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  • 2026 Cat Fair Summer draws cat lovers to Seoul
    2026 Cat Fair Summer draws cat lovers to Seoul Visitors browse cat products at the '2026 Ganatgimo Cat Fair Summer' held at SETEC in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, July 31, 2026. 2026-07-31 20:21:14
  • 2026 Cat Fair Summer draws cat lovers to Seoul
    2026 Cat Fair Summer draws cat lovers to Seoul Visitors take a 'Cat Expert' certification quiz testing their knowledge of cats at the '2026 Ganatgimo Cat Fair Summer' held at SETEC in Seoul, July 31, 2026. 2026-07-31 20:20:19
  • Water trucks cool down roads amid heat wave
    Water trucks cool down roads amid heat wave A water truck sprays a road in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, as daytime highs reach 34 degrees Celsius amid an ongoing heat wave, July 31, 2026. 2026-07-31 20:19:20
  • Moon Welcomes Passage of Prosecutorial Reform Bill in National Assembly
    Moon Welcomes Passage of Prosecutorial Reform Bill in National Assembly Moon Jae-in, the former president of South Korea, expressed his support on July 31 for the National Assembly's approval of a bill that completely abolishes prosecutors' direct investigative powers. He stated, "I welcome the passage of the prosecutorial reform bill that fully separates investigative and prosecutorial powers, alongside the people."According to Yonhap News Agency, Moon made these remarks in a post on Facebook, congratulating and thanking the government and ruling party for their dedication and efforts in maintaining the right direction despite various challenges.He noted, "The Moon Jae-in administration worked hard to lay the groundwork for prosecutorial reform through adjustments in investigative powers between the police and prosecutors, but I regret that we could not see the final outcome." He added, "I am relieved and deeply moved that the reforms we could not fully achieve have now been completed."Moon urged the government to thoroughly prepare for the implementation of the reform legislation, emphasizing the need to ensure that citizens' rights are not infringed upon and that there is no decline in the country's investigative capabilities during the reform process.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-31 20:16:00
  • Koreas powerful prosecution loses core powers
    Korea's powerful prosecution loses core powers SEOUL, July 31 (AJP) -South Korea's once-powerful prosecution, long regarded as one of the country's most influential institutions, will effectively cease to exist in its current form after parliament approved legislation stripping prosecutors of all investigative authority and replacing the century-old model with separate agencies for investigation and prosecution. The ruling-majority National Assembly on Friday passed amendments to the Criminal Procedure Act that complete the separation of investigation and prosecution — the centerpiece of President Lee Jae Myung's long-promised judicial reform agenda. The legislation marks the most sweeping overhaul of South Korea's criminal justice system since the Criminal Procedure Act was enacted in 1954. Once the law takes effect, prosecutors will no longer investigate crimes directly. All criminal investigations — from crimes detected by authorities to complaints and accusations filed by citizens — will be handled exclusively by the police. Prosecutors will retain only the authority to review cases, file indictments and request supplementary investigations by judicial police. The move ends decades in which Korean prosecutors exercised both investigative and prosecutorial powers. Under separate legislation already approved by parliament, the Supreme Prosecutors' Office and regional prosecutors' offices will be abolished on Oct. 2, nearly 78 years after the prosecution service was established in 1948. They will be replaced by two new agencies: the Public Prosecution Service, responsible solely for indictments and courtroom prosecutions, and the Serious Crimes Investigation Office, which will investigate six categories of major crimes, including corruption, economic offenses, defense procurement fraud, narcotics, insurrection and foreign-exchange crimes, and cybercrime. The Criminal Procedure Act revision passed in a 175-2 vote, with one abstention, after the ruling party ended a filibuster mounted by the main opposition People Power Party. Acting Prosecutor General Koo Ja-hyeon resigned shortly after the vote, saying he accepted responsibility for the dismantling of the prosecution's investigative authority. "I have just submitted my resignation to take responsibility for the revision of the Criminal Procedure Act," Koo told reporters outside the Supreme Prosecutors' Office. The opposition denounced the legislation as politically motivated, urging President Lee to veto the bill. People Power Party floor leader Jeong Jeom-sig argued that provisions