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  • Record Heat Wave Exceeds 41°C, Preserving Green Spaces is the Solution
    Record Heat Wave Exceeds 41°C, Preserving Green Spaces is the Solution A record heat wave exceeding 41 degrees Celsius is transforming what was once a typical summer into a national disaster, with heat-related illnesses and fatalities reported. According to the National Statistical Office, 98% of households in South Korea have air conditioning, but access varies significantly by income level.A survey of low-income households by major local governments revealed that less than 20% own air conditioning units. More than one in three low-income families experience heat-related illnesses each year, highlighting the social health inequalities exacerbated by the heat wave.Recently, Greenpeace's Seoul office released an analysis of green space and surface temperature across Seoul's districts. Dongdaemun, with only 1.3 square kilometers of green space, recorded surface temperatures soaring to 43 degrees Celsius, while Seocho, with 19.6 square kilometers of green space, remained at 37.8 degrees. Unsurprisingly, most heat-related illnesses occurred in Dongdaemun. The heat generated by scorching asphalt and air conditioning units fails to dissipate overnight, illustrating the reality of the urban heat island effect.Looking nationwide, both the government and local authorities have encroached upon green spaces in pursuit of short-term gains in housing supply and real estate development. Each time a new city is developed or a large apartment complex is built, green space is often reduced by more than half.Since the introduction of the greenbelt system in 1971, a total of 5,397 square kilometers have been designated for protection. However, about 30% of these areas have been released for reasons such as stabilizing housing prices, increasing housing supply, and establishing national industrial complexes. During the Kim Dae-jung administration, greenbelts covering 781 square kilometers in seven small urban areas were fully lifted, while the Roh Moo-hyun administration dismantled 654 square kilometers of greenbelt near Seoul and the metropolitan area for public rental housing. The Lee Myung-bak administration also eliminated 88 square kilometers of greenbelt in the Gangnam area to secure land for housing projects.Since 2000, an average of 10 to 20 square kilometers of green space has been lost each year. Renewable energy projects have also contributed to this loss, as forests and rich woodlands are cleared under the guise of expanding solar and wind power facilities, damaging the natural ecosystem and its climate regulation capabilities.Efforts to restore damaged forests are ongoing in various municipalities. However, the challenge lies in densely populated urban areas, where development-centric policies continue to dominate. Housing supply is often addressed reactively, with increases in response to surging real estate prices rather than through long-term planning.This represents a serious policy misstep and a disregard for fundamental national principles. Solutions to the heat wave cannot be limited to adding a few cooling centers or deploying water trucks as temporary fixes. A comprehensive, long-term national climate adaptation strategy is urgently needed.The core of this strategy must return to the fundamental principle of 'preserving and expanding green spaces.' Strict protection of greenbelts and urban parks, large-scale forest creation in cities, and a ban on forest destruction for renewable energy projects must be legislated.The greatest asset we can leave for future generations is not well-maintained concrete buildings or temporary energy facilities, but rather the green spaces that breathe and cool the environment. Protecting green spaces in their entirety is the most profound insight and basic common sense for ensuring the survival of future generations in the era of climate crisis. 2026-08-04 14:12:00
  • Government diet report gives South Koreans a C
    Government diet report gives South Koreans a C SEOUL, August 04 (AJP) -If South Koreans were graded on their eating habits, they would earn a C, with young adults dragging down the national score as they skipped breakfast and fell short on fruit and whole grains, government data showed Tuesday. South Korean adults scored an average 58.6 out of 100 on the Korean Healthy Eating Index for 2022–2024, little changed from the 58.9 recorded in 2019–2021, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency. The Korean Healthy Eating Index, or KHEI, for 2022–2024 was nearly unchanged from the 58.9 recorded in 2019–2021, according to an analysis released by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency. The results were based on nutrition data from 16,586 adults aged 19 and older who participated in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 2022 and 2024. A higher score