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Com2uS Holdings Officially Launches 'Ares: The Iron Vanguard' Targeting North America and Europe Com2uS Holdings announced on September 15 that it has officially launched the action role-playing game (RPG) 'Ares: The Iron Vanguard' globally, developed by Second Dive. The company aims to penetrate major global markets, including North America, Europe, and Southeast Asia, with Ares. To enhance user accessibility, the game supports mobile platforms through the Apple App Store and Google Play, as well as cross-play on PC. Departing from the traditional structure of massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs), the game has been redesigned as a 'single-player-focused action RPG' tailored to global user preferences. In the early stages, players will primarily engage with single-player content that emphasizes story and combat. As players progress, the game will gradually expand to include cooperative PvE (player versus environment) raids and seasonal endgame content. PvP (player versus player) elements are offered as optional content based on user preferences. The game highlights its strengths in science fiction settings and action-oriented gameplay. Features include a 'suit change' system that allows players to switch between two suits in real-time, combo attacks linked to dodging, battles involving the massive mech 'Goliath,' and aerial combat with the 'Valkyrie.' Before the global launch, Com2uS Holdings conducted early launches in six countries, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Brazil, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, starting in August. Ares, developed by Second Dive, was initially released in South Korea in July 2023 through Kakao Games. Com2uS Holdings signed a global publishing agreement with Second Dive in May of last year and has since revamped the game to align with the preferences of international users, adjusting difficulty, entry barriers, and PvE content. Com2uS Holdings stated, 'The feedback collected from global users during the early launch period has been actively incorporated into the content quality and operational optimization of the official service.'* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-15 17:00:00 -
Jeonnam Bio Promotion Agency Supports Market Entry for Startups at Agricultural Expo The Jeonnam Bio Promotion Agency has initiated support for market entry by connecting startup companies in the bio sector with buyers at the Korea Agricultural Expo.The Jeonnam Bio Promotion Agency's Bio Convergence Startup Incubation Center participated in the Korea Agricultural Expo held at the aT Center in Yangjae, Seoul, from September 10 to 13, alongside six resident companies, the agency announced on September 15.This participation aimed to assist technology-driven startups in promoting their products and expanding connections with domestic and international distribution and business partners.During the expo, the agency operated a joint exhibition booth with the resident companies, showcasing their representative products and technologies to visitors and industry professionals.In addition to product displays, the agency facilitated one-on-one consultations between the resident companies and buyers, focusing on exploring future market entry and commercialization opportunities.Startups often face challenges in entering the market due to limited opportunities to meet consumers and buyers directly, even after developing their technologies and products. Therefore, the agency views participation in the expo as a practical market validation opportunity for these companies.Representatives from participating companies expressed that the event allowed them to gauge direct reactions to their products and set future directions for product improvement and marketing.One representative stated, "This was a valuable time to introduce our unique technology and products to the market and directly observe potential customers' responses," expressing hope for continued support for their businesses.Yang Wan-gil, director of the Jeonnam Bio Promotion Agency, emphasized that support for startups should extend beyond research and development or prototype production to include actual market entry and securing sales channels.Yang Wan-gil stated, "On-site marketing support is a necessary process for startups to establish themselves in the market, and we will continue to operate practical support programs to ensure that the technologies and products held by companies lead to expanded sales channels."The Jeonnam Bio Promotion Agency is strengthening its support system tailored to the growth stages of resident companies, from technology development to product commercialization and market entry.This participation in the expo was also part of the '2026 Specialized Capability BI Development Support Project (Local Type),' supported by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups and organized by the Jeonnam Bio Promotion Agency.Through this project, the agency operates seven detailed support programs, including prototype production, promotion and design, testing, analysis, and certification, to assist resident companies in their commercialization efforts.Meanwhile, the Jeonnam Bio Promotion Agency provides incubation space and support programs for small and venture bio-related companies, startups, and prospective entrepreneurs. The agency plans to continue supporting the growth stages of companies to ensure stable market entry for regional bio firms through technology development, investment linkage, and domestic and international market expansion.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-15 16:56:10
