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  • BC Card Launches Open Source AI Platform, First in Financial Sector
    BC Card Launches Open Source AI Platform, First in Financial Sector BC Card has unveiled its self-developed artificial intelligence (AI) platform as open source, aiming to expand the domestic financial AI ecosystem.On July 28, BC Card announced the open-source release of its AI platform, 'BCGPT WebUI.' This marks the first time a core AI platform has been made open source in the financial sector. The initiative aligns with the government's 'Sovereign AI' policy, which seeks to promote self-reliance in financial AI technology and enhance the AI ecosystem.'BCGPT WebUI' is an integrated platform based on agentic AI that offers document search, question-and-answer capabilities, content generation, and multi-AI collaboration features within a single environment. BC Card's strategy involves making its core AI assets publicly available to receive validation and feedback from global developers, thereby reducing dependence on foreign platforms and enhancing the competitiveness of domestic financial AI.With the open-source release, BC Card plans to expand collaboration with global developers and continuously enhance its AI platform. Additionally, the company aims to grow its AI business targeting enterprises, focusing on its enterprise AI platform, 'MoAI Solution,' which includes technical support and consulting services. Notably, BC Card will actively promote AI platform development and operation for fintech and general companies that lack regulatory compliance capabilities, while also strengthening its AI collaboration with the KT Group.Oh Seong-soo, head of BC Card's AI Data Division, stated, "By releasing a regulatory-compliant AI platform for the first time in the financial sector, we aim to contribute to the self-reliance of domestic financial AI technology and the activation of the open-source ecosystem. In the future, we plan to enhance the platform in collaboration with global developers and actively expand the MoAI Solution business for companies in need of AI implementation."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-28 09:04:00
  • Government Plans Youth Employment Recovery Measures Amid Manufacturing Job Decline
    Government Plans Youth Employment Recovery Measures Amid Manufacturing Job Decline The government is preparing measures to address the ongoing youth employment slump. To respond to the slowdown in manufacturing jobs, a comprehensive plan is set to be announced in the third quarter.On July 28, Lee Hyung-il, First Vice Minister of the Ministry of Economy and Finance, and Kwon Chang-jun, Vice Minister of Employment and Labor, held a joint meeting of the job task force at the Government Seoul Complex to discuss strategies for youth job recovery and trends in manufacturing employment.In light of ongoing uncertainties, including tensions in the Middle East, it is urgent to focus on vulnerable sectors such as youth and manufacturing to stabilize the employment growth trend observed in June.The government is developing a plan tentatively titled 'Youth Job Recovery Measures.' During the meeting, specific tasks were discussed, including training future talent, strengthening job connections, and supporting career development after employment. The government plans to announce the measures in the third quarter following further consultations.Additionally, strategies to address the recent decline in manufacturing employment were also discussed. The government will continue to analyze the causes of job shortages in various sectors through the job task force and will prepare tailored support measures, which will be announced sequentially through economic ministers' meetings.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-28 09:04:00
  • Hyundai Motor Launches Vehicle Support for Transportation-Disadvantaged in Seosan
    Hyundai Motor Launches Vehicle Support for Transportation-Disadvantaged in Seosan Hyundai Motor is launching a new social contribution project aimed at improving mobility for transportation-disadvantaged individuals. On July 27, Hyundai announced the donation ceremony for its 'Hyundai Universal Solution' vehicles. The initiative focuses on developing and supporting specialized vehicles that can be easily used by pregnant women, people with disabilities, the elderly, and residents of underserved areas, thereby enhancing access to essential public services, including education, healthcare, and welfare. Considering the region's higher-than-average birth rate compared to the national and Chungnam averages, Seosan has been selected as the first project city. The donated vehicle is based on the electrified Purpose Built Vehicle (PBV) ST1 and features a 'universal design' that allows transportation-disadvantaged individuals to use it without restrictions. This specialized vehicle for pregnant women includes features based on in-depth interviews with expectant mothers, such as a space for stroller storage by removing the front passenger seat, a