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  • Odds of Koreas back-to-back rate hike fall on softer headline inflation
    Odds of Korea's back-to-back rate hike fall on softer headline inflation SEOUL, Aug. 4 (AJP) — The surprising stall in South Korea's inflationary run in July has lowered expectations for a back-to-back interest-rate increase by the Bank of Korea this month, although policymakers remain wary of persistent underlying price pressures. Consumer prices rose 2.8 percent from a year earlier in July, slowing from 3.2 percent in June and falling below the 3 percent mark for the first time in three months. Core inflation, which Bank of Korea Gov. Shin Hyun-song has repeatedly highlighted as a better gauge of underlying price pressures because it excludes volatile food and energy prices, crept up to 2.6 percent from 2.5 percent - highest level since December 2023 -, albeit at a measured pace. The Bank of Korea estimated that lower petroleum prices and agricultural, livestock and fisheries goods reduced annual headline inflation by 0.33 percentage point and 0.17 percentage point, respectively. By contrast, core goods and services together added 0.11 percentage point, underscoring that domestic price pressures have yet to fully dissipate. Lee Ji-ho, a BOK deputy governor, said the central bank would "monitor inflation with vigilance," warning that the pass-through of earlier cost increases and strengthening demand-side pressures could keep core inflation elevated. The mixed inflation signals give the Bank of Korea greater flexibility over the timing of its next move rather than making another rate increase inevitable. Financial markets modestly pared expectations for a second consecutive rate increase at the Aug. 27 policy meeting, although market pricing continued to suggest investors still see a meaningful chance of another hike. At around 1:50 p.m., the won traded near 1,431.9 per dollar, about 2.9 won weaker than the previous close. The three-year Korean government bond yield fell 1.1 basis points to 3.731 percent by midday, while the benchmark 10-year yield edged down just 0.1 basis point to 4.252 percent. The sharper decline in the policy-sensitive three-year yield suggested investors had scaled back expectations for an August increase, while the muted moves in the currency and longer-term bonds indicated markets had yet to fully price in a pause. The Bank of Korea raised its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points to 2.75 percent on July 16, citing stronger export- and investment-led growth, inflation expected to remain above target and persistent financial stability risks. While signaling that further policy tightening would likely be needed, the central bank stressed that the timing and pace of additional increases would depend on incoming data on inflation, economic growth and financial stability, leaving an Aug. 27 move far from certain. The central bank also expects headline inflation to reaccelerate to around 3 percent in August because of a base effect stemming from steep mobile-service discounts offered by telecom operators a year earlier. The government estimates that the statistical effect alone could add about 0.8 percentage point to the annual inflation rate. Ahn Jae-kyun, an economist at Korea Investment & Securities, said markets had lowered the probability of an August rate increase following the inflation data but were still assigning odds of more than 50 percent, while maintaining a rate hike as his base-case scenario. The equity-market correction entering the second half has strengthened the argument for a cautious policy approach, as falling stock prices could curb household spending through a negative wealth effect and ease demand-driven inflationary pressure. NH Investment & Securities projected private consumption growth could slow by about 0.15 percentage point if the stock market turns bearish in the latter half. Barclays estimated that households have suffered roughly 600 trillion won in valuation losses from the recent market sell-off. Pressure on household budgets remains intact. The living necessities index rose 2.5 percent from a year earlier in July, while its non-food component climbed 3.2 percent, indicating that consumers continue to face elevated costs for everyday purchases even as headline inflation moderates. Housing remains the clearest obstacle to an extended pause. Seoul apartment prices rose 0.25 percent in the fourth week of July, extending their gains to a 77th consecutive week despite easing slightly from the previous week's 0.27 percent increase, keeping financial stability concerns firmly on the Bank of Korea's radar. The latest data strengthen the case for a hawkish hold rather than an outright pause in August. The BOK will likely to decide to resume tightening on economic and stock performance in the second half amid mixed views on the strength and duration of the chip-led growth. 2026-08-04 15:14:05
