AJU PRESS ASIA FIRST NEWS AGENCY

Journalist

&
""
Latest by
  • N. Korea threatens new level of deterrence over S. Korea-led RIMPAC role
    N. Korea threatens 'new level of deterrence' over S. Korea-led RIMPAC role SEOUL, August 04 (AJP) - North Korea on Tuesday condemned South Korea and Japan’s leadership roles in this year’s Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC) claiming that trilateral military cooperation with the United States has become a “new security crisis” in the Asia-Pacific region and threatening to respond with a stronger deterrent. The Korean Central News Agency carried a commentary issued Monday by a North Korean military commentator under the title, “The U.S.-Japan-South Korea tripartite threat entrenched as a new security crisis in the Asia-Pacific region.” “The tripartite threat posed by the United States, Japan and South Korea is becoming increasingly evident as they openly disregard the security concerns of regional countries and seek military superiority by continuously strengthening their combined war-fighting capabilities,” the commentary said. It cited the recently concluded U.S.-led RIMPAC, the world’s largest multinational maritime exercise, as evidence of that trend. North Korea took particular issue with what it described as the leading roles played by South Korea and Japan in carrying out Washington’s regional strategy. During RIMPAC 2026, the Republic of Korea Navy assumed command of the Combined Forces Maritime Component for the first time, while Japan served in a deputy command role for a combined task force. The commentary claimed that the command assignments demonstrated Washington’s intention to improve operational interoperability with South Korea and Japan, shift a greater share of the regional security burden onto its allies and establish military dominance in the Asia-Pacific. It also referred to remarks by U.S. Pacific Fleet Deputy Commander Vice Adm. Jeffrey Jablon, who said the leadership roles performed by South Korea and Japan were “not simply symbolic” but operational. North Korea claimed the remarks showed that RIMPAC amounted to a rehearsal for an “aggressive war” led by the United States, Japan and South Korea. The commentary also criticized recent military activities involving Seoul and Washington, including the Buddy Squadron combined air exercise and the 2026 Combined Joint Sustainment Training, as well as South Korea’s push to acquire nuclear-powered submarines. “The confrontational moves of the United States on and beyond the Korean Peninsula, along with the recklessness of Japan and South Korea in joining them, have already crossed a critical point and are threatening global peace and security,” it said. “The tripartite threat posed by the United States, Japan and South Korea is becoming entrenched as a new security crisis in the Asia-Pacific region,” it added. North Korea warned that it would counter what it called a “new level of threat” with a corresponding level of deterrence, describing such a response as part of its consistent approach to controlling the security situation and managing crises. The statement came days after RIMPAC concluded in and around the Hawaiian Islands. This year’s exercise drew attention to South Korea’s expanded naval role, as it became the first Asian country to command the exercise’s combined maritime component. 2026-08-04 10:23:19
  • Compose Coffee Successfully Holds Pre-Opening for First Store in the Philippines
    Compose Coffee Successfully Holds Pre-Opening for First Store in the Philippines Compose Coffee announced on August 4 that it successfully completed the pre-opening event for its first store in the Philippines.The pre-opening, aimed at testing operational systems and gauging local consumer reactions, took place over two days from July 31 to August 1. On the first day, lines began forming at 5 a.m., two hours before opening, reflecting strong local interest.Among the menu items, the signature drinks such as Dalgona Latte, Dolce Latte, Einspänner, and Americano saw high sales. The 'Orange Americano,' a limited-time offering exclusive to the Philippines, also received positive responses, while the non-coffee beverage lineup recorded steady sales.Local customers expressed positive reactions to the reasonable pricing, quality, and generous drink sizes. Despite the long wait times, many indicated a strong likelihood of returning, appreciating the opportunity to enjoy café-quality beverages at affordable prices.The official opening of Compose Coffee's first store in the Philippines is scheduled for August 7. The company plans to enhance service quality and refine store operations based on the operational data and customer feedback gathered during the pre-opening period.A representative from Compose Coffee stated, "We will thoroughly prepare to offer a differentiated service at the grand opening by actively incorporating the operational experiences and customer feedback obtained during the pre-opening."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-04 10:20:20
