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  • Shincheonji allegations engulf ruling party leadership race as probe widens
    Shincheonji allegations engulf ruling party leadership race as probe widens SEOUL, July 27 (AJP) - Allegations that members of the Shincheonji religious group joined South Korea’s ruling Democratic Party en masse have intensified an already bitter leadership contest, prompting calls for a sweeping investigation into possible organized religious interference in party politics. A joint investigation team comprising prosecutors and police has reportedly found signs that Shincheonji members collectively joined the Democratic Party in parts of the Seoul metropolitan area ahead of the June 3 local elections. Investigators are looking into whether regional branches of the religious group attempted to influence Democratic Party primaries by supporting particular candidates, potentially in return for help with local issues such as obtaining approval to use buildings as religious facilities. The development has deepened divisions between former Prime Minister Kim Min-seok and former Democratic Party leader Jung Chung-rae, the two leading candidates in the party’s Aug. 17 leadership election. Kim, who first publicly raised suspicions of Shincheonji interference in the contest, said Saturday that he had brought up the allegations regardless of whether doing so benefited his campaign. “I raised the issue because I believe that, for the sake of history, justice and the future of the Republic of Korea, we must address what needs to be addressed,” Kim said during a lecture at the National Assembly. Kim has alleged possible organized voting interference, dual party membership and the presence of “phantom members,” arguing that the matter has moved beyond an internal dispute between rival candidates and now requires an official investigation. Jung agreed that organized religious involvement in politics must not be tolerated but accused Kim of using unverified allegations to attack a rival. “Organized political intervention by a religious group is unconstitutional,” Jung wrote on Facebook. “It must be rooted out and prevented at its source. Investigate it thoroughly and disclose the findings transparently.” He added, however, that “negative campaigning and political conspiracy theories have never led to success,” warning that attacks against fellow party members could damage the party. Rep. Yang Bu-nam of the Democratic Party said the allegations, if substantiated, would amount to a grave attack on the democratic operation of political parties. “If Shincheonji’s intervention is found to be true, it would constitute an incident that undermined the very foundation of intra-party democracy,” Yang told AJP. “The People Power Party’s demand for a special counsel is a self-serving interpretation designed to suit its own interests,” he added. Rep. Seo Young-kyo of the Democratic Party, chair of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee and a four-term lawmaker, told AJP, “Shincheonji’s intervention is shocking.” “The voting behavior of Shincheonji members could determine the party leadership,” Seo said. “It is the height of collusion between religion and politics.” She argued, “There must be a thorough investigation to sever the ties between religion and politics and hold legally accountable those believers who systematically interfered in the Democratic Party’s party affairs.” The main opposition People Power Party has called on the ruling party to introduce a special prosecutor selected by the opposition, accusing the Democratic Party of applying a double standard after previously demanding an investigation into Shincheonji’s alleged mass enrollment in the PPP. PPP deputy floor spokesperson Choi Soo-jin said Sunday that allegations initially raised by a former prime minister were beginning to be supported by evidence. She argued that leaving the inquiry solely to the existing joint investigation team would not ensure political neutrality. The latest controversy emerged from a much broader investigation into allegations that Shincheonji systematically mobilized followers to join the PPP between 2021 and 2024. Lee Man-hee, the 95-year-old founder and leader of Shincheonji, was indicted in June on charges including violations of the Political Parties Act. Investigators allege that at least 56,472 followers were recruited as PPP members through campaigns that sometimes used coded names such as the “Pilates Project.” Authorities suspect the campaign was intended to influence the PPP’s 2021 presidential primary and later candidate nomination contests, while helping the religious group secure favorable treatment on issues involving its properties and facilities. Investigators say the instructions were delivered through Shincheonji’s hierarchy, from its headquarters and regional leaders to local congregations and separate organizations for young people, women and older members. Lee and Shincheonji have denied that he