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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 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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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South Korea's Birth Rate Expected to Reach 0.9 for First Time in Seven Years This year, South Korea's birth rate is showing signs of recovery, with expectations that the annual total fertility rate could reach the 0.9 range for the first time in seven years. However, experts caution that the ongoing effects of low birth rates may still hinder efforts to reverse the aging population structure. According to data from the National Statistical Portal (KOSIS) and population trends released on August 2, the total fertility rate for the first quarter of this year was 0.95, with April and May recording rates of 0.93 and 0.85, respectively. Typically, the total fertility rate is higher in the first and second quarters and lower in the third and fourth quarters. Given the trends observed through May, there are predictions from both government and external sources that the annual total fertility rate could exceed 0.9. If the total fertility rate recovers to the 0.9 range this year, it would mark the first time since 2019, when it was 0.92. The rate, which was 1.48 in 2000, has steadily declined, reaching as low as 1.05 in 2017. In 2018, it fell below 1 for the first time, dropping to 0.98. After hitting a record low of 0.72 in 2023, it rebounded to 0.75 in 2024 and rose to 0.80 last year. The increase in the total fertility rate is attributed to a combination of factors, including a rise in the population of individuals in their 30s, an increase in marriages, and a positive shift in perceptions regarding marriage and childbirth. From January to May this year, the number of births totaled 122,694, reflecting a 15.2% increase compared to the same period last year. Despite the recent uptick in births, analysts argue that it is insufficient to reverse the entrenched trend of aging. Over the past decade, the youth population has decreased by approximately 25%, while the elderly population has surged by over 60%. According to the registered census population statistics compiled annually in November, the youth population aged 0-14 was 5,224,936 last year, a 24.9% decrease from 2015. This decline has continued at an annual rate of about 2-4% over the past decade. In contrast, the population aged 65 and older increased from 6,617,378 to 10,722,557, marking a 62.0% rise and surpassing 10 million. This age group has seen an annual increase of about 3-6% over the last ten years. Notably, the population aged 85 and older has more than doubled in the past decade, rising from 525,723 to 1,148,525. As a result, the proportion of the youth population among the total population of 51,817,499 last year was only 10.1%, while the elderly population accounted for 20.7%, more than double that of the youth. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) emphasized in a report released last month that structural reforms are necessary to address low birth rates, aging, and regional economic disparities.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-02 16:20:00
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Despite Record Exports, Won-Dollar Exchange Rate Remains Stuck Amid Overseas Investment Boom Last month, the won-dollar exchange rate fell by over 125 won, dropping to the low 1400s. Strong export performance and corporate demand for currency exchange supported this short-term decline, but ongoing structural demand for dollars due to domestic overseas investments suggests a return to the previous range of 1200-1300 won is unlikely in the medium to long term.According to the Seoul foreign exchange market on August 2, the won-dollar exchange rate closed at 1424.0 won as of 3:30 PM on July 31. This marks a decrease of 125.4 won from 1549.4 won at the end of June, representing the largest monthly drop since March 2009, when exchange rate volatility surged during the global financial crisis.The won appreciated against the dollar by 8.81% last month, the highest rate since March 2009. The exchange rate peaked at 1559.2 won on July 1 before falling to 1418.0 won on July 30, the lowest level in nine months.The recent sharp decline in the exchange rate has been influenced by improvements in foreign exchange market supply and demand. Analysts attribute the increase in dollar supply to funds related to SK Hynix's American Depositary Receipt (ADR) issuance and export companies' negotiation volumes. Additionally, the Bank of Korea raised its benchmark interest rate from 2.50% to 2.75% last month, narrowing the interest rate gap between South Korea and the U.S., which also supported the won's strength.Strong export performance is another factor contributing to the short-term decline in the exchange rate. According to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, July exports surged by 62.8% year-on-year to $98.89 billion, marking the second-highest monthly total on record. Semiconductor exports reached $41.01 billion, a staggering increase of 178.8%, while the trade balance recorded a surplus of $30.32 billion.In August, continued demand for currency exchange from companies preparing for corporate tax prepayments is expected.However, analysts caution that this short-term decline in the exchange rate is unlikely to lead to a sustained appreciation of the won in the medium to long term. According to a report by Samsung Securities, an analysis of exchange rate fluctuations from early 2022 to June 2023 revealed that the current account surplus exerted a downward pressure of 29 percentage points on the won-dollar exchange rate. Conversely, domestic investments in overseas securities created an upward pressure of 29 percentage points, effectively offsetting the impact of the current account surplus. Samsung Securities also noted that foreign capital outflows and risk premiums have contributed to the weakness of the won.The gap between economic fundamentals and the actual exchange rate has widened. The value of the won, reflecting productivity, trade conditions, net foreign assets, and real interest rate