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  • Heat Illness Warning as Nationwide Heatwave and Tropical Nights Persist, Southern Regions Reaching 39 Degrees
    Heat Illness Warning as Nationwide Heatwave and Tropical Nights Persist, Southern Regions Reaching 39 Degrees On Sunday, August 2, a heatwave and tropical nights will continue across the country. With the maximum perceived temperatures expected to hover around 35 degrees Celsius in most areas, caution is advised regarding heat-related illnesses.In particular, the southern regions, including Gyeongnam, are forecasted to experience maximum perceived temperatures exceeding 38 degrees Celsius, prompting recommendations to limit outdoor activities over the weekend.Additionally, tropical nights, characterized by nighttime low temperatures remaining above 25 degrees Celsius, are expected to persist nationwide, potentially impacting sleep quality.Morning low temperatures are predicted to range from 24 to 27 degrees Celsius, while daytime highs are expected to reach between 32 and 39 degrees Celsius. The ultraviolet index will be at a 'very high' level across the country starting from 9 a.m.Wave heights are forecasted to be between 0.5 to 1.0 meters in the East and South Seas, and around 0.5 meters in the West Sea. In the offshore areas, wave heights are expected to be 0.5 to 1.5 meters in the East Sea and 0.5 to 1.0 meters in the West and South Seas.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-01 17:52:00
  • FIFA Withdraws Plan for $200 Billion Private Investment in World Cup
    FIFA Withdraws Plan for $200 Billion Private Investment in World Cup The International Football Federation (FIFA) has completely withdrawn its plan to attract $200 billion in private investment for the World Cup. The decision came after strong opposition from various football organizations worldwide, including a boycott warning from the European Football Association (UEFA).On August 1, FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated, "After carefully considering all opinions, it has become clear that this project is dividing the football community. Therefore, we will no longer pursue this proposal as it does not align with our original goals." Previously, on July 29, FIFA announced the establishment of a separate subsidiary, FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), to manage the commercial and operational rights of future World Cups. The plan included selling approximately 20% of FFE shares to private investors, with a total investment amounting to $200 billion.FIFA explained that the funds would be reinvested to develop football globally. However, concerns were raised within the football community about the commercialization of the World Cup and the potential undermining of football governance.UEFA was the most vocal opponent, stating that FIFA's plan threatened the "soul and governance" of football and even mentioning the possibility of boycotting future men's and women's World Cups. The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) also expressed their opposition through official statements, though they did not mention a boycott.Opposition also emerged from within FIFA itself. Carlos Cordeiro, a senior advisor to Infantino, resigned in protest, and Kevin Lamour, FIFA's Chief Operating Officer, publicly criticized the plan as a "one-person project." Infantino stated, "In the coming days and weeks, I will bring all stakeholders together to continue discussions for the common good of football, particularly focusing on the growth of football worldwide, including support for countries in need." The controversy centered around the potential increase in influence of private investors. CNN reported that a major investor mentioned was the American investment firm Strive Eternal, whose executives are related to Jared Kushner, son-in-law of former President Donald Trump. Concerns were raised that investors could exert influence over World Cup operations and decision-making to maximize profits.With FIFA retracting its plan, attention now shifts to the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup, which begins on September 5 in Poland, and the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil. There is also interest in whether FIFA can restore trust with the global football community following this incident. 2026-08-01 17:40:00
  • U.S.-Iran Tensions Escalate as Tankers Attacked in Hormuz Strait
    U.S.-Iran Tensions Escalate as Tankers Attacked in Hormuz Strait As military tensions between the United States and Iran continue to escalate, armed attacks and explosions targeting tankers have raised alarms in the global energy market near the Hormuz Strait, the world's largest oil transport route.According to Reuters, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported on August 1 that a tanker navigating approximately 20 kilometers northeast of Lima, Oman, was struck by an unidentified projectile.The attack severely damaged the vessel's engine room, rendering it unable to operate. While there were no reported casualties, a separate underwater explosion was reported shortly after, 39 kilometers northeast of Kasab, further heightening maritime security concerns.The incident occurred in a critical passage connecting the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Since a military confrontation with the U.S. and Israel began in February, Iran has asserted control over the strait, conducting mine-laying and missile attacks against commercial vessels that do not comply with its directives.U.S.