ordered or supervised organized party enrollment. Shincheonji has also rejected claims that the presence of individual followers on party membership lists proves institutional interference. It has argued that treating the private political activities of believers as evidence against the church could infringe on freedom of religion. Decades of political controversy Suspicions surrounding Shincheonji’s political activities date back more than two decades. Investigators have reportedly examined a 2003 internal document outlining ways to support Suh Chung-won in a leadership election for the Grand National Party, a predecessor of the PPP. The document allegedly proposed telephone campaigning, online promotional activities and the recruitment of young followers as party members. Former Shincheonji officials have also alleged that followers were told to join the Grand National Party and participate in its 2007 presidential primary. One former member said followers were instructed to pay party dues and were told the church would later reimburse them. These earlier claims did not result in the kind of large-scale criminal investigation now underway, and Shincheonji has denied allegations that it intervened in party elections. The controversy gained new momentum following the 2020 COVID-19 outbreak, when Shincheonji became the center of South Korea’s first major wave of infections. Former members have told investigators that the organization subsequently sought to expand its political influence as it faced public criticism, government inspections and disputes over the use of its religious facilities. Authorities are now investigating allegations that tens of thousands of followers were encouraged or pressured to join the PPP from 2021 onward, including claims that some of their names were passed to people connected to former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s presidential campaign. Shincheonji and Lee have denied wrongdoing. The investigation has now crossed party lines with the discovery of suspected group enrollment in the Democratic Party, raising the possibility that the organization sought influence wherever local political access could help resolve its institutional interests. South Korea’s Constitution states that religion and politics must be separated. The Political Parties Act also prohibits forcing anyone to join or leave a political party and bars membership in multiple parties at the same time. The central question for investigators will therefore be whether Shincheonji followers independently exercised their political rights or whether the group’s leadership secretly coordinated party enrollment and voting to influence candidates and secure benefits. The answer could shape not only the Democratic Party’s leadership election but also a wider national reckoning over the influence of organized religious groups on South Korean politics. 2026-07-27 13:38:51
  • How AI redrew the chip map and put Korea at its center
    How AI redrew the chip map and put Korea at its center SEOUL, July 27 (AJP) -The generative artificial intelligence boom has not simply created another semiconductor supercycle. It has redrawn the geography of the global chip industry. Three years after ChatGPT triggered an unprecedented race to build AI infrastructure, South Korea's semiconductor trade map looks markedly different. Taiwan has become Korea's second-largest chip export destination. The Netherlands has overtaken Japan as largest supplier of semiconductor manufacturing equipment. And what was once a diversified electronics supply chain has evolved into an increasingly concentrated AI ecosystem anchored by four companies: Nvidia, TSMC, Samsung Electronics and SK hynix. The transformation is captured in the Bank of Korea's Manufacturing Production and Supply Chain Map released on Monday, which explains that AI, alongside geopolitical fragmentation and China's industrial rise, has become one of the principal forces reshaping Korean manufacturing. Rather than merely recording trade flows, the report illustrates how the country's production, exports and imports have been reorganized around new technological bottlenecks. The most striking change appears on the export map. For years, China overwhelmingly dominated Korea's semiconductor exports because it assembled much of the world's smartphones, PCs and consumer electronics. The AI era has created a different destination. According to the Bank of Korea's map, Taiwan's share of Korea's semiconductor exports more than doubled between 2022 and 2025, making it the country's second-largest export market after China. The shift reflects the emergence of Taiwan not as a consumer of chips but as the world's AI manufacturing hub. The reason lies in the new AI production chain. High-bandwidth memory produced by Samsung Electronics and SK hynix is shipped to Taiwan, where TSMC combines it with Nvidia-designed AI processors using advanced packaging before the finished accelerators are delivered to