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  • Interview: Oh Se-jung, Former President of Seoul National University, Discusses Leadership Reforms
    Interview: Oh Se-jung, Former President of Seoul National University, Discusses Leadership Reforms Oh Se-jung, the former president of Seoul National University, emphasized the need to overcome the inherent limitations of the current four-year term in order to achieve long-term innovation and significant financial expansion for the university. His comments come as both the current presidents of Seoul National University and Korea University are expected to seek re-election early next year. In a phone interview with Aju Economy on August 2, Oh explained the rationale behind easing restrictions on presidential re-election during his tenure and the impact of re-election leadership on higher education. Previously, Seoul National University had a rule requiring presidents to resign six months before their term ended to run for re-election, effectively limiting incumbents. However, Oh revised this rule to establish a framework for re-election, accepting the controversy surrounding the 'incumbent premium.' The primary reason for changing the re-election rules, according to Oh, was to ensure 'policy consistency' and 'continuity of reform.' He stated, "To implement meaningful reforms, four years is often insufficient. You need to keep following through, but with a four-year term, changes can occur, and new leadership can shift the direction again." In practice, university presidents in South Korea spend the first year understanding their roles and preparing budgets, leaving only about two years for actual work before entering a 'lame duck' phase in the final year, making it difficult to implement significant changes. Oh remarked, "I believed that re-election was necessary to meaningfully change and reform the university, which is why I changed the system. The mere possibility of re-election is quite significant." He also referenced his experience in extending deans' terms from two to four years and introducing a re-appointment voting system. He argued that shorter terms lead to a mindset among members that they can simply 'wait it out,' while the potential for long-term leadership significantly alters their engagement and response to reforms. He pointed out that long-term leadership is essential for competing with global elite universities. "In the U.S., there is essentially no term limit for presidents, allowing them to think long-term about their initiatives," he explained. He humorously noted that while Harvard University has a history nearly 400 years longer than Seoul National University, the number of presidents may be similar or even greater at Seoul National University, highlighting the issue of frequent leadership changes. He specifically mentioned Arizona State University, known for its innovative changes, where President Michael Crow has served for over 20 years, allowing for consistent and coherent transformation. Long-term leadership is also closely tied to fundraising efforts, which are crucial for a university's survival. Oh stated, "While small donations can be secured quickly, attracting large donations requires ongoing alignment with what donors want and how the university will change. If a president serves only four years, the process can be interrupted, making it challenging. Long-term engagement is beneficial for fundraising as well." While the barriers to re-election have been lifted, Oh firmly opposed unconditional long-term leadership. He stressed that successful re-election must be supported by a clear vision and the trust of the university community. "There must be specific goals to pursue; it cannot just be about wanting to serve another term," he pointed out. He added, "If I have made progress over four years but still have unfinished business, I need a clear rationale and justification for continuing. Long-term plans must be established, and there should be compelling reasons for extending policies that have not yet been fully implemented." Given that there have been no re-elections at Seoul National University since the 1970s, Oh advised that thorough logical development is essential to gain the support of the university community. He noted, "Since Seoul National University has not had re-elections for so long, this upcoming challenge will feel exceptional to the members, and there must be sufficient reasoning and justification for it."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-02 17:00:20
  • Incumbent Presidents of Seoul National University and Korea University Gear Up for Re-election Battles
