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Toxic Substances Found in 9 Sensory Toys, Two Products Recalled The government has reported that nine out of 76 sensory toys, including popular items like 'Malang-i' and squishies, failed to meet safety standards due to the presence of harmful substances. Among these, two slime products that received KC certification were found to contain banned preservatives, prompting a recall order.The National Institute of Technology and Standards under the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced that harmful substances exceeding safety limits were detected in nine of the 76 sensory toys tested. The investigation included 37 KC-certified children's products and 39 adult products labeled for use by those aged 14 and older, which did not have KC certification.Sensory toys, which return to their original shape after being squeezed, have gained popularity among both children and adults due to their soft texture. The institute conducted a focused investigation amid growing concerns about the safety of these products.Among the KC-certified children's products, 'Pinkfoot Slime' from Pinkfoot and 'Honey Slime' from Little Eye were deemed non-compliant. Both products contained banned preservatives, including methylisothiazolinone (MIT) and chloromethylisothiazolinone (CMIT). As a result, the Ministry of Trade has issued a recall order for these items.Products labeled for use by those aged 14 and older were also tested under children's safety standards. Of the 39 products, seven were found to contain phthalate plasticizers and boron above the permissible limits, or banned preservatives. Some adult slimes had boron levels 11.4 times higher than the children's product standard. In the case of Malang-i products, phthalate plasticizers were detected at levels 3.4 times above the limit.The National Institute of Technology and Standards is enhancing market inspections to prevent adult-labeled sensory toys from being sold to children. Since July, local governments have been inspecting areas with a high concentration of toy retailers, advising them to separate these products from children's toy displays. With the start of the school year, inspections around elementary school stationery stores are being intensified.Online, consumer groups are verifying whether adult-labeled products are being sold in the children's category and have requested major platforms to strengthen their own monitoring. Additionally, the institute plans to revise safety requirements regarding harmful chemicals that may cause odors in sensory toy materials and surfaces.The institute stated, 'Products labeled for use by those aged 14 and older may not have guaranteed safety, so it is essential to check for the KC mark when purchasing children's products.' It added that it will continue to conduct safety investigations and crack down on illegal and substandard products to ensure the safety of toys available in the market.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-16 11:04:10 -
Jeju Governor Calls for Priority Connection of Offshore Wind Power to National Grid Jeju Governor Wi Seong-gon proposed on September 15 that the island's offshore wind power be prioritized for connection to the national power grid, with plans to transmit generated electricity to demand areas such as the metropolitan region in the long term. The province is also pushing for the introduction of customized electricity rates tailored for heat pumps and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) systems to increase renewable energy consumption.During a press conference at the '2026 Global Green Hydrogen Forum with Distributed Energy Forum' held at the Jeju International Convention Center, Governor Wi stated, "We will promote policies to prioritize the connection of Jeju's offshore wind power to the national grid."Jeju has been the first region in South Korea to experience limitations in its power grid and output control due to the expansion of renewable energy. In the short term, the plan includes expanding energy storage systems (ESS), while in the medium to long term, the focus will be on increasing new electricity demand through green hydrogen, heat pumps, and electric vehicles.However, Governor Wi noted that simply increasing electricity consumption within Jeju is insufficient to fully utilize renewable energy sources like offshore wind power. He emphasized the need to connect offshore wind power to the national grid and proposed a long-term plan to transmit generated electricity to demand areas via a high-voltage direct current (HVDC) network."Jeju has very favorable conditions for offshore wind power," he said, stressing the importance of persuading the government to connect it to the national grid to avoid wasting valuable resources.He added, "While it may be hard to imagine in the next 5 to 10 years, we need to consider how to send the offshore wind power generated in Jeju to the metropolitan area in 30 years."In addition to expanding the grid for transmitting electricity to the mainland, the province will also reform its electricity rate system to increase renewable energy consumption within Jeju. Plans include developing separate rate structures that reflect the characteristics of distributed energy resources like heat pumps and V2G.This year, Jeju plans to invest a total of 34.4 billion won, including national and provincial funds, to distribute air-source heat pumps to 2,460 households. However, concerns have been raised that increasing contracted power due to heat pump installations will lead to higher basic charges, creating