indicates closer adherence to the country’s dietary guidelines. The index comprises 14 components. Eight evaluate the consumption of recommended foods and eating habits, including breakfast, mixed grains, fruit, vegetables, protein foods and dairy products. Three assess the moderation of sodium, saturated fat and sugar, while the remaining three measure the balance of carbohydrate, fat and overall energy intake. Men scored 57.6, two points below women’s 59.6. The disparity was more pronounced by age, with the score increasing steadily among older groups. People aged 19 to 29 received an average score of 50.3, followed by 52.8 among those in their 30s. The figure rose to 56.7 for people in their 40s, 60.5 for those in their 50s and 65.2 for those in their 60s. Adults aged 70 and older recorded the highest score at 66.1. Young adults performed particularly poorly in categories related to eating breakfast and consuming mixed grains and fruit. People in their 20s received just 3.9 out of 10 for breakfast consumption and 1.1 out of five for mixed-grain intake. Their total-fruit score was one out of five, while their fresh-fruit score was 1.3. Those in their 30s recorded similarly low scores, receiving 4.3 for breakfast, 1.1 for mixed grains and 1.2 for total fruit. The two youngest age groups also received less than half of the available points in the category measuring whether saturated fat remained within the recommended share of total energy intake. Across the entire adult population, mixed grains, total fruit, fresh fruit and milk and dairy products were identified as the areas most in need of improvement. When individual components were converted to a 100-point scale, all four categories scored below 50. Consumption of meat, fish, eggs and beans, along with sodium moderation, received relatively high scores of more than 70. Dietary weaknesses differed among older adults. People aged 60 and above generally received the highest overall scores but performed poorly on dairy consumption and the balance of energy obtained from carbohydrates. Adults aged 70 and older received only 2.6 out of 10 for milk and dairy products, the lowest score among all age groups. “Our adult healthy eating score has remained largely unchanged in recent years, but the consumption of mixed grains, fruit, and milk and dairy products remains insufficient and needs improvement,” KDCA Commissioner Lim Seung-kwan said. “Younger adults in their 20s and 30s had the lowest overall scores and also ranked lowest in most components, including breakfast, mixed grains, fruit and saturated fat intake,” Lim said. “Greater efforts are needed to maintain regular eating habits and consume a diverse range of food groups.” The Korean findings show similarities with dietary patterns observed in the United States, although the two countries’ indices use different components and standards and therefore cannot be compared directly. The KDCA cited U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data from 2017–2018 showing a Healthy Eating Index-2020 score of 57 among Americans aged 19 to 59 and 61 among those aged 60 and older. The U.S. Department of Agriculture also reports that Americans aged 2 and older had an average Healthy Eating Index score of 58 out of 100, with adults aged 60 and above among the highest-scoring age groups. The agency said average American diets across the life span still failed to align fully with national dietary guidelines. A separate U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention analysis found that only 12.3 percent of American adults met fruit-intake recommendations in 2019, while 10 percent met vegetable-intake recommendations. Women were more likely than men to meet both targets, and adults aged 51 and older were more likely to consume the recommended amount of vegetables than younger adults. The World Health Organization recommends that people older than 10 consume at least 400 grams of fruit and vegetables each day. It also recommends obtaining carbohydrates mainly from minimally refined sources, including whole grains, vegetables, fruit and pulses. 2026-08-04 14:11:20
  • Korean Agency Launches AI Application Support Program for Manufacturing
