Aju Press - Asia News Hub

Journalist

Latest by

Trump Cancels Iran Airstrike Without Prior Notice to Netanyahu President Donald Trump abruptly canceled a large-scale airstrike against Iran just one day before it was set to be executed, reportedly without informing Israeli leaders in advance.Israeli Channel 12 reported on August 2, citing senior defense and diplomatic officials, that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant learned of the cancellation through Trump's social media posts.The U.S. and Israel began preparations for an attack on Iran following a summit at the White House on July 28. The U.S. Central Command had developed operational plans targeting Iran's energy infrastructure, including refineries and power plants, with Israeli forces expected to participate.However, Trump withdrew the order approximately 24 hours before the planned operation. The Israeli leadership and military command experienced several hours of confusion due to the lack of prior notification.One senior Israeli official stated, "President Trump left us in the dark," adding that even high-ranking generals were forced to assess the situation through his social media.Initially, Israeli authorities considered the cancellation announcement as a potential deception tactic to lower Iran's alertness. They later confirmed with U.S. contacts that the operation had indeed been called off.Another official remarked, "We maintained the highest level of alert while concentrating all resources in the operational area, but ultimately, nothing happened," expressing difficulty in understanding Trump's final intentions.Trump cited the possibility of negotiations regarding Iran and Middle Eastern countries, as well as the opening of the Strait of Hormuz, as reasons for canceling the airstrike. However, Iran denied claims that it had reached an agreement with the U.S. regarding the strait's opening.Israeli officials believe that the U.S. may resume airstrikes depending on the negotiation situation. The Israeli military is maintaining a high level of readiness in response.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-03 06:24:00
Interview: Eom Moon-seok on His Role in 'Hope' and Working with Director Na Hong-jin 400,000 viewers are expected to see the film 'Hope,' in which actor Eom Moon-seok plays a pivotal role that shifts the narrative. Set against the backdrop of Hopo Port near the Demilitarized Zone, the film depicts the struggle of villagers facing an unknown alien life form. Eom portrays 'Yang-bae,' a local carpenter, whose innocent actions lead to a catastrophic event that transforms the story's direction. In a brief yet impactful appearance, Eom has emerged as a scene-stealer, leaving a lasting impression. "When I heard that I had successfully embodied the character of Yang-bae, my first thought was that meeting Director Na Hong-jin marked a significant turning point in my life. The audience evaluates the final product, but the director provided so many details. I am grateful for how he crafted the character, even capturing every nuance of my facial expressions," Eom said. Eom's collaboration with Director Na left a strong impression from the audition stage. It was more than just a simple acting test; it involved deep conversations that explored the essence of the character. "When I first met the director, we didn’t jump straight into the audition. We talked first. He asked about my life and who I am, and then explained the character of Yang-bae. The director described him as 'neither good nor bad, but the embodiment of evil.' He mentioned that the bad people I think of are amateurs compared to Yang-bae, who never gets caught. Hearing that sent me into a panic. I realized this character was not just a dramatic necessity but one that required deep contemplation. I analyzed the role, and the director chuckled. From my perspective, he was just smiling, but from Yang-bae's viewpoint, it felt like he was mocking my serious approach. That moment helped me focus even more on my performance. I was overjoyed when I received a call through my manager to join the project. I had been a fan of Director Na and was thrilled to be part of his film with a speaking role after a long time," Eom recalled. Previously, Director Na had stated during a Q&A session that he initially found Yang-bae to be unlikable. He believed that if a character lacks human charm, it might not be interesting, but Eom's performance was so compelling that he had no choice but to cast him in the role. Within this meticulously calculated setup, Eom filled in the details of his character in strong collaboration with the director. "I worked alongside the director to flesh out the details of the character he envisioned. Director Na is very clear in his vision. He doesn’t make choices on a whim; he has a solid framework and aims to fill it with details. I believe I filled in the gaps within the framework of Yang-bae that the director created, and it felt like our ideas aligned to complete the character. The chemistry on set was excellent. I felt we could jump into action at a moment's notice. Before rehearsals, he would clearly outline what needed to happen, allowing me to play within those boundaries," Eom explained. Since Yang-bae is not given a specific backstory, Eom's unique mannerisms stemmed from keen observation and instinctive inspiration. He discovered that the answer lay in the 'pure instincts of a child.' "The director didn’t provide a detailed backstory for Yang-bae, but he highlighted the character's distinctive traits and crucial points. 