  • Shinsegae I&C and KT Expand Collaboration on Private and Hybrid Cloud Services
    Shinsegae I&C and KT Expand Collaboration on Private and Hybrid Cloud Services Shinsegae I&C is accelerating its expansion into private and hybrid cloud services in collaboration with KT, focusing on Nutanix-based solutions. As companies diversify their cloud strategies to include both public and private environments due to the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) services, the two firms aim to jointly address the demand for cloud infrastructure necessary for AI transformation.On August 4, Shinsegae I&C announced that it signed a memorandum of understanding with KT on July 31 to collaborate on enterprise private and hybrid cloud services. The signing ceremony took place at Shinsegae I&C's headquarters in Gangnam, Seoul, with key representatives from both companies in attendance, including Jeong Pil-seung, head of Cloud BIZ at Shinsegae I&C, and Lim Geon-ho, executive director of data services at KT's enterprise division.Nutanix-based private and hybrid cloud refers to a next-generation cloud infrastructure that builds dedicated cloud environments for businesses using Nutanix's hyper-converged infrastructure (HCI) platform, while also integrating public cloud services as needed.The two companies will jointly promote Nutanix-based private and hybrid cloud services, leveraging Shinsegae I&C's cloud expertise and KT's business-to-business (B2B) customer base and infrastructure capabilities. They plan to identify customer demand for cloud transformation and expand the private and hybrid cloud market by connecting their respective services and strengths.Specifically, KT will focus on discovering new demand through its nationwide enterprise customer touchpoints and its telecommunications, network, and infrastructure capabilities, centering on its Nutanix-based HCI and disaster recovery service, CloudLine.Shinsegae I&C will provide cloud expertise, including Nutanix architecture design and technical consulting, centered on its subscription-based private cloud service, Sparos One.This collaboration will enable enterprise customers to more efficiently implement private and hybrid clouds optimized for their environments through integrated services that combine the companies' telecommunications, network infrastructure, and cloud expertise. The standardized architecture based on Nutanix and specialized technical support aims to reduce the complexity of the implementation process and initial investment burden while ensuring infrastructure that considers public cloud integration and future AI service expansion.In the long term, the partnership will expand its scope to optimize cloud services for the AI business era.Lim Geon-ho, executive director of data services at KT, stated, "As the use of AI in businesses expands, the importance of infrastructure that can provide a stable network and cloud environment is growing. Through this collaboration, we will support customers' cloud transitions and provide an optimal hybrid cloud environment that combines telecommunications, infrastructure capabilities, and cloud services."Jeong Pil-seung, head of Cloud BIZ at Shinsegae I&C, remarked, "As corporate AI transformation accelerates, the importance of cloud infrastructure that can securely manage data and operate AI services reliably is increasing. We will combine our capabilities to provide services optimized for individual customer needs and expand into high-value cloud business for AI."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-04 10:20:00
  • Hanssem Shares Plummet After Disappointing Earnings Report
    Hanssem Shares Plummet After Disappointing Earnings Report Hanssem is experiencing a two-day decline in stock prices following an earnings shock, with its second-quarter operating profit falling significantly short of market expectations.As of 9:41 a.m. on August 4, Hanssem's shares were trading at 16,100 won, down 1,360 won (7.79%) from the previous trading day on the Korea Exchange. The stock opened at 17,690 won but has since widened its losses. This follows an 11.37% drop the day before, marking a continued downturn.The decline in stock price is attributed to disappointing second-quarter results. Hanssem reported an operating profit of 4.6 billion won, a 518.6% increase compared to the same period last