hyperscale cloud operators. Instead of flowing primarily toward smartphone assembly lines in China, an increasing share of Korean memory now travels directly into the world's AI data centers. The export map therefore illustrates something larger than changing trade statistics. It shows that the industry's center of gravity has shifted from consumer electronics to AI infrastructure. Four companies now anchor the AI ecosystem The BOK describes a supply chain increasingly organized around specialized technological leaders. Nvidia dominates AI processors. TSMC leads advanced foundry manufacturing and advanced packaging. Samsung Electronics and SK hynix have become the principal suppliers of high-bandwidth memory required by AI accelerators. Rather than competing directly with one another, the companies occupy complementary positions within the same production system. The report argues that expanding AI infrastructure has strengthened this ecosystem by replacing the traditional combination of CPUs and commodity DRAM with GPUs and HBM optimized for AI computing. The consequence is a much more concentrated supply chain. Instead of broad semiconductor demand spread across PCs, smartphones and conventional servers, investment is increasingly focused on a relatively small number of products whose production depends on only a handful of companies. Korea's equipment map changed as well The AI boom has also pulled Korea more deeply into another concentrated segment of the supply chain: semiconductor manufacturing equipment. Imports of chip materials, parts and equipment rose to $49.9 billion in 2025 from $27.9 billion in 2019 and $23.4 billion in 2014, according to the BOK. Manufacturing equipment made up $23.7 billion of the 2025 total. The Netherlands accounted for 26.0 percent of Korea’s chipmaking equipment imports, up from 22.8 percent in 2022. It overtook Japan, whose share stood at 23.7 percent, to become Korea’s largest equipment supplier. That dependence is largely explained by ASML. The Dutch company is the sole commercial supplier of extreme ultraviolet lithography equipment, which is required to produce the world’s most advanced logic and memory chips. Each new generation of AI processors and HBM demands denser circuits, more process steps and increasingly sophisticated lithography. As Samsung and SK hynix expanded advanced memory and foundry investment, Korea became one of ASML’s most important markets. Korean customers generated 25.0 percent of ASML’s total net sales in 2025, up from 22.7 percent a year earlier. That placed Korea fractionally behind Taiwan, at 25.5 percent, and China, at 29.1 percent — making it one of ASML’s three largest national markets rather than the single largest. The distinction is important. Korea’s rise as a major ASML customer demonstrates the scale of its investment, but it also reveals a vulnerability. Domestic chipmakers depend entirely on imported EUV systems. Korea also imports large quantities of semiconductor equipment from Japan and the United States, while its material and component supply chain remains closely tied to China, Japan and the U.S. The more Korea expands advanced chip production, the more it depends on a small number of foreign equipment and materials suppliers. Its role now lies in being an essential link in a tightly connected AI system. Korean HBM travels to Taiwan rather than directly to the ultimate customer. Dutch lithography equipment travels to Korean fabs. American-designed processors return from Taiwanese factories packaged alongside Korean memory. The finished systems then power data centers around the world. This circular flow explains why Taiwan’s share of Korea’s chip exports has soared and why the Netherlands has become Korea’s largest semiconductor-equipment supplier. It also explains the strategic stakes. Korea has secured a powerful position because advanced AI processors cannot perform effectively without high-bandwidth memory. But its position remains dependent on Nvidia’s platform, TSMC’s manufacturing capacity and ASML’s machines. The AI era has placed Korea closer to the center of the semiconductor world than ever before. It has also made that world more concentrated, more interdependent and more exposed to disruption. 2026-07-27 13:37:57
  • Hanssem Launches Customizable Rube Modular Sofa for Newlyweds
