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  • SK hynix scraps paperwork in hunt for AI-native talent
    SK hynix scraps paperwork in hunt for AI-native talent SEOUL, July 30 (AJP) -Generous bonuses and an extraordinary AI boom are not the only appeals that have made SK hynix South Korea's most sought-after employer for a second consecutive year, as the chipmaker continues to break hiring norms in search of AI-native talent. SK hynix said Thursday it will scrap the traditional self-introduction essay and replace brief interviews with half-day competency assessments for new graduate recruitment beginning next month, introducing its biggest hiring overhaul in years as chipmakers compete for a new generation of AI engineers. Applications for the rolling recruitment cycle will be accepted from Aug. 20 to 26 for positions in chip design, device engineering, research and development, manufacturing processes and production technology. Openings are available at its major sites in Icheon, Cheongju, Bundang and Seoul. The changes come a month after SK hynix abolished academic qualification requirements, allowing applicants to apply regardless of age or educational background. Instead of the conventional 20- to 30-minute interview, candidates will spend half a day completing practical assignments and participating in in-depth interviews. Recruiters will assess not only technical expertise but also AI application skills, logical reasoning, humanities-based thinking and the ability to solve engineering problems from first principles. The application itself is also changing. SK hynix has scrapped the conventional self-introduction essay in favor of a format requiring candidates to explain their AI capabilities and semiconductor expertise. Rather than polished resumes, the company said it wants applicants who can use AI to solve problems on semiconductor production lines. SK hynix is also moving beyond campus recruiting. Instead of focusing on a handful of universities, it will hold recruitment sessions in Seoul, Cheongju, Daegu and Gwangju, opening participation to aspiring engineers and young people interested in semiconductors regardless of where they study. Later this year, the company will launch an AI hackathon in which participants develop software or algorithmic models to solve semiconductor manufacturing challenges within a limited time. Outstanding participants will receive fast-track access to interviews without going through the document screening stage. The hiring overhaul echoes SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won's vision for the AI era. Chey has argued that future competitiveness will depend less on credentials than on what he calls "thinking muscles" — the ability to ask fundamental questions, cross disciplinary boundaries and design systems in which humans and AI work together. The changes come as SK hynix enjoys the biggest windfall in its history from the AI memory boom. This week, the company reported another record quarterly profit, cementing its lead in high-bandwidth memory used in Nvidia's AI accelerators. SK hynix is betting that its next competitive edge will come as much from people as from silicon, a HR official said. 2026-07-30 13:10:17
  • Venture Finance Forum Secures 25.8 Billion Won in Funding in First Half of 2026
    Venture Finance Forum Secures 25.8 Billion Won in Funding in First Half of 2026 A recent survey revealed that 25.8 billion won was invested in the growth of venture companies over the past six months.The Venture Business Association announced on July 30 that it facilitated a total of 25.83 billion won in funding for venture companies during the first half of this year through the 'Venture Finance Forum,' supporting their growth and scaling efforts.The forum was held three times in the first half of the year, starting with a briefing on policy funds from policy finance institutions.Through the forum, 15 investment attraction presentations (IR), 20 one-on-one meetings with investors, and 23 one-on-one consultations with financial experts were provided, tailored to the growth stages and funding needs of venture companies.As a result, during the first half of the year, 10 companies achieved a total of 17 investment successes amounting to 19.81 billion won, while 16 companies received support for 18 guarantees and loans totaling 6.02 billion won.Consequently, the cumulative funding facilitated through the Venture Finance Forum amounted to 142.67 billion won, including 120.12 billion won in investment attraction (34 companies) and 22.55 billion won in guarantees and loans (47 companies).Participating companies reported success in securing funding through investor IR presentations and one-on-one consultations, allowing them to review their business models and investment strategies while securing opportunities for follow-up investments and connections with financial institutions.Last year, the Venture Finance Forum facilitated a total of 29.47 billion won in funding, including 16.91 billion won in investment attraction (16 companies) and 12.56 billion won in guarantees and loans (28 companies).A representative from the Venture Business Association stated, "The Venture Finance Forum has established itself as a practical financial support platform connecting venture companies, investors, and financial institutions. We will continue to strengthen our role as a bridge to ensure that venture companies receive the necessary investments and financial support in a timely manner as they grow."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-30 12:56:00
  • S. Koreas football chiefs apologize over World Cup failure
