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KISS OF LIFE teams up with I'm donut? for sweet collabo SEOUL, August 05 (AJP) - K-pop girl group KISS OF LIFE, known for the powerful music and performances that have taken past releases to No. 1 on Thailand's iTunes chart, has teamed up with doughnut brand I'm donut? for a limited collaboration tied to its new single album, "SWEAT." For the project, I'm donut? created four doughnuts and three merchandise items built around the album's desert-inspired concept, using images of blazing sun, sand, heat haze and hot air to match the single's summer mood. The doughnut lineup includes the "Sunset Yellow Cheese Doughnut," made with yellow and brown cheese; the "Sand Injeolmi Doughnut," topped with roasted soybean powder and cookie crumble; the "Heatwave Lemon Doughnut," finished with lemon chocolate and marbling; and the "Sunburn Peanut Butter Doughnut," made with white chocolate and peanut butter in a deep orange hue. The merchandise lineup includes a beach bag, a thermo bottle and a keycap, all featuring the "I'm KIOF?" logo and sun motif. The keycap will be sold exclusively on KREAM. KISS OF LIFE released "SWEAT," its third single album, under the slogan "Don't let them see you SWEAT." I'm donut? is a doughnut brand created by chef Ryota Hirako, who also runs the popular Fukuoka bakery Amam Dacotan. In South Korea, the brand is operated by Eight Ground. The brand has built a following in Seoul's dessert scene for doughnuts with a light, chewy texture achieved through a long fermentation process, often drawing lines before its stores open. The collaboration runs from Aug. 5 to 30 at I'm donut?'s Seongsu and Hongdae locations and its counter at Shinsegae Department Store's Gangnam branch, as well as on KREAM. 2026-08-05 11:38:08 -
Seoul National University Bundang Hospital: Accurate Alignment More Important Than Fixation in Hip Fracture Surgery A study has found that in surgeries for intertrochanteric fractures in elderly patients, achieving precise alignment of the fracture site can lead to stable treatment outcomes, even without fixation of the detached bone fragments. The research confirmed that the accuracy of bone alignment immediately after surgery is more critical to prognosis than whether the fragments are fixed.A team of orthopedic surgeons, including Professors Lee Young-kyun and Park Jeong-wi from Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, analyzed 157 patients who underwent surgery for unstable intertrochanteric fractures without fixing the posterior medial fragments. They reported their findings on August 5.Intertrochanteric fractures occur between the greater and lesser trochanters of the femur and are common among the elderly, particularly those with osteoporosis. The mortality rate is high, with about 20% of patients dying within a year due to complications. Fractures that involve the inner back of the femur, leading to the detachment of the posterior medial fragment, are particularly unstable and have poor prognoses.The research team followed up with the 157 patients for over six months after they received metal implants without fixation of the posterior medial fragment. They categorized the results based on whether the fractured bones were aligned properly, creating a stable structure, into two groups: those with 'cortical bone support' (79 patients) and those without (78 patients).The analysis revealed that only five patients (3.2%) required reoperation despite not fixing the posterior medial fragment, while the remaining 96.8% achieved bone union. Although 64 patients (40.8%) experienced some degree of subsidence at the fracture site, most healed well without additional surgeries, such as joint replacement, by managing their weight and engaging in rehabilitation. Only four patients (2.5%) required reoperation.Notably, the group that achieved cortical bone support had a lower rate of subsidence at the fracture site, with 32.9%, compared to 48.7% in the group that did not.This study is the first to compare surgical outcomes in patients with unstable intertrochanteric fractures accompanied by large posterior medial fragments who did not undergo fixation. It highlights the importance of precise alignment of the fracture site, especially since elderly patients face increased risks of complications like pneumonia and pressure sores when surgery is delayed or they remain bedridden for extended periods.Professor Lee stated, "For elderly patients, longer surgery times and increased blood loss can significantly burden recovery. This research could provide a basis for treatment strategies that achieve stable outcomes without expanding the surgical scope." Professor Park added, "This study confirms that the success of surgery depends not on the fixation of bone fragments but on how accurately the fractured bones are aligned."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-05 11:32:10 -