easing requirements for dismissing indictments could benefit Lee, whose criminal trials remain suspended while in office. The presidential office, however, said it respected parliament's decision and pledged to ensure the reforms are implemented smoothly. The legislation represents the culmination of years of political conflict over prosecutorial reform. Successive progressive governments have argued that separating investigation from prosecution would strengthen checks and balances and reduce prosecutorial abuse of power. The transition, however, remains fraught with uncertainty. The new Serious Crimes Investigation Office has yet to finalize its organizational structure, staffing rules or operational framework before its scheduled October launch. The government plans to establish detailed regulations next month and begin recruiting investigators in September, with the agency expected to employ between 2,000 and 3,000 personnel. 2026-07-31 20:15:51
  • Gwacheon City Council Discusses Data Center Development and Community Safety
    Gwacheon City Council Discusses Data Center Development and Community Safety On July 31, the Gwacheon City Council reviewed key issues related to the development of a data center in the Juam District, prioritizing resident safety and public interest in their discussions. According to the council, city officials and council members gathered at the council's café to share updates on the data center project and explore future responses. During the meeting, a wide range of opinions raised during the data center's development process were discussed, including the need for ordinance revisions, administrative procedures, and measures to ensure resident safety. The council emphasized that ensuring citizen safety, quality of life, and public interest are their top priorities during the development process. They plan to carefully review the situation based on objective facts and relevant laws while continuously listening to diverse citizen opinions to formulate reasonable alternatives. Recently, there has been a variety of opinions within the community regarding the data center project in the Juam District. Some residents have expressed concerns about safety and the impact on their living environment due to the facility's proximity to residential areas, demanding transparency and community input. Conversely, others argue that the necessity of the project and its potential benefits for local development should be evaluated based on legal procedures and objective verification. Chairperson Hwang Sun-hee stated, "The issues surrounding the Juam District are of utmost importance regarding citizen safety, living conditions, and public interest. The city council will carefully review the situation based on objective facts and relevant laws, and we will do our best to reflect the diverse opinions of citizens in formulating reasonable alternatives." The council plans to continue discussions and assessments to ensure that various resident voices are balanced and that decision-making remains trustworthy for the community. 2026-07-31 20:00:00
  • SK Siltron joins Doosan in $1.65 billion buyout
    SK Siltron joins Doosan in $1.65 billion buyout SEOUL, July 31 (AJP) -South Korea's Doosan Group will acquire a controlling stake in SK Siltron, the world's third-largest silicon wafer manufacturer, in a deal that reshapes the country's semiconductor supply chain while providing SK Group with fresh capital to accelerate its artificial intelligence (AI) push. SK Inc. approved the sale at a board meeting on Friday, agreeing to sell its combined 70.6 percent stake in unlisted SK Siltron for about 2.3 trillion won ($1.65 billion). The transaction values the wafer maker at the mid-5 trillion won range, making it one of the largest semiconductor acquisitions in South Korea in recent years. SK shares ended Friday 19 percent up at 557,000 won while those of Doosan Corp. closed at 30-percent daily limit at 1,170,000 won, although the deal was announced after the market closed. The sale covers SK Inc.'s direct 51 percent stake and another 19.6 percent held through a total return swap (TRS) arrangement. An earn-out clause was included, allowing SK to receive additional payments if SK Siltron exceeds agreed financial targets after the acquisition. The remaining 29.4 percent stake, owned personally by SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won, was not included in the board resolution but is expected to be acquired separately by Doosan. The companies delayed the transaction for more than seven months after Doosan was selected as the preferred bidder last December, as the AI-driven semiconductor boom significantly increased SK Siltron's valuation. Rather than renegotiating the purchase price, the two sides bridged the valuation gap through the earn-out arrangement. SK Siltron generated 2.06 trillion won in revenue and 193.1 billion won in operating