'Hope' is not a film that drags on someone's backstory; it unfolds over the course of a single day. Therefore, I had to find my own challenges within that framework. I integrated the details provided by the director with Yang-bae's instinctive reactions to situations. I felt I couldn’t approach him as a typical character found in any film. I observed my friend's child trying to put something in their mouth and getting it taken away. The child acted instinctively, not realizing the danger or wrongness of the action. That moment struck me as terrifying while I was searching for the character. I thought, 'This is it. Let's go with the childlike approach.' Even if there are mannequin-like objects in Yang-bae's home, to him, they are not perverse but merely toys and playthings. Such ambiguous traits seem to add an eerie and suspenseful element to the film," Eom shared. During promotional events, the stark contrast between Eom's warm personality and his character's shocking visuals often leads to amusing moments. "What I notice most is that many people don’t recognize me as much as I expected. When the director and seniors greet me, I can sense the atmosphere before it’s my turn, as if they’re thinking, 'Who is that?' So when I say, 'I’m from my house,' those who recognize me applaud and point me out to others, which is quite fun. Just being among Director Na and my seniors makes me feel great, and I’m grateful for the warm reception during these events. I wish I could greet and hug each person, but time is limited, which is disappointing. I truly appreciate everyone," Eom expressed. Having portrayed a series of uniquely characterized roles, Eom focuses on the emotional nuances inherent in each character rather than categorizing them. "I’ve styled myself so much that I could be called a specialist in special hair. Some people categorize me as an actor who often plays villains or comedic roles, but I don’t divide characters that way when I first approach them. Whether a murderer, a serial killer, an office worker, a lawyer, or an ordinary person, I believe every character has their own joys and sorrows. The question is what the strongest emotion is. I don’t think of characters as simply good or bad; I aim to create characters that embody a blend of emotions. I think audiences have particularly enjoyed the 'joyful' aspects of my characters. Within that 'joy,' I believe there are still thousands of nuances I have yet to show. I want to present more of those aspects in characters that resonate with the audience," Eom stated. Despite the intense interest in 'Hope' and the praise for his character Yang-bae, Eom remains self-critical and vigilant. "I feel like I’m being overestimated, which makes me anxious. This isn’t just a humble statement; I genuinely don’t think I’m that great of an actor. I often tell my friends that I hope my acting is revealed slowly over time. That’s why I practice intensely. I feel overwhelmed by the compliments and just try to stay grounded," he said. Regarding the perception that he is too harsh on himself, Eom expressed his clear stance. "People around me often say I should take it easy. But I think I’m not good enough. I feel inadequate in dancing, singing, and acting. Even after doing something ten times, I still feel it’s not enough. Some might call it perfectionism, but I know who I am. I believe I need to do something a thousand times to keep up with others. That’s how I feel free. It’s just my nature. If I let go, I feel like I won’t be able to perform. When I sing, I need to be a real singer; when I dance, a real dancer; and when I act, a real actor. I want to do it perfectly and well. However, I’m trying to let go little by little, though I can’t do it all at once," Eom concluded. At the end of the interview, he urged audiences to appreciate the full experience that theaters offer. "Personally, I hope those who haven’t seen 'Hope' will watch it in theaters. Once it’s gone from theaters, you can’t experience it the same way again. Watching it on TV would be a disappointment. I would be grateful if you could fully appreciate the film’s sound, scale, details, and texture in a theater setting," Eom emphasized. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-03 06:00:20