dedicated seatbelt to minimize abdominal pressure, and a 360-degree rotating newborn seat. The service will be available to pregnant women who are at least 16 weeks along or within six months postpartum. The vehicles will be deployed on a dedicated route connecting Seongyeon-myeon and the city center starting in September. Using Hyundai Motor Group's demand-responsive transportation platform 'Shuckle,' users can call for a vehicle via a smartphone app from anywhere within the service area and be picked up or dropped off at their desired location. The fare will be set at the same rate as city buses. A Hyundai official stated, "We will fulfill our social responsibility by reducing the inconveniences faced by transportation-disadvantaged individuals and contributing to the expansion of their mobility rights." Last year, Hyundai tested a transportation service for the transportation-disadvantaged using specially modified ST1 vehicles and the Shuckle platform in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province. This project is expected to gradually expand the scope of mobility support.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-28 09:04:00
  • Telecom Companies Launch Pre-Orders for Galaxy Z8 Series
    Telecom Companies Launch Pre-Orders for Galaxy Z8 Series The three major telecom companies in South Korea—SK Telecom, KT, and LG Uplus—are launching pre-orders for the Galaxy Z8 series.According to the telecom industry on July 28, the companies will conduct pre-orders for the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold8, and Galaxy Z Flip8 until August 3.SK Telecom will hold a lottery for 3,055 customers who pre-order the Galaxy Z8 series by July 31, offering prizes that include Netflix content benefits, invitations to a running event, and limited-edition merchandise.Among the Netflix-related prizes is a VIP family trip to Jeju Island for three nights and four days, available to five winners. For running enthusiasts, 1,000 invitations to the 'Run in Gyeongju' event on September 19 will be distributed, with each winner receiving two tickets.KT is introducing a 'Choice Double' plan that allows customers to enjoy two benefits under one rate. This plan includes options such as 'Choice Double YouTube Premium + Netflix,' which combines YouTube Premium Lite with Netflix's ad-supported standard, and 'Choice Double YouTube Premium + Device,' which offers discounts on devices like Galaxy Buds4 and Galaxy Watch.Additionally, a prize draw will be held for customers who subscribe to the Choice plans (Choice and Choice Double), with 888 winners receiving prizes that include two-night stays at five-star hotels (8 winners), 200,000 won Shinsegae gift certificates (80 winners), and 50,000 won delivery vouchers (800 winners).LG Uplus is launching a product that combines generative AI services with 'Google One + Reward Pass Premium Plus.' This offering allows customers to access Google One's AI and cloud services alongside the device reward program 'New Galaxy AI Subscription Club with Reward Pass.'Content benefits are also available for customers purchasing the Galaxy Z Fold8. A lottery will provide phone and tablet stands to 100 customers who subscribe to plans of Plus Plan 105 or higher, and the first 4,000 customers will receive a genuine case.The three telecom companies are also offering a double storage benefit for online customers. Buyers of the 256GB model can receive a free upgrade to the 512GB model through the manufacturer's promotion. Additionally, 500 customers who purchase the 512GB model will be randomly selected to receive an upgrade to the 1TB model. 2026-07-28 09:00:00
  • Kihyun Discusses His Solo Album Borderline and the Title Track So Good
    Kihyun Discusses His Solo Album 'Borderline' and the Title Track 'So Good' Group MONSTA X's main vocalist Kihyun has proven his worth on stage with his voice over the past 11 years. His journey as a solo artist has evolved from exploration (VOYAGER) and reflection (YOUTH) to a stage where he fully confronts himself. His second mini-album 'Borderline' is a record of Kihyun's decision to trust his own instincts rather than seek validation from others. The explosive energy he honed as a team vocalist and the refreshing rock sound he has developed as a solo artist permeate the album, capturing Kihyun's current state of freedom and self-acceptance."This is my solo album after exactly 3 years and 9 months. During that time, I served in the military, returned to MONSTA X, released albums, and went on tour while preparing for this solo album. It was not an easy process, but many people were waiting for my solo album, and I heard that even those who are not fans have been listening to it. So, I pushed forward, allowing ample time to produce high-quality work. I am more confident in the quality of this album than any other I have released."The title track 'So Good' captures the moment of deciding to trust one's own choices amid the constant pressure of external voices demanding answers. It tells a story of wandering between fading