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Wanju County Launches Record-Breaking Senior Employment and Social Activity Program Wanju County in North Jeolla Province is set to operate its largest-ever senior employment and social activity support program, involving 4,867 participants.According to the county on July 29, this number represents an increase of 347 from the previous year.The county has secured a total budget of 22.1 billion won and plans to allocate additional funds through supplementary budgets to expand the program.In particular, the county aims to establish a specialized execution system for senior employment centered around senior clubs, while strengthening collaboration with existing organizations such as the Wanju branch of the Korean Senior Citizens Association and the Yangjiteul Social Cooperative to enhance the program's professionalism and efficiency.Over the past four years, the county has consistently expanded its senior employment initiatives.The scale of the program has grown from 52 project teams and 2,555 participants in 2022 to 74 project teams and 4,867 participants in 2026, marking increases of 22 project teams and 2,312 participants, respectively.The program budget has also expanded significantly, from 8.9 billion won to 22.1 billion won, an increase of nearly 13.2 billion won, or 1.5 times.Looking ahead, the county plans to continue identifying tailored job opportunities that reflect local characteristics and the diverse experiences and skills of seniors. It aims to expand quality job offerings, including market-oriented project teams and senior capability utilization projects, to actively support seniors' social participation and stable income activities.Wanju County Mayor Yoo Hee-tae stated, “Senior employment is a crucial policy that supports not only income preservation for seniors but also healthy aging and social participation. We will continue to build a specialized execution system centered around senior clubs and expand quality, tailored job opportunities for seniors to ensure they can enjoy vibrant later years.”As of the end of June this year, the population aged 65 and older in the county stands at 27,560, accounting for 27.53% of the total population. 2026-07-29 13:57:00 -
Gwangju Education Office Signs Agreement to Promote Inter-Korean Youth Sports Exchange The Gwangju Education Office is laying the groundwork for inter-Korean youth exchanges through sports. On July 29, the Gwangju Education Office (Superintendent Kim Dae-jung) signed a memorandum of understanding with the Inter-Korean Sports Exchange Association (Chairman Kim Kyung-sung) at the Gwangju provincial office's business room. This agreement is part of a collaborative effort to integrate the values of peace and coexistence into physical education since the establishment of the Gwangju Education Office, which combines the educational capabilities of Jeonnam and Gwangju. Under the agreement, the two organizations plan to gradually implement various educational programs, including: operating inter-Korean youth sports exchange programs, experiential activities linked to peace and unification education, historical and cultural exchanges, and domestic and international sports camps and joint projects. The Gwangju Education Office aims to support students in naturally learning the values of cooperation, consideration, and respect through sports activities, helping them grow into future leaders with a sense of peace and community. Additionally, the Inter-Korean Sports Exchange Association will leverage its experience in sports exchanges and domestic and international networks to establish a sustainable youth exchange model and develop various programs that link peace education with physical education. Superintendent Kim Dae-jung stated, "The establishment of the integrated education office was a new starting point for connecting educational values and opportunities, and this agreement will serve as an opportunity for youth from both North and South to prepare for the future together through sports. I hope that the experience of students running and communicating together will broaden mutual understanding and become a valuable asset in laying the foundation for peace on the Korean Peninsula." Chairman Kim Kyung-sung of the Inter-Korean Sports Exchange Association remarked, "Sports is the most powerful means of communication that connects people beyond language and ideology. We will closely collaborate with the education office to ensure that youth can understand each other and build trust through sports." Meanwhile, the Gwangju Education Office plans to continue expanding domestic and international educational cooperation based on the values of peace, human rights, and coexistence, and to promote exchange programs in sports, culture, and history that enhance students' global citizenship capabilities.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-29 13:54:00