-Iran relations are deteriorating rapidly. The White House announced in July that Iran's continued attacks on commercial tankers under the pretext of controlling the strait violated the freedom of navigation, leading to the nullification of a ceasefire memorandum from June. Subsequently, the U.S. military reactivated maritime blockade measures through U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).In response, Iran's Supreme National Security Council stated, "If the U.S. blockade continues, we will counter with major maritime blockades, including in the Hormuz Strait."Notably, this tanker attack coincides with reports that the U.S. and Israel are preparing for large-scale joint airstrikes on Iran's key energy infrastructure, including refineries and power plants, over the weekend of August 1-2.Foreign media have expressed concerns that if the U.S.-Israel strikes on energy facilities materialize, Iran could launch significant retaliatory attacks, potentially leading to a complete blockade of the Hormuz Strait and triggering a third oil shock that would severely impact the global economy.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-01 17:40:00
  • Korean comic wins Eisner Award for first time
    Korean comic wins Eisner Award for first time SEOUL, August 01 (AJP) - A Korean comic has won a Will Eisner Comic Industry Award for the first time, marking a milestone for Korean graphic novels in the U.S. comics market. Sanho’s “Purgatory Funeral Cakes,” originally published in Korea as “Funeral Cake Shop Yeonokdang,” won the award for Best U.S. Edition of International Material—Asia at the 38th Eisner Awards, according to Comic-Con International. The English edition was translated by Danny Lim and published by Dark Horse. The category honors the best Asian comics published in English in North America. Korean works such as Kim Dong-hwa’s “The Color of Earth,” Keum Suk Gendry-Kim’s “Grass” and Yeon Sang-ho and Choi Gyu-seok’s “Hellbound” had previously been nominated, but this is the first time a Korean comic has won the award. The Eisner Awards, often described as the Oscars of the comics industry, were presented during San Diego Comic-Con on July 24. The awards are regarded as one of the world’s three major international comics prizes, along with France’s Angouleme International Comics Festival and the Harvey Awards in the United States. “Purgatory Funeral Cakes” is a fantasy graphic novel about a mysterious cake shop that makes cakes for the dead. The cakes help the souls of the deceased complete their 49-day journey through purgatory before moving on to their next life. The book was published in Korea by Munhakdongne and released in the United States by Dark Horse in 2025. Culture, Sports and Tourism Minister Choi Hwi-young sent a congratulatory message to Sanho, saying the award showed that the artist’s originality and body of work had been recognized globally. “Sanho has continued to produce outstanding works, including winning Today’s Korean Comics Award in 2021 and the Korea Creative Content Agency President’s Award at the Korea Content Awards in 2022,” Choi said. “This award is the result of global recognition of the artistic achievement and original worldview built through those efforts.” “I hope Sanho will continue to move readers around the world with works filled with outstanding imagination and deep resonance,” he added. “The government will provide full support so that more achievements like this can be made in the comics sector.” Korean comics have previously won major international honors, including Ancco’s “Bad Friends” at Angouleme in 2017, Park Yoon-sun’s “The Incredible Story of the Giant Pear” at Angouleme in 2024, Ma Yeong-shin’s “Moms” at the Harvey Awards in 2021 and Keum Suk Gendry-Kim’s “Grass” at the Harvey Awards in 2020. With Sanho’s Eisner win, Korean comics have now been recognized at all three major international comics awards. 2026-08-01 17:11:18
  • Record Heat Wave Hits Yangsan, South Korea; Heat-Related Illnesses Surpass Seoul
    Record Heat Wave Hits Yangsan, South Korea; Heat-Related Illnesses Surpass Seoul A record-breaking heat wave has struck the Yeongnam region, causing the number of heat-related illnesses in Gyeongnam to surpass that of Seoul for the first time.Yangsan, Gyeongnam, recorded a high of 41.6 degrees Celsius (106.9 degrees Fahrenheit) after breaking temperature records for two consecutive days. The Korea Disease Control Agency (KDCA) announced that the risk of heat-related illnesses will remain at the highest level, 'Level 4,' until August 4.According to Yonhap News Agency, the KDCA reported that 72 heat-related patients were recorded in over 500 emergency rooms nationwide on the previous day. No additional fatalities were reported, with a total of 1,781 heat-related illnesses and 13 deaths recorded from May 15 to July 31 this year.The impact of the heat wave is particularly concentrated in Gyeongnam. Until July 30, Seoul had