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Ministry of Environment and Army Strengthen Resource Recycling in Military The government and the Army are enhancing the resource recycling system within military bases. They aim to expand soldiers' practice of waste separation and establish a foundation for securing high-quality recyclable resources.The Ministry of Environment and Energy announced on July 27 that it will sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Army Headquarters and the Korea Resource Recycling Support Center on July 28 at the Cheongam Building in Sejong City to promote resource recycling.This agreement aims to expand and develop a collaborative project that began in 2016, focusing on strengthening systems and education to help soldiers naturally practice waste separation and resource recycling in their daily lives. It also signifies an effort to enhance the practical implementation of the anti-plastic policy.Under the agreement, the Army will expand resource recycling education for soldiers and activate the waste separation system within military units. They plan to share the amount of recyclable resources generated with the Korea Resource Recycling Support Center to manage performance and increase the use of recycled products made from materials like glass bottles and paper cartons.The Ministry of Environment will continue to provide institutional support to ensure that the military's resource recycling policies are effectively implemented, along with cooperation to improve waste separation and collection systems.The Korea Resource Recycling Support Center will support the provision of necessary items for waste separation and select and reward outstanding military units for their recycling efforts, thereby promoting a culture of resource recycling within the military. They will also push for on-site education and operational improvements.The three organizations plan to continue their collaboration to ensure that the resource recycling culture established in the military spreads to the broader public.Kim Go-eung, Director of the Resource Recycling Bureau at the Ministry of Environment, stated, "The proper waste separation culture in military bases is the starting point for securing high-quality recyclable resources. We will strengthen resource recycling cooperation to actively support the transition to a circular economy society."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-27 12:04:00 -
National Assembly Speaker Calls for Cooperation with Innovation Party for National Growth National Assembly Speaker Jo Jung-sik met with the new leadership of the Justice Innovation Party, including party leader Shin Jang-sik, to request cooperation for the nation's growth and public welfare. The Innovation Party also proposed the establishment of a special committee for political reform and constitutional amendments.On the morning of July 27, Jo emphasized the importance of collaboration with the Innovation Party now that the second half of the National Assembly's term has begun. Attendees included Shin, floor leader Kim Jun-hyung, Secretary General Jeong Chun-saeng, Policy Committee Chair Kim Seon-min, and Supreme Council member Cha Kyu-geun.Jo stated, "The Innovation Party has played a meaningful role by voicing its opinions on legislative processes and reform tasks such as judicial reform and political reform. I hope the new leadership can build on past achievements to bring about substantial change moving forward."He specifically noted, "The second half of the National Assembly's term has begun, albeit later than expected, and there is much work to be done." He called for bipartisan cooperation from the Innovation Party for national growth and public welfare.Jo added, "Although the Innovation Party is a non-negotiating group, I will ensure that there are no restrictions on its legislative activities in the National Assembly. I ask for the Innovation Party's support in achieving results that the public can feel."In response, Shin emphasized the need for a complete separation of investigation and prosecution as a principle of judicial reform, while also advocating for the launch of a special committee for political reform and constitutional amendments, which was stalled in the first half of the National Assembly.Shin remarked, "This week is expected to be a turning point for judicial reform, and we will closely monitor the situation and fulfill our necessary roles. If there are difficulties in the legislative process, please utilize us actively."He further stated, "I believe the most important tasks in the second half of the National Assembly will be political reform and constitutional amendments. The period from September this year to September next year is the golden time for these reforms. If we can operate special committees for both simultaneously during this year without elections, the public will likely think, 'The Speaker has accomplished something significant.'"* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-27 11:48:00
