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  • Toss Receives ISO 22301 Certification for Business Continuity Management
    Toss Receives ISO 22301 Certification for Business Continuity Management Viva Republica (Toss) announced that it has obtained the ISO 22301 certification, an international standard for business continuity management systems established by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).ISO 22301 evaluates whether an organization has the management system in place to continue core operations and quickly restore normalcy during unexpected crises, such as disasters or system failures.Toss passed the assessment after conducting impact analyses of core operations, reviewing key risk factors, establishing crisis response and recovery procedures, and conducting interviews with relevant personnel. The company stated that this certification recognizes the effective operation of its business continuity management system in real-world conditions.Moving forward, Toss plans to continuously enhance its business continuity management system in line with organizational and system changes, while strengthening its crisis response capabilities to expand a stable service operation foundation.A Toss representative remarked, "This certification signifies that we have been externally validated as prepared to maintain core services even in crisis situations. We will continue to strengthen our preparedness so that users can confidently utilize our services at any moment."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-28 10:00:00
  • US Treasury overhauls sanctions list, removes outdated North Korean entity
    US Treasury overhauls sanctions list, removes outdated North Korean entity SEOUL, July 28 (AJP) - A North Korean firm linked to the country's nuclear and missile development programs was among those removed and consolidated as part of the U.S. Treasury Department's effort to modernize its sanctions lists, the department said on Monday. The department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) said it "removed 84 individuals and entities and improved identifying information for 22 list entries to facilitate compliance." OFAC said its modernization effort is intended to improve the accuracy of its records, ensuring that "U.S. sanctions remain targeted, effective, and aligned with U.S. economic, foreign policy, and national security priorities." It added that the affected individuals and entities were "no longer considered" U.S. national security or foreign policy priorities, as they were "deceased individuals, defunct entities, and targets sanctioned more than 20 years ago, some of whom lacked sufficient information for effective compliance screening." Among them was North Korea's Korea Tangun Trading Corporation, which is known to be involved in procuring materials and technology for the country's weapons programs. OFAC consolidated several names associated with the entity including aliases and affiliated organizations. The company was sanctioned in 2009 for allegedly supporting North Korea's nuclear and missile development programs. OFAC's latest move comes after Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced plans in late May to modernize U.S. sanctions lists by removing duplicate entries and outdated information, while making it easier and more efficient for financial institutions to identify sanctioned entities. 2026-07-28 09:58:15
  • U.S.-China Tensions Rise Over AI Knowledge Distillation Dispute
    U.S.-China Tensions Rise Over AI Knowledge Distillation Dispute Tensions between the United States and China are escalating over the issue of AI knowledge distillation. Observers suggest that if the dispute leads to retaliatory measures, it could impact the upcoming U.S.-China summit scheduled for September.The controversy began when Chinese AI company Moonshot AI unveiled its large language model, Kimi 3, on July 17. Experts have assessed Kimi 3 as having performance levels comparable to top U.S. models, raising significant interest in China's technological capabilities.In response, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Vessen announced on July 22 via social media that if Chinese companies engage in widespread intellectual property theft through distillation attacks, the U.S. would consider sanctions and adding them to the export control list.Knowledge distillation is a technique that involves training a new model using answers from a superior AI model, allowing for the creation of competitive models without the need for extensive data collection.As the debate continues, China's Ministry of Commerce issued a statement on July 27, asserting that the U.S. claims lack factual and legal basis, emphasizing that innovation is not exclusive to any one country. The ministry also highlighted that many U.S. AI companies utilize Chinese models in their research and development processes.Moonshot AI has denied the allegations of distillation, arguing that its performance improvements are due to independent innovations in model architecture.Chinese state media outlet CCTV's new media platform, Yuyuantantian, also commented on July 27, stating that any claims of AI intellectual property infringement should be based on concrete evidence and that assumptions of U.S. technology theft simply because a model was developed in China are unfounded.French public broadcaster RFI reported on July 27 that the U.S. has warned of potential sanctions related to the distillation allegations and is investigating whether Chinese companies have illegally obtained U.S. AI chips. The report suggested that if U.S. suspicions lead to actual sanctions, China would likely retaliate. It also noted that escalating tensions could jeopardize the scheduled U.S.-China AI dialogue and summit in September.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-28 09:55:00
