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Oh Se-hoon and Yoo Seung-min Meet to Discuss Political Strategy Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon and former People Power Party lawmaker Yoo Seung-min are set to hold a dinner meeting on the evening of August 3 at the mayor's residence in Yongsan, Seoul. They plan to make brief opening remarks and take a commemorative photo around 8 p.m. before continuing with a private dinner. While the official agenda has not been disclosed, the timing and attendees have drawn significant attention from the political community.This meeting is seen as a potential signal that Mayor Oh is expanding his political influence beyond mere socializing. Since winning the local elections, Oh has emerged as a leading figure in the conservative camp but has recently shown restraint in his political activities, coinciding with the summer vacation period. However, his meeting with Yoo carries considerable significance as he navigates the dual responsibilities of effectively managing the city while contemplating the future of the conservative movement and his own political role.One of the most intriguing aspects of this meeting is the question: 'Why now, and why Yoo Seung-min?' Yoo is recognized within the People Power Party as a symbol of economic and reform-oriented conservatism. Unlike the party's hardline conservatives, he has been acknowledged for his competitiveness among centrist voters in the metropolitan area. Oh has also emphasized centrist expansion as a key strategy during the local election process, making their shared focus on 'metropolitan, centrist, and reformist conservatism' noteworthy.This is not the first time the two have crossed paths. During the Seoul mayoral election in May, Yoo visited Oh's campaign headquarters and publicly expressed his support, stating, 'If elected, it will be an opportunity for conservatism to rise again.' Oh responded by saying it was 'more than having a strong ally.' At that time, Yoo highlighted Oh as the candidate best suited to address the issues facing Seoul and the surrounding metropolitan area. This dinner meeting should be viewed as a continuation of that political dialogue.On August 2, the day before the dinner, Yoo emphasized that for the People Power Party to succeed in the 2028 general elections, it must broaden its support base among centrist voters, the metropolitan area, and young people through unity and innovation. This aligns closely with the centrist expansion strategy that Oh consistently advocated during the local election campaign. While it cannot be definitively concluded that Yoo's remarks foreshadow the dinner's agenda, there is ample possibility that the two will exchange views on the party's direction, the reorganization of conservatism in the metropolitan area, and strategies for expanding their support base.This meeting also connects to a previous discussion on July 21 between Oh and People Power Party lawmaker Yoon Sang-hyun at Seoul City Hall. Yoon visited the city hall early that morning, and the two reportedly found common ground on drafting a local election white paper and expanding dialogue with young voters. Yoon's visit underscores Oh's emerging role as a political focal point for key party figures following his local election victory.Yoon and Yoo represent different political ideologies. While Yoon embodies traditional conservatism and organizational strength within the party, Yoo symbolizes reformist conservatism and centrist expansion. Oh's meetings with these diverse political figures suggest a strategy to broaden his appeal across the entire conservative spectrum rather than aligning with a specific faction.Therefore, the significance of this dinner extends beyond a mere photo opportunity. If the meeting with Yoo is a one-time event, it may not carry much weight beyond a political schedule. However, if the discussions on the local election white paper, youth engagement, and Yoo's emphasis on unity, innovation, and centrist expansion coalesce into a coherent strategy, the narrative could change. If various politicians and experts gather around the mayor's residence and Seoul City Hall to develop joint agendas on issues such as the economy, real estate, youth, and metropolitan strategies, Oh could establish a new platform for conservative politics that transcends city governance.The flow from Yoon Sang-hyun's meeting at Seoul City Hall to Yoo Seung-min's dinner at the mayor's residence appears to be a process of expanding political space rather than a series of coincidental encounters. Such meetings are likely to continue, and whether they lead to a new coalition and expansion of the conservative movement will depend on whom Oh meets and what agendas he pursues. Thus, this dinner meeting is expected to serve as a critical starting point for gauging future developments.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-03 15:24:00 -