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Ruling Party Moves to Amend Fast-Track Legislation and Strengthen Filibuster Requirements The Democratic Party has announced plans to amend fast-track legislation and strengthen requirements for filibusters to accelerate the pace of livelihood-related legislation. Additionally, a bill to replace inactive standing committee chairs is nearing passage.Han Byeong-do, the party's acting leader and floor leader, stated during a Supreme Council meeting on July 27, "Like the government, the National Assembly must activate all standing committees to expedite livelihood legislation. This is a golden time for people's livelihoods."He added, "Since the 22nd National Assembly began, the People Power Party has conducted filibusters 32 times, totaling 750 hours. A system designed to protect minority opinions has been misused to paralyze the National Assembly and obstruct livelihood legislation."Han also noted that the fast-track process, which can take up to 330 days—180 days for standing committees, 90 days for the Judiciary Committee, and 60 days for plenary sessions—has been criticized as a 'slow track.' He emphasized that the Democratic Party aims to rationally revise the National Assembly Act to ensure that filibusters and fast-tracks operate as intended.During the full meeting of the Operations Committee, the necessity of the bill was also raised. Representative Ahn Do-geol stated, "I will contribute to the innovation of the National Assembly by improving the fast-track system, which has devolved into a legislative delay law, to enable productive legislative activities."Furthermore, a bill to amend parts of the National Assembly Act, proposed by Representative Kim Tae-nyeon, was presented at the Operations Committee. This bill aims to allow the replacement of standing committee chairs under certain conditions due to delays in convening meetings or reviewing bills without justifiable reasons. It also clarifies the obligation to hold meetings when requested.Notably, if this obligation is not fulfilled, the duties of the chair will be assumed by the member from the negotiating group with the most members who is not affiliated with the chair's party, and the chairperson will designate a deputy to convene the standing committee. This proposal is expected to be discussed further in the subcommittee of the Operations Committee, amid anticipated strong opposition from the People Power Party.Meanwhile, members of the People Power Party attended the full meeting of the Operations Committee for the first time in the second half of the National Assembly after lifting their boycott of the standing committee. 2026-07-27 11:40:00
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Taylor Farms Launches Zero-Sugar Drink 'Mukumu V' at Olive Young Taylor Farms' health food brand, Taylor Life, has announced the launch of its zero-sugar drink 'Mukumu V,' which contains enzyme-treated hesperidin derived from lemons, now available on the Olive Young online store.With this launch, Taylor Farms aims to expand its reach among key consumer demographics, including the MZ generation, and enhance brand awareness.Mukumu V is designed to reflect ingredient trends gaining attention in the international inner beauty market.Targeted at consumers looking to maintain a light management routine before important events or in their daily lives, the drink promotes a 'V-cut drink' concept.Each bottle contains 400mg of enzyme-treated αG hesperidin, a water-soluble ingredient derived from the polyphenol hesperidin found in lemons.The product's design also emphasizes taste and convenience. As a zero-sugar option, it offers a refreshing lemon flavor for easy consumption in everyday settings.Previously, Taylor Farms held a special promotion on its official site to celebrate the launch of its inner care line.Included in this line are: Probiotics Sensitive, tailored for sensitive intestines, for morning routinesBiom Sog Psyllium Husk Tablets, aiding smooth bowel movements and cholesterol improvement, for pre-meal routinesUnique fermented 'Prune Grain Fermentation Enzyme' containing Taylor prune powder, for post-meal routinesMelatree, containing plant-based melatonin, for bedtime routinesMukumu V, with 400mg of lemon-derived hesperidin, for moments requiring V-cut managementA representative from Taylor Farms stated, “Starting with this launch on the Olive Young online store, we plan to expand our presence to offline stores as well. We will continue to enhance our product competitiveness in line with the inner beauty trend that emphasizes ingredients and ease of consumption. We hope this launch allows more consumers to easily and conveniently experience Mukumu V.” 2026-07-27 11:36:00
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NCT 127 to mark 10th anniversary with seventh studio album SEOUL, July 27 (AJP) - K-pop boy group, NCT 127 will mark the 10th anniversary of its debut with the release of its seventh studio album, "BLINGY," on Aug. 24, the group's first full-length release since 2024's "Walk." The nine-track album will be released at 6 p.m. KST across global streaming platforms, with physical editions arriving the same day, SM Entertainment said Monday. Preorders opened Monday through online and offline retailers. According to the agency, the album title references the equation "1+2+7=10," linking the group's name to its 10th anniversary. The record reflects on the members' decade together while reaffirming their commitment to continue performing as "One Team." NCT 127 debuted on July 7, 2016, with the single "Fire Truck." The announcement of the new album also came on July 7, exactly 10 years after the group's debut. It remains unclear whether the group will promote as a full seven-member lineup, as Doyoung and Jungwoo are currently serving their mandatory military service. Since debuting, NCT 127 has built a global fan base with songs including "Cherry Bomb," "Regular," "Kick It," "Sticker," "Fact Check" and "Walk." The group has completed four world tours, performing at stadiums, domes and arenas across Asia, North America and other regions. The group will launch its fifth world tour, "NEO CITY – THE REDLINE," in Seoul on Sept. 18, before continuing across five more Asian cities through January 2027. 2026-07-27 11:33:05 -
