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Anyang City Hosts '2026 Anyang Dance Festival' with Strong Community Participation Anyang City in Gyeonggi Province successfully held the '2026 Anyang Dance Festival' from September 18 to 20 at Pyeongchon Central Park and Samdeok Park.According to the city, the festival, themed 'Let’s Walk, Run, and Dance in Anyang!', featured a variety of programs designed for citizens to enjoy and connect through dance.Throughout the festival, attendees enjoyed a range of performances, films, games, and hands-on activities at both parks, drawing large crowds.Exciting music and dance performances filled the stage, and festival-goers actively participated in the events, relishing the joys of the autumn celebration.With programs accessible to people of all ages, the festival site was alive with laughter, cheers, and dancing.The three-day event was marked by continuous laughter and applause from citizens, who enjoyed the performances and engaged in various activities, enhancing the festive atmosphere.Meanwhile, Mayor Choi Dae-ho stated, “This was a time for citizens to step away from their daily routines and connect through dance and music. We will continue to create cultural festivals that everyone can participate in and enjoy.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-19 17:28:00 -
Samsung Electronics union shifts to semiconductor-only membership SEOUL, September 19 (AJP) - Samsung Electronics’ largest labor union has voted overwhelmingly to restrict membership to employees in its semiconductor division, effectively splitting the organization along the company’s chip and consumer-electronics businesses after months of disputes over performance bonuses and bargaining strategy. The Samsung Electronics chapter of the Samsung Group United Union said Saturday that 27,618 of 28,680 members who voted, or 96.3 percent, approved a rule change limiting membership to employees of the Device Solutions, or DS, division, which oversees the company’s semiconductor operations. Turnout was 55.9 percent among 51,350 eligible voters. The change means employees in the Device eXperience, or DX, division, which includes Samsung’s smartphones, televisions and home appliances businesses, are expected to leave the union. The organization had previously represented workers from both divisions. Members also approved no-confidence motions against two DX-affiliated union officials. Vice Chairwoman Lee Song-yi’s removal received 95.7 percent support, while 96.2 percent backed the removal of Gwangju branch chief Lee Won-il. The union had accused the two of leaking information about transactions between union Chairman Choi Seung-ho and a company run by his father-in-law and of discussing efforts to remove Choi to prevent the DS-centered restructuring. The split follows months of internal friction stemming from Samsung’s 2026 wage negotiations. A deal approved by union members in May introduced a special performance bonus for semiconductor employees funded with 10.5 percent of the DS division’s business performance, while employees in the DX division stood to receive far less under the compensation structure. The agreement passed with 73.7 percent support and headed off a planned strike. The dispute subsequently widened into a disagreement over how Samsung’s unions should bargain with management. In August, the union said it would not form a joint bargaining group for the 2027 negotiations and would instead prepare demands focused on working conditions in the DS division. “Given the differences in business performance and working conditions between divisions, demands for the 2027 negotiations will inevitably have to reflect the circumstances of each division,” the union said at the time. AJP Takeaways - Samsung Electronics’ largest union voted 96.3 percent to limit membership to semiconductor workers. - The restructuring follows months of conflict over sharply different performance bonuses for DS and DX employees. - The union plans to pursue DS-focused bargaining rather than joint negotiations in 2027. 2026-09-19 17:18:54 -
Anyang City Council Urges Inclusion of Wiryegwacheon and Seoul Western Line Extensions in National Plan On September 18, the Anyang City Council urged the government and relevant agencies to include the extension projects for the Wiryegwacheon Line and the Seoul Western Line in the national transportation plan.According to the council, during its second plenary session, it passed a resolution calling for the inclusion of the 'Wiryegwacheon Line and Seoul Western Line Extension in Anyang' in the national plan.Immediately following the session, all 20 council members participated in a resolution event demanding the inclusion of both lines in the national plan.The council's resolution requests that the extension of the Wiryegwacheon Line be incorporated into the 5th National Railway Network Construction Plan, and the extension of the Seoul Western Line be included in the 5th Metropolitan Area Urban Transport Implementation Plan.The proposed extension of the Wiryegwacheon Line would connect the Government Complex Gwacheon to Gwangmyeong Station via Gwanjang-dong, Bisandong, and Parkdal-dong.The proposed extension of the Seoul Western Line would connect Seoul National University Station to Anyang Sports Complex and Pyeongchon New Town via Gwanaksan.The council believes that the extensions of both lines are essential for improving transportation convenience and expanding mobility rights for local residents, thus warranting national-level review.Additionally, the council stated that expanding the metropolitan transportation network is necessary to address the anticipated increase in transportation demand due to future urban development.The council plans to deliver this resolution to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the Metropolitan Area Transport Committee, the Seoul Metropolitan Government, and Gyeonggi Province, and will continue to pursue follow-up actions for inclusion in the national plan.Meanwhile, residents have expressed hopes for improved commuting conditions related to the extension of both lines, while also emphasizing the need to monitor the actual project schedule and confirmation of the routes. 2026-09-19 16:36:00