Trump Delays Iran Strikes at Saudi Crown Prince's Request Over the weekend, Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, urged President Donald Trump to reconsider a large-scale attack on Iran, leading the U.S. to postpone airstrikes, Axios reported on August 1.According to the outlet, a U.S. official stated that during a phone call on August 1, bin Salman expressed concerns about escalation and requested a clear explanation of the action plan. Other sources indicated that bin Salman urged Trump to exercise restraint and de-escalate tensions. The White House and the Saudi embassy in Washington declined to comment.This intervention came after a report from the Jerusalem Post indicated that Israel was ramping up its alert status in anticipation of a potential U.S. strike on Iran. Axios also noted that several Islamic countries surrounding Iran, including Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, and Pakistan, appealed to Trump to prevent further deterioration of the situation.As the U.S. prepared for possible airstrikes, Iran appeared to be maintaining indirect negotiations with countries like Pakistan. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi spoke with Pakistan's military chief, General Asim Munir, on August 1, and also discussed the potential U.S. strikes with the foreign ministers of Turkey and Saudi Arabia. The Iranian state news agency IRNA reported that during a phone call with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan, Araghchi warned that Iran is prepared to defend its sovereignty and that the U.S., Israel, and their regional partners would face a strong and proportional response.In response, Trump stated on August 1 via social media platform Truth Social that he was ready to attack Iran at any time but decided to cancel the strikes due to the potential for a swift resolution through negotiations. He also mentioned that the cancellation was at the request of Iran and Middle Eastern allies. However, Iranian officials denied ever requesting the cancellation of the strikes.Discussions between the U.S. and Iran regarding the resumption of traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and the jurisdiction over it are ongoing. The Wall Street Journal reported on July 31 that Iranian diplomats proposed new ideas concerning the jurisdiction of the Strait and the lifting of U.S. sanctions on Iranian oil exports.There are concerns that Iran may consider a preemptive strike to undermine the Republican Party ahead of the U.S. midterm elections. According to the WSJ, an Iranian diplomat noted that they perceive Trump's political position as weak and may exploit it if necessary. Reports suggest that if diplomatic negotiations fail, Iran's elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) might contemplate a preemptive attack.Meanwhile, in response to the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels declaring a blockade against Saudi Arabia and attacking oil tankers in the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, Saudi Arabia announced plans on July 30 to establish a 'multinational maritime defense coalition' comprising 14 countries, including Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Pakistan, Egypt, and Jordan.Due to Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which has rendered Saudi Arabia's eastern ports unusable, the kingdom has been exporting oil from the western coastal city of Yanbu through the Red Sea. In a televised address on July 30, Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi stated, "If Saudi Arabia escalates tensions completely, we will respond with full escalation as well."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-03 05:04:10
Latin America Emerges as a New Growth Hub for K-Pharma and Biotech Korean pharmaceutical and biotech companies are increasingly focusing on Latin America as a new battleground. Moving beyond traditional export strategies centered on the U.S. and Europe, these companies are accelerating their efforts to penetrate local markets in Mexico and Brazil. Recently, Mexico recognized its food and drug safety agency as a reference regulatory body for pharmaceuticals, lowering the entry barriers for domestically approved drugs and boosting the prospects for K-pharma and biotech expansion in the region. According to global market research firm Market Data Forecast, the Latin American pharmaceutical market is projected to grow at an average annual rate of 7.03%, reaching $234.17 billion by 2033. The demand for pharmaceuticals in Latin America is steadily increasing due to the rising prevalence of chronic diseases and an aging population. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that over 70% of all deaths are caused by chronic diseases, and it is estimated that the population aged 60 and older will exceed 100 million by 2030. In response, governments across the region are working to improve access to medications and expand collaboration with pharmaceutical companies. Domestic pharmaceutical and biotech firms are also ramping up their activities. SK Biopharm has signed a strategic memorandum of understanding with Brazilian pharmaceutical company Eurofarma to promote its epilepsy treatment, Cenobamate, in Latin America. The company plans to expand its sales footprint to Brazil, following its entry into Peru and Chile. This collaboration goes beyond a simple licensing agreement. SK Biopharm and Eurofarma are broadening their partnership to include maximizing the product value of Cenobamate, collaborating on central nervous system (CNS) pipelines, joint research and development for rare epilepsy, expanding into the Latin American market, and extending digital healthcare through their joint venture, Mentis Care. Yuhan Corporation is also targeting the Latin American market, using Mexico as a launchpad. The company has introduced its blood sugar management probiotic, Danguclac, in Mexico. In 2024, it plans to sign a five-year supply contract worth approximately 13 billion won with a local partner and has already completed the product registration process. Yuhan aims to expand its business throughout Latin America, starting from Mexico. Dongkook Pharmaceutical is expanding its reach in Mexico as well. The company received approval for its type 2 diabetes treatment, Enblo 0.3mg, in May. It has secured supply contracts in 12 Latin American countries, accelerating its market expansion efforts. A positive signal has emerged for domestic pharmaceutical and biotech companies looking to enter the Latin American market. Mexico's recent recognition of its food and drug safety agency as a reference regulatory body allows domestically approved drugs to apply for approval using Mexico's abbreviated regulatory pathway, streamlining the quality, safety, and efficacy review process. Approval decisions can now be made within a maximum of 45 business days, which is expected to speed up the entry of domestic companies into the local market. Mexico is considered the second-largest pharmaceutical market in Latin America, following Brazil. Industry experts anticipate that this move will enhance the competitiveness of domestic pharmaceutical and biotech companies in expanding their presence in the Latin American market. Yoon Yeon-hong, president of the Korea Pharmaceutical and Bio-Pharma Manufacturers Association, stated, "Korean pharmaceutical companies have faced challenges in the approval process for entering Mexico, but this new measure will enable quicker approvals."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-03 05:04:00
Technology Proves Luxury Watches as Assets Luxury watches and high jewelry are increasingly viewed not merely as consumer goods but as tangible assets. With limited supply and consistent price increases, the value of these items is often preserved or even enhanced in the secondary market, making the act of purchasing a watch more akin to acquiring an asset.However, unlike cars, watches lack a unique identification system. This means there is no straightforward way to prove ownership, history, or authenticity. The market for watches, which seeks recognition as an asset, currently lacks the infrastructure to validate their value. This gap has long been a challenge for all of us.I believe technology is the key to bridging this gap. For a long time, determining the authenticity and market value of watches has relied on the experience and intuition of a small number of experts, making it a complex issue to resolve with data. Since last year, we have been working to address this problem using artificial intelligence (AI). Our image recognition technology can identify details such as brand, model, dial color, and bezel type from just a single photo of a watch, providing real-time market prices and product information. Given that even the same model can have hundreds of variations based on dial color or component size, this technology requires extensive data accumulation and meticulous classification.We are also working to change the very interaction with consumers, moving beyond mere information provision. Our conversational AI agent understands the context of discussions, recommending models that fit users' budgets and preferences while guiding them through market prices, available products, and actual wearing images in a natural dialogue. This technology is gradually alleviating the information asymmetry that has forced watch buyers to rely on experts due to a lack of information.If overcoming information asymmetry is the first step in transactions, the next step is managing and growing the assets acquired through these transactions. At this stage, data transparency is crucial. We are developing a 'market information service' that reflects transaction data in real-time, allowing users to transparently verify the market value of each watch, similar to stocks or real estate. Additionally, we are introducing a 'subscription management service' that continuously manages the condition and value of watches during ownership, treating them as part of a portfolio rather than a