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KakaoBank Launches New Apartment Purchase Loan 카카오뱅크가 신축 아파트 입주 예정자를 위한 분양잔금대출을 출시한다. 카카오뱅크는 신규 아파트 입주 시 중도금대출을 상환하고 잔금을 납부할 때 이용하는 ‘분양잔금대출’을 선보인다고 16일 밝혔다. 카카오뱅크 앱에서 대출의 전 과정을 진행할 수 있다. 입주기간 시작 약 8주 전부터 예상 한도와 금리도 조회할 수 있다. 일반적인 잔금대출보다 약 2주 이르게 조건을 확인할 수 있어 입주 전 자금 계획을 세우고 대출 상품을 비교할 수 있다. 대상은 카카오뱅크가 지정한 신축 분양 아파트의 일반분양 계약자다. 카카오뱅크는 향후 정비사업 및 리모델링 조합원으로 대상 범위를 확대한다는 방침이다. 대출 한도는 LTV(주택담보대출비율)·DSR(총부채원리금상환비율) 등 관련 규제 범위 내에서 최대 10억원이다. 대출 기간은 최장 40년이며 원금균등분할상환과 원리금균등분할상환 가운데 선택할 수 있다. 중도상환해약금은 전액 면제한다. 카카오뱅크는 2022년 주택담보대출 출시 이후 모든 주택담보대출의 중도상환에 수수료를 부과하지 않고 있다. 다만 이 같은 면제 정책은 자금 운용과 손실 비용 등을 고려해 6개월 단위로 연장 여부를 결정한다. 카카오뱅크 관계자는 “분양잔금대출은 입주 일정에 맞춰 여러 절차를 짧은 기간에 진행해야 해 고객 부담이 큰 상품”이라며 “필요한 주거 금융 서비스를 더욱 쉽고 편리하게 이용할 수 있도록 상품과 서비스를 지속적으로 고도화하겠다”고 말했다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-16 09:48:00 -
SK Hynix Labor Agreement Amendment Approved with 50% Stock Bonus SK Hynix's revised wage and collective bargaining agreement has been approved by union members, just three weeks after the initial tentative agreement was narrowly rejected.On September 16, industry sources reported that the SK Hynix production workers' union in Icheon and Cheongju conducted a two-day vote from September 15, resulting in 8,731 votes in favor of the amendment, or 57.08% of the total.The first tentative agreement was voted down on August 25, receiving 7,510 votes in favor (49.92%) and 7,535 votes against (50.08%), a margin of just 25 votes. Following this, the company and union engaged in further negotiations to refine the bonus payment structure.Key aspects of the amendment include adjustments to the stock option ratio for the profit-sharing bonus (PS) and an expansion of employee choices. The previous agreement allocated 40% cash and 60% stock, which has now been adjusted to a 50-50 split. Additionally, employees can now choose to receive their entire PS in stock, with options available in 10% increments for the cash portion.The amendment also formalizes the deferral of a portion of wages in the event of a loss. The company explained that this reflects a commitment to share the burden during downturns, not just during profitable times.During the re-vote process, over 60 informational sessions were held to explain the rationale and benefits of the changes. The company believes that the increased understanding among members and the collaborative approach taken after the initial rejection contributed to the successful vote.SK Hynix expressed gratitude to the labor union and its members for their cooperation during this challenging process, stating, "We will continue to face future challenges together as a company and workforce."The company and union plan to hold a signing ceremony for the final agreement before the Chuseok holiday, officially concluding this year's labor negotiations. 2026-09-16 09:44:20
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Naver bets on solar to power AI data centers SEOUL, September 16 (AJP) - Naver plans to take a stake in a 216-megawatt solar project and buy its output under a long-term deal to power its data centers with renewable energy, the company said Wednesday. South Korea's largest internet portal signed a memorandum of understanding with Singapore-based developer Gurīn Energy over the Jindo Green Solar project on Jindo. The two companies aim to hammer out the details and sign a binding agreement by the end of the year. Gurīn Energy will lead development and operation of the plant, which secured its electricity business license earlier this year. Naver will buy the electricity to supply its Gak Sejong and Gak Chuncheon data centers, which run its AI and cloud services. "As data center power demand rises with the spread of AI and cloud, securing a stable supply of renewable energy is an essential task for sustainable infrastructure," said Chae Seon-ju, Naver's head of strategic business. Chae said the deal would help the company meet its goal of becoming carbon negative by 2040. Naver set that target in 2020 and has since sourced power from solar, small hydropower and wind to cut emissions from its electricity use. Pairing an equity stake with a power purchase agreement will further diversify its renewable supply, the company said. The agreement follows Naver's April deal to acquire a 30 percent stake in a wind farm GS Wind Power is building in Yeongyang County, North Gyeongsang Province, and buy its electricity for 25 years. Naver said the deal was the first time a South Korean RE100 member had secured renewable power by investing directly in a generating company. RE100 is a global initiative of companies pledging to use only renewable electricity. AJP Takeaways - Naver signed an MOU with Singapore-based Gurīn Energy on Sept. 16, 2026, to invest in the 216-megawatt Jindo Green Solar project and sign a long-term power purchase agreement. - Naver plans to use the solar power at its Gak Sejong and Gak Chuncheon data centers, citing rising electricity demand from AI and cloud services. - The two companies aim to sign a binding agreement by the end of 2026, as Naver pursues its goal of becoming carbon negative by 2040. 2026-09-16 09:44:04 -