    Korean Agency Launches AI Application Support Program for Manufacturing The Korea Institute of Startup & Entrepreneurship Development (KISED) announced that it will hold a kickoff meeting and practical training for the 'Rapid Commercialization Support Project for AI Application Products in Manufacturing' in collaboration with the Ministry of SMEs and Startups and the Korea Federation of Small and Medium Businesses on August 4 and 5.This initiative aims to support the development and commercialization of AI application products applicable in small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises, thereby promoting the AI transformation (AX) of the small manufacturing sector.On the first day, the kickoff meeting will take place at the Korea Federation of Small and Medium Businesses in Yeouido, Seoul, where the project direction and performance creation plans will be unveiled.Presentations from participating organizations will also be held. The focus will be on the establishment of an integrated intelligent process operation system based on core AI technologies and AI agents, with presentations from Cosmecca Korea on a full-cycle AI-based manufacturing and quality management system, and from D-Palm Tech on converting tacit knowledge based on skilled workers into a data system.The following day, practical training will be conducted at Hotel ICC in Daejeon, covering project implementation procedures, guidelines, auditing, accounting, project cost settlement, and ethics training.The project team plans to intensify support for the AI transformation of small manufacturing enterprises starting with this event.Ahn Kwang-hyun, head of the project team, stated, "The kickoff meeting and practical training will serve as a foundation for the smooth implementation of the project by participating organizations, and we will actively support the entire process to ensure that AI transformation results are achieved swiftly."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-04 14:00:20
  • Heat Wave Halts Professional Baseball: Games Canceled in Jamsil and Gwangju
    Heat Wave Halts Professional Baseball: Games Canceled in Jamsil and Gwangju The games between the NC Dinos and Doosan Bears in Jamsil, as well as the KT Wiz and Kia Tigers in Gwangju, were canceled due to extreme heat.According to Yonhap News on August 4, the Korea Meteorological Administration issued a heat wave warning for Seoul and Gwangju, prompting the KBO to decide to cancel the games at 12:45 PM based on its detailed guidelines for operating games during heat waves.A heat wave warning is issued when the perceived temperature is expected to reach 38 degrees Celsius or the maximum temperature exceeds 39 degrees Celsius. Under these conditions, the KBO has established rules allowing for game cancellations to be made by 1 PM on the day of the game.The KBO stated, "If a heat wave warning is in effect, we will prioritize safety and cancel the games accordingly."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-04 14:00:00
  • US and Japans Joint Intervention Boosts Yen, But Sustainability Remains in Question
    US and Japan's Joint Intervention Boosts Yen, But Sustainability Remains in Question The value of the yen has rebounded due to a joint intervention in the foreign exchange market by the United States and Japan, but the Wall Street Journal reported on August 3 that this recovery may not last unless the Bank of Japan accelerates its monetary tightening.On August 4, the yen was trading around 157 yen per dollar in Asian markets, a significant drop from nearly 164 yen per dollar, which was the highest level in 40 years just before the US-Japan intervention. On August 3, the yen approached 155 yen per dollar.However, investors are skeptical about the sustainability of the yen's recovery, given the widening interest rate gap between the US and Japan, as the Bank of Japan maintains a cautious stance on interest rate hikes. Currently, short-term interest rates in the US are about 2.5 percentage points higher than in Japan, and expectations of further rate increases by the Federal Reserve in September are adding pressure on the yen.In contrast, the Bank of Japan is remaining cautious about raising interest rates, even as inflation exceeds its target. The central bank is wary of rapid monetary tightening after decades of battling deflation.Nabil Millali, a portfolio manager at Edmond de Rothschild, stated, "Without tightening from the Bank of Japan, the yen's upward trend will not be sustainable."Market analysts expect the Bank of Japan, which froze interest rates last week, to raise them in the coming months. However, the central bank's monthly purchase of approximately 2.5 trillion yen (about $22.57 billion) in government bonds to keep long-term interest rates low may limit the impact of any rate hikes on the yen.Robin Brooks, a senior researcher at the Brookings Institution, pointed out, "On one hand, the Bank of Japan is buying bonds to lower long-term interest rates, while on the other hand, the Ministry of Finance is intervening in the market to support the yen, indicating a conflict in Japan's policies."To support the yen in the long term, analysts suggest that Japanese investors need to repatriate their overseas funds. Goldman Sachs has assessed that bringing back the trillions of dollars invested abroad by Japanese investors could be the most powerful means to influence the exchange rate over time.A significant rise in the yen could also send shockwaves through global financial markets, as many investors have engaged in "yen carry trades," borrowing yen at low interest rates to invest in high-yield assets like US tech stocks or the Mexican peso.HSBC estimates the size of yen carry trades to exceed $1 trillion (approximately 1,424 trillion won). If the yen surges, investors may sell off their holdings and buy back borrowed yen, leading to increased volatility in both stock and foreign exchange markets.Millali warned, "Many investors have positioned themselves expecting yen carry trades to continue, and a reversal in Japanese interest rates and yen trends could pose significant risks to them."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-04 13:52:00