certainty and endless questions while embracing oneself and seeking freedom."This album has a total of 7 songs, and out of those, 4 were candidates for the title track, excluding about 3. I gathered songs I didn't want to miss, and there were about four that were originally considered for the title. Many of them are dynamic and strong, making it really difficult to choose a title track. I believe the title track should convey the overall message of the album and showcase my distinct color without falling behind compared to the other songs. I couldn't decide until the day before the deadline, but I felt that if I didn't choose 'So Good' as the title, I would really regret it. I thought it was a song that could define the color of my vocals, so I requested it to be the title track."Kihyun's path as a solo artist intentionally distances itself from the color and intent of MONSTA X. While he showcased intense performances and energy within the group, his solo album prominently features the rock-based band sound that he feels most free with."It is true that I am deliberately going in a completely different direction from MONSTA X's color. While MONSTA X often displayed strong and intense performances, my solo album maintains a rock-based sound and band music that I can uniquely express and enjoy. I have continued this through my first, second, and now third albums, and I find it enjoyable to carry both colors together as I progress."Being the main vocalist of MONSTA X and a solo vocalist requires Kihyun to shoulder different responsibilities. Within the group, he plays a role in elevating the song's peak and overall quality, while as a solo artist, he must create a complete narrative from start to finish."As a main vocalist, I see my role as reaching the peak of the song. My short part in a long song completes it. In contrast, as a solo artist, I have to craft the entire narrative from beginning to end. While there is pressure, there is also freedom to create as I wish. The scope of what I can set is very different, but both roles have their own appeal. In the group, I feel like I am finishing off a song with my friends, while as a solo artist, I am fully responsible for carrying the song."While his previous work 'YOUTH' emphasized refreshing energy, this album takes a more mature direction. The first two albums were expressions of his desire to break free from constraints and enjoy performing on stage, while 'Borderline' is closer to a product that showcases what he needs to prove as an artist."The debut solo track 'VOYAGER' was a song that allowed for a carefree and enjoyable experience. 'YOUTH' also had warm lyrics reflecting my youth, but the sound was primarily upbeat and fun. The way those two albums came about was a result of my strong push. In my 20s, I was often trapped in rigid thinking and faced a lot of stress from that. Engaging in rock music helped alleviate that. I didn't want to go back to that, and when it came to my solo album, I wanted to be free and playful on stage. However, as I prepared for my third album, I felt some fatigue. This song is also rock-based and band-oriented, but it starts with a delicate and lyrical atmosphere, and it isn't just a song I can sing without care. I had to warm up my voice a lot and depend on my condition, which made me wonder if I should take this on, but I felt it was time to show what I can do. It felt like it was time to tackle the overdue homework."The essence of what he refers to as 'proof' ultimately lies in his vocals. He needed a song that intricately weaves lyricism and explosiveness, one that only Kihyun could perform."While enjoying music is great, I believe it's time to show a song that has a narrative arc and can display both my lyrical and explosive sides. I thought it was important to present a song that, when sung by me, becomes entirely Kihyun's, which greatly influenced my decision to make 'So Good' the title track."Kihyun's musical growth naturally aligns with the trajectory of his life. 'VOYAGER' marked the beginning of his solo journey, and 'YOUTH' served as a reflection of youthful purity, while 'So Good' perfectly overlaps with Kihyun's current stage of taking full responsibility for his choices as he enters his 30s."I often feel that my life aligns well with the journey from 'VOYAGER' to this third album. 'VOYAGER' was the start of my solo career, filled with energetic rock-based music. 