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  • Wanju County to Directly Operate Park Golf Courses
    Wanju County to Directly Operate Park Golf Courses Wanju County in North Jeolla Province is planning to directly operate park golf courses by the second half of next year.As of now, the county manages a total of 10 park golf sites with 180 holes. These include three managed by the Sports Park Division, six by the Forest and Greenery Division, and one by the Wanju Industrial Complex Office.Additionally, the county is working on establishing six more park golf sites with 171 holes.The county aims to have direct operations in place by July 2027, focusing on consolidating facility maintenance and management departments, as well as deploying personnel necessary for stable operations.To create a user-centered operational plan, the county has conducted several meetings with park golf clubs since October of last year. Since January, they have also been working on facility maintenance and improving the user environment by assigning management personnel.Furthermore, the county plans to establish a systematic management and usage order for park golf courses through the enactment of the 'Wanju County Park Golf Course Management and Operation Ordinance.'Park golf is a recreational sport played in parks using a single wooden club and a ball, similar to golf. According to the Korea Park Golf Association (KPGA), the number of registered members is projected to reach 184,000 by 2024.Wanju Senior Club Recognized as 'Outstanding Institution' for Senior JobsThe Wanju Senior Club, an executing agency for the county, has been selected as an outstanding institution in the field of senior capacity utilization by the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Korea Senior Employment Agency. The club will receive a reward of 5 million won.According to the county, this evaluation was based on the performance of the 2025 project, assessing operational results, participant management, and the appropriateness of project execution.The Wanju Senior Club was recognized for its stable operation of senior capacity utilization projects that leverage the experience and expertise of older adults, as well as its systematic participant management that provides quality social services.This year, the county is implementing the largest-ever senior job and social activity support project, with 4,867 participants, an increase of 347 from the previous year. The project budget has also expanded significantly, from 8.9 billion won in 2022 to 22.1 billion won this year, nearly a 1.5-fold increase.The county is working to create jobs in various fields, including public interest activities, senior capacity utilization projects, and community project groups, and plans to continue identifying tailored job opportunities that utilize the experience and capabilities of older adults.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-05 13:44:00
  • Free Access to Youth Dome House in Hwasun County
    Free Access to Youth Dome House in Hwasun County Hwasun County in Gwangju is opening its Youth Dome House to promote communication, self-development, and community activities among young people.The Dome House, located on the fourth floor of the Youth House, consists of four small meeting spaces.Young people can freely hold various gatherings, such as study sessions, small meetings, and club activities in a comfortable atmosphere.The county made this decision to encourage autonomous exchanges, networking, and community activities among youth.The Dome House allows for the bringing of simple food, enabling study sessions, meetings, and small gatherings to take place in a relaxed environment.Eligible users are young people aged 18 to 49 living in Hwasun. Applications can be made if more than 60% of the participants are young people.Hwasun County plans to continue expanding youth-friendly spaces that are easily accessible in daily life and actively support various activities to create an environment where young people can thrive and grow.Jo Mi-hwa, head of the Population and Youth Policy Division, stated, “I hope this youth space becomes a hub for communication where young people can prepare for employment, learn, engage in club activities, share diverse ideas, and build new relationships.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-05 13:44:00
  • Hwaso Station Lakeside Park Honorsville to Launch This Month with 476 Units