  • KTX Honam and Jeolla Line Train Services to Increase with 10% Fare Reduction Starting September
    KTX Honam and Jeolla Line Train Services to Increase with 10% Fare Reduction Starting September KTX and SRT integration will increase train services and seating on the Honam and Jeolla lines starting September 1. Additionally, fares will be reduced by 10%.According to the Gwangju Metropolitan City on August 4, the Honam Line will see an increase in weekday services from 95 to 100 trains per day and weekend services from 96 to 100 trains per day.On weekdays, an additional 3,742 seats will be available, while weekends will see an increase of 4,822 seats.The Jeolla Line will also expand its services, increasing weekday trains from 40 to 45 and weekend trains from 45 to 54.This will add 1,957 seats on weekdays and 2,511 seats on weekends, providing more opportunities for passengers.Nationwide, an additional 15,000 seats will be available on weekdays and 17,000 on weekends, with 26 more weekend trains added.Notably, seat availability on the Suseo route will increase by 30%, significantly improving access from Gwangju to the southern capital region.Moreover, high-speed train fares will be reduced by an average of 10% compared to existing KTX prices, and all integrated high-speed train passengers will earn 5% of their payment as mileage.Discounts for transfers and online special rates will also be expanded for existing SRT routes.The KTX and SRT integration is a key initiative by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, Korea Railroad Corporation, and SR to enhance high-speed rail services.Starting August 3, the integrated app 'Korea Rail Plus' will allow users to book KTX and SRT tickets from a single platform, with tickets for trains operating on September 1 available for purchase starting August 5 at 10 a.m.Additionally, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport plans to introduce 31 new high-speed train sets sequentially starting next year and increase train operations and seating in conjunction with the Pyeongtaek-Osong double-track project, scheduled to open by the end of 2028.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-04 15:12:00
  • Navigating the U.S.-China Rivalry: The Future of South Koreas Economy
    Navigating the U.S.-China Rivalry: The Future of South Korea's Economy The competition for global dominance between the United States and China has evolved beyond diplomatic issues, reshaping the world economic order. Just two decades ago, China was known as the 'world's factory,' but it has since emerged as a formidable competitor to the U.S. across advanced industries, including batteries, electric vehicles, solar energy, shipbuilding, robotics, rare earths, patents, and artificial intelligence. Meanwhile, the U.S. retains its strongest cards, including the dollar as the world's reserve currency, advanced semiconductor design, capital markets, an innovative ecosystem, and military power. The future likely points to a 'G2 system' where neither country fully dominates, but both exert influence in their respective spheres.The challenge lies with South Korea. The country has a unique economic structure that heavily relies on the U.S. for security and on China for trade. The U.S. is South Korea's most important ally and a partner in advanced technology, while China remains its largest trading partner. A simplistic approach of choosing sides could impose greater burdens on the South Korean economy.As U.S.