    Hanssem Launches Customizable 'Rube Modular Sofa' for Newlyweds Hanssem has announced the launch of its 'Rube Modular Sofa,' designed to reflect the lifestyle and preferences of newlyweds.The new product features a design tailored to newlyweds, significantly improving the seating comfort and ease of cleaning, which are common drawbacks of traditional modular sofas, the company stated.It incorporates a floating base design that gives the appearance of being suspended, along with a bright ivory color and a luxurious fabric texture.Notably, the sofa uses gradient pocket springs typically found in high-end mattresses and high-density memory foam in the seat cushions, providing a firm yet cozy seating experience. It also includes back support cushions and mini cushions to prevent lumbar discomfort.With a strong water-repellent feature, stains do not absorb but bead up for easy cleaning. All covers, except for the armrests and frame, are removable and washable. The sofa has received Oeko-Tex Class 1 certification for harmful substance verification and is PFC-free, meaning it contains no harmful perfluorinated compounds.The sofa can be expanded by adding an armless section for 3-4 people or arranged in an L-shape to create a lounge-style living room. Options also include stools that match the sofa depth and a multi-unit with a single outlet, two USB A ports, and ample storage space.A Hanssem representative stated, 'The Rube Modular Sofa was created after a thorough analysis of the lifestyle and living space changes of newlyweds. It is a product that does not compromise on design, seating comfort, hygiene, or space utilization.'* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-27 13:36:00
  • KOSPI Opens Higher but Turns Lower Amid Foreign Selling, Stands at 6630
    KOSPI Opens Higher but Turns Lower Amid Foreign Selling, Stands at 6630 The KOSPI started the day with gains but reversed course as foreign selling intensified. Despite buying from retail and institutional investors, the index continued to weaken around the 6630 mark.According to the Korea Exchange, as of 1:16 PM, the KOSPI was down 60.35 points (0.90%) at 6630.27. The index opened at 6806.27, up 115.65 points (1.73%) from the previous trading day, but subsequently lost all its gains and deepened its decline.In the securities market, retail and institutional investors made net purchases of 1.7868 trillion won and 199.7 billion won, respectively, engaging in bargain hunting. In contrast, foreign investors led the decline with net sales of 2.0404 trillion won.Among the top market capitalization stocks, mixed performance was observed. Samsung Electronics (0.60%), SK Hynix (0.23%), LG Energy Solution (0.61%), Samsung Biologics (1.65%), and KB Financial (0.64%) saw gains. However, SK Square (-4.96%), Samsung Electro-Mechanics (-1.66%), Hyundai Motor (-0.75%), and Samsung Life (-2.83%) experienced losses.At the same time, the KOSDAQ index was trading at 761.04, up 12.82 points (1.71%) from the previous day. The index opened at 760.54, up 12.32 points (1.65%), and continued its upward trend.In the KOSDAQ market, institutions made net purchases of 219.7 billion won, driving the index higher. Conversely, retail and foreign investors sold off shares, with net sales of 115.2 billion won and 101.5 billion won, respectively, as they sought to realize profits.Top KOSDAQ stocks showed strong performance across the board, with Alteogen (5.16%), EcoPro (2.43%), EcoPro BM (1.57%), Rainbow Robotics (5.50%), JUSUNG Engineering (5.60%), Rino Technology (2.04%), Wonik IPS (3.88%), HLB (1.12%), PSK (0.49%), and ABL Bio (1.52%) all rising.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-27 13:32:00
  • KB Kookmin Bank Launches Group Purchase Time Deposit with Up to 3.3% Interest
    KB Kookmin Bank Launches Group Purchase Time Deposit with Up to 3.3% Interest KB Kookmin Bank has introduced a special deposit product aimed at attracting customers who seek higher interest rates through collective participation. The bank announced on July 27 that it has launched the '2026-1st Group Purchase Time Deposit' and begun sales.This product is a 'participatory financial product' that offers greater benefits as more customers join to reach a target amount.The minimum investment is 1 million won, with a maximum of 20 million won, and the deposit term is either 6 or 12 months. The total subscription limit is set at 2 trillion won, and customers can enroll through KB Kookmin Bank branches, KB Star Banking, or the customer service center until August 7. Sales will end early if the limit is reached.The final interest rate will be applied differently based on the total sales amount and whether the event interest rate conditions are met after the sales period ends. If all conditions are satisfied, customers can receive an interest rate of up to 3.30% per year.For a 12-month term, if the total sales amount is 100 billion won or less, an interest rate of 2.80% per year will apply; if it exceeds 100 billion won, the rate will increase to 2.90% per year. Additionally, customers who do not hold a KB Youth Hope Account at the time of enrollment will receive an extra 0.40 percentage points.A representative from KB Kookmin Bank stated, "The Group Purchase Time Deposit is a product where the interest benefits expand based on customer participation, and we hope more customers will join to enjoy these benefits."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-27 13:28:00
  • Civilian Deaths in Ukraine Reach 377 Amid Intensified Russian Airstrikes