    S. Korea's football chiefs apologize over World Cup failure SEOUL, July 30 (AJP) - The two men most blamed for South Korea's worst World Cup showing in a generation bowed their heads before lawmakers on Wednesday, as parliament opened a public reckoning over how the national team crashed out and who let it happen. South Korea exited the 2026 World Cup at the group stage despite fielding European-based stars including Son Heung-min and Lee Kang-in, a result made harder to accept by the tournament's expansion to 48 teams and a draw widely seen as favorable. The failure set off a wave of public anger that has gone beyond the team's performance to the governance of Korean football itself. That anger reached the National Assembly on Wednesday, where the Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee summoned former Korea Football Association president Chung Mong-gyu and former national team coach Hong Myung-bo as witnesses. "I did my utmost for the development of Korean football during my tenure, but I am sorry for the series of controversies and the disappointing result at the North American World Cup," Chung said in his opening statement. "I feel the weight of my responsibility as president, and I apologize for falling short of the expectations of the public and football fans." Hong followed with his own apology. "I want to first say to the public that I am sorry for failing to live up to your expectations at the World Cup," the 2002 World Cup hero said, adding: "I take seriously the responsibility for not repaying the support given to the team. Today I will speak plainly about what I know and the responsibility I must bear, without avoiding it." Hong also addressed his players. "I want to convey my regret and gratitude to the players who ran to the end in difficult circumstances," he said. "I take it seriously that I could not repay their effort with a result." For Hong, the hearing revisited a wound that predates the tournament. His appointment in July 2024 drew immediate controversy because he was the only one of three final candidates who went through no formal interview or presentation. The Korea Football Association (KFA) instead sent its technical director to Hong's home late at night to persuade him to take the job, and a government audit later found procedural violations in the process. Bae Hyun-jin, a lawmaker of the People Power Party, pressed Hong on that history. "In 2024, Lee Lim-saeng, a director who had no authority to recommend a coach, met you at 11 pm as if holding an interview in a bakery, and you were appointed without any separate interview or presentation," she said at the hearing. "Did you not feel ashamed before your juniors and football officials that one could become national team coach through a bakery interview?" Hong held his ground. "When the offer came to me, I believed it had gone through a normal process," he said. "I understand the public may see it as opaque, but I never asked for any special treatment or benefit." The distrust followed Hong through his tenure. Fans booed his name at home matches and hung banners at Seoul World Cup Stadium reading "the dark age of Korean football," while chants demanding Chung's resignation rang out at kickoff. The group-stage exit also echoed Hong's first spell in charge, when South Korea went out winless at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil amid accusations that he favored players he knew personally. Chung's 13 years atop the KFA gave the hearing a wider target. His tenure covered the appointment and costly dismissal of Jurgen Klinsmann, the team's collapse at the 2023 Asian Cup, and repeated administrative controversies, and he stepped down after the World Cup as the government launched a reform drive. A K-Football Innovation Committee, co-chaired by former national team star Park Ji-sung, is now reviewing the sport's governance, including the KFA's election system. Chung told lawmakers he would step back from football entirely. "After resigning as president, I will focus on management as a businessman and contribute to society," he said. One question remained over his international posts. Chung holds positions including vice chairman of a FIFA commercial and marketing advisory body and a seat on the executive committee of the Asian Football Confederation, and Chung Yeon-wook, a lawmaker of the People Power Party, asked whether his staying on the international stage was an asset for Korean football diplomacy or an unfinished exit. "Having resigned as association president, I have no attachment to those positions," Chung Mong-gyu said. "Once a new president is elected and a new leadership is formed, I will follow their decision." 2026-07-30 12:54:20
  • Ruling and Opposition Parties Agree on Special Investigation Law for Election Commission
    Ruling and Opposition Parties Agree on Special Investigation Law for Election Commission The ruling Democratic Party and the opposition People Power Party reached an agreement on July 30 regarding a special investigation law aimed at uncovering the circumstances surrounding the shortage of ballots during the June 3 local elections. The law, which will allow for an investigation into the Central Election Commission, is expected to be processed in the afternoon session of the National Assembly.During a meeting of the floor leaders at the National Assembly, the two parties finalized the special investigation law to address the ballot shortage issue. Attendees included Han Byeong-do, the acting leader of the Democratic Party, and Cheon Jun-ho, the party's floor operations chief, along with Jung Jeom-sik, the floor leader of the People Power Party, and Kim Seung-soo, the party's floor operations chief.After the meeting, Cheon Jun-ho told reporters, "Both parties have reached an agreement on the special investigation law. The key issues were