    Incumbent Presidents of Seoul National University and Korea University Gear Up for Re-election Battles The race for re-election among the incumbent presidents of Seoul National University and Korea University is heating up as significant figures within the universities announce their candidacies. In response to the substantial administrative advantages held by the incumbents, a number of key university personnel are entering the fray, leading to intense behind-the-scenes maneuvering. Concerns about a 'dark election' have also emerged due to the strict regulations governing re-election campaigns, heightening tensions both on and off campus. According to the education sector on August 2, both Yoo Hong-rim, president of Seoul National University, and Kim Dong-won, president of Korea University, are effectively solidifying their bids for re-election ahead of their terms expiring in January and February of next year. Seoul National University has completed the formation of its presidential candidate recommendation committee, while Korea University is currently engaged in preliminary election activities ahead of its committee formation in October. Both universities are expected to see a multi-candidate race with at least seven to eight contenders. Seoul National University Sees Around 10 Candidates; Business Leaders Join Committee Yoo, who is expected to challenge for re-election for the first time in nearly 50 years since former president Han Sim-seok, faces competition from various faculty members within the university. According to reports from Aju Economy, candidates being considered include professors Lee Won-woo (Law School), Lee Jae-young (Department of English Language and Literature), Lee Seok-jae (Department of Philosophy), Lee Jun-ho (Department of Life Sciences), Yoo Jae-jun (Department of Physics and Astronomy), Kim Hyun-cheol (Graduate School of International Studies), and Kang Jun-ho (Department of Physical Education), among others, totaling around ten potential candidates. Notably, the candidate recommendation committee, which will evaluate the next president, includes prominent business figures such as Kwon Young-soo, former vice chairman of LG Energy Solution, Song Chi-hyung, chairman of Dunamu, Son Joo-eun, chairman of Megastudy Group, and Lee Soo-jung, CEO of IBM Korea. As the election atmosphere intensifies, the Seoul National University Faculty Council has even established a reporting center for illegal campaign activities. President Yoo Hong-rim Trapped by Election Laws: "Pre-announcement of Candidacy Not Allowed" While the election campaign has surfaced, unexpected institutional issues have arisen due to the interplay of the 'incumbent premium' and election regulations. Im Jeong-mook, president of the Seoul National University Faculty Council, highlighted two main reasons why President Yoo cannot officially declare his candidacy in advance. He explained, "Once the incumbent president registers as a candidate for the next president, their duties are suspended, and an acting president is appointed. Therefore, until the official candidate registration, he cannot publicly state his intention to run for re-election to maintain his responsibilities and position." The 'prohibition on pre-election activities' regulation is also a hindrance. Im noted, "According to the election regulations at Seoul National University, declaring 'I will run for president' before candidate registration could be considered pre-election campaigning. Currently, the Faculty Council is monitoring for such activities, making it impossible for any candidate, including President Yoo, to make a pre-announcement of their candidacy." He expressed concern about the side effects of these regulations, stating, "Due to the prohibition on pre-election activities, it is difficult to confirm whether the president's meetings with faculty or staff are normal academic duties or election-related activities without official attendance. Ultimately, this has led to rampant speculation and rumors." Korea University Faces Diverse Competition; Former Heads of Major Public Institutions Enter the Race The situation for President Kim, who is reportedly challenging for re-election for the first time in about 40 years since President Lee Jun-beom, is also challenging. According to Aju Economy, the number of internal candidates challenging Kim has reached at least eight. Expected candidates include Park Jong-hoon (College of Medicine), Ma Dong-hoon (Department of Media), Yoo Byeong-hyun, Jeong Seung-hwan (Law School), Lee Hae-geun (College of Engineering), Kim Se-yong (Department of Architecture), and Kim Jae-wook (Business School), representing a variety of academic fields. Notably, a candidate with experience as the head of a major public institution, Kim Se-yong, who previously served at the Seoul Housing and Communities Corporation (SH), is also entering the race, indicating a fierce competition for votes. Ultimately, the key to both universities' elections will be overcoming the 'incumbent premium' and thorough vetting of candidates. The ability of challengers to present innovative long-term visions and address the reform demands of faculty, staff, and students will likely determine the outcome of this multi-candidate election.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-02 17:00:20
  • Wanju County Council Partners with Public Workers Union to Foster Trust and Respect