    Hwaso Station Lakeside Park Honorsville to Launch This Month with 476 Units SM Group's Samhwan Corporation plans to launch the 'Hwaso Station Lakeside Park Honorsville' by the end of this month. According to Samhwan Corporation on August 5, the Hwaso Station Lakeside Park Honorsville, located in the Seodun-dong area of Gwonseon-gu, Suwon, will consist of 476 units, with a maximum height of 15 stories and unit sizes of 84, 94, and 99 square meters. All units will be medium to large in size. The development is noted for its strong transportation links. A new station on the Sinbundang Line, Guun Station, is planned nearby, and residents will also have access to Suwon Station, which serves both Line 1 and the Suin-Bundang Line, as well as the upcoming GTX-C line. Additionally, Hwaso Station, which will be part of the Line 1 and Sinbundang Line extension, is close by, promising improvements to the regional transportation network. The residential environment is also appealing, with some units offering views of Seohogongwon Park. The design includes features such as spacious living rooms up to 5.6 meters wide and glass railings in select units, enhancing the sense of openness. The location is further enhanced by its comprehensive living infrastructure and development potential. A representative from Samhwan Corporation stated, "The Hwaso Station living area offers various advantages, including transportation, living infrastructure, and development potential, leading to significant demand for applications. The proximity to a large lakeside park, which is rare in Suwon, has also increased inquiries from prospective applicants expecting a rise in asset value." Last month, Samhwan Corporation announced it secured a contract worth 1.309 trillion won for the improvement of the Mihocheon Bridge on the Gyeongbu Line between Jochiwon and Naepan. With this contract, the total amount of public works contracts awarded over the past two years has exceeded 5 trillion won.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-05 13:36:10
  • Oh Se-hoon to Host Public Debate on Real Estate Tax Reform
    Oh Se-hoon to Host Public Debate on Real Estate Tax Reform Following the government's announcement of a real estate tax reform plan, the Seoul city government will hold a public debate involving citizens and experts to discuss the impact of the tax changes on the real estate market and strategies for stabilizing the housing market.On August 5, the city announced that it will host a 'Public Debate for Real Estate Normalization' on August 6 in the main conference room on the third floor of Seoul City Hall. The event will feature Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, along with over 50 participants including homeowners, young people without housing, private rental business operators, experts, and creators.The debate is subtitled 'Can Tax Reform Address Housing Insecurity?' and will last for 90 minutes. The entire event will be streamed live on the official YouTube channel of the Seoul city government.This public debate is the first citizen-participation event organized by the city following the government's announcement of the '2026 Tax Reform Plan' on August 3. The city explained that the event aims to listen to the burdens and concerns felt by citizens rather than simply presenting policies.Participants will engage in a free discussion for about 60 minutes, focusing on four main topics: tax reform, real estate transactions, the rental market, and housing supply.Online participation will also be available. Viewers can submit their opinions through real-time comments and video connections during the YouTube live stream. The city plans to release a summary of key discussions, including citizen feedback and expert responses, after the debate concludes.The debate will be moderated by Kim Byeong-min, chair of the G3 Seoul Planning Committee and former deputy mayor for political affairs. The city is expected to advocate for increasing housing supply through redevelopment and reconstruction rather than implementing policies that raise tax burdens.Mayor Oh Se-hoon stated, "If the rental market contracts due to the government's tax reform, the burden will ultimately fall on the underprivileged and young people. I want to hear directly what citizens are truly concerned about through this debate." He added, "The fundamental solution to stabilizing the housing market is not taxes, but sufficient housing supply. We will accelerate policies that can effectively increase supply in Seoul, including redevelopment and reconstruction." 2026-08-05 13:36:00
  • Trump Warns of Strong Military Action if Iran Does Not Reopen Hormuz Strait
    Trump Warns of Strong Military Action if Iran Does Not Reopen Hormuz Strait President Donald Trump has warned that if Iran does not promptly reopen the Strait of Hormuz, it will face a strong military response.In an interview with Fox News during his visit to California on August 4, Trump stated, "The strait will be opened very soon. If not, Iran will face a very strong attack, and ultimately, the strait will be opened."Trump also emphasized that negotiations with Iran are ongoing. He claimed, "We are having very good discussions," suggesting that Iran wants to reach an agreement to end the conflict that began with U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran on February 28. He added, "What matters is action. Iran wants an agreement. We will see what happens next," and noted, "I have plenty of time."In related news, Axios reported, citing anonymous regional and U.S. officials, that the U.S. and Iran, along with Oman, are close to a temporary agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. is expected to announce the details of the agreement as early as August 5.The proposed agreement reportedly includes provisions for Iran and Oman to ensure safe passage for vessels in the Strait for 60 days, without imposing tolls, and it may be extended.Discussions are also considering a plan to separate shipping routes, allowing vessels entering the Persian Gulf to use a northern route while those exiting would take a southern route through Omani waters.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-05 13:28:10
