AJU PRESS ASIA FIRST NEWS AGENCY

Journalist

&
""
Latest by
  • South Koreas Digital Services Rank Lowest Among Top 10 Exporting Countries
    South Korea's Digital Services Rank Lowest Among Top 10 Exporting Countries 우리나라 디지털서비스 수출이 빠르게 늘고 있지만 주요 수출국과 비교한 국제경쟁력은 최하위 수준이라는 분석이 나왔다. 특히 국내에 진출한 넷플릭스·구글 등 외국계 기업을 통한 서비스 수입이 우리 기업의 해외 현지법인을 통한 수출보다 크게 많은 것으로 나타났다. 산업연구원은 29일 발표한 'TISMOS 자료를 활용한 서비스 수출경쟁력 분석: 디지털서비스 분야를 중심으로' 보고서에서 이같이 밝혔다. 보고서는 해외 현지법인을 통한 서비스무역인 'Mode 3(상업적 주재)'를 포함한 세계무역기구(WTO)의 TISMOS 통계와 유엔 컴트레이드(UN Comtrade)의 제조업 수출 통계를 결합해 서비스 수출경쟁력을 분석했다. 기존 국제수지 기준 통계에는 전 세계 서비스무역의 56.1%를 차지하는 Mode 3가 반영되지 않았다. 분석 결과 우리나라의 연평균 서비스 수출액은 2010∼2014년 2201억 달러에서 2020∼2022년 3094억 달러로 증가했다. 같은 기간 디지털서비스 수출액은 664억 달러에서 1249억 달러로 88.1% 늘었고, 전체 서비스 수출에서 차지하는 비중도 30.2%에서 40.4%로 확대됐다. 그러나 경쟁력 지표는 여전히 낮았다. 2020∼2022년 디지털서비스의 무역특화지수(TSI)는 -0.14, 비교우위지수(RCA)는 0.52로 수입특화와 비교열위 상태에 머물렀다. TSI는 0보다 작으면 수입특화, RCA는 1보다 작으면 비교열위를 의미한다. 특히 통신·컴퓨터·정보·시청각서비스 수출액은 42억 달러에서 173억 달러로 4배 이상 늘었지만 TSI는 -0.45, RCA는 0.25에 그쳤다. 이 분야에서 국내 진출 외국계 현지법인을 통한 수입 비중은 75.3%에 달했지만 국내 기업의 해외법인을 통한 수출 비중은 25.0%에 불과했다. 미국·중국·일본·독일 등 주요 10개 수출국과 비교해도 우리나라의 디지털서비스 경쟁력은 최하위 수준이었다. 디지털서비스 수출액은 연평균 1249억 달러로 10개국 가운데 가장 적었다. 디지털서비스 4개 분야 중 수출특화와 비교우위를 동시에 갖춘 분야의 비중도 우리나라만 0%를 기록했다. 다만 지식재산권 사용료는 중장기 유망 분야로 꼽혔다. 지식재산권 사용료의 TSI는 -0.36에서 -0.18로, RCA는 0.57에서 0.69로 개선됐다. 한류 콘텐츠 지식재산권(IP)과 제조업 특허·기술료 수출이 확대된 영향이다. 보고서는 서비스산업발전기본법을 제정해 서비스 수출 지원의 법적 근거를 마련하고 컨트롤타워를 일원화해야 한다고 제언했다. 콘텐츠·관광에 집중된 지원의 축을 고부가가치 디지털서비스로 확대하고 국내 ICT·콘텐츠 기업의 해외법인 설립과 현지 진출에 대한 행정·금융 지원도 강화해야 한다고 강조했다. 고대영 산업연 연구위원은 "디지털서비스 분야에서 수출보다 수입이 많은 구조가 고착화하고 있다"며 "서비스산업발전기본법 제정과 해외 직접진출 지원을 서둘러야 한다"고 말했다. 2026-07-29 11:03:00
  • Retail Sales Increase 7.3% in First Half of 2026, Department Stores Up 20%
    Retail Sales Increase 7.3% in First Half of 2026, Department Stores Up 20% Retail sales among major companies in South Korea increased by more than 7% in the first half of 2026. The surge in department store sales was driven by improved consumer sentiment and an increase in foreign tourists, while large supermarkets and super supermarkets (SSMs) continued to struggle with declining food sales.The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy reported on July 29 that the total sales of 26 major retail companies rose by 7.3% compared to the same period last year. Offline sales increased by 6.2%, while online sales grew by 8.1%.In the first half of the year, department stores experienced significant growth due to improved consumer sentiment and increased sales from foreign tourists. Convenience stores also showed signs of recovery, and online retail continued its stable growth. However, large supermarkets and SSMs faced ongoing challenges.By sector, department store sales led the overall growth with a 20.1% increase. This was attributed to the transformation into experiential spaces and the rise in foreign tourists. Convenience stores grew by 3.7%, benefiting from a low base effect from the previous year's decline and early summer heat. Online retail sales increased by 8.1%, although this was a slowdown compared to last year's 14.4% growth due to the base effect.In contrast, large supermarkets saw a 7.3% drop in sales in the first half, marking nine consecutive quarters of negative growth since the second quarter of 2024. SSMs also experienced a 6.6% decline, continuing a downward trend for four consecutive quarters since the third quarter of last year. This decline is largely due to ongoing poor performance in their key food categories.The retail trends in the first half of the year indicate that the recovery in consumer spending is uneven across sectors. While department stores benefited from foreign tourists and a rebound in high-end spending, large supermarkets and SSMs are facing structural pressures as grocery shopping shifts online. The movement of food purchases to online platforms is particularly undermining the core business of large supermarkets.In June alone, total sales increased by 9.5% compared to the same month last year. Offline sales rose by 6.4%, while online sales grew by 11.7%. Department stores saw a 22.2% increase, and convenience stores grew by 5.1%, whereas large supermarkets and SSMs experienced declines of 10.5% and 10.8%, respectively. 2026-07-29 11:03:00
  • Incheon Education Chief Emphasizes Student Growth in AI Era