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GS Engineering & Construction Enhances Equipment Quality Inspections with AR Technology GS Engineering & Construction is improving the efficiency and accuracy of equipment quality inspections for plants by utilizing augmented reality (AR) technology.On September 15, GS Engineering announced the implementation of the digital inspection solution 'Twyn' from the German AR specialist Visometry at plant sites. This solution allows for the comparison and inspection of 3D design models against actual manufactured equipment before installation.Equipment used in plant construction undergoes quality inspections to ensure that the actual products match the design specifications before installation. The inspection of complex equipment can be time-consuming and may vary based on the inspector's skill level.To enhance the efficiency of quality inspections, GS Engineering has adopted the 'Twyn' digital inspection solution. Twyn uses AR technology to overlay 3D design information with actual manufactured products. Inspectors can use tablets to compare the design models with the actual products on-site, verifying the alignment of manufacturing status with design information.The solution also incorporates 'shape-based automatic alignment and tracking' technology, which automatically adjusts the 3D design and the equipment's position and orientation. This feature is expected to be useful even in indoor environments where satellite signals are difficult to obtain.By leveraging AR-based inspections and 3D laser scanning, GS Engineering aims to reduce inspection times and focus resources on items requiring precise inspections, thereby enhancing accuracy and efficiency.GS Engineering is already actively utilizing advanced technologies, including AI, across its safety management operations. The company is enhancing on-site safety management through tools such as the AI translation program 'Zai Voice' and the AI-based construction manual 'Zai Book.'A representative from GS Engineering stated, "The greatest advantage is the ability to directly compare the 3D design model with the actual manufactured product on-site to identify quality issues and select items that require detailed inspections. We will improve the efficiency and reliability of plant quality management using digital technology."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-15 16:52:10
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Namyang Dairy Files Complaint Against Former Advisor Lee Woon-kyung for Embezzlement Lee Woon-kyung, a former advisor to Namyang Dairy and spouse of former chairman Hong Won-sik, is under police investigation for embezzlement involving approximately 858 million won.According to industry sources on September 15, the Gangnam Police Station in Seoul has recently charged Lee under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Economic Crimes. Namyang Dairy submitted a complaint against Lee on September 8 and publicly disclosed this information. The amount in question is 857,980,000 won.Namyang Dairy alleges that Lee used company funds to make donations and sponsorships to cultural, artistic, and social organizations while serving in significant roles in these entities. The charges also include expenses related to Lee's external activities, such as corporate credit card payments and travel costs.Organizations mentioned include the Korean Association of Soroptimist International, Sejong Soloists, the Korean Contemporary Art Association, and the Beautiful Foundation. Lee has held key positions such as president, chairperson, and vice-chairperson in these organizations.The critical issue is whether these expenditures can be classified as part of the company's social contribution and management activities. Lee's representatives argue that similar allegations were previously dismissed by prosecutors as part of social contribution activities. The police investigation will focus on whether the funds were used for legitimate company expenses or for Lee's personal external activities.Separately, Lee is also under investigation for purchasing a high-end sofa worth 150 million won with company funds and storing it at her home.Lee is accused of spending approximately 154 million won to buy a Pierre Jeanneret sofa under the pretext of placing it in a Namyang Dairy restaurant. Although the sofa was recorded as a company asset, it has not been installed in any restaurant, according to reports. Police have reportedly secured the actual sofa stored at Lee's residence during their investigation.Earlier this year, Lee was sentenced to two years and six months in prison, suspended for four years, for using approximately 3.7 billion won in company funds for personal expenses, including luxury purchases and vehicle maintenance. An appeal is currently underway.Consequently, Lee is facing investigations for both the 858 million won in cultural, artistic, and social organization fund usage and the purchase of the 154 million won sofa while also appealing the previous conviction for personal use of company funds.Namyang Dairy stated that following a change in management in 2024, they have been reviewing past company fund usage and have confirmed additional relevant facts.A Namyang Dairy representative said, "Since the management change in 2024, we have been continuously reviewing past company fund usage, and if any damage to the company is confirmed, we will take necessary legal action. We will also cooperate fully with the investigation authorities."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-15 16:52:00