  • New Teacher Recruitment Set to Decline Again Next Year, Education Groups Warn of Impact on High School Credit System and AI Education
    New Teacher Recruitment Set to Decline Again Next Year, Education Groups Warn of Impact on High School Credit System and AI Education The ongoing decline in the school-age population has led to a projected reduction in the recruitment of new teachers for public kindergartens and elementary and secondary schools across the country. The Education Ministry announced that the number of new public teachers for the 2027 academic year is expected to be 9,889, a decrease of 343 (3.3%) from this year. The most significant cut is in secondary school teacher recruitment, which has dropped nearly 40% compared to the previous year, prompting strong backlash from education groups who warn that national educational reforms, including the high school credit system and AI digital education, may face setbacks.On August 5, the Education Ministry released a preliminary announcement based on data from 17 regional education offices regarding the selection of candidates for public positions in kindergartens, elementary, secondary, special education, health, nutrition, librarians, and professional counseling teachers. According to the announcement, the total number of new public teachers planned for next year is 9,889, down from the final recruitment figure of 10,232 for the 2026 academic year.Breaking it down by level, the number of kindergarten teachers is set at 592, a decrease of 76 (11.4%) from last year’s 668. For elementary teachers, 2,821 positions will be filled, down 292 (9.4%) from 3,113 the previous year. The most drastic reduction is in secondary school teachers, with 4,387 positions available, a staggering drop of 2,760 (38.6%) from this year’s final selection of 7,147.In contrast, the recruitment of special and non-core teachers has seen slight increases. The number of special education teachers will rise to 1,056, an increase of 181 from last year. Health teachers will be selected at 362, nutrition teachers at 261, librarians at 102, and professional counselors at 308, all showing slight expansions compared to the previous year.In response to the anticipated reduction in new teacher recruitment, education groups quickly issued statements and press releases condemning the decision. They criticized the government for reducing the number of teachers while promoting the implementation of the high school credit system and the cultivation of future talent in AI, describing it as a case of administrative dissonance.The Korean Federation of Teachers' Associations (KFTA) stated, "The full implementation of the high school credit system in 2025 requires securing teachers for each subject to guarantee students' choice of courses. Reducing the recruitment of secondary teachers by 2,760 will make it difficult for schools in small cities and rural areas to offer elective courses, increasing reliance on itinerant teachers, which will ultimately harm students."KFTA also emphasized that with one in four high school teachers being temporary staff, there is an urgent need to increase the number of regular teachers to address the issue of non-regular employment in schools. They called for a shift in the teacher recruitment system to consider not just student numbers but also class sizes and the number of subjects offered.The Teachers' Union Federation (TUF) also expressed concern, stating, "The government’s recent announcement in June regarding the medium- to long-term recruitment goals for secondary teachers (4,700 to 5,100) has been drastically reduced, falling short of even the minimum target." They pointed out that despite the government's focus on training future talent in AI and digital education, there is a severe shortage of support staff, such as teachers dedicated to basic academic skills.The National Teachers' Union (NTU) joined the criticism, stating, "The government's policy of reducing educational funding and teacher numbers under the pretext of a declining school-age population is a continuation of its previous approach." They refuted the Education Ministry's explanation that the reduction in secondary teachers is an adjustment to previous levels, arguing that schools are already struggling with increased reliance on itinerant and temporary teachers and the burden of multi-subject classes.Regarding the increase in special and non-core teachers, NTU acknowledged it as a necessary measure but stated that it is insufficient to address the growing demand for basic academic skills, emotional crisis support, and multicultural education, as well as the accumulated shortage of legally mandated