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  • People Power Party Calls for Halt to Land Survey and Reform of Land Law
    People Power Party Calls for Halt to Land Survey and Reform of Land Law The People Power Party urged the government on September 15 to halt the comprehensive land survey and to completely reform the land law. They also called for the inclusion of circumstances affecting farmers who are unable to cultivate land due to age or illness in the survey, as well as the expansion of the land bank budget and other institutional improvements.The party's policy committee held a meeting at the National Assembly titled 'Aftermath of the Land Survey: Crisis in Rural Areas' to examine the local impacts of the land survey and discuss ways to improve the system.During the event, People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyuk criticized the government's approach, stating, "Instead of 'land ownership for farmers,' it feels more like 'land ownership as a crime.' They say they will use satellites, drones, and artificial intelligence for monitoring. If they have that kind of money, shouldn't they increase the budget for land bank purchases first?" He emphasized the need to immediately stop the land survey.The meeting featured strong criticism of the government's uniform land survey approach. Participants noted that the government has not adequately distinguished between unavoidable circumstances while conducting the survey. Concerns were raised that merely not cultivating land could lead to being classified as 'subject to disposal,' which has caused a decline in land transactions and a drop in prices.There were also concerns that imposing disposal obligations and penalties on elderly farmers who want to sell their land but struggle to find buyers could exacerbate confusion in rural areas. Kim Mi-ae, deputy head of the policy committee, argued that the assessment of speculative intent should consider individual circumstances such as region, the reason for land acquisition, the presence of actual cultivators, and factors like age and illness.Representatives from farmers' organizations expressed agreement with the need to prevent speculative land ownership but raised issues with the current survey method. They suggested that a phased approach should be taken, allowing for on-site verification, clarification, and opportunities for voluntary correction before imposing penalties for confirmed intentional violations. They also called for measures to facilitate the natural retirement of elderly farmers and the transfer of land to younger farmers.The People Power Party's policy committee announced specific proposals for improvements during the meeting. Policy committee chair Lim I-ja proposed five principles: 1) clarification and nationwide standardization of criteria for on-site assessments; 2) sufficient opportunities for clarification and re-investigation; 3) establishing criteria for deferring disposal orders due to unavoidable circumstances such as age, illness, or inheritance; 4) providing normal land utilization options, including land bank purchases, before issuing disposal orders; and 5) deferring or reducing penalties for intentional speculation versus unavoidable circumstances.The party also plans to push for an increase in the budget to expand the functions of the land bank. They intend to discuss raising the allocated budget for land purchases from 886.8 billion won to 1.3868 trillion won during next year's government budget deliberations. Lim emphasized, "We will open a path for elderly farmers to retire with peace of mind and provide opportunities for young farmers to secure land and expand their operations," highlighting the importance of enhancing the role of the land bank.Moving forward, the People Power Party plans to advocate for amendments to the land law, focusing on the policy committee and members of the Agriculture, Food, Rural Affairs, Oceans and Fisheries Committee, while demanding the government halt the comprehensive survey and reflect principles for on-site responses. Jang stated, "We need to redesign the system to accurately identify speculators while fully reflecting farmers' opinions and the realities of agriculture."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-15 19:48:00
  • Han Dong-hoon Warns Against Kim Seung-wons Appointment as Justice Minister
    Han Dong-hoon Warns Against Kim Seung-won's Appointment as Justice Minister Independent lawmaker Han Dong-hoon warned on September 15 that "South Korea cannot accept a convicted drunk driver and lobbyist as Minister of Justice," adding that if Kim Seung-won is appointed, "the public will not remain silent." During a meeting with reporters at the National Assembly, Han stated, "The public hearing regarding Kim has been thoroughly conducted over the past 15 days. The public's judgment is already made." He referenced the case of former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk, who resigned about a month after his appointment in 2019, cautioning that appointing Kim would only escalate the ongoing controversies. He remarked, "If this administration appoints someone like Kim, three years will be too long. The downfall of the Lee Jae-myung administration does not require the help of any politician. The public will not stand by and watch." Han accused Kim of having lobbied the head of the Food and Drug Safety Ministry to approve a clinical