'YOUTH' showcased the pure emotions I had, and if it showed a more developed version of myself compared to 'VOYAGER', 'So Good' feels appropriate for my age and the stage of maturity in my life. As I enter my 30s, I feel my thoughts deepening and a sense of responsibility for my decisions. The message of 'So Good' is about the freedom that comes when you trust your choices, even amid the many voices around you demanding answers. It connects with my life in a way that I didn't intend, but it's fascinating how it aligns. So, I find it easy to immerse myself in the song. It feels like I am continuously telling my life story."Given the effort he has put into this project, Kihyun does not hide his expectations for its success. However, his definition of 'success' goes beyond just chart numbers. His true goal for this activity is to reach a broader audience and imprint his distinct identity as a solo artist."I know I shouldn't have expectations, but I can't help but imagine a little because I have confidence. The company staff have also said, 'This seems like it will do well.' However, doing well doesn't just mean being high on the charts. If I can stay at a relatively high position for a while, it increases the chances of more people hearing my music. Even if it doesn't achieve commercial success, I hope that those who listen will recognize that 'he really excels at this kind of music.' It's a mix of wanting success and wanting my music to be acknowledged."Kihyun described 'Borderline' as an album made with "affection and conviction through my own choices." Regardless of its commercial success, the fact that it has made a clear mark on his musical world already gives this album significant meaning for him."This is an album I made with a lot of affection and conviction through my own choices. Just like the songs and lyrics, I infused my choices into this album. Whether this album and its activities succeed commercially or not, I am satisfied that it has accurately captured the color of my musical worldview. I hope many people will listen to it because I want them to know that I make this kind of music and that I excel at it."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-28 09:00:00
  • Hana Bank Expands Senior-Focused Financial Channels Nationwide with First Regional Lounge in Daegu
    Hana Bank Expands Senior-Focused Financial Channels Nationwide with First Regional Lounge in Daegu Hana Bank is accelerating its efforts to target the asset management market by expanding its senior-focused financial channels nationwide.On July 24, Hana Bank announced the opening of the 'Hana the Next Daegu Central Lounge' in Namsan-dong, Daegu. This marks the first establishment of a Hana the Next lounge outside of Seoul.The Daegu Central Lounge will offer financial consultations for senior customers, covering areas such as asset management, retirement planning, inheritance and gifting, trusts, and tax services. Additionally, it plans to run non-financial programs related to health management, culture and arts, and senior housing to support quality of life in retirement.The lounge will also host seminars and community programs in collaboration with local cultural and welfare organizations. It aims to serve as a hub that goes beyond simple financial consultations to support all aspects of senior living, reflecting regional characteristics and customer needs.Furthermore, a 'Dementia Care Financial Center' will be established within the lounge to provide financial consultations and fraud prevention services for dementia patients and their families. A 'Dementia Overcoming Academy' will also be conducted to educate on dementia prevention and financial response strategies.Starting in Daegu, Hana Bank plans to sequentially open Hana the Next lounges in Daejeon, Ilsan, Incheon, Gwangju, Bundang, and Busan by the end of the year. Including the existing lounges in Euljiro, Yeongdeungpo, Seolleung, and Seocho in Seoul, the total number of operational hubs nationwide will increase to 11.Kim Jin-woo, Deputy Head of Hana Bank's Asset Management Group, stated, "We will expand senior-focused channels to major regions across the country, starting with Daegu, and provide services that support not only customers' financial assets but also their overall quality of life in retirement."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-28 08:56:00
  • DS Investment Securities Raises Hanwha Oceans Target Price Amid Strong Shipping Profits
    DS Investment Securities Raises Hanwha Ocean's Target Price Amid Strong Shipping Profits DS Investment Securities has raised its target price for Hanwha Ocean from 132,000 won to 145,000 won, reflecting improved profitability in the shipping sector and upward revisions to earnings estimates. The firm maintained its 'buy' rating.Kim Dae-sung, a researcher at DS Investment Securities, stated, "In the second quarter, sales reached 5.4 trillion won, and operating profit was 736.1 billion won, exceeding previous estimates by 32.9%. The shipping sector achieved an operating profit margin of 22.7%, reaching the highest level in the country without one-off factors, driving overall performance."He added, "The high profitability in the shipping sector is attributed to the expansion of high-priced vintage cargo to about 70% after 2024, cost reductions from optimized design specifications and diversified supply chains, and favorable exchange rate effects."Furthermore, he noted that despite the inclusion of marketing costs related to the Canadian Submarine Acquisition Project (CPSP) in the special ship segment, cost-saving measures reduced the loss compared to the previous quarter, while the offshore plant segment turned profitable with 1.5 trillion