  • Wildfires in France Temporarily Halted by Rain, But Heatwave Expected to Resume
    Wildfires in France Temporarily Halted by Rain, But Heatwave Expected to Resume A large wildfire in southwestern France has temporarily halted its spread due to rain. However, authorities remain on high alert as a heatwave is forecasted to return, and full containment could take months.According to reports from French daily Le Figaro and CNN, the Gironde region experienced about an hour of rain from late July 27 to early July 28, preventing further spread of the fire.The blaze, which began on July 22 along the coast, has burned approximately 42,000 hectares (about 162 square miles) as it spread eastward with the wind. The flames have approached within 15 kilometers of Bordeaux, a major city and renowned wine region. Local authorities have evacuated around 220,000 residents to safety in anticipation of the fire's spread.Gironde officials stated that the situation remained generally stable overnight, with firefighters working diligently on the ground.Laurent Nunez, France's Minister of the Interior, emphasized that while the fire has stabilized, it has not been extinguished. He noted, "The flames did not spread further overnight, but they are still burning."In the neighboring Landes region, the spread of the fire has been contained. This fire has burned about 3,600 hectares and destroyed 198 buildings. As conditions improved, approximately 10,500 of the 30,000 evacuated residents were allowed to return home.However, with another heatwave expected, the next two days are anticipated to be critical for firefighting efforts. French meteorological authorities predict temperatures in the southwestern region could reach as high as 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit).Colonel David Anotel of the National Firefighters Federation stated on RTL radio that it could take weeks, or even months, for the fire to be completely extinguished. He noted that a similar wildfire in the same area in 2022 took months to fully contain, despite being smaller in scale than the current one.Local residents and businesses are also contributing to firefighting efforts. Farmers are supplying water to the site using trucks equipped with water tanks, while others are clearing trees and brush to create firebreaks. Local companies have also provided equipment such as trucks and water tanks.Support from the European Union and neighboring countries continues. The EU has deployed nine aircraft to the site and plans to add two helicopters. The German military has provided two transport helicopters and firefighting equipment using an A400M transport plane, while 40 Romanian firefighters have joined the firefighting efforts in southern France.As the wildfire approaches strategic facilities in the defense and aerospace industry west of Bordeaux, there are heightened concerns for their protection. This area houses factories responsible for the production and fueling of France's M51 submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs).Arianespace has evacuated all personnel from facilities within the fire's impact zone and implemented protective measures. The "Laser Megajoule" nuclear test simulation facility near Bordeaux has also been completely shut down due to the wildfire.The French Atomic Energy and Alternative Energies Commission (CEA) stated that there are no nuclear materials at the facility, eliminating the risk of radiation leaks. Firefighting authorities and the military are establishing firebreaks around sensitive facilities and removing vegetation that could fuel the flames.Marc Vermuelen, head of the Gironde Fire and Rescue Service, remarked, "Protecting strategic facilities from the wildfire is our second most important mission after saving lives."On July 28, French President Emmanuel Macron visited the command center in Bordeaux to thank firefighters, military personnel, and volunteers, while mourning the loss of two firefighters who died during the firefighting efforts.President Macron stated, "We must clearly recognize that we are facing unprecedented wildfires. The current situation is the most serious recorded to date and the most challenging to respond to since World War II." He added, "Already, 160,000 hectares (about 617 square miles) have burned, but the wildfire season is far from over."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-28 09:55:00
  • Kangstem Biotech Plans 30 Billion Won CB Issuance Amid Financial Concerns