profit last year. The acquisition marks a strategic milestone for Doosan as it assembles a more comprehensive semiconductor portfolio spanning upstream materials and downstream testing. Doosan's Electronics Business Group already manufactures copper clad laminate (CCL), a key substrate material used in printed circuit boards for AI accelerators such as Nvidia's Blackwell chips. Affiliate Doosan Tesna is South Korea's leading wafer testing company. Adding SK Siltron gives Doosan control over one of the semiconductor industry's most critical upstream materials — silicon wafers — completing a value chain that stretches from wafer production and electronic materials to semiconductor testing. The acquisition also advances Chairman Park Jeong-won's strategy of transforming Doosan from a heavy-industry conglomerate into a technology-focused group centered on semiconductors, AI, robotics and small modular reactors. SK Siltron is South Korea's only dedicated silicon wafer producer and ranks third globally in the 300-millimeter wafer market behind Japan's Shin-Etsu Chemical and SUMCO. Its customers include Samsung Electronics and Intel. Industry observers believe SK Siltron could broaden its customer base under Doosan, as its previous affiliation with SK Group — parent of memory giant SK hynix — had limited opportunities with some competing chipmakers. Doosan expects the silicon wafer business to grow at an average annual rate of about 7 percent and has set a revenue target of around 3 trillion won by 2031. The deal will require significant financing, with Doosan expected to combine internal cash, bank borrowings and asset monetization to fund what is expected to be the group's largest acquisition. For SK Group, the sale represents another major step in its multiyear portfolio rebalancing program, under which it has been divesting non-core assets to strengthen its balance sheet and concentrate resources on AI, semiconductors, cloud infrastructure and data centers. SK said the proceeds will be used to improve financial stability while funding future growth businesses, particularly its AI full-stack strategy. Following the signing of the share purchase agreement, the transaction will require regulatory clearance, including merger approval from the Fair Trade Commission and government approval related to national core technologies, as SK Siltron's advanced 300mm crystal-growth technology is designated as a strategic national technology. If completed, SK Siltron will leave the SK Group about nine years after joining the conglomerate in 2017 and begin a new chapter under Doosan's semiconductor platform. 2026-07-31 19:54:09
  • Bank of Japan Holds Interest Rate at 1%, Raises Economic Growth Forecast to 0.6%
    Bank of Japan Holds Interest Rate at 1%, Raises Economic Growth Forecast to 0.6% The Bank of Japan has maintained its short-term policy interest rate at approximately 1%.According to reports from Yonhap News, citing the Nihon Keizai Shimbun and Kyodo News, the Bank of Japan decided to keep the interest rate unchanged during a monetary policy meeting held over two days, concluding on July 30, with a majority of policy board members in favor of the decision.Among the nine policy board members, only one, Takata Hajime, opposed the freeze, suggesting an increase of 0.25 percentage points.Last month, the Bank of Japan raised the interest rate from approximately 0.75% to 1% to reflect concerns over instability in the Middle East and inflationary pressures. This marks the highest level for Japan's interest rate since September 1995.Market analysts had anticipated the interest rate freeze this month. Reports indicate that the impact of Middle Eastern instability on the Japanese economy is less severe than previously expected in April, while demand related to artificial intelligence (AI) is projected to significantly boost the economy.However, the Bank of Japan is closely monitoring the effects of the stalled ceasefire agreement between the U.S. and Iran, as well as the recent earthquake in Kumamoto Prefecture on July 28.Additionally, expectations of further interest rate hikes by the U.S. Federal Reserve are likely to prevent a narrowing of the interest rate gap between the U.S. and Japan, contributing to downward pressure on the yen.In its 'Economic and Price Outlook' report released today, the Bank of Japan revised its forecast for real GDP growth in the fiscal year 2026 from 0.5% to 0.6%. The GDP growth forecast for 2027 was also raised by 0.1 percentage points to 0.8%.Excluding fresh food, the inflation forecast for 2026 was adjusted down by 0.3 percentage points to 2.5%, while the inflation forecast for 2027 was raised by 0.1 percentage points to 2.4%.The Bank of Japan warned in the report that the underlying inflation rate poses a risk of exceeding the 2% price stability target.During a press conference in the afternoon, Governor Kazuo Ueda stated, "There is a risk that the underlying inflation rate will exceed the 2% price stability target," adding that the bank will continue to consider interest rate hikes to ensure price stability.He also reiterated that structural factors make it likely for core prices, excluding temporary and sharp fluctuations, to continue rising.Ueda emphasized the need to be more aware of inflation risks than ever, noting that companies are actively pursuing wage and price increases, and that medium- to long-term inflation expectations are on the rise.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-31 19:48:00