    Wanju County Council Partners with Public Workers' Union to Foster Trust and Respect The Wanju County Council, led by Chairman Seong Jung-ki, has signed a mutual respect agreement with the Wanju County Public Workers' Union, chaired by Ko Hwan-hee, to foster a culture of trust and respect in public service.According to the council on August 2, the agreement aims to build mutual trust through ongoing communication and collaboration, establishing a healthy organizational culture to achieve citizen-centered local governance.Key elements of the agreement include: 1) building mutual respect and trust, 2) performing duties with integrity and accountability, 3) creating a sound organizational culture, 4) realizing citizen-centered local governance, and 5) protecting the legitimate duties of public officials, focusing on establishing a cooperative foundation between the council and public service.Ko Hwan-hee stated, “This agreement will serve as an opportunity for the council and public service to grow together based on mutual respect and trust. The union will also fulfill its responsible role to provide more trusted administrative services to the citizens.”Chairman Seong Jung-ki remarked, “The council and public service are partners moving toward the common goal of citizen happiness. When mutual respect and trust take root, a healthy organizational culture and mature local governance become possible. We will continue to communicate and collaborate with the public workers' union to create a trustworthy governance and administration that citizens can feel.”The Wanju County Public Workers' Union, which launched its eighth term at the end of last year, currently has over 800 members. This year, the union has outlined plans for sustainable growth, improving labor conditions and welfare projects, enhancing public service culture, securing basic labor rights for public workers, and fulfilling its social responsibilities.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-02 17:00:00
  • Here You Go Completes Acquisition of Japans Rilux, Accelerating Global Expansion
    Here You Go Completes Acquisition of Japan's Rilux, Accelerating Global Expansion Here You Go, a comprehensive travel and leisure platform in South Korea, has completed its acquisition of Rilux, a high-end accommodation booking platform in Japan, marking a significant step in its global business expansion.On July 29, Here You Go announced that the acquisition of Rilux will transition its business structure from a single market focus in Korea to a 'multi-home market' system in both Korea and Japan. The two platforms (K-Platform and J-Platform) will operate independently, while areas where sales and technology can complement each other will collaborate organically to create synergy.The effects of the acquisition are expected to be visible as early as mid-August, with plans to integrate the accommodation inventory of both platforms. The goal is to allow bookings for approximately 3,000 Rilux properties in Japan through the Here You Go app this year, including popular cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka, as well as traditional ryokans and luxury resorts in smaller towns. Additionally, Here You Go and Rilux plan to expand exclusive travel products available only through their platforms.Rilux will focus on expanding its influence in the Japanese home market. It aims to diversify its offerings from high-end accommodations primarily targeting the 30s and 40s demographic to include trendy and casual options at reasonable prices that appeal to a broader audience in their 20s and 40s.Furthermore, Rilux is developing outbound and inbound services for foreign travelers visiting Japan and Korea. According to the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), the number of foreign visitors to Japan reached approximately 42.68 million last year, a 15.8% increase from the previous record of about 36.87 million in 2024. Rilux plans to revamp its user interface and user experience with global customers in mind and is considering introducing new services such as overseas accommodations, flight tickets, and leisure tickets in the medium to long term.Jung Myung-hoon, CEO of Here You Go Company, stated, "Just as Here You Go has grown into a leading travel and leisure platform starting from domestic accommodations, our goal is to successfully establish a second global Here You Go in Japan. This acquisition of Rilux will serve as a turning point in finding new business avenues in both the Korean and Japanese markets."Alongside its global business expansion, Here You Go is also enhancing its responsible management for sustainable growth. On July 24, the company announced the formal release of its first sustainability report, which consolidates its business achievements over the past decade and its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) framework.In this report, Here You Go introduced a 'four-step materiality assessment' process to derive practical ESG issues. Eight key issues selected based on global disclosure standards and stakeholder feedback include: managing the impact of climate change, promoting sustainable travel, enhancing employee engagement, supporting employee growth, fostering partner growth, improving customer experience, ensuring data privacy and security, and strengthening ethical management.To implement these strategies, Here You Go has established four strategic directions under the vision of 'ensuring amazing experiences are continuous in life': responsible operations, innovative employees, mutually beneficial business practices, and sustainable travel.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-02 17:00:00