KakaoBank strike spotlights uncommon union structure SEOUL, July 27 (AJP) - KakaoBank employees are set to stage a full-day strike on Friday - in what would be the first labor action by a South Korean online-only bank - after this year's wage negotiations collapsed over performance-based compensation. Instead of belonging to the Korea Financial Industry Union, KakaoBank employees are members of the Kakao chapter of a union representing chemical, textile and food industry workers, which also covers workers across Kakao affiliates, including the company's messaging, mobility and payment businesses. The strike follows the collapse of this year's wage negotiations after the Gyeonggi Provincial Labor Relations Commission ended mediation without reaching an agreement. The two sides have not resumed talks since then. Union members plan to take paid leave rather than stage large-scale rallies or demonstrations. The dispute centers on KakaoBank's performance-based compensation system. While details of the negotiations have not been disclosed, local media reported that the two sides discussed an annual wage increase of around 5 to 6 percent before failing to reach a final agreement. The case also underscores how labor relations differ across South Korea's internet-only banking sector. Neither K Bank nor Toss Bank has a labor union, and public labor disputes have been rare among the country's digital lenders. Despite the planned strike, customers are unlikely to experience significant service disruptions. South Korean regulations require financial institutions to maintain business continuity plans that keep essential services operating during emergencies, including labor disputes. A similar test came earlier this year during "logout days" at Kakao and Kakao Pay, when system operations continued with little disruption. KakaoBank said it would maintain core banking services under its existing business continuity plan to minimize inconvenience to customers. If the strike proceeds, it will mark the first industrial action since South Korea introduced internet-only banks in 2017. While time remains for the two sides to resume negotiations before Friday, no additional talks have been reported since mediation ended. As of 11:20 a.m. Monday, KakaoBank shares were trading at 22,250 won on the Korea Exchange, up 0.91 percent from the previous session's close. 2026-07-27 11:32:58 -
LIG D&A Develops Unmanned Surface Vehicle for Rescue Operations LIG Defense & Aerospace (LIG D&A) is set to begin the development of an unmanned surface vehicle for rescue operations, leveraging its world-class unmanned system technology accumulated in the defense sector.On July 27, LIG D&A announced that it has been selected as the lead research and development organization for the unmanned surface vehicle project aimed at supporting rescue personnel from the National Fire Agency, under the auspices of the Military-Civilian Technology Cooperation Agency.This initiative is a key project under the expanded military-civilian technology cooperation policy promoted by the Defense Acquisition Program Administration and the National Fire Agency.LIG D&A aims to apply military unmanned technology to disaster response, contributing to the safety of both citizens and rescue personnel.Rescue operations often occur in environments with complex hazards such as swift currents and low visibility, posing risks not only to those in danger but also to the rescuers.The unmanned surface vehicle being developed by LIG D&A will be deployed in high-risk areas even in adverse weather conditions, capable of assessing and relaying real-time situations while leading initial response efforts.LIG D&A plans to integrate proven technologies such as autonomous navigation, obstacle avoidance, remote command and control, and sensor integration to create an unmanned surface vehicle optimized for rescue missions. Notably, the company will engage directly with the National Fire Agency's rescue teams from the design phase to gather insights on real-world operational challenges and incorporate them into the development process.Through this approach, LIG D&A aims to maximize the effectiveness of the equipment, enhancing disaster response efficiency and improving the quality of public safety services.The government has been continuously expanding its military-civilian technology cooperation policy to transfer advanced technologies developed in the defense sector to civilian applications. This initiative aims to reduce redundant investments while promoting technology transfer and industrialization, thereby enhancing both national defense capabilities and