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  • Hite Jinro Continues 15-Year Tradition of Holiday Giving, Supporting 800 Vulnerable Individuals
    Hite Jinro Continues 15-Year Tradition of Holiday Giving, Supporting 800 Vulnerable Individuals Hite Jinro has continued its 15-year tradition of holiday giving by providing daily necessities and fruit to 800 young people preparing for independence and residents of goshiwons in celebration of Chuseok.On September 16, Hite Jinro and Hite Jinro Holdings announced that they conducted their Chuseok giving activities targeting young people preparing for independence nationwide and residents of goshiwons in Seoul.On September 8, a delivery ceremony for the '2026 Chuseok Support Package for Young People Preparing for Independence' was held at Hite Jinro's headquarters in Seocho, attended by Kim Min-young, Senior Team Leader of Hite Jinro Holdings, and Kim Ji-ye, Team Leader of the Green Umbrella Foundation.The support package was created to alleviate the living burdens of young people preparing for independence, who must take responsibility for their housing and livelihood after leaving care. It includes daily necessities such as shampoo, skin care products, and lotion, as well as meal containers and Bluetooth earphones, totaling approximately 30 million won. The packages will be distributed sequentially to 300 young people preparing for independence nationwide before the holiday.For residents of goshiwons in Seoul, Hite Jinro provided 'Vitamin Packages' containing fruit in celebration of Chuseok. On September 15, premium apples and pears were delivered to 500 residents through five warming centers located at Seoul Station, Yeongdeungpo, Changsin-dong, Namdaemun, and Donui-dong.The Vitamin Packages are part of Hite Jinro's monthly social contribution activities aimed at supporting healthy eating habits among goshiwon residents. This time, the items were specially selected to include apples and pears in consideration of the holiday.A representative from Hite Jinro stated, "We hope that our efforts will help ensure that no one feels lonely during the Chuseok holiday. We will continue our social contribution activities to provide practical support to neighbors in need."Since 2012, Hite Jinro has been conducting holiday giving activities to support neighbors who cannot spend the holidays with their families.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-16 14:12:00
  • 600-Year-Old Haemi Fortress to Host Time Portal Festival on Hangeul Day
    600-Year-Old Haemi Fortress to Host 'Time Portal' Festival on Hangeul Day Haemi Fortress in Seosan, South Chungcheong Province, will transport visitors back to the time of the Joseon Dynasty over 600 years ago. Upon entering the fortress, attendees will receive a 'hopa' on their smartphones, allowing them to participate in archery and historical exams. At night, the fortress walls and sky will come alive with light and video displays showcasing its history.On September 16, Seosan City and the Seosan Cultural Foundation held a press conference at a restaurant in Gwanghwamun, Seoul, announcing that the 23rd Seosan Haemi Fortress Festival will take place from October 9 to 11. This year's theme is 'HAEMI UNIVERSE 1421, the Time Portal Opens,' marking the year Haemi Fortress was completed.This year's festival shifts from 'viewing history' to 'experiencing history.' The entire Haemi Fortress will be transformed into an immersive historical space, weaving together various programs into a single narrative.◆ King Taejong's Military Training as Central NarrativeThe story begins in 1416 with King Taejong's military training, known as 'Gangmu.' To prepare for potential invasions by Japanese pirates, he commanded large-scale military drills in the Dobisan and Haemi areas of Chungcheong Province. A young Prince Chungnyeong, who would later become King Sejong, also participated. Haemi Fortress was completed five years later, in 1421.This year, the reenactment of King Taejong's military procession, which has been a part of past festivals, will take center stage. The event will evolve from a simple parade to a performance that narrates the journey of Taejong and Prince Chungnyeong, culminating in the construction of Haemi Fortress.Festival director Lee Jeong-min stated, 'Haemi Fortress is not just an administrative center but the frontline built to protect the nation. The historical fact that a strong defense enabled a peaceful era has been revived as a grand narrative of the festival, highlighting the moment when two giants, Taejong and Sejong, met.'Visitors will not just be spectators. By scanning a QR code at the entrance, their smartphones will transform into a 'hopa' from 1421. They can then explore the fortress and participate in military and civil service exams. Successful candidates will receive a red certificate, and the top scorer will be named 'Daily Governor of Haemi.'