a higher cumulative number of patients than Gyeongnam, but the rankings flipped in just one day. Currently, Gyeongnam has 161 cumulative patients (3 deaths), surpassing Seoul's 158 patients (2 deaths).Considering that Gyeongnam's population is approximately 3.19 million, about one-third of Seoul's 9.29 million, the scale of the impact relative to the population is assessed to be even more severe.The record heat continues, with Yangsan reaching 41.4 degrees Celsius on July 31, breaking the previous record, and then climbing to 41.6 degrees Celsius on August 1, setting a new high.By region, Gyeonggi Province has the highest number of cumulative patients at 372, followed by North Gyeongsang with 182, South Jeolla and Gwangju with 163, Gyeongnam with 161, and Seoul with 158. The total number of patients in the Gyeongsang region, combining North and South Gyeongsang, reaches 343.Among the patients, 77.7% are male, and 31.9% are aged 65 and older. The most common symptom is heat exhaustion, accounting for 61.0%, followed by heat stroke (16.5%), heat cramps (12.1%), and heat syncope (9.2%).The KDCA predicts that the highest risk level (Level 4), indicating 'significant damage expected,' will remain in effect for most regions until August 4 based on heat-related illness prediction information.The agency advises people to shower frequently, wear light and loose clothing, seek shade with umbrellas or hats, and drink water regularly, even if they do not feel thirsty during the heat wave. It also recommends avoiding alcohol and caffeinated beverages that can lead to dehydration, and if symptoms of heat-related illness occur, individuals should move to a cool place to lower their body temperature and seek medical treatment if necessary.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-01 17:00:00
  • Gunpo Mayor Emphasizes Uncompromising Commitment to Citizen Safety
    Gunpo Mayor Emphasizes Uncompromising Commitment to Citizen Safety Han Dae-hee, the mayor of Gunpo, emphasized on August 1 that "the safety of citizens is the top priority of the administration that cannot be compromised under any circumstances." On this day, Mayor Han conducted on-site safety inspections at key water play facilities in the city following a recent safety incident at a children's park. Rather than merely addressing facility improvements, the mayor personally checked the sites to reaffirm his commitment to prioritizing citizen safety. Mayor Han visited major outdoor water playgrounds to assess the safety conditions of the facilities and their management, instructing relevant officials to ensure thorough safety management. In particular, he meticulously examined the physical safety of the water play facilities, including checking for damage and the condition of slip-resistant surfaces. He also reviewed the deployment of safety personnel, their working conditions, crowd control measures during peak times, and the operation of emergency response protocols in case of unexpected situations like strong winds. This inspection went beyond simple facility checks, focusing on the overall emergency response system to ensure there are no safety blind spots. The inspections were prompted by an incident in which seven children were injured when an inflatable bounce house tilted at a children's park in Sanbon-dong. Immediately after the incident, Mayor Han ordered the complete closure of inflatable structures at local water play facilities and implemented urgent safety measures to eliminate potential hazards. As news of the mayor's inspections spread, residents expressed positive reactions, stating, "It’s reassuring to see the mayor personally checking safety after the incident, rather than just making a show of it," and "As a parent, it’s comforting to know that the mayor is directly overseeing the situation." Others noted, "Safety cannot be overemphasized, and it’s reassuring that the mayor is taking responsibility to ensure it." Mayor Han remarked, "Since an accident occurred in a space where children should be able to play safely, I wanted to personally check the site and address even the smallest risks." He added, "Just because some facilities have been closed does not mean we should let our guard down. I urge everyone to maintain a sense of responsibility and do their utmost to ensure that not a single safety incident occurs until the last day of the water playground's operation."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-01 17:00:00
  • Kwon Young-jin Declines to Resign Amid Controversy Over Committee Assignments