industrial competitiveness.With the award of the unmanned surface vehicle project, LIG D&A plans to broaden its business scope to encompass the entire marine unmanned systems sector. Since 2015, the company has been developing the 'Haegum' series of unmanned surface vehicles as part of military-civilian projects, accumulating relevant experience and technology, with plans to complete the development of reconnaissance unmanned surface vehicle systems by 2027. The first unmanned surface vehicle to receive combat suitability certification will be delivered to the Navy for deployment and operation.LIG D&A has noted a growing demand for unmanned surface vehicles in Southeast Asia and the Middle East, regions with significant maritime activities but relatively underdeveloped rescue infrastructure. Therefore, the company plans to actively pursue exports to these countries based on operational references established domestically.Shin Yong-hwa, head of the Future Warfare Business Division, stated, "This project is a significant starting point for ensuring safety in perilous rescue environments while expanding LIG D&A's unmanned surface vehicles into the civilian sector. We will continue to leverage our accumulated advanced technologies to expand our business reach beyond domestic markets to the global stage."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-27 11:28:00
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Korean Films Shine This Summer as 'Spider-Man' Readies for Release This summer, Korean films are making a strong showing at the box office, overcoming previous concerns about the industry. Major tentpole films and mid-sized genre pieces are attracting audiences with diverse viewing experiences, leading the trends in July as anticipation builds for upcoming Hollywood blockbusters.According to the integrated ticketing system on July 27, director Na Hong-jin's film 'Hope' drew 767,365 viewers over the weekend of July 24-26, maintaining its position at the top of the weekend box office. The film has accumulated a total of 3,415,709 viewers. 'Hope' is the fourth film released this year to surpass the 3 million mark, following 'The King’s Man,' 'The Corps,' and 'The Silent Sea,' and it has entered a long-term box office trajectory thanks to its large scale and unique direction, encouraging repeat viewings.Mid-sized genre films are also making notable strides. The thriller 'Eye' starring Shin Min-a has recorded a cumulative audience of 1,511,622 as of the same date. The clear suspense of the protagonist gradually losing her sight has resonated with viewers, leading to a significant increase in attendance during its second week compared to its opening week.As these two Korean films bolster the July box office, Marvel Studios' 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' is set to hit theaters on July 29, ready to take over the box office baton.'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' has surpassed 578,783 in advance ticket sales as of July 27, firmly holding the top spot in overall pre-sales. This figure exceeds the advance ticket sales of 'Avatar: The Way of Water,' which attracted 10 million viewers. As a new chapter in the 'Tom Spider' series, which has drawn a cumulative 20 million viewers in South Korea, a strong audience turnout is expected in its opening week, supported by an expanded universe.The key question is the staying power of 'Hope' and 'Eye.' With the release of 'Spider-Man' at the end of July, there is a high possibility that the box office leadership will shift to foreign films. It will be crucial to see how well the two Korean films can maintain their audience numbers in the weeks following their release.Ultimately, whether these two films can sustain significant viewer numbers amid the onslaught of a major foreign release will determine if this summer's box office will be dominated by a single film or if it will evolve into a more collaborative market where blockbusters, genre films, and foreign films share the audience.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-27 11:28:00
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CXMT Soars 476% on First Day of Trading, Plans 27 Trillion Won Investment in HBM China's largest DRAM manufacturer, CXMT (Changxin Memory Technologies), made its debut on the Shanghai Stock Exchange on July 27, achieving a remarkable milestone by becoming the top company by market capitalization in mainland China.CXMT (688825.SH) was listed on the STAR Market, issuing 6.688 billion new shares at an initial price of 8.66 yuan, raising 57.9 billion yuan. If the overallotment option is fully exercised within a month, the total fundraising could reach up to 66.6 billion yuan (approximately 14.4 trillion won). The market anticipates that the overallotment option will be fully utilized.Shortly after opening, CXMT's stock price surged to 49.88 yuan, marking a 476% increase from the initial offering price. On the morning of July 27, at 11 a.m. Korea time, CXMT's shares were trading around 49 yuan.With its listing, CXMT's market capitalization reached 3.14 trillion yuan, surpassing the previous leader, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), which had a market cap of 2.75 trillion yuan. This IPO is the largest in Asia this year and ranks as the second-largest for a Chinese