-China tensions escalate, South Korean companies face simultaneous demands from both sides. The U.S. calls for supply chain restructuring and advanced technology cooperation, while China leverages its market, raw materials, and production bases to exert influence. Key South Korean industries, including semiconductors, batteries, automobiles, shipbuilding, and displays, find themselves at the center of this conflict. South Korea must now position itself not as a follower of international trends but as a nation that develops its own survival strategies within the changing order.The starting point for this strategy is 'strategic pragmatism.' While maintaining values and principles in diplomacy, economic approaches should center on national interests. Security cooperation should remain anchored in the South Korea-U.S. alliance, but efforts must also be made to diversify markets and reduce dependence on specific countries in trade.Industrial policy must also evolve. Competing on volume, as China does, is not a viable strategy. South Korea should focus its capabilities on areas where it can lead global standards, such as eco-friendly ships, autonomous navigation, advanced semiconductor processes, next-generation battery technologies, and specialized artificial intelligence models. Failure to transition from a catch-up industrial policy to a super-gap industrial policy could result in South Korea losing its competitive edge between the U.S. and China.Stabilizing supply chains must be elevated to a national strategy. Rare earths, critical minerals, semiconductor materials, energy, and food are no longer just issues for individual companies. A breakdown in supply chains can shake entire industries. A long-term national plan is needed, encompassing expanded overseas resource development, strategic stockpiling, joint investments with allied countries, and the development of recycling technologies.Above all, urgent innovation in the national system is required. The U.S.-China competition is not just a corporate rivalry; it is a contest of national competitiveness. Without robust support for research and development investment, talent cultivation, regulatory innovation, and rapid decision-making processes, no industry can sustain growth. A national-level strategic control tower that coordinates industry, technology, trade, and security must be strengthened. In the era of technological hegemony, the speed of policy implementation itself becomes a competitive advantage.The South Korean economy stands at a new turning point. The past 30 years were characterized by growth while chasing advanced nations, but the next 30 years will require maintaining competitiveness between the two superpowers, the U.S. and China. The formula of relying on a single country for growth is no longer applicable.The answer for South Korea in the G2 era is clear. It must become a nation with technologies and industries that cannot be easily replaced by either side, rather than merely balancing between the U.S. and China. Practical diplomacy centered on national interests, a super-gap industrial strategy, resilient supply chains, and a world-class talent and innovation system are essential. This is the path for South Korea to remain steadfast amid the U.S.-China power struggle and the most reliable national strategy for safeguarding the prosperity of future generations. 2026-08-04 15:08:00
  • President Lee Calls for New Industrial Map Focused on Regional Development
    President Lee Calls for New Industrial Map Focused on Regional Development 이재명 대통령은 4일 “대한민국 성장의 축이 수도권에서 지방으로 넓혀질 수 있도록 초격차 산업지도를 지방 중심으로 새롭게 그려내야 한다”고 밝혔다.이 대통령은 이날 오후 청와대 영빈관에서 열린 ‘국민과 함께하는 두 번째 업무보고’ 모두발언에서 “모든 지방이 저마다의 산업적 강점을 살리면서 서로 연결돼 함께 성장할 수 있도록 권역별 성장 엔진을 능동적으로 발굴해야 한다”며 이같이 말했다.이날 업무보고에는 산업통상부와 기후에너지환경부, 지식재산처, 원자력안전위원회, 기상청이 참여했다. 한성숙 국무총리를 비롯한 정부 부처 및 공공기관 관계자와 대학생, 회사원, 연구직, 농업인, 자영업자 등 국민참여단 22명도 참석했다.이 대통령은 지역 산업 육성을 가로막는 규제와 기반시설 부족 문제를 적극적으로 해결해야 한다고 주문했다.그러면서 “기업의 투자 의지가 각종 규제나 인프라·인력 부족 문제 때문에 꺾이지 않도록 투자의 걸림돌을 적극적으로 제거하는 것이 무엇보다 중요하다”고 강조했다.특히 정부가 최근 발표한 ‘대한민국 대도약 3대 메가 프로젝트’를 거론하며 “성공의 핵심인 안정적인 전력과 용수 공급에 차질이 없도록 해달라”고 지시했다.수도권 부동산 문제의 근본적인 해법으로 지역 균형발전을 제시했다. 이 대통령은 “지금 수도권에서 생기고 있는 집값 문제 등을 포함한 모든 문제의 근원에는 수도권 집중이라는 심각한 문제의 뿌리가 있다”며 “이를 극복하기 위해서도 지역 균형발전, 특히 지방 우대 산업·경제 정책이 매우 중요하다”고 강조했다.인공지능(AI)을 중심으로 급변하는 글로벌 산업환경에 대응해 과감한 도전과 투자, 신속한 정책 집행이 필요하다는 점도 강조했다.이 대통령은 “지금 세계는 인공지능을 중심으로 산업의 틀이 통째로 바뀌는 대격변기를 맞고 있다”며 “이런 시대일수록 과감한 도전과 투자, 속도전이 필요하다”고 진단했다.이어 “결국 핵심은 ‘대체불가 대한민국’, 대체 불가능한 우리만의 경쟁력을 만드는 것”이라며 “변화의 흐름을 기민하게 읽어 미래를 설계하고 혁신의 토대를 제대로 만드는 것이 시대가 요구하는 정부의 중요한 역할”이라고 설명했다.이 대통령은 “확고한 산업 경쟁력과 탄탄한 에너지 안보 체계를 갖추는 것이 어떤 외부 환경 변화에도 쉽게 흔들리지 않는 든든한 대한민국을 만드는 길”이라고 덧붙였다.중동 지역 긴장 고조에 따른 산업 공급망과 에너지 수급 관리도 당부했다. 이 대통령은 “지난 6개월 동안 전쟁 위기 속에서도 우리 산업과 국민의 일상이 흔들리지 않도록 산업 공급망과 에너지 수급을 성과적으로 관리해 왔다”면서도 “최근 중동 지역의 긴장이 다시 고조되는 만큼 긴장의 끈을 놓지 말아야 한다”고 당부했다.통상 정책과 관련해서는 특정 국가나 시장에 대한 과도한 의존에서 벗어나야 한다고 주문했다. 