the targets and scope of the investigation, which caused some delays in the discussions."He added that the agreed-upon details would be communicated to the legislative committee's secretaries, stating, "The secretaries will work on drafting the provisions. I believe it will be completed swiftly."Kim Seung-soo also noted, "Since the two parties have reached an agreement on the main issues, we have decided to process the special investigation law in the afternoon session. However, the specific investigation targets will need to go through the legislative committee's drafting process, so it is not appropriate to discuss them now."Additionally, the two parties decided to extend the activities of the special committee investigating the Election Commission, which is set to conclude on July 31.Cheon Jun-ho mentioned that they agreed to extend the deadline to July 30, stating, "The purpose of the continued investigation is to conduct a recount of the ballots at the Olympic Park counting center."Kim Seung-soo emphasized, "There are reasons for the recount at Olympic Park, and given the various allegations related to the Election Commission, both parties agreed on the need for an extension."Meanwhile, the agreement on the special investigation law between the ruling and opposition parties is likely to delay the National Assembly session originally scheduled for 2 p.m.In response to a question about whether the session could still start at 2 p.m. given the legislative committee's drafting process, Cheon Jun-ho said, "I requested cooperation from National Assembly Speaker Jung Jin-seok to hold the session at 3 p.m. I believe the Speaker will proceed accordingly." 2026-07-30 12:48:10
  • Koreas Fair Trade Commission Initiates Sanctions Against Seven Biofuel Companies for Bid Rigging
    Korea's Fair Trade Commission Initiates Sanctions Against Seven Biofuel Companies for Bid Rigging The Fair Trade Commission (FTC) has begun sanction procedures against seven manufacturers and sellers involved in bid rigging for biofuel supply over the past 11 years.On July 30, the FTC announced that it submitted a report on the bid rigging activities of the seven biofuel companies to the commission and sent it to the defendants. The report, akin to an indictment, triggers the review process once it is delivered to the defendants.The companies involved are △DS Danseok △Aekyung Chemical △SK Ecopraim △SK Chemical △Imex Solution △JC Chemical △KG Eco Solution.FTC investigators believe these companies colluded on biofuel bids and agreed on quantity distribution from December 2013 to February 2025, a period of approximately 11 years and 3 months. The estimated value of the affected bids is around 9.7 trillion won.In South Korea, biodiesel is purchased through bidding by refiners who are required to blend a certain amount with diesel under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Similarly, bioheavy oil is procured through bidding by power companies under the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS).The fines are expected to be substantial. An FTC official stated, "Investigators consider this case to be a 'very serious violation.' The maximum fine could be up to 20% of the related sales revenue," adding that penalties for collusion could exceed the 9.7 trillion won in related sales.It is also estimated that the collusion may have affected diesel prices. The FTC official explained, "Currently, the system mandates a 4% blend of biodiesel with diesel, so it likely had a minor impact on diesel prices."The companies that received the report are entitled to submit written opinions and access evidence for eight weeks from the date of receipt, ensuring their right to defense. The FTC plans to hold a meeting to finalize the level of sanctions once the defense procedures are completed.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-30 12:48:00
  • Government Support Fails to Significantly Reduce Costs of Green Bonds
    Government Support Fails to Significantly Reduce Costs of Green Bonds Despite government support policies, the actual cost savings from issuing green bonds in South Korea appear to be limited. Additional expenses arise from external certification and post-issuance reporting, which, combined with the government's secondary support and the phenomenon of 'greenium'—where green bonds are issued at lower interest rates than regular bonds—largely offset any potential savings, resulting in issuance costs that are not significantly different from those of regular bonds.The Bank of Korea stated in its 'BOK Issue Note: Assessment of Domestic Green Bond Issuance Conditions and Policy Implications' released on July 30 that to activate the green bond market, it is essential to reduce the economic and practical burdens on issuing institutions and to expand the investor base.The domestic green bond market has grown rapidly since 2021. The average annual issuance increased from 1 trillion won between 2018 and 2020 to between 6 trillion and 9 trillion won annually since 2021, with the number of issuing institutions rising from an average of four to 44. This growth has been supported by government policies, including carbon neutrality initiatives, the introduction of a Korean green classification system, secondary support, and fee exemptions.However, despite this apparent growth, the market's foundation remains narrow. Last year, South Korea's green bond issuance totaled $13.1 billion, ranking 13th globally, while green bonds accounted for only 1.8% of total bond issuance, significantly below the average of 4.0% in major countries. Issuance has also been concentrated among a few high-credit institutions and specific eco-friendly projects.The Bank of Korea analyzed that the financial incentives