one-time transaction.Furthermore, we have recently implemented a 'digital passport' that records and manages the narrative of each watch, including ownership transfer records and comprehensive maintenance history. This ensures that the journey of each watch is transparently documented. Once this concept is established, watches will truly become recognized assets. Watches with transparent ownership histories will be able to command fair value in future transactions, and the longer they are held, the more trust they will accumulate. We expect the digital passport to become a central component of the luxury watch trading ecosystem, rather than just an added feature.From image recognition technology to conversational AI, market information, asset management services, and digital passports, these initiatives are all aimed at creating a comprehensive ecosystem around luxury watches. Within this ecosystem, everyone should be able to trade safely, conveniently, and with confidence. Those who hesitated due to a lack of information or needed to see a watch in person to feel secure will be able to buy and sell freely.This trend is not limited to the domestic market. Transactions among international users, including those in the U.S., U.K., Hong Kong, and Japan, are rapidly increasing, suggesting that this ecosystem, driven by AI and asset management technology, will thrive in the global market. Our goal is to provide the same level of information, sentiment, and care services without barriers of language or region. Ultimately, proving trust through technology is the direction the luxury watch market must pursue.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-03 05:04:00
K-Beauty's Growth Shifts from China to North America and Europe Amorepacific and LG Household & Health Care are rapidly shifting their overseas growth focus from China to North America and Europe. Struggling with sluggish consumer demand in China and a downturn in the duty-free market, both companies have leveraged online channels like Amazon to enhance brand recognition and expand into offline distribution networks such as Sephora and Costco, setting the stage for a performance rebound. The growth strategy of K-beauty giants, previously reliant on China and duty-free sales, is evolving into a multi-brand, multi-channel approach centered on Western markets.According to industry reports, Amorepacific Group recorded consolidated sales of 1.25 trillion won ($1.1 billion) and an operating profit of 122.8 billion won ($104 million) in the second quarter of this year, marking increases of 14.6% and 53.3%, respectively, compared to the same period last year. The group's flagship subsidiary, Amorepacific, also saw a 17% rise in sales and a 59% increase in operating profit, driving the overall improvement. The rebound in performance is largely attributed to overseas operations, with second-quarter international sales reaching 551.6 billion won, a 28% increase year-on-year. Overseas operating profit surged 99%, from 36 billion won to 71.8 billion won.Regionally, the U.S., Europe, and Japan are leading the growth. Brands like Laneige and COSRX have expanded their presence in the North American skincare market, with emerging brands such as Aestura, ILLIYOON, and Mise en Scène joining the growth ranks. During Amazon Prime Day in June, Amorepacific Group's sales in the U.S. increased by 20% compared to last year, while European sales rose by 22%, achieving record highs. Laneige's Lip Glowy Balm and Lip Sleeping Mask ranked first and second in the lip balm category on Amazon U.S. COSRX, ILLIYOON, Aestura, and Mise en Scène products also ranked highly in key categories. Aestura and ILLIYOON's sales in Europe surged by 164% year-on-year.Amorepacific is expanding brands that have increased customer touchpoints online into local offline distribution networks. The derma brand Aestura first entered Sephora's European online store in February and has since expanded its sales network to approximately 860 Sephora stores across 19 European countries, including France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. Aestura's flagship product, Atobarrier 365 Cream, entered the U.S. market in February 2025 and has since ranked among the top five moisturizers at Sephora. COSRX is also supporting Amorepacific's expansion in Western markets. In 2023, Amorepacific acquired additional shares of COSRX, making it a subsidiary. Together with Laneige, Aestura, and ILLIYOON, COSRX is helping to broaden the Western brand portfolio.In Japan, the company is diversifying its channels and brands. COSRX achieved record sales during Qoo10 Japan's discount event 'Mega Wari,' while Laneige and Mise en Scène are also expanding their online and offline presence. Conversely, sales in the Chinese market have declined due to the streamlining of distribution channels. Amorepacific is focusing on enhancing profitability by restructuring its store and transaction structures in China rather than