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  • Experience the Thrills of Kong x Godzilla: The Ride at Lotte World
    Experience the Thrills of 'Kong x Godzilla: The Ride' at Lotte World "From now on, you are a new agent of MONARCH." As the announcement plays, red warning lights flash, and a monitor detects the movement of unidentified giant creatures. Visitors waiting for the ride become new agents of the secret research organization MONARCH.The new attraction, 'Kong x Godzilla: The Ride,' opened on July 24. This dark ride immerses guests in the world of Legendary Entertainment's 'Monsterverse' from the waiting area to the boarding and exit paths.MONARCH Mission Begins in the QueueUpon entering, guests encounter research labs, maintenance facilities, and exploration equipment. The walls are covered with Titan-related materials, and warning sounds and mechanical noises fill the air.This area is named 'M-42,' representing the 42nd base of the secret organization MONARCH from the film.As the pre-show video begins, the mission is revealed: to enter the unknown underground world of 'Hollow Earth' and investigate the Titans.Along the queue, new research equipment and videos appear sequentially. By the time guests reach the pre-show, even those unfamiliar with the film can grasp the relationship between MONARCH, the Titans, and Hollow Earth.At the boarding area, an eight-passenger vehicle modeled after the film's aerial exploration vessel, H.E.A.V., awaits. Two vehicles depart together.The trackless system means no visible rails on the floor, making it difficult to predict the vehicle's direction, prompting guests to grip the safety bar tightly before departure.Kong Appears Before Your EyesAs the safety bar lowers and the surroundings darken, the exploration vessel delves deep into Hollow Earth.Initially, the ride passes through caves, carefully observing signs of Titans. Low vibrations and distant roars create a sense of tension.When the lights come on, a massive Kong animatronic appears right in front of the vehicle. The animatronic stands up to 5 meters tall and 11 meters wide, with its fingers moving and facial muscles twitching. The addition of heavy breathing creates an overwhelming presence, as if a giant creature is blocking the vehicle's path.Next, the 22-meter giant screen is engulfed in blue light as fierce battles between Titans commence. Amidst the chaos of erupting volcanoes and collapsing cliffs, the exploration vessel is drawn into the heart of the battlefield.As the screen displays attacks, the vehicle is pushed back and tilts significantly. Although the ride does not involve a real drop from a height, the combination of the screen, wind, and the vehicle's tilt gives the sensation of falling from a cliff.The speed is not fast; instead, the ride synchronizes the screen's attacks with the vehicle's rotations and vibrations. Guests' attention shifts from the screen to the physical figures and back to the battle on screen, making it hard to predict the next scene.As the crisis spreads to the surface, Godzilla appears, emitting a blue atomic breath. While the battle between Titans continues, the exploration vessel maneuvers between giant feet and tails, navigating through the chaos.Why 11 Minutes Feels ShortThe ride lasts about 11 minutes. While this is relatively long for a dark ride, it does not feel lengthy.Just when guests think they have escaped danger, another Titan appears, and when the vehicle seems to slow down, it quickly changes direction again. The rapid transitions between volcanoes, waterfalls, caves, and battle scenes keep guests' eyes darting to the next moment.Once the safety bar rises, the first thought is, "Is it already over?"Those expecting a roller coaster-like speed or sudden drops may find it feels smoother. Instead, the focus is on the experience of moving through the film's world, blending the screen, physical figures, and the vehicle's movements for an engaging experience.3 Years and 10 Months of Development and Record Investment'Kong x Godzilla: The Ride' took approximately 3 years and 10 months to plan and develop. It occupies about 5,124 square meters (1,550 pyeong) on the third floor of Lotte World Adventure, with a total ride length of about 320 meters. A total of 16 vehicles (8 sets) are in operation.The attraction features a giant screen measuring 22 meters in length and animatronics up to 5 meters tall and 11 meters wide, along with 39 high-performance video devices that power the experience.Kwon Oh-sang, CEO of Lotte World, stated, "Previously, about 50 billion won was invested in Pharaoh's Fury, which was the largest scale, but this time we invested even more."The production involved collaboration with American Legendary Entertainment, Japan's Toho, and American dark ride specialist Sally Dark Rides. This is the world's first multimedia dark ride based on Legendary's 'Monsterverse' and Lotte World's first attraction utilizing an external film IP.The key technology lies in the precise synchronization between the vehicle and the video.Kwon emphasized, "The trackless system allows the vehicle to recognize its position in real-time, precisely matching the video scenarios and movements, creating an immersive experience as if guests have entered the screen. We applied the highest level of technology among domestically produced trackless attractions."After the ride, guests can visit a large photo zone and a limited-edition merchandise shop. There are also dedicated food and beverage outlets, 'Titan Snacks' and 'Beast Station,' nearby.Kwon noted, "Following the opening of Maple Island Zone in April, we continue to invest in differentiated content, aiming to attract a wider audience, including movie fans, foreign tourists, and young adults in their 20s and 30s, based on global IPs."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-29 00:05:00