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Suseong District Hosts 'Dubi Eco Winning Day' with Samsung Lions to Promote Environmental Awareness Daegu's Suseong District launched a unique campaign to raise awareness about environmental protection and resource recycling among citizens attending a professional baseball game.On July 28, Suseong District, in collaboration with the Samsung Lions, held the 'Dubi Eco Winning Day' at Daegu Samsung Lions Park, featuring various interactive programs that combined baseball viewing with eco-friendly practices.This event was organized through a partnership between Suseong District's mascot 'Dubi' and the Samsung Lions. It aimed to engage spectators in environmental protection and proper waste separation while enjoying the game.Before the game, an environmental campaign booth was set up at the outdoor plaza near the third base entrance, educating participants on the correct methods for separating recyclables such as plastic bottles and caps. Participants received eco-friendly souvenirs to encourage reducing single-use items and adopting sustainable practices in their daily lives.The stadium's electronic display featured videos with the environmental mascot Dubi and his friend Dori, highlighting the importance of waste separation and resource recycling. During the game, an interactive 'Dubi Quiz Time' engaged the audience and received a positive response.Attendees expressed satisfaction with the innovative cheering culture. Park Yeon-kyung, 49, who traveled from Ulsan with her family, said, "I came all the way from Ulsan to watch the Samsung Lions play, and it was even more meaningful to enjoy an environmental campaign alongside the game. The promotion using the Dubi character was fresh and memorable. It was a great event for kids to learn about the importance of the environment naturally."Suseong District plans to continue expanding experiential environmental programs and resource recycling campaigns to encourage citizens to practice eco-friendly living in their daily lives.Suseong District Mayor Kim Dae-gwon stated, "I hope this 'Dubi Eco Winning Day' serves as an opportunity for citizens to enjoy baseball while naturally participating in environmental protection and sharing the value of the environment. We will continue to implement various eco-friendly policies and programs that are easy for citizens to engage with."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-29 13:54:00
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Goldman Sachs: Recent Drop in Japanese AI Stocks Presents Buying Opportunity Goldman Sachs has identified the recent sharp decline in Japanese artificial intelligence (AI) stocks as a buying opportunity. With stock prices having fallen significantly, analysts believe that strong corporate earnings could lead to a substantial rebound.According to Bloomberg on July 29, Bruce Kirk, Goldman Sachs' chief Japan equity strategist, stated, "As long as geopolitical conditions do not deteriorate significantly, there are certain stocks worth increasing exposure to. We do not see the growth outlook for the AI industry as shaken."Japanese AI stocks surged before experiencing a steep decline. The Nikkei 225 index rose approximately 44% to a peak in June before dropping 14%. Major AI beneficiaries, such as Kioxia Holdings and Furukawa Electric, have also fallen more than 40% from their highs.The sell-off in stocks has spread beyond Japan, affecting AI-related stocks in South Korea and Taiwan as well. Concerns over excessive short-term price increases and whether large-scale AI investments will translate into actual profits have dampened investor sentiment.Kirk predicts that future stock price movements will be determined by corporate earnings. He noted, "If solid earnings are reported, investors may refocus on the growth potential of AI companies at the lower price levels."Major semiconductor companies in Japan are set to release their earnings soon. Advantest will kick off the announcements, followed by Tokyo Electron and Kioxia, while SoftBank Group is also preparing to disclose its earnings next month.Goldman Sachs expects that the quarterly net income of companies in the TOPIX index, which represents the Japanese stock market excluding SoftBank Group, will increase by about 26% compared to the same period last year.However, with hedge fund investments in Japanese stocks reaching a high level not seen in the past five years, there remains the possibility of significant short-term fluctuations in stock prices. 2026-07-29 13:51:00
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Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Partners with Yeongdeok County for New Nuclear Plant Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) is set to enhance its collaboration with Yeongdeok County through the construction of a new nuclear power plant. The initiative aims to stimulate the local economy, promote the development of an eco-friendly energy city, and address the crisis of regional decline by leveraging the nuclear facility as a growth engine for local development.On July 29, KHNP announced that it signed a "Mutual Cooperation Agreement for the Construction of a New Nuclear Power Plant and Local Development" with Yeongdeok County.The signing ceremony, held at KHNP's headquarters in Gyeongju, was attended by over 20 officials, including Choi Il-gyeong, KHNP's Vice President and Head of the Business Division, Jo Joo-hong, the Mayor of Yeongdeok, and Jo Sang-jun, the Chairman of the Yeongdeok County Council. They discussed strategies for the successful advancement of the new nuclear plant and ways to foster mutual growth.Under the agreement, KHNP and Yeongdeok County will collaborate on administrative procedures to facilitate the smooth execution of this large-scale national project and address current issues. They also plan to implement various mutual benefit projects aimed at revitalizing the local economy, supporting residents, and nurturing local talent.KHNP intends to strengthen its cooperative framework with Yeongdeok County through this agreement, aiming to ensure that the construction of the new nuclear plant serves as a model for mutual growth that enhances both national energy competitiveness and local development.Choi Il-gyeong stated, "We will construct a nuclear power plant that prioritizes safety based on world-class nuclear technology, and through practical mutual benefit projects, we will work together to shape the future of Yeongdeok County for the next 100 years." 2026-07-29 13:50:00