trial for a deadly poison, stating, "The stock price skyrocketed, and during that process, 93 citizens of South Korea ingested a poison that could kill a rat." He emphasized that the public hearing had already taken place for 15 days and that ample opportunities for responses to public concerns had been provided. However, he criticized Kim and the Democratic Party, saying, "What they say is always the same: 'Han Dong-hoon is an enemy of democracy.'" Additionally, Han responded to Democratic Party leader Kim Min-seok's rebuttal of allegations regarding political funding and other issues, asking, "So did you receive 900 million won or not?" He also mentioned the name of a sponsor, Kang, questioning, "Isn't it typical patronage that you received a position as a special advisor immediately after becoming party leader?"* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-15 19:28:00
  • Review: Obsession Explores the Dark Side of Love and Desire
    Review: 'Obsession' Explores the Dark Side of Love and Desire * This article contains numerous spoilers about the film. Bear (Michael Johnston), an extremely timid man, has long harbored unrequited love for Nikki (Indie Neveretti) but is too afraid to confess his feelings. Frustrated, Bear inadvertently makes a wish using a toy called 'One Wish Willow,' saying, "Make Nikki love me more than anyone else in the world." This wish becomes an unassailable principle, transforming Nikki into a manifestation of obsession, stripped of her identity and compelled to love Bear more than herself. The premise of the film 'Obsession' is straightforward: the 'One Wish Willow' grants one wish per person, with no possibility of making two wishes, canceling, or altering a wish once spoken. This solid premise makes 'Obsession' a refreshingly terrifying horror film. There are many films that deal with obsession, such as 'Misery' and 'Fatal Attraction.' While they differ in tone, films like 'Orphan: First Kill' and 'The Hand That Rocks the Cradle' also depict extreme situations where obsession leads to loss of life. However, these films are driven by the protagonist's will and desires. Even if those desires are abnormal or antisocial, the characters act with their complete selves. In 'Obsession,' Nikki is unfortunately not in control. Following the procedures of the 'One Wish Willow,' she is stripped of her identity and trapped in a hell where she can only love Bear, dominated by a monstrous version of herself. Nikki, now living with this monstrous identity, exhibits unpredictable behavior. From making sandwiches with the remains of Bear's deceased cat to watching him sleep all night, her actions range from unsettling to alarming. She even waits for Bear to return from work without using the bathroom, covered in filth, and does not hesitate to self-harm. Nikki's unpredictability is a key element that makes 'Obsession' particularly frightening. Her rapidly changing expressions, tone of voice, and bizarre actions create a pervasive sense of horror. If human emotions range from 1 to 100, Nikki's erratic behavior fluctuates between these extremes in mere moments, overwhelming the audience with fear. This is due to the film's singular premise: the 'One Wish Willow,' a brilliant yet simple concept that is upheld without exception by director Clive Barker. The extent of this commitment is evident when Bear asks his friend Ian (Cooper Tomlinson) to make a wish on his behalf to stop Nikki's horrific actions. Ian casually wishes for "a billion dollars," and suddenly, bundles of cash rain down from the sky. This absurd and comical situation does not elicit laughter from the audience; instead, it instills a sense of dread about the absolute power of wishes. Bear's wish, "Make Nikki love me more than anyone else in the world," is fulfilled exactly as stated, leading Nikki to love Bear more than herself, resulting in self-harm and ruthless violence against others. In moments when Nikki's original self emerges, she desperately pleads for someone to end her suffering, but her cries go unheard by Bear. Thus, another layer of horror in 'Obsession' stems from Bear's extreme avoidance. He knows better than anyone why Nikki has deteriorated, yet he takes no action to improve the situation. Despite the opportunity to explain or enlighten Nikki about her condition, their conversations remain superficial, and he fails to wish for her well-being. Even when Nikki begs him to end her life, Bear chooses to flee rather than confront the issue. Bear likely loved Nikki not as a complete person but as an object within the romantic narrative he envisioned. Faced with a different version of Nikki, one that he did not imagine, Bear is left bewildered and unable to respond appropriately. Bear's continued avoidance exacerbates the situation, ultimately condemning Nikki to a hellish existence. After watching 'Obsession,' audiences are left to reflect on the significance and value of understanding another person as a complete individual. The next realization is the unsettling possibility that we may unknowingly inflict hell upon others through our communication behaviors. Through its simple yet terrifying premise, 'Obsession' compels viewers to deeply consider the nature of communication between individuals. The film comes from a young director, just 27 years old, who stated in an interview, "I want to push a concept to its most extreme form and see how far it can go. It’s important to make it darker while reflecting reality more honestly." Audiences are already curious about this young director's next project.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-15 19:28:00