  • Legislative Committee Approves Bill to Abolish Prosecutorial Supplementary Investigation Rights
    Legislative Committee Approves Bill to Abolish Prosecutorial Supplementary Investigation Rights The Legislative Committee's subcommittee on the Criminal Procedure Act approved a bill aimed at abolishing supplementary investigation rights for prosecutors on July 28. The bill is expected to be discussed in a full committee meeting on July 29 and presented at a plenary session on July 30. Members of the People Power Party walked out during the meeting in protest.Kim Seung-won, the Democratic Party's subcommittee chair, spoke to reporters after the session, stating, "The Criminal Procedure Act has been passed after 70 years. Investigations will be conducted more responsibly while providing better protection for victims." He added, "The key is to ensure that prosecution decisions are made more fairly." Reports indicate that the bill has not significantly deviated from the Democratic Party's original proposal.In contrast, Park Hyung-soo, a member of the People Power Party, expressed his frustration after leaving the meeting, saying, "The Democratic Party organized everything according to their own agenda, and none of our suggestions were incorporated. They created provisions based solely on their claims. We should have been given time to discuss and review, but they proceeded without any consideration, making it pointless to continue the meeting."Additionally, the special prosecutor law regarding the Election Commission is now pending only the agreement of the leadership from both parties. Currently, there are differing opinions between the two parties regarding the scope of the investigation.The Democratic Party, along with its allies, plans to process both the Criminal Procedure Act amendment and the special prosecutor law within this week. However, as the Democratic Party is set to hold a regional primary in the Chungcheong area on August 1, there is speculation that they may prioritize the Criminal Procedure Act amendment first. The Democratic Party has stated that if the People Power Party attempts a filibuster, they will initiate closure procedures according to parliamentary rules and push for the bill's passage.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-28 23:55:00
  • IAEA Confirms No Damage to Sendai Nuclear Plant After Japans 7.1 Magnitude Earthquake
    IAEA Confirms No Damage to Sendai Nuclear Plant After Japan's 7.1 Magnitude Earthquake IAEA Reports No Issues at Sendai Nuclear Plant Following 7.1 EarthquakeJapan's Sendai Nuclear Power Plant is operating normally and has not sustained any damage following a 7.1 magnitude earthquake that struck Kyushu. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) announced on July 28 that it received confirmation from Japan's Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA) that there were no safety concerns or damage at the Sendai plant, located approximately 100 kilometers from the earthquake's epicenter in Uki City, Kumamoto Prefecture. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi stated, "We will continue to monitor the situation." Japan's Ministry of Internal Affairs Checking on Citizens' Safety After QuakeIn the wake of the earthquake, tremors were felt across South Korea, prompting the Ministry of Internal Affairs to verify the safety of citizens. As of 7:30 PM on July 28, the ministry reported a total of 789 tremor reports from local governments and fire authorities nationwide. Most reports came from the southern regions, with citizens expressing concerns about the shaking. The highest number of reports came from Busan with 291, followed by Gyeongnam with 215, Ulsan with 125, and Gyeongbuk with 69. Other regions reported fewer incidents, including Jeonnam (46), Incheon (17), Gwangju (9), Jeonbuk (5), Gyeonggi (4), Daejeon (3), and Chungbuk (2). Reports were also received from Daegu, Jeju, and Seoul, indicating that tremors were felt in most areas of the country. Shopping Mall Collapses in Kumamoto, Many Trapped After EarthquakeFollowing the 7.1 magnitude earthquake in Kumamoto Prefecture, part of the Aeon Mall Kumamoto collapsed, trapping several people inside. According to NHK, reports began coming in around 6 PM local time, indicating that an explosion was heard and white smoke was rising from the mall located in Kashima Town. The Japan Fire and Disaster Management Agency reported that part of the second floor of the mall had collapsed, leaving multiple individuals