President Lee: Political Strife Over Diplomacy and Security is Regrettable 이재명 대통령은 5일 "대부분 선진국에서는 외교·안보 정책에 대해서는 정쟁의 대상으로 삼지 않는데, 우리는 안타깝게도 가장 중요한 외교·안보 문제가 정쟁의 대상이 된다"고 전했다.이 대통령은 이날 청와대에서 주재한 외교부·국방부·통일부·보훈부 등을 대상 업무보고에서 "평화와 안정은 모든 것의 기초로, (그 중요성을) 아무리 강조해도 지나치지 않다. 그런데 워낙 중요하다 보니 정치적 논쟁의 주제가 되는 경우도 많다"며 이같이 말했다.이어 "우리는 각자 이념과 가치를 갖고 있다. 그러나 이를 타인에게 강요하는 것은 쉽지 않다"며 "타인의 이념을 억제하고 나의 가치를 관철하려 하면 필연적으로 대립과 충돌을 불러오게 된다"고 지적했다.이 대통령은 "요란한 주장을 하고 상대를 삿대질하거나 압박하면 잠깐은 내 가치와 지향을 실현할 수 있겠지만 필연적으로 반발을 부른다"며 "내 이념을 실현하는 길은 최대한 상대를 설득하고 양보하며 상대에게 수용하게 하는 것"이라고 설명했다.외교·안보 분야 정치논쟁을 줄이기 위한 정부와 여당 등 집권 세력의 역할도 강조했다. 이 대통령은 "사회공동체 전체의 운명을 책임지는 권한을 가진 입장에서는 주장보다는 실천이 중요하다. 그 길이 야당일 때와는 다르다"며 "책임만큼 권한을 가진 입장일수록 목소리를 내기보다는 행동으로, 주장을 하는 것보다는 결과로 책임지는 게 중요하다"고 밝혔다.더불어 이 대통령은 "스스로 지켜야 한다. 어떤 외부의 도움 없이 우리 스스로 지켜나가는 자주국방은 우리가 가장 큰 과제"라며 "당연히 주권의 일부인 군 지휘권도 스스로 행사해야겠다"고 했다.이어 "국군이 군통수권자인 대통령의 명령을 받는 국방부 장관의 지휘를 받지 않는다는 건 있을 수 없는 일 아니냐"며 "정상화해야 할 중요한 과제인 것 같다"고 말했다.이 대통령은 통일부를 향해 "힘들더라도 (대북 정책에 있어) 평화와 공존의 정책을 계속 해야 한다"고 말했다. 그는 "(북한의 반응이 없어) 통일부는 메아리 없는 함성을 지르는 느낌을 받을 수 있다. 조금 힘들 것이다"라면서 독려했다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-05 11:32:00
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Law Firm Hwa Woo Welcomes Spencer Park as Senior Foreign Attorney to Enhance M&A and Real Estate Advisory Hwa Woo Law Firm announced on August 5 that it has appointed Spencer G. Park as a senior foreign attorney in its advisory group. Park brings 30 years of experience in corporate law, international real estate transactions, and project finance.Previously, Park served as Special Counsel at Milbank LLP's Seoul office, where he handled numerous cross-border transactions involving mergers and acquisitions, financial deals, and real estate investments for Korean companies, financial institutions, and investors.During his tenure at Dechert LLP's Hong Kong office, he advised clients from various Asian countries, including Korea, Japan, Singapore, and Thailand, on global private equity, finance, and real estate investment transactions.From January 2017 to June 2018, Park worked as a senior foreign attorney at Taepyeongyang Law Firm, where he advised on domestic and international investments and transactions for international private equity funds, multinational corporations, and investment banks. He was also a founding member of the firm's Hong Kong office. Additionally, he has gained practical experience at prestigious law firms in the U.S., Hong Kong, and Japan.Park has held senior positions, including Vice President and General Counsel, at investment firms. At Apollo Global Management, a private equity firm, and Asia Pacific Land Limited, a real estate investment and asset management company, he served as APAC General Counsel and General Counsel, overseeing investment and real estate development projects in the Asia-Pacific region.He also worked as a Vice President at Capmark Japan KK, a real estate investment firm, and Citigroup Principal Investments Japan, where he was directly involved in real estate finance and investment execution.Hwa Woo stated, "With his experience in structuring and advising transactions at law firms and executing investment plans at investment companies, Park's background in managing risks from the transaction design phase to post-investment execution is a rare strength in cross-border deal advisory."Park holds a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law, and a bachelor's degree in Economics and East Asian Studies from Harvard University.He is licensed to practice law in California and is registered as a foreign attorney with the Korean Bar Association since 2023, establishing a foundation for his activities in Korea. At Hwa Woo, he plans to provide legal services related to overseas M&A, private equity investments, and real estate transactions for multinational corporations, domestic companies, and financial institutions.Lee Myung-soo, the managing partner of Hwa Woo, emphasized, "As demand from domestic companies and investors for overseas asset incorporation and cross-border deals continues to grow, the addition of Spencer Park, who has practical experience in both law firms and investment institutions, will enhance Hwa Woo's capabilities in overseas M&A and real estate investment advisory."Hwa Woo is structured to respond quickly and effectively to diverse legal needs, comprising 12 traditional practice areas, 18 specialized fields, and 13 centers. The firm provides legal services through a team of domestic and foreign attorneys, accountants, patent attorneys, tax advisors, and other professionals.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-05 11:28:00
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Countdown to the College Entrance Exam: Focus on Targeted Problem Solving The 2027 College Entrance Exam is now just over 100 days away. Education experts advise that since this year's exam will be the last under the 2015 revised curriculum, students should focus on this year's admissions rather than considering a retake. They should commit to thorough preparation over the next 100 days.On August 5, the Etoos Education Evaluation Institute released final study strategies for students as the exam countdown begins. The key emphasis is on setting specific goals. Instead of vague commitments to study hard, students should clearly define how many additional questions they aim to answer correctly and which units they will focus on to secure points.Experts recommend