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Jeonju Hanok Village Parking Facility Enhanced for Safety and Convenience The Hanok Village parking facility in Jeonju, North Jeolla Province, has been upgraded to provide a more convenient and safer parking experience.On July 29, the Jeonju Facilities Corporation announced that the Hanok Village parking facility has completed renovations reflecting citizen feedback and on-site input.The upgrades go beyond simple maintenance, aiming to create tangible improvements for users.New traditional lanterns have been added to the facility's exterior, which features a traditional Hanok design with walls, eaves, and tiled roofs, enhancing its visual appeal.Additionally, high-efficiency LED lighting has been installed throughout the parking area, increasing brightness and improving both comfort and safety for users.To ensure pedestrian safety, clear demarcations have been established between vehicle and pedestrian zones.Guiding lines for pedestrians have been painted, and barriers have been installed to create a safer physical environment for foot traffic.Lee Yeon-sang, the chairman of the corporation, stated, "We listened to the voices of each citizen to alleviate inconveniences while enhancing safety. We will manage the public parking facility thoroughly so that it can serve as public infrastructure that improves the quality of life for citizens."Currently, the corporation operates a total of 121 public parking facilities, including 50 paid and 71 free, to enhance parking convenience and alleviate congestion. The total number of parking spaces exceeds 7,760.Jeonju Horse Riding Center to Close for Summer Heat Until August 3The Jeonju Facilities Corporation announced on July 29 that the Jeonju Horse Riding Center will be closed until August 3 due to the summer heat.This closure aims to improve the health of the horses affected by the extreme heat.While horses are resilient to cold, they are particularly vulnerable to heat. During periods of high humidity and extreme temperatures, they can suffer from heat stress, leading to pneumonia and heatstroke, which can be fatal.During the closure, the corporation will regularly monitor the horses' health and ensure they receive adequate water, ventilation, and hygiene care to help them stay healthy throughout the summer.Furthermore, to provide a safer and more comfortable environment for visitors, the corporation plans to carry out repairs on the indoor riding arena's safety walls and level the flooring.Last year, the Jeonju Horse Riding Center received horse welfare certification from the Korea Racing Authority in recognition of its efforts to improve horse welfare.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-29 13:45:00
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Government to Implement Cryptocurrency Taxation as Planned Starting Next Year The government plans to implement taxation on cryptocurrency income as scheduled starting next year, without any further delays.Koo Yun-cheol, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, stated during a report to the National Assembly's Finance and Economy Committee on July 29 that, in response to a question from People Power Party lawmaker Kim Sang-hoon regarding the timing of cryptocurrency taxation, "Currently, we are pushing forward with the plan to tax starting next year as scheduled." Koo explained, "We are currently deferring taxation on cryptocurrencies until the end of this year, but starting next year, taxation will be in effect." Under the current system, income from cryptocurrencies is classified as other income rather than capital gains. As a result, loss carryforwards, which allow investors to offset losses against profits in subsequent years, are not permitted.In response to concerns about the lack of loss carryforwards, Koo noted, "In the case of stock investments, carryforwards are also not allowed. Since we are classifying it as other income, there are benefits provided, which is why we do not allow loss carryforwards." Koo emphasized that, unlike major countries abroad, South Korea applies a taxation system for cryptocurrency income based on other income rather than capital gains tax. He stated, "In the United States, Japan, and the United Kingdom, cryptocurrencies are taxed as capital gains, while in our country, we apply a 20% separate taxation rate for other income and recognize other deductions." He also mentioned that transitioning the cryptocurrency taxation system to a capital gains tax framework would require a comprehensive review of the capital market taxation system, including financial investment income. Koo said, "To shift to a capital gains tax system, we need to consider how to approach the entire capital market, not just cryptocurrencies. We will implement the taxation next year and make adjustments as necessary based on our observations." 2026-07-29 13:40:00