trapped inside. Authorities are currently assessing the extent of the damage and the circumstances surrounding the incident. Injured individuals are being transported to hospitals, and police and fire departments are conducting search operations for any additional trapped persons. KOSPI Plummets 10% Amid Concerns Over China's Semiconductor IndustryThe South Korean stock market experienced another "Black Tuesday" as the KOSPI index fell over 10% amid rising concerns about the rapid growth of China's semiconductor industry. On July 28, the Korea Exchange reported that the KOSPI closed at 6023.66, down 732.09 points (10.84%) from the previous trading day. The index began to decline sharply early in the session, quickly dropping below the 6100 mark and even falling to the 5000 range, marking its first drop below 6000 since April 14. The decline was primarily driven by the semiconductor sector. Market analysts noted that concerns grew after Chinese memory chip maker Changxin Memory Technologies (CXMT) surged 465% on its first day of trading on the Shanghai Stock Exchange, coupled with news of China's efforts to localize DUV lithography equipment, raising worries about the long-term competitiveness of South Korea's semiconductor industry.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-28 21:35:00
  • Israel Defense Minister Warns of Strong Retaliation Against Iran
    Israel Defense Minister Warns of Strong Retaliation Against Iran Israel's Defense Minister has stated that Iran is aware that U.S. bombers are using Israeli bases for airstrikes, and he warned that Israel is prepared to retaliate strongly if attacked.In an interview with right-wing Israeli Channel 14 on July 28, Defense Minister Yoav Katz said, "The situation can change within an hour. Iran knows that U.S. aircraft are taking off from here (Israel) to strike Iran."Katz added, "We do not know what will happen tomorrow, but our response will be clear. As I and the Prime Minister have already stated, if Israel is attacked, we will respond with full force."He also claimed, "Iran is attacking everywhere in the region except Israel."Recently, the U.S. and Iran have engaged in military clashes over control of the Strait of Hormuz. Following U.S. airstrikes, Iran launched retaliatory attacks targeting U.S. bases in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and Jordan, but did not directly strike Israel.Meanwhile, as hostilities between the U.S. and Iran have temporarily ceased, with mediation efforts ongoing from countries like Pakistan and Qatar, President Donald Trump mentioned the day before that he is having "good dialogue" with Iran, indicating the possibility of negotiations.However, Trump reiterated that if negotiations do not yield results, U.S. airstrikes against Iran could resume.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-28 21:30:00
  • Government Announces Record Increase in Median Income Standard Amid Criticism
    Government Announces Record Increase in Median Income Standard Amid Criticism The government announced a record increase in the median income standard for next year, but civic groups are urging reforms, claiming the decision does not reflect the actual income levels of citizens.On July 28, the Ministry of Health and Welfare held the 80th Central Living Security Committee meeting, where it confirmed the calculation method for the median income standard to be applied from next year and for 2027. According to the new calculation method, the median income standard for a four-person household will rise by 6.70% to 6,929,885 won, marking the highest increase since the standard was first established in 2015.The median income standard represents the income of the household that falls in the middle when all households are arranged in order of income. It serves as a criterion for selecting beneficiaries for approximately 80 welfare programs, including the basic living security system.The government explained that the median income standard for the current year is calculated based on the average increase rate of the median income from the past three years of the Household Financial Welfare Survey, with adjustments made according to key economic indicators such as the consumer price index and real GDP growth rate.However, the Economic Justice Action Coalition criticized the government for emphasizing the 'record high' increase in the median income standard, arguing that it obscures real issues. They stated, "The Central Living Security Committee has arbitrarily set the standard amounts for the past six years, ignoring the legally stipulated basic increase rate. As a result, the gap between actual income levels and the median income standard has widened from 12.49% in 2020 to 28.22% in 2024."They further pointed out, "The government has been reviewing improvement measures in response to these criticisms, but ultimately decided to maintain the existing method. If this continues, the gap between actual median income and the standard will only widen, leading to increased living insecurity for the most vulnerable citizens."Participatory Action also issued a statement emphasizing that the median income standard should not be an arbitrary