concentrating on medium-difficulty questions that students often miss, rather than getting stuck on the highest difficulty questions with low success rates. This 'return on investment' strategy is seen as more efficient for the remaining study period.The institute also outlined how to effectively utilize the September mock exam, scheduled for September 2, organized by the Korea Institute for Curriculum and Evaluation. They stressed that the mock exam should not be viewed merely as a means to check grades but as a blueprint for the remaining study period. By categorizing incorrect answers into areas such as 'conceptual gaps,' 'time constraints,' and 'simple mistakes,' students can identify efficient time allocation points for the 70 days leading up to the exam.The application period for early admissions (September 7-11) is a critical time when students' study rhythms can easily be disrupted. Etoos warns that students should not neglect their exam preparation while focusing on application submissions, essays, and interviews. It is advisable to finalize their application strategies during the summer break and to focus on executing those plans during the application period to avoid psychological turmoil.Additionally, the exploration area is highlighted as a key variable that can significantly impact scores within the 100-day timeframe due to its potential for improvement relative to study volume. However, students are cautioned against relying solely on the exploration area to meet minimum score requirements, as fluctuations in standard scores and grades can occur based on group dynamics. It is recommended to have safe alternatives that include other subject areas.Furthermore, practice exams should be used as tools to identify weaknesses and test-taking strategies rather than fixating on scores. Students should establish clear criteria for when to move on from difficult questions and how to respond if time management falters, which can help prevent avoidable mistakes on exam day.Kim Byeong-jin, head of the Etoos Education Evaluation Institute, stated, "While all students have the same 100 days ahead, success depends not on the absolute amount of study but on whether they can move forward in the right direction without wavering. Instead of getting caught up in unchangeable conditions, students should focus their remaining time on variables that can still improve their scores."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-05 11:24:00
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Kurly Offers Up to 60% Off on Essential Groceries with First 'Night Deal' Retail tech company Kurly is offering discounts of up to 60% on over 1,300 essential grocery items, including eggs, cabbage, and onions, as well as summer health foods and meal kits. Kurly announced on August 5 that it will hold the 'August Wonder Kurly' promotion until August 10. The 'Unbeatable Grocery Prices' section features 20 essential ingredients selected for their affordability, including KF365 antibiotic-free eggs, a whole cabbage, fresh carrots from Barum Farm in Miryang, and Changnyeong onions. This event introduces a new time-limited sale called 'Night Deal,' which will run daily from 5 PM to 9 PM. During this period, seasonal fruits, meal kits, and four popular grocery items will be offered at special prices, with the selection changing each day. On the first day, August 5, discounted items include KF365 Chuncheon-style Dakgalbi, Anwon-dang's dried radish potato soup, and Gangneung-style spicy tofu stew. This selection is aimed at consumers choosing dinner options after work or ordering ingredients for the next day. A 'Last Summer Special Price' promotion will also be available, featuring seasonal fresh produce, health foods, diet products, and convenient meals for vacations, categorized into four themes: 'Taste of Summer,' 'Taste of Health,' 'Light Taste,' and 'Taste of Vacation.' Key products include KF365 pork neck, Ashley's original whole chicken, KF365 Wando abalone, and Sungui Garden's traditional galbitang. The offerings include items that can be easily prepared for camping or outdoor outings, alongside health foods that see increased demand during the hot summer months. In June, Kurly held a Wonder Kurly event that discounted over 3,000 popular items by up to 63%. While that event focused on bestsellers and bulk products, this promotion emphasizes essential ingredients and limited-time afternoon sales, tailoring regular discounts to real-time grocery shopping demands. Additional discount benefits are also available. During the promotion period, customers can receive daily discount coupons worth up to 10,000 won, available to all participating customers. Those who pay with Naver Pay can receive up to 2,500 won back, while customers using Toss, Kakao Pay, or Payco can enjoy discounts of up to 2,000 won. A Kurly representative stated, “We planned this August Wonder Kurly to alleviate the burden on customers' shopping carts amid high prices and heat, allowing them to enjoy a healthy summer. We hope customers take advantage of the diverse products we have prepared at special prices and with generous benefits.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-05 11:20:00