이 대통령은 “외부 충격에 쉽게 흔들리지 않는 산업·에너지 강국이 되려면 통상 정책을 국익 중심으로 유연하게 펴야 한다”며 “특정 국가나 시장에 지나치게 의존해서는 곤란하다”고 지적했다.이어 “정부와 기업의 다양한 협력에 기반해 국가별 맞춤형 협력 전략을 추진하고 수출시장과 공급망을 다변화하기 위해 지속적으로 노력해야 한다”고 강조했다. 핵심 에너지 자원인 원유에 대해서도 “도입 국가를 다변화하고 비축을 확대해야 한다”고 당부했다.탈탄소 전환을 새로운 성장 기회로 만들어야 한다는 방향도 제시했다. 이 대통령은 “기후 위기에 대응한 탈탄소 사회로의 전환과 국민의 안전하고 쾌적한 생활환경 조성도 중요한 정책 과제”라며 “탈탄소 사회로의 전환이 지속 가능성을 확보하는 데 더해 새로운 성장 동력이 될 수 있도록 해야 한다”고 역설했다.이 대통령은 원전 정책에 대해서는 이 대통령은 “국민이 신뢰할 수 있도록 원전의 안전성을 철저히 확인하고 관련 정보도 투명하게 공개하는 노력을 지속해야 한다”고 밝혔다.이 대통령은 최근 성장률 회복 등 경제 상황의 변화를 언급하며 정책 성과가 국민의 일상으로 이어져야 한다고 강조했다.아울러 국민참여단과 온라인을 통해 제기된 의견을 정책에 반영하라고 각 부처에 지시했다.이 대통령은 “오늘 국민 여러분께서 주시는 의견을 직접 발표하지 못하는 경우가 많겠지만 실제로 모두 취합해 정부 정책에 충실하게 반영하겠다”고 약속했다. 2026-08-04 15:08:00
  • Baseball games in Seoul, Gwangju called off due to scorching heat
    Baseball games in Seoul, Gwangju called off due to scorching heat SEOUL, August 4 (AJP) - Baseball games scheduled for Tuesday evening in Seoul and Gwangju were canceled as a relentless heatwave continues to grip the country. According to the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO), the canceled games were between the NC Dinos and the Doosan Bears in Seoul, and the KT Wiz and the Kia Tigers in Gwangju. The cancellation came after the Korea Meteorological Administration issued the highest heat wave warning for both cities earlier in the day. A serious heat wave warning is issued when the highest perceived temperature reaches at least 38 degrees Celsius or the daily maximum temperature rises to 39 degrees or higher. Under such a warning, the KBO may decide to cancel games by 1 p.m. on a given day. The extreme heat has already forced the cancellation of three KBO games over the weekend including two in Changwon and one in Busan. Meanwhile, of the three remaining games scheduled for Tuesday, one will be played in Busan, another in Incheon, and the other in Daegu, which recorded an all-time high temperature of 40.9 degrees last Sunday. 2026-08-04 15:06:08
  • Shinhan Financial Group Supports Digital Education for Vulnerable Communities
    Shinhan Financial Group Supports Digital Education for Vulnerable Communities Shinhan Financial Group is supporting the use of artificial intelligence (AI) among digitally vulnerable communities.On August 4, Shinhan Financial announced that it signed a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Science and ICT at the Bank Hall in Jung-gu, Seoul, to enhance AI capabilities and ensure safe digital financial usage for these communities.The agreement aims to reduce the information gap and address financial scams such as voice phishing and smishing. Shinhan Financial plans to leverage its online and offline financial education infrastructure to provide digital education support. The 'Shinhan Hakijae' program, which repurposes space from closed branches into educational facilities, will be designated as a national AI digital learning center and will be offered as a digital capability support center in the future. Currently, Shinhan Hakijae operates in four locations: Incheon, Suwon, Busan, and Gwangju.Jin Ok-dong, Chairman of Shinhan Financial, stated, "AI and digital education go beyond simple device usage training; they are about protecting citizens' assets from financial scams. We will collaborate with the Ministry of Science and ICT to ensure that no one is left behind in the digital transformation using our group's online and offline financial education infrastructure."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-04 15:00:20
  • KT and Yonsei Medical Center Strengthen AI Utilization through Advanced Medical Data
    KT and Yonsei Medical Center Strengthen AI Utilization through Advanced Medical Data KT and Yonsei Medical Center are enhancing the foundation for AI utilization by advancing medical data, aiming to secure South Korea's competitiveness in medical AI innovation. On August 4, KT announced that it has signed a memorandum of understanding with Yonsei Medical Center to strengthen the use of medical data and enhance the future competitiveness of South Korea's healthcare. As AI technology rapidly evolves, the value of vast medical data held by hospitals, including patient records, test results, medical imaging, and research data, is increasing. However, the diverse forms and structures of medical data often make it difficult for AI to utilize directly. Therefore, the ability to systematically standardize and structure data, converting it into a format suitable for AI learning and analysis, is