MeTooOn Shares Surge Following Kakao Games Acquisition Announcement MeTooOn shares soared in early trading following news of its acquisition by Kakao Games.According to the Korea Exchange, as of 9:39 a.m. on September 16, MeTooOn's stock was trading at 3,840 won, up 885 won (29.95%) from the previous trading day.Kakao Games held a board meeting the day before, deciding to acquire a 39.56% stake in MeTooOn for approximately 98 billion won. Once the transaction is completed, Kakao Games will become the largest shareholder of MeTooOn, securing management control.Founded in 2010, MeTooOn is a gaming company focused on social casino and casual games. It was listed on the KOSDAQ in 2016 and reported revenues of 120.9 billion won and an operating profit of 12.6 billion won last year, with over 80% of its revenue coming from overseas.MeTooOn is targeting international markets in Asia, North America, and Europe through its subsidiaries. In addition to its gaming business, it is expanding into content areas such as dramas, webtoons, and web novels.Kakao Games plans to enhance its global competitiveness by securing MeTooOn's game pipeline, which includes social casino, casual games, and mind sports. The company also aims to expand MeTooOn's intellectual property (IP) and pursue joint development with studios in China.This acquisition is notable as it marks the first merger and acquisition (M&A) initiative since the establishment of the joint leadership of co-CEOs Kim Tae-hwan and Lee Si-woo, targeting companies with proven business performance and profitability.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-16 09:44:00
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Kim Min-seok Advocates for Progressive Coalition and Electoral Reforms 김민석 더불어민주당 대표가 16일 "진보 세력의 연대를 실현해야 한다"며 원내 교섭단체 기준을 현행 20석에서 15석으로 완화하는 방안을 꺼내들었다. 김 대표는 이날 민주당 공식 유튜브 채널(민주당TV) '민티07'에 출연해 "진보 정치 세력의 맏형으로서 어떻게 실현할까를 제시하고 실현해야 하는 단계에 왔다"며 이같이 말했다. 김 대표는 "용혜인 (전 성평등가족부 장관) 후보자 문제를 보면서 취약한 진보 세력의 현실을 보게 됐다"며 "이재명 대통령께서 (과거) 당 대표로서, 후보로서 다른 정치 세력과 함께 약속하고 합의한 것도 있고 최근에 제기됐던 것도 있다"고 언급했다. 그러면서 진보 세력 연대 방안으로 △교섭단체 기준 완화 △합리적 선거제 도입 △결선투표제 △경쟁력 단일화 등 4가지를 제시했다. 특히 교섭단체 기준 완화와 관련해 "진보당, 사회민주당, 기본소득당, 조국혁신당과 시민사회가 다 요구하고 있다"며 "조국혁신당을 포함해 각 진보 정당도 15석 정도가 처음에 하기에는 현실적이고 수용 가능하다고 생각하는 것 같다"고 전했다. 교섭단체는 국회에서 의사일정 및 주요 사안을 협의하기 위해 일정 수 이상의 의원들이 모여 만든 공식적인 의원 집단을 뜻한다. 현행 국회법상 교섭단체 구성 요건은 국회의원이 20인 이상인 정당 혹은 다른 교섭단체에 속하지 않은 국회의원 20인 이상이다. 김 대표는 또 "현재 소선거구제의 준연동형제을 어떻게 하는 게 더 합리적일지 논의해봐야 한다"며 선거 제도 개편의 필요성을 강조했다. 아울러 "결선투표제는 대선은 기본이고 일부 광역단체장까지 말씀하시는 경우도 있는데, 우선 대선까지 포함한다"며 "어떻게 하면 이기는 단일화를 할 것이냐 문제도 같이 해결돼야 한다"고 덧붙였다. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-16 09:40:10
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Yeongam County Expands Basic Social Policies Under New Administration Yeongam County in South Jeolla Province is prioritizing a 'Basic Society' as the core of its new administration, expanding policies directly related to residents' daily lives, including income, care, finance, housing, and transportation.The county will continue key policies from the previous administration, such as the agricultural policy transformation and the local currency 'Wolchul Pay,' as part of its main agenda.On September 16, Yeongam County reported that re-elected Mayor Woo Seung-hee recently outlined the direction of the new administration during discussions with residents from 11 towns and villages, emphasizing the Basic Society, agricultural policy transformation, and local circular economy as key policy pillars.The envisioned Basic Society focuses on providing essential services for residents, including income, care, healthcare, housing, and transportation, at the local level.