a mismatch between the distribution policy and the rate system.Governor Wi pointed out, "There is no rate plan that can be selected according to the characteristics of heat pumps," adding that it is not appropriate to encourage the use of heat pumps while making electricity more expensive.Jeju plans to develop a dedicated rate system for heat pumps and distributed energy through research and consulting. He noted, "To participate in V2G, vehicles need to be connected, and both the vehicle and charger are expensive. A price difference of 10 to 20 won per kWh is not enough to motivate action. We will find a rate system that creates a significant price difference to encourage real participation."Additionally, Jeju is pursuing plans to connect energy demonstrations to industry and job creation by attracting related companies and developing industrial complexes. The focus will be on stabilizing the power system through technologies that link batteries with wind and solar power, aiming to attract climate tech companies.Governor Wi stated, "We are discussing projects to practically implement carbon neutrality by 2035 with the Ministry of Climate," adding that plans related to this could be announced soon with the climate minister.He also revealed plans to attract public institutions, targeting organizations such as the Korea Racing Authority, Korea Airports Corporation, and the Korea Energy Technology Evaluation Institute. He emphasized that since Jeju has been a leader in demonstrating distributed energy and green hydrogen, the energy evaluation institute should relocate to Jeju."Jeju is experimenting and demonstrating solutions to the energy issues that South Korea will face in the next decade," he said, asserting that the energy evaluation institute should come to Jeju from the perspective of solving the island's energy challenges. 2026-09-16 11:04:10
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SK Telecom Strengthens Startup Partnerships SK Telecom (SKT) is enhancing its partnerships with startups.On September 16, CEO Jeong Jae-hun met with eight startup leaders at the SKT Tower in Jung-gu, Seoul, to share insights for mutual growth. This meeting follows Jeong's previous engagement with startup representatives at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in March, aimed at fostering direct communication.During the meeting, Jeong stated, "By combining the technologies and ideas of startups with SKT's artificial intelligence (AI), infrastructure, and marketing capabilities, we can create new business opportunities and value in the AI era."Kim Song-hyun, CEO of Sierra Base, which offers drone-based AI infrastructure safety inspection solutions, noted, "We are collaborating with SKT to automate safety inspections of communication towers, which were previously conducted manually. This partnership will not only enhance technology but also help us discover viable business models."SKT operates a startup collaboration platform called SKTCH, which connects startups with expert mentoring, opportunities for collaboration with SKT, business development, participation in domestic and international exhibitions, and investment opportunities.Since 2013, SKT has been identifying and supporting startups across various sectors. This year, the company has refined its nurturing program with the goal of strengthening partnerships for mutual growth, aiming to support 500 innovative companies over the next five years by 2030. 2026-09-16 11:04:10
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Agriculture Ministry to Enhance Winter Animal Disease Prevention Measures Starting in October The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs is ramping up measures to combat the risk of winter animal diseases, including highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI), foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), and African swine fever (ASF). In light of increasing outbreaks abroad, the emergence of new FMD virus types, and the potential for ASF transmission through wild boars and feed, the ministry will focus on managing high-risk areas and farms while ensuring rapid response in case of outbreaks.On September 16, the ministry announced during the 14th National Policy Coordination Committee meeting, chaired by the Prime Minister, that a special prevention period will be implemented from October this year to February next year as part of the '2026/2027 Winter Animal Disease Special Prevention Measures.'This year, the risk factors for animal diseases have increased. The number of highly pathogenic AI cases among wild birds abroad rose to 2,957 from January to August, more than double the 1,432 cases reported during the same period last year. A new type of FMD virus, SAT1, has been confirmed in China and Mongolia, which had not previously been reported in neighboring countries. Additionally, ASF is now suspected to be transmitted through pig plasma-derived feed, alongside wild boars.AI prevention measures will primarily target egg-laying farms. Of the 62 domestic AI cases reported last winter, 31 occurred at egg-laying farms, with 17 of those involving large farms housing over 100,000 birds.Starting in September, the ministry will operate an early warning system for migratory birds and enhance disinfection around migratory bird habitats. It will also manage 280 restricted access zones to prevent livestock vehicles from passing near these areas.To prevent disease entry into farms, a three-tiered biosecurity system will be implemented at disinfection facilities, farm entrances, and livestock barns. Large egg-laying