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  • 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
  • Coupang Faces 1 Trillion Won Loss Due to Data Breach, A Lesson for All Companies
    Coupang Faces 1 Trillion Won Loss Due to Data Breach, A Lesson for All Companies The success of a business is no longer determined solely by sales and market share. In today's economy, maintaining consumer trust is crucial for corporate competitiveness. Coupang's reported loss of over 1 trillion won in the first half of the year due to the fallout from a data breach starkly illustrates the importance of information security in the data economy. This incident should not be dismissed as merely a setback for one company; it serves as a wake-up call for all businesses that handle personal data.Coupang Inc. recorded an operating loss of 835 billion won in the second quarter, marking its largest quarterly deficit since going public on the New York Stock Exchange in 2021. Although revenue exceeded 13 trillion won, reaching an all-time high, and the number of active customers grew to 24.7 million, the company could not escape the impact of a 624.7 billion won fine related to last year's data breach. The consecutive losses in the first and second quarters, totaling over 1 trillion won in the first half, are a painful reality for Coupang. This situation demonstrates that even with increasing sales, losing consumer trust can jeopardize growth in an instant.Personal data is not just simple data; it is an 'asset' entrusted to companies by consumers. Failing to protect this data signifies a failure to fulfill a fundamental corporate responsibility. While fines may be a one-time payment, the loss of trust can leave a lasting impression on consumers, requiring significantly more time and resources to rebuild. The unseen costs of customer attrition, diminished brand value, weakened investor confidence, and increased security investments far exceed the figures reflected in financial statements.Data breaches are no longer confined to specific industries. Most companies, including those in retail, finance, healthcare, telecommunications, and manufacturing, provide services based on vast amounts of personal data, and incidents of data breaches continue to occur across various sectors. As the era of artificial intelligence (AI) advances, the utilization of data will expand, and the repercussions of security failures on corporate management will inevitably grow. Security is no longer just an IT department issue; it is a core management task that requires direct attention from top executives.There is an urgent need for a shift in corporate awareness. Some companies still view information security merely as a cost or regulatory burden. However, as the Coupang case illustrates, the costs incurred after a security incident far outweigh the expenses of investing in security measures. Information security should be seen not as a cost but as an investment in sustainable corporate growth and a minimum insurance policy for securing consumer trust. Companies must establish ongoing systems for expanding security personnel, enhancing systems, conducting regular security checks, managing supply chain security, and providing employee training.The government also needs to strengthen prevention-focused policies alongside strict accountability measures. While it is essential to hold companies accountable for data breaches according to laws and principles, it is equally important to support businesses in proactively enhancing their security capabilities through technology development, training of specialized personnel, and increased security investment. Punishment alone will not prevent incidents; creating an environment where companies can actively invest in prevention is also a critical policy challenge.Coupang's 1 trillion won loss in the first half of the year serves as a warning about the significant costs companies face when they neglect data protection. In the digital economy, a company's greatest asset is not data itself, but the trust that consumers can safely entrust their data. All companies, not just Coupang, must take this incident as a painful lesson. Data breaches leave irreversible damage for both businesses and consumers. The same mistakes must not be repeated. 2026-08-05 13:20:00
  • Government Establishes AI Development Organization Amid Expectations and Concerns
    Government Establishes AI Development Organization Amid Expectations and Concerns The government has decided to establish a dedicated organization, the 'National AI Service Innovation Promotion Team,' to introduce artificial intelligence (AI) across administrative tasks and develop and operate government-wide AI services. This initiative, modeled after the UK's Government Digital Service (GDS), will be under the Ministry of Science and ICT and aims to transform the public sector and implement 'smart administration' in the age of AI.With the president's active direction, the government is quickly preparing legal grounds (Prime Minister's directive) and is expected to launch the team in September, raising high expectations that it will serve as a key engine for the government's AI transformation.Public software projects have long suffered from chronic issues, including unreasonable task changes, rigid budget structures, and conflicts between contractors and clients, often failing to meet user experience (UX) and quality standards.In this context, the government's move to internalize development capabilities and manage infrastructure and security strategies is seen as a positive direction. If the government can break free from bureaucratic constraints and adopt the agile development culture of the private sector, it could significantly enhance administrative efficiency and broaden the scope of service innovation that citizens can experience.However, the success of national policies