Yeongam County Enhances Health Services for Vulnerable Groups Amid Heatwave Yeongam County is intensifying home health management services for vulnerable groups to mitigate health risks associated with the ongoing heatwave.The Yeongam County Health Center announced on August 3 that it will implement focused health management for home health management program participants until the heatwave subsides.This initiative aims to ensure the safety of vulnerable populations, including seniors aged 65 and older, individuals with chronic illnesses, and those living alone, while preventing heat-related illnesses.Dedicated home health management nurses are conducting phone consultations and home visits to assess the health status of participants, providing personalized health management services that include guidance on appropriate actions and health care during extreme heat.The county is also distributing preventive items such as cool scarves and is enhancing its response to the heatwave through text message alerts, phone consultations, and in-home health assessments.Additionally, health officials are visiting community centers and senior centers to educate residents on heat prevention measures, including maintaining adequate hydration, taking regular breaks, avoiding outdoor activities during peak heat, and using cooling devices appropriately.In cases where heat-related illnesses are suspected, the county plans to promptly connect individuals with medical facilities and emergency services. Furthermore, it will continue to collaborate with relevant departments to check on the well-being of vulnerable groups and promote health management and prevention activities for heat-related illnesses.Lee Hee-sook, head of the Yeongam County Health Center, stated, "The heatwave poses significant risks to vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with chronic conditions, so we are continuously monitoring their health status. We will strengthen home health management services to minimize heat-related harm and protect the health of our residents."Meanwhile, Yeongam County plans to continuously expand on-site health management and preventive education linked to its home health management program to reduce health impacts from summer heatwaves.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-03 15:20:00
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Natural Dye Exhibition 'Color and Story' to Open in Naju The Korean Natural Dye Museum in Naju City will host the exhibition 'Color and Story.' From August 4 to 31, the museum's exhibition hall will highlight the beauty of natural dyeing and the value of craft art. This exhibition, featuring works from members of the Korean Natural Dye Artists Association, showcases the natural colors and modern values of traditional crafts through the creations of active artists in the field. As natural dyeing evolves beyond a simple traditional technique into contemporary craft art, the exhibition aims to share the depth and beauty of colors shaped by nature and humanity with visitors. The display will include a variety of natural dye works across different fields, such as textile art, fabrics, clothing, traditional patchwork, and hanbok. Artists have captured their unique artistic expressions using colors derived from dye plants they have personally harvested or cultivated. The exhibition will broadly demonstrate the artistic potential and applicability of natural dyeing through works that harmonize traditional techniques with modern sensibilities. Im Kyung-ryeol, director of the Korean Natural Dye Museum, stated, “I hope visitors will have a meaningful time experiencing the profound beauty and artistic value of natural dyeing.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-03 15:20:00
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49 Companies Hovering at KOSDAQ's 20 Billion Won Market Cap Threshold As the KOSDAQ market faces pressure, companies with market capitalizations hovering around the 20 billion won threshold are increasingly anxious. Currently, over 50 companies, primarily in the bio, content, and information technology (IT) service sectors, fall within this market cap range. According to the Korea Exchange on August 3, several KOSDAQ-listed companies, including Humax Holdings, Yeseon Tech, Bio Infra, NCN, Finger Story, Jols, Some Age, CXI, and Hyungji I&C, have been designated as managed companies or have raised concerns about their status due to falling short of the market cap requirement last month. As of July 31, a total of 49 KOSDAQ-listed companies were reported to have market capitalizations between 19 billion and 21 billion won. Notable examples include Chaperon, Open Noll, Bifido, Encytron, Telcon RF Pharmaceuticals, Inno Simulation, AutoN, and Saltware. These companies are striving to maintain their market cap of 20 billion won amid declining trading volumes and weakened investor sentiment. The fluctuations in stock prices are significantly influenced by their performance improvements and growth prospects. Some stocks have experienced substantial declines over the past month. Chaperon fell by 22.8% from July 1 to July 31, while Open Noll dropped by 18.3%. Other companies, including Hanwoo ART (-16.5%), Woori ENL Harutin (-15.8%), PIMS (-13.8%), PN Pungnyeon (-11.2%), CN Research (-10.2%), and Dilly (-10.1%), also recorded double-digit declines. However, some companies have been recognized for their growth potential. Kwon Tae-woo, a researcher at Hana Securities, projected in a June report that Open Noll would return to profitability based on cost efficiency and synergies from mergers with affiliates. The digital signage business and AI-based recruitment platform were also highlighted as growth drivers. By sector, the bio, content, and IT service industries have shown a high concentration. These sectors often reflect growth expectations in their stock prices, making them sensitive to performance fluctuations and changes in investor sentiment. The recent decline in trading volumes has further exacerbated the downturn among small and mid-cap stocks. Kwon Soon-ho, a researcher at Daishin Securities, noted, "The market has interpreted the current situation as a means of distinguishing between strong and weak companies rather than a general positive for the index as a whole," adding that the nature of the system is akin to a long-term market improvement program. He further stated, "In past KOSDAQ bull markets, capital has concentrated on a few stocks due to a combination of growth expectations, liquidity, and policy optimism," suggesting that the differentiation in stock supply and demand could become more pronounced following the introduction of the new system. Daishin Securities anticipates that the introduction of the new system will lead to increased capital concentration on certain stocks within the KOSDAQ 150 index. In fact, during the regular rebalancing of the KOSDAQ 150 in June, the 16 newly included stocks recorded a 6.0 percentage point higher return than the KOSDAQ 150 over the 20 trading days prior to the change, while the stocks that were removed showed an 8.8 percentage point lower performance.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-03 15:16:10