    Kwon Young-jin Declines to Resign Amid Controversy Over Committee Assignments Kwon Young-jin, a member of the ruling People Power Party, has stated that he will not voluntarily resign amid controversy surrounding his actions towards floor leader Jeong Jeom-sik regarding committee assignments.According to political sources on August 1, Kwon expressed his position in a text message sent to fellow party members.Previously, on July 23, Kwon protested after being assigned as the secretary of the Administrative Safety Committee against his wishes. He visited the floor leader's office, where he verbally attacked Jeong and grabbed him by the collar, sparking significant controversy.Following this incident, the party's leadership held a meeting on July 27, during which they advised Kwon to resign voluntarily. They warned that if he did not, disciplinary procedures would be initiated through the Central Ethics Committee. After Kwon showed no intention of resigning, the Ethics Committee began disciplinary proceedings against him on the same day.Kwon stated, "Despite my apology, the acceptance from the floor leader, and opposition from many members regarding my punishment, the Supreme Council led by Representative Jang Dong-hyuk recommended my resignation last Monday. The Ethics Committee has initiated disciplinary actions against me and two other members."He added, "Anyone who makes a mistake should take responsibility and receive appropriate disciplinary action. I have already stepped down from my positions as the chairman of the Daegu City Party and the secretary of the Administrative Safety Committee to take responsibility."Kwon reiterated that he has no intention of resigning voluntarily, stating, "If the Ethics Committee decides on a fair and appropriate punishment, I will accept it."However, during a closed-door party meeting on July 30, Kwon acknowledged, "What happened that day was an undeniable mistake on my part," and expressed his commitment to cooperate with the Ethics Committee's disciplinary process while awaiting the outcome calmly.Kwon entered politics in 1999 as a research fellow at the Yeouido Institute, the think tank of the People Power Party. He has served as a two-term member of the National Assembly and was the mayor of Daegu from 2014 to 2022.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-01 16:56:00
  • Mayor Kim Seong-je urges construction of Uiwang railway network for national housing policy success
    Mayor Kim Seong-je urges construction of Uiwang railway network for national housing policy success Mayor Kim Seong-je emphasized on July 31 that the construction of the Uiwang railway network is essential for the success of the national housing policy.During a meeting at the National Land Development Exhibition Center with Hong Ji-seon, the Second Vice Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, Mayor Kim requested active government support for key railway projects in Uiwang, including the extension of the Wirye-Gwacheon Line, the addition of a new station at Wolam Station on National Route 1, and the establishment of Wangok Station on the Dongtan-Indeokwon Line.Mayor Kim is actively advocating for the inclusion of Uiwang's key railway projects in the national plan, focusing on the construction of a southern metropolitan railway network.He specifically noted that the extension of the Wirye-Gwacheon Line is a crucial route directly linked to the government's housing supply policy, which includes the three new cities of Uiwang, Gunpo, and Ansan, and stressed the need for its inclusion in the fifth national railway network construction plan.He added, "The Dongtan-Indeokwon Line and GTX-C will serve as a central axis in completing the southern metropolitan railway network."Furthermore, he explained that the addition of a new station at Wolam Station is necessary to meet the transportation demand arising from the development of the Wolam Public Housing District and to enhance residents' transportation convenience. The establishment of Wangok Station is also essential to address the regional transport demand resulting from large-scale developments such as the Ojeon Wangok Public Housing District.Additionally, the undergroundization of Uiwang Station and the mixed-use development project aim to connect the city center, which is currently cut off by railways, and to transform the railway site into a future-oriented urban space. He requested government support for the comprehensive plan to integrate the underground development of surface railways.Mayor Kim Seong-je stated, "To successfully implement the national housing supply projects, including the Uiwang-Gunpo-Ansang three new cities, a dense railway transport network must be established. The railway projects in Uiwang are not just local issues; they are essential infrastructure for the future competitiveness of the southern metropolitan area and the success of the national housing policy."In response, Hong Ji-seon stated, "We are in discussions with relevant agencies to expand the railway network in connection with national development projects and will closely examine the proposed projects from Uiwang, including the extension of the Wirye-Gwacheon Line."There is growing anticipation in the local community regarding this proposal. Residents believe that as large-scale development projects such as the Uiwang-Gunpo-Ansang three new cities and the Cheonggye 2, Gocheon, Chopyeong, Wolam, and Ojeon Wangok districts gain momentum, the expansion of railway infrastructure is not an option but a necessity.Some residents expressed, "The transport network must be developed alongside the new city to ensure that citizens can feel the benefits of the development," and added, "If the extension of the Wirye-Gwacheon Line and the establishment of Wangok and Wolam stations proceed, we expect significant improvements in commuting conditions and regional accessibility." 2026-08-01 16:36:00
  • Democratic Party Candidates Clash in Joint Speech in Chungbuk