aggressively expanding its footprint.LG Household & Health Care Targets North America with Dr. GrootLG Household & Health Care is also seeing the benefits of restructuring its overseas business portfolio with a focus on North America. In the second quarter, the company reported sales of 1.66 trillion won ($1.4 billion), a 3.3% increase, and an operating profit of 102.8 billion won ($86 million), up 87.5%. Net profit reached 77.6 billion won ($65 million), a 101% increase. Overseas sales rose by 12.6% to 584.5 billion won, accounting for 35% of total sales. Notably, North American sales surged by 47.3% to 205.8 billion won, surpassing sales in China for the first time at 176 billion won.Since appointing CEO Lee Sun-joo at the end of last year, LG Household & Health Care has concentrated investments on brands and distribution channels with high growth potential. The luxury cosmetics business, previously centered on China and duty-free shops, is now focused on improving profitability, while brands with distinct functionalities, such as Dr. Groot, Yusimol, CNP, and Physiogel, are being developed in North America, Japan, and Southeast Asia. Dr. Groot is leading the charge in North America, having entered the online market in November 2023 and built recognition on Amazon and TikTok while expanding its sales network to Costco. In March, it entered the U.S. Sephora online store, and in June, it installed dedicated displays in over 90 key stores to assess local demand.Starting this month, Dr. Groot will sell 18 products, including shampoos, conditioners, and scalp serums, in more than 400 Sephora stores across the U.S. This expansion into offline retail follows its presence in over 600 Costco locations and premium beauty specialty stores, marking a shift from an online-centric approach to a more balanced offline strategy. Online sales have also shown strong results, with Dr. Groot and Yusimol seeing respective increases of 45.9% and 54.3% during Amazon Prime Day in June. CNP, The Face Shop, and Physiogel products also ranked highly in key categories. LG Household & Health Care is expanding its North American brand portfolio with products that consumers can easily understand, such as those focused on scalp care, teeth whitening, and skin barrier improvement.The beauty sector is also showing signs of recovery. In the second quarter, LG Household & Health Care's beauty division reported sales of 818.4 billion won ($688 million), a 3.9% increase, and operating profit of 44.4 billion won ($37 million), returning to profitability. Brands like Dr. Groot, Yusimol, Dominus, VDL, and Hince are driving performance improvements across domestic and international online and offline channels. Previously, the luxury cosmetics business centered on The History of Whoo was responsible for profits, but the business structure is now shifting towards diversifying brands, regions, and sales channels. LG Household & Health Care is nurturing Dr. Groot and Yusimol in North America while also restructuring its U.S. cosmetics brand, The Cream Shop. At last month's Cosmoprof in Las Vegas, the company unveiled rebranded products from The Cream Shop, expanding its connections with local buyers.K-Beauty's Territory Expands to North America and EuropeThe changes at both companies align with the diversification of the K-beauty export market. According to the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, South Korea's cosmetic exports in the first half of this year reached an estimated $7 billion, a 27.3% increase from the same period last year, marking the highest figure for the first half of any year. The United States emerged as the largest market, accounting for $1.44 billion, or 20.7% of total exports. China followed with $1.06 billion, and Japan with $582 million. Poland, the UK, and the Netherlands also made it into the top ten export countries, highlighting the growing presence of the European market.The trend of the U.S. becoming the largest single market and the expansion of export targets to major European countries is driving Amorepacific and LG Household & Health Care to expand their operations in North America and Europe. The overseas strategies of South Korea's major cosmetics companies, previously focused on China and duty-free shops, are now shifting towards diversifying regions, brands, and distribution channels.Industry experts believe that as K-beauty expands into local offline distribution networks, the growth momentum in North America and Europe will gain further traction. Kwon Woo-jung, a researcher at Kyobo Securities, stated, "The expansion of K-beauty brands into offline channels is rapidly increasing in global markets, including the U.S., and this offline penetration can attract new consumers who differ from the existing customer base, leading to higher conversion rates due to the presence of consumers with strong purchase intent." 2026-08-03 05:04:00