  • Death Toll from Kumamoto Earthquake Rises to 35 Amid Heat and Water Shortages
    Death Toll from Kumamoto Earthquake Rises to 35 Amid Heat and Water Shortages As of July 31, four days after the earthquake in Kumamoto, Japan, the death toll has risen to 35, with survivors facing the dual challenges of heat and water shortages.According to reports from Yonhap News Agency, citing Kyodo News and NHK, Kumamoto Prefecture has confirmed that 35 people have died as a result of the earthquake, including one individual whose death is under investigation for a direct link to the quake. This marks an increase of one from the previous day.Among the deceased, seven were killed in a major explosion at the Aeon Mall Kumamoto, while nine died in a chimney collapse at the Yatsushiro Nippon Paper Industries factory.As of 3 p.m. on July 31, there are 9,134 evacuees staying in 374 shelters across Kumamoto Prefecture. Additionally, 1,590 households are without electricity, and over 79,000 households are experiencing water outages. Damage has been confirmed to 1,500 homes so far.The ongoing heat wave, with temperatures exceeding 95 degrees Fahrenheit, has led to a rise in heat-related illnesses. Local fire authorities reported that 42 residents were transported to hospitals for heatstroke in the two days following the earthquake, starting from July 29. The actual number may be higher as some areas have not yet completed their reports. In a shelter near the epicenter in Hikawacho, an elderly man was reported to have been taken to the hospital with suspected heatstroke symptoms.The Japanese Ministry of the Environment and the Meteorological Agency have issued a heatstroke warning for Kumamoto Prefecture.Aftershocks continue to occur. Since the 7.1 magnitude earthquake on July 28, there have been approximately 300 aftershocks registering at magnitude 1 or higher as of 3 p.m. on July 31.The industrial impact is also significant, with operations at automotive and semiconductor plants in Kumamoto being suspended. Toyota has announced that it will extend the shutdown of three factories in Fukuoka Prefecture until the early hours of August 5. Nissan and Daihatsu have also extended their shutdown schedules until August 5.Sony Group's semiconductor subsidiary, Sony Semiconductor Solutions, plans to gradually restart operations at its Kikuyo plant in Kumamoto Prefecture on August 4, aiming to return to pre-earthquake production levels by mid-August.Meanwhile, the Kyushu Shinkansen line, which had been suspended due to the earthquake, resumed operations on the section between Chikugo City in Fukuoka Prefecture and Kumamoto on July 31.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-31 19:24:20
  • Muan Countys Evolving Health Policies Focus on Prevention and Care
    Muan County's Evolving Health Policies Focus on Prevention and Care Muan County in South Jeolla Province is transforming its health policies.Previously focused on disease detection and treatment, the county is now expanding its approach to include health risk assessments before illness, rehabilitation after disease, and preparations for end-of-life care.This shift is driven by rapid aging; in 2021, the proportion of residents aged 65 and older surpassed 20.3%, marking the county's entry into a super-aged society. The increasing number of elderly individuals and single-person households, along with rising chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes, has made it difficult to address local health issues with a treatment-centered healthcare model alone.For instance, the rate of hypertension diagnosis among residents aged 70 and older is 60.1%, significantly higher than the overall average of 28.7%. Similarly, the diabetes diagnosis rate stands at 29.6%, compared to the overall average of 15.7%.The focus has shifted from merely living longer to maintaining a healthy daily life, which has become a key issue for local health policy.In response, Muan County is strengthening an integrated health management system that connects frailty prevention, chronic disease management, disability rehabilitation, cancer patient support, and well-dying initiatives. This approach aims to enable residents to maintain a healthy life in familiar surroundings.Integrating Digital Technology into Home Health Visits for Early Health Risk DetectionAt the