positions. They pointed out that even with a decrease in student numbers, the costs and personnel needed for teaching subjects, managing classes, and maintaining facilities do not decrease proportionately.The three major teacher organizations collectively stated that while the increase in special and non-core teachers is a necessary step, it is far from adequate to meet the surging demand and the accumulated shortage of legally mandated positions.KFTA President Kang Joo-ho emphasized, "The decline in student numbers should not justify the reduction of teachers. Instead, we must actively address overcrowded classrooms to implement truly personalized education for students. If there is a genuine commitment to future education and a desire to present a vision for education, significant teacher recruitment is essential to enhance the quality of education."TUF Chairperson Song Soo-yeon urged, "We must abandon the outdated calculation of 'student numbers versus teacher numbers' and establish a new recruitment model that reflects the actual workload and educational conditions in schools. The final recruitment announcement in September should significantly increase the number of positions available."NTU Chairperson Park Young-hwan also stressed, "The government must stop the reduction of teachers that undermines the foundation of public education, driven by cost-cutting logic, and shift the criteria for determining teacher numbers to reflect class sizes, the number of subjects offered, regional educational conditions, and the demand for educational welfare, rather than just student numbers."Meanwhile, the specific number of positions and exam schedules for the 2027 public recruitment exam will be finalized and announced on September 9 for kindergartens, elementary, and special education, and on September 30 for secondary, special (secondary), health, nutrition, librarians, and professional counseling teachers through the respective regional education office websites.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-05 13:28:00
  • Naju City Designates Six New Restaurants for Naju Table Program
    Naju City Designates Six New Restaurants for 'Naju Table' Program As the demand for quality dining experiences grows, Naju City in Gwangju has designated six new restaurants as part of its 'Naju Table' initiative, aimed at promoting healthy and reliable dining options.This year, the city concluded its selection process for the 'Naju Table' program, which seeks to foster a healthy food culture and boost food tourism. The six newly designated establishments join a total of 49 restaurants recognized under this initiative.The 'Naju Table' brand emphasizes health, safety, and consideration, designating restaurants that excel in taste, hygiene, friendly service, and reasonable pricing. It aims to elevate the local food culture and support the city's goal of attracting 5 million tourists.Naju City has been promoting the 'Naju Table' designation since 2023 as part of its eighth-term mayoral pledges. This year, 23 restaurants that have been operating for over three years participated in the selection process.After a three-stage evaluation process, which included document review, on-site assessments, and committee deliberations, the final six restaurants were chosen based on their food quality, hygiene standards, service, pricing, and commitment to improving food culture.The newly designated restaurants are 'Naju Ssangchi Spicy Fish Stew,' 'Naju Chambok House,' 'Dolbaksa,' 'Samdae Naju Gomtang Original House Noan,' 'Pumjang,' and 'Haemiyun.'Restaurants recognized under the 'Naju Table' program will lead the way in promoting a healthy and safe food culture by implementing practices such as voluntary labeling of domestic kimchi, prioritizing local ingredients, encouraging shared dining, maintaining hygienic utensils, reducing food waste, and ensuring clean kitchens and restrooms.This year, the program will also mandate improvements to facilities, including the installation of ramps and high chairs, to create a more accessible dining environment for the elderly, disabled individuals, and families with young children.Designated establishments will receive various support, including a 'Naju Table' plaque, items to promote food culture improvement, training in management and customer service, a guide to popular dining spots, and social media promotion.Naju City plans to strengthen brand promotion centered around the 49 designated 'Naju Table' restaurants and develop diverse food content linked to tourism, aiming to cultivate a unique food culture and invigorate the local economy as part of its vision for the 5 million tourist era.Yoon Byeong-tae, the mayor of Naju City, stated, “We will cultivate a representative food brand that both tourists and residents can trust and enjoy, contributing to the revitalization of the local economy and tourism.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-05 13:28:00
  • SSG.com Launches Pre-Orders for Chuseok Gift Sets with Affordable Options