□ Rural Basic Income Distributed Twice... Expanding Energy Profit SharingIn the area of basic income, the county distributed a rural basic income of 100,000 won per resident in the first half of this year.According to the county, out of 50,830 eligible residents, 48,944 received the payment, achieving a distribution rate of 96%. An additional 100,000 won was distributed in September for the Chuseok holiday.The basic income is provided in the form of the local currency, Wolchul Pay, linking resident support with local consumption.In the new administration, the policy of returning renewable energy profits to residents will also be expanded.In Sinan Jeong Village, residents earn about 7 million won annually from solar power, while Song San Village in Seoho earns about 5 million won. Wolam Village in Gunseo began solar power generation in January, and Jukjeong Village in Gunseo and Yeongpung Village in Seoho have also been selected as solar income villages.Yeongam County aims to provide a monthly rural basic income of 150,000 won to all residents by linking renewable energy clusters and community power plants.□ Expanding Basic Society to Include Care, Finance, and Youth HousingIn the care and healthcare sectors, the county operates a 'Visiting Community Doctor' program. According to the county, the cumulative number of users from 2023 to June this year reached 60,595.The county has also launched public late-night pharmacies in Yeongam and Samho, as well as pediatric services. The number of participants in senior job programs increased from 1,582 to 2,339, and the number of collaborative workspaces for senior centers expanded from one to 16.In the new administration, plans include establishing an integrated care system that connects healthcare, nursing, and housing through the Yeongam Welfare Foundation and the Welfare Hope Fund.In finance, the county operates the 'Angel Fund,' which provides interest-free, unsecured, and non-guaranteed loans. The county reported that 77 cases have raised 150 million won in donations from businesses and residents, supporting 52 residents in crisis with up to 5 million won each.In the new administration, this will be expanded into the 'Yeongam-style Local Circular Economy Fund,' along with initiatives to activate farmland and vacant house banks.Youth policies will also be expanded to integrate housing, education, and employment.Of the 200 public housing units agreed upon with the Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH), 115 have been supplied, and programs for youth hope savings accounts, marriage incentives, and housing cost support for job seekers are being implemented.Plans include introducing a tuition responsibility system for youth and supplying an additional 300 public rental housing units.□ AI Call Bus Serves 220,000 Users... Transportation as a Basic RightIn transportation, the county is expanding its demand-responsive 'Yeongam-style AI Call Bus.'When users request a ride, the AI determines the route. According to the county, the cumulative number of users has surpassed 220,000. Currently, 37 rural buses and call buses operate free of charge on 70 routes.In the new administration, plans include expanding integrated transportation services that connect buses and taxis and improving the Bus Information System (BIS). The number of low-floor buses will increase from five to 21 by 2030.□ Agricultural Policy Transformation: From Production to Processing, Distribution, and SalesThe agricultural policy transformation initiated in the previous administration focuses on enhancing farm income by connecting production with processing, distribution, and sales.The county reported selling 487 tons of agricultural products, generating 1.9 billion won in revenue through partnerships with companies like Coupang, Daejeon Seongsimdang, Yamsam Gimbap, and Baekok Coffee.The 'Yeongam Farmer Namsaeng Distribution Market' operates to purchase and sell products from small and elderly farmers, and the county is also developing processed products such as traditional liquor, Daebong persimmon wine, fig products, and Yeongam Hanwoo beef jerky.In the new administration, the county plans to connect production, processing, distribution, and sales through the Yeongam Agricultural and Food Distribution Center.The integrated rice processing plant (RPC) in Gunseo, capable of processing and storing 30,000 tons of rice annually, along with processing centers in Yeongam-eup, local food complex sales centers in Samho-eup, and the Yeongam Food Integrated Support Center will be utilized.To address labor shortages in rural areas, the number of seasonal foreign workers has increased from 70 in 2022 to 1,321 this year. The county plans to expand this to 2,000 by 2030 through dedicated organizations and public seasonal labor programs.