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Disputes in Online Marketplaces Surge 121% in First Half of Year 최근 오픈마켓 등 온라인 플랫폼 거래가 급증하면서 상반기 사업자와 입점업체 간 분쟁이 1년 전보다 121% 증가한 것으로 나타났다. 한국공정거래조정원 공정거래분쟁조정협의회는 상반기에 접수된 온라인 플랫폼 관련 분쟁이 442건으로 전년 동기 대비 121% 가량 늘었다고 2일 밝혔다. 업종별로 보면 쿠팡·네이버·지마켓·11번가 등 오픈마켓(쇼핑 분야) 관련 분쟁이 325건(73.5%)으로 가장 많았고 이어 음식배달(57건), 중고거래(14건) 순이었다. 주요 분쟁 유형으로는 △지적재산권이나 개인정보 침해 의심에 따른 일방적 계정 정지 △소비자 반품 관련 책임 전가 △과도한 광고비 청구 등이 꼽혔다. 특히 플랫폼 사업자가 가품 의심이나 저작권 침해 소견, 제보 등을 받으면 사실관계를 확인하기에 앞서 '판매 중지'나 '계정 정지' 조치부터 내린 뒤 소명을 요구하는 사례가 빈번한 것으로 나타났다. 이 과정에서 연관된 다른 계정까지 동반 정지되는 피해도 발생하고 있다. 이에 대해 조정원은 오픈마켓 입점업체들에게 △정상 유통경로를 통한 정품 매입 증빙자료 상시 보유 △고객 개인정보의 무단 제3자 제공 유의 △반송 정보의 정확한 시스템 기록 △광고 집행 기간 및 현황 수시 확인 등을 당부했다. 피해구제가 필요한 경우, 입점업체는 조정원 '온라인 분쟁조정시스템'을 통해 직접 분쟁조정을 신청하거나 '분쟁조정 콜센터'를 통해 상담을 받을 수 있다고 조정원은 설명했다. 조정원 관계자는 "온라인 플랫폼 관련 분쟁은 지속해서 증가할 것으로 보인다"며 "조정원은 전문성 제고, 찾아가는 분쟁조정서비스 확대 등을 통해 불공정거래 피해 구제를 더욱 늘릴 예정"이라고 밝혔다. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-02 12:00:20 -
Korea's Financial Supervisory Service Reduces Time to Block Illegal Loan Phone Numbers The Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) is implementing an automatic call-blocking system to swiftly disable phone numbers used for illegal lending. This measure aims to reduce the harm caused by illegal lenders who use these numbers to solicit high-interest loans or continuously contact debtors and their associates.On August 2, the FSS announced the operation of the 'Zero Illegal Phones (AWCS)' system, which was prompted by the ongoing issues of debt collection despite the expansion of phone number suspension targets to include high-interest loans and illegal debt collection following amendments to the Moneylending Business Act last July.Previously, it took about seven days to suspend a reported phone number used for illegal lending, but the FSS plans to reduce this time to around three days using the automatic call-blocking system.The Zero Illegal Phones system works by repeatedly dialing from numbers associated with illegal lenders at intervals of 2 to 3 seconds, making it difficult to establish normal communication. Once a request for phone number suspension is received, the FSS will review the submitted evidence to determine if the number is linked to high-interest lending or illegal debt collection, and will prioritize activating the system before requesting suspension from the Ministry of Science and ICT.An FSS official stated, "By swiftly neutralizing the phone numbers used for illegal lending and debt collection, we aim to eradicate illegal activities conducted over the phone and significantly alleviate the psychological pressure on victims."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-02 12:00:20
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Seoul named global youth's favorite city for fifth straight year SEOUL, August 02 (AJP) - Seoul has been named the world's favorite city among younger travelers for a fifth consecutive year, the city government said, extending a run that has burnished the South Korean capital's standing as a global tourism draw. The Seoul Metropolitan Government and the Seoul Tourism Organization said Sunday that the city topped the "Favorite Worldwide City" category in the 2026 The Trazees awards, run by U.S.-based travel media outlet Trazee Travel. Dublin, Hong Kong, London and Athens rounded out the top five. The winners were chosen by readers aged 25 to 40 — the business-travel core of the millennial and Gen Z market that the outlet targets. An awards ceremony is scheduled for Sunday in Chicago. For its unbroken run since 2022, Seoul also received a "Quint Status" honor given to repeat winners and entered the awards' hall of fame, according to the city government, which said the recognition reflected a broader shift in how young tourists travel. Where visitors once ticked off famous landmarks, they now chase local, everyday experiences, the city said — sampling K-fashion and K-beauty at Seongsu-dong pop-up stores, tasting street food at Gwangjang Market and hunting for vintage finds in Dongmyo. The music and alley culture of Hongdae and Euljiro, along with urban hikes up Bukhansan Mountain and Achasan Mountain, were also cited as distinctive draws. Foreign visits climbed at several sites last year, led by the Dongdaemun Design Plaza, up 12.1 percent, followed by Achasan at 11.8 percent and about 10 percent gains at Hongdae, Gwangjang Market and other spots, the city said, citing figures from the Seoul AI Foundation. "Building on Seoul's unique lifestyle culture and content, we will grow into the global tourism city that people around the world most want to visit," said Cho Sung-ho, head of the city's tourism and sports bureau, adding that Seoul would expand experience-based tourism and step up its MICE marketing. 2026-08-02 11:44:36 -