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Public Forum Explores Future of Society in AI Era As artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to impact all areas of life, 200 members of the public deliberation group are gathering to discuss the future of society in the AI era.The Presidential Committee on Basic Society announced on September 19 that it will hold a two-day forum titled 'Public Deliberation on Basic Society in the Context of AI Transition' at the Seoul National University Siheung Campus Convention Center until September 20.The 200 participants in the public deliberation group were selected through stratified random sampling, considering gender, age, and regional population ratios among citizens aged 15 and older. Half of the group consists of young people aged 15 to 34, who will be long-term stakeholders in the outcomes of the deliberation.This public deliberation will follow an 'agenda-setting' approach, focusing on creating a vision for basic society and policy agendas through discussion and deliberation, rather than a 'policy choice' model that selects specific alternatives. The committee aims to explore the blueprint and policy direction for basic society through this representative method of deliberative democracy.The deliberation group completed preliminary learning using materials provided by the committee from September 9 to 18. On the first day, they will hear expert presentations on topics such as 'AI Transition' and 'Basic Society,' discussing how life may change during this transition and what citizens envision for the basic society.On the second day, discussions will become more specific, covering topics such as job creation, income security, basic services, funding, and reinvestment, followed by a Q&A session. They will then discuss what actions society should take to realize the 'future of basic society' discussed on the first day.To connect the opinions expressed during this deliberation to future policy discussions, the committee plans to form a 'Policy Agenda Planning Group' consisting of 20 experts and 20 representatives from the public deliberation group, starting in October.The Policy Agenda Planning Group will aim to refine the opinions presented during the forum into policy agendas and strategic tasks, with plans to submit a policy proposal to the committee by November.President Lee Jae-myung, through a speech read by Cheong Wa Dae Chief of Integrated Listening Jeong Seong-hwan, emphasized, 'We are facing a civilizational transition where AI and robots rapidly change all areas. I hope this becomes a milestone for the new path of AI basic society that no one has traveled before.'* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-19 16:28:20
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Korea's Lee eyes youth policy body amid weak young support SEOUL, September 19 (AJP) - South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said Saturday that his administration is considering creating a dedicated body for youth policy, as his approval rating among South Koreans aged 18 to 29 has fallen to 18.6 percent. “We are considering whether we should create an organization dedicated to youth issues,” Lee said at a Youth Day ceremony at Cheong Wa Dae's State Guest House in Seoul. Lee said difficulties facing younger generations went beyond the interests of a particular demographic and posed a broader challenge to South Korea's ability to sustain growth and development. “The Prime Minister's Office is thinking about this, and so is Cheong Wa Dae,” Lee said, adding that the government was seeking policies that would respond more directly to conditions young people face. Lee also acknowledged a generational gap between senior policymakers and younger South Koreans. Referring to officials with significant policymaking authority, he said they were often “far removed from the problem” because they belonged to older generations. “We thought about how to bridge this gap and decided to give younger generations opportunities,” Lee said. He added, however, that finding candidates for senior positions could be difficult when experience and career credentials were taken into account. “I was once young, too, and I have family members who are young,” Lee said. “Let us work together so that young people can have hope.” The remarks come amid a sharp decline in Lee's support among younger voters. A Realmeter survey conducted Sept. 7 to 11 among 2,515 adults found his approval rating among respondents aged 18 to 29 at 18.6 percent, down 10.2 percentage points from the previous week. Support stood at 19.6 percent among men in their 20s and 17.6 percent among women in their 20s. Lee's overall approval rating stood at 33.8 percent, down 3.6 percentage points and marking a ninth consecutive weekly decline. The administration had already begun reviewing changes to youth policy before Saturday's remarks. At an Aug. 14 meeting with youth policy experts, Lee said young people today had substantially fewer opportunities than earlier generations and called for government programs to be designed from the perspective of those receiving them. AJP Takeaways - Lee is considering a dedicated government body to coordinate youth policy. - His approval among 18-to-29-year-olds fell to 18.6 percent in a recent poll. - Lee acknowledged a generational gap between senior policymakers and younger Koreans. 2026-09-19 16:22:20 -