◆ 23 Cities Illuminate the Fortress Walls; 1,000 Drones in the Night SkyThe 600-year-old fortress walls will also serve as a stage for the festival. Haemi Fortress features 'gakjasungseok' (inscribed stones) that show the participation of various cities, including Gongju, Cheongju, and Cheonan, in its construction.During the opening ceremony, a modern interpretation of 'gakjasungseok: 23 Cities Build the Fortress with Light' will be presented. Large lanterns representing the 23 cities and counties of Chungcheong Province will be lit, connecting the history of their joint construction to today's regional solidarity.Im Jin-beon, head of the Seosan Cultural Foundation, explained, 'Last year's festival highlighted traditional craftsmanship, while this year we broaden the scope to include the historical consciousness of solidarity and self-defense in Chungcheong Province. We will honor the unity of the 23 cities that inscribed their names on the fortress walls by lighting the lanterns during the opening ceremony.'In the night sky, a fleet of 1,000 drones will take flight. The drone light show will occur five times over the three days, depicting ten scenes, including the soaring golden eagle, the completion of Haemi Fortress in 1421, the Chungcheong Provincial Military Command, and the military procession of King Taejong.A 'Path of Light' will connect the main axis from Jin-nam Gate to the Eastern Hall, integrating light, video, and drones to transform the nighttime scenery within the fortress.The historical significance of Haemi as a military stronghold will also resonate with contemporary themes. Outside the fortress, a 'Haemi Defense Road' will feature one-third scale models of the intercept missiles 'Cheongung' and 'Shingung,' along with Air Force tactical vehicles and drone simulators. This program connects the historical site of the provincial military command during the Joseon Dynasty with modern defense technology.◆ 600 Years of History on Eight Plates; Black Eagles and Live MusicalsThe history will also be reflected on the dining table. On October 10, a limited paid program titled 'Haemi Feast on Eight Plates' will be held at the Eastern Hall and Inner Hall, limited to 60 participants.Instead of a typical course meal, the history of Haemi over 600 years will be divided into eight scenes, from King Taejong's military training to the 'Return of the Golden Eagle,' each served on a separate plate.Chefs Kim Seong-woon from Table Popo and Kim Ji-young from Korean restaurant Gyuban will participate, utilizing local ingredients such as rice from Seosan's reclaimed land, six-clove garlic, and Korean beef, paired with Haemi strawberry sparkling, wild chrysanthemum wine, and ginger liquor.The performance schedule will continue over the three days. On October 9, the festival will kick off with a drone show featuring 1,000 drones and a celebratory performance by Jang Yoon-jung. On October 10, the Air Force's Black Eagles aerobatic team will perform, along with 'Haemi the Classic' and a taekwondo martial arts performance. The final day, October 11, will feature a large-scale live musical 'Become the Moon' against the backdrop of Cheongheojeong Hill and the concluding drone light show.The Seosan Haemi Fortress Festival was selected as a 'Local 100' by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in 2023 and has been recognized as a top festival in Chungcheong Province for 2024 and 2025.Seosan Mayor Lee Wan-seop stated, 'Through this festival, we aim to elevate it to a global representative K-festival that merges tradition, the present, and the future.'* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-16 14:12:00
  • President Lee Calls for 30 Years of Cooperation with Central Asia
    President Lee Calls for 30 Years of Cooperation with Central Asia President Lee Jae-myung stated that South Korea and Central Asia should prepare for the next 30 years based on the cooperation established over the past three decades.During his opening remarks at the first Korea-Central Asia Summit held at a hotel in Seoul, President Lee noted, "It is a significant day as the leaders of South Korea and the five Central Asian countries gather in one place for the first time."All five Central Asian leaders from Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan attended the summit, marking the first multilateral meeting between South Korea and Central Asian nations.President Lee identified supply chains, energy, markets, and technology as key areas for cooperation during the summit.He emphasized, "Today’s world is experiencing a major transformation where economics and security are closely interconnected across supply chains, energy, markets, and technology. The 'Silk Road spirit' of Central Asia, which connected the people, technology, and cultures of the East and West, is more essential than ever."He specifically mentioned the Korean diaspora in Central Asia as a symbol of the historical ties between the regions. "Over 90 years ago, our Korean compatriots settled in Central Asia, serving as a strong bridge connecting Korea and Central Asia," he said. "Based on this long historical relationship, South Korea and the five Central Asian countries have built a broad partnership of trust across trade, investment, industry, infrastructure, education, and culture."President Lee also highlighted the need for complementary cooperation, stating, "The strengths of South Korea and Central Asia present infinite opportunities to solve our respective challenges together."He proposed that existing bilateral cooperation should evolve into regional cooperation encompassing all of Central Asia. "I am confident that when our cooperation expands beyond individual countries to a regional level, we can accelerate our shared future of prosperity," he said, expressing hope that their meeting would serve as an important milestone for a new leap forward.Additionally, this summit elevated the Korea-Central Asia Cooperation Forum, which was launched in 2007, to a high-level dialogue platform. The government aims to pursue tailored bilateral cooperation with each country in areas such as critical minerals, energy, and transportation infrastructure, while also expanding regional cooperation in fields like logistics, climate change, AI, digital technology, and talent development, where collective efforts yield greater results.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-16 14:12:00