    Democratic Party Candidates Clash in Joint Speech in Chungbuk The Democratic Party is set to hold its national convention on the 17th, as candidate Jung Cheong-rae stated on the 1st, "Just as voting is one person, one vote, I hope our competition and struggle can be one-on-one as well." However, candidates Kim Min-seok and Song Young-gil continued to direct pointed remarks at Jung.During a joint speech for the election of the party leader and supreme council members at the CJB Media Center in Cheongju, Jung remarked, "Even if I am beaten two-to-one or three-to-one, I have come this far with party members who protect and support me."He added, "I have faced all kinds of attacks and oppression to get here, and I will not engage in negative campaigning or slander my opponents. In this TV debate, I did not expose my opponents' weaknesses to attack them."As the upcoming convention intensifies factional conflicts between the pro-Jung and pro-Lee factions, Jung urged fair competition with Kim and Song, who are seen as aligned with Lee. Nevertheless, Kim and Song continued their criticisms of Jung.Kim stated, "I was confident that if the results of the June 3 local elections were 15-to-1, it would mark the beginning of a golden era for the Lee Jae-myung government. Both President Lee and I desperately wished for victory. However, after the election results, President Lee apologized, saying, 'We failed to win where we needed to win. I am sorry for the election results.'"He emphasized, "While there can be various analyses of the election results, at the very least, if you are a comrade who shares the same aspirations as President Lee, there should be a consensus on how desperately he and the government wanted victory and how the results brought us pain and disappointment."Additionally, he raised his voice, questioning, "If the definition of 'anti-Lee' is divisive, then who was the first to create the division within the ABC?" This was a rebuttal to Jung's claim that those who shout 'anti-Lee' are the true anti-Lee.Song also targeted Jung, stating, "The Democratic Party is not a party that allows re-election except in special cases. President Lee's re-election was a desperate measure to protect the party's future presidential candidates amid the prosecution's oppression under the Yoon Seok-yeol administration." He further asserted, "I did not engage in self-serving politics. I will exercise my right to self-defense against those attacking the Lee Jae-myung administration and will strive for victory in the general elections and the restoration of power in 2030."Meanwhile, the Democratic Party held a joint speech in Chungnam earlier in the day and plans to conduct similar events in Daejeon and Sejong in the afternoon. The results of the voting by party members from Chungnam, Chungbuk, Daejeon, and Sejong will be announced around 7 p.m. This initial announcement of the results from the joint election is expected to serve as a barometer for the upcoming national convention on the 17th. 2026-08-01 16:00:00
  • Chinas Defense Minister Warns Against Taiwan Independence and Foreign Interference
    China's Defense Minister Warns Against Taiwan Independence and Foreign Interference On August 1, China's Defense Minister Li Shangfu issued a strong warning against attempts at Taiwan independence and foreign military intervention during a speech marking the 99th anniversary of the People's Liberation Army.According to state-run Xinhua News Agency, Li stated during a reception in Beijing that he would fulfill the "sacred mission" of safeguarding national sovereignty, security, and development interests. He emphasized, "We will resolutely thwart any attempts at Taiwan independence and external military intervention in any form."Li also called for greater unity around the Party Central Committee, led by Xi Jinping, to advance military modernization to a higher level. He added, "We will comprehensively enhance our combat capabilities to be ready for battle at any time."In discussing China's role in the international community, he stressed the importance of cooperating with like-minded forces to jointly respond to actions that threaten regional peace and stability.Li's remarks come amid heightened geopolitical tensions surrounding the Taiwan Strait. Following the election of pro-independence President Lai Ching-te in Taiwan, relations with China have become increasingly strained. China has intensified military pressure through blockade drills and displays of military aircraft and naval vessels around Taiwan.As the United States expands arms sales to Taiwan and continues freedom of navigation operations in the Taiwan Strait, China views these actions as direct infringements on its core interests.Li's statements are interpreted as a strong warning to both Taiwan's internal independence factions and Western powers, including the United States, against crossing military red lines.With the People's Liberation Army approaching its 100th anniversary next year, it is expected to accelerate its military modernization while maintaining a hardline stance on the Taiwan issue, suggesting that tensions between the two sides will persist.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-01 15:48:00