□ Wolchul Pay Surpasses 40 Billion Won... Creating a Local Economic CirculationThe local currency 'Wolchul Pay' is a key tool for the local circular economy.As of the end of July this year, Yeongam County reported 37,000 members and 2,326 affiliated stores, with the total issuance exceeding 40 billion won.Wolchul Pay is linked with public delivery apps like 'Meokgaebi,' Yeongam Taxi, Yeongam Travel 1+1, Ondol Savings, and Yeongam Mall, and the rural basic income is also distributed through Wolchul Pay.The county is expanding local coexistence projects that connect companies in the Daebul Industrial Complex with local farmers.The purchase volume of Yeongam rice by companies increased from 4,613 bags in 2024 to 12,514 bags last year, with 9,251 bags sold by July this year. The cumulative purchase amount of agricultural products is reported at 1.88 billion won.This Chuseok, the county plans to supply local businesses with 560 million won worth of seven types of Yeongam agricultural products.Yeongam County aims to broaden cooperation with local companies and expand regular employment for youth in the new administration.Mayor Woo Seung-hee stated, “If we confirmed Yeongam's potential over the past four years, the new administration will be a time to complete change and innovation. The goal of all changes is to improve the lives of residents, and we will implement policies that residents can feel in their daily lives.”Meanwhile, Yeongam County plans to pursue energy transition using renewable energy, along with the Basic Society, agricultural policy transformation, and local circular economy as major administrative tasks. The county aims to respond to population decline and regional economic stagnation by linking income, welfare, agriculture, transportation, and local currency policies.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-16 09:40:10
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Hyundai Group's Competitiveness Gains Attention in the U.S. Hyundai Motor, Kia, and Genesis are rapidly closing the gap with traditional global luxury brands, according to a recent report.On September 16, Hyundai Group announced that the U.S. automotive publication CarBuzz reported that Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis are enhancing their product competitiveness and shaking up the existing automotive market.CarBuzz highlighted its experience test-driving the Hyundai Palisade hybrid, stating, "The smooth ride and quietness of the Palisade are hard to distinguish from many luxury SUVs priced over $100,000." The publication emphasized that the vehicle combines design, comfort, fuel efficiency, and price competitiveness.CarBuzz analyzed data from J.D. Power's recent five-year Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) study, noting that the satisfaction gap between Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis and existing luxury brands is narrowing quickly.In this year's survey, Hyundai scored 858 points, just 12 points behind Lexus and 18 points behind Mercedes-Benz. Kia scored 857 points, showing a 6-point difference with Volvo. Genesis has recorded scores between 869 and 886 over the past five years.CarBuzz remarked that Genesis has consistently outperformed Mercedes-Benz, Lexus, Audi, Volvo, Acura, and Infiniti in recent years, stating, "Genesis is no longer a follower but has firmly established itself among the top brands in the luxury market."The report also noted Hyundai Group's manufacturing competitiveness. CarBuzz pointed out that investments in AI-based robotics and production automation, particularly through Boston Dynamics, along with in-house steel production capabilities, could lower production costs and enhance product competitiveness.In the first half of this year, Hyundai and Kia sold 920,383 vehicles in the U.S., a 3% increase from the same period last year. Notably, hybrid sales surged by 65.5% to 225,321 units.Despite a slowdown in electric vehicle demand, CarBuzz assessed that Hyundai Group is responding to market changes with a product lineup that includes hybrids, electric vehicles, and internal combustion engine cars.Meanwhile, Hyundai announced at its recent CEO Investor Day 2026 that it plans to add 500,000 units to its North American production capacity by 2030 and increase its local parts procurement rate to over 80%. Hyundai Group plans to invest a total of $26 billion in the U.S. from 2025 to 2028, including this initiative.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-16 09:40:00
