay gambling debts. Private lending websites have also carried posts from active-duty soldiers seeking loans against expected payouts from military savings accounts and matching government contributions—benefits intended to help conscripts build financial security after service. A Defense Ministry study based on in-depth interviews with 52 service members who had engaged in illegal gambling found that 80 percent had already begun gambling before entering the military, suggesting the problem largely predates enlistment rather than originating during service. The ministry currently provides financial education, refers gambling offenders to treatment centers and offers rehabilitation and debt restructuring programs alongside criminal proceedings. Cheon argued that changing conditions inside the military require a stronger policy response. Military pay has risen sharply in recent years, while personal smartphone use has become commonplace since the Defense Ministry permanently allowed enlisted troops to use their devices during off-duty hours in 2020. "The ministry should move beyond a general review and introduce stronger and more effective measures," Cheon said. "Clear incentives, including meaningful reductions in criminal liability, are essential to bring hidden gambling problems into the open." Whether the ministry ultimately grants reduced criminal penalties will likely determine whether the proposed program becomes a meaningful tool for uncovering hidden addiction or remains another counseling initiative with limited participation. AJP Takeaways South Korea's Ministry of National Defense is reviewing a voluntary self-reporting program offering reduced penalties to service members who disclose illegal online gambling. The review was disclosed in a written response to lawmaker Cheon Ha-ram of the National Assembly's defense committee. Republic of Korea Army Headquarters reported 313 service members booked for illegal online gambling last year (20 officers/NCOs, 293 enlisted), out of about 324,000 total Army personnel. A ministry study of 52 gambling-involved service members found 80 percent had gambled before enlisting. Smartphone use after duty began on trial in April 2019, went nationwide in July 2020; current hours are 6–9 p.m. weekdays, 8:30 a.m.–9 p.m. weekends/holidays. 2026-08-06 10:39:09
  • Heat-related illness cases surpass 500 in Gyeonggi Province
    Heat-related illness cases surpass 500 in Gyeonggi Province SEOUL, August 6 (AJP) - With a heatwave advisory in place across Gyeonggi Province for about two weeks, more than 60 people have been treated for heat-related illnesses per day, bringing the cumulative total above 500. The provincial government said on Wednesday that figures compiled from some 93 medical institutions and emergency rooms in the province showed that 537 people suffered from heat-related illnesses including two deaths between May 15 and last Tuesday. The sharp increase in heat-related illnesses comes as the advisory has been in effect across all 31 cities and other areas in the province since July 23, with temperatures soaring to nearly 40 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, Seoul and other metropolitan areas along with most southern regions will continue to swelter under scorching heat, with daytime temperatures expected to hover around 39 degrees Celsius. Thursday's daytime highs were forecast to reach 39 degrees in Seoul, 38 degrees in Incheon, 37 degrees in both Daejeon and Gwangju, 36 degrees in Daegu, 34 degrees in Busan and 33 degrees in Ulsan. The weeks-long extreme heat is expected to ease somewhat over the weekend, with rainfall bringing a slight drop in temperatures. AJP Takeaways: - Gyeonggi Provincial Government reported on Aug. 5, 2026 that 537 people suffered heat-related illnesses, including two deaths, between May 15, 2026 and August 4, 2026, based on data from about 93 medical institutions and emergency rooms in Gyeonggi Province. - Gyeonggi Province has averaged more than 60 heat-related illness cases per day during the reporting period. - A heatwave advisory has been in effect across all 31 cities and counties in Gyeonggi Province since July 23, 2026, with temperatures reaching nearly 40 degrees Celsius. - Seoul, other South Korean metropolitan areas and most southern regions of South Korea will continue to experience extreme heat, with daytime temperatures expected to hover around 39 degrees Celsius. - The extreme heat affecting South Korea is expected to ease over the weekend of August 8-9, 2026, as rainfall brings a slight drop in temperatures. 2026-08-06 10:36:44
  • Hyundais 8th Generation Avante Sees Record 11,094 Contracts on First Day