heart of Muan County's health policy changes is the 'ICT Integrated Home Health Management Project.'Previously, home health management involved nurses and therapists visiting the homes of seniors aged 65 and older to assess their health and provide tailored services. However, the limited workforce and the vast area they cover made it challenging to meet the growing demand for health management.To address this, Muan County has introduced an ICT integrated home health management system that combines traditional home visits with AI and IoT-based health management for seniors.This system evaluates frailty and digital literacy during home visits and, if necessary, connects residents with health monitoring devices like blood pressure monitors and activity trackers, empowering them to manage their health independently. This dual approach of in-person and remote health management enhances service sustainability and efficiency.This initiative aligns with the government's integrated support for community care and frailty prevention, marking a significant shift towards a preventive system that identifies health risks early to prevent frailty and chronic disease progression.As of June 2026, the Muan County Health Center is managing 1,715 residents through the ICT integrated home health management project, while also providing on-site services to check blood pressure, blood sugar, and overall health at senior centers and villages.Building on these achievements, Muan County was recognized as an excellent institution in the home health management sector of the integrated health promotion project strategy in 2025, receiving commendation from the Minister of Health and Welfare.Preventing Hypertension and Diabetes Starts with Knowing Your 'Vascular Numbers'Preventing cardiovascular diseases is also a major focus of Muan County's health policy.Cardiovascular diseases are leading causes of death in South Korea, with Muan County reporting a heart disease mortality rate of 75.5 per 100,000 people and a cerebrovascular disease rate of 50.4, ranking high after cancer, pneumonia, and frailty.However, the risk of cardiovascular diseases is no longer confined to the elderly. Factors such as Westernized diets, lack of exercise, obesity, and stress are contributing to rising rates of hypertension and diabetes among younger populations.According to the 2024 National Health and Nutrition Survey, the prevalence of hypertension increased by 0.9 percentage points among those aged 19-29, 1.8 points among those aged 30-39, and 2.7 points among those aged 40-49 compared to 2014. Similarly, diabetes prevalence rose by 0.9 points among those aged 19-29 and 2.0 points among those aged 30-39.Hypertension and diabetes can be effectively prevented or managed through regular monitoring of blood pressure and blood sugar, along with improvements in diet and exercise habits. Knowing one's blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels is the first step in preventing cardiovascular diseases.To promote this awareness, the Muan County Health Center operates the 'Know Your Vascular Numbers' campaign and health promotion booths at local festivals, universities, workplaces, and community centers.In collaboration with Mokpo National University, the county supports the formation and practice of healthy habits among young people through the '2030 Cardiovascular Disease Prevention and Management Program.'In 2025, 4,032 residents participated in the campaign at 16 locations, and in the first half of 2026, over 1,000 people checked their blood pressure and blood sugar at three locations.This shift from seeking treatment only when health issues arise to fostering a culture of prevention, where residents actively monitor their health metrics and change their lifestyles, is gradually taking root in the community.Connecting Disability Health Management to the Community Beyond Medical InstitutionsCommunity-centered rehabilitation programs supporting the health and rehabilitation of individuals with disabilities are also being strengthened.According to data from the National Rehabilitation Center, the rate of general health checkups among people with disabilities is 12% lower than that of non-disabled individuals, and the cancer screening rate is 12.2% lower. However, the prevalence of chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity is relatively high among this group.Individuals with disabilities often face challenges in accessing appropriate screenings and health management due to mobility issues and difficulties in reaching medical facilities, increasing the likelihood of worsening conditions or additional health problems.The Muan County Health Center is managing 293 registered individuals with disabilities, providing home visits, rehabilitation exercises, post-discharge consultations, and connections to medical and welfare resources, as well as rehabilitation programs.This support ensures that