Israel Strikes Gaza Hospital 48 Hours After Trump Announces Ceasefire Plan Less than 48 hours after President Donald Trump announced progress on a ceasefire plan that includes the complete disarmament of Hamas and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip, Israel reportedly conducted airstrikes on a hospital in Gaza.On August 1, local time, CNN reported that Israeli airstrikes completely destroyed two medical supply warehouses at the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah, located in central Gaza, and caused damage to two others, according to local authorities.The airstrike created a massive crater at the site. Footage released by CNN showed residents sifting through the debris to salvage medical supplies, including IV bags, breathing tubes, surgical masks, and cotton.The Gaza Health Ministry stated that a nearby refugee camp was also devastated, with extensive damage to tents where civilians were sheltering.Munir al-Bursi, Secretary-General of the Gaza Health Ministry, criticized the attacks, stating, "When medical supplies are bombed, diseases become weapons of war." He added, "The destruction of medical supply warehouses is a direct attack on one of the lifelines of a healthcare system that is already facing a 51% shortage of essential medicines in Gaza."According to the Palestinian Health Ministry, eight civilians were killed and 76 injured in Gaza over the past two days. Since the ceasefire agreement was announced last October, the number of Palestinian fatalities has exceeded 1,200.The airstrikes occurred shortly after President Trump announced on July 30 that Hamas had agreed to complete disarmament and that the withdrawal of Israeli forces would be pursued. While there were hopes that Trump's peace plan for Gaza, initiated by his 'Peace Commission' last year, could break a prolonged deadlock, significant issues remain before actual implementation.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not yet issued an official response to Trump's announcement. However, an Israeli official told CNN that Israeli forces would not withdraw from Gaza unless Hamas disarms first.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-02 11:16:00
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Samsung C&T Expands Silver Town Market with AI Senior Living Solutions Samsung C&T's construction division is expanding its business into the caregiving-oriented silver town market with AI-based senior living solutions.On July 30, Samsung C&T announced that it signed a business cooperation agreement with New Senior Life at the 'Caring Stay Uijeongbu Arboretum' located in Pocheon, Gyeonggi Province.The signing ceremony was attended by Kim Min-soo, CEO of New Senior Life, and Jo Hye-jung, Vice President of Samsung C&T's DxP Division, along with executives from both companies.Samsung C&T's AI senior living solution integrates individual lifestyle, health, and operational data to provide personalized care. It consolidates information that was previously managed separately by generation, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of seniors' health changes and supporting care across physical, sleep, cognitive, and emotional aspects.The system also enables 24-hour health and safety monitoring using ambient sensors. It detects heart rate and movement during sleep, creating a preventive environment that responds proactively to any anomalies.From an operational perspective, the solution automates repetitive tasks through an intuitive dashboard and AI chatbot, integrating fragmented information. This allows staff to focus on the core responsibilities of senior care.Caring Stay, operated by New Senior Life, is a premium caregiving-oriented silver town that combines specialized