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China's Hypothetical Missile Strike on All Taiwanese Ports A hypothesis has emerged suggesting that China could bomb all of Taiwan's ports with missiles as part of its efforts to unify the island.According to an opinion piece published on August 5 in the U.S. foreign affairs journal Foreign Affairs, this military option has been analyzed, although it has not been thoroughly examined.The article outlines three main military options that have been discussed regarding China's approach to Taiwan: a full-scale invasion, targeting key facilities in Taiwan, and a maritime blockade. Each of these options presents significant challenges for China. A full-scale invasion would require a massive troop deployment and could result in substantial casualties, including civilian losses in Taiwan. Striking key facilities also carries the risk of international condemnation and civilian harm. A maritime blockade would necessitate threatening foreign vessels heading to Taiwan, increasing the likelihood of military intervention from the international community, including the United States.The opinion piece explains that a new, lower-risk approach known as 'firepower blockade' is emerging as a potential option. This strategy involves the Chinese military precisely targeting only Taiwan's port facilities to disrupt trade and logistics. Instead of attacking entire cities or directly blocking foreign vessels, this strategy aims to sever the supply chain by targeting the ports that are vital to Taiwan's economy.Since the firepower blockade focuses on specific port facilities, it reduces the risk of direct confrontation between the Chinese military and Taiwan. Additionally, as it does not require stopping or attacking foreign vessels, it weakens the justification for military intervention by other countries, such as the United States and Japan. A simulation conducted by a research team suggests that China could incapacitate Taiwan's port functions using fewer than 500 ballistic missiles over approximately 100 days. In this scenario, Taiwan's import levels could plummet to about 15% of normal levels. Given that Taiwan relies heavily on foreign trade for energy, food, and industrial raw materials, this could lead to a significant economic shock.In response to China's firepower blockade, Taiwan may enhance its missile defense systems; however, experts predict that this may not be sufficient given China's vast missile arsenal. Even if Taiwan were to retaliate against Chinese ports, the extensive territory of China would limit the effectiveness of such retaliation.The opinion piece notes that while the firepower blockade may seem appealing to China, it is not a perfect solution. Historically, countries under blockade have adapted over time by finding new trade routes and utilizing domestic resources. Furthermore, in modern society, economic hardship does not necessarily lead to political surrender. In fact, external aggression could strengthen anti-China sentiment within Taiwanese society and bolster resistance. Nevertheless, experts believe that if the Chinese leadership considers military action, the firepower blockade will remain an attractive option.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-05 11:20:00
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White House asks Congress to grant overseas building of Navy ships SEOUL, August 05 (AJP) - The White House has asked Congress to authorize the U.S. Navy to order two surface combatants and two noncombat auxiliary ships from overseas shipyards, a proposal that could create opportunities for major shipbuilders in South Korea and Japan. The request was included in the administration’s July 21 policy statement on the House version of the fiscal 2027 National Defense Authorization Act. The White House Office of Management and Budget objected to a House provision that would block the Navy from purchasing battle-force ships built abroad. It said the administration instead wants authority to contract foreign yards for four ships, while requiring the builders to make significant investments in U.S. shipyards. The administration argues that limited overseas construction could help ease delays at American shipyards and expand domestic capacity over the longer term. Its proposal draws on what officials call the “Finland model,” under which the first vessels are built rapidly at an allied shipyard while the foreign builder invests in U.S. facilities and transfers production technology. Subsequent ships would then be built in the United States. The model was first applied to the U.S. Coast Guard’s Arctic Security Cutter program. South Korea and Japan are widely viewed as leading candidates. An OMB official said in May that the administration had been in discussions with South Korea’s Hanwha, HD Hyundai and Samsung Heavy Industries, as well as several Japanese shipbuilders, over possible U.S. Navy construction projects. Under the concept discussed by the administration, the hull and other non-sensitive portions of the first warships could be built overseas, while an American defense contractor would handle combat-system