differentials, is estimated to be undervalued by about 26% compared to its equilibrium level. While improvements in trade conditions due to strong semiconductor exports suggest a strengthening of the won's equilibrium value, the actual value has not kept pace.Before the COVID-19 pandemic, exchange rates typically returned to equilibrium levels after about 14 months, even if they deviated. However, since 2020, this resilience has weakened, influenced by structural dollar demand from domestic investments in overseas securities and acquisitions of foreign assets by institutions and corporations.Samsung Securities predicts that if South Korea follows a path similar to Germany, where trade surpluses and overseas investments continue, the won-dollar exchange rate could fluctuate between 1430 and 1485 won. If it follows Taiwan's trajectory, characterized by a large trade surplus centered on semiconductors and accumulation of overseas assets, the rate could rise to the 1500 to 1600 won range by 2030.Choi Ye-chan, a researcher at Samsung Securities, stated, "Regardless of which scenario South Korea follows, the conclusion remains that higher exchange rates than in the past will persist. A meaningful appreciation of the won will only be possible when the speed of foreign currency reflows slows and incentives for domestic and foreign capital to return to Korea arise."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-02 16:16:00
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New US envoy Steel tours Seoul landmarks after taking up post SEOUL, August 02 (AJP) - Michelle Steel, the new U.S. ambassador to South Korea, has visited a string of Seoul's most recognizable sites in the days since taking up her post, in an early effort to underscore her personal ties to the country as its first Korean American woman to hold the role. Steel marked the start of her tenure by raising the American flag alongside the embassy's Marine Security Guards, calling it "a symbolic and meaningful start" to her time as envoy to the Republic of Korea. Steel toured Namdaemun Market on Saturday, sharing photographs on X of herself and her husband, attorney Shawn Steel, posing outside the market and holding hotteok, a Korean griddle pancake, alongside a vendor. "Returning to Namdaemun Market after so many years brought back so many memories," Steel wrote. "It is wonderful to rediscover Seoul — a city that is both familiar and new to me." A day earlier, she posted a photograph taken before the statue of King Sejong at Gwanghwamun, saying the monument reminded her of Korea's legacy of innovation and leadership. Born in Seoul in 1955 to a family displaced from the North, Steel emigrated to the United States in 1975. She went on to serve on California's Board of Equalization, as an Orange County supervisor and as a Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives, and is seen as close to President Donald Trump and the party's mainstream. Her arrival on Thursday filled a post that had stood vacant for about a year and a half. Fluent in Korean, she is expected to help reinforce the alliance by bridging the sensibilities of both nations. Steel, a devout Christian, also attended Sunday worship at Youngnak Presbyterian Church in central Seoul, a congregation founded by refugees from the North that her own displaced parents once attended, according to local media reports. 2026-08-02 16:15:56 -
Heat Wave Response Elevated to Level 2 as Labor Minister Issues Safety Directives Kim Young-hoon, the Minister of Employment and Labor, has directed the strengthening of safety management in industrial sites to prevent heat-related workplace accidents.On August 2, at 1 p.m., the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters (CDSCH) raised its heat wave alert to Level 2. In response, the Ministry announced it would enhance the operation of a 'Heat Safety Special Task Force' involving the headquarters, local offices, the Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency, and private disaster prevention organizations.Minister Kim instructed that information about the heat wave situation be rapidly disseminated through the major disaster sirens. He emphasized the need for strict enforcement of the 'Five Basic Safety Rules for Heat Waves' and the work stoppage criteria based on heat wave levels at vulnerable workplaces across regions.As a result, local offices will expand on-site inspections of vulnerable workplaces, ensuring that information regarding heat advisories and major alerts is quickly communicated. The government plans to focus on verifying that the work management standards appropriate for the heat wave levels are properly implemented on-site.Specific work guidelines for different heat wave levels have also been established. During a heat advisory, when the perceived temperature exceeds 33 degrees Celsius, adjustments to work hours or reductions in outdoor work time are recommended. In the case of a heat warning, with temperatures above 35 degrees Celsius, outdoor work is advised to be halted from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. If a major heat warning is issued, indicating a perceived temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or higher, all outdoor work, except for emergency measures, is strongly recommended to be suspended.The Ministry will particularly focus on inspecting compliance with protective measures for workers at high-risk sites, such as construction sites and logistics centers. They will closely monitor whether work stoppages during peak heat hours, adjustments to work hours, and adequate rest breaks are being implemented effectively.Additionally, measures to prevent suffocation incidents in confined spaces due to the heat will be intensified. As temperatures rise, harmful gas concentrations, such as carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide, can increase rapidly in facilities like wastewater treatment plants, sewer systems, septic tanks, and storage containers. The Ministry will recommend that local governments halt work in confined spaces, excluding emergency measures, and will enhance on-site guidance and safety inspections.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-02 16:12:00