  • Namwon Expands Shade Installations to Protect Students from Heat
    Namwon Expands Shade Installations to Protect Students from Heat Namwon City in North Jeolla Province has expanded the installation of shade structures in school zones to create a safer environment for students during the summer heat.According to the city on August 2, the shade installation project aims to reduce students' exposure to direct sunlight while waiting at crosswalks during school commute times. The structures have been placed at key waiting points near major crosswalks around schools.The installation includes five locations around Yongseong Elementary School, two near Namwon Elementary School, and two around Wollyak Elementary School, totaling 11 sites across nine school zones and two additional locations.Particular attention was given to areas with high student traffic and waiting conditions at crosswalks, as well as the work locations of safety assistants who support student traffic safety during school hours.The safety assistants are seniors participating in the Namwon Senior Club's elderly job program, helping ensure safe pedestrian practices for students around schools.The city anticipates that the new shade structures will not only reduce students' exposure to extreme heat but also help prevent heat-related illnesses among seniors working outdoors for extended periods.Shade structures at crosswalks are known to lower the perceived temperature by 2 to 5 degrees Celsius compared to the outside, reducing heat and minimizing exposure to strong ultraviolet rays, thereby lowering the risk of heat-related illnesses.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-02 17:00:00
  • President Lee Arrives in Frankfurt, Germany for Korean Community Luncheon
    President Lee Arrives in Frankfurt, Germany for Korean Community Luncheon President Lee Jae-myung arrived in Frankfurt, Germany, on August 2, following a tour of the United States and three South American countries: Brazil, Chile, and Argentina.The Air Force One carrying President Lee, his wife Kim Hye-kyung, and the accompanying delegation landed at Frankfurt International Airport at 8:40 a.m. local time.Welcoming the President were Kim Eun-jung, the Consul General in Frankfurt, and Jo Yoon-sun, the president of the Korean Association in Southern Germany, along with Markus Dorn, Deputy Chief of the Hessian State Chancellery, and Benedict Kuhn, Chief of Staff to the Hessian Prime Minister.After a luncheon meeting with the Korean community in Frankfurt, President Lee will conclude his 7-night, 11-day tour and return home.This visit to Germany is not an official trip with a scheduled summit but rather a stopover on his way back.During the luncheon, President Lee is expected to discuss the current status and challenges faced by the Korean community in Germany and outline the government's support for overseas Koreans. 2026-08-02 16:40:20
  • Lotte Mart Expands in Vietnam with Two New Stores
    Lotte Mart Expands in Vietnam with Two New Stores Lotte Mart is implementing Chairman Shin Dong-bin's directive to expand its operations in Vietnam. Following the opening of a store in Tay Ninh in the south, the company has launched a new location in Bac Giang in the north, marking a shift from its previous strategy focused on major cities and tourist areas to include regional industrial cities.According to the retail industry, Lotte Mart opened its 17th store, the Bac Giang location, on July 30, just three weeks after inaugurating its 16th store in Tay Ninh on July 9. During a visit to Lotte Mall Westlake Hanoi in April, Chairman Shin stated, "Vietnam is a key country for the group's global business," urging the enhancement of competitiveness in core sectors such as food and retail.After a three-year hiatus in new store openings since the Westlake Hanoi location in 2023, Lotte Mart has resumed its expansion efforts this year. Previously focused on major cities like Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang, the company is now broadening its footprint into industrial cities like Tay Ninh and Bac Giang.Bac Giang is rapidly developing as an industrial city, primarily driven by the IT and electronics manufacturing sectors, attracting a young workforce and families. The new Bac Giang store spans 1,940 square meters (about 20,900 square feet) and is designed for convenience shopping after work and family outings on weekends, with approximately 89% of its offerings consisting of food products.The store features fresh produce under its private label, "Fresh 365," and sells packaged meat and seafood, diverging from the bulk display common in local stores. It also caters to premium demands with imported fruits, organic produce, and Korean-style marinated meats.The store offers over 1,300 types of K-food. The ready-to-eat section, "Cooking