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  • Son Na-eun Reflects on Chief Kim Experience: Thank You for Your Love
    Son Na-eun Reflects on 'Chief Kim' Experience: 'Thank You for Your Love' Actress Son Na-eun shared her thoughts on concluding her role in 'Chief Kim.'On the 26th, Son Na-eun posted a message and photos on her social media, expressing her gratitude, saying, "Thank you for loving Chief Kim all this time."She added, "It was an honor to work with Chief Kim, Han Soo, Senior Jin-cheol, Chairman Joo, the special task team, the laundry owner, and all the other actors, seniors, directors, writers, and staff members."Son also acknowledged her close friends and manager, stating, "Thanks to our kids and my manager who supported me the most, I was able to finish well. I will cherish these unforgettable memories."The photos shared included behind-the-scenes moments from the filming of 'Chief Kim,' particularly showing Son Na-eun collaborating with So Ji-sub, Choi Dae-hoon, and Yoon Kyung-ho.Meanwhile, on the 26th, Nielsen Korea reported that the final episode of the SBS drama 'Chief Kim,' which aired on the 25th, recorded a nationwide viewership rating of 23.0%.'Chief Kim' is an action drama that follows a former North Korean agent, who, while hiding his identity, embarks on a journey with friends to find his kidnapped daughter.In the finale, Chief Kim (played by So Ji-sub) confronts Joo Kang-chan (played by Joo Sang-wook), the chairman of Joohak Construction, who kidnapped the children of his friends, Han Soo (Choi Dae-hoon) and Park Jin-cheol (Yoon Kyung-ho), delivering a thrilling reversal of fate.Chairman Joo's collusion with North Korea and the corruption of Joohak Construction were exposed, leading to his downfall, while the North Korean intelligence chief, Lee Eung-ryeong (Lee Jae-yong), was sent back to North Korea after losing all his information while attempting to defect to South Korea.Afterward, Chief Kim returned to freedom while concealing his identity and reunited with his daughter, Min-ji (Seo Su-min).* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-27 07:12:00
  • Vehicle and Stabbing Attack Near Berlin LGBTQ Festival Leaves One Dead, 29 Injured
    Vehicle and Stabbing Attack Near Berlin LGBTQ Festival Leaves One Dead, 29 Injured A suspect who attacked pedestrians with a vehicle and a knife in Berlin, resulting in 30 casualties, was shot dead by police after a 20-hour manhunt. Berlin police reported that they located the suspect, Abdul Balut, 21, around 6 p.m. local time on July 26 in a garden plot in the northwestern district of Spandau. As Balut charged at special forces with a knife, police opened fire. Emergency responders attempted to provide first aid, but he died at the scene. Balut is accused of driving a white van into pedestrians in Tiergarten Park around 10 p.m. the previous night. After crashing into a tree, he exited the vehicle and wielded a weapon, believed to be a machete, before fleeing. The attack resulted in one death and 29 injuries. The incident occurred near the route of the Christopher Street Day (CSD) parade, a LGBTQ festival, which was concluding about 500 meters away at the Brandenburg Gate. German authorities are treating the incident as an act of Islamic extremist terrorism. The federal prosecutor's office has taken over the investigation to determine the motive and whether there were accomplices. Balut, a German national of Lebanese descent, had previously been investigated for attempting to join the extremist group Islamic State (IS) in Syria. He was reportedly sentenced to one year and ten months in prison for preparing violent acts that threatened national security but was released on probation.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-27 06:44:00
  • Iran Warns of Retaliation After Ukrainian Attack Kills Crew Member
    Iran Warns of Retaliation After Ukrainian Attack Kills Crew Member Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has warned of a response after a Ukrainian attack resulted in the death of one crew member aboard an Iranian vessel.On July 26, Araqchi stated on X (formerly Twitter), "Ukraine has attacked an Iranian ship, resulting in the loss of one crew member's life. We will not let this attack go unanswered."According to the Iranian Foreign Ministry, the vessel was attacked in the Caspian Sea, leading to one death and one injury among the crew. The Iranian government summoned the Ukrainian chargé d'affaires to protest the incident, labeling it an act of hostility.Araqchi also claimed that the attack was orchestrated by Israel, criticizing it as an attempt to draw Europe into conflict with Iran and a violation of the United Nations Charter. However, he did not provide evidence to support the allegation of Israeli involvement.Ukraine has stated that it targeted Iranian-related military supply ships and Russian warships in the Caspian Sea, claiming that the attacked vessel was transporting military supplies, including drone and missile components.In contrast, Iran maintains that the attacked ship was a civilian vessel. Ukraine has not clarified whether the ship with the crew casualties was among its targets, leading to conflicting claims regarding the circumstances of the attack and the nature of the vessel.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-27 06:36:00
