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  • Jung Cheong-rae Warns Kim Min-seok of Ethics Committee Action at Busan Rally
    Jung Cheong-rae Warns Kim Min-seok of Ethics Committee Action at Busan Rally Jung Cheong-rae, a candidate for the leadership of the Democratic Party, warned on August 2 that he would file a complaint with the Ethics Committee against fellow candidate Kim Min-seok, who raised allegations regarding Shincheonji membership. In response, Kim sought support by referencing former Presidents Roh Moo-hyun and Moon Jae-in, who have strong political ties in Busan.During a joint rally held at BEXCO in Haeundae, Busan, Jung stated, "I will take strict action against any behavior that puts the Democratic Party at risk of being deemed unconstitutional once I become the party leader," a remark interpreted as a direct response to Kim's allegations.Jung also challenged Kim regarding alliances with progressive parties, asking, "Who was the government official exchanging messages with Lee Un-joo opposing the merger with the Justice Party? Why hasn’t there been a response to the post by Supreme Council member Kang Deok-gu suggesting that merging with the Justice Party aligns with the President's intentions?"Instead of countering Jung's attacks, Kim defined Democratic Party politicians as his 'political mentors' and aimed to win over party members in Busan. Despite Jung's mention of potential disciplinary actions, Kim appeared to ignore these claims, focusing instead on appealing to local party supporters.Kim stated, "I wanted to learn about unwavering politics from former President Kim Dae-jung, passionate politics from former President Roh, dignified politics from former President Moon, and the politics of embracing all to lead a new history like President Lee Jae-myung." He also highlighted figures like former lawmaker Kim Geun-tae and former Prime Minister Lee Hae-chan, emphasizing, "They are all benefactors to me."Candidate Song Young-gil countered Jung by emphasizing his own policy strengths. He highlighted his experience as chair of the Planning and Finance Committee and as the head of the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement (FTA) committee, asserting, "I, Song Young-gil, who saved Incheon from a bankruptcy crisis, can create an irreplaceable South Korea in collaboration with this President."He further criticized Jung, saying, "The President is struggling with party-government issues to the point of losing sleep. I don’t understand why he wants to be re-elected," and added, "There’s no need for Jung to worry; reform tasks like the abolition of supplementary investigative powers are being completed."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-02 17:04:00
  • Hyundai Motor Group Establishes Unified Team for Autonomous Driving R&D
    Hyundai Motor Group Establishes Unified Team for Autonomous Driving R&D Hyundai Motor Group has established a unified team for its autonomous driving research and development (R&D) by appointing key executives to dual roles in its Advanced Vehicle Platform (AVP) division and 42dot.According to industry sources on August 2, Vice President Kwon Jeong-hyun and Executive Director Jeremy Ma, who were recently recruited by Hyundai Motor Group, will hold significant positions in both the AVP division and 42dot.Kwon and Ma will serve as the heads of the Autonomous Driving Development Center and the Silicon Valley office, respectively, within the AVP division. At 42dot, Kwon will oversee the autonomous driving division, while Ma will lead the Silicon Valley (SV) division.Park Min-woo, the president who leads the group’s autonomous driving strategy, also holds dual roles as the head of the AVP division and the CEO of 42dot, indicating the formation of a triangular structure for autonomous driving R&D that spans both organizations.Kwon has experience in developing and commercializing AI technologies used in autonomous driving, including recognition software, deep learning, machine learning, and computer vision.Ma has built a distinguished career in autonomous driving, robotics, vision, and systems integration, having worked at NASA, Apple, Toyota Research Institute (TRI), and NVIDIA.Hyundai Motor Group's dual-role executive system for autonomous driving is seen as a move to strengthen the unified team structure between the AVP division and 42dot. By fostering an organic relationship between 42dot, which researches advanced technologies, and the AVP division, which connects these technologies to production development, the group aims to enhance decision-making efficiency and create synergies.Park Min-woo, who joined the company in January, emphasized during a meeting with employees that "we must work as a stronger unified team now," stating that there will be no barriers where the AVP only executes and 42dot only internalizes.Hyundai Motor Company plans to unveil its autonomous driving technology roadmap at the 2026 CEO Investor Day, scheduled for August 26 in Yeouido, Seoul.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-02 17:04:00
  • Jinan County Accepts Nominations for 2026 Citizens Award
    Jinan County Accepts Nominations for 2026 Citizen's Award Jinan County in North Jeolla Province announced on August 2 that it is accepting nominations for the '2026 Jinan Citizen's Award,' aimed at recognizing individuals dedicated to local development and community service.The Jinan Citizen's Award is the county's highest honor, with one recipient selected from each of seven categories: Leadership, Culture, Public Service, Industrial Labor, Patriotism, Filial Piety, and Sports, totaling seven awardees.Nominees should be individuals who have quietly dedicated themselves to the advancement of Jinan and the welfare of its residents.Eligibility criteria include: being a resident of Jinan County for at least one year as of the announcement date, having a registered domicile in Jinan County, having worked for at least one year at a local workplace, or being a graduate of a school located in Jinan County.Nominations can be submitted through heads of institutions, leaders of social organizations, or town and village heads.The submission period runs from August 3 to August 31.Required documents include a nomination letter, a record of achievements, a summary of contributions, a resident registration certificate or basic certificate, a color photo, and supporting evidence of contributions.After the submission deadline, the county will conduct on-site evaluations of the nominees' contributions and select the final awardees through a rigorous review by the 'Citizen's Award Review Committee.'The awards ceremony will take place on October 12 during the '64th Jinan Citizen's Day' celebration.Jin Chun-sung, the county mayor, stated, 'The Jinan Citizen's Award is a meaningful recognition of the efforts of those who have supported and developed our community. I encourage residents and relevant organizations to actively participate in nominating outstanding individuals who have dedicated themselves to Jinan.'In 2025, the recipients of the Jinan Citizen's Award included Shin Pal-bok (79) for Culture, Park Kwan-woo (60) for Public Service, Son Du-su (59) for Industrial Labor, Heo Hyun (69) for Patriotism, Jeon Yeong-ja (81) for Filial Piety, and Kim Man-seong (56) for Sports, totaling six awardees.Jinan Plateau Mai Mountain Pepper Market Opens on August 4This year, the Jinan Plateau Mai Mountain Pepper Market will operate from August 4 to October 4 at the Jinan Red Ginseng Herbal Center.According to the county on August 2, Jinan peppers are cultivated in a highland area above 400 meters, benefiting from significant temperature differences and a clean natural environment, resulting in vibrant colors, excellent aroma, and thick skins that yield a high amount of pepper powder.Additionally, the peppers maintain a balance of freshness and shelf life, preserving the traditional taste of Korean peppers.Due to their superior quality, they have garnered consistent popularity among consumers nationwide.This year, the pepper market will be relocated from the temporary parking lot of the existing Jinan Market to the area around the Jinan Red Ginseng Herbal Center.The market will operate on the 4th and 9th of each month from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m.Consumers will have the opportunity to purchase high-quality dried Jinan peppers directly from the farmers at reasonable prices.This year's pepper market will introduce various measures to enhance trust. Farmers will wear identification badges while selling, and the packaging for the pepper market will feature the producer's name and production area, implementing a real-name system for packaging. Additionally, a 'Jinan Pepper Production Confirmation Certificate' will be included inside the packaging, allowing consumers to verify that the peppers were produced in Jinan.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-02 17:04:00
  • 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