variable determined by the government's financial conditions but rather a social benchmark to ensure the minimum living standards for citizens. They stressed the need for a practical baseline to protect the lives of low-income individuals, rather than merely repeating the phrase 'record high increase' each year.The Basic Law Restoration Joint Action and the Joint Action for the Abolition of the Three Major Injustices Against the Poor and Disabled also released a joint statement criticizing the government's calculation method changes. They argued, "Adjusting the increase rate based on the consumer price index and economic growth rate is tantamount to institutionalizing existing erroneous practices, leaving the welfare baseline for all citizens at a regressive level and effectively neglecting K-shaped polarization."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-28 21:10:00
  • IAEA: No Damage to Sendai Nuclear Plant After Japans 7.1 Magnitude Earthquake
    IAEA: No Damage to Sendai Nuclear Plant After Japan's 7.1 Magnitude Earthquake A 7.1 magnitude earthquake that struck Kyushu, Japan, has not caused any damage to the nearby Sendai nuclear power plant, which is operating normally.The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported on July 28 that it received confirmation from Japan's Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA) that there were no safety issues or damage at the Sendai plant, located approximately 100 kilometers from the earthquake's epicenter in Uki City, Kumamoto Prefecture.In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), the IAEA said, "The Japanese Nuclear Regulation Authority has informed us that there were no damages or safety concerns at the Sendai nuclear plant due to the earthquake, and the plant is currently operating normally."IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi stated, "We will continue to monitor the situation." Earlier that afternoon, a 7.1 magnitude earthquake occurred near Uki City, Kumamoto Prefecture. Reports indicate that part of a building at an Aeon Mall in Kumamoto collapsed, and there are multiple reports of people being isolated as damage assessments continue.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-28 20:55:00
  • SK D&D Plans $1.36 Billion Capital Increase to Repay Debt
    SK D&D Plans $1.36 Billion Capital Increase to Repay Debt SK D&D, a KOSPI-listed company, is moving forward with a capital increase of approximately 136.7 billion won, with all funds allocated for debt repayment. The company plans to improve its financial structure through this significant capital increase, which exceeds double the number of existing shares.On July 28, SK D&D announced in a public disclosure that its board of directors approved a shareholder allocation capital increase, issuing 44,681,000 common shares. The planned issuance price is set at 3,060 won, which would raise about 136.7 billion won.This capital increase will be conducted exclusively for existing shareholders. Prior to the increase, the total number of issued shares was 18,617,382, meaning the new issuance will represent approximately 240.1% of the existing shares. Each existing shareholder will receive 2.4014179012 new shares for every share they hold.The company intends to use the entire amount of 13,672,386,000 won raised for debt repayment, with no allocation for facility funds, operating funds, or securities acquisition from other companies.The planned issuance price was determined by applying a 20% discount to the reference price calculated based on the closing price on July 27, the day before the board resolution. The final issuance price will be confirmed on October 6 after the first and second pricing procedures.The record date for new share allocation is September 2. Subscription rights certificates will be listed and traded from September 21 to 29, with existing shareholder subscriptions taking place from October 12 to 13. The payment date is set for October 15, and the new shares are expected to be listed on October 28. NH Investment & Securities will serve as the lead underwriter.Meanwhile, according to financial regulations, a short-selling ban related to this capital increase will be in effect from July 29 until the final issuance price is confirmed on October 6. Any unissued shares resulting from existing shareholder subscriptions and excess subscriptions will be treated as unissued without a public offering. 2026-07-28 20:35:00
  • 7.1 Magnitude Earthquake in Japans Kyushu Causes Tremors in South Korea