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Rising International Oil Prices and U.S. Interest Rates Push Won to 1360s International oil prices surged, causing the won-dollar exchange rate to rise into the 1360s.As of 9:26 a.m. in the Seoul foreign exchange market, the exchange rate for the won against the U.S. dollar was 1365.5 won. The rate at 6 a.m. was 1364.6 won, up 5.2 won from the previous day's closing rate of 3:30 p.m.The won appears to be under pressure due to rising international oil prices, increasing U.S. Treasury yields, and a strengthening dollar.Overnight, international oil prices soared amid concerns over supply disruptions, reaching their highest level since May 19. Brent crude for November delivery closed at $108.75 per barrel, up 2.90%, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) for October delivery rose 4.38% to $105.83.U.S. Treasury yields also increased, with the benchmark 10-year Treasury yield rising to 5.041% by 5 a.m., the highest level since July 2007.U.S. stock markets fell across the board. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed down 328.09 points (0.63%) at 52,093.11.The S&P 500 index fell 34.25 points (0.45%) to 7,585.73, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite dropped 204.84 points (0.78%) to 25,981.57.The dollar index, which measures the dollar's value against six major currencies, rose 0.149% to 99.638.The exchange rate is expected to continue rising. Min Kyung-won, an economist at Woori Bank, stated, "The ongoing rise in international oil prices is likely to dampen risk appetite, leading to further increases in the exchange rate."He added, "As the exchange rate rebounds, importers who had been on the sidelines are likely to secure more dollars, and speculative demand betting on a stronger won is diminishing, suggesting a significant chance the rate will rise into the high 1360s before the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting today."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-16 09:40:00
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Repeat quality breaches dog South Korean drugmakers SEOUL, September 16 (AJP) - More than one in five drug factory inspections in South Korea have turned up quality breaches each year since 2022, according to regulator data released by a lawmaker Wednesday. The violation rate under Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) rules climbed from 37.9 percent in 2022 to 41.3 percent in 2023, before easing to 26.8 percent last year and 22.7 percent in the first half of 2026. The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety compiled the figures from regular and special inspections and submitted them to Rep. Heo Jong-sik of the ruling Democratic Party. The 20 worst offenders racked up 166 violations, and five were caught 10 times or more. One manufacturer was cited 12 times over the period, though the data did not name any companies. "The entire system of monitoring, sanctions and follow-up for repeat violators must be overhauled," said Heo, who sits on the National Assembly's health and welfare committee. GMP rules, which the ministry uses to guarantee drug quality, cover every stage from production and testing to packaging and shipment. AJP Takeaways - GMP violations were found in more than 20 percent of South Korean drug factory inspections every year from 2022 through June 2026, according to Ministry of Food and Drug Safety data released Sept. 16, 2026 by Rep. Heo Jong-sik. - The 20 manufacturers with the most violations accounted for 166 breaches, and one company was cited 12 times. - GMP lapses abroad have been linked to patient deaths and drug shortages, including a 2020 contamination case at Japan's Kobayashi Kako that led to a record 116-day suspension. 2026-09-16 09:38:09 -
Hana Bank Hosts Customized Retirement Pension Management Seminar Hana Bank announced that it held a customized retirement pension management seminar for its clients at the Hana Financial Group headquarters in Myeongdong on September 15.The seminar was organized to support clients in managing their retirement assets amid increasing volatility in the financial markets, providing practical information and professional consultation opportunities necessary for retirement pension management. Notably, Hana Bank's pension experts participated in one-on-one personalized consultation booths.The seminar covered topics including tax-saving strategies using retirement pensions, understanding the National Pension, managing retirement pension products tailored to individual circumstances, and market outlooks and investment strategies relevant to pension asset management.In the separate one-on-one consultation booths, clients reviewed their individual pension asset management status, investment preferences, and retirement plans with pension experts, receiving tailored advice accordingly.A Hana Bank representative stated, "It is crucial to accurately understand clients' situations and provide professional solutions at the right time regarding retirement pensions. We will continue to be a reliable partner in pension asset management through expert-driven client management."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-16 09:36:10