hinges not on grand ideals or flashy plans but on 'realistic implementability.' Concerns arise when examining the crucial link of 'talent acquisition' in the team's proposal. The government plans to appoint a private sector expert as the team leader and hire fewer than 100 private developers as term civil servants.The challenge lies in the fierce competition for talent in the current AI and software market. Salaries for skilled AI developers and engineers at major tech firms, advanced AI research labs, and promising startups have skyrocketed. Even with salaries in the hundreds of thousands and attractive benefits like stock options and flexible work environments, finding qualified talent is extremely difficult.Given this market ecosystem, it is questionable whether the public sector, with its civil servant salary structure and term positions, can attract 100 outstanding private developers.If compensation and salary levels fall significantly short of market standards, the risk is high that the organization will either be overlooked by top talent or filled with less experienced personnel. This could lead to a decline in the quality of public AI innovation, potentially resulting in the organization becoming a 'shiny but empty shell' rather than a successful public tech entity like the UK's GDS.The foundation of policy is to acknowledge market principles, the principle is appropriate resource allocation, and common sense is to correctly understand human motivations. For the national decision to establish a dedicated organization aimed at advancing AI to bear solid fruit, it must not be confined to the framework of term civil servant hiring.Introducing flexible work arrangements and compensation systems comparable to the private sector, as well as actively opening up flexible collaboration systems and specialized secondment programs with private IT companies, is essential.As the government faces the pressing challenge of public AI innovation, how it will overcome the harsh reality of 'attracting AI talent' remains to be seen. There is hope that the government will recognize the practical limitations of personnel recruitment before the team's launch and propose bolder and more flexible alternatives.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-05 13:16:10
  • Song Mi-ryung: Expanding Organic Produce Packages for Pregnant Women
    Song Mi-ryung: Expanding Organic Produce Packages for Pregnant Women Song Mi-ryung, the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, stated on August 5 that the government will expand the supply of organic produce packages for pregnant women and ensure strict quality and hygiene management.During her visit to the Organic Culture Experience Center in Gwangju, Gyeonggi Province, Song participated in a baby food-making experience with pregnant women and gathered various opinions to promote the consumption of organic produce.This visit aimed to assess the public response to the organic produce package initiative for pregnant women, which began in earnest in July. The program is part of a national project designed to deliver organic produce to pregnant women, who are particularly sensitive to food quality, alleviating the burden of childbirth and childcare while securing stable sales channels. The initiative was relaunched this year after receiving high satisfaction ratings during a previous pilot program.Song actively engaged in making baby food snacks using organic produce such as pesticide-free pumpkins and carrots. She emphasized the public value of organic food and the necessity of providing safe ingredients for pregnant women and their children.Additionally, she promised to take strict action against suppliers that violate compliance requirements for the organic produce packages.The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs plans to regularly monitor the supply status of organic produce in collaboration with local governments, organic agricultural producers, and package suppliers. Furthermore, it aims to enhance quality and hygiene management through joint inspections of suppliers with relevant agencies.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-05 13:00:20
  • Korean Venture Investment Agency Appoints Lissenne as Honorary Ambassador
    Korean Venture Investment Agency Appoints Lissenne as Honorary Ambassador The Korean Venture Investment Corporation announced on August 5 that it has appointed the idol group Lissenne from The Muse Entertainment as its honorary ambassador.The appointment ceremony took place on August 3 at The Muse's headquarters in Sinsa-dong, Gangnam, Seoul, celebrating the growth of companies that received investments from the Fund. Lissenne, which debuted in 2024, has recently risen to the top of major music charts in South Korea and is expanding its overseas activities, including the release of music in Japanese.Smart Study Ventures, K-Net Investment Partners, JB Investment, and Michigan Venture Capital, which manage the Fund, have invested in The Muse to support K-content production, artist development, and business growth. Of the total investment of 6.19 billion won that The Muse secured, 5.5 billion won came from the Fund.A representative from The Muse stated, "Lissenne's meaningful achievements are due not only to the efforts of the members and staff but also to the support from investors. We aim to create a successful case of venture investment and K-content growing together."The Korean Venture Investment Corporation plans to focus on attracting investments for promising small and medium-sized content companies at various growth stages and supporting their entry into domestic and international markets. They also plan to discuss ways to promote the growth potential and success stories of venture companies through Lissenne.Lee Dae-hee, CEO of the Korean Venture Investment Corporation, remarked, "Lissenne has demonstrated that small and medium-sized content companies can achieve significant results based on differentiated planning and appropriate investment. We will strengthen our role as a venture investment platform to help promising K-content companies grow and leap into the global market."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-05 13:00:00