farms will adopt a pre-registration system for vehicles and personnel. Plans are also in place to establish over 100 unmanned control posts using CCTV. Beginning in 2027, a comprehensive 'Biosecurity Artificial Intelligence Transition (AX) Package' will be introduced, integrating access control, disinfection, record management, early detection, and smart diagnostics.Tailored biosecurity measures will be implemented in the 95 cities and counties where AI has occurred over the past decade, reflecting local conditions. High-risk areas, including 12 egg-laying farm clusters and regions such as Pyeongtaek, Hwaseong, and northwest Cheonan, will receive focused management. Special measures will be applied in Gimje, where AI has been reported for three consecutive years, including adjustments to livestock density and designated vehicle routes.In relation to FMD, preparations are underway for the potential domestic entry of the new SAT1 virus. Vaccination was completed in July for livestock in border areas of Incheon, Gyeonggi, and Gangwon, with plans to extend vaccinations to 28 semi-risk areas by early 2027. The ministry aims to stockpile 32 million doses of the SAT1 vaccine by 2027.For the existing O-type FMD, vaccination records will be managed on a farm and individual basis, with enhanced surveillance and additional vaccinations in previously affected and bordering areas.Although no new ASF cases have been reported since 24 cases occurred from January to March this year, the number of wild boar detections has increased from 50 last year to 197 this year. The ministry will deploy thermal drones and detection dogs in areas with high detection rates, such as Hwacheon, Chuncheon, Chungju, Pocheon, and Gapyeong, and install trapping devices in Ulsan and Goryeong.Additionally, samples from 64 slaughterhouses and 36 blood storage facilities nationwide will be tested to prevent potential infections through plasma-derived feed. To prevent foreign outbreaks, the ministry will enhance X-ray screening and detection dog deployment on flights from affected countries and increase inspections of foreign food markets from twice a year to four times.During the special prevention period, the ministry will continuously assess outbreak risks and strengthen biosecurity measures in high-risk farms and regions. The Director of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs' Biosecurity Policy Bureau urged livestock farmers, producer groups, and the public to refrain from visiting migratory bird habitats and livestock farms, and to strictly adhere to basic biosecurity protocols, including vehicle access control, disinfection, and changing footwear.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-16 11:04:00
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Hong Ji-sun Pledges to Expand Housing Supply with Public and Private Resources Hong Ji-sun, the nominee for Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, expressed her commitment to expanding housing supply in areas desired by citizens by mobilizing both public and private resources. She aims to enhance the execution of housing supply policies by addressing on-site challenges such as permitting, drawing on her experience working in local government.During her opening remarks at the National Assembly confirmation hearing on the 16th, Hong stated her goal of achieving housing stability that citizens can truly feel.Hong emphasized, "As the second vice minister of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, I dealt with transportation issues related to mobility, roads, railways, and aviation, and I have accumulated extensive on-site experience in Gyeonggi Province. I will leverage this experience to resolve on-site challenges such as permitting support and enhance policy execution capabilities."Having entered public service after passing the second local civil service exam in 1996, Hong has held various positions, including Director of Road Planning and Director of Road Policy in Gyeonggi Province, as well as Director of Construction and Director of Railways. She also served as Director of the Railway, Port, and Logistics Bureau and Director of Urban Housing during Lee Jae-myung's tenure as Gyeonggi Province governor. She was appointed as the second vice minister of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport on December 29 of last year.She also identified regional balanced development as a key issue, stating, "Balanced development is a matter of national survival. I will support mega projects and ensure sufficient communication with local governments during the second relocation process of public institutions, linking them with local industries."In the transportation sector, she pledged to expand the metropolitan transportation network and strengthen the mobility rights of residents in underserved areas. She also plans to enhance the benefits of the 'Everyone's Card' to reduce transportation costs for citizens. Additionally, she expressed her intention to foster new growth engines in the land and transportation sectors, including autonomous driving.Regarding safety policies, she emphasized a focus on prevention rather than response after accidents occur. She plans to examine related systems and on-site conditions to ensure that workers in delivery, transportation, and construction can work in safe environments and receive fair treatment.Hong stated, "My public service has been a time spent contemplating how policies operate effectively on the ground. If given the opportunity to serve as minister, I will communicate humbly with the public and listen to their voices from the field."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-16 11:00:20