of green bonds are not as substantial as expected. When a large corporation issues a 100 billion won green bond with a five-year maturity, it is estimated that additional costs of 5 to 10 basis points (1 basis point = 0.01 percentage points) arise from external reviews, certifications, and post-issuance reporting compared to regular bonds. In contrast, the greenium effect provides about 2 basis points of savings, and government secondary support contributes to a reduction of 4 to 7 basis points, resulting in an overall offset of 6 to 9 basis points. Consequently, the total issuance cost of green bonds is analyzed to be similar to that of regular bonds. However, the Bank of Korea noted that when considering non-monetary burdens related to internal administration and management, the costs felt by companies could be higher.Survey results echoed these findings, with 42.2% of responding institutions stating that the issuance costs of green bonds are similar to those of regular bonds, while 20.0% indicated that they are even higher. Additionally, 86.7% reported that the funding rates are not different from those of regular bonds, with only 13.3% stating that they are lower.On the other hand, green bonds are seen to provide non-financial benefits, such as signaling a company's commitment to eco-friendly management and attracting ESG investors. Approximately 80% of issuing institutions reported improvements in their environmental ratings, and over 90% indicated reductions in carbon intensity, reflecting improvements in environmental indicators. However, the Bank of Korea clarified that these results demonstrate a correlation between green bond issuance and environmental performance, rather than a direct causal relationship.The Bank of Korea recommended that to expand the foundation of the green bond market, policies should be implemented to reduce the burdens on issuing institutions while simultaneously increasing investor demand. It suggested maintaining secondary support while considering preferential measures for initial issuing institutions, as well as enhancing tax incentives for investors and expanding investment products related to green bonds to boost investment appeal. 2026-07-30 12:48:00
  • Samsung Electro-Mechanics Reports Earnings Surprise Driven by MLCC Demand
    Samsung Electro-Mechanics Reports Earnings Surprise Driven by MLCC Demand Samsung Electro-Mechanics reported an earnings surprise for the second quarter, driven by a surge in demand for artificial intelligence (AI) servers and automotive components. The company secured long-term supply contracts for multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCC) with over ten major clients, establishing a foundation for mid- to long-term growth.On July 30, Samsung Electro-Mechanics announced that its consolidated revenue for the second quarter reached 3.4572 trillion won, with an operating profit of 440.4 billion won. The operating profit more than doubled compared to the same period last year, significantly exceeding market expectations. Revenue also saw a 24% increase year-on-year, reflecting a strong upward trend.The company's component division, responsible for MLCCs, was the standout performer, achieving sales of 1.6494 trillion won, a substantial 29% increase from the previous year. Sales of MLCCs for data centers, including AI servers and networks, as well as automotive MLCCs for autonomous and eco-friendly vehicles, drove this growth.Samsung Electro-Mechanics stated, "We have completed long-term supply contracts for MLCCs with over ten global hyperscale customers." The company aims to maintain stable profitability by actively responding to additional contract requests from major clients concerned about supply shortages.The package solution division, which handles semiconductor substrates, also reported significant improvements, achieving sales of 771.6 billion won, a 37% increase year-on-year. This growth was attributed to the expansion of high-value products, including high-performance FC-BGA substrates for AI accelerators and server CPUs, as well as automotive substrates for autonomous driving.The optical solution division recorded sales of 1.0362 trillion won, a 10% increase from the previous year, maintaining over 1 trillion won for two consecutive quarters. Although there was a slight 4% decrease from the previous quarter due to seasonal factors, the growth was supported by increased supply of specialized products such as camera modules for flagship smartphones and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).Looking ahead to the third quarter, Samsung Electro-Mechanics plans to significantly expand the supply of high-performance, high-value components in line with ongoing investments in AI infrastructure and the proliferation of autonomous driving technology. The company will also begin mass production of next-generation high-performance substrates and plans to expand substrate production facilities in Sejong and Busan.Samsung Electro-Mechanics added, "We will increase the supply of high-performance cameras for new foldable phones while actively exploring new applications, such as cameras for humanoid robots, to accelerate revenue growth."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-30 12:32:00
  • New Developments in Allegations Against Actor Hwang Jung-min