    Incheon Education Chief Emphasizes Student Growth in AI Era Do Seong-hoon, the Superintendent of the Incheon Metropolitan Office of Education, emphasized that in an educational environment where artificial intelligence quickly generates answers, the essential skills students need are not merely accepting information but rather thinking independently, asking questions, and solving real-life problems. He stated that teachers must lead the transformation of future education by focusing on people and relationships.On July 28, the superintendent delivered a special lecture titled 'Incheon Education in the Age of AI: Thinking, Questioning, and Acting' to 240 educators participating in a training program for Level 1 teachers at the Incheon Metropolitan Office of Education Training Center.This training was designed for mid-career teachers who will be responsible for classroom instruction, life education, and school organization, equipping them with the expertise and educational leadership needed to respond to changes in future society and to connect AI technology with students' lives and growth.Despite the rapid capabilities of generative AI in knowledge retrieval, writing, and data analysis, the superintendent stressed that the role of education in determining what questions students ask and how they interpret results is becoming increasingly important. He explained that lesson design should prioritize fostering critical thinking, creativity, and community over mere technological utilization.He particularly highlighted the need to use AI not as a tool that provides answers but as an educational means to help students explore problems from different perspectives and express their thoughts. Teachers should create learning processes that involve reviewing the accuracy and potential biases of information provided by AI alongside their students.The lecture also showcased examples of teachers tailoring materials and assignments to match students' levels, interests, and learning speeds, utilizing AI to diversify participation and feedback methods. Educators were encouraged to become active agents in designing school-specific curricula rather than passive recipients of change.This year, the Incheon Metropolitan Office of Education is expanding its digital infrastructure to support teachers' lesson preparation and personalized student learning through three AI educational services: an AI-customized teaching and learning platform, EBS question provision service, and Incheon AI education assistant.Additionally, a project is underway to systematically manage teachers' AI and digital competencies. The Incheon AI Convergence Education Center is introducing digital certificates that validate the training and activities completed by teachers, enabling them to assess their competencies and supplement necessary education. This initiative is linked to the expansion of 'Read, Walk, Write AI' education, which combines humanistic reflection with AI technology.The 'Read, Walk, Write' initiative, a core policy of Incheon education, aims to help students grow as active participants in life by reading books and the world, experiencing through walking, and expressing their thoughts through writing and various outcomes. The platform encourages integrated learning that promotes joyful reading and active participation in life processes.Previously, the Incheon Metropolitan Office of Education has included digital literacy courses in training for new administrators and Level 1 teachers, and has operated basic and advanced training for teachers along with remote content to enhance their ability to make educational judgments and utilize digital technology effectively.One participating teacher remarked, 'This was a time to reflect on what kind of learning we should provide to students in the AI era. I will create lessons that empower students to think and question independently rather than relying on AI's answers.'Superintendent Do Seong-hoon stated, 'No matter how advanced technology becomes, the essence of education lies in student growth and human-centered values. We will continue to support the enhancement of teachers' professionalism to expand lessons that cultivate students' critical thinking and creativity while responsibly utilizing AI.'Meanwhile, the Incheon Metropolitan Office of Education plans to expand AI and digital education for teachers through the AI Convergence Education Center and the training center, sharing teaching examples and educational materials used in schools to reduce the technology utilization gap. There are also plans to strengthen digital citizenship education for students, focusing on AI competency, assessing information reliability, and respecting the rights and ethics of others.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-29 11:00:00
  • SK Biopharm Joins Presidential Economic Delegation to Target $600 Million Latin American Market
    SK Biopharm Joins Presidential Economic Delegation to Target $600 Million Latin American Market Lee Dong-hoon, CEO of SK Biopharm, participated for the first time in the presidential economic delegation's visit to Brazil, aiming to accelerate the company's entry into the $600 million Latin American market.SK Biopharm announced on July 29 that it has signed a strategic memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Brazilian pharmaceutical company Eurofarma in São Paulo, coinciding with the presidential economic delegation's visit, to intensify its efforts in the Latin American market.As the only member from the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical sector in the economic delegation, Lee inspected the status of the Brazilian launch of cenobamate and discussed local