year. However, revenue for the quarter was provisionally recorded at 363.2 billion won, a 7.4% increase, which met market consensus. The operating profit, however, fell about 60% short of the expected 11.5 billion won.In response to the poor performance, analysts have lowered their target prices. Heungkuk Securities adjusted its earnings estimates for 2026-2027, reducing the target price from 33,000 won to 27,000 won, while maintaining a 'buy' rating.Park Jong-ryul, an analyst at Heungkuk Securities, noted, "Hanssem slightly underperformed expectations due to a weakening gross profit margin." He added that the company is entering a phase of stabilizing and expanding volume with newly launched brands, supported by solid growth from its domestic core brands and an expanded import portfolio.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-04 10:20:00
  • Youth from Hwacheon Shine on National Stage with Awards in Policy and Music
    Youth from Hwacheon Shine on National Stage with Awards in Policy and Music Youth from Hwacheon County, Gangwon Province, have made their mark on the national stage with notable achievements in policy and the arts. Overcoming the challenges of their remote border region, they have demonstrated their capabilities through policy proposals and high-level performances, instilling pride in their community.According to Hwacheon County on August 4, the youth participation committee 'Aegis,' affiliated with the Hwacheon Youth Training Center, secured third place at the 2026 Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province Youth Policy Proposal Contest held in Wonju on August 1.The youth policy proposal contest is a participatory program designed for young people to identify inconveniences in their daily lives and local issues, and to propose solutions that can be reflected in policy.The 'Aegis' team proposed the 'Dreaming-PASS' policy, which ensures youth mobility rights by addressing public transportation conditions in rural areas. Their proposal was well-received for effectively addressing the real challenges faced by local youth and presenting feasible alternatives.The Hwacheon Youth Participation Committee consists of eight local youth members. They hold regular meetings to discuss local issues and actively engage in discovering various policies from a youth perspective.On the same day, the Hwacheon Youth Symphony Orchestra showcased their exceptional skills on the national stage. The orchestra participated in the 11th Korea Youth Symphony Festival held at the Gunpo Cultural Arts Center on August 1, performing three pieces, including the fourth movement of Beethoven's Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67, and received the Beethoven Passion Award.The members have enhanced their musical proficiency through long-term collaboration, earning recognition for their stable ensemble performance and high-level musicianship. In October, they are set to hold an overseas exchange concert in Germany, showcasing the artistic talents of Hwacheon youth on an international stage.This achievement is seen as a testament to how Hwacheon youth are building national competitiveness in policy participation and cultural arts, despite the limitations of their educational and cultural environment in a border mountainous area. As they design the future of their community and expand their activities to national and global stages, Hwacheon County's youth development policies are also yielding visible results.Hwacheon County Mayor Kim Se-hoon expressed pride in the youth for their initiative in addressing local issues and proposing policies, stating, "I am very proud that the youth have thought about local problems and made proposals. We will continue to actively support their autonomous activities so that their voices can be reflected in county governance and create an environment where they can freely showcase their dreams and talents on domestic and international stages."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-04 10:16:00
  • TSMCs Kumamoto chip hub returns to full speed after quake