won in revenue from the P79 project delivery.Kim projected, "In the second half of the year, the revenue share from LNG carriers will gradually decrease, but the rise in LNG prices and the expansion of high-priced vintage cargo after 2024 will offset this. We expect strong performance to continue, driven by high-priced volumes of Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCC) and container ships."He also highlighted that the special ship segment has secured a strong order pipeline, including the Estonian Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) and Thai frigate, across Africa, Europe, and Asia, enhancing order visibility. Additionally, the offshore plant segment is set to bid for 2-3 floating production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) units in the second half of the year, with customer references boosting order expectations.Kim expressed optimism about participating in the construction of the maritime missile test measurement vessel (MRIV) ordered by the Philippine shipyard, stating, "We are positioned at the forefront among domestic shipbuilders related to MASGA, leveraging our established presence in the U.S. to recover the premium lost from the Canadian CPSP failure through the division of U.S. naval ship construction and overseas naval orders."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-28 08:56:00
  • Hyundai Mobis Joins U.S.-Korea Shipbuilding R&D Initiative to Develop Autonomous Transport Technology
    Hyundai Mobis Joins U.S.-Korea Shipbuilding R&D Initiative to Develop Autonomous Transport Technology Hyundai Mobis announced on July 28 that it has been selected as the lead research institution for the 2026 shipbuilding and marine industry technology development project and will participate in a U.S.-Korea shipbuilding R&D agreement.This initiative, supported by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology (KIAT), aims to enhance export competitiveness and secure new markets by developing core technologies and equipment in the shipbuilding and marine plant sectors.Hyundai Mobis has been designated as the lead institution for the research and development of 'key technologies for intelligent autonomous transporters for ultra-large block transportation to transform the smart ship manufacturing paradigm' among eight new projects related to the shipbuilding industry.The project aims to develop autonomous transport technology capable of safely and efficiently transporting shipyard blocks (large structures for ship assembly) and to validate this technology in U.S. shipyards. The project will last for 42 months and receive a total of 19 billion won in government support.The company explained that its selection as the lead institution is based on over 35 years of experience in smart logistics and the advancement of autonomous driving technology that integrates artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics.Hyundai Mobis plans to secure innovative technologies for shipbuilding processes through the development of ultra-heavy autonomous transport robots, integrated control and virtual driving verification, AI-based block transport stability simulations, and the creation of overseas validation support scenarios.Notably, this national project will be pursued through technological exchange and cooperation between the U.S. and South Korea. Hyundai Mobis also participated in the opening ceremony of the 'U.S.-Korea Shipbuilding Cooperation Center' on July 23 in Washington, D.C., where it signed a technology cooperation agreement with the Southwest Research Institute, a major research institution in the U.S.Hyundai Mobis stated, "We are honored to participate in this significant shipbuilding cooperation project between the U.S. and South Korea and will carry out the research and development without any setbacks."Meanwhile, Hyundai Mobis is a total smart logistics solution company engaged in logistics automation, screen doors, and IT services. It is also a key affiliate of the Hyundai Group, led by Chairman Hyun Jeong-eun, alongside Hyundai Elevator. 2026-07-28 08:56:00
  • Koreas consumer confidence upbeat, home price outlook hits 5-year high
    Korea's consumer confidence upbeat, home price outlook hits 5-year high SEOUL, July 28 (AJP) -South Korean consumer confidence remained comfortably above its long-term average in July, as a chip-fueled economic recovery and rising income expectations outweighed inflation concerns, while expectations for home prices climbed to their highest level in nearly five years despite tighter monetary policy. The Bank of Korea's Composite Consumer Sentiment Index (CCSI) edged up to 106.8 in July from 106.6 in June, extending gains for a third straight month after plunging to 99.2 in April following the Middle East conflict. A reading above 100 indicates optimism exceeding the long-term average. The survey adds to signs that domestic confidence is improving alongside South Korea's AI-driven export boom. Preliminary data released last week showed the economy expanded 0.6 percent quarter on quarter