41-Year-Old Cristiano Ronaldo Selected for Portugal National Team 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr) has been selected for the Portugal national team. Despite speculation that he might retire from international play after the 2026 North American World Cup, Ronaldo will continue to wear the Portugal jersey for the time being.According to Yonhap News, the Portuguese Football Federation announced on September 18 (local time) the roster of 25 players for four international matches scheduled for September and October. Ronaldo's name is included in this list, allowing him to continue his national team activities.Ronaldo had previously stated that the recent World Cup would be his last after Portugal lost to Spain 1-0 in the Round of 16 in July. However, he did not confirm his retirement from the national team.Unlike his two-year-younger rival Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), who has retired from the Argentina national team, Ronaldo is expected to remain active with the Portugal squad. This roster is the first assembled by Portugal's new head coach Jorge Jesus, who took over after Roberto Martinez stepped down following the World Cup. Jesus is a 72-year-old veteran coach.Jesus led Al Nassr, Ronaldo's club, to victory in the Saudi Pro League during the 2025-2026 season. Upon his appointment as Portugal's head coach, he expressed confidence in Ronaldo's abilities."I haven't spoken to Ronaldo yet, but he is not a player who will ever be a problem for the national team or for me," he said. "If he is available for selection, I will call him up."The roster also includes players from the English Premier League, such as Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), Ruben Dias (Manchester City), and Pedro Neto (Chelsea).Portugal will play four international matches in Group D of the UEFA Nations League for the 2026-2027 season. They will begin with a home match against Wales on September 24, followed by an away game against Norway on September 27, a match against Denmark on October 1, and another home game against Norway on October 4.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-19 16:12:00
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Blue House Responds to Allegations Against Kim Seung-won 청와대는 김승원 전 법무부 장관 후보자의 성추행 의혹 등이 담긴 탄원서가 최근 전달됐다는 보도와 관련해 “인사와 관련한 사안은 확인이 어렵다”고 밝혔다. 청와대 관계자는 김 전 후보자가 자진 사퇴한 19일 언론에 이같은 입장을 전했다. 앞서 김 전 후보자는 이날 오전 자신이 “국민 눈높이에 미치지 못했다”며 사퇴했다. 김 전 후보자는 “개혁을 완수해야 할 정부에 작은 부담을 더해서는 안 된다”는 것을 사퇴 이유로 제시했으나, 정계 일각에서는 김 전 후보자에 대한 추가 의혹이 제기된 상태다. 김 전 후보자는 사퇴 기자회견 뒤 ‘이번에 새로운 문제 제기가 나와 사퇴하게 된 건가’, ‘제기된 의혹 외에 다른 의혹이 있느냐’는 기자들의 질문에 답변하지 않았다. KBS는 이와 관련해 이날 김 전 후보자의 전직 보좌진들이 김 후보자의 과거 성추행 의혹과 무마 과정, 추가 음주운전과 다른 청탁 의혹 등을 담은 탄원서를 지난 17일 홍익표 청와대 정무수석 등을 통해 청와대 측에 전달했다고 보도했다. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-19 16:08:00
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President Yoon Considers Establishing Dedicated Organization for Youth Policies President Lee Jae-myung stated on September 19 that he is contemplating the creation of a separate organization dedicated to overseeing youth policies. During the 2026 Youth Day ceremony titled 'From Youth,' held at the Blue House, he remarked, "Youth issues are not merely the concerns of a specific group but a fundamental question of whether South Korea can remain a country that continues to grow and develop." This was the first time President Lee attended a Youth Day ceremony since taking office. He described today's youth as the most outstanding and hardworking generation he knows, yet lamented that the outcomes do not reflect their efforts. "They are the generation that has studied the longest but are waiting the longest for employment," he said. "They are the best prepared generation yet have the least, and despite fierce competition, their future is the most uncertain." President Lee emphasized that living a normal life has become challenging unless one is exceptional, stating, "This is not the fault of individuals." He identified the widening polarization and the restructuring of industries due to artificial intelligence as key factors contributing to the difficulties faced by young people. He pointed out that unlike in the past, opportunities for youth to experience failure and challenges have diminished. Companies have shifted from hiring and training new graduates to focusing on experienced hires, making it difficult for young people to gain the necessary experience for employment. The government is preparing measures to provide young people with practical educational opportunities, asset-building initiatives, and housing solutions for marriage and childbirth, he explained. "Fortunately, the current economic situation is improving, allowing for