Kitchen," targets industrial workers with lunch boxes and a mix of Korean and local dishes. The in-house bakery, "Pungmi-so," showcases over 100 varieties of bread, including meal breads, desserts, and those made with Korean ingredients.In the non-food section, Lotte Mart is experimenting with space efficiency by consolidating products. Some household items, such as towels, disposable goods, and cleaning supplies, are exclusively stocked under Lotte Mart's private brand. The beauty section features uniform-priced products across three price ranges alongside K-beauty brands.Both the Tay Ninh and Bac Giang stores are small to medium-sized, with 88% and 89% of their products being food items, respectively. Instead of targeting wide areas with a single large store, Lotte Mart plans to replicate its successful model of compact stores featuring verified food products, K-food, and private brands in growing cities.Chau Cheol, CEO of Lotte Mart and Super, stated, "The Bac Giang store is a strategic hub responding to the retail demands of Vietnam's emerging industrial cities, based on Lotte Mart's accumulated expertise in fresh food. We aim to establish it as a representative shopping space in Bac Giang by operating stores tailored to local customers' lifestyles and consumption needs." 2026-08-02 16:36:00
  • Lee Da-yeon Claims Dramatic Comeback Victory at KLPGA Aurora World Championship
    Lee Da-yeon Claims Dramatic Comeback Victory at KLPGA Aurora World Championship Lee Da-yeon secured a dramatic comeback victory at the KLPGA Tour Aurora World Championship, which featured a total prize pool of 1 billion won.On the final day of the tournament held at the Aurora Golf & Resort in Wonju, Gangwon Province, Lee shot a 3-under-par 69, including one eagle, four birdies, and one triple bogey.With a total score of 12-under 276, Lee edged out Kim Su-ji, who finished at 11-under 277, by one stroke. This victory marked Lee's first win in nearly 11 months since the Hana Financial Group Championship in September of last year.With this win, Lee became the 17th player in KLPGA history to achieve 10 career victories. She also earned a prize of 180 million won and 70 points in the Player of the Year standings, moving her to fifth in the season's earnings and fourth in the points ranking.Starting the final round tied for third, two strokes behind the leader, Lee faced a challenging start. She made her first birdie on the third hole (par 4) but struggled on the fifth hole (par 4), where her second shot went out of bounds, resulting in a triple bogey.However, she turned the momentum around on the last hole of the front nine. On the ninth hole (par 4), her second shot from 123 meters found the hole for an eagle.In the back nine, Lee accelerated her pursuit of the lead, recording birdies on the 15th hole (par 4) and the 17th hole (par 3), narrowing the gap to just one stroke.The decisive moment came on the 18th hole (par 4). Lee set up a 2.5-meter birdie opportunity with an accurate iron shot and calmly made the putt. In contrast, Kim's second shot went over the green, and her par putt missed, sealing Lee's comeback victory.In a post-victory interview, Lee said, "After making the triple bogey, I thought the win was out of reach. I then focused on my game without worrying about the outcome. I am very happy to achieve this meaningful record of 10 wins in my 10th season with my sponsor, Mediheal."Seo Kyo-rim, Lee Ye-won, Kim Jae-hee, and Lee Ji-hyun finished tied for third with a total score of 8-under 280.Go Ji-won and Choi Ga-bin tied for seventh with a total score of 7-under 281, while Hong Jin-young and Ma Seo-young finished tied for ninth at 6-under 282.After a two-week break, the KLPGA Tour will resume its second-half schedule with the 13th Jeju Samdasoo Masters starting on August 6.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-02 16:32:00
  • Average Acceptance Score for Natural Sciences in Seoul Surpasses 1.92 for First Time
    Average Acceptance Score for Natural Sciences in Seoul Surpasses 1.92 for First Time In a historic first, the average acceptance score for natural science programs at universities in Seoul has soared to the 1.92 level in the early admissions process. This surge is attributed to a high preference for medical and pharmaceutical fields, with many students with excellent grades, referred to as 'N-susi students,' applying in large numbers, thereby narrowing the acceptance threshold significantly. According to an analysis by Jongno Academy on August 2, based on data from the national college admissions portal 'Eodiga,' the average acceptance score for natural science programs in Seoul reached 1.92. This marks the highest level in the past five years and is the first instance of the acceptance score entering the first-grade range. The acceptance scores for natural science programs in Seoul have shown a consistent upward trend over the past few years, with scores of 2.22 in 2022, 2.15 in 2023, 2.13 in 2024, and 2.08 in 2025, culminating in the breakthrough of the 1.92 score for the 2026 admissions cycle.In contrast, the acceptance score for humanities programs in Seoul was