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Muan County Councilman Calls for Redefining Aviation Industry Complex Muan County Councilman Kim Won-jung has proposed redefining the functions of the Muan Aviation Industry Complex and expanding the types of industries present, citing low occupancy rates and a reliance on specific companies.During a five-minute speech at the seventh session of the 310th Muan County Council on August 3, Kim stated, "To establish the Muan Aviation Industry Complex as a future growth engine for the region, we need to reassess the current direction and develop new strategies for advancement."He explained that the complex was created to foster the maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) industry based on Muan International Airport, aiming to create jobs for young people and stimulate the local economy.Kim noted that a total of 42.8 billion won (approximately $32 million) has been invested in the complex, including 20.5 billion won for land compensation and 22.3 billion won for development costs. Of the total area of about 106,000 pyeong, only about 81,200 pyeong is designated for industrial use. Currently, contracts for the aviation maintenance area cover about 22,000 pyeong, which is only 27% of the industrial land, and even with the inclusion of the site for the West Sea Regional Coast Guard's aviation unit, the utilization rate is only about 42%."He also raised concerns about the concentration of industrial land being allocated to a single company during the development process."When the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport withheld designation of the complex due to concerns about its viability, the focus shifted from improving the business plan to securing tenant companies, resulting in one company receiving preferential rights to about 53,000 pyeong, or 65.2% of the industrial land," he said. "This created a structure where the success of the complex is essentially dependent on the investment of a specific company."Kim pointed out that despite various efforts, including the county mayor's direct overseas investment attraction activities in 2022, no investments materialized, and the company in question delayed its entry, leading to the expiration of its preferential rights due to unpaid interim payments. He emphasized the need to review whether there were sufficient institutional safeguards to ensure compliance with agreements.Above all, Kim argued for a redesign of the complex's functions. He stated, "Limiting tenants to only those related to the MRO industry restricts the activation of the complex. We need to expand the types of industries to include logistics, storage, and processing industries that can support air cargo and agricultural exports, allowing for a diverse range of companies to enter."He added, "We must move away from simply announcing land for sale and waiting for companies to come. We need to actively attract anchor companies that can grow alongside the airport and the local economy. The presence of anchor companies can lead to job creation and positively impact the sale of remaining land."Kim also emphasized the need for a strategic connection between the aviation industry complex and the national industrial complex. He noted, "Once the national industrial complex and K-Food convergence industrial complex currently being developed in Hyun-gyeong-myeon are fully operational, the aviation industry complex can serve as a logistics and pilot production hub. We need to establish a comprehensive industrial strategy linked to the national complex."Kim concluded, "What the residents expect is not short-term results but a clear direction and execution strategy on how to activate the vacant industrial complex. Active decisions and policy shifts from the administration are necessary for the Muan Aviation Industry Complex to become a cornerstone of regional growth."Meanwhile, the Muan Aviation Industry Complex aims to foster the aviation industry linked to Muan International Airport, with attracting companies and diversifying industrial functions identified as key tasks for revitalizing the local economy.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-03 15:16:00
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Max & Dexter to Offer Free Performance Management Checklist for Public Institutions Max & Dexter announced on August 3 that it will provide a free 'Performance Management Checklist by Evaluation Indicators for Public Institutions' starting on the 21st. The checklist will be available on the Max & Dexter website.The management consulting firm, which specializes in public institutions, developed this checklist based on 20 years of accumulated expertise and an archive of management evaluations. The company has conducted consulting and training for over 150 government agencies, local governments, and public institutions.The checklist focuses on essential review items for each evaluation indicator, aiming to clarify performance management directions. This initiative is designed to enhance understanding of performance management related to evaluation