  • Interest Grows in National Funding for Honam Semiconductor Cluster
    Interest Grows in National Funding for Honam Semiconductor Cluster The legal basis for receiving up to 100% national funding for infrastructure costs, such as power and water supply, for the Honam semiconductor cluster has been established. Attention is now focused on how much funding the government will provide to Gwangju. According to the government and Gwangju, the enforcement decree of the Semiconductor Special Act, approved at a Cabinet meeting on August 4, will take effect on August 11. The enforcement decree prioritizes non-capital regions for the designation of semiconductor clusters and allows for 50-100% of infrastructure costs to be supported by the national and local governments. Previously, large-scale infrastructure projects had to be negotiated as separate budget items, but now they can be included in the semiconductor cluster support program, reducing the financial burden on local governments. The specific distribution of national and local funding, as well as the criteria for full support, will be determined through discussions with budget authorities, including the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and the Ministry of Economy and Finance. Since the legislative notice stage of the enforcement decree, Gwangju has requested that the government fully fund key infrastructure, such as power and water supply. Additionally, Gwangju plans to reduce the local financial burden by dividing support items under the special provisions of the Semiconductor Special Act and the Mega Special Zone Act. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy has also stated that it can support different project items concurrently under the Semiconductor Special Act and the Mega Special Zone Act. However, the Mega Special Zone Act has not yet been finalized, and the specifics of the support targets and national funding ratios need to be clarified during the legislative process. Securing national funding for the shortfall in the relocation project of Gwangju Airport, which is the site of the semiconductor cluster, is also a challenge that needs to be addressed. The infrastructure support under the Semiconductor Special Act does not directly apply to the Gwangju Airport relocation project, which aims to raise funds by selling the previous site. The government and the city are discussing a plan for the national and local governments to share the shortfall that cannot be covered by the sale proceeds, but the basis for support and the distribution ratio have not yet been finalized. There are also discussions about utilizing the promised 20 trillion won administrative integration support fund for the shortfall that cannot be secured through national funding during the semiconductor cluster establishment and airport relocation process. The city's primary goal is to maximize the national funding ratio for semiconductor infrastructure, secure additional support through the Mega Special Zone Act, and obtain separate national support for the airport relocation shortfall. A representative from the Gwangju Semiconductor Industry Support Team stated, "Once the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy establishes detailed criteria, we will advocate for the highest possible national funding ratio for key infrastructure such as power and water supply."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-05 12:56:00
  • McDonalds Reintroduces Jinju Pepper Cream Cheese Burger Featuring Local Flavors
    McDonald's Reintroduces 'Jinju Pepper Cream Cheese Burger' Featuring Local Flavors McDonald's is reintroducing the 'Jinju Pepper Cream Cheese Burger' featuring local specialties.The fast-food chain announced on August 5 that it will relaunch the four 'Jinju Pepper Cream Cheese' menu items, originally introduced in 2024 as part of its 'Taste of Korea' project, starting from August 6.The new offerings include the Jinju Pepper Cream Cheese Beef Burger, Chicken Burger, a McMorning item, the Jinju Pepper Cream Cheese Muffin, and Jinju Pepper Spicy Sauce.The Jinju Pepper Cream Cheese Burger uses pickled Jinju peppers combined with cream cheese as a topping. The beef burger features two 100% pure beef patties to enhance the flavor of the meat and the spiciness of the Jinju pepper, while the chicken burger incorporates a Shanghai chicken patty with Jinju pepper cream cheese for a unique spicy taste.The Jinju Pepper Cream Cheese Muffin, part of the breakfast menu, combines a McChicken patty, tomato, and Jinju pepper cream cheese. The Jinju Pepper Spicy Sauce will be sold separately for customers to enjoy with side items like French fries and McNuggets.To celebrate the relaunch, McDonald's is hosting a collaboration event with Jinju City. Customers who purchase a Jinju Pepper Cream Cheese Beef or Chicken Burger set at any location will receive a fan featuring the Jinju City character 'Hamo' on a first-come, first-served basis.Additionally, starting August 13, McDonald's will introduce a carbonated drink called 'Jeju Green Tangerine McFizz' made with Jeju-grown green tangerines.A McDonald's representative stated, "The 'Jinju Pepper Cream Cheese Burger' was significant during its first launch in 2024, as it sourced about 10 tons of peppers from local farmers, emphasizing our commitment to regional coexistence. We hope this relaunch will once again contribute to the local community."In the past four years, McDonald's has generated approximately 61.7 billion won in social and economic value through its 'Taste of Korea' project.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-05 12:56:00