  • South Koreas Defense Minister Discusses Cooperation with Japans Defense Chief
    South Korea's Defense Minister Discusses Cooperation with Japan's Defense Chief On September 15, South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-baek held a video call with Japan's Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, emphasizing the need for stable defense cooperation between the two countries.According to the Ministry of Defense, the two ministers confirmed the importance of South Korea-Japan and trilateral cooperation for peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in the region.They also agreed on the necessity of promoting mutual and future-oriented defense exchanges based on mutual understanding and trust.Minister Ahn expressed condolences for the recent earthquake damage in Kumamoto, Japan. The two ministers reaffirmed the trust and friendship built between the defense authorities of South Korea and Japan during their tenures.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-15 19:24:00
  • K-Semiconductor Industry Resilient Amid AI Demand Surge
    K-Semiconductor Industry Resilient Amid AI Demand Surge Concerns about a potential downturn in the semiconductor supercycle have emerged amid discussions among global tech giants about regulating the pace of AI development. However, the domestic semiconductor industry appears to be unaffected, buoyed by robust demand for general memory driven by a surge in data processing for AI services.According to industry reports, global DRAM sales in the second quarter of this year soared by 59.5% from the previous quarter, reaching $15.473 billion (approximately 208 trillion won). Samsung Electronics maintained the top position with a 39.4% market share, bolstered by the mass production of sixth-generation high-bandwidth memory (HBM4). HBM exports also surged by 293% compared to the same period last year, with the average export price rising by 31% in just two months to $76, highlighting the strong performance of high-value memory products.Market research firm TrendForce noted, "The rapid increase in HBM demand for AI servers, coupled with rising prices for general DRAM, has quickly boosted overall DRAM industry revenues."Experts emphasize that the recent calls for regulating AI development do not indicate a decline in the semiconductor market. They argue that the financial adjustments made by major AI companies, due to infrastructure costs and pressures to improve profitability ahead of public offerings, should not be interpreted as a decrease in demand.Kim Yang-pyung, a researcher at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics and Trade, stated, "The discussions around AI speed regulation are largely internal adjustments aimed at managing astronomical costs accumulated during the training of large models and restructuring profit frameworks. Interpreting this as a signal of a demand cliff or peak-out for the entire semiconductor industry is an excessive concern disconnected from on-the-ground data."Despite warnings about AI investments, exports of domestic semiconductor chips have actually increased. According to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, South Korea's semiconductor exports reached a record $46.7 billion last month, marking a 68.7% increase compared to the same period last year. Instead of a contraction in memory orders, which had been feared as a turning point for AI investments, the trend has been bolstered by rising prices for key products.As the focus of the AI market shifts from training large models to operating practical services, the portfolio of K-Semiconductors is diversifying. According to global market research firm Deloitte, the share of inference in total AI operations used for actual services has increased to 66% this year, surpassing the scale of training operations by nearly double. As AI moves beyond the training phase to practical user applications, demand for high-performance HBM, as well as general DRAM products like GDDR7 and LPDDR5X, is surging.Lee Jong-hwan, a professor in the Department of Semiconductor System Engineering at Sangmyung University, commented, "While the frenzy and speed competition surrounding large model construction may temporarily slow down, the real-time inference traffic generated by millions of users using AI in their daily lives has entered a significant growth phase. The demand for memory, which was previously concentrated on training chips, is expanding across the entire market, including general DRAM, further solidifying the performance of South Korean semiconductors."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-15 19:16:00
  • Weather Forecast: Morning Low of 10 Degrees, High of 30 Degrees Expected