    Civilian Deaths in Ukraine Reach 377 Amid Intensified Russian Airstrikes As Russian airstrikes intensify, civilian casualties in Ukraine this month have reached their highest level since the early days of the full-scale war in 2022.CNN reported on July 26, citing Ukrainian government figures, that at least 377 civilians have died and 2,129 have been injured due to Russian attacks this month. The total number of casualties stands at 2,506, marking the highest monthly toll since April 2022. This figure is a preliminary count from the Ukrainian government and has not been verified by the United Nations.Russia has recently continued its attacks on major Ukrainian cities, including the capital Kyiv, using ballistic missiles, drones, and guided bombs.Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that over the past week, Russia has launched approximately 1,700 drones, more than 1,630 guided bombs, and over 50 ballistic missiles.In the early hours of July 26, Russian forces deployed seven ballistic missiles and 136 drones to attack various locations in Ukraine, including Kyiv, Chernihiv, Kharkiv, and Zaporizhzhia. These attacks resulted in at least six deaths and numerous injuries.In northern Chernihiv, a drone strike hit a supermarket, killing two people, including a child, and injuring 25 others. In eastern Kharkiv, one person was killed and 16 were injured, while in southern Zaporizhzhia, a glide bomb attack resulted in one death and six injuries.In eastern Sloviansk, two employees of the state energy company Naftogaz, who were assisting residents affected by previous airstrikes, were killed in a subsequent attack. In Kyiv, a missile strike ignited a fire in a high-rise apartment building, injuring three people.President Zelensky emphasized that Russia is expanding its use of ballistic missile attacks that are difficult to intercept and called on the U.S. and Europe to provide additional air defense systems, including Patriots. He stated on X (formerly Twitter), "Each interceptor missile in Ukraine's air defense can save lives and should not be sitting in allied warehouses."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-27 13:28:00
  • Noroo Paint Participates in UK Farnborough Airshow, Showcasing Aerospace Material Technology
    Noroo Paint Participates in UK Farnborough Airshow, Showcasing Aerospace Material Technology Noroo Paint announced on July 27 that it participated in the 'Farnborough Airshow 2026' held in Hampshire, UK, from July 20 to 24.The Farnborough Airshow is a major aerospace exhibition featuring over 1,400 aerospace companies and organizations from more than 40 countries. It is considered one of the top three aerospace exhibitions in the world, alongside the Paris Airshow and Singapore Airshow.Noroo Paint participated in the Korean Pavilion, organized by the Korea Aerospace Industries Association, to highlight the excellence of domestic aerospace material technology alongside other companies in the Korea Aerospace Material Development Alliance.During the exhibition, the company introduced the results of the 'Aerospace Defense Sealant Ultra-High Technology Development and Demonstration Project,' supported by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. They showcased the key product of the project, a poly sulfide sealant for aircraft, which is used in fuel tanks, fuselage, and metal joints. The company stated that this product meets essential performance requirements in the aerospace field, including fuel resistance, high-temperature durability, and corrosion prevention.A sealant for aircraft is a core material essential for ensuring the airtightness and durability of aircraft, and it is a high-value-added material. Currently, a few foreign companies dominate the market, and South Korea has relied on imported products.Noroo Paint aims to enhance its technological competitiveness while expanding its global aerospace and defense business network, thereby strengthening its foundation for future commercialization and market entry.A company representative stated, "Through continuous research and development (R&D) and technological advancement, we will lead the localization of core materials in the aerospace and defense sectors and enhance our competitiveness in the global aerospace market."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-27 13:16:00
  • President Lee: New Light Accelerator Construction Will Boost Regional Growth in Cheongju
    President Lee: New Light Accelerator Construction Will Boost Regional Growth in Cheongju President Lee Jae-myung stated that the construction of the Korea New Light Accelerator, a so-called 'fourth-generation synchrotron radiation accelerator,' has officially begun. He emphasized that with this world-class research infrastructure, Cheongju in North Chungcheong Province will emerge as a new hub for regional-led growth.On social media platform X (formerly Twitter), President Lee wrote, "The New Light Accelerator, which will lead the future of South Korea's science and technology and advanced industries, has taken its first strong step today."He also promised, "The government will fully support the innovations and discoveries that will start here, so they can grow into the future growth engines of South Korea."The Ministry of Science and ICT and the Korea Basic Science Institute held a groundbreaking ceremony for the New Light Accelerator at the site in Ochang, Cheongju.With a total project cost of 1.0643 trillion won, the New Light Accelerator is expected to be completed by the end of 2029, providing a national representative infrastructure for atomic-level analysis research.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-27 13:12:00