  • AI windfall splits One-Samsung as DX workers plan protest rally
    AI windfall splits One-Samsung as DX workers plan protest rally SEOUL, August 04 (AJP) - Samsung Electronics' record first-half earnings have exposed an unusual corporate paradox: the semiconductor division generated almost all of the company's profits, but in doing so widened an internal pay gap that is now splintering the company's long-held "One Samsung" culture. Samsung's Device Solutions (DS) semiconductor division earned 146.7 trillion won ($106 billion) in operating profit during the first half, dwarfing the 3.8 trillion won generated by the Device eXperience (DX) division, which houses its smartphone, television and home appliance businesses. The disparity has translated into sharply different employee compensation, fueling resentment among workers in the DX division whose profitability has been squeezed partly by the soaring memory chip prices that enriched their semiconductor counterparts. Although Samsung recently reached a compensation agreement with unions representing semiconductor employees, workers in the DX division have rejected a similar settlement and plan a large-scale rally outside the company's Seocho headquarters on Aug. 21. The unrest follows a closely watched labor victory for the DS division last month. After weeks of escalating tensions and a high-profile protest at Samsung's Hwaseong semiconductor campus, management agreed to provide special performance bonuses to chip employees. The agreement helped avert a prolonged strike that could have disrupted global memory chip supplies, but it immediately triggered backlash from employees in the DX division, who argue they have been treated unfairly despite belonging to the same company. Leading the protest is the Samsung Electronics Company Union (SECU), better known as Donghaeng, whose membership is concentrated in the DX business. The union said it will stage a rally at Samsung's Seocho headquarters on Aug. 21 under the slogan, "Same company, same rights." The slogan deliberately echoes chants heard during the semiconductor workers' protests in Hwaseong, underscoring how the successful tactics used by DS employees are now being adopted by another part of Samsung. "Management has remained completely silent despite repeated official requests from the union," a SECU representative said in explaining the decision to escalate the dispute to the company's headquarters. The dispute is exposing what labor observers describe as a new kind of conflict inside Samsung—not between labor and management, but between different groups of employees whose fortunes have increasingly diverged as the company's businesses move in opposite directions. The gap reflects Samsung's changing earnings structure. While demand for artificial intelligence memory chips has produced record profitability for the semiconductor business, the smartphone and consumer electronics division has faced margin pressure from weaker consumer demand and higher component costs, including expensive memory chips supplied internally. The widening divide has also fractured Samsung's labor movement. SECU has increasingly distanced itself from Samsung's umbrella union, arguing that DX employees' interests were being overshadowed by the semiconductor division's dominant bargaining position. By pursuing separate negotiations, the union believes it can press more aggressively for compensation reflecting the contributions of non-chip businesses. The umbrella union has declined to participate in the upcoming Seocho rally, saying it has no official position on the demonstration, highlighting the growing fragmentation within Samsung's labor organizations. For Samsung management, the dispute presents a delicate balancing act. Conceding to DX employees risks undermining the costly peace agreement recently reached with semiconductor workers, while refusing their demands could deepen internal divisions at a time when the company is relying more than ever on its AI-driven chip business. 2026-08-04 13:50:09
  • KOSPI Declines Over 1% While KOSDAQ Surges More Than 5%