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Government to Gradually Introduce Abortion Medication for Women Under Nine Weeks Pregnant The government is moving to gradually introduce abortion medication for women under nine weeks pregnant. For the first two years, prescriptions and dispensing will be handled by hospitals, with plans to expand to pharmacies once the necessary conditions are met. Prime Minister Han Seong-sook stated during the 14th National Policy Coordination Meeting at the Government Seoul Complex on September 16 that the introduction of abortion medication, commonly known as 'Mifeprex,' is necessary due to the ongoing institutional gap since the Constitutional Court's ruling on the unconstitutionality of the abortion law in 2019, which has led some women to rely on dangerous methods. Han emphasized, "Allowing the issue to remain unresolved amid the ongoing debate ultimately neglects the lives and safety of the public. The government has been coordinating with relevant ministries and experts to develop feasible alternatives to address this issue." According to the government's plan, abortion medication will be introduced for women under nine weeks pregnant, with the initial two years involving both prescription and dispensing at medical institutions. After that, once safety management systems and other necessary conditions are established, the process will shift to prescriptions by doctors and dispensing at pharmacies. Legislative measures and related system adjustments will also be pursued. Han stressed that "the most important thing is safety," stating that women in need should not have to rely on unverified methods but should receive care within a safe medical system. She added, "This measure is not intended to promote abortion but to protect public health. We take concerns about the value of life very seriously." The government plans to gather additional opinions from various sectors and enhance safety measures, including responses to adverse reactions and medication management. During the meeting, safety management measures for the upcoming Chuseok holiday were also discussed. The government will check for risks in various sectors and operate a 24-hour situation management system during the holiday period. Considering the increase in single-person households not returning home, patrols and security activities will be strengthened in areas where they are concentrated. Efforts are being made to expedite recovery in areas affected by recent heavy rainfall, while also conducting focused inspections in landslide-prone areas weakened by repeated downpours and regions at risk of human casualties. Special quarantine measures for livestock infectious diseases during the winter have also been prepared. To prepare for the spread of avian influenza, a pre-registration system for vehicles and personnel will be implemented, particularly for large farms that significantly impact egg supply. Starting next year, artificial intelligence (AI) technology will be introduced for farm biosecurity, and plans are underway to vaccinate against new strains of foot-and-mouth disease before they enter the country. Han concluded, "The public remembers results more than measures. We must listen to voices from the field to prevent the same issues from recurring or new gaps from emerging, and ensure that necessary information is adequately communicated to the public." 2026-09-16 11:00:10
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Long-Distance Travel with Electric Vehicles: EV Financing Promotions Ahead of Chuseok As the Chuseok holiday approaches, demand for long-distance travel is expected to rise, increasing interest in electric vehicles (EVs). Previously, EVs were primarily seen as suitable for short urban trips, but improvements in driving range and charging performance have expanded their viability for longer journeys, such as returning home or traveling.Hyundai Motor and Kia are enhancing battery capacity and driving efficiency based on their dedicated electric vehicle platform, E-GMP, while also expanding fast-charging technology and infrastructure. This aims to alleviate concerns for EV users regarding long-distance driving.If considering the use of Hyundai's EV models during the holiday, options like leasing or renting can help reduce initial cost burdens.Hyundai Capital is offering discounts on vehicle prices, interest rate reductions, and lower leasing and rental fees for major EVs from Hyundai and Kia this month.Specifically, the Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6, and Kona EV can receive a combined discount of 14% off the vehicle price through discounts and reduced rental fees. The Ioniq 9 offers a 4% discount.Customers of Genesis, which has recently expanded its EV lineup, can also benefit from a total discount of 8.8% off the vehicle price, including vehicle price discounts and rental fee reductions.Existing customers of Hyundai's electric passenger cars, Nexo, or Genesis can utilize Hyundai's 'The Better Choice' program. This program provides an additional 4% discount on the vehicle price when leasing a Genesis electric vehicle, on top of the standard benefits.Kia is offering a 10% discount on vehicle prices and rental fee reductions for family-friendly models like the EV6, EV9, and PV5 passenger models. Other EV passenger models will receive a 4% discount.For customers looking to purchase vehicles outright, installment programs are also available.Through the 'Hyundai EV Burden Down' promotion, Hyundai Capital is offering a 2.8% interest rate for 36-month financing for customers purchasing the Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6, and Kona EV. Kia is also providing a 3.6% interest rate for 36 months for the EV3, EV4, EV5, EV6, and EV9 models. This installment promotion includes guaranteed residual value and deferred payment benefits.A representative from Hyundai Capital stated, "We have prepared discounts on vehicle prices, interest rates, and leasing and rental cost benefits to reduce customer burdens. We will provide various services to help customers make reasonable vehicle choices."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-16 11:00:00