indicators among departments, thereby reducing the burden on practitioners caused by frequent personnel rotations and changes in evaluation criteria.Additionally, training programs to strengthen practical skills will be offered. These programs include five courses: skills development for writing management performance reports, a performance management guide workshop (covering management, key projects, and agency heads), and a seminar on quantitative indicators for key projects.In response to recent changes in evaluation systems, workshops for agency heads and seminars on quantitative indicators for key projects will also be introduced. The seminar will address improvements in the management system for quantitative indicators and real-world application cases. A 'Public Colloquium' will also be held this month, featuring participation from major public enterprises and quasi-governmental agencies. Experts from various fields will gather to discuss practical solutions for public institutions, focusing on innovations in public service, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues, and the use of artificial intelligence (AI).A Max & Dexter representative stated, "We hope this checklist serves as a clear guide for practitioners who are uncertain about which performance areas to focus on. We will continue to provide practical support to ensure public institutions fulfill their fundamental role of enhancing public welfare."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-03 15:16:00
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Corporate Cyber Insurance Surges 47% Amid Hacking Fears As large-scale hacking incidents and personal data breaches continue to rise, the demand for corporate cyber risk management is increasing. The corporate cyber insurance market, which covers liabilities arising from hacking and data breaches, is also experiencing rapid growth. However, experts point out that institutional improvements, such as raising mandatory coverage limits, are necessary for further market expansion.According to the insurance industry on August 3, the first-quarter gross premiums for corporate cyber insurance from six major non-life insurers—Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance, Hyundai Marine & Fire Insurance, DB Insurance, KB Insurance, Meritz Fire & Marine Insurance, and Hanwha General Insurance—totaled 16.6 billion won, a 46.5% increase from 11.3 billion won during the same period last year.Notably, the gross premiums for 'cyber package' products, which cover both self-damage and third-party liability, doubled from 5.8 billion won to 11.6 billion won, driving market growth.During the same period, the number of new contracts rose by 5.2%, from 1,537 to 1,617. The total number of contracts also increased from 5,085 to 5,381.The growth of the cyber insurance market is attributed to the heightened demand for risk management among companies following a series of major cyber incidents. High-profile cases, such as the SK Telecom SIM card hacking and the Coupang data breach, have raised corporate awareness of cyber risks. Hanwha General Insurance established the industry's first dedicated cyber insurance team in November 2014 and has since provided consulting services to over 70 companies.However, there are concerns that the domestic cyber insurance market needs institutional improvements to sustain its growth. Under the current enforcement decree of the Personal Information Protection Act, the mandatory coverage limit is only 1 billion won. Industry experts argue that this limit does not adequately reflect the potential damages from large-scale data breaches. Following a major incident, SK Telecom also increased its insurance limit to 100 billion won.An insurance industry official stated, “As hacking and data breach incidents continue to occur, inquiries about corporate cyber insurance are steadily increasing. Given the low mandatory coverage limit under current law, sufficient compensation is difficult in the event of an actual incident, highlighting the need for institutional improvements to enhance the effectiveness of cyber insurance.” 2026-08-03 15:12:20
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Ariana Grande to Take Break from Public Appearances Amid Health Concerns Pop star Ariana Grande is set to take a break from public appearances.According to reports from People and other outlets on August 3, Grande plans to rest after completing her "Eternal Sunshine" world tour in September.Her management stated, "Ariana intends to take a break from public engagements and official appearances after finishing the 'Eternal Sunshine' tour in a healthy and happy manner. She plans to take sufficient time off from the endless scrutiny and attention from the public."As a result of this decision, Grande has also canceled her upcoming performance in the West End musical "Sunday in the Park with George," which was scheduled for next year in London. She was set to star alongside Jonathan Bailey, her co-star from the film "Wicked," but the production team will seek new casting.This decision comes amid growing concerns about Grande's appearance and health. Following the release of her new album "Petal" and its music video, speculation about her weight and health status, including allegations of an eating disorder, has circulated. However, her management has denied any health issues, citing the need for a break from ongoing public scrutiny.Previously, Grande has publicly addressed comments regarding her appearance, urging others not to make comparisons or judgments based solely on looks, emphasizing that one cannot determine another's health status by their appearance. 2026-08-03 15:12:00