partnerships and plans for future research and development (R&D) and business collaboration. SK Biopharm plans to leverage Eurofarma's capabilities in licensing, distribution, and commercialization to expand its business throughout Latin America.Under the agreement, the two companies will enhance cooperation in five areas: improving the value of cenobamate products, collaborating on the central nervous system (CNS) pipeline, joint research and development for rare epilepsy, expanding market entry in Latin America, and growing the digital healthcare business through the joint venture 'Mentis Care.'In particular, both companies will focus on targeting the Latin American epilepsy treatment market with cenobamate. They plan to continue research collaboration to expand indications and enhance treatment value while gradually increasing the number of countries where the product is launched to establish it as a leading treatment in the region.Cenobamate (local product name 'Xcopri') is set to launch in Brazil through Eurofarma in August. Following its entry into Peru and Chile, this move is expected to mark a turning point in expanding into Brazil, the largest pharmaceutical market in Latin America. The two companies will also expand their digital healthcare business centered around the joint venture Mentis Care. They plan to enhance mobile application-based solutions to support patient seizure management and real-time health monitoring, creating a platform for healthcare professionals to accurately assess patient conditions.Lee Dong-hoon stated, "Through this collaboration, we are strengthening our cooperative framework that encompasses the market expansion of cenobamate, the CNS pipeline, rare epilepsy research, and digital healthcare."Meanwhile, analysts expect SK Biopharm's second-quarter performance to continue its growth trend. Consolidated revenue is projected to reach 239.9 billion won, a 36% increase from the same period last year, while operating profit is estimated to rise by 43% to 88.3 billion won. Additionally, prescriptions for Xcopri in the U.S. are steadily increasing, with no significant changes in the competitive landscape.Jung Jae-won, a researcher at iM Investment & Securities, noted, "The launch of the competing product, Xenon's 'AzetuCalner,' is expected in 2028, so the expansion of Xcopri prescriptions and overall growth will continue." He added, "There are no significant changes in the competitive landscape for Xcopri, and the trend of increasing prescriptions is ongoing, indicating that robust revenue growth will continue for the time being."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-29 11:00:00
  • Thirteen Dead in Kumamoto Earthquake; Search for Missing Continues
    Thirteen Dead in Kumamoto Earthquake; Search for Missing Continues A magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan, on July 28, resulting in at least 13 confirmed fatalities.According to the Nihon Keizai Shimbun (Nikkei) and Kyodo News, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi reported that the death toll includes cases under investigation for their connection to the earthquake. Among the deceased are two women in their 20s who died at the Aeon Mall Kumamoto in Kashima.The Kumamoto Disaster Response Headquarters reported three officially confirmed deaths and five individuals in cardiac arrest as of the morning of July 29. The 13 fatalities mentioned by Takaichi include cases still being verified for their relation to the earthquake, leading to discrepancies with the official count.At the Aeon Mall, approximately 200 people evacuated immediately after the quake, but an explosion occurred, causing part of the second floor to collapse. Eight individuals were rescued, while two women were confirmed dead and one woman was found in cardiac arrest. Five others sustained injuries.Initially, reports indicated that 20 to 30 individuals inside the mall were unaccounted for. The Kumamoto authorities later announced that 10 people were missing, but confirmed they were still verifying the exact number on July 29. A senior government official suggested that a gas leak may have caused the explosion.In Yatsushiro City, part of a chimney at the Nippon Paper Yatsushiro plant collapsed, trapping 11 employees. Four were rescued, but two are in cardiac arrest and two others are seriously injured. The status of the remaining seven individuals is still unknown.One person rescued from a collapsed house in Yatsushiro has also been confirmed dead. Police and fire authorities conducted overnight searches for the missing, but faced challenges due to the risk of secondary collapses.Evacuations are ongoing. As of 7 a.m. on July 29, the Japanese Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications reported that over 90,000 residents in two cities in Kumamoto Prefecture were issued the highest level of evacuation alert, termed 'Emergency Safety Assurance.' More than 260,000 residents in Kumamoto and Nagasaki Prefectures have been ordered to evacuate.By the