care from nursing homes with the residential convenience of silver towns. Currently, it operates a total of 132 units at its Suwon Hwaseong Lake and Uijeongbu Arboretum locations. In September, it plans to open additional locations in Taereung Byeollae, Hwaseong Bibong, and Songdo Haeoreum Lake, expanding to a total of 330 units across five sites.The two companies plan to first apply the solution at the Caring Stay Uijeongbu Arboretum location, then enhance the solution based on operational data and discuss its application at newly opened sites.Samsung C&T has been validating its AI senior living solution primarily in premium senior residences. With this agreement, it aims to broaden its application to the overall silver town market, which requires both independent living and specialized care.As the aging population rapidly increases, the construction industry is intensifying competition to create senior living platforms that combine housing, caregiving, health management, and operational efficiency services.Kim Min-soo, CEO of New Senior Life, stated, “The quality of care ultimately depends on quantifying the changes of each senior through AI analysis and reducing unnecessary tasks for caregivers, allowing them to focus on the essence of care. We expect that the data accumulated through Samsung C&T's AI senior living solution will support the judgments of on-site professionals and enhance the caregiving competitiveness unique to Caring Stay.”Jo Hye-jung, Vice President of Samsung C&T's DxP Division, added, “This collaboration marks a turning point for the AI senior living solution to expand into areas that require practical care. We aim to develop a long-term partnership rather than a one-time supply, creating an optimized digital care environment for various types of senior facilities.”Samsung C&T plans to continue its strategy of expanding its platform business into the senior sector, following its home platform 'HomeNick' and building platform 'Bind,' moving beyond traditional construction-focused operations.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-02 11:12:00
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Government Launches Preparations for 2028 UN Ocean Conference The South Korean government is mobilizing a multi-agency organization in preparation for the 2028 UN Ocean Conference, which will be attended by representatives from 193 UN member countries.On August 3, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries will launch the 'UN Ocean Conference Preparatory Planning Team' in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Economy and Finance, and the Ministry of the Interior and Safety. A plaque ceremony will be held, attended by heads of organizations such as the Korea Maritime Institute (KMI), the Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST), and the Fisheries Resources Agency (FIRA).The planning team will operate under a leader and a deputy leader, with three teams: the Planning Coordination Team, the Financial Infrastructure Team, and the External Cooperation Team. It aims to establish a collaborative framework involving relevant ministries, local governments, public institutions, and private experts, while also enhancing communication with UN member states and international organizations.The UN Ocean Conference is an international event where 193 UN member countries, international organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and civil society discuss solutions to major marine issues such as climate change and ocean pollution. The third conference, held in June 2022 in Nice, France, attracted around 15,000 participants, including over 60 heads of state.The fourth conference will be co-hosted by South Korea and Chile in 2028, with key topics expected to include the transition to artificial intelligence (AI) in the marine sector and Arctic shipping routes. Discussions will also focus on the direction of international marine cooperation beyond 2030.Seo Jeong-ho, head of the UN Ocean Conference Preparatory Planning Team, stated, "We will prepare for a conference that reflects South Korea's international stature and capabilities with a sense of responsibility and mission."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-02 11:04:10