    Kangstem Biotech Plans 30 Billion Won CB Issuance Amid Financial Concerns Kangstem Biotech, a KOSDAQ-listed biotechnology company, is seeking to raise funds. According to investment banking sources on July 28, Kangstem Biotech is considering issuing 30 billion won worth of third-party allocated convertible bonds (CB) with Daishin Securities as the lead underwriter. The funds raised will be allocated to research and development and operational expenses. The company aims to enhance its corporate value and investor sentiment based on clinical results from its key pipeline, including treatments for osteoarthritis, and new business achievements. However, market analysts are uncertain whether the current optimism will facilitate a smooth large-scale fundraising. A primary concern is the learning effect from past investor losses. Kangstem Biotech has previously conducted several capital increases and mezzanine financing, but the stock price has not recovered post-issuance, leading to investor losses. There is also a need to examine potential changes in the financial structure. As of the consolidated financial statements, Kangstem Biotech's total equity is approximately 62.2 billion won, while total liabilities stand at about 12.2 billion won. Although it appears that there is some capital capacity, the annual operating loss, which accumulates between 18 billion and 20 billion won, is eroding the equity. If the CB is issued and recognized as debt, and assuming an annual deficit of 20 billion won continues for the next two years, the current equity of around 60 billion won could decrease to about 20 billion won. Meanwhile, if existing debts are not repaid, total liabilities would increase to approximately 42 billion won, combining the existing 12.2 billion won with the new 30 billion won from the CB. Should investors exercise their put options without converting the CB into stock, the financial burden could significantly increase, as equity would drop to around 20 billion won while the repayment obligation for the CB would reach 30 billion won. Industry experts believe that future operating performance and the ability to secure cash assets will be key variables in investment decisions. A financial investment industry source stated, "Kangstem Biotech has experienced significant losses as most of the convertible preferred shares issued during the 2019 capital increase for institutional investors fell below the conversion price. Given the accumulated disappointment among existing investors, there is considerable market caution regarding the absorption of 30 billion won in interest-free mezzanine financing based solely on pipeline expectations." In response to market concerns, Kangstem Biotech maintains that there are sufficient business momentum opportunities to enhance corporate value. A company representative stated, "We have clinical results for knee osteoarthritis treatments and opportunities for licensing out, as well as diversified business opportunities such as organoid projects and clinical research selections under the Advanced Regenerative Medicine and Advanced Therapy Products Act." Meanwhile, Daishin Securities commented regarding the CB issuance, stating, "Nothing has been determined or finalized yet." 2026-07-28 09:55:00
  • If Rice Water Turns Dark, Do Not Cook It
    If Rice Water Turns Dark, Do Not Cook It If the water used to wash rice turns blue or black, it may indicate mold contamination. Washing the rice multiple times or cooking it may not completely eliminate the mold toxins, making it safer to avoid consuming that rice.On July 27, the Seoul Food and Nutrition Support Center uploaded content on the Food and Drug Safety Administration's blog, titled 'What to Do If the Water Used to Wash Rice Turns Dark? Do Not Eat It!'Grains, legumes, and nuts, including rice, are prone to mold growth when exposed to hot and humid conditions for extended periods. According to the Food and Drug Safety Administration, mold growth and toxin production increase in environments with moisture content of 20-25%, relative humidity of 70-90%, and temperatures between 22-30 degrees Celsius. This is why caution is advised when storing rice at room temperature in kitchens or balconies during the summer.Some molds that can grow on grains and nuts produce harmful toxins such as aflatoxin, ochratoxin, and zearalenone. Aflatoxin B1, in particular, is a potent carcinogen that can cause liver cancer and is difficult to eliminate through normal cooking processes, as it decomposes at around 268 degrees Celsius.Believing that washing or cooking rice suspected of mold will make it safe can be dangerous. Even if washing and cooking reduce the visible mold, the toxins produced inside the food may not be completely removed.The Food and Drug Safety Administration advises against consuming any food that shows signs of mold or has changed in color or smell. It is also recommended to avoid eating parts of the food that appear unaffected by mold, as contamination may have spread to areas that are not visible.In addition to rice, other foods such as beans, corn, peanuts, and almonds are also vulnerable to mold contamination during the summer. If grains change color, emit unusual odors, or feel damp, it is essential to check their condition thoroughly before consumption.To prevent mold contamination, it is crucial to change storage conditions. The Food and Drug Safety Administration recommends storing grains and nuts in a location with humidity below 60% and temperatures between 10-15 