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KOSPI and KOSDAQ Plunge, Marking First-Ever Consecutive Circuit Breakers The KOSPI index has dropped to the 5,300 range as the domestic stock market experienced a dramatic decline for two consecutive days, triggering circuit breakers in both the KOSPI and KOSDAQ markets for the first time in history.According to the Korea Exchange, as of 1:20 PM on July 29, the KOSPI was down 672.52 points (11.16%) at 5,351.14. The index started the day with a rise of 65.45 points (1.09%) at 6,089.11 but quickly reversed course and expanded its losses.As the decline continued, a circuit breaker was activated in the KOSDAQ market at 12:19 PM, halting trading for 20 minutes. Thirteen minutes later, at 12:32 PM, a circuit breaker was also triggered in the KOSPI market.The exchange activates a first-stage circuit breaker when the KOSPI or KOSDAQ index falls more than 8% compared to the previous day and remains at that level for over a minute. When activated, trading and order cancellations are paused for 20 minutes, followed by 10 minutes of single-price trading upon resumption.This marks the 15th activation of a circuit breaker in the KOSPI market and the ninth this year, while the KOSDAQ has seen its 14th activation and fourth this year. This is the first instance of simultaneous circuit breakers being triggered in both markets for two consecutive days.Earlier in the day, at 10:55 AM in the KOSPI market and 10:56 AM in the KOSDAQ market, a temporary halt on program buy orders (sell-side circuit breaker) was also implemented.In the KOSPI market, individual and foreign investors have sold a net 1.6793 trillion won and 472.5 billion won, respectively. In contrast, institutional investors have made a net purchase of 2.154 trillion won, indicating a move towards bargain hunting.All major stocks in the KOSPI index are experiencing declines. Samsung Electronics is down 11.32%, SK Hynix by 16.58%, SK Square by 14.70%, Samsung Electro-Mechanics by 14.72%, Hyundai Motor by 5.36%, LG Energy Solution by 6.37%, Samsung Biologics by 5.87%, KB Financial by 4.42%, and Samsung Life by 10.53%.At the same time, the KOSDAQ index has fallen by 70.64 points (10.01%) to 635.21. The index started at 713.71, up 7.86 points (1.11%), but quickly turned downward and widened its losses.In the KOSDAQ market, foreign investors have made a net purchase of 223.7 billion won, while individual and institutional investors have sold a net 216.1 billion won and 6.9 billion won, respectively.Most of the top stocks in the KOSDAQ index are also showing weakness. Alteogen is down 9.27%, EcoPro BM by 12.18%, EcoPro by 11.97%, Rainbow Robotics by 7.49%, Juseong Engineering by 14.60%, Rino Technology by 10.39%, HLB by 5.26%, Wonik IPS by 15.98%, and ABL Bio by 11.34%. However, Pharma Research is up 0.40%. 2026-07-29 13:39:00
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Agriculture Minister Song Mi-ryeong Urges Farmers to Avoid Working During Heat As a heat wave continues across the country, Agriculture Minister Song Mi-ryeong urged farmers to refrain from working during the hottest parts of the day.On July 29, Minister Song visited Sanggang Village and Cheonji Agricultural Cooperative in Hampyeong County, Jeonnam Province, to assess the response to the heat wave and made this request.She advised local residents and seasonal foreign workers to follow guidelines during heat advisories, including limiting outdoor work, staying hydrated, and taking breaks. Additionally, she distributed cool kits, cool scarves, and translated guidelines for heat illness prevention.During a broadcast from the village hall, Minister Song requested that outdoor work be avoided from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. She also emphasized the importance of stopping work immediately and resting in a cool place if any symptoms arise.She then checked on the use of drones and vehicles for monitoring heat-related damage and locating and rescuing individuals suffering from heat illnesses. The drone initiative, introduced this year, operates during heat advisories, patrolling farmlands and villages to alert farmers of dangers and quickly connect them to emergency services if heat illness is detected.Minister Song stated, "Preventing fatalities among farmers due to the heat wave is of utmost importance. The government will utilize all available means, including village broadcasts, drones, and vehicles, in collaboration with relevant agencies to ensure the safety of farmers." 2026-07-29 13:35:00
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Iran Fires Ballistic Missiles at U.S. Base in Jordan; All Intercepted, Says U.S. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran launched multiple ballistic missiles at a U.S. military base in Jordan. Iran claimed to have struck U.S. facilities, but the U.S. military stated that all missiles were intercepted.According to Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency, the IRGC asserted in a statement on July 29 that it attacked the U.S. base and command facilities in Jordan in response to American military actions.The IRGC warned, "As long as the threats from the U.S. and its illegal interventions in Iran's national interests continue, our responses will also persist." However, it did not specify which U.S. actions prompted the retaliation.The U.S. Central Command announced that at approximately 5:45 p.m. Eastern Time on July 28, the IRGC launched several ballistic missiles from Iran targeting U.S. military bases in the Middle East. The command confirmed that all missiles were intercepted and that it is maintaining a high level of alert.Central Command did not disclose the location of the targeted base. However, U.S. media outlet Axios reported, citing a U.S. official, that the target was a U.S. military base in Jordan.Following Iran's missile launch, U.S. and Saudi Arabian forces conducted airstrikes against facilities of Iran-aligned armed groups in Iraq. The U.S. stated that Iran's missile attack occurred first, and the airstrikes in Iraq were a separate operation unrelated to the missile launch.This attack marks the resumption of hostilities between the U.S. and Iran, which had been paused for about five days. The U.S. had halted airstrikes against Iran for 13 consecutive days before resuming on July 24, while Iran had also ceased attacks on U.S. military bases in the region. 2026-07-29 13:35:00