    7.1 Magnitude Earthquake in Japan's Kyushu Causes Tremors in South Korea A 7.1 magnitude earthquake in Japan's Kyushu region has triggered tremors in South Korea, prompting the Ministry of the Interior and Safety to verify any potential impact on citizens.As of 7:30 PM on July 28, the ministry reported a total of 789 tremor reports received from local governments and fire authorities nationwide. Most reports came from the southern regions, with many citizens expressing concerns about the shaking.Regionally, Busan recorded the highest number of reports at 291, followed by Gyeongnam with 215, Ulsan with 125, and Gyeongbuk with 69. Other areas included Jeonnam with 46, Incheon with 17, Gwangju with 9, Jeonbuk with 5, Gyeonggi with 4, Daejeon with 3, and Chungbuk with 2. Additionally, one report each was received from Daegu, Jeju, and Seoul, indicating that tremors were felt in most parts of the country.The tremors are believed to be a result of the earthquake near Uki City in Kumamoto Prefecture, western Kyushu. In South Korea, the maximum intensity recorded was level 3, which is noticeable indoors, especially for those on upper floors, and may cause slight shaking of stationary vehicles.In some areas, citizens evacuated buildings in surprise, leading to temporary chaos. However, no injuries or damage to facilities have been reported so far. Key national infrastructure, including nuclear power plants, is operating normally.A ministry official stated, “While we have confirmed that there are no domestic damages related to this earthquake, we are continuing to verify the possibility of any impact on citizens in Japan. We are closely monitoring the situation.” 2026-07-28 20:00:00
  • Controversy Arises Over Current Presidents Re-election Comments by National Assembly Speaker
    Controversy Arises Over Current President's Re-election Comments by National Assembly Speaker Joo Chung-sik, the Speaker of the National Assembly, stated that the issue of re-election for the current president is ultimately up to the will of the people. During his first press conference since taking office on July 28, Joo responded to a question about the possibility of a constitutional amendment extending the current president's term, saying, "The issue of re-election related to the restructuring of power is ultimately a matter of public opinion and the choice of the people." This statement drew strong criticism from members of the People Power Party, including Representative Jang Dong-hyuk, Representative Kim Ki-hyun, and Representative Yoon Sang-hyun, who labeled it as a "theory of constitutional amendment for long-term rule" and a "legislative coup." In response to opposition claims of 'constitutional destruction' and reports suggesting that Joo had opened the door for the re-election of President Lee Jae-myung, the Speaker's office clarified that Joo is aware of the constitutional provision stating that re-election does not apply to the president at the time of the amendment. As the controversy grew, Jang Hyun-joo, the spokesperson for the Speaker's office, explained in a briefing that Joo's remarks reflect a fundamental position that any constitutional amendment should be pursued based on public consensus and political agreement. He added, "Joo is fully aware that Article 128, Section 2 of the Constitution states that provisions for term extension or re-election do not apply to the president at the time of the amendment, and he did not intend to suggest the possibility of re-election for the current president." Meanwhile, regarding the timing of a constitutional amendment, Joo suggested that next year, when there are no elections, would be an appropriate time to initiate discussions, proposing that both ruling and opposition parties form a special committee for constitutional amendment. He also stated that bills passed by the standing committees and the Legislative and Judiciary Committee should be processed within the current session as a principle of National Assembly operations. 2026-07-28 19:40:00
  • Islamic Republic of Irans Alamut fortress added to UNESCO World Heritage List
    Islamic Republic of Iran's Alamut fortress added to UNESCO World Heritage List SEOUL, July 28 (AJP) - UNESCO's World Heritage Committee has inscribed Alamut Castle and six associated mountain fortifications in Iran on the World Heritage List during its 48th session in Busan, making the serial property Iran's 30th UNESCO World Heritage property, the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Seoul said Tuesday. The inscription covers Alamut Castle and six associated fortifications that together formed a defensive network across the rugged Alborz Mountains in Qazvin Province, about 150 kilometers west of Tehran. Built into steep cliffs overlooking narrow valleys, the fortifications relied as much on the surrounding terrain as on walls and towers, with the mountain itself serving as part of the defensive system, according to the embassy. From the late 11th century to the mid-13th century, Alamut served as the political, administrative and intellectual center of the Nizari Ismaili state after its leader, Hasan-i Sabbah, a prominent Ismaili leader who took control of the castle in 1090, established it as his base of operations. Historical accounts referenced in UNESCO's evaluation indicate that the site's library attracted scholars from across the Islamic world and contributed to advances in astronomy, medicine and philosophy, the embassy said. Although Alamut is widely associated with Hasan-i Sabbah and the legends surrounding the so-called "Assassins," the embassy said the UNESCO inscription offers an opportunity to recognize the site's broader historical significance as a cultural landscape shaped by architecture, religious and intellectual life, and the natural environment. 2026-07-28 19:26:10