emerging as a core competitive advantage for healthcare institutions. The two organizations will work on expanding the foundation for medical data standardization, enhancing data utilization infrastructure, researching applications of AI-based medical services, and establishing a long-term cooperation system to promote the use of medical data. Their goal is to convert various data generated in medical settings into formats that AI can learn, analyze, and utilize, thereby accelerating the development and validation of medical AI services and laying the groundwork for data-driven healthcare innovation. KT plans to leverage its AX platform capabilities to transform medical data into digital assets that AI can analyze and utilize safely. The company aims to support healthcare institutions in utilizing their data as high-quality AI assets and to promote the development of future healthcare service models. Yonsei Medical Center will provide insights into the requirements for utilizing medical data based on real-world medical experience and will explore utilization strategies centered on healthcare professionals. Beyond simple collaboration, both parties intend to continuously identify research projects for healthcare service innovation and expand cooperation with various institutions to lead the development of South Korea's medical AI ecosystem. Kim Bong-kyun, Vice President of KT's Enterprise Division, stated, "The competitiveness of AI ultimately starts with data. KT will lead the development of South Korea's medical AI ecosystem and healthcare service innovation in collaboration with Yonsei Medical Center, leveraging our expertise in optimizing medical data for AI utilization and our AX platform technology."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-04 15:00:00
  • Did Peter Parkers Memory Return? Analyzing MJ and Neds Actions in Spider-Man: Brand New Day
    Did Peter Parker's Memory Return? Analyzing MJ and Ned's Actions in 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' The Marvel film 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' continues to perform well in South Korea, drawing attention to the actions of MJ and Ned at the film's conclusion.In the previous installment, 'Spider-Man: No Way Home,' Doctor Strange's spell caused MJ, Ned, and people worldwide to forget that Peter Parker is Spider-Man, along with all memories of him. Fans are interpreting various scenes in the new film as hints that the two characters may be starting to regain their memories of Peter.The character drawing the most attention is MJ. Among international fans, the most compelling theory suggests that MJ's memories are gradually being restored.Four key scenes are cited as evidence:The first scene shows MJ unconsciously drawing Peter in his 'Spider-Man: Homecoming' suit in their apartment.The second scene occurs at the film's end, where MJ touches a necklace Peter gifted her during their trip to Venice in 'Spider-Man: Far From Home.' Fans interpret this as a suggestion of resurfacing memories rather than just a prop.The third scene features MJ returning to the rooftop of Midtown High School in Queens, a location where she and Peter had a conversation while avoiding a crowd in 'No Way Home.' This has led to interpretations that she is recalling familiar places.The fourth and most discussed scene occurs later in the film when Jean Grey uses her powers to influence people's minds, causing MJ to suddenly cry. Some fans speculate that Jean's telepathic abilities may have triggered or restored some of MJ's forgotten memories.Ned's actions at the film's conclusion have also captured fans' interest.At the end of the film, Ned is seen dining in a restaurant while looking at his phone. Peter, who has come in to buy flowers, spots Ned and hesitates before approaching him to say hello.Ned, having lost his memories, is initially taken aback by a stranger seemingly recognizing him. However, upon seeing Peter with flowers, he recalls that they met at a previous housewarming party.When Peter introduces himself by saying, 'I'm Peter,' Ned instinctively responds with a fist bump, a gesture they used to share, and then calls out Peter's name, creating a significant moment.This has led to three main interpretations among fans:The first theory suggests that while Ned's memories are not fully restored, he instinctively recognizes Peter as Spider-Man, possibly recalling that Peter's real name is Peter from previous conversations