  • Man arrested over 2.4 billion won ticket scalping scheme
    Man arrested over 2.4 billion won ticket scalping scheme SEOUL, September 16 (AJP) - South Korean man in his 30s has been arrested for allegedly reselling nearly 9,000 concert and sports tickets at prices up to 30 times their face value, police said Wednesday. The Gyeonggi Bukbu Provincial Police Agency said the man was referred to prosecutors on obstruction-of-business charges. He allegedly used macro programs and accounts belonging to himself and relatives to buy 8,967 tickets between September 2018 and April this year. The tickets covered K-pop concerts, performances by overseas artists, musicals and sporting events. Police said his sales totaled about 2.4 billion won ($1.7 million), with roughly two-thirds estimated to be profit. In one case, a ticket to BTS' 2019 concert at Jamsil Olympic Stadium was bought for 110,000 won and resold for 3 million won. A ticket to a SEVENTEEN fan meeting last year was resold for 1.8 million won after being purchased for 110,000 won. Police said the man used proceeds from the sales to buy an apartment and two commercial properties in Gyeonggi Province. Investigators secured a pre-indictment preservation order covering about 1.26 billion won worth of two commercial properties and financial assets. The man stopped reselling tickets after learning of a police crackdown earlier this year and formatted computers and mobile phones, but investigators recovered transaction records through seized devices and digital forensic analysis, police said. AJP Takeaways - Police arrested a man in his 30s accused of reselling nearly 9,000 concert and sports tickets. - He allegedly used macro programs and multiple accounts to secure 8,967 tickets between 2018 and April 2026. - Police estimated total sales at about 2.4 billion won, with roughly two-thirds believed to be profit. 2026-09-16 14:09:40
  • Exploring Hanwoo Terroir: Beyond Marbling in Korean Beef
    Exploring Hanwoo Terroir: Beyond Marbling in Korean Beef Similar to how wine is enjoyed based on grape variety, region, climate, and soil, Korean beef, or Hanwoo, is now being appreciated through the lens of its breed and production environment, a concept referred to as 'Hanwoo Terroir.'On September 16, the Hanwoo Promotion Committee announced the introduction of the 'Hanwoo Terroir' concept to highlight the unique characteristics of Hanwoo based on breed, region, and production environment, aiming to diversify the ways in which consumers enjoy this premium beef.Terroir refers to the combination of natural factors such as climate, soil, and topography of a specific area, along with the breed and production methods, which together create the unique characteristics and flavors of food ingredients. According to the Hanwoo Promotion Committee, Hanwoo can exhibit different traits not only based on grade and marbling but also due to genetic characteristics of the breed, regional climate, farming conditions, and feed management.Notable examples include the indigenous breeds 'Chikso' and 'Jeju Black Cattle.' Chikso, characterized by its black or dark brown stripes resembling a tiger's pattern, is a rare breed that has undergone extensive preservation and improvement research.Chikso is known for its relatively low intramuscular fat content and firm texture. Research from the National Institute of Animal Science indicates that it has high levels of sweet-tasting components and pyrazines, which contribute to the aroma of grilled meat. This breed is appreciated for its inherent flavor and the meaty aroma that intensifies with chewing, rather than relying on the richness from fat.Jeju Black Cattle is a traditional breed primarily preserved and bred in the Jeju region. Historical records indicate its use in offerings and tribute during the Joseon Dynasty, and it was designated as Natural Monument No. 546 in 2013.Key characteristics of Jeju Black Cattle include a tender texture, clean meat aroma, and clear juices. Recent studies have focused on breeding and management practices tailored to the Jeju environment, including grazing in the region's mid-mountain pastures.The widely raised 'Yellow Cattle' also exhibits various characteristics depending on the production area. Given its widespread farming across the country, differences in regional climate, farming conditions, and feed management can lead to variations in flavor experienced by consumers, influenced further by cuts, grades, and cooking methods.Moving forward, the Hanwoo Promotion Committee plans to promote the unique characteristics of Hanwoo based on breed, region, and production environment, expanding the culinary culture surrounding Hanwoo to include flavor and production background.Chef Jeon Gwang-sik of the Michelin-starred restaurant 'Bichena' stated, "Just as wine is enjoyed based on grape variety and terroir, Hanwoo can showcase diverse appeal through the unique characteristics of its breed, combined with the climate, environment, and farming methods of the region. If consumers learn about the distinct traits of breeds like Chikso's firm texture and rich meat aroma, and Jeju Black Cattle's tender and clean flavor, the ways to enjoy Hanwoo can become even more varied." 2026-09-16 14:04:20