same time, police received 386 reports related to earthquake damage in the Kyushu region. The National Police Agency has dispatched emergency assistance teams from ten regional police departments, including the Tokyo Metropolitan Police and Fukuoka Prefectural Police, to Kumamoto.Infrastructure damage is also widespread. Approximately 140,000 households in 17 cities, towns, and villages in Kumamoto Prefecture are without water, and Yatsushiro City has cut off water supply to all 60,000 households. As of 9 a.m. on July 29, over 34,000 households in Kumamoto Prefecture were without power.The Kyushu Shinkansen suspended all services from the first train on July 29. The line between Kumamoto and Kagoshima-Chuo will remain closed throughout the day, and 11 Japan Airlines flights and two All Nippon Airways flights to and from Kumamoto Airport have been canceled.The Japan Meteorological Agency noted that this earthquake shares characteristics with the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake and urged residents to prepare for potential tremors of up to magnitude 7 over the next week. They specifically warned of the likelihood of strong aftershocks occurring within two to three days following the initial quake, with 15 tremors of magnitude 4 or higher recorded by 8 p.m. on July 28. 2026-07-29 10:57:00
  • Iran Fires Ballistic Missiles at U.S. Base in Jordan; U.S. and Saudi Arabia Respond
    Iran Fires Ballistic Missiles at U.S. Base in Jordan; U.S. and Saudi Arabia Respond Iran launched several ballistic missiles at a U.S. military base in Jordan, all of which were intercepted by U.S. forces.The U.S. Central Command reported that at approximately 5:45 p.m. local time on July 28, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) fired multiple ballistic missiles targeting U.S. forces in the Middle East.Central Command stated, "All Iranian missiles were successfully intercepted," adding that U.S. forces are maintaining a high level of alert.The exact location of the attacked base has not been officially disclosed. However, Barak Ravid, a reporter for Axios, cited U.S. officials indicating that the target was a U.S. base in Jordan.On the same day, U.S. and Saudi Arabian fighter jets conducted airstrikes on several logistics and weapon facilities belonging to pro-Iran militias in eastern Iraq.Central Command noted that these airstrikes were a response to over 30 drone attacks targeting U.S. and Saudi energy facilities in the past 72 hours, which the U.S. claims were directed by the IRGC.The Saudi Ministry of Defense also reported that drones launched from Iraq attacked oil facilities in the eastern region of Saudi Arabia, attributing the assaults to pro-Iran militias operating in Iraq.Iran has denied any involvement in the attacks on Saudi oil facilities. According to CNN, an Iranian military official stated to state broadcaster IRIB, "The projectiles launched from other countries toward Saudi Arabia have no connection to Iran." 2026-07-29 10:54:00
  • Accountant and Journalists Charged for Insider Trading Scheme
    Accountant and Journalists Charged for Insider Trading Scheme A group of individuals, including the head of an investment advisory firm and six journalists, has been indicted for allegedly exploiting feature articles in the stock market to gain unjust profits amounting to billions of won.On July 29, the Southern District Prosecutors' Office in Seoul announced that it has charged a total of eight individuals, including one accountant and six journalists, with violations of the Capital Markets Act, breach of trust, and violations of the Anti-Corruption Act. Four of the defendants have been detained, while the other four were charged without detention.Specifically, the prosecutors charged the accountant, identified as A, along with five journalists and one investor, with violations of the Capital Markets Act and breach of trust. Journalist B, who directly used feature articles for insider trading, faces additional charges under the Act on the Regulation of Criminal Proceeds.According to the investigation, the main perpetrator, accountant A, collaborated with journalists he was familiar with to select small-cap stocks or thematic stocks with low trading volumes and high volatility. He drafted feature articles, which were then distributed by the journalists as press releases or articles.Before the articles were published, they purchased the targeted stocks (insider trading) and sold them for profit once the stock prices surged due to increased buying from ordinary investors who accessed the information through home trading systems or portals.From October 2020 to June 2025, A and his accomplices reportedly utilized over 1,800 feature articles to gain approximately 8.55 billion won in unjust profits, with A himself accounting for about 7.13 billion won of that total.During this process, covert monetary transactions also took place. A allegedly paid journalists around 300,000 won per article to participate in the scheme. Prosecutors found