integration. Foreign builders would also be required to establish or expand shipbuilding facilities in the United States. The proposal, however, faces resistance in Congress. The House-passed NDAA would prohibit the acquisition of battle-force ships built at foreign yards, while the Senate Armed Services Committee’s version would permit only up to two bulk fuel or strategic sealift vessels to be procured overseas. The Senate proposal would also require the foreign contractor to invest in the U.S. maritime industrial base and move production and supply chains to the United States for follow-on vessels. Current federal law generally requires U.S. Navy ships to be built domestically, although the president may waive the restriction when doing so is considered necessary for national security. The differences between the administration and Congress are expected to become a major point of debate as lawmakers negotiate the final version of the defense bill. Key Takeaways ○ On July 21, 2026, the White House asked Congress to let the U.S. Navy build four ships (two surface combatants, two auxiliaries) overseas under the FY2027 NDAA, requiring foreign builders to invest in U.S. shipyards. ○ Discussed candidates (as of May 2026): South Korea's Hanwha, HD Hyundai, Samsung Heavy Industries, and Japanese shipbuilders. ○ Model: the "Finland model" — allied yards build first ships fast, transfer tech to U.S. facilities, later ships built domestically. ○ Congress is split: the House NDAA bans foreign-built battle-force ships; the Senate version allows up to two overseas-built sealift/fuel vessels. ○ U.S. law requires domestic shipbuilding by default, but the President can waive it for national security. 2026-08-05 11:19:46 -
Kolon Global Introduces In-House AI Platform 'KNIT' to Enhance Site Management Kolon Global has launched an in-house integrated platform utilizing AI and digital technology to drive operational innovation. The company aims to enhance productivity and efficiency through expanded digital transformation, from site safety management to project oversight.On August 5, Kolon Global announced the development of its AI-based integrated platform, 'KNIT' (KGC Nexus Integrated Technology).KNIT consolidates five separate digital solutions that departments previously accessed individually into a single platform. Notably, it was developed and built internally without external assistance, allowing employees to access necessary work systems through one interface.Kolon Global has also applied AI and digital technology to site safety management. The integrated control center dashboard monitors CCTV feeds from all construction sites in real-time, linking data such as perceived temperature, fire alarms, and tower crane collision alerts to provide immediate visibility of potential hazards.The construction industry is increasingly adopting AI technologies. AI is being used to calculate concrete volumes, improving material management and site responsiveness, while drones are employed to check workers' compliance with safety gear in real-time.Kolon Global plans to further expand its digital transformation following the establishment of this integrated platform.A company representative stated, "We plan to gradually restructure the integrated control platform and project management systems, embedding AI and digital technology throughout our operations to continuously enhance productivity and site safety levels."Meanwhile, Kolon Global is expanding its project portfolio, securing major contracts including the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus auxiliary building project (84.1 billion won) and the Daegu Metro Line 4 Section 2 project (233.1 billion won), along with redevelopment projects in Seongnam and reconstruction in Ansan.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-05 11:16:10
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Sangmidang Holdings Delivers Health Packages and Water to Vulnerable Communities Sangmidang Holdings conducted a charitable initiative to support vulnerable communities during the heat wave.On August 4, Sangmidang Holdings delivered 200 health packages and 2,000 bottles of water to the Seoul Station Goshiwon Counseling Center in Yongsan, Seoul, the company announced on August 5.The health packages included easy-to-eat items such as samgyetang, herbal medicine, soup, and nuts, along with sports cooling towels. Employees from the company participated in assembling the packages. The donated items will be distributed through 'Onggi Warehouse,' a store that provides tailored essential goods for residents of goshiwon, which are small, low-cost rooms. Residents can use allocated credits to choose the items they need.A representative from Sangmidang Holdings stated, "We hope this initiative provides some relief to goshiwon residents struggling with the heat. We will continue to engage in community support activities involving our employees in the future."Since 2024, Sangmidang Holdings has been supporting vulnerable communities near the goshiwon and Hangangno areas by providing bottled water as part of its summer heat relief efforts.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-05 11:16:10