    New Developments in Allegations Against Actor Hwang Jung-min Recently, B, the individual who sparked controversy by revealing inappropriate relations and personal details about actor Hwang Jung-min on social media, has rebutted claims of stalking made by Hwang's side, stating it was a legitimate request for clarification.On July 30, B posted an official statement on their social media, disclosing that they are currently pursuing a civil lawsuit against Hwang Jung-min. B claims that this incident represents emotional, sexual, and labor exploitation within a significant power imbalance between a 'famous actor and a fan.'B clarified the status of the ongoing legal proceedings, stating, "Hwang Jung-min filed a complaint against me for stalking, resulting in a fine of 3 million won. However, I contested this and claimed innocence, requesting a formal trial. Currently, the first trial is being re-examined from the beginning, and there is no confirmed guilty verdict."B added, "The lawsuit for damages I filed due to the harm caused by Hwang Jung-min's unilateral termination of our relationship and lack of response is also currently in the first trial stage."Furthermore, B emphasized that their relationship with Hwang Jung-min was not merely that of a 'malicious fan stalking' the actor.In particular, B provided specific details regarding a recently released phone call recording from July 29, countering claims made by Hwang's side. B stated, "The released call was initiated by Hwang Jung-min around mid-October 2024. However, Hwang claims in the complaint that I began stalking him eight months earlier, in February 2024."This indicates that even eight months after Hwang claimed to be a victim of stalking, he initiated contact and engaged in private and intimate conversations, with B asserting that they reached out first again in 2025.B also addressed the controversy surrounding the editing of the audio file, stating, "I only removed parts of the call to protect privacy, specifically some of my voice and portions at the beginning and end. Hwang Jung-min's statements were not altered or manipulated at all. The unedited original recording and transcript have already been submitted as formal evidence to the court."According to the statement, the two met as actor and fan, but their relationship began around August 2023 when Hwang Jung-min initiated private contact. Hwang reportedly told B, "We are now business partners and acquaintances; stop acting like a fan," leading to a close relationship with frequent communication.B claimed, "Hwang Jung-min proposed a soju brand business using his name and representative works, and I conducted market research and concept planning as a design practitioner. I was also encouraged to write a novel, producing about 30 pieces, some of which included sexual content at Hwang's request."B noted, "For the past two years, Hwang Jung-min always dictated the methods and timing of our communication, and even when the relationship was amicable, I had to be cautious of his reactions."B alleged that at some point, Hwang unilaterally ceased all business discussions and communication.B stated, "I requested explanations regarding the continuation of the business, compensation for the labor already invested, and the conclusion of our relationship, but Hwang delayed responses and ultimately filed a criminal complaint against me for stalking. I suggested several times to negotiate quietly in a non-public manner, but I was ignored."B further expressed, "The creative works I produced at Hwang's request were consumed by him at the time, but now they are being used as evidence of my obsession or delusions in the complaint. The party in a position of power defines the beginning and end of the relationship, even its posthumous nature. The person demanding an explanation becomes the perpetrator, while the one who does not provide an explanation is not required to explain anything, which is an unreasonable reality."Previously, Hwang Jung-min's agency, Sam Company, announced plans for legal action in response to B's allegations of stalking. However, as B contests the summary order and requests a formal trial, along with filing a damages lawsuit and providing a detailed statement, the truth of the matter is expected to be determined in court.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-30 12:16:00
  • Gwangju Bank Partners with Chonnam National University to Foster AI Talent
    Gwangju Bank Partners with Chonnam National University to Foster AI Talent Gwangju Bank and Chonnam National University are collaborating to cultivate artificial intelligence talent. On July 30, the two institutions signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) at Chonnam National University to promote local AI talent development and support the university's designation as a national flagship institution. As part of the agreement, they will implement four key programs, including internships for students, the establishment of a joint AI research center, customized training programs, and regular hackathons. Chonnam National University is pursuing its designation as a national flagship university under the Ministry of Education's '2026 Package Support University Selection Plan,' while Gwangju Bank aims to contribute to the development of AI talent in the region and foster the AI industry ecosystem in Gwangju and Jeonnam. The university has been selected as one of the Glocal Universities 30 and has set a vision for 'human-centered AI convergence talent development and research innovation.' Gwangju Bank has established an AI Innovation Department to enhance its management system and innovate financial services based on AI. Jung Il-seon, president of Gwangju Bank, stated, "The future of the region will be shaped by talents nurtured locally. Gwangju Bank will be a strong partner in Chonnam National University's journey to becoming a national flagship university, actively supporting local youth to grow into key talents in the AI field."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-30 12:12:00
  • Ulsan City Government Advertising Spending Reaches 17.4 Billion Won