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Putin Changes Venue for International Event Amid Ukraine Drone Attack Concerns Russian President Vladimir Putin has changed the venue for a major international event from Sochi to Moscow due to concerns over Ukrainian drone attacks, the Financial Times reported on September 14, citing four sources.According to the report, President Putin decided to relocate the Valdai Discussion Club meeting, scheduled for September 28 to October 1, amid security concerns. This event, which began in 2004, is a prominent forum for international affairs and foreign policy, featuring participation from Putin and other Russian leaders.About 120 attendees who initially received invitations to the event in Sochi, located on the Black Sea coast where Putin's residence is situated, were informed last month of the venue change. Two sources indicated that this decision was made on the orders of Putin's security detail.The change is attributed to the recent increase in Ukrainian drone attacks, which have raised the risk even in Sochi, a city relatively close to Ukraine. This summer, Ukraine targeted oil facilities near Sochi and other Black Sea resorts with drone strikes, causing significant damage. On September 11, an oil facility near Sochi International Airport was hit, leading to flight cancellations and plumes of black smoke rising over the city. According to the independent Russian media outlet Agentstvo, at least 19 people have died and 188 have been injured in the Sochi area since the tourist season began in May.President Putin has not visited Sochi since the Valdai Discussion Club meeting in early October last year, and he has only made two visits to the area in the past two years. This is a stark contrast to 2021, the last year before he ordered a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, when he visited Sochi 24 times, the Financial Times noted.Meanwhile, the Valdai Discussion Club officially announced this year's event but did not mention the change of venue. The 23rd meeting will focus on the theme of how multilateral organizations can maintain international stability and predictability amid crises.This venue change suggests that the Kremlin is increasingly concerned about the potential risks to President Putin from Ukraine's medium- and long-range drone attacks. The Ukrainian military has expanded its drone operations against Russia, reaching as far as Novy Urengoy, located more than 3,000 kilometers from Ukraine.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-15 16:52:00
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LG Electronics to test heat pump system at occupied residence in Jeju SEOUL, September 15 (AJP) - LG Electronics will test a heat pump-based heating and hot water system at an occupied apartment complex on Jeju Island, marking the first such demonstration at a residential apartment building in South Korea, the company said Tuesday. LG signed a memorandum of understanding with the Jeju provincial government, Jeju Development Corp. and the Korea Institute of Industrial Technology on Tuesday to carry out the project. The system will be installed at Sinhyo Apartment in Seogwipo, a seven-story building with 12 occupied households. Design work is scheduled to be completed in October, with construction due to finish in December before testing begins. The project will replace conventional boilers and gas piping with electric heat pumps. Individual households will use heat pumps for both direct cooling and floor heating, while a central air-source heat pump and large hot-water storage tank will supply hot water to the building. The central system can also use surplus electricity generated from renewable sources such as solar power to produce and store heat for later use, potentially reducing electricity demand when the grid is under pressure. LG will be responsible for system design, equipment supply, maintenance and performance evaluation, while the Jeju government will handle policy coordination. Jeju Development Corp. will provide the building and operate the system, with the Korea Institute of Industrial Technology overseeing system design and data analysis. LG plans to use operating data from the project to develop heat pump systems for other types of multifamily housing, including public rental apartments, renovated buildings and new residential complexes. AJP Takeaways - LG Electronics will test a heat pump-based heating and hot water system at an occupied apartment complex on Jeju Island, a first in South Korea. - The system will replace conventional boilers and gas piping, combining household heat pumps with a central hot-water system. - Testing is scheduled to begin after construction is completed in December, with LG seeking to expand the model to other multifamily housing. 2026-09-15 16:44:01 -
New Rental Housing Faces Long Vacancies Despite High Demand The government is expanding the supply of newly constructed rental housing, yet existing rental units are experiencing increasing long-term vacancies. While a new rental property in Seoul recorded a competition rate of 52 to 1 for occupancy, 259 units nationwide have remained vacant for over four years.As of the end of June, the Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH) reported that out of 200,324 rental units, 8,279 have been vacant for more than six months, accounting for 4.1% of the total inventory. This marks an increase of 9,307 units (4.8%) compared to the end of last year, with long-term vacancies rising by 2,093 units (33.8%) from 6,186. Among the 259 units vacant for over four years, 80 are located in Seoul.This trend contrasts sharply with the high demand for newly constructed rental units. On September 4, Prime Minister Han Seung-soo inspected a new rental housing project in Yongdu-dong, Dongdaemun District, which saw a competition rate of 52 to 1. This youth-oriented housing, located within a 10-minute walk from Sinseoldong Station, began accepting residents at the end of July.LH explained that demand can vary even within the same area based on the location and facilities of individual homes. Unlike construction rentals, which are developed as complexes, purchased rentals are scattered across various locations.An LH official stated, “Even in similar areas, demand can differ if a property is far from a station or located on a hill. However, it is not feasible to secure all housing near transit hubs.”Some properties, despite offering affordable rent, have struggled to find tenants for extended periods. For instance, 26 long-term rental units in Ulsan, which LH sought to fill in July, are dispersed across Mugunghwa-dong and Hogye-dong. These units range from 18.84 to 34.67 square meters, with one bedroom and no elevators. The security deposits range from 1.49 million to 4.935 million