New Books: Healing from Wounds and Financial Education 상처와 결별하기=도종환 지음, 한길사. This prose collection by poet Do Jong-hwan explores the relationship between nature and humanity. The author reflects on the many times he has been told, "You are finished now," but he views life as a long journey of starting anew at the end of each path. He asserts that recovery is not about returning to a state before the wound but about breaking free from it. In an era marked by deepening hatred and conflict, he emphasizes the need for courage to confront wounds and begin again. The book calmly addresses themes of loss, aging, and the traces life leaves behind, drawing parallels with natural landscapes. 햇생강이 나오면=강우근 외 22인 지음, 박준 외 엮음, 창비. This anthology captures the freshest voices in contemporary Korean poetry. To celebrate the 60th anniversary of the journal Creation and Criticism, it features works by 23 poets who have debuted within the last decade, each contributing two poems. Alongside young poets like Kim Bona, Yoo Sun-hye, and Lim Yu-young, established poets such as Park Jun and Ahn Hee-yeon provide brief writings to bridge the gap between poetry and readers. The title is derived from the opening line of Nam Hyun-ji's poem "햇." The collection presents works that offer a fresh perspective on familiar daily life, akin to the sharp and vivid sensations of fresh ginger. 부자 아빠의 리치 패밀리=로버트 기요사키 지음, 오웅석 옮김, 민음인. In his new book, Rich Dad's Rich Family, Robert Kiyosaki emphasizes that financial education for children should begin at home, not in school. He contrasts the economic philosophies of his own "poor dad" and his friend's "rich dad," arguing that early experiences in learning about investment, assets, and cash flow are crucial. He particularly highlights the use of board games like Monopoly and Cashflow as tools for financial education, helping children naturally develop an understanding of asset growth and cash flow management.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-03 02:00:20
Summer Reading Trends: Higashino Keigo and Yoo Rae-hyuk Top Bestsellers As the demand for reading rises during the summer vacation season, the passing of renowned Japanese mystery novelist Higashino Keigo has drawn significant attention to fiction.According to the Kyobo Bookstore's bestseller list for the fourth week of July, Yoo Rae-hyuk's Aquarium has claimed the top spot. The book has seen steady sales since its release, particularly driven by recommendations from readers in their 20s on social media.The trend in fiction continues with new releases. Higashino Keigo's Transparent Spiral has entered the Kyobo Bookstore's overall rankings at number four, as domestic readers have shown increased interest following the news of his passing. Over the past decade, Higashino has been recognized as one of the most beloved foreign authors in South Korea.Park Sang-young's new work, The Woman with the Straw Crown, also contributed to the summer fiction boom, debuting at number nine.At Yes24, the sentiment of mourning for Higashino Keigo is even more pronounced. Transparent Spiral has surged to the top position, with sales increasing by 326.5% compared to the previous week. His notable works, including Evil, Masquerade Life, The Devotion of Suspect X, and The Miracles of the Namiya General Store, have also re-entered the top 100 bestsellers.Additionally, there has been a notable rise in books related to investment and philosophy. Yes24 reports that Seneca: To You Who Are Losing Today has reached number two, while ETF Pension Class: Earning 5 Million Won Monthly Until Age 100 is in third place. Classic works by Nietzsche, Hesse, and Yoo Si-min continue to hold strong positions in the rankings.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-03 01:00:21
Book Review: Johan Cruyff's Insights for Korean Football "The biggest reason I play football is to entertain the audience. Winning was not the only thing that mattered to me." (p. 151)Johan Cruyff (1947-2016) transformed modern football as a player, coach, and administrator. He led Ajax in the Netherlands to eight league titles and three consecutive European Cup victories, and he ushered in a golden era at Barcelona as both a player and coach. He perfected the concept of 'total football,' a modern tactical approach emphasizing fluidity in attack and defense, and is regarded as a major influence on contemporary coaches like Pep Guardiola.His autobiography, Johan Cruyff (written by Johan Cruyff, translated by Lee Seong-mo, Knowledge Factory), reads more like a treatise on organization, leadership, and education than a typical sports hero's memoir. It covers entertaining football, a culture of learning from failure, teamwork that supports one another, and the importance of placing the right talent in the right positions. His messages extend beyond football to all organizations.For Cruyff, winning was a goal but not the entirety of the game. He envisioned a style of play that was technical, creative, and left fans wanting more. He constantly urged his