    SSG.com Launches Pre-Orders for Chuseok Gift Sets with Affordable Options SSG.com announced on August 5 that it will conduct pre-orders for Chuseok gift sets until September 15.This year's Chuseok holiday will span from September 24 to 26, including the following Sunday (27), creating a four-day break. Due to the relatively short holiday period, SSG.com anticipates an increase in online gift purchases and has increased the quantity of holiday gift sets by about 10% compared to last year.The product lineup has been enhanced to include both premium and budget-friendly options. Notably, the number of budget gift sets priced around 10,000 won has been expanded by 18% compared to last Chuseok.Among the premium offerings, SSG.com will feature its own brand 'Jeongdam' fruit set, which includes apples, pears, Shine Muscat grapes, and apple mangoes, priced in the 95,000 won range. The 'Cheongdam Saebyeokjip' 1++ No.9 grade Korean beef grilling set will be available for around 300,000 won, along with over 70 types of food and lifestyle sets from Chosun Hotel & Resort and caviar sets from 'Caviari.'For budget options, SSG.com has prepared food sets including 'Daecheon Kim' canned seaweed, 'Sajo' canned tuna, and 'Silla Myeonggwa' madeleines, all priced around 10,000 won. Gift sets from daily necessities brands such as 'Aekyung,' 'LG Household & Health Care,' and 'Luchipello' will also be available.During the pre-order period, customers can enjoy discounts of up to 50% on select products. Depending on the purchase amount, customers can also receive up to 1.2 million won in SSG Money rewards or immediate discounts.Members of the paid 'SSG 7 Club' will receive additional benefits. Exclusive deals on fruits, Korean beef, and tuna sashimi will be available, and members will earn 7% in SSG Money for purchases of SSG delivery sets and 3% for courier delivery sets. 'SSG 7 Club VIP' customers who have made four or more purchases in the last three months and spent over 1 million won will receive unlimited rewards.Bang Seung-jae, head of marketing at SSG.com, stated, "We hope customers can prepare their Chuseok gifts reasonably by utilizing both pre-orders and membership benefits." 2026-08-05 13:24:10
  • Netflixs This Awful Love Aims to Revive K-Romantic Comedy
    Netflix's 'This Awful Love' Aims to Revive K-Romantic Comedy "The familiar taste is more frightening."As most OTT content leans towards genre pieces, the demand for traditional romantic comedies has grown. Netflix's new series 'This Awful Love' aims to quench the thirst of K-drama fans by showcasing the essence of Korean romantic comedy.On August 5, a production presentation for 'This Awful Love' was held at the Hotel Naru Seoul MGallery in Mapo-gu, Seoul. The event featured director Kim Jang-han and actors Jung Hae-in, Ha Young, and Heo Sung-tae.'This Awful Love' follows the cohabitation of a memory-impaired prosecutor, Go Eun-sae (played by Ha Young), and a boxing coach, Jang Tae-ha (played by Jung Hae-in), who insists he is her boyfriend. Director Kim Jang-han, known for his delicate direction in works like 'Do You Like Brahms?' and 'My Demon,' helms the project, with the script penned by writer Mo Ji-hye, reuniting with Kim after four years since 'You Raise Me Up.'Jung Hae-in remarked, "When I first heard the title, I thought it was bold. I felt it captured a sticky love, like traditional taffy, and I became so engrossed that I eagerly awaited the next episode. It starts as a romantic comedy, evolves into a melodrama, and then transitions through thriller, noir, and action before returning to romantic comedy, showcasing its diverse charms."Ha Young shared, "I was so captivated that I read the entire script in one sitting. It felt as if the characters and dialogues were alive, and I deeply resonated with them. Following the expression of 'taffy' in this way, I naturally adopted Eun-sae's feelings on the day I received the script."Jung Hae-in's character, Jang Tae-ha, is a self-proclaimed boyfriend and somewhat suspicious boxing coach. He expressed confidence in portraying the most 'pure-hearted' character of his career, stating, "Among the characters I've played, this one embodies the essence of a pure-hearted man. His determination to protect the one he loves in any situation is admirable, and his awkwardness in front of someone he likes is also charming."He also noted his attention to action scenes, saying, "I discussed various actions with the director and action director to ensure they were non-harmful, and I focused on how Tae-ha changes when he meets Eun-sae, which I conveyed through his clothing and hairstyle."Ha Young alternates between the roles of the elite prosecutor Go Eun-sae and Go Ji-won. She explained, "Ji-won is ambitious and career-driven, but after losing her memory during an investigation, she returns to her innocent self, which is Eun-sae."This marks Ha Young's first foray into romantic comedy. A fan of the genre, she admitted, "I was both excited and nervous, but thanks to a great script and the director and fellow actors, I learned a lot during filming."Regarding their on-screen chemistry, Ha Young described it as a "relationship between an anxious girlfriend