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Shift Up defends AI-made music video after gamer backlash SEOUL, August 03 (AJP) - South Korean game developer Shift Up has defended a promotional music video created with generative artificial intelligence after players in Korea and abroad criticized its use of the technology and the quality of the finished product. The studio on July 31 released the song "Wanna be in LOVE" and an accompanying music video on social media, previewing a soundtrack for its forthcoming title "Stellar Blade: Blood Rain." The clip shows the game's protagonist, Evie, singing before a microphone and roaming a neon-lit science-fiction city. Most of the video's scenes were generated by AI, and fans seized on the uncanny, stilted quality of the character's movements, expressions and transitions, deriding the result as "AI slop." The criticism was sharpest among Western gamers hostile to generative AI, some of whom argued that letting software rather than artists produce the video was wrong in itself. Others contended that heavy corporate reliance on AI had helped drive up the cost of gaming PCs and consoles, leaving players to bear the burden. Kim Hyung-tae, Shift Up's chief executive and a prominent former game illustrator, rejected the complaints. Responding on X to a fan who urged him to use the studio's own artists instead of "soulless AI slop," Kim said the character had been "created from head to toe by our talented artists and modelers through more than a year of dedicated work," adding that the AI merely rendered and presented data, designs and craftsmanship his team had built. Kim, who has openly championed generative AI and used it aggressively in his work, gave no indication the studio would change course. 2026-08-03 15:10:46 -
Police Oppose Complete Abolition of Prosecutorial Investigation Powers The debate over the complete abolition of prosecutorial investigation powers is intensifying, with a post from a police officer in 2022 gaining renewed attention.Recently, an anonymous post titled "As a current police officer, I oppose the complete abolition of prosecutorial powers more than anyone" surfaced on various online communities.In 2022, a police officer identified as A, affiliated with the National Police Agency, candidly revealed the realities faced by police investigations following the adjustment of investigation rights between police and prosecutors on the anonymous workplace community platform, Blind.In the post, A explained that without an increase in investigative personnel or measures to alleviate workload, the number of cases assigned to each investigator has skyrocketed, ranging from 80 to nearly 200 cases."As a current police officer, I can say that police officers are the ones opposing the complete abolition of prosecutorial powers the most," A stated. "It seems that some people do not understand how serious this issue is. Even now, after the adjustment of investigation rights, each investigator is assigned a minimum of 80 cases, with some handling 100 to 200 cases. Investigators are unable to cope and are avoiding investigative departments or leaving the force altogether."A further noted, "While citizens pressure us for updates on investigations within a week, the reality is that there are at least 50 to 200 cases waiting in front of us. The time required to process cases has increased from the previous 1 to 2 months to a minimum of 6 months to over a year, and it is common for complex fraud and embezzlement cases to be delayed for years."He then directly compared the investigative capabilities and organizational structures of the police and prosecutors. A pointed out, "Unlike ordinary civil cases such as theft or assault, uncovering large-scale financial fraud or power-related corruption involving hundreds of millions or billions of won is not possible through simple investigations alone."He explained that while prosecutors work in teams with specialized investigators for months, conducting account tracking and legal reviews to carry out planned and supplementary investigations, police face structural limitations in pursuing detailed investigations against large-scale intelligent crimes or suspects represented by major law firms.In particular, A sharply identified the "ultimate beneficiaries" if the supplementary investigation rights of prosecutors are completely abolished. He argued that if the prosecutorial functions for supplementary and direct investigations are paralyzed, only major criminals, politicians, and large corporations that can mobilize powerful law firms would benefit from the loopholes created by delayed and inadequate investigations.He concluded, "The results of the restructuring of investigation rights, driven by political calculations or to cover up their own corruption, ultimately provide a shield to those who are knowledgeable about the law and have money, while ordinary citizens, who lack power and cannot afford major law firms, are deprived of opportunities for judicial relief and suffer the consequences."Online users have reacted explosively to A's post. Comments include, "This is a true reflection of the realities faced by police investigators," "This level of analysis should be featured on current affairs programs or 'I Want to Know That,'" and "If you've experienced damage due to investigation delays, you can only empathize 100%."In the legal community, there are growing concerns that the restructuring of investigative frameworks driven by political interests has exacerbated confusion on the ground and regressed the judicial welfare of citizens. Calls for urgent reforms prioritizing the enhancement of actual investigative capabilities and the protection of citizens from harm are gaining momentum.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-03 15:08:00