in the second quarter, bringing first-half growth to 2.4 percent as record semiconductor exports and resilient private consumption offset lingering weakness in construction. Consumers also benefited from one of Asia's strongest equity rallies this year, with the benchmark KOSPI surging about 60 percent year to date, boosting household wealth even as the Bank of Korea resumed monetary tightening with a 25-basis-point interest rate hike in July to contain inflationary pressures and asset prices. The July survey showed households grew more optimistic about future income, with the household income outlook index rising one point to 101, while expectations for living standards also improved. Consumer spending plans remained unchanged at 110, suggesting resilient domestic demand despite elevated borrowing costs. Current living conditions, however, slipped one point to 93, reflecting the continued burden of elevated consumer prices and tighter financial conditions. Respondents' assessment of current economic conditions also eased to 84 from 86, although the outlook for the economy six months ahead held steady at 92, supported by stronger growth prospects tied to the semiconductor industry. The most notable shift came in the housing market. The housing price outlook index jumped seven points to 127, the highest reading since September 2021, extending a four-month surge as apartment prices continued climbing across Seoul and neighboring Gyeonggi Province. The index has rebounded sharply from 96 in March, indicating a growing majority of consumers now expect home prices to rise over the coming year. According to KB Real Estate, Seoul apartment prices rose 1.05 percent in July, marking a second consecutive month of gains, while prices in Gyeonggi Province accelerated 0.87 percent, led by the Dongtan district of Hwaseong, where apartment values jumped 6.25 percent, the strongest increase nationwide. The area mostly houses employees of chip facilities of Samsung Electronics enjoying red-hot earnings streak and compensations. The rebound in housing sentiment came despite the central bank's tightening campaign and commercial banks' moves to curb mortgage lending, underscoring expectations that limited housing supply and persistent demand will continue supporting prices. Reflecting renewed borrowing for home purchases, the current household debt index rose one point to 100, its highest level since April last year. Meanwhile, the interest-rate outlook index remained elevated at 126, unchanged from June after jumping sharply following the Bank of Korea's July rate increase. Inflation expectations moderated. Consumers' one-year inflation expectation eased to 2.7 percent from 2.8 percent, while three-year expectations fell to 2.6 percent, as lower domestic fuel prices and a firmer won helped offset concerns over recent consumer price increases. For the time being, inflation is perceived to hover around 3 percent in line with the central bank expectations. Oil products remained the biggest perceived source of inflation, although their influence declined markedly from the previous month. 2026-07-28 08:52:46
  • Korea Trade Insurance Corporation to Support $100 Million for European Smartphone Market Expansion
    Korea Trade Insurance Corporation to Support $100 Million for European Smartphone Market Expansion The Korea Trade Insurance Corporation (K-Sure) announced it will provide $100 million (approximately 80 million euros) in trade insurance to help domestic companies expand their market share in the European smartphone sector.This support will utilize trade insurance to finance the purchase of Samsung mobile devices by a Spanish telecommunications company. Banks will extend the payment period for the importer by using the trade insurance as collateral, easing the liquidity burden for the Spanish telecom when purchasing products from domestic companies. Additionally, exporting companies will be able to secure export payments reliably in overseas transactions.This marks the first instance of K-Sure assisting export companies in overseas transactions through a 'reverse factoring' method, which allows importers to adjust payment periods via financial institutions after purchasing goods, while supporting exporters in collecting payments securely.K-Sure expects this support will bolster the local competitiveness of domestic companies in the fiercely competitive Spanish smartphone market, which faces challenges from China and other competitors. In the highly competitive global consumer goods market, not only product competitiveness but also the financial conditions that enable local telecoms and distribution networks to reliably import goods could significantly impact market share.Jang Young-jin, president of K-Sure, stated, "This is a case of enhancing our companies' overseas competitiveness through trade insurance. We will continue to actively support our companies' entry into overseas markets with tailored trade insurance for each export transaction."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-28 08:52:00