degrees Celsius, with minimal temperature fluctuations. Opened nuts should be sealed to prevent exposure to outside air.For safe and fresh storage of rice at home, placing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator is the best method.In a study by the Rural Development Administration, rice stored in an airtight container at 4 degrees Celsius, 15 degrees Celsius, and 25 degrees Celsius for 12 weeks showed that rice stored at 4 degrees maintained its taste, freshness, and color changes the least. Quality changes began at about 82 days at 4 degrees, but only 58 days at 15 degrees and 12 days at 25 degrees.The Rural Development Administration recommends that households store rice in airtight containers in the refrigerator and, if necessary to keep it at room temperature during the summer, purchase small packages to consume quickly. High humidity and temperature can lead to the growth of pests, mold, and bacteria.If there is not enough space in the refrigerator, it is better to buy rice in small quantities as needed rather than in bulk. Before filling a rice container with new rice, it should be emptied and thoroughly dried to remove any old rice and dust.Avoid placing wet hands or measuring cups with moisture inside the rice container. Storing rice in areas with high temperatures and humidity, such as under the sink or near the stove, can also increase the risk of mold growth.If the water used to wash rice appears blue or black, do not cook it out of concern for waste. It is safer to avoid consuming rice that has changed in color or smell rather than trying to salvage it by washing or cooking.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-28 09:50:00
  • Jung Jeom-sik: Democratic Party Ignoring Own Issues While Criticizing Others
    Jung Jeom-sik: Democratic Party Ignoring Own Issues While Criticizing Others Jung Jeom-sik, the floor leader of the People Power Party, urged the court on July 28 to "immediately resume the trial of President Lee Jae-myung regarding the election law."During a meeting at the National Assembly, Jung stated, "Although the timing is yet to be determined, the Democratic Party is destined to return 43.4 billion won due to President Lee's violation of the election law."His comments followed a first-instance ruling the previous day, in which former President Yoon Suk Yeol received a suspended prison sentence equivalent to disqualification from office for election law violations. After the ruling, the Democratic Party pressured the People Power Party to return 39.7 billion won in election costs to the National Election Commission.Jung criticized the Democratic Party, saying, "While our party is still in the first instance, the Democratic Party's case was effectively confirmed by the Supreme Court's remand ruling last May. They are a pitiful party that is oblivious to the bomb falling in their own house while watching the fire in someone else's house."He added, "It is unfair to apply the 6-3-3 principle strictly to the People Power Party's trial while indefinitely delaying the Democratic Party's trial. Resuming President Lee's election law trial is the fair and just course of action."Jung also criticized the ruling party's plan to process a bill to abolish supplementary investigative powers in the National Assembly on July 30. He pointed out that the bill proposed by the Democratic Party does not adequately protect victims and vulnerable groups, stating, "Due to revenge against the prosecution and ambitions for the party convention, our citizens have become subjects of a hastily prepared bill experiment."He warned, "Despite repeated warnings, the abolition of supplementary investigative powers will lead to a reality of rampant crime. All responsibility lies with the Democratic Party. When that time comes, the Democratic Party will not be able to escape the public's anger."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-28 09:50:00
  • Defense Ministry to rule out nuclear weapons in submarine bill
    Defense Ministry to rule out nuclear weapons in submarine bill SEOUL, July 28 (AJP) - South Korea plans to include a nuclear weapons ban in its proposed law on nuclear-powered submarines, government sources said Tuesday. The Ministry of National Defense is expected to soon issue a legislative notice for a bill tentatively titled the Special Act on the Acquisition, Operation and Safety Management of Nuclear-Powered Submarines. The move would mark the first time South Korea has written into domestic law a principle rejecting nuclear weapons development in connection with a defense acquisition project. It appears aimed at easing international concerns that Seoul could use its nuclear-powered submarine program as a step toward developing nuclear arms. According to sources, the bill lays out five basic principles for the submarine project. The first states that the project “shall not be aimed at the development, production, possession or use of nuclear weapons” and that it shall not involve the diversion of nuclear material or actions that undermine confidence in the nuclear nonproliferation regime. The bill also includes principles on compliance with the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, cooperation with verification procedures by international organizations such