    KOSPI Declines Over 1% While KOSDAQ Surges More Than 5% The KOSPI index showed a decline of over 1% during trading on August 4. In contrast, the KOSDAQ surged more than 5%, driven by strong performance in bio stocks, prompting a buying sidecar in both markets.According to the Korea Exchange, as of 1:20 PM, the KOSPI was trading at 6,177.96, down 79.49 points (1.27%) from the previous trading day. The index opened at 6,351.38, up 93.93 points (1.50%), but later turned negative during the session.Foreign and institutional investors sold a net 386 billion won and 857.5 billion won, respectively, contributing to the index's decline. Meanwhile, individual investors were net buyers, purchasing 1.1279 trillion won.Large-cap stocks exhibited mixed performance. Hanwha Aerospace (up 9.58%), Samsung Biologics (up 3.09%), and LG Energy Solution (up 1.74%) saw gains. Conversely, Samsung Life (-5.91%), Samsung Electronics (-3.76%), SK Hynix (-3.64%), Samsung Electro-Mechanics (-2.79%), Hyundai Motor (-2.42%), SK Square (-1.07%), and KB Financial (-0.65%) experienced losses.Han Ji-young, a researcher at Kiwoom Securities, noted, "The KOSPI is expected to show a strong trend today, supported by ongoing perceptions of overselling following last month's sharp decline, falling oil prices and interest rates, and a successful rebound in U.S. semiconductor stocks during trading."At the same time, the KOSDAQ index recorded a gain of 38.29 points (5.19%), reaching 775.64. The index opened at 748.19, up 10.84 points (1.47%), and continued to increase. A buying sidecar was triggered around 10:47 AM, marking the third consecutive trading day for this measure.In the KOSDAQ market, institutions were net buyers, purchasing 442.1 billion won, which helped drive the index higher. Individual and foreign investors sold a net 194.4 billion won and 239.3 billion won, respectively.All major stocks in the KOSDAQ showed upward trends, including ABL Bio (up 14.51%), Peptron (up 9.87%), HLB (up 9.71%), Alteogen (up 9.45%), EcoPro (up 6.33%), JUSUNG Engineering (up 5.09%), EcoPro BM (up 4.55%), Rino Industry (up 2.44%), Rainbow Robotics (up 1.74%), and Wonik IPS (up 0.75%).* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-04 13:40:00
  • Israeli Airstrikes Continue Despite Gaza Peace Proposal; 19 Dead Over Weekend
    Israeli Airstrikes Continue Despite Gaza Peace Proposal; 19 Dead Over Weekend Despite U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement of a peace plan for Gaza that includes the disarmament of Hamas and a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces, the ongoing airstrikes by Israel have raised doubts about the feasibility of the agreement. Disagreements persist over which action should be implemented first: the disarmament of Hamas or the withdrawal of Israeli troops.According to reports from Bloomberg and other sources, the Gaza Health Ministry stated that 19 people were killed during Israeli airstrikes on August 1 and 2.Nikolai Mladenov, the senior representative of the Peace Committee for Gaza, noted on social media platform X that “the airstrikes over two days across Gaza have resulted in civilian casualties and the destruction of medical supplies that residents rely on.”On August 3, Israeli forces targeted vehicles in western Gaza City, killing two Palestinians and injuring several others. The Israeli military stated that the attack was aimed at two armed militants in the vehicle.Since a ceasefire took effect in October of last year, Israeli attacks have continued in Gaza. The Gaza Health Ministry reported that 152 Palestinians were killed last month, marking the highest monthly death toll this year.Earlier, President Trump announced on July 30 that the Peace Committee and Hamas had reached an agreement on disarmament and the phased withdrawal of Israeli forces. The agreement includes provisions for Israel to cease military operations in Gaza and establish a new Palestinian administrative and security framework.Hamas has expressed its willingness to implement the agreed terms. However, the Israeli government has raised serious security concerns regarding the publicly disclosed agreement, stating that Hamas must fully disarm before any troop withdrawal can occur.The Peace Committee also stated that Israeli forces would only withdraw beyond the current deployment line, known as the “Yellow Line,” after Hamas has completed its disarmament. This aligns with Israel's demand that disarmament must precede troop withdrawal.On the same day, Mladenov met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss Hamas disarmament and governance in Gaza, urging a halt to the airstrikes. The Peace Committee described the meeting as “constructive and detailed,” but did not disclose any additional agreements.Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, acting as mediators for the ceasefire, issued a joint statement condemning Israel for violating the ceasefire agreement and called for an end to the airstrikes and adherence to the agreement.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-04 13:40:00
  • Lotte Department Stores Nowon Branch Completes Major Renovation