players to think critically: create space when in possession and close gaps to apply pressure when out of it. The key was not just running a lot, but knowing where to run. He believed that football is a sport where understanding space and team movement takes precedence over physical fitness.This philosophy later culminated in total football, where all players engage in both attacking and defending, and when one moves, all ten follow. He emphasized that creating the best combination of players who complement each other is more important than simply gathering eleven outstanding athletes. His belief that "football is a game played with the head" was realized through meticulous calculations of distance, spacing, and timing. A lover of numbers and mental calculations, he viewed football as an art of space and a sport of logic.Cruyff's football philosophy also translated into his approach to life. He valued maintaining a clean dressing room, personally polishing his boots, and managing his belongings. He believed one must be a good person before becoming a good player. He learned from coach Jack Reynolds not to fear mistakes, from coach Rinus Michels about player protection and discipline, and from baseball, the importance of reading the game as a whole. He stated, "My life has always been a process of doing better and improving," accepting even failures as assets for growth.Notably, his role as a leader and administrator was impressive. Even after becoming a coach, he did not assume he knew everything. He brought in specialists like goalkeeper coaches and emphasized that "a leader is someone who places the right person in the right position." After retiring, he pushed for reforms at Ajax, aiming to change the structure where administrators without football experience dominated decision-making, advocating for a system where a committee of former players participated in decisions.Reading Cruyff's autobiography naturally brings to mind the current state of Korean football. Recently, Korean football has disappointed fans with underwhelming performances in the World Cup and ongoing administrative controversies. Cruyff consistently emphasized the importance of appointing the most suitable individuals and that those who understand the field should determine the direction of football.Of course, Cruyff is not the only answer. However, he demonstrated through his football career that tactics without philosophy cannot endure, and strong teams cannot exist without a system. One of Cruyff's statements lingers: "Winning is not everything. What matters more is how you win." (p. 106) 2026-08-03 00:04:00
Gyeongrin Park Sports Center Opens with Free Trial Operations in August On July 31, the Korea Racing Authority's Gyeongrin Headquarters held an opening ceremony for the 'Gyeongrin Park Sports Center' near the Gwangmyeong Speedom, marking the start of its operations.According to the Gyeongrin Headquarters on August 2, approximately 500 people attended the opening ceremony, including Gwangmyeong Mayor Park Seung-won, National Assembly members Lim O-kyung and Kim Nam-hee, and Gwangmyeong City Council Chairman Lee Hyung-deok.The Gyeongrin Park Sports Center was established with an investment of about 14.1 billion won from the Gyeongrin project, providing a community sports facility.Spanning 2,636 square meters and three stories, the center features a multipurpose gymnasium, fitness room, group exercise room, Pilates studio, and multipurpose rooms.The center plans to offer various community sports programs, including yoga, Pilates, fitness, badminton, basketball, dance sports, and line dancing, catering to a wide range of age groups from children to seniors.The Gyeongrin Headquarters will conduct free trial operations throughout August, followed by an assessment of the facilities and programs, with plans to incorporate user feedback for regular operations starting in September.Discounts will be available for Gwangmyeong residents, families with multiple children, veterans, and individuals with disabilities.Before the ceremony began, local residents were eager to tour the new facility.Visitors expressed their excitement, saying, "It will be convenient to have various sports facilities close to home," and "I look forward to a space where both children and seniors can use together. It's great to experience the facility through the free trial operations."The opening ceremony was held in a positive atmosphere, with local residents exploring the new sports facility and reviewing the operational plans.Choi Woo-nyeong, acting head of the Gyeongrin Headquarters, stated, "As a community sports facility funded by the Gyeongrin project, we will do our best to ensure that citizens can use it safely and conveniently."Meanwhile, the Gyeongrin Park Sports Center will operate from Wednesday to Sunday, and plans to review the expansion of programs and operating hours based on user demand.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-02 22:36:00