    Weather Forecast: Morning Low of 10 Degrees, High of 30 Degrees Expected On Wednesday, September 16, clear skies are expected nationwide, although morning temperatures may drop to around 10 degrees Celsius in some areas. The daytime high is forecasted to reach up to 30 degrees, resulting in a significant temperature difference throughout the day. According to the Korea Meteorological Administration on September 15, the morning low temperatures for the following day are expected to range from 10 to 21 degrees, while the daytime highs will be between 24 and 30 degrees. Expected morning low temperatures in major cities include: △Seoul 15 degrees △Incheon 16 degrees △Chuncheon 13 degrees △Gangneung 16 degrees △Daejeon 15 degrees △Daegu 18 degrees △Jeonju 16 degrees △Gwangju 17 degrees △Busan 20 degrees △Jeju 21 degrees. Daytime high temperatures are forecasted as follows: △Seoul 28 degrees △Incheon 28 degrees △Chuncheon 27 degrees △Gangneung 25 degrees △Daejeon 28 degrees △Daegu 27 degrees △Jeonju 28 degrees △Gwangju 29 degrees △Busan 27 degrees △Jeju 26 degrees. Jeju Island may experience occasional cloudiness, with light rain possible in mountainous and midland areas, accumulating less than 5 mm. Dense fog with visibility below 200 meters is expected in southeastern Gyeonggi Province, southern inland Gangwon, northern Chungbuk, and northern Gyeongbuk until 9 a.m. Other inland areas may also see fog with visibility under 1 km. At sea, from the night of September 16, strong winds of 30 to 55 km/h are anticipated in the eastern waters of the southern coast and the southeastern waters near Jeju, with wave heights reaching 1.5 to 3.5 meters. Vessels planning to navigate or operate in these areas should exercise caution. Fine dust levels are expected to be at a 'good' level across all regions. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-15 19:12:00
  • South Korean Prime Minister Expands Economic Cooperation with Central Asian Nations
    South Korean Prime Minister Expands Economic Cooperation with Central Asian Nations South Korean Prime Minister Han Seung-soo is working to expand economic cooperation with Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan in the areas of critical mineral supply chains, artificial intelligence (AI), and energy infrastructure. On September 15, Prime Minister Han attended a series of business events featuring leaders and business representatives from the three Central Asian countries, who were in South Korea for the first Korea-Central Asia Summit. The aim is to identify practical cooperation projects by integrating South Korea's advanced technology and industrial capabilities with the abundant resources and growth potential of Central Asia. At the 'Korea-Kazakhstan Business Roundtable' held at the Four Seasons Hotel in Seoul, Han outlined three key areas for cooperation: establishing a strategic supply chain encompassing critical minerals and energy, leading future industries through AI and digital transformation, and expanding an innovation ecosystem driven by youth and future talent. He stated, "By combining Kazakhstan's rich resources with South Korea's advanced technology, we can build a critical mineral industry ecosystem that leads to exploration, refining, and the creation of high-value materials." He also proposed broadening the scope of cooperation to include smart factories, smart cities, and AI administration, as well as increasing talent exchanges for joint research and development (R&D) and startup creation. Following this, at the 'Korea-Uzbekistan Business Forum' held at the Shilla Hotel in Seoul, Han presented the AI transformation of manufacturing and cooperation in critical minerals as new growth engines for both economies. He remarked, "Let’s innovate the manufacturing sector with AI and digital technology while also nurturing skilled professionals and expanding our collaboration." He proposed combining Uzbekistan's tungsten, molybdenum, and lithium resources with South Korea's mineral processing and material technology to establish a stable critical mineral supply chain. During the forum, five agreements and memorandums of understanding (MOUs) were exchanged, covering critical mineral development, the establishment of a strategic mineral supply chain hub, AI and digital technology cooperation, the creation of a Korea-Uzbekistan joint fund, and a development cooperation program for 2027-2029. In the afternoon, Han attended the 'Korea-Turkmenistan Business Forum' at the Lotte Hotel in Seoul, where he proposed three areas for cooperation: expanding energy infrastructure and plant collaboration, strengthening cooperation in shipbuilding, transportation, and logistics, and jointly nurturing future key talent. He noted that South Korean companies have participated in major projects such as the Kiyanly Gas Chemical Plant and the Turkmenabat Phosphate Fertilizer Plant, suggesting that the scope of cooperation be broadened to include petrochemicals and water industries. He highlighted that Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov has shown significant interest in the water industry. Han also proposed expanding cooperation that began with cargo shipbuilding to include the modernization of Caspian Sea ports, eco-friendly transportation, and smart logistics, integrating South Korea's digital technology into smart city development. This aims to support Turkmenistan's emergence as a logistics hub in Eurasia. He emphasized the importance of expanding university exchanges, technical education, and on-site training to enable Turkmen youth to operate local infrastructure built by South Korean companies. Han concluded by stating that economic cooperation with Central Asian countries is rapidly expanding, affirming, "The South Korean government will fully support the cooperation between our countries and the new challenges faced by our business leaders." * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-15 18:44:00