and a stable boyfriend," adding, "Eun-sae, who is understandably anxious, feels love from Tae-ha, who continuously provides her with stability."Heo Sung-tae plays Baek Sang-gil, the boss of an organization pursuing Go Ji-won's whereabouts. He described his character as "the most malicious, petty, and grotesque character I've played so far," noting that he is more than just a simple villain but a compelling character holding the key to the story's twists.Director Kim Jang-han noted that the real personalities of the three actors align well with their characters. He stated, "No director would question casting Jung Hae-in. His upright and righteous nature fits perfectly with Jang Tae-ha, blending his masculine traits with his endearing awkwardness. Ha Young's bright and emotional personality aligns well with Eun-sae's growth as a character."He also commented on Heo Sung-tae, saying, "He may look intimidating, but he has a shy and pure side. He is a tremendous villain but can portray a character with significant twists effectively."The title 'taffy' evokes a traditional Korean image, and there is anticipation for the classic charm and essence of K-romantic comedy that this work embodies.Director Kim Jang-han expressed his hopes, saying, "They say 'the familiar taste is frightening,' and I hope this drama turns out to be truly frightening." He added, "Thanks to the fast-paced storytelling unique to Netflix series, we could focus on essential scenes without any dragging. The chemistry between the two actors is beautifully captured, so please look forward to it."The actors also emphasized the authentic romance of the piece. Ha Young stated, "It's a work closer to classic than cliché. It's been a while since a piece has captured a deep love story while transitioning between romantic comedy and melodrama. I felt a sense of relief while acting, and I believe viewers will feel that emotion as well."Jung Hae-in echoed this sentiment, saying, "This work is filled with a desire for romance in the world. That is the romance our drama possesses. We ask for your great expectations."'This Awful Love' consists of 12 episodes and will be available to global audiences on Netflix starting August 7.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-05 13:24:00
  • Special Prosecutor Claims Kim Geon-hee Had Office in Presidential Office
    Special Prosecutor Claims Kim Geon-hee Had Office in Presidential Office The second special prosecutor team, led by Kwon Chang-young, has reportedly secured testimony and evidence indicating that an office space for Kim Geon-hee existed within the Yongsan Presidential Office. In response, Kim's defense team expressed regret over what they described as distortions of the facts. 5th, according to legal sources, the special prosecutor team obtained statements from officials of the Presidential Security Service during their investigation into allegations surrounding the relocation of the presidential residence. These officials indicated that an office for the First Lady was established at the Yongsan Presidential Office. The security service officials reportedly stated during the investigation that Kim's office occupied half of a floor in the Yongsan Presidential Office and that a budget of 1 billion won was allocated for the installation of bulletproof facilities, including glass windows. The special prosecutor team also confirmed that the establishment of Kim's office occurred early in the Yoon Suk Yeol administration. In response, Kim's defense team issued a statement claiming that reports suggesting the existence of an office for Kim at the Yongsan Presidential Office since the early days of the Yoon administration are false. They added, "While there was an office for the First Lady in the past at the Blue House, there was no such office during the early days of the Yoon administration." They further noted, "It is true that a second office and a small office for the First Lady were established in the vacant space of the Presidential Office in the second half of 2024," but urged the special prosecutor to cease what they termed the production of false reports and distortions of facts, asserting that the special prosecutor should already be aware of these details. Previously, former President Yoon Suk Yeol pledged to abolish the second office responsible for the ceremonial duties of the presidential spouse during his campaign for the 2021 presidential election. Kim also apologized in December of that year regarding allegations of false credentials, stating, "Even if my husband becomes president, I will focus solely on my role as a wife." However, controversies have arisen since then, including instances where private individuals with connections to the former president and first lady boarded the presidential aircraft during overseas trips, as well as Kim's involvement in external schedules and support processes, with former employees of her company, Kobana Contents, being hired to assist in the presidential office and residence team after the second office was abolished.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-05 13:20:00