    TSMC's Kumamoto chip hub returns to full speed after quake SEOUL, August 04 (AJP) - Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) has restored normal operations at its first semiconductor plant in Japan's Kumamoto Prefecture after a powerful earthquake temporarily halted production last week, easing concerns over potential supply disruptions in one of Japan's key chipmaking hubs. TSMC said its Kumamoto Fab 1 resumed full production on Sunday after suspending manufacturing on July 28 to inspect and recalibrate equipment following a magnitude-7.1 earthquake. Structural inspections confirmed the building's safety, although additional checks on production equipment required several days to complete. Immediately after the quake, TSMC said in a statement that "post-earthquake structural inspections have been completed, confirming that the structures are safe and operations are gradually resuming," while noting that detailed equipment inspections and impact assessments were continuing. Construction of the company's second Kumamoto fab has also resumed after being temporarily paused as a precaution against aftershocks, according to the company. TSMC separately said it would donate 250 million yen ($1.6 million) to support earthquake relief efforts in Kumamoto. The recovery has proceeded considerably faster than after the devastating 2016 Kumamoto earthquakes, when semiconductor production in the region took months to fully recover. Japanese media attributed the quicker restart to stronger earthquake-resistant facilities and improved business continuity planning adopted by chipmakers following the 2016 disaster. Other semiconductor manufacturers are also restoring operations. Tokyo Electron resumed production at two factories in Kumamoto on Aug. 3, while Sony Semiconductor Manufacturing began a phased restart of its Kumamoto Technology Center on Monday with plans to return to normal operations by mid-August. Renesas Electronics is also expected to resume operations at its Kumamoto plant on Tuesday. 2026-08-04 10:12:13
  • Kumho Tire Partners with Continental to Launch Multi-Brand Strategy
    Kumho Tire Partners with Continental to Launch Multi-Brand Strategy Kumho Tire announced on August 4 that it has signed a strategic memorandum of understanding (MOU) with global premium tire brand Continental, beginning sales of Continental tires at Tire Pro stores nationwide.The agreement ceremony held on August 3 was attended by key officials, including Kim Sung, Executive Vice President of Kumho Tire's Korean sales division, and Nico Kyriakopoulos, Head of the Replacement Tire Division at Continental Tire Korea.This collaboration aims to enhance the competitiveness of Kumho Tire's Tire Pro offerings and provide customers with a broader range of choices as part of a multi-brand strategy.Kumho Tire plans to operate both its own products and Continental's premium product line, catering to diverse customer needs and vehicle characteristics with tailored offerings.Founded in 1871 in Germany, Continental is a global premium tire brand with a wide product portfolio that includes tires for passenger cars, SUVs, commercial vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, and specialty industrial applications.Recognized for its outstanding technology and quality, Continental supplies original equipment (OE) tires to major global automakers and is a leader in the global tire market, known for its innovative safety technologies and excellent braking and handling performance.Tire Pro is a specialized retail brand that offers one-stop services for tire-related inspections and basic maintenance for passenger vehicles. With the introduction of Continental products, customers can now compare and select various global brands in one location, along with professional consultation and installation services.The product offerings will focus on key specifications for passenger cars and SUVs, with plans to continuously expand the product lineup based on regional demand and market characteristics.Nico Kyriakopoulos, Head of the Replacement Tire Division at Continental Tire Korea, expressed his excitement about the collaboration, stating, "I am pleased that more domestic consumers will be able to experience Continental's innovative technology. We hope to convey the premium brand value of Continental to more customers through Tire Pro's nationwide distribution network and provide the best driving performance."Kim Sung, Executive Vice President of Kumho Tire's Korean sales division, remarked, "This partnership with Continental Tire is a strategic decision to provide customers with more diverse options and enhance the competitiveness of Tire Pro's offerings. We will continue to improve customer satisfaction by collaborating with various globally competitive brands and expanding Tire Pro's unique services."In April, Kumho Tire fully renewed the Tire Pro online mall and launched a membership service called Tire Pro Plus (TIRE PRO+).TIRE PRO+ is an integrated membership service that connects the entire process from tire purchase to installation, inspection, and aftercare on a single platform. Customers can access differentiated services such as same-day installation, holiday installation, tire storage, replacement assistance, and free vehicle inspections at stores nationwide.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-04 10:12:10