  • Samsung Unveils 8th Generation Galaxy Foldable Phones with Innovative Hardware
    Samsung Unveils 8th Generation Galaxy Foldable Phones with Innovative Hardware Samsung Electronics has introduced its 8th generation Galaxy foldable phones, reducing thickness and weight while enhancing screen durability, crease visibility, and battery life through the use of titanium materials and silicon-carbon batteries. The company has redesigned the display, hinge, battery, and charging structure to address the persistent weaknesses of foldable phones.Moon Seong-hoon, head of hardware at Samsung's MX division, explained the hardware innovations of the 8th generation Galaxy foldables during a press briefing in London on July 23. He stated, "Samsung does not innovate merely to showcase new technology; we start from understanding how customers actually use the product and what experiences they expect."Analysis of user feedback collected over seven generations identified key areas for improvement in foldable phones, including screen creases, battery life, charging speed, and durability. Moon noted, "The true challenge was to incorporate a larger, more immersive display, while maintaining a thinner, lighter design with strong durability and ultra-level performance in one product."The most notable innovation is 'Flex Titanium,' which combines a titanium plate supporting the bottom of the display module with a titanium alloy film placed just below the panel. The plate uses grade 4 titanium, the strongest among commercially pure titanium, with a precise lattice pattern. This structure maintains titanium's strength while providing the necessary flexibility in the folding area.While the previous Galaxy Z Fold7 also featured a titanium plate, this new model enhances the lattice structure and introduces the titanium alloy film. This film, replacing traditional plastic, supports the folding screen from below, reducing sagging and minimizing creases. Moon stated, "The combination of the plate and alloy film has improved the folding experience and durability compared to previous models."The titanium alloy film is processed to about one-third the thickness of a human hair and is designed to withstand repetitive movements. Samsung has reduced the thickness of the display module by over 10%, utilizing the gained internal space for increased battery capacity, enhanced heat dissipation, and the placement of high-performance cameras.Moon emphasized, "Reducing the product thickness by 0.1mm cannot be achieved by changing just one component; it requires a comprehensive consideration of all elements, including the display, heat materials, reinforcements, and battery." He noted that while the slim design of the display module significantly contributed, the entire product was redesigned at a system level.The Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra is the thinnest foldable phone ever at 4.1mm when opened, while the Galaxy Z Fold8 is the lightest foldable at 201 grams, according to Samsung.User experience when opening and closing the foldable phone has also been improved. Adjustments to the hinge and magnetic structures on both sides, along with angled corner designs, make it easier to unfold. The screen features an anti-reflective coating to reduce glare and make creases less visible.For the first time in a Galaxy smartphone, Samsung has introduced a silicon-carbon composite anode material in the battery. This material has already been used in some products in China. It increases energy density within the same volume, but stability is crucial due to the expansion and contraction of silicon during charging and discharging. Samsung has redesigned the entire battery system, including the anode, cathode, electrolyte, and separator.Moon stated, "The most important factors in batteries are safety, stability, and long-term usability. Improving only the silicon-carbon anode is not sufficient; we needed to find the optimal combination of all components and validate it in various real-world conditions."The Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra features a 5000mAh battery while maintaining a slim design. Both the Fold8 Ultra and Fold8 are the first foldable phones to support 45W fast charging. This system independently controls two battery charging paths to increase speed while reducing heat, allowing the Fold8 Ultra to charge up to 67% in just 30 minutes.Durability testing has also been enhanced to reflect real-world usage conditions. Samsung has conducted over 100 verification tests, including drops from various angles, repeated folding, pressure and impact tests, exposure to sweat and moisture, and the intrusion of foreign substances of varying sizes and pressures.Moon concluded, "If performance deteriorates and users feel uneasy while using the product, it is not true innovation. I believe the durability of this product has significantly improved through testing that reflects real-world conditions." 2026-07-27 13:12:00