won, while monthly rents are between 49,730 and 139,090 won.In contrast, private studio apartments in the Mugunghwa-dong and Hogye-dong areas, listed on real estate platforms, have security deposits of 3 to 5 million won and monthly rents of 300,000 to 390,000 won. Despite differences in location and facilities, some long-term rental units remain vacant even though their rents are lower than nearby listings.However, LH maintains that not all vacancies are due to a lack of demand. Some units are reserved for relocation due to redevelopment projects or emergency housing support.An LH representative noted, “We do not assess the reasons for vacancies on a case-by-case basis. However, when the target residents are essentially predetermined, delays in redevelopment schedules can result in units appearing as long-term vacancies.”LH acknowledged the need for a buffer of available units to respond to changes in demand by region and time, making it challenging to eliminate all vacancies. To address this issue, they are implementing measures such as secondary recruitment and relaxing income and asset requirements.Experts emphasize the importance of thoroughly examining location and demand from the outset of the housing acquisition process. Jo Jeong-hee, a senior researcher at the Korea Research Institute for Human Settlements, stated, “There have been ongoing calls to supply quality housing in areas with high residential preferences to resolve the issue of vacant rental units. This is due to a concentration of rental units in areas with relatively low demand, leading to a mismatch between location and demand.”Song Seung-hyun, head of Urban and Economy, urged, “Instead of focusing solely on ‘quantitative’ supply, we need to ensure ‘qualitative’ supply based on location verification and quality improvement.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-15 16:40:00
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Kakao Games Acquires Social Casino Company Metoon to Expand Portfolio Kakao Games is expanding its game portfolio and strengthening its global business by acquiring the casual gaming company Metoon. This marks the first merger and acquisition (M&A) since the establishment of the new co-CEO system, aimed at securing a new genre portfolio and enhancing stable revenue streams for long-term performance improvement.On the morning of September 15, Kakao Games' board of directors resolved to acquire a 39.56% stake in Metoon for approximately 98 billion won. With this acquisition, Kakao Games will secure management control and become the largest shareholder.This investment allows Kakao Games to gain new pipelines in social casinos and mind sports, diversifying its portfolio and enhancing its global competitiveness. Additionally, by acquiring Metoon, which has a solid financial structure, Kakao Games aims to establish a stable profit base and seek a mid-to-long-term turnaround.Founded in 2010, Metoon operates in the global social casino and casual gaming sectors, expanding its business into Asia, North America, and Europe based on its game development and service capabilities. The company was listed on the KOSDAQ in 2016 and recorded annual revenues of approximately 120.9 billion won and an operating profit of about 12.6 billion won last year, with over 80% of its total revenue coming from overseas.Metoon continues to expand its presence in overseas markets, including North America and Europe, through its subsidiaries Ghost Studio and ACE Interactive Holdings Limited. The company is also diversifying its business into various content areas, including games, dramas, webtoons, and web novels.This acquisition is the first M&A since the new co-CEO system was established about three months ago. CEO Lee Si-woo was appointed as co-CEO alongside Kim Tae-hwan on June 22. Lee joined Kakao Games in 2015 and has led the overall gaming business, serving as head of the mobile business division and Chief Business Officer (CBO).Lee Si-woo stated, “This acquisition is the first step in executing an M&A strategy under the new management system, focusing on companies with verified business performance and profitability. We will continue to pursue M&A for the future of Kakao Games and create synergies through the diverse intellectual property (IP) content that Metoon possesses, as well as through joint development with studios in China.” 2026-09-15 16:40:00
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AI slowdown may put a damper but not dent in Korean HBM demand SEOUL, September 15 (AJP) - Shares of South Korea's chip bellwethers Samsung Electronics and SK hynix turned sharply lower this week amid a growing chorus among Big Tech companies and AI developers to moderate the pace of AI advances since that could mean less work for the memory giants. The two for the time being have less to worry about as multiyear contracts could keep them busy well into 2028. Samsung said during its second-quarter earnings call in July that it expects the global memory shortage to persist through 2028, with supply constraints becoming even more severe next year. The company has signed long-term agreements with the world's five largest data center operators and was nearing agreements with another five major customers. Samsung said the contracts are generally structured on a rolling five-year basis, with an additional year added annually. Samsung ultimately aims to cover about 60 to 70 percent of its memory production capacity through long-term contracts, giving the chipmaker greater protection against short-term fluctuations in demand. SK hynix also confirmed in July that it had completed long-term agreements with around 10 key customers and was holding additional discussions with other major clients. It described the agreements as multiyear contracts designed to secure mid- to long-term supply stability. The agreements come as AI companies and cloud operators continue to demand more memory than chipmakers can readily supply. SK hynix said additional supply requests from major technology companies