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U.S. Clarity Act Fails, Hectofinancial Shares Drop 15% The failure of the Clarity Act, aimed at establishing a regulatory framework for virtual assets, has led to a significant drop in shares of fintech company Hectofinancial.As of 10:52 a.m. on September 16, Hectofinancial's stock was trading at 18,650 won, down 3,340 won (15.18%) from the previous trading day, according to the Korea Exchange. Other companies in the sector, including KakaoPay (-11.37%), Danal (-10.9%), and NHN (-4.15%), also experienced declines.The sharp drop in cryptocurrency-related stocks is attributed to the recent failure of the Clarity Act. This legislation was intended to create a federal regulatory framework for digital assets and clarify the jurisdiction of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).The U.S. Senate attempted to advance the Clarity Act through a procedural vote but fell short, receiving 49 votes in favor and 50 against, failing to meet the 60 votes required for passage. All Democratic senators voted against the bill, and there were also defections within the Republican Party.The stalled legislation has sent shockwaves through the virtual asset market. Bitcoin fell more than 4% during trading, dropping below $75,000, while U.S. cryptocurrency firms Coinbase and Circle also saw significant declines.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-16 11:00:00
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Daejeon museum fair draws 151 institutions SEOUL, September 16 (AJP) - Over 150 museums, galleries and related organizations will gather in Daejeon this week for a three-day fair highlighting how artificial intelligence and digital technology are reshaping the museum sector, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism said Wednesday. The 2026 Museum and Art Museum Fair will run from Sept. 18 to 20 at the Daejeon Convention Center. A total of 151 public, private and university museums, local governments, cultural organizations and companies will operate about 380 booths, according to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. The event, now in its third year after previous editions in Busan and Gwangju, will focus on the theme of museums as part of the future of K-culture, with particular attention to AI and other digital technologies. Visitors will be able to take part in 10 free education and hands-on programs, while a separate immersive content zone will screen 17 digital works. The fair will also include career consulting for people seeking jobs in museums and galleries, public talks with museum directors and tours of six museums in the Daejeon and South Chungcheong region. Sixty-nine museums participating in the government's regional touring exhibition program, "Museum Ieum," will also join the event with exhibitions and hands-on booths. International conference will bring together museum officials and researchers, including National Museum of Korea Director Yoo Hong-jun, Chase F. Robinson of the Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art and KAIST professor Jeong Jae-seung. The ministry said the fair is intended to broaden the role of museums beyond exhibitions and explore how they can respond to technological and social change. AJP Takeaways - The 2026 Museum and Art Museum Fair will run Sept. 18-20 in Daejeon. - A total of 151 museums, galleries and related organizations will operate about 380 booths. - The fair will highlight AI, digital technology and the changing role of museums. 2026-09-16 10:59:23 -
Kang Shin-cheol Aims to Build a Winning South Korean Military Kang Shin-cheol, the nominee for Minister of National Defense, stated on September 16 that he aims to create a "winning South Korean military," asserting that victory will become the strategy and policy of national defense. During his opening remarks at the confirmation hearing held by the National Assembly's Defense Committee, Kang emphasized the need to establish a defense posture led by the military across all domains, while also strengthening the combined defense posture under the solid trust of the South Korea-U.S. alliance. Regarding the direction of defense reform, he highlighted the importance of ensuring that strong warriors can deploy anywhere, maintain visibility, and possess the capability to deter any adversary, thereby achieving victory in competition. Kang also noted that in future warfare involving artificial intelligence, the ability to understand people will dominate the battlefield. He pledged to build a system for joint operations and all-domain operations based on a culture of warriors equipped with smart defense capabilities. He further stated, "We will create a morale and welfare system that defense families can truly feel, and we will move forward as a military by the people, for the people, and of the people."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-16 10:56:00