some leeway," President Lee noted. "Empowering the youth is also about enhancing the overall capacity of our society." He added that to transition society into a future industry system driven by advanced technology, it is essential to cultivate the necessary skills, which he described as a fundamental aspect of industrial policy. President Lee expressed his intention to incorporate the voices of young people and those on the ground in the process of formulating youth policies. He stated, "It is difficult to manage what effective and necessary policies are with existing organizational and personnel capabilities. Therefore, we are making efforts to find solutions directly from the field, focusing on those who are present there." He also addressed the gap between decision-makers and the youth, saying, "The perspectives of those in their 50s and 60s differ from those in their 20s and 30s. The people with the most authority are the farthest from the issues and realities." While he is considering providing opportunities to the younger generation, he acknowledged the challenge of finding suitable candidates due to the emphasis on experience and qualifications. Over 150 young people, youth organization representatives, government youth advisors, members of the Youth Policy Coordination Committee, and youth policy contributors attended the event, which was open to applicants through the official website. Government officials present included Prime Minister Han Seung-soo, Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik, and Youth Future Secretary Kim Tae-won. President Lee concluded by expressing hope that the stories shared by the attendees would inspire good ideas that could create new hope for the youth generation, urging collective efforts to ensure that young people receive their fair share and opportunities. 2026-09-19 15:40:00
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Shark Spotted for Second Day in Busan's Waterfront Park A shark has been spotted for the second consecutive day in the waterway of Busan's North Port waterfront park.According to the city of Busan and Yonhap News, the shark was seen around 1:05 p.m. on September 19 in the waterway of the North Port waterfront park in Dong-gu, Busan.This shark is identified as a bull shark, which was also discovered in the same waterway the previous day.Bull sharks are found in coastal waters of Korea, the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans, and are considered a species that poses a risk of attack.In response, the city of Busan sent out safety alerts, urging residents and visitors to be cautious while walking in the area.Meanwhile, videos have surfaced on social media showing crowds of citizens gathering at the Busan waterfront park to catch a glimpse of the shark.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-19 14:08:00
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Gunpo Mayor Han Dae-hee Strengthens Management of Development-Restricted Areas Gunpo Mayor Han Dae-hee is enhancing on-site administration to systematically manage development-restricted areas and preserve the urban environment. On September 18, Mayor Han announced that a concentrated crackdown on illegal activities within development-restricted areas will take place from September 21 to November 20, aiming to prevent environmental damage. The crackdown will focus on 140 suspected illegal activities identified through aerial photography in the city’s development-restricted areas. Mayor Han stated that the approach will not only involve regulation but will also integrate aerial photography with on-site investigations to closely verify actual land use. To facilitate this, two investigation teams consisting of five members each will be deployed to compare aerial photography results with on-site conditions. They will conduct location verification, measurements, take photographs, and interview land stakeholders to confirm any violations. The inspections will particularly target various illegal activities within development-restricted areas, including unauthorized construction and alterations, illegal changes in land use, unpermitted land modifications, and illegal logging. If violations are confirmed, necessary administrative actions, including restoration orders, will be implemented in accordance with relevant laws. This initiative is part of ongoing efforts to manage and monitor development-restricted areas, preventing indiscriminate development and ensuring a balanced management of Gunpo’s natural environment and urban spaces. Mayor Han's actions align with his administration's focus on improving citizens' living environments and sustainable urban management. The goal is to strengthen a management system that harmonizes development and conservation, concentrating administrative efforts on creating a pleasant living environment for residents. Mayor Han remarked, “We plan to conduct more accurate and systematic inspections of illegal activities in development-restricted areas by linking aerial photography data with on-site investigations.” He emphasized, “We will do our utmost to prevent damage to development-restricted areas and create a healthy urban environment through continuous monitoring and management.” Additionally, Mayor Han plans to continue monitoring and managing development-restricted areas to prevent the recurrence of illegal activities and protect the urban environment.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-19 14:00:00