that A and journalist B, a key contact, paid journalist E approximately 150 million won for distributing articles. Other journalists received payments of 116 million won and 28 million won, totaling nearly 300 million won in bribes.Notably, A employed various methods to evade detection by law enforcement, including providing check cards for cash withdrawals and hiding cash in gym lockers.Additionally, journalist H, currently employed at an economic newspaper, reportedly abused his authority to distribute feature articles to conduct solo operations. From October 2022 to July 2024, he sent out a total of 340 articles, profiting 740 million won by selling pre-purchased stocks. He allegedly used a proxy account under a friend's name to evade detection by financial authorities.This investigation was conducted through close cooperation between the Southern District Prosecutors' Office and the Financial Supervisory Service's Capital Markets Special Judicial Police. The Financial Supervisory Service analyzed extensive account and trading records to uncover additional crimes, leading to the arrest of key figures, including journalist B and journalist E, who received bribes.Furthermore, the prosecutors' asset recovery unit is tracking down signs that the defendants attempted to conceal their assets by selling real estate and re-acquiring it under their spouses' names to avoid asset forfeiture. They have frozen related real estate and financial assets.A prosecutor stated, "We will continue to work closely with the Financial Supervisory Service to respond strictly to financial and securities crimes that disrupt the stock market, striving for the normalization of irregularities." 2026-07-29 10:51:00
  • Chungnam Governor Park Soo-hyun Prioritizes Local Interests in Attracting Public Institutions
    Chungnam Governor Park Soo-hyun Prioritizes Local Interests in Attracting Public Institutions Chungnam Governor Park Soo-hyun announced plans to establish a long-term cooperation framework with Japan's Nara Prefecture, linking natural and cultural heritage to create a new model for local diplomacy. A comprehensive roadmap to support large-scale corporate investments in the Chungnam region, focusing on power, water, and workforce, will be unveiled by the end of this month. On July 29, Governor Park held a press conference at the Chungnam Provincial Office, where he discussed key policy issues, including exchanges with Nara Prefecture, the construction of the Jicheon Dam, the second relocation of public institutions from the metropolitan area, the attraction of a consolidated headquarters for power generation companies, and the relocation of the Forest Resources Research Institute to Cheongyang. "We aim for substantial cooperation, not just one-time exchanges."Governor Park emphasized the direction of exchanges with Nara Prefecture, stating, "Japan possesses cultural heritage, while Chungnam has natural heritage. This presents an opportunity for both regions to share the value of their heritage and develop together. We will establish long-term and practical cooperation measures beyond mere friendly exchanges." He added, "When diplomatic relations between central governments become strained, exchanges and cooperation between local governments can serve as a catalyst for improving relations between countries. I want to develop the exchanges between Chungnam and Nara into a model of local diplomacy." Chungnam and Nara Prefecture have maintained exchanges in culture, education, and tourism since signing a friendship cooperation agreement in 2011. To mark the 15th anniversary of the agreement, the two regions plan to promote academic exchanges centered on world heritage, cultural and tourism cooperation, and joint content development. Regarding the infrastructure needed for large-scale corporate investments in Chungnam, the governor announced that a detailed action plan from a regional task force will be released by the end of the month. Governor Park stated, "We have formed a regional task force led by the Deputy Governor. We will create a comprehensive roadmap on how to secure power, water, and workforce." The roadmap will analyze the scale of power, water, and workforce needed for corporate investments and present the supply conditions in Chungnam along with future expansion plans. However, he noted, "At this stage, it is difficult to guarantee the accuracy of all figures and plans. We will continuously refine our plans in line with changes in investment scale and industrial conditions." On the contentious issue of the Jicheon Dam construction, Governor Park reaffirmed his commitment to fully accept the decisions of the public discourse committee. He stated, "While I have a clear personal opinion on the Jicheon Dam, I am firmly committed to accepting the committee's decision 100%. The governor should not interfere in the committee's discussions." He added, "The information and conditions that the public discourse committee needs to review may change before and after the