  • Netanyahu: Iran Must Collapse or Abandon Nuclear Program
    Netanyahu: Iran Must Collapse or Abandon Nuclear Program Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that for the war with Iran to end, the Iranian regime must either collapse or be weakened enough to abandon its nuclear program. In an interview with Fox News on the 26th, Netanyahu responded to a question about the conditions for ending the war, saying, "The Iranian regime must change or be weakened enough to realize it must halt its nuclear program and change its course." He added, "This is the goal that U.S. President Donald Trump is trying to achieve," expressing his full support for Trump's efforts. Netanyahu indicated that he would accept achieving this goal without expanding military operations. However, he emphasized that Iran's nuclear program must be dismantled regardless of whether a deal is reached. "Whether there is an agreement or not, Iran's nuclear program must end," he stated. These comments come as the U.S. has halted airstrikes against Iran while seeking negotiations. The U.S. military stopped its attacks on Iran on the 24th after conducting strikes for 13 consecutive days. Netanyahu assessed that the war has significantly delayed Iran's nuclear development capabilities. However, he cautioned, "While it has slowed attempts to develop nuclear weapons, that does not mean Iran will not try again," stressing the need for continuous monitoring. Netanyahu is scheduled to visit the U.S. on the 27th for talks with President Trump at the White House, where the two are expected to discuss the Iranian nuclear issue and future responses.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-27 06:24:00
  • NYT: Trump Struggles to Find Exit from Iran Conflict
    NYT: Trump Struggles to Find Exit from Iran Conflict Analysis suggests that President Donald Trump is struggling to find a clear exit from the nearly five-month-long conflict in Iran. He faces challenges in both escalating military action and withdrawing from the war.The New York Times reported on July 26 that Trump is caught between options of escalation, prolonged pressure, and withdrawal, stating, "President Trump is unable to easily choose any of these paths."U.S. forces conducted airstrikes against Iran for 13 consecutive days before halting attacks on July 24. Trump considered targeting key Iranian infrastructure, such as power plants and bridges, but ultimately decided to postpone large-scale escalation after discussions with national security advisors.Advisors expressed uncertainty about whether further airstrikes would bring Iran back to the negotiating table. They also noted that attacking infrastructure could lead to significant civilian casualties and increase domestic opposition to escalation.Concerns have also been raised about the U.S. military's missile stockpile. As the U.S. and Iran exchanged missile and drone attacks, the inventory of defensive interceptors has reportedly dwindled.General Dan Kane, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has warned about the potential depletion of missile and ammunition reserves even before the conflict began. Vice President JD Vance has also reportedly expressed reservations about expanding the war with Iran.Instead of military action, there are options to intensify economic pressure through sanctions and maritime blockades. However, analysts believe that the Iranian regime, which has withstood international sanctions for an extended period, is unlikely to capitulate quickly.If economic pressure continues for a long time, the conflict and instability in the Strait of Hormuz may persist. Rising international oil prices and increased volatility in financial markets could pose political challenges for Trump.Withdrawing from the war while declaring a unilateral victory is also fraught with difficulty. If the U.S. fails to prevent Iran's nuclear development and does not resolve the instability in the Strait of Hormuz, Trump could face criticism for waging a war without a clear outcome.There remains a possibility that Iran could resume nuclear development while evading international oversight. In such a scenario, the justification for U.S. military action to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons could be undermined.The NYT concluded that "President Trump, who believed he had unlimited power, is now confronting the limits of military force, weapon stockpiles, domestic opinion, and diplomatic options through the Iran conflict."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-27 06:16:00
  • Interview: Noh Yoon-seo of Donggung Aims for Persuasive Acting