semiconductor company, following the Agricultural Bank of China's $10 billion fundraising in 2010.CXMT to Raise Up to 666 Billion Yuan for Expansion and R&DCXMT aims to raise up to 666 billion yuan through this IPO. Additionally, the company's net profit for the first half of the year is projected to reach 57 billion yuan. Combining the IPO proceeds and the expected net profit, CXMT could have approximately 123.6 billion yuan in cash, equivalent to about 27 trillion won, most of which is expected to be invested in HBM.In its prospectus, CXMT stated that the funds raised will be used for expanding production capacity and increasing research and development. However, no specific investment plans have been disclosed. Industry analysts believe that a significant portion of the R&D investment will focus on HBM, AI DRAM, and advanced packaging, as HBM is currently the most critical memory type needed in China.CXMT began developing HBM in 2023 and plans to start mass production of 4-layer HBM2 in 2024, with an aim to produce 8-layer HBM3 by the end of this year. According to Taiwanese IT publication Digitimes, CXMT has set a goal to produce 12-layer HBM3E next year.SK Hynix and CXMT's Technology Gap Expected to NarrowSK Hynix has started mass production of HBM4 this year, while CXMT is preparing for HBM3 production, indicating a technology gap of about four years between the two companies. Analysts from Chinese securities firms believe that with substantial cash reserves, government support, and explosive demand from Chinese AI companies, CXMT's technological capabilities could advance significantly. There are even projections that the technology gap between CXMT and SK Hynix could narrow to two years.Last year, CXMT recorded revenues of 61.7 billion yuan and a net profit of 7.1 billion yuan, marking its first annual profit since its establishment. In the first quarter of this year, the company reported revenues of 50.8 billion yuan and a remarkable net profit of 33 billion yuan. The net profit for the first half of this year is expected to reach 57 billion yuan. 2026-07-27 11:24:00
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Kim Yong-beom Discusses High-Value Housing Standards and Tax Policies Kim Yong-beom, head of the Presidential Policy Office, stated on July 27 that the government is in the process of refining its policies following the recent 'Real Estate Grand Debate.' He noted that the discussions highlighted many aspects that had not been previously considered, contributing to the government's policy formulation. During an appearance on CBS Radio's 'Park Sung-tae's News Show,' Kim mentioned, "We are contemplating ways to appropriately incorporate various constructive opinions that emerged during the debate." He elaborated on specific issues, saying, "There were diverse opinions on how to strengthen property taxes and what the criteria for high-value housing should be. We are gathering our thoughts on the standards for high-value housing." Kim also discussed capital gains tax, mentioning suggestions to set limits on the long-term holding special deduction and to provide pathways for multiple homeowners to sell their properties if property taxes are increased. He added that there were constructive ideas aimed at alleviating the tax burden for those relocating to rural areas after retirement. Regarding supply, he remarked, "The policies we have announced take a long time to implement, starting from land development. Therefore, the President is likely to hold a discussion to review all procedures to expedite the process." Additionally, Kim expressed optimism about the upcoming adjustments to the single-stock leveraged exchange-traded fund (ETF) system, stating, "Since a significant portion will be implemented ahead of schedule starting on the 31st, we expect considerable effects. We will also consider additional measures if necessary based on the outcomes." He addressed concerns that this product has been linked to increased volatility in the stock market, explaining, "The timing of this product's introduction coincided with heightened volatility in semiconductor stocks, making it more pronounced." Kim added, "If the demand for AI, as highlighted by President Lee Jae-myung's AI declaration in San Francisco, continues to grow robustly, we hope to see reduced volatility and a positive trend develop." On President Lee's recent meetings with major venture capital firms in Silicon Valley, Kim noted, "The six most active firms were all present. It was surprising to see them express increased interest in Korea, with some even indicating plans to establish offices here." Meanwhile, Ha Jun-kyung, the Senior Secretary for Economic Growth, discussed property taxes on SBS Radio's 'Kim Tae-hyun's Political Show,' stating, "It is desirable to collect taxes at a socially appropriate level, but we must ensure that it does not undermine housing welfare. We plan to consider values such as housing welfare, social efficiency, and tax equity in our decisions." Regarding measures for rental housing, he emphasized, "To effectively manage rental prices, we need to increase supply significantly. We are preparing for aspects that can be quickly supplied in the short term, and an announcement will be made soon." * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-27 11:24:00