    Hyundai's 8th Generation Avante Sees Record 11,094 Contracts on First Day Hyundai Motor's 'The All-New Avante' has garnered significant attention in the market since the first day of contract signing. On August 6, Hyundai announced that the number of contracts for The All-New Avante reached 11,094 on its first day, surpassing the previous record of 10,058 set by the 7th generation Avante in April 2020. This achievement underscores the competitive edge of the 8th generation Avante. The All-New Avante has elevated its overall product appeal in terms of space, safety, driving performance, and convenience and digital features. Notably, there is a growing preference for the top trim among individual customers, along with an increase in demand for hybrid (HEV) models. The top trim, Inspiration, accounted for 52% of the contracts. The base trim, Modern, and the mid-range trim, Premium, each recorded 24%. The high selection rate for Inspiration reflects a rising customer demand for advanced features and differentiated product appeal even in the compact car segment. In terms of powertrains, gasoline models remain popular, while the selection rate for HEV models reached 27.5%, nearly doubling the previous Avante's rate of 14.8%. The fuel efficiency of the HEV model is expected to improve by over 10% compared to the previous model with 17-inch tires. A Hyundai official stated, "As we enter the era of electrification and software-defined vehicles (SDV), customer expectations are rising. The All-New Avante is designed to offer high product value from the base trim and provide advanced mobility experiences through various options." Meanwhile, the domestic automotive market is witnessing a rapid increase in the preference for eco-friendly vehicles due to high fuel prices. According to the Korea Automobile Mobility Industry Association (KAMA), the share of eco-friendly vehicle sales in the first half of this year exceeded 57.8%, accounting for more than half of the total new car market.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-06 10:36:20
  • Han Byeong-do Urges Police to Address Public Concerns Over Jang Yoon-ki Case
    Han Byeong-do Urges Police to Address Public Concerns Over Jang Yoon-ki Case Han Byeong-do, the acting leader of the Democratic Party and floor leader, urged the police on August 6 to take seriously the public's growing concerns regarding the Jang Yoon-ki case. He emphasized that with increased authority comes the responsibility to demonstrate fairness and transparency in investigations.During a policy coordination meeting held at the National Assembly, Han stated, "From the police leadership to frontline investigators, you must transform with the mindset that the organization's fate is at stake."He added that effective oversight of police investigative powers and significant reforms within the police force are critical tasks for the new criminal justice system.Han also called on the Ministry of the Interior and Safety to ensure that the Serious Crime Investigation Agency, set to function as South Korea's version of the FBI, recruits personnel with extensive investigative experience and expertise. The agency's workforce is confirmed to consist of 2,874 members and is scheduled to launch on October 2.He concluded by noting that there are less than two months until the new criminal justice system is established, promising that the Democratic Party will work diligently to ensure a smooth launch, echoing President Lee Jae-myung's call for high accountability and ethical awareness.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-06 10:36:10
  • June Current Account Surplus Reaches Record $49.7 Billion, Second Highest in OECD
    June Current Account Surplus Reaches Record $49.7 Billion, Second Highest in OECD In June, South Korea recorded a current account surplus of nearly $50 billion, marking the second consecutive month of record highs. Strong exports, particularly in semiconductors, drove the increase in surplus.The Bank of Korea announced on August 6 that the current account surplus for June was $49.73 billion, surpassing the previous record of $38.61 billion set in May.Park Seong-gon, head of the Bank of Korea's International Balance of Payments Team, stated, "It is still difficult to compare the current account surplus for the first half of the year with major countries abroad, but we are ranked second among OECD countries."South Korea has maintained a surplus for 38 consecutive months since May 2023, marking the second-longest streak since 2019, when it recorded 83 months of continuous surpluses. The cumulative current account surplus for the year through June reached $191.01 billion, quadrupling the $47.87 billion recorded during the same period last year.Kim Young-hwan, director of the Bank of Korea's Economic Statistics Division, noted, "Excluding April, which saw significant dividend payments, we have consistently set record highs for the current account surplus since February, thanks to unprecedented semiconductor export growth, which accounted for most of the increase in the goods surplus."He added, "Although the trade balance in July decreased compared to June, the strong semiconductor exports continued, and we expect to see a record high surplus for the month based on goods trade."In terms of categories, the goods surplus reached a record $47.89 billion, with exports hitting $112.37 billion, surpassing the $100 billion mark for the first time. Exports of both IT and non-IT items increased significantly.Specifically, exports of computer peripherals (SSD) surged by 282.7%, semiconductors