    Interview: Noh Yoon-seo of 'Donggung' Aims for Persuasive Acting Since her debut in 'Our Blues' (2022), followed by 'Crash Course in Romance' (2023) and the film 'Cheongseol' (2024), actress Noh Yoon-seo has carved a distinct path with her vibrant and bold energy. She has reached a new pinnacle in her acting career through the Netflix series 'Donggung,' where she portrays the resolute character 'Saenggang,' facing the eerie world of spirits as a royal. "This is my first time in a historical drama, and it's also my first experience with the occult and fantasy genres. When I read the script, it felt like reading a webtoon or a comic, and I imagined how it would come to life. Seeing the final product exceeded my expectations, and I felt proud of the process that the director and staff went through to create it," she said. Despite the physical challenges that come with the genre, Noh chose the project primarily for the character's appeal. "There are many stories about the hardships of historical dramas. It wasn't an easy decision, but since I hadn't experienced it before, I thought, 'Okay, let's take on the challenge.' The character Saenggang and the storyline were so much more interesting that my concerns about the difficulties faded away, and my desire to try it out took precedence. Saenggang is someone who is cold when necessary but risks her life to save others. Despite her royal status, she actively seeks solutions, which made me eager to portray her," Noh explained. To solidify her portrayal of Saenggang, Noh engaged in constant discussions with the production team to clarify the character's motivations before filming began. "Saenggang interacts with many characters, including her chemistry with Gucheon, and the intricate narratives with the king. We discussed how to approach each character, as Saenggang is a deposed princess. I wanted to clarify what she thought while being outside the palace and what her mindset was upon returning, so I had many conversations with the director about her objectives," she said. Working with invisible creatures required Noh to engage in a fierce battle of imagination. Fortunately, the presence of a model for the 'Ggeomeoksal' creature helped her evoke emotions more easily. "There was a model of Ggeomeoksal on set, a heavy, stone-like puppet. I had to imagine its presence while it was there, and the director explained how it would be animated later, detailing how the creature would grow and move. Those explanations were very helpful," she noted. The relationship with her indispensable partner Gucheon (played by Nam Joo-hyuk) is a central element of the story. "Initially, I thought of him as a strange but necessary person. There was distrust, and he was just someone I needed for my goals. However, as we shared our stories and supported each other, our bond deepened. Eventually, saving him became a priority, and I think it turned into a camaraderie. While acting, I focused more on the situation than labeling our relationship. I was immersed in the blind emotion of 'I need to save this person,'" she explained. The presence of veteran actors like Jang Young-nam and Jo Seung-woo provided Noh with invaluable lessons on set. "I have always admired Jang Young-nam. I was disappointed that we didn't interact much during 'Crash Course in Romance,' but I was happy to share some scenes with her in this project. Watching her portray the character so powerfully made me realize how intense her performance was. She focused solely on the character, generating ideas and contemplating how to present it. I learned a lot from that. I also asked Jo Seung-woo about the relationship between Saenggang and the king, and even after filming, I inquired about how he analyzes scripts and builds characters. Initially, he said it was nothing special, but as I probed further, he provided detailed advice on imagining the character's history and how they would walk. I was very grateful for that," she said. Under the meticulous direction of Choi Jeong-kyu, Noh discovered a new side of herself while watching the completed work. "I think they captured me in a way that was even more beautiful and impressive than I am in real life. The colors, lighting, and cinematography were so stunning that I think the characters reflected that. As the story progresses, Saenggang and Gucheon become more disheveled, but they still look charming in their own way. I found it interesting. While acting, I couldn't monitor every take, but watching the edited version made me realize, 'This is the Saenggang I portrayed.' Especially in the scene with my father, I thought, 'I made that expression, and the senior actors had those expressions.' I appreciate that they captured those moments," she said. 'Donggung' has left a significant mark on Noh Yoon-seo's filmography and has influenced her personal acting philosophy. It has broadened her perspective as a lead actor. "I think this is my first time participating as a lead in a long drama. I discussed with the director how to view the overall flow and how to see the forest for the trees. This project made me think a lot about having a perspective that allows me to see both the trees and the forest. Given that it's a historical fantasy, I learned a lot about what expressions are more effective, how to manage intonation, and how to enhance scenes without being overly technical. I want to continue developing my skills," she said. After completing this intense challenge, Noh channels her lingering acting regrets into a healthy motivation for growth. "I've never felt completely satisfied. I'm good at self-reflection, so I have my own regrets that never seem to end. However, I believe those regrets drive my development. I don't dwell on them; instead, I focus on doing my best today and tomorrow. I consider it a healthy regret. If I take on another historical drama, I recognize areas for improvement, such as speech and vocal techniques. I think I need to develop those aspects further. If I focus too much on technicalities or appearances, I could lose my foundation, so I plan to study the character more. I may not be able to satisfy everyone, but I want to deliver a performance that can persuade many viewers," she concluded. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-27 06:04:00