continued to increase as AI infrastructure spending expanded, adding that revenue generated from AI services was increasingly supporting those investments. The distinction between developing new AI models and operating existing ones could also prove important. Slowing the development of more powerful frontier models does not necessarily mean slowing the deployment of existing AI services, which require enormous computing resources for inference — the process of generating answers from already trained models. SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won has often likened the current state of AI technology to a "four-year-old child" that needs constant care, attention and training. A break in its schooling, by that analogy, would not mean unplugging the child altogether or eliminating its need for memory. Recent AI accelerators designed specifically for inference illustrate the trend. Google's TPU 8i, optimized for inference workloads, is equipped with 288 gigabytes of HBM3E, compared with 216 GB in its training-oriented TPU 8t, according to Mirae Asset Securities. The brokerage expects expanding inference workloads to broaden demand for both high-bandwidth memory, or HBM, and conventional server memory. That suggests even a moderation in the race to train ever-larger AI models may not translate directly into weaker memory consumption if the deployment and use of AI services continue to expand. Lee Byung-hoon, a professor of electrical engineering at Pohang University of Science and Technology, said the debate over slowing AI development should be separated from the industry's need to expand computing hardware. "Even if there is a slowdown now, I don't think it is something that would immediately have a sensitive impact," Lee said. Lee said the current debate was primarily about how quickly software and AI models should be developed rather than a fundamental change in the need for hardware infrastructure. The longer-term risk nevertheless remains. If a slowdown in frontier AI development eventually leads hyperscalers to cut capital expenditure or reduce orders for AI accelerators, weaker demand could ultimately filter through to HBM suppliers. But the combination of multiyear supply contracts, existing memory shortages and growing inference demand means any such impact could take time to reach Samsung and SK hynix. The immediate question for the Korean chipmakers, therefore, may be less whether AI development slows and more whether the billions of dollars being spent to deploy AI infrastructure begin to slow with it. AJP Takeaways - Calls to slow AI development could weigh on Samsung Electronics and SK hynix, but multiyear supply contracts are expected to cushion the Korean memory giants from an immediate hit to demand. - Samsung expects the global memory shortage to persist through 2028 and is expanding long-term agreements, while SK hynix has secured multiyear deals with around 10 key customers. - Growing inference workloads could continue to support HBM demand even if the development of increasingly powerful frontier AI models slows. 2026-09-15 16:38:24 -
Health Insurance Agency Rewards Whistleblowers for Reporting Fraud The National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) has decided to award a total of 469 million won to 18 courageous citizens who reported illegal and fraudulent claims related to health insurance, including so-called 'illegal medical centers' and 'fake patients.' The reported fraud amounts to over 6.2 billion won.On September 10, the NHIS held its second reward committee meeting for 2026, where it reviewed and approved the distribution of rewards for reports involving 12 healthcare institutions that falsely claimed medical expenses, two illegally established institutions, and four cases of health insurance card misuse.The committee has decided to grant a total of 469 million won to the 18 whistleblowers, with the confirmed amount of fraudulent claims reaching 6.22 billion won.To prevent financial leakage in the health insurance system, the NHIS has operated a 'health insurance reporting reward system' since 2005. The largest reward of 176 million won was given to a whistleblower who reported an illegal medical center operated by a non-medical individual in collusion with a doctor.According to the report, the non-medical individual, referred to as A, conspired with the doctor, B, to operate the illegal medical center, sharing profits by paying B 30% of the examination fees received from the NHIS.Other fraudulent claims also raised eyebrows. Hospital B falsely reported nurses who did not work in the ward as 'dedicated ward nursing staff.' Despite the actual nursing staff being rated at levels 4 to 5, they inflated their rating to level 3, unlawfully claiming 395 million won in medical expenses. The whistleblower in this case received a reward of 45 million won.Cases of health insurance card misuse were also uncovered. Individual A, who lost eligibility due to unpaid premiums, secretly used the health insurance card of his brother, B, to receive medical treatment. A unlawfully claimed 45 million won in medical expenses, and the whistleblower received a reward of 5 million won.To combat increasingly sophisticated fraudulent claims, the NHIS unified the reward criteria for whistleblowers starting December 23, 2025, raising the maximum reward from 2 billion won to 3 billion won.Kim Nam-hoon, the Executive Director of Benefits, stated, "To eradicate the growing issues of fraudulent claims and illegal medical centers, the continuous attention and prompt reporting from conscientious workers and just citizens are crucial. We urge active interest and participation in public interest reporting."Reports of fraudulent healthcare institutions can be submitted through the NHIS website, mobile app, or by visiting NHIS branches and mailing in reports. The identity of whistleblowers is thoroughly protected under the Public Interest Whistleblower Protection Act.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-15 16:36:00