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South Korea and the U.S. Collaborate on AI and Quantum Technology Standards 한국과 미국이 인공지능(AI)과 양자기술 등 첨단산업의 국제표준을 공동으로 제안하고 선점하기 위한 협력을 강화한다. 캐나다와도 AI 사전표준화 협력을 핵심·신흥기술 전반으로 확대하기로 했다. 산업통상부 국가기술표준원은 지난달 31일(현지시간) 미국 덴버에서 미국표준협회(ANSI)와 '2026 제6차 한·미 표준협력포럼'을 공동 개최했다고 2일 밝혔다. 이번 포럼에는 ANSI와 미국 국립표준기술연구소(NIST), 캐나다 표준위원회(SCC)를 비롯해 마이크로소프트(MS), 휴렛팩커드(HP) 등 양국 산·학·연 전문가 60여명이 참석했다. 참석자들은 AI와 양자기술, 미래차, 바이오 등 4개 핵심 분야를 중심으로 최신 표준화 동향을 공유했다. 국제표준을 공동으로 제안하고 관련 논의를 주도하기 위한 협력체계 구축 방안도 논의했다. 국표원은 포럼을 계기로 NIST, ANSI, SCC와 각각 양자회의를 열었다. NIST와는 미국이 국제 표준화를 주도하고 있는 AI·양자기술 분야의 협력 방안을 논의했다. SCC와는 AI 사전표준화 협력과 공동 작업계획 이행을 바탕으로 양국의 표준 협력 범위를 핵심·신흥기술 분야 전반으로 넓히기로 합의했다. 사전표준화는 기술이 본격적으로 상용화되기 전에 표준에 필요한 요소와 기준 등을 선제적으로 마련하는 작업이다. ANSI와의 정례회의에서는 양국의 국가표준 정책을 공유하고 미국 표준개발기구(SDO)와의 민간 협력 확대 방안을 논의했다. 국제표준화기구(ISO)와 국제전기기술위원회(IEC)에서 양국 간 공조도 강화하기로 했다. 특히 AI와 양자기술 등 첨단기술 분야에서 국제표준 공동 대응과 전문가 교류를 확대하고 이를 구체화할 실행계획을 마련해 나갈 방침이다. 김대자 국표원장은 "한·미 국가표준화 기관 간 신뢰를 바탕으로 AI와 양자기술 등 핵심 첨단기술 분야의 국제표준 제안과 산업계 활용을 위한 실질적인 공조를 추진하겠다"고 밝혔다. 이어 "북미 표준기관들과 실행계획 이행과 전문가 교류를 정례화해 우리 기술이 국제표준으로 채택되고 해외 시장에 안착할 수 있도록 실행력을 높이겠다"고 덧붙였다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-02 11:04:00
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Korea Fair Trade Commission Approves Merger of Korail and SR, Reducing KTX Fares by 10% The Korea Fair Trade Commission has granted final approval for the merger between Korea Railroad Corporation (Korail) and SR (the operator of SRT). The two companies plan to complete their integration by September and will implement measures to enhance consumer benefits, including a 10% reduction in KTX fares and an increase of over 17,000 seats on weekends over the next three years.The Fair Trade Commission announced on August 2 that it received a notification regarding Korail's acquisition of SR's operations and the government's acquisition of SR shares on July 30, leading to the final approval. The commission determined that the merger is unlikely to restrict competition in the high-speed rail passenger transport market.Both Korail and SR are state-owned enterprises and are considered related parties under the law. While mergers between related parties typically undergo a simplified review, a thorough examination was conducted due to the high-speed rail's status as a national infrastructure.The commission's review indicated that strict regulations under the Railroad Business Act and the operational guidelines for public enterprises suggest a low risk of price increases or declines in service quality following the merger. Changes to high-speed rail fares require approval from the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, and adjustments to routes and frequencies cannot be made arbitrarily.Additionally, Korail and SR have developed specific business plans to enhance consumer benefits. Following the merger, KTX fares will be reduced by 10% to match SRT levels for existing routes over the next three years. Weekend seat availability will increase by over 17,000, and the number of train services will exceed 25, with a 5% mileage accumulation for SRT routes, similar to KTX.The Fair Trade Commission has also signed a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport to establish fair order in the high-speed rail market and protect consumers. The two agencies will form a working-level committee to jointly monitor fare adjustments, seat supply, service operations, and compliance over the next three years.Jeon Seong-bok, head of the Fair Trade Commission's Merger Review Division, stated, "This merger is the first case of a merger between public enterprises assessed with consideration of its impact on the national economy. We expect that the 10% reduction in KTX fares over the next three years will enhance consumer rights and convenience."Following the approval of this merger, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport will proceed with subsequent procedures, including business transfer approvals, to complete the integration of the two companies next month. The merger aims to improve public convenience and enhance the efficiency of rail operations, with both the Fair Trade Commission and the Ministry committed to monitoring the implementation of the business plan over the next three years. 2026-08-02 11:04:00