  • International Preparatory Meeting for 2027 Seoul World Youth Day Opens
    International Preparatory Meeting for 2027 Seoul World Youth Day Opens The second international preparatory meeting for the 2027 Seoul World Youth Day (WYD) opened on September 14. Running until September 17, the meeting is jointly organized by the Vatican's Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life and the 2027 Seoul WYD organizing committee. Representatives from churches around the world are sharing updates on the preparations and key programs for the Seoul WYD while experiencing Korean church culture. Attendees at the opening ceremony included Cardinal Kevin Farrell, head of the Vatican's Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life; Archbishop Jeong Soon-taek, head of the Seoul Archdiocese and chair of the 2027 Seoul WYD organizing committee; and Archbishop Giovanni Battista D'Agnolo, the Apostolic Nuncio to South Korea. Representatives from bishops' conferences and related organizations from over 100 countries across Africa, the Americas, Europe, Oceania, and Asia were present, totaling more than 400 participants, including representatives from over 160 dioceses, religious orders, and lay organizations. In his welcoming remarks, Archbishop Jeong stated, "The second international preparatory meeting is a new starting point for the global church to collaboratively create the 2027 Seoul World Youth Day while sharing what we have prepared so far." He added, "The organizing committee has been steadily preparing with the Vatican, the Korean church, the government, and numerous volunteers. While there is still work to be done, we are confident in our ability to prepare well for the event." Archbishop Jeong emphasized that youth are at the center of all preparations. He expressed hope that when young people come to Seoul, they will have experiences beyond merely participating in a large event, encouraging them to meet one another, gain courage in their faith, and view their lives from a new perspective. Cardinal Farrell expressed gratitude to Archbishop Jeong and the Korean church for their preparations, stating, "This World Youth Day is not just an event but a living expression of the Gospel message." He also shared an anecdote about Pope Francis expressing a desire for the event to be held in Korea during discussions about the 2027 WYD location. He urged dioceses and parishes worldwide to begin preparing for the pilgrimage of the World Youth Day, stating, "The journey begins today." Cardinal Farrell added that the Seoul WYD should not be limited to a week of events but should become a journey for youth to practice their faith within their communities and families. The first session following the opening ceremony focused on the theme "WYD 40th Anniversary: Pastoral Fruits, Legacy, Challenges, and New Opportunities for the Future," discussing the achievements and future directions of the World Youth Day over the past 40 years. Cardinal Americo Aguiar, the overall coordinator for the 2023 Lisbon WYD; Victor Chang, secretary general of the 2019 Panama WYD; and Father Joao Chagas, former head of the youth department at the Vatican's Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life, shared insights based on their experiences from past events. The session included a Q&A and a presentation from the International Youth Advisory Body. Participants enjoyed a 'K-Culture Night' on September 14, featuring performances of traditional Korean dances, K-pop, and traditional games. On September 15, they explored various programs for the 2027 Seoul WYD at the 'Diocesan Conference (DID) Expo,' which involved 13 dioceses nationwide. A Mass will be celebrated by Archbishop Jeong at Myeongdong Cathedral on September 16. The international preparatory meeting will conclude with a farewell Mass led by Bishop Lee Kyung-sang on September 17, wrapping up the four-day event.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-15 18:28:10
  • Ruling Party Accelerates Prosecutorial Reform Legislation
    Ruling Party Accelerates Prosecutorial Reform Legislation On September 15, follow-up legislation related to prosecutorial reform was passed in several committees, including the Interior and Safety Committee, the Gender Equality and Family Committee, the Industry, Trade, and Small and Medium Enterprises Committee, and the Political Affairs Committee, all led by the Democratic Party. The party plans to present the bills that passed these committees to the Legislative and Judiciary Committee on the 16th and to the plenary session on the 17th, accelerating the final legislative efforts to conclude prosecutorial reform.The bill that passed the Interior and Safety Committee, titled 'Partial Amendment to the Act on the Organization and Operation of the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency,' allows the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency (SIA) to conduct supplementary investigations and re-investigations into seven major crimes against socially vulnerable groups, including sexual violence, crimes against children and adolescents, stalking, child abuse, abuse of the disabled, elder abuse, and domestic violence.The Gender Equality, Industry, and Political Affairs Committees also completed supplementary legislative procedures to minimize confusion following the abolition of prosecutors' direct