recorded at 2.28. While this is a significant increase compared to 2.57 in 2024 and 2.58 in 2025, it remains in the second-grade range. Consequently, the acceptance score for natural science programs in Seoul has been higher than that for humanities programs for five consecutive years, with a gap of 0.36 grades. The trend of natural science programs dominating is also evident in the comprehensive student evaluation process, where the average acceptance score for natural science programs in Seoul was 2.69, compared to 3.04 for humanities, both reaching their highest levels in the past three years. Regionally, the increase in acceptance scores was notable. In the Gyeongin area, the humanities score was 3.37, while the natural sciences score was 3.12. In provincial areas, the scores were 4.35 for humanities and 4.16 for natural sciences, marking the highest levels recorded in the past five years across all regions. Looking at specific departments, the fierce competition in the top-tier natural science programs is evident. Twelve programs, including ten medical schools and two pharmacy schools, recorded a perfect acceptance score of 1.00. The programs with a 1.00 acceptance score include: Yonsei University’s recommended medical program, Ulsan University’s regional medical program, Catholic University of Korea (Seoul) regional balanced medical program, Kyung Hee University’s regional balanced medical program, Ajou University’s high school recommended medical program, Inha University’s regional balanced medical program, Soonchunhyang University’s excellent student medical program, Soonchunhyang University’s Chungnam regional talent medical program, Soonchunhyang University’s general student medical program, Gangwon University’s general medical program, Dongguk University’s principal recommended pharmacy program, and Soonchun University’s general pharmacy program. In the humanities field, Seoul National University’s regional balanced economics department had the highest score at 1.00, followed by Seoul National University’s regional balanced Korean education department (1.14), Seoul National University’s regional balanced political science and diplomacy department (1.15), Daegu Haany University’s regional talent Korean medicine program (1.17), Yonsei University’s recommended political science and diplomacy department (1.20), and Korea University’s school-recommended political science and diplomacy department (1.23). Jongno Academy attributes the rapid rise in acceptance scores, particularly in natural sciences, to an increase in the number of third-year students (up by 37,467 from the previous year) and the influx of high-achieving 'N-susi students' applying for both early and regular admissions. Lim Seong-ho, the head of Jongno Academy, stated, "The 2027 admissions cycle will be the last under the current 9-grade system, so we expect a significant influx of 'N-susi students' focusing on early admissions." He added, "The fact that this year's admissions will be the last under the current system may create psychological pressure on students, leading to a trend of applying for safer, lower-tier options rather than risky high-tier choices. With the number of third-year students remaining similar to last year, the factors driving acceptance scores upward are greater than those pushing them down, suggesting that the trend of rising acceptance scores will continue."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-02 16:32:00
  • Foreign Ministry Reviews Preservation of Independence Movement Sites in China
    Foreign Ministry Reviews Preservation of Independence Movement Sites in China The Foreign Ministry reported on August 2 that it conducted a comprehensive review of the preservation and management status of independence movement sites in China during a meeting held in Chongqing on July 31, ahead of Liberation Day.Attendees included officials from the ministry's diplomatic missions in China, the Ministry of Veterans Affairs, the Independence Hall of Korea, and the Northeast Asian History Foundation.During the meeting, participants assessed the preservation and management status of Korean independence movement sites in China based on field inspection results from overseas missions.They also discussed institutionalizing preservation and management efforts for historical sites, as well as expanding the use of the Provisional Government's offices in Shanghai and Chongqing to enhance exchanges between the citizens of both countries.After the meeting, officials, including Director Na, visited key independence movement sites in Chongqing, such as the Korean Liberation Army Headquarters Memorial Hall, the Provisional Government's office in Yeonhwa, the site of Osaya Port, and the residence of Lee Dong-nyeong, to assess their conditions and also visited the Chijang Museum.The Foreign Ministry stated, "We will continue to work closely with relevant organizations to strengthen the preservation and management of independence movement sites in China and will maintain diplomatic efforts to secure cooperation from the Chinese side."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-02 16:32:00