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U.S. European Commander Warns Pentagon of Insufficient Naval Power to Defend Israel The U.S. European Commander has warned the Pentagon that without additional naval support, prioritizing the defense of Israel may not be feasible, and protecting the U.S. mainland from Russia will take precedence.According to a report by the Washington Post on August 1, citing anonymous officials, General Alexus Greenkwitz submitted a confidential report to the Pentagon this week stating that there is insufficient naval power to sustain operations defending Israel.General Greenkwitz cautioned that if no additional naval destroyers are deployed, the focus will inevitably shift from defending Israel to protecting the U.S. homeland.The primary mission of the U.S. European Command is to deter Russian military expansion. Given that Russia possesses ballistic missiles capable of striking the U.S. mainland, the mission to counter the Russian threat is directly linked to homeland defense.The European Command also plays a crucial role in coordinating U.S. military operations in the Mediterranean region. Currently, U.S. forces are intercepting missiles launched toward Israel by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels from Yemen.The Washington Post reported that military leaders typically convey such warnings to the Pentagon when they assess that specific risks in their areas of responsibility have increased. This process usually occurs when demands for limited weapons and personnel conflict among various commands.Tom Karako, director of the Missile Defense Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, D.C., told the Washington Post, "General Greenkwitz's warning illustrates the scope of the challenges facing the Pentagon," adding, "Entering a wartime posture will have costs in terms of readiness and ammunition stockpiles."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-02 11:00:00
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Court Rules Special Bonuses to CEO Subject to Corporate Tax A court has ruled that special bonuses and loans totaling billions of won paid to a company's CEO are subject to taxation if they are deemed to be profit distribution rather than compensation for normal job performance.On August 2, the Seoul Administrative Court's Administrative Division 5, led by Judge Lee Jeong-won, issued a partial loss ruling in a lawsuit filed by solar power company A against the tax office regarding the imposition of corporate taxes.The court canceled the tax on performance bonuses for general employees amounting to over 210 million won but upheld the legality of the corporate tax assessment of 3.62 billion won against the CEO.In 2022, Company A reported revenues of 35.5 billion won from service fees and paid a total of 11.75 billion won in special bonuses, including 8 billion won to the CEO and 3.75 billion won to employees. Additionally, the CEO received 7.1 billion won in loans, 400 million won in salary, and 3 billion won in dividends that same year.The National Tax Service, following an investigation, classified the bonuses and loans received by the CEO as taxable income, imposing over 3.83 billion won in corporate taxes. However, Company A argued that these payments were legitimate compensation and part of a normal borrowing relationship, leading to the lawsuit against the tax authority, which the court ultimately sided with.The court determined that the amounts in question could not be recognized as deductible expenses under tax law.The ruling noted, "The CEO, as the sole member and representative of the company, had virtually unrestricted authority to determine the amount of compensation. It acknowledged that the company considered ways to maximize cash payments while minimizing tax burdens through legal and accounting advice."Furthermore, the court classified the 7.1 billion won loan as effectively a bonus, citing its unsecured and interest-free nature and the CEO's use of the funds for high-value asset acquisitions.However, the court ruled that the special bonuses paid to general employees, excluding the CEO, could be considered compensation for job performance, justifying the cancellation of the corporate tax assessment on that portion. 2026-08-02 11:00:00