with MJ and their past experiences together.The second theory relates to Ned's lineage as a wizard. In 'No Way Home,' he mentions that 'there's wizard blood in our family,' and he successfully performed magic by merely thinking of Peter, a feat even Doctor Strange found challenging. Some fans propose that Ned may have partially overcome the spell's effects due to latent magical abilities or that the spell's power has weakened over time.The third theory posits that Jean Grey may have also restored some of Ned's memories. In the film, Jean enters Peter's mind to understand his essence and sacrifice, which could have inadvertently revived some sealed memories of those around him. MJ's tears and Ned's unconscious fist bump are cited as supporting evidence for this theory.However, these interpretations are not officially confirmed by Marvel Studios. Whether MJ and Ned's memories will truly return in future installments remains a point of interest for fans.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-04 14:56:10
  • Jeonju Prepares for Implementation of Special Measures Law for Specific Buildings
    Jeonju Prepares for Implementation of Special Measures Law for Specific Buildings Jeonju, North Jeolla Province, is taking steps to minimize citizen inconvenience and ensure the stable implementation of the 'Special Measures Law for Specific Buildings,' which will take effect on December 17. Preparations include amending ordinances and establishing an administrative support system.On August 4, officials announced that the Special Measures Law will be temporarily in effect from December 17, 2026, to June 16, 2028. The law aims to protect property rights by providing a limited opportunity for usage approval (legalization) for specific buildings that are unpermitted or illegally constructed.The law applies to residential buildings that were essentially completed before December 31, 2023, including multi-family homes with a floor area of 85 square meters or less per unit, single-family homes with a total floor area of 165 square meters or less, and multi-family homes with a total floor area of 660 square meters or less.Notably, this law expands the scope compared to the special measures law enacted in 2014. For instance, the area limit for multi-family homes has increased from 330 square meters to 660 square meters, and for single-family homes, local governments can decide on applicability for those exceeding 165 square meters but not exceeding 330 square meters.Additionally, buildings currently used as residences that were originally designated for neighborhood living facilities, as well as cases of 'room splitting' in multi-family homes, can receive usage approval if they meet fire safety and parking standards.To obtain usage approval under this law, property owners must secure land ownership and access to a road at least 3 meters wide, and there must be no significant hindrance to structural safety, hygiene, fire safety, or sunlight access.The city plans to proactively prepare for the law's implementation to ensure that citizens can benefit from the system. This includes reviewing and promoting ordinance amendments that provide practical assistance to residents.Furthermore, the city will collaborate with the Jeonju Architectural Association to operate a support center for specific buildings and conduct training for relevant officials to ensure prompt handling of civil complaints as the law takes effect.Additionally, the city will enhance its outreach efforts through its website, media, and various promotional channels to inform eligible citizens about the application process and ensure they can apply within the implementation period.Mayor Jo Ji-hoon Listens to Opinions from National Merit Recipients and Veteran FamiliesMayor Jo Ji-hoon held a meeting with leaders from the Jeonju Veterans Association Council on August 3 to gather key opinions from the field.According to the city, this meeting was organized to strengthen the recognition of national merit recipients and veteran families and to promote the value of veterans' contributions through ongoing communication with veteran organizations.During the meeting, participants shared updates on their organizations' activities and discussed challenges and various opinions regarding the recognition of national merit recipients and the smooth operation of veteran organizations.The city plans to consider the suggestions made during the meeting in developing and