individuals with disabilities can continue their rehabilitation after returning home or preparing for discharge from medical facilities, facilitating their adaptation to daily life and social participation.Importantly, the health center collaborates with disability welfare centers, the county's social welfare department, local universities, and medical institutions to operate a community rehabilitation council that shares resources and information among participating organizations.This collaboration lays the foundation for a community rehabilitation system that supports not only the health management of individuals with disabilities but also their independent living and reintegration into society.The Muan County Health Center received recognition for these efforts, winning a commendation from the Minister of Health and Welfare at the '2026 Disability Health and Welfare Integration Performance Conference.'From Cancer Screening to Recovery in Daily LifeCancer has long been the leading cause of death in South Korea. However, as of 2024, the cancer screening rate is around 60%, indicating that about four out of ten adults have not undergone screening in the past two years.Early detection is crucial for cancer, as it significantly increases the chances of successful treatment and survival, making regular screenings essential.The Muan County Health Center provides guidance on national cancer screenings for the six major cancers, including stomach, liver, colorectal, breast, cervical, and lung cancers, and offers financial support for screening costs.To enhance access to treatment for low-income cancer patients facing financial difficulties, the county provides medical expense support.Health management continues for cancer patients returning to the community after treatment. Support programs, including self-help meetings and craft activities, are offered to help cancer survivors achieve emotional stability and social support.As of May 2026, 2,733 residents of Muan County have participated in national cancer screenings, and medical expenses have been supported for 17 low-income cancer patients.The cancer management system is expanding beyond early detection to include screenings, treatment, financial support, and health management for home-based cancer patients, facilitating their return to daily life.Well-Dying: Preparing for the End of LifeWith the entry into a super-aged society, there is growing interest in how to prepare for the end of life.The culture of 'well-dying,' which emphasizes respecting individual values and choices in end-of-life care, is gaining traction, moving beyond mere life extension.The Muan County Health Center promotes the well-dying culture by providing guidance on advance directives and how to prepare advance medical directives.Residents receive counseling and education to help them make informed decisions about end-of-life treatment and care.As of June 2026, 3,625 residents in Muan County have registered advance medical directives. In 2025, well-dying education was conducted for 293 individuals across seven institutions, and in the first half of 2026, 94 individuals received training at three institutions.The well-dying initiative is viewed not merely as education for preparing for death but as a health policy centered on self-determination, helping individuals maintain dignity and make their own choices until the end of their lives.The Power of Living Healthily in the CommunityMuan County's local health initiatives are evolving beyond the limited roles of disease treatment and medical expense support.The focus is now on early detection of frailty, prevention of chronic diseases, support for rehabilitation and reintegration of individuals with disabilities, and accompanying cancer patients through treatment and into dignified end-of-life care.In a super-aged society, the role of local health services cannot be confined to connecting sick residents with treatment facilities.The new standard for local health policy is to enable residents to manage their health where they live, receiving medical, rehabilitation, and care support as needed while maintaining dignity until the end of their lives.Muan County plans to continue expanding preventive services that combine home health management with digital technology and strengthen connections among medical, welfare, and rehabilitation institutions to enhance a resident-centered integrated health management system.Lee Haeng-sook, head of the Muan County Health Promotion Division, stated, “In the future, local health initiatives must develop into a system that organically connects disease treatment with prevention, health management, rehabilitation, and care. We will continuously strengthen tailored health management services throughout the life cycle so that every resident can lead a healthy and dignified life in their community.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-31 19:16:00