  • Seoul Education Office Strengthens Public Education Support Amid Confusion Over Student Records
    Seoul Education Office Strengthens Public Education Support Amid Confusion Over Student Records Amid growing confusion among students and parents due to recent legal changes restricting the commercial use of student records, the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education is establishing a robust college admission support system centered on public education. The initiative aims to alleviate anxiety for students and parents by providing reliable college admission information and personalized one-on-one counseling without the need for expensive private consulting. The Education Research Information Center, under the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education, announced on July 27 that it will implement a 'tailored college admission support program' for students, parents, and teachers in preparation for the 2027 college admissions cycle. This program is designed to minimize information gaps and confusion arising from the restrictions on the commercial use of student records imposed by amendments to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. To help students navigate the complex college admission process, the center will offer a variety of services, including personalized one-on-one counseling, systematic support from top experts, and optimized college admission information through the Seoul Career and College Information Center and the 'SEN College Compass.' A standout feature of the program is the '365-day comprehensive one-on-one counseling.' The Education Research Information Center will operate ongoing counseling, intensive counseling weeks, and a special college admission counseling center. This year, to enhance convenience for users, evening and virtual counseling options have been significantly expanded. Students and parents in Seoul can apply for personalized counseling through the Seoul Career and College Information Center's website. Intensive counseling sessions will also be held in preparation for the crucial college admissions period. From July 29 to August 1, a '1:1 Special College Admission Counseling Center' will be open at the Jamsil Student Sports Center, expanding from 1,500 participants last year to 2,040 this year for in-depth face-to-face counseling. Pre-registration for this event has already closed. Following this, an 'Intensive Counseling Week' will take place from August 21 to September 4, offering one-on-one virtual counseling for 600 students and parents in Seoul. Teachers from the College Admission Support Group and the Seoul Career and College Academic Planning Support Group will provide tailored support strategies across various fields, including medicine, specialized programs, and arts and physical education. Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis starting August 7 through the college admission counseling reservation website. The core strength of the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education's college counseling lies in its team of experienced teachers, who have accumulated over 20 years of expertise. The College Admission Support Group (114 members) and the Seoul Career and College Academic Planning Support Group (100 members) are directly involved in a virtuous cycle system that encompasses 'data development, information sessions, data analysis, and college counseling.' Last year, the satisfaction rate for the special counseling center they led was 98.4%, and the satisfaction rate for information sessions reached 97.9%, demonstrating a quality that surpasses expensive private consulting. The 'SEN College Teacher Program,' based on credible data, is utilized by 286 out of 318 high schools in Seoul and 934 schools nationwide, reflecting high trust in the field. Students and parents can intuitively check potential colleges for admission based on their grades through the 'SEN College Compass' website and app. Seoul Education Superintendent Jeong Geun-sik stated, "The purpose of prohibiting the commercial use of student records is to protect students' educational activities and ensure that college preparation is centered on public education. We will continue to expand reliable college support services based on the expertise of current teachers, enabling students and parents to prepare for college admissions without anxiety."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-27 13:08:00