  • President Lee Distributes Chuseok Gifts to Veterans and Families of Industrial Accident Victims
    President Lee Distributes Chuseok Gifts to Veterans and Families of Industrial Accident Victims President Lee Jae-myung has distributed Chuseok gifts to various sectors of society, including national veterans, socially disadvantaged groups, and families of victims of industrial accidents.The Blue House announced on September 16 that President Lee prepared the gifts to express wishes for national unity and the well-being of all citizens.The recipients include prominent figures who have contributed to national development, as well as national heroes, veterans, and socially disadvantaged individuals. Continuing from last year, gifts will also be given to families of victims who suffered accidents in the workplace. The Blue House explained that this reflects the government's commitment to creating a society where all citizens can work safely and enjoy peaceful daily lives.This year's gifts consist of regional specialties representing the '5 Extremes and 3 Specials' to embody the meaning of balanced regional development and coexistence.The five extreme specialties include ginseng rice cakes from Gimpo, chestnut chips from Chungju, Andong soju from Gyeongbuk, shiitake mushrooms from Jangheung, and jujube chips from Miryang. The three specials are Igangju from Jeonju, gondre from Jeongseon, and bracken from Jeju.The Blue House stated that the selection of traditional liquors and wild vegetables, mushrooms, and snacks from both Yeongnam and Honam regions reflects the President's intention to achieve coexistence and integration across regions and generations.In a card included with the gifts, President Lee expressed, "I hope you have a precious Chuseok, sending greetings to those you miss and sharing happiness with loved ones. I will strive to illuminate the lives of all citizens with a bright light, just like the moon that brightens the night for everyone, without any qualifications or conditions."President Lee will also send Chuseok gifts to former presidents and their spouses. Kim Tae-geun, the Blue House Secretary for Local Development, will visit the residences of former presidents and their spouses on behalf of President Lee. 2026-09-16 14:00:00
  • NH Nonghyup Bank Donates 35 Million Won to Gwacheon Arts Festival
    NH Nonghyup Bank Donates 35 Million Won to Gwacheon Arts Festival NH Nonghyup Bank's Gwacheon branch has made headlines by donating 35 million won to support the Gwacheon Arts Festival, aimed at enhancing local cultural arts and expanding opportunities for citizens to enjoy the arts. On the 16th, the Gwacheon branch of Nonghyup held a donation ceremony at Gwacheon City Hall, where they presented the funds to the city for the development of local cultural arts. The ceremony was attended by Gwacheon Mayor Shin Gye-yong, Nonghyup Gwacheon branch head Lee Jang-soon, and Choi Hyung-oh, CEO of the Gwacheon Cultural Foundation, among other officials. The donation will be used to support the operation of the '2026 Gwacheon Arts Festival,' which will take place from September 18 to 20. Now in its 29th year, the Gwacheon Arts Festival will feature performances and citizen participation programs under the theme 'Drifting.' The festival aims to create programs that allow citizens to engage with and enjoy local cultural arts content up close. Lee Jang-soon, head of the Nonghyup Gwacheon branch, stated, "I am honored to continue our support this year for the development of local cultural arts and a festival that citizens can enjoy together," adding, "We will continue our commitment to sharing with the community in the future." Mayor Shin Gye-yong expressed gratitude to the Nonghyup Gwacheon branch for their continued support for the community, saying, "We will ensure that the donated funds are used effectively to facilitate the smooth operation of the festival and to broaden opportunities for citizens to enjoy cultural arts." Meanwhile, the Gwacheon Arts Festival has established itself as a representative cultural arts event in the region, featuring a variety of performances and citizen participation programs each year.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-16 13:52:00
  • Public Home Shopping to Advance 30 Billion Won in Payments to Partners Before Chuseok