as the International Atomic Energy Agency, protection of public safety and the environment from radioactive materials, and the establishment of nuclear safety standards for the submarines. The bill would allow the project to bypass some feasibility review requirements, shorten development and testing procedures, and apply more flexible cost rules in defense contracts. The bill also requires the government to establish and implement a basic plan for nuclear-powered submarines every 10 years. A separate 10-year safety management plan would cover radioactive waste management and prevention and response measures for radiological disasters. South Korea is pursuing the program under the name Jangbogo N Project. The submarines are expected to use low-enriched uranium with an enrichment level below 20 percent. The government aims to launch the lead vessel in the mid-2030s and deploy it in the late 2030s. Detailed specifications have not been disclosed, but military authorities are known to be planning to develop three 8,000-ton-class nuclear-powered submarines. 2026-07-28 09:49:31
  • BLACKPINK x Tamagotchi pop-up to open in Seoul
    BLACKPINK x Tamagotchi pop-up to open in Seoul SEOUL, July 28 (AJP) - A limited-edition BLACKPINK x Tamagotchi collection will go on sale at a weeklong pop-up store in Seoul, giving fans in South Korea their first opportunity to purchase the collaboration in person, Lotte Department Store said Tuesday. The pop-up will run from Thursday to Aug. 5 at Lotte World Mall in Jamsil, southeastern Seoul. Lotte said it will exclusively host the collaboration's retail pop-up in South Korea. The collection features limited-edition Tamagotchi devices inspired by BLACKPINK members Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé and Lisa, along with character plush key rings based on each artist. Visitors to the pop-up will also have a chance to find four exclusive editions of the plush key rings that have not been revealed through previous online promotions, according to Lotte. The lineup includes 28 merchandise items, including the BLACKPINK Original Tamagotchi, hats, T-shirts and bags. Customers who make purchases at the pop-up will receive limited-edition BLACKPINK x Tamagotchi photo cards while supplies last. A themed photo booth will also be available at the venue. 2026-07-28 09:45:19
  • Chinas new chip power triggers Korean selloff, sparks 21st sidecar
    China's new chip power triggers Korean selloff, sparks 21st sidecar SEOUL, July 28 (AJP) - South Korean stocks plunged Tuesday, triggering the market's 21st sidecar of the month after a fresh rout in U.S. semiconductor shares combined with growing investor bets on China's emerging memory-chip champion to spark another wave of foreign selling. The Korea Exchange activated a sidecar — a five-minute suspension of program trading designed to cool excessive volatility — shortly after the open as benchmark indices tumbled more than 5 percent. By 9:30 a.m., the KOSPI had slumped 7.24 percent to 6,263.30, falling below the 6,400 mark for the first time since April 23. The tech-heavy KOSDAQ dropped 5.64 percent to 721.71. The latest halt marked the 21st sidecar in July, including 12 on the KOSPI market and nine on the KOSDAQ over just 18 trading sessions, according to the Korea Exchange. From July 10 through July 25, a sidecar was triggered for 10 consecutive trading days, underscoring one of the most volatile periods in the market's history. So far this year, the exchange has activated 66 sidecars, already far exceeding the previous annual record of 45, set during the 2008 global financial crisis. The selloff followed a sharp overnight decline in U.S. semiconductor stocks, with SK hynix's American depositary receipts (ADRs) tumbling 7.47 percent to $143.02 after falling nearly 10 percent intraday. The ADRs closed below their $149 Nasdaq offering price for the first time since the company's blockbuster U.S. listing earlier this month. In Seoul, SK hynix fell about 10 percent, while Samsung Electronics slid 8.2 percent by mid-morning. Adding to the pressure was the strong market debut of China's ChangXin Memory Technologies (CXMT) on Shanghai's STAR Market on Monday. The rally reinforced investor expectations that China could emerge as a credible new force in the global memory industry, prompting speculation that international funds may gradually rebalance semiconductor holdings toward Chinese chipmakers after years of concentrating on South Korea's AI-driven memory leaders. While analysts said the immediate impact on foreign fund flows may be limited because CXMT is not yet eligible for trading through the Stock Connect program linking mainland China and Hong Kong, its debut has intensified concerns that the competitive landscape in memory semiconductors is entering a new phase. The sharp retreat also extended a reversal from this year's AI-fueled rally, which had driven the KOSPI to repeated record highs as investors piled into South Korea's semiconductor exporters on expectations of surging demand for high-bandwidth memory used in artificial intelligence servers. Tuesday's selloff suggested investors are beginning to reassess whether China's rapid technological progress could narrow that advantage faster than previously expected. 2026-07-28 09:45:06