announcement of large-scale corporate investment plans centered on AI and semiconductors. However, for everyone to accept the outcome, the discourse process must be conducted fairly, transparently, and neutrally." Governor Park also mentioned that he has requested the government to ensure the neutral and transparent operation of the public discourse committee. "The sacrifices made during the construction of Sejong City must be reflected in the relocation of public institutions."Regarding the second relocation of public institutions from the metropolitan area, he argued that the sacrifices made by Chungnam during the establishment of Sejong City should be considered in the government's relocation criteria. Governor Park stated, "Chungnam has contributed land, population, and tax revenue to support the national policy of establishing Sejong City as the administrative capital. We have made sacrifices akin to losing an arm, but current policymakers seem unaware of this history." He continued, "The government demands that the second relocation logic focus on synergy with the first relocated public institutions, but Chungnam has no record of the first relocation, making it impossible to explain synergy. We should not apply mechanical criteria like those used for other innovation cities." He emphasized that the Chungnam Innovation City has not seen any public institution relocations in the six years since its designation and that the second relocation should provide new development opportunities for Naepo New Town and Chungnam Innovation City. Governor Park also expressed his intention to actively advocate for the relocation of public institutions and local issues to political figures visiting Chungnam, regardless of their affiliations or tendencies. "Attracting a consolidated headquarters for power generation companies should focus on future competitiveness, not just compensation."On the attraction of a consolidated headquarters for power generation companies, he stated that Chungnam would emphasize its competitiveness as a center for future energy transition, in addition to the sacrifices made due to coal-fired power generation. Governor Park remarked, "Chungnam has supported national industrial development through coal-fired power generation for the past 40 years, enduring significant sacrifices. However, we should not limit ourselves to a compensation argument for the consolidated headquarters." He added, "In the Chungnam West Coast, new energy policies and projects in 14 areas, including renewable energy and alternative industries, are being promoted. We will advocate for Chungnam West Coast to become the center of South Korea's future energy transition." However, he clarified that the success of Chungnam's energy transition policies should not be equated with the outcome of attracting the consolidated headquarters. Governor Park stated, "The arrival of the consolidated headquarters will not solve all problems at once, nor will its absence lead to the collapse of Chungnam's energy industry base. We will do our best to attract it while approaching the broader context of energy transition and alternative industries with calmness and confidence." He also outlined plans to secure regional hub functions by utilizing existing power generation infrastructure in Taean, Boryeong, and Dangjin, even if the consolidated headquarters is established in another region. Regarding the relocation of the Forest Resources Research Institute to Cheongyang, he confirmed that the plan would proceed without any setbacks. Governor Park stated, "Chungnam Province and Cheongyang County are discussing necessary arrangements, including cost-sharing, and related procedures are progressing smoothly. We will soon finalize a specific schedule and sign a memorandum of understanding with the Cheongyang County Mayor." On noise issues raised around the planned relocation site, he acknowledged it as a practical matter that needs to be resolved, reiterating, "We will clearly push forward with the relocation of the Forest Resources Research Institute to Cheongyang." "The distinctiveness of the 9th elected administration lies in continuity, not disruption."Regarding the retention of the previous administration's slogan, "Strong Chungnam," he emphasized the importance of continuity and practicality in governance. Governor Park Soo-hyun stated, "Changing all existing signs and policies just because the governor has changed is not true distinctiveness. True change comes from inheriting successful policies and improving the inadequate ones to achieve tangible results." He explained that the philosophy of the 9th elected administration, "Communicating Chungnam," focuses on creating real communication and change in administrative practices rather than simply adopting a new slogan. In response to some criticisms of performative actions, he remarked, "If there are criticisms that this is a show, it may indeed be a show, but if we continue this for four years, we will ultimately be evaluated sincerely." Governor Park also addressed attempts to categorize him within a specific political faction, stating, "I have never operated within a specific lineage while engaging in politics." He concluded, "Regardless of their affiliations, I will warmly welcome anyone visiting Chungnam for the benefit and future of the region, and I will actively convey local issues and the demands of residents. The criteria for judgment will not be based on specific politicians or factions, but on the interests and development of Chungnam."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-29 10:48:00