  • Government Launches Rising Leaders 300 Program, Offering 30 Billion Won in Loans
    Government Launches Rising Leaders 300 Program, Offering 30 Billion Won in Loans The South Korean government is expediting its support program for promising mid-sized companies with high growth potential.The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced on July 27 that it will begin accepting applications for the second half of the 'Rising Leaders 300' program, a financial support initiative exclusively for mid-sized enterprises, until August 14.Launched in 2023 in collaboration with Woori Bank, the Rising Leaders 300 program aims to identify and support mid-sized companies and potential candidates with high growth potential in four key areas: exports, research and development (R&D), environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices, and AI transformation (AX).Through biannual application rounds, the program has provided approximately 2 trillion won in funding to 225 companies as of the first half of this year. In the first half of 2026, 35 mid-sized companies received about 466 billion won in financial support.This year's second half application period has been moved up from September to July to facilitate the early identification of promising mid-sized companies and timely funding.Additionally, the program has revamped its digital transformation (DX) support area into an 'AX Leap' category. This change aims to enhance support for mid-sized companies that are leading the way in AX transformation and technological innovation, thereby securing new growth engines and fostering a cooperative ecosystem.Selected companies will receive loans of up to 300 billion won, along with interest rate benefits of up to 1.0 percentage points, as well as non-financial services such as tailored consulting.Interested companies can apply through the websites of Woori Bank and relevant specialized institutions. Following recommendations from these institutions and financial assessments by Woori Bank, the selected companies will be announced in early September.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-27 06:04:00
  • South Korea and Bangladesh Hold 5th CEPA Negotiations to Resolve Key Issues
    South Korea and Bangladesh Hold 5th CEPA Negotiations to Resolve Key Issues The South Korean government is accelerating negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with Bangladesh to explore promising emerging markets and diversify export markets.The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced on July 27 that the fifth official round of South Korea-Bangladesh CEPA negotiations will take place in Seoul until July 31. The negotiations will be led by Park Geun-o, Director of Trade Agreement Policy, on the South Korean side, and Ayesha Akhtar, Director of the External Trade Agreement Office at the Ministry of Commerce of Bangladesh, on the Bangladeshi side, with around 60 representatives from both countries participating.Since declaring the start of negotiations in November 2024, the two countries have held four official rounds of talks and several interim discussions. As a result, they have laid the groundwork for progress by concluding discussions on agreements in four areas: customs, rules of origin, sanitary and phytosanitary measures (SPS), and technical barriers to trade (TBT).In this fifth round of negotiations, the focus will be on reconciling issues across eight sectors, including goods, services, and investment, based on the outcomes of previous discussions.Bangladesh, with a population of 170 million, ranks as the eighth largest in the world and has recorded an average economic growth rate of over 6% since 2000. Notably, it is preparing to graduate from its least developed country (LDC) status in November this year and is actively pursuing membership in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and free trade agreements (FTAs) with major countries like Japan, signaling a commitment to market openness.If the South Korea-Bangladesh CEPA is finalized, it is expected to significantly expand the export base of South Korea's key products, such as automobiles and petrochemicals, to Bangladesh, and enhance economic cooperation in various future industries, including infrastructure, manufacturing, and digital sectors.Park Geun-o emphasized, "Bangladesh is a key market in rapidly growing South Asia, and the CEPA will greatly contribute to our companies' entry into the South Asian market and diversification of supply chains. We will do our utmost to resolve the remaining issues in this negotiation and conclude it as soon as possible."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-27 06:04:00
  • Residents to Take Charge of Local Chemical Safety with Citizen Schools in Gyeongnam and Capital Region