by 196.9%, and wireless communication devices by 60.6%. Other categories, including petroleum products (47.5%), chemical products (18.6%), steel products (17.9%), and machinery and precision instruments (8.6%), also saw increases.Imports rose by 38.6% to $64.48 billion, driven by increases in raw materials (30.5%), capital goods (35.3%), and consumer goods (16.4%). Raw material imports were boosted by coal (63.0%) and crude oil (50.3%), while capital goods included semiconductors (64.1%) and information and communication devices (44.0%).The services account recorded a deficit of $1.29 billion, slightly widening from May. However, this was a significant improvement compared to the $2.8 billion deficit during the same period last year.Within the services account, the travel balance showed a surplus of $440 million for the second consecutive month, attributed to an increase in inbound travelers, while outbound travelers decreased due to rising fuel surcharges.However, the intellectual property rights balance turned to a deficit of $440 million, as the settlement of concentrated intellectual property payments from the previous month led to a significant drop in income.The primary income balance expanded from a surplus of $2.17 billion in May to $3.27 billion in June, with dividend income increasing to $2.56 billion due to higher dividend payments and a base effect from reduced securities investment dividend payments from the previous month.The net assets in the financial account rose to $46.71 billion, marking the largest increase on record, surpassing the previous high of $31.08 billion in March.Direct investments saw an increase in domestic investments abroad of $8.01 billion and foreign investments in South Korea of $4.63 billion.In securities investment, domestic investments abroad increased by $3.56 billion, while foreign investments in South Korea decreased by $26.32 billion, marking the second-largest drop on record after March's $34.04 billion.The increase in securities investment assets was limited to $3.56 billion due to a significant decrease in debt securities. Notably, stock investments saw a record net sell-off of $31.61 billion due to profit-taking sales, while debt securities increased by $5.29 billion, reflecting a reduced increase due to the maturity of bonds at the end of the quarter.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-06 10:32:00
  • 28 Endangered Foxes Released in Sobaeksan National Park for Tracking
    28 Endangered Foxes Released in Sobaeksan National Park for Tracking Twenty-eight endangered foxes, classified as a Level 1 endangered species, are being released into Sobaeksan National Park. Each fox will be fitted with a GPS tracking device to monitor their movements and adaptation to the wild for approximately two years.The National Park Service, under the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment, announced on the morning of August 6 that the release is part of efforts to restore the Baekdudaegan ecological corridor.The release includes 14 male and 14 female foxes, selected from a breeding facility, all capable of living independently in the wild. Of these, 25 were born last year and are now one year old.For the past eight months, the foxes have been divided into six groups and trained in hunting skills at a natural adaptation site. To help them settle in, they underwent a month-long acclimatization process at four release sites in the Sobaeksan area.The release will utilize a method called 'soft release,' where the exit doors of their enclosures will be opened to allow the foxes to leave on their own. This approach aims to reduce stress that may occur from sudden exposure to a new environment.All released foxes will be equipped with GPS devices to track their movements for about two years. In the initial phase of the release, their movements will be monitored 24 hours a day to prevent roadkill and pesticide poisoning, ensuring their stable settlement.Additionally, illegal hunting tools around the release sites have been collected. A week prior to the release, the National Park Service conducted its own collection activities and held awareness campaigns in nearby villages to discourage the use of illegal hunting tools.Sobaeksan, located at a midpoint of the Baekdudaegan ecological corridor, serves as a key area for expanding the habitat range of foxes. The National Park Service has been working on a fox restoration project in this region since 2012, estimating that around 70 foxes currently inhabit the area.The agency aims to increase the fox population in the Sobaeksan region to 100 by 2027 and establish at least five small populations with confirmed breeding of three generations or more.Joo Dae-young, the director of the National Park Service, stated, "This release of foxes will be an important milestone for the restoration of the ecosystem and biodiversity across the Korean Peninsula. We will actively work to prevent wildlife-vehicle collisions and eliminate illegal hunting tools to ensure the foxes can thrive in the national ecosystem."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-06 10:32:00