implementing future veteran policies, taking into account their necessity and feasibility. "We will actively work to enhance the honor of national merit recipients and widely promote the value of veterans in our community," the city stated.Mayor Jo emphasized, "Remembering the sacrifices and dedication for the nation and providing appropriate recognition is a fundamental duty of our community. We will carefully listen to the voices from the field to ensure that national merit recipients and veteran families feel pride, and we will responsibly consider Jeonju's role in ensuring that the value of veterans continues to resonate in the daily lives of citizens and future generations."Meanwhile, to enhance the recognition of national merit recipients and other veterans this year, Jeonju has increased the veteran allowance by 20,000 won per month. The city is also pursuing the establishment of a veteran hospital to address health rights violations and medical gaps for veterans in the North Jeolla region.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-04 14:56:00
  • Korean Government and KOSA Launch AX360° AI Resource Portal
    Korean Government and KOSA Launch AX360° AI Resource Portal The Korea Software Industry Association (KOSA) announced the launch of the 'AX360°' service on August 4, which integrates information on government AX (AI transition) projects, private sector AI resources, and domestic AI companies and solutions.As the government rapidly expands its AX initiatives and the private sector increases the supply of AI resources such as GPUs, AI models, and data, related information has been scattered across various departmental websites and individual companies. This has created challenges for businesses, government agencies, and researchers seeking necessary projects and resources. To address these issues, the Ministry of Science and ICT and KOSA have established a one-stop support portal for AX.AX360° features four main functions: finding government AX projects, locating AX resources, exploring AI demand and supply companies, and providing one-stop support for AX.The government AX project search function offers an overview of AX projects promoted by various ministries, including target beneficiaries, project duration, budget size, and announcement schedules. Users can search by combining project types such as R&D and proof of concept (PoC) with issuing agencies and local governments, allowing businesses to compare and explore projects without visiting multiple agency websites.The AX resource search function provides information on GPUs, AI models, and data. It includes performance, application areas, and pricing information for various GPU models, along with details on government GPU provision projects. The AI model section features various types, usage methods, pricing, and case studies, including results from the second evaluation of independent foundation models. Data is presented as a gateway connecting to data exploration platforms like One Window, AI Hub, and My Data, as well as private data distribution and brokerage platforms.The AI company exploration feature allows users to check the functions, application cases, and pricing models of technologies and solutions held by domestic AI companies. Users can search by combining functional classifications such as infrastructure, data, models, application services, and security with industry sectors like defense, healthcare, and manufacturing, enabling companies pursuing AX to find potential partners with the necessary technologies for collaboration.In the future, the portal will add a feature allowing users to apply for project planning consulting online, linked to government AX one-stop support. Users will be able to attach information on resources and partner companies found through AX360° when applying for consulting, facilitating the entire process from information exploration to the initiation of AX projects.Ryu Je-myung, the Second Vice Minister of Science and ICT, stated, "The primary challenge faced by companies and government agencies pursuing AX is the scattered information regarding necessary projects, resources, and partner companies. AX360° consolidates government and private sector AX information from the perspective of users, supporting the entire AX process from resource exploration and acquisition to company discovery, consulting, and technology validation."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-04 14:56:00