    Ulsan City Government Advertising Spending Reaches 17.4 Billion Won Ulsan City has conducted a comprehensive analysis of 1,963 government advertising expenditures from January 2024 to May 2026, totaling 17.4 billion won. This amounts to an average monthly expenditure of around 600 million won of taxpayer money for promoting city policies through various media outlets.Government advertising is an administrative process where public institutions select media to convey public interest information to citizens. Therefore, the selection of media and budget allocation require transparency, objectivity, and economic justification.However, an analysis of Ulsan City's advertising expenditures revealed a lack of publicly available quantitative evaluation criteria in the budget allocation process among media outlets, with a significant concentration of spending on specific broadcasters and some central media outlets.In terms of media type, broadcasting accounted for the largest share, with 7.8 billion won (44.8%). This was followed by outdoor advertising at 4.4 billion won (25.3%), internet advertising at 2.7 billion won (15.5%), print advertising at 2.4 billion won (13.8%), and overseas advertising at 90 million won (0.5%). UBC-TV Receives 3.3 Billion Won in Advertising FundsThe most significant disparity was observed in the broadcasting sector. Of the total 7.8 billion won allocated to broadcasting media, 3.3 billion won was spent on the private broadcaster UBC-TV, representing 42.5% of the broadcasting budget.This amount exceeds the combined expenditures of MBC Ulsan (1.2 billion won) and KBS Ulsan (750 million won), which totaled 1.9 billion won by more than 1.3 billion won. The spending by broadcaster is as follows: UBC-TV (3.3 billion won), MBC Ulsan (1.2 billion won), YTN (786 million won), KBS Ulsan (750 million won), Yonhap News TV (494 million won), and JCN Ulsan Central Broadcasting (466 million won).Due to the difficulty in verifying which factors influenced the actual spending decisions alongside quantitative indicators like viewership ratings and channel reach, there are calls within the local media community for clearer criteria to be established.A representative from a local broadcaster, who requested anonymity, stated, "Even when considering various factors such as viewership ratings, production conditions, and reach, the rationale behind the continuous allocation of tens of billions to a specific private broadcaster needs clearer explanation. Since government advertising involves public funds, the criteria for allocation should be transparently disclosed." Disparities in Central Media Advertising AllocationsMeanwhile, the total expenditure on print and internet advertising for central media outlets, classified as national and economic newspapers, amounted to 1.4 billion won. The previously mentioned total for print advertising was 2.4 billion won, which reflects the overall statistics for print media advertising across all outlets, while the 1.4 billion won represents the combined amount spent on print and internet advertising for central media outlets.There were also notable disparities in the allocation among central media outlets. The Munhwa Ilbo received the highest amount among central media outlets, with a total of 253 million won from print advertising (134.9 million won) and internet banners (70.4 million won). Following it were the Chosun Ilbo (148.9 million won), Maeil Business Newspaper (135.5 million won), Hankook Ilbo (126.7 million won), Korea Economic Daily (116.6 million won), JoongAng Ilbo (110 million won), Kukmin Ilbo (10.3 million won), and Financial News (10.2 million won).The issue lies in the lack of specific criteria to explain the disparities in spending between media outlets with relatively high allocations and others. Without transparency regarding how objective media strength indicators, such as circulation and online traffic, were factored into the allocation process, some outlets received budgets in the hundreds of millions while many national media received significantly less or no allocation at all.An advertising department representative from a central media outlet commented, "Local government advertising typically considers media strength, reach, and suitability for policy promotion. However, in practice, qualitative judgments by the responsible department or public relations team often play a significant role. There needs to be clearer justification for allocations even within the same category of national and economic newspapers." Local Newspapers See Similar Advertising DistributionThe print advertising expenditures for four local daily newspapers in Ulsan totaled 822 million won, with the Gyeongsang Ilbo receiving 234.2 million won, Ulsan Maeil 225.6 million won, Ulsan Sinmun 187.7 million won, and Ulsan Jeil Ilbo 174.7 million won. While there are differences among the outlets, the cumulative expenditures over the two years and five months ranged from 170 million won to 230 million won, showing relatively similar amounts.Experts believe that to avoid a structure where local government advertising budgets are disproportionately concentrated on specific broadcasters or certain media outlets, it is essential to reduce the potential for subjective interpretation in spending practices and establish criteria that can be externally verified.A local public administration expert stated, "Since government advertising budgets are public funds spent with taxpayer money, both quantitative criteria for media strength and qualitative judgment factors should be disclosed. Even if discretion by the responsible department is unavoidable, without explainable criteria, issues of fairness will inevitably arise."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-30 12:08:10