    Lotte Department Store's Nowon Branch Completes Major Renovation Lotte Department Store's Nowon branch celebrated its grand reopening on August 4 after completing its largest renovation since opening. The store announced that it has officially begun operations following a 17-month renovation that started in March of last year. Approximately 80% of the store's total sales area, around 1,000 pyeong, has been completely revamped, with significant updates to key product categories including food, fashion, and beauty. Last November, the store opened its 'K-Fashion Specialty Hall,' followed by the 'Sports Mega Shop' in December. The renovation concluded with the opening of the 'Food Hall' and 'Dessert Piazza' on the basement level. The Nowon branch serves as a key location for the northeastern region of Seoul and northern Gyeonggi Province. Lotte Department Store has pursued this comprehensive renovation in anticipation of significant development projects in the Chang-dong and Sang-gye areas, as well as new residential complexes and the Seoul Arena, which are expected to enhance growth potential.The renovation has notably boosted sales among younger customers and in specialty sections. Sales from customers in their 20s and 30s increased by over 25% in the first half of this year compared to the same period last year. Sales in the K-Fashion Specialty Hall rose by more than 35%, while fragrance sales in the newly expanded beauty section surged by over 90%. The premium grocery store 'Le Picerie' also saw a sales increase of over 20% following the renovation. Additionally, the food hall has enhanced its offerings by attracting beverage-focused brands like 'Elvino' and food brands such as 'Mildo' and 'Dress by Combine.' The final renovated space is a 500-pyeong premium food hall located on the basement level, featuring 25 new brands, including 12 popular eateries like 'Tamtam,' 'Hansik Bansang Gyeol,' and 'Tteoksan,' as well as 13 bakery and dessert brands. The 'Dessert Piazza,' inspired by an Italian square, includes brands like 'Louvre Baguette' and 'Jung Ji-young Coffee Roasters.' In the fashion section, stores for Tory Burch, Coach, and Golden Goose have been newly renovated. Global contemporary brands such as Longchamp and Vivienne Westwood, making their debut in the northeastern region of Seoul, have been added to enhance the premium offerings compared to existing local stores. Lotte Department Store will hold grand opening celebrations until September 6. From now until September 9, customers purchasing food will receive up to 7% back on their purchases, along with discount vouchers and cooling bags for early shoppers in the food hall. From August 14 to 17, interactive events will include a kids' playland, prize draws, and an AI photo booth. Cultural programs, including lectures by notable figures and wine classes, are also planned for this month. Han Ji-yeon, the manager of Lotte Department Store's Nowon branch, stated, “We will continue to introduce new content to provide a differentiated shopping experience for customers as a landmark representing the region.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-04 13:36:00
  • SK Telecom Shares Surge 10% on AI Data Center Expansion Hopes
    SK Telecom Shares Surge 10% on AI Data Center Expansion Hopes SK Telecom is experiencing a strong performance in early trading, driven by expectations for the expansion of its artificial intelligence data center (AIDC) business and the application of its proprietary AI foundation model in various industries.As of 1:24 PM on August 4, SK Telecom shares rose by 8,400 won (10.24%) to 90,400 won, according to the Korea Exchange.The surge in stock price is attributed to the company's participation in the AIDC Alliance, a collaborative effort between the government and private sector. Jeong Jae-hun, CEO of SK Telecom, serves as the inaugural private co-chair of the alliance, which aims to establish AI data centers and foster a related industrial ecosystem involving government, businesses, academia, and research institutions.SK Telecom plans to invest 750 billion won in the AIDC business through its newly established subsidiary, SK Hyper. Hana Securities anticipates that SK Hyper will operate by creating special purpose companies (SPCs) for individual projects.Kim Hong-sik, a researcher at Hana Securities, stated, "As revenue and profit margins become clearer for each business site, the increase in dividends from SK Telecom's subsidiaries could follow."On the same day, SK Telecom unveiled its AI foundation model, 'A.X K2,' which boasts 6.88 billion parameters and improved performance over its predecessor. The model is set to be applied in sectors such as manufacturing, semiconductors, and defense.The company is currently conducting proof-of-concept projects for manufacturing-specific AI agents with KG Steel and Connec, and plans to expand its applications into the defense sector in the second half of the year.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-04 13:32:00