  • Police Raid Starbucks Headquarters Over Tank Day Controversy
    Police Raid Starbucks Headquarters Over 'Tank Day' Controversy Police have launched a raid on the Starbucks headquarters, accused of insulting victims of the May 18 Democratic Uprising through its 'Tank Day' promotion.The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's Public Crime Investigation Unit sent about 40 investigators to the Starbucks Korea headquarters in the Centerfield building in Gangnam, Seoul, starting at 8:50 a.m. on August 5.The search warrant reportedly cites allegations that Starbucks insulted victims of the May 18 Democratic Uprising, including martyr Park Jong-cheol, through its 'Tank Day' promotion.The police obtained the search warrant after discovering signs of inadequate investigation in an internal audit submitted by Shinsegae Group. This marks the 76th day since the case was assigned to the Public Crime Investigation Unit.Earlier, victims of the May 18 Democratic Uprising and the Citizens' Livelihood Countermeasures Committee filed a complaint against Shinsegae Group Chairman Jeong Yong-jin and others in May, accusing them of violating the Special Act on the May 18 Democratic Uprising, as well as charges of insult and defamation.The Special Act stipulates penalties for spreading false information about the May 18 Democratic Uprising. However, it has been reported that proving the insult charge is challenging due to the lack of specific targets in the Starbucks promotion.As part of the investigation, police are examining whether the phrase 'bang on the desk' used in the promotion can be considered defamation against the family of martyr Park Jong-cheol.On June 8, the Seoul police applied for a search warrant for Starbucks at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office, but it was rejected four days later on June 12. The prosecution reportedly returned the warrant, suggesting that a voluntary investigation should be prioritized.On June 17, during the investigation of Yang Jong-hwan, the head of the audit team at Shinsegae Group, police identified some signs of inadequate auditing.Additionally, Shinsegae Group stated that during the announcement of the internal audit results, three of the five employees responsible for the 'Tank Day' promotion refused to submit their mobile phones, indicating limitations in the audit. It has been reported that one of the three was an executive, raising suspicions of inadequate auditing. Police plan to focus on determining whether Starbucks officials intended to insult the victims of the May 18 Democratic Uprising when planning the promotion based on the materials secured during the raid.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-05 12:36:00
  • Korea eyes July 2027 start for Honam chip cluster utilities
    Korea eyes July 2027 start for Honam chip cluster utilities SEOUL, August 05 (AJP) - South Korea aims to break ground in July 2027 on the electricity and water supply facilities that will underpin its planned semiconductor cluster in the Honam region, the government said, as the timeline for the flagship project takes firmer shape. The government intends to select a project operator and formally designate the cluster site — a stretch of land around the Gwangju military airfield — before the end of this year, officials said Wednesday. According to the government and the Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City, the city is in talks with Korea Electric Power and Korea Water Resources to map out how power and water will reach the site. Electricity would be drawn from the Honam region's 345-kilovolt grid, including the Sinjangseong substation, through new transmission lines and switching facilities. Running four chip fabrication plants would require about 6.3 gigawatts of power, the government estimated. It plans to meet that demand in stages by tapping the Hanbit nuclear plant and local renewable sources, while weighing a liquefied natural gas cogeneration plant on-site should the manufacturing process need heat and steam. Industrial water demand is projected at about 650,000 tons a day. Officials proposed drawing on the Dongbok, Juam, Jangheung, Boseonggang and Naju dams, with treated water from a Gwangju wastewater facility reused for general process needs. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources reaffirmed in a policy briefing on the previous day its goal of breaking ground on the cluster and beginning production within the current administration's term. The Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City is pressing the central government to raise its share of funding for site development and utility construction. Under the semiconductor special act's enforcement decree, which takes effect Aug. 11, the state and local governments may cover 50 to 100 percent of the cost of building such infrastructure in clusters designated outside the greater Seoul area. AJP Takeaway What: The South Korean government advanced its timeline for the Honam semiconductor cluster, targeting a July 2027 groundbreaking for the power and water supply facilities that will serve the site at the Gwangju military airfield. When: Announced Aug. 5, 2026, by the government and the Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City; operator selection and site designation targeted before end-2026. Core requirement: Running four fabrication plants will need an estimated 6.3 gigawatts of power — drawn from the Honam 345-kilovolt grid, the Hanbit nuclear plant and renewables — and about 650,000 tons of industrial water per day. Context: Comes as the semiconductor special act's enforcement decree, effective Aug. 11, 2026, lets central and local governments fund 50 to 100 percent of infrastructure costs for clusters designated outside the greater Seoul area. 2026-08-05 12:33:20