    Public Home Shopping to Advance 30 Billion Won in Payments to Partners Before Chuseok Public Home Shopping announced on September 16 that it will advance 30 billion won in sales proceeds to its partner small and medium-sized enterprises ahead of the Chuseok holiday.This early payment initiative aims to assist partners in securing liquidity due to increased cash flow needs for wage payments and raw material purchases during the holiday season. As a result, payments will be made seven days earlier than the usual schedule to all broadcasting and mobile partners.Payments for orders delivered between September 8 and 14 will be made on the 21st, while payments for orders delivered from September 15 to 21 will be made on the 23rd. Partners who have signed up for Public Home Shopping's cooperative payment system will be able to cash out early on the 15th and 22nd, respectively.Meanwhile, the amount utilized through Public Home Shopping's cooperative payment system has been increasing, with figures of 203 billion won in 2023, 251.7 billion won in 2024, and 275.4 billion won in 2025. As of July this year, the total reached 288.9 billion won.A representative from Public Home Shopping stated, "We hope this early payment will help alleviate the financial burden on our partner companies and we will continue to implement various support measures to foster mutual growth with our partners."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-16 13:52:00
  • KOSPI Rises Nearly 1% Amid Institutional Buying, Touches 6700 During Trading
    KOSPI Rises Nearly 1% Amid Institutional Buying, Touches 6700 During Trading The KOSPI index has risen nearly 1% thanks to significant institutional buying. After opening around the 6600 mark and showing mixed movements, the index gained momentum as institutions purchased over 1 trillion won. At one point, the index increased by 1.32%, surpassing the 6700 level.As of 1:39 PM, the KOSPI was up 63.51 points (0.96%) at 6690.77 compared to the previous trading day.The index started at 6611.24, down 16.02 points (0.24%), but reversed course early in the session and expanded its gains. During trading, the KOSPI reached as high as 6714.75, up 87.49 points (1.32%) from the previous day.In the securities market, institutions have net bought 1.1554 trillion won, while individual and foreign investors have net sold 1.2556 trillion won and 1.2055 trillion won, respectively.Among the top market capitalization stocks, Samsung Electronics (up 1.51%), SK Hynix (up 2.90%), SK Square (up 0.80%), Samsung Electro-Mechanics (up 3.49%), LG Energy Solution (up 0.68%), and Samsung C&T (up 1.59%) saw gains, while Hyundai Motor (down 1.36%), Samsung Biologics (down 0.92%), KB Financial (down 0.17%), and Samsung Life Insurance (down 0.18%) experienced declines.At the same time, the KOSDAQ index was down 1.40 points (0.17%) at 811.01 compared to the previous trading day.In the KOSDAQ market, individuals have net bought 120.1 billion won, while foreign and institutional investors have net sold 102.2 billion won and 18.7 billion won, respectively.Among the top KOSDAQ stocks, Alteogen (down 2.12%), EcoPro (down 2.73%), EcoPro BM (down 2.71%), Rainbow Robotics (down 1.96%), and Roboteers (down 4.16%) fell, while JUSUNG Engineering (up 2.18%), EO Technics (up 2.91%), Wonik IPS (up 5.35%), Rino Technology (up 1.09%), and Simtech (up 1.59%) rose.Overnight, U.S. markets declined amid caution ahead of the September Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting and rising pressures from Treasury yields and international oil prices. The yield on the 10-year U.S. Treasury note was at 4.99%, while the 30-year note was at 5.37%. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil was priced at $105.3 per barrel.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-16 13:48:10
  • Im Yi-ja Criticizes Lee Hyung-il for Lack of Initiative on Future Response Fund
    Im Yi-ja Criticizes Lee Hyung-il for Lack of Initiative on Future Response Fund Im Yi-ja, chair of the ruling People Power Party's policy committee, expressed concern on September 16 about Lee Hyung-il, the nominee for Economic Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, stating, "He should have opposed the government's Future Response Fund." She emphasized the need for the deputy prime minister to have conviction in his role. During her appearance on CBS Radio's 'Park Seong-tae's News Show,' Im remarked, "The Economic Deputy Prime Minister must have a strong sense of leadership as the head of the economic control tower." Im specifically pointed to the Future Response Fund, which the government plans to establish using surplus tax revenue from the semiconductor boom, and criticized Lee for not taking a stand. She noted, "It seems the Ministry of Finance is just following the government's lead without sufficient conviction, which is concerning." Im also conveyed her commitment to passing 32 livelihood bills that both parties agreed to expedite during a recent policy meeting. She stated, "Both parties have similar proposals in their election pledges, but after the elections, good proposals often get sidelined by political disputes. We have decided to hand over the agreed-upon bills to the respective committee secretaries for swift processing." In response to criticism regarding party leader Jang Dong-hyuk's visit to Olympic Park, she remarked, "The people gathered at Olympic Park are also citizens, and their voices are part of public sentiment. How could the opposition leader not attend an event where citizens are expressing their rights?"* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-16 13:48:10