  • Parata Airlines Transports 4,678 Tons of Cargo on International Routes in First Half of 2026
    Parata Airlines Transports 4,678 Tons of Cargo on International Routes in First Half of 2026 Parata Airlines is accelerating its cargo business, having transported 4,678 tons of cargo on major international routes to Japan and Southeast Asia in the first half of this year.According to Parata Airlines, the total cargo volume for international routes from January to June was 4,678 tons. The Incheon-Narita route accounted for the largest share at 3,032 tons, followed by the Incheon-Da Nang route at 1,523 tons and the Incheon-Osaka route at 123 tons.Notably, cargo transport volume increased significantly in the second quarter. After recording 1,955 tons in the first quarter, the volume rose to 2,723 tons in the second quarter, marking a 39.3% increase from the previous quarter.This growth is attributed to a steady monthly increase in cargo transport. Starting at 658 tons in January, the volume rose to 596 tons in February, 700 tons in March, 888 tons in April, 916 tons in May, and reached 919 tons last month.The Incheon-Narita route alone accounted for approximately 64.8% of the total cargo volume, driving overall performance. The Incheon-Da Nang route also contributed significantly, representing about 32.6% of the total, indicating stable cargo demand.Parata Airlines utilizes a belly cargo method, transporting goods in the lower cargo holds of passenger aircraft. By leveraging the cargo capacity of its A330 aircraft, the airline enhances operational efficiency by transporting both passengers and cargo.Industry experts view the cargo business as a key area that can mitigate the impact of fluctuations in passenger demand and enhance route profitability.Looking ahead, Parata Airlines plans to strengthen its cargo operations on existing routes to Japan and Southeast Asia while actively exploring local logistics demand on new routes to expand its cargo business base.A Parata Airlines official stated, "We have secured stable cargo demand on major international routes in the first half of the year, and our monthly transport performance continues to grow steadily." Meanwhile, the domestic airline industry is nurturing the cargo business as a new revenue source in response to external uncertainties such as high oil prices and exchange rate fluctuations. Airlines including Korean Air, T'way Air, and Air Premia are also expanding cargo transport using belly cargo methods to enhance route profitability. 2026-07-29 10:48:00
  • IBK Bank: 25.7% of Small Businesses Expect Poor Management Next Year
    IBK Bank: 25.7% of Small Businesses Expect Poor Management Next Year One in four small businesses anticipates a poor management outlook for next year. The proportion of businesses expecting a downturn has increased by 10.9 percentage points from this year, reflecting growing concerns over deteriorating business conditions.IBK Bank announced the findings of its '2026 Financial Survey of Small Businesses' on July 29. The survey targeted 4,500 small businesses with annual sales exceeding 500 million won to assess their financing conditions, management status, and future economic outlook.According to the survey, 25.7% of respondents expect their management situation to be 'poor' next year, a significant rise of 10.9 percentage points compared to this year's projections. This increase is attributed to ongoing domestic and international uncertainties that may worsen future business conditions.Last year, the perceived management situation was also bleak, with 33.0% of businesses reporting it as 'poor,' far exceeding the 18.0% that indicated it had 'improved.' For the second half of this year, 72.8% of businesses expect their management situation to remain similar to the previous year.The conditions for securing financing have also worsened. The percentage of businesses reporting that external funding was 'smooth' decreased by 5.3 percentage points compared to the previous year. While the time taken to collect sales proceeds has lengthened, the payment deadlines for purchases have shortened, increasing the financial burden on small businesses.An IBK Bank official stated, "Due to domestic and international uncertainties, the management challenges for small businesses are expected to continue for the time being. We will actively support tailored financial and non-financial services." 2026-07-29 10:48:00