  • Yoon Jun-byeong and Lee Hae-min to Attend Colombia Presidential Inauguration
    Yoon Jun-byeong and Lee Hae-min to Attend Colombia Presidential Inauguration 이재명 대통령이 오는 7일 열리는 아벨라르도 데 라 에스프리에야 콜롬비아 신임 대통령 취임식에 윤준병 더불어민주당·이해민 조국혁신당 의원을 특사로 파견한다. 강유정 수석대변인은 4일 서면 브리핑에서 콜롬비아 신정부 출범을 계기로 양국 간 우호 협력 관계를 증진하기 위해 대통령 특사단을 파견한다고 밝혔다. 특사단장은 한·콜롬비아 의원친선협회 부회장인 윤 의원이 맡는다. 특사단은 콜롬비아 측에 우리 정부의 국정 철학과 대외정책을 설명하고 양국의 전략적 협력 동반자 관계 발전에 대한 이 대통령의 메시지를 친서와 함께 전달할 계획이다. 두 의원은 신임 대통령이 주최하는 취임 리셉션 등 취임식 관련 부대 행사에도 참석한다. 정부는 특사단을 통해 한·콜롬비아 자유무역협정(FTA)을 기반으로 발전해 온 양국 경제협력을 심화하고, 에너지와 인프라, 교육 등 다양한 분야에서 콜롬비아 신정부와 실질 협력을 강화하겠다는 의지를 전달할 예정이다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-04 10:12:00
  • Shinhan Super SOL Surpasses 11 Million Monthly Active Users in Just 40 Days
    Shinhan Super SOL Surpasses 11 Million Monthly Active Users in Just 40 Days Shinhan Financial Group's integrated financial platform, Shinhan Super SOL, has surpassed 11 million monthly active users (MAU) just over a month after its official launch. On August 4, Shinhan Financial reported that the number of users has been rapidly increasing since the platform's launch on June 16. The MAU, which was approximately 10.3 million before the launch, rose to about 11.13 million as of July 30, marking an increase of 830,000 users in roughly 40 days.Additionally, around 400,000 new members have joined, bringing the total number of new members this year to over 1 million as of July 30.Shinhan Super SOL offers key financial services, including banking, securities, credit cards, and insurance, all on a single platform. It aims to enhance the convenience of financial services for existing customers while attracting new clients, establishing itself as a major digital touchpoint for Shinhan Financial.The use of SOL LINK, which connects banking and securities services, is also expanding. Launched on July 1, SOL LINK saw approximately 310,000 new accounts opened within a month. It surpassed 100,000 accounts just 10 days after its launch and exceeded 300,000 accounts within a month.SOL LINK is an integrated account that can be opened through Shinhan Super SOL, allowing users to trade domestic stocks using funds from their bank deposit accounts without the need for separate fund transfers.A Shinhan Financial representative stated, "Since the launch of Shinhan Super SOL, both MAU and new member numbers have increased, and the rapid growth of SOL LINK account openings confirms its potential as an integrated platform connecting customers' financial lives. We will continue to enhance services and customer experiences to conveniently meet diverse financial needs on a single platform."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-04 10:12:00
  • Han Byeong-do: Government Tax Reform Aims for Normalization Amid Opposition Criticism
    Han Byeong-do: Government Tax Reform Aims for Normalization Amid Opposition Criticism Han Byeong-do, the acting leader of the Democratic Party and floor leader, stated on August 4 that "the goal of this reform plan is to normalize taxation for growth and the livelihood of the people." He criticized the People Power Party, saying, "They are merely repeating outdated rhetoric. It is wrong to take parts of the proposal and misrepresent them as the whole."During a policy coordination meeting held at the National Assembly, Han emphasized that the reform plan focuses on actively supporting strategic projects and domestic investments while providing substantial benefits to the underprivileged, youth, and local communities. He added that it is essential to rationally adjust excessive special provisions.He also noted that the real estate tax system has been reformed under the same principles. The plan aims to protect homeowners with one residence for personal use and to rationally adjust the excessive benefits concentrated on high-value and non-residential properties based on housing prices and actual residency.Han highlighted that the basic exemption for the comprehensive real estate tax for primary residences will increase from 1.2 billion won to 1.4 billion won. Additionally, for properties sold after more than ten years of residence, the basic exemption for capital gains tax will be expanded tenfold from 2.5 million won to 25 million won for homes valued at 300 million won or less.He reiterated that the government proposal is a starting point for discussions in the National Assembly, promising to complete a rational tax reform plan that alleviates the burdens on the underprivileged, middle class, youth, and local communities while achieving growth, livelihood improvements, and fair taxation. 2026-08-04 10:08:00