and supplementary investigative powers. The amendments that passed these committees include provisions to expand the scope limited to the Prosecutor General to the SIA Chief and to mandate the transfer of all cases to prosecutors, known as 'full case transfer.'After completing the work in each committee, the Democratic Party plans to hold consecutive meetings of the Legislative and Judiciary Committee and the plenary session on the 16th and 17th to swiftly finalize follow-up legislation related to prosecutorial reform. Lee Hae-sik, the ruling party's floor leader in the Interior and Safety Committee, explained to Aju Economy after the meeting that the relevant amendments are scheduled to be transferred to the Legislative and Judiciary Committee on the 16th, along with plans for presentation at the plenary session on the 17th.The Democratic Party also reviewed 24 related bills, including amendments to the Public Prosecution Service Act and the Criminal Procedure Act, in the Legislative and Judiciary Committee's subcommittee the previous day. Kim Ui-gyeom, the ruling party's floor leader in the Legislative and Judiciary Committee, told reporters after the subcommittee meeting that they reviewed necessary changes following the launch of the SIA and the Public Prosecution Service, and they plan to continue discussions regarding the prosecutors' disciplinary authority, where there are differences with the People Power Party.The People Power Party criticized the Democratic Party's actions as "unilateral and hasty legislation." In all committees except the Gender Equality Committee, the People Power Party protested against the Democratic Party's unilateral proceedings and walked out. Kang Myung-gu, the opposition's floor leader in the Interior and Safety Committee, stated, "We cannot agree to a hasty reorganization with the launch of the SIA and the Public Prosecution Service just around the corner." Political Affairs Committee members Seo Il-jun and Industry and Trade Committee member Koo Ja-geun also expressed their opposition to the establishment of the SIA and the amendments to the Criminal Procedure Act, stating, "The Democratic Party has not even offered a minimal apology or expression of regret" as they left the meeting.The Gender Equality Committee, chaired by the People Power Party, was the only committee where a bill was processed with bipartisan agreement, although some members of the People Power Party publicly opposed it and abstained from voting. The opposition's floor leader, Kang Seon-young, remarked, "We should not process follow-up legislation without sufficient review of the protection gaps for victims resulting from the abolition of supplementary investigative powers," and left the meeting along with Kim So-hee and Lim Jong-deok.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-15 18:28:00
  • South Korea and Kazakhstan Elevate Bilateral Relations to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
    South Korea and Kazakhstan Elevate Bilateral Relations to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership South Korean President Lee Jae-myung met with Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on September 15 to elevate the bilateral relationship to a 'future-oriented comprehensive strategic partnership.' During the expanded summit held at the Blue House, President Lee stated, "Kazakhstan is not only rich in energy and resources but also holds significant potential in advanced industries, making it an important partner for South Korea in economic security cooperation." He noted that both countries share a diplomatic focus on expanding external cooperation while prioritizing national interests and practical outcomes. President Lee added, "South Korea is also a capable partner that can contribute to the industrial advancement of Kazakhstan through advanced manufacturing and digital technology. I believe this summit will deepen cooperation between our two nations." He expressed hope that, amid uncertain international circumstances, the two countries could connect their strengths and potentials to create new opportunities for mutually beneficial growth. He emphasized that the deepening cooperation between the two nations should lead to a virtuous cycle benefiting both South Korea and the Central Asian region. Regarding the repatriation of General Hong Beom-do's remains, President Lee expressed gratitude, recalling that the remains were returned five years ago with the active cooperation of the then-president, which deepened trust between the two countries. President Tokayev responded, stating, "The relationship between our two countries is developing at an unprecedented pace," and noted that South Korea has invested $12 billion in Kazakhstan, with globally renowned South Korean companies successfully operating in the country. He highlighted that cultural and humanitarian ties are also improving annually, mentioning that over 51,000 South Korean tourists visited Kazakhstan last year. He pointed to the construction of the Alatau new city as a key cooperative project, announcing that an agreement to establish a branch of KAIST in Alatau will also be signed. Both leaders agreed to continue cooperation on peace and security issues on the international stage. President Tokayev expressed confidence in achieving good results at the first South Korea-Central Asia summit scheduled for September 16. 2026-09-15 18:28:00