    Residents to Take Charge of Local Chemical Safety with Citizen Schools in Gyeongnam and Capital Region The government is launching an educational program aimed at enhancing the chemical safety capabilities of local residents and civil society activists, as well as establishing a community-based response system for chemical accidents.The Chemical Safety Agency, part of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment, announced that it will operate 'Chemical Safety Citizen Schools' in the Gyeongnam region and the Capital region for two months starting in August, with free enrollment for participants beginning on the 27th.The Chemical Safety Citizen School is a community-based educational program co-hosted by the Chemical Safety Agency and civil society networks. Its goal is to train local residents and civil society activists to participate in collaborative governance, allowing local governments and civil society to discuss and decide on regional chemical safety issues together.Last year, the agency conducted pilot training in the Jeonnam and Jeonbuk regions. Graduates from that program reported an increased understanding of chemical safety and expressed the need for ongoing educational programs for the public.In response to feedback gathered during the pilot program, the agency has refined the curriculum and expanded this year's training to include the Gyeongnam region and the Capital region. The Gyeongnam training will be co-hosted by the Gyeongnam Health and Life Protectors, the Chemical and Food Workers Union, and the Ulsan Environmental Movement Union, with support from Ulsan City. The Capital region training will be co-hosted by Siheung City, the Chemical and Food Workers Union, the Capital Region Health and Life Protectors, and the Ansan-Siheung Irregular Workers Center, with support from Ansan City.The training will be conducted over three days in each region and will consist of eight lectures and hands-on experiences, including theoretical education on basic concepts of chemical substances, discussions on enhancing collaborative governance for chemical safety, and a tour of the Chemical Safety Agency. Detailed information and application methods can be found on the Chemical Safety Agency's website.Park Bong-kyun, head of the Chemical Safety Agency, stated, "We hope this training will enhance residents' understanding of chemical safety and strengthen their capacity to prepare for chemical accidents. Based on the results and feedback from this program, we plan to gradually expand the regions of operation to promote a community-based culture of chemical safety nationwide."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-27 06:04:00
  • Ukraine Strikes Iranian Vessel, Heightening Tensions
    Ukraine Strikes Iranian Vessel, Heightening Tensions Ukraine's attack on an Iranian vessel in the Caspian Sea has strained relations between the two countries. Experts suggest that the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war and the U.S.-Iran conflict could converge.According to a report by U.S. CNBC on July 26, Iranian authorities summoned Ukraine's chargé d'affaires following the attack on the Iranian vessel, which was confirmed to be carried out by Ukraine. Iran reported that one crew member was killed and several others injured in the incident. The Iranian Foreign Ministry stated that it conveyed a strong message of resistance against Ukraine's "hostile and criminal actions," as reported by the state-run IRNA news agency. The Tehran Times also released a video titled "Ukraine has entered the Iran war."Ukraine did not deny the attack. On July 25, President Volodymyr Zelensky posted on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) that Ukraine conducted a long-range strike on an Iranian-linked vessel used for transporting military supplies in the Caspian Sea. Yevhen Korniychuk, Ukraine's ambassador to Israel, claimed in an interview with local N12 TV on July 26 that the vessel was carrying drone and missile components destined for Iran. In response, Iranian officials accused Ukraine of attempting to escalate the Russia-Ukraine war, asserting that the ship was carrying civilian goods, according to the Jerusalem Post.International media and experts speculate that Ukraine's recent attack could indicate its involvement in the Iran conflict. Al Jazeera noted that relations between Iran and Ukraine have deteriorated sharply since Iran began supplying Shahed drones to Russia in 2022, suggesting that Ukraine's strike on the Iranian vessel could open a new front by overlapping the Ukraine and Middle East (U.S.-Iran) conflicts. Reports indicate that Russia has been importing Iranian drone technology for large-scale domestic production. Ukraine has long accused Russia of deploying thousands of Iranian drones in its attacks. Ambassador Korniychuk emphasized to Israeli citizens, "We are fighting the same enemy (Russia and Iran), representing different facets of an axis of evil."Harry Kazianis, editor of the National Security Journal, wrote in a column on July 26 that Ukraine is targeting the expanding military trade routes between Iran and Russia in the Caspian Sea since 2022. He warned that this attack could merge the Iran and Ukraine wars into a single, larger conflict. Kazianis also noted that while Iran has maintained a position of non-involvement in the Ukraine war, it may retaliate following Ukraine's attack.Within Iran, hardliners are calling for immediate retaliation. Ali Nikzad Samarin, deputy speaker of the Iranian parliament, described Ukraine's attack as a "reckless act" and warned that Iran would not remain passive. Former MP Nezameddin Mousavi suggested that Iran should respond by targeting the Black Sea with missiles. 2026-07-27 05:04:00