Latest by
-
National Park Service Enhances Safety Measures for Summer Water Activities The government is intensifying patrols and access controls in national parks to prevent water-related accidents during the summer vacation season. The National Park Service, under the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment, announced on July 26 that it will focus on managing high-risk water areas in national parks across the country until August 31. As of May, the agency assessed safety management at 249 water activity sites nationwide. Since last month, it has been enhancing safety facilities and deploying additional safety personnel to patrol and educate visitors in areas prone to accidents. In mountainous national parks, the agency is managing 110 designated areas where water activities are temporarily allowed and 103 areas where access is prohibited. They have installed 86 intelligent closed-circuit TVs, 210 life rings, and 55 safety nets, along with posting banners indicating restricted access. To address the high risk of drowning between noon and 6 p.m., 470 safety personnel will be deployed for intensified patrols. In coastal and marine national parks, local governments and maritime police are operating a safety council. They have deployed 311 pieces of rescue equipment, including life jackets, and 170 dedicated safety personnel, while implementing access controls in hazardous areas and operating tide warning systems, along with on-site announcements. The agency is also installing banners and information signs at valleys and beaches, and providing safety guidelines through its website and 267 electronic message boards. Key safety tips include proper warm-up exercises before entering the water, wetting the body, ensuring children are accompanied by guardians, prohibiting entry after consuming alcohol, and wearing safety gear such as life jackets and shoes. Visitors are advised to avoid risky behaviors like diving and to only engage in water activities at designated locations. Joo Dae-young, the director of the National Park Service, stated, "As we enter the peak summer vacation season, it is crucial to explore national parks safely. Adhering to basic safety rules is the most effective way to prevent water-related accidents, and I urge the public to participate and cooperate voluntarily." * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-26 12:08:00 -
Government to Open Additional Gates at Yeongsan River Dams to Combat Algal Blooms The government will open additional gates at the Seungchon and Juksan dams to address algal blooms and improve water flow in the Yeongsan River.The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment announced on July 26 that it will open the gates at the Seungchon and Juksan dams from July 27 to August 23, in line with the algal bloom management period.With the additional gate openings at the two dams located downstream on the Yeongsan River, water flow will be connected from Seungchon Dam to downstream of Juksan Dam. Currently, the Seungchon Dam has limited gate openings for agricultural activities such as water celery cultivation, while the Juksan Dam has restricted openings for the operation of the Hwangpo sailboat in Naju City.The ministry plans to maintain the water level at Seungchon Dam around 5.5 meters above sea level. The current water level at Seungchon Dam is being managed flexibly between 5.5 and 6 meters, depending on water usage. If it is confirmed that there are no issues with the surrounding pumping stations and groundwater usage, the water level may be lowered to a maximum of 5 meters.The water level at Juksan Dam will be reduced from approximately 1.5 meters to 0.75 meters. The government believes that the additional gate openings at both dams will reduce the retention time of water, thereby inhibiting algal blooms and improving water quality and aquatic ecosystems.The ministry will investigate changes in the aquatic ecosystem before and after the gate openings and check for any restrictions on groundwater usage in the surrounding areas. If farmers encounter issues with groundwater usage, alternative wells will be developed as part of water supply support measures.To prevent disruptions in agricultural water intake during the gate opening process, related facilities will also be improved. The ministry is working with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs to lower the intake points of 18 pumping stations located upstream of the two dams, with plans to complete this by 2028. There are 10 pumping stations around Seungchon Dam and 8 around Juksan Dam.Earlier, the ministry held a community meeting in February and conducted public-private consultations on the restoration of the natural environment of the Yeongsan River in April and June, discussing the plan for additional gate openings with the local community.Song Ho-seok, the director of water resource policy at the ministry, stated, "It is significant that we are able to open the gates of the two dams in the Yeongsan River basin through communication and cooperation with the local community. We will continue our efforts to improve the water flow to enhance the water quality and aquatic ecosystem of the Yeongsan River."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-26 12:04:00
-
Labor Ministry Offers 24 Free AI Training Courses with Sign Language Interpretation 정부가 인공지능(AI) 기초 소양부터 반도체·바이오·광고 등 산업 현장의 실무 활용법까지 배울 수 있는 공공 직업훈련 과정을 운영한다. 고용노동부와 한국기술교육대학교 온라인평생교육원은 온라인 기반 스마트 직업훈련 플랫폼 'STEP'을 통해 AI 기초역량과 산업별 AI 융합 역량을 높이기 위한 교육과정 24개를 제공한다고 26일 밝혔다. 지난 5∼6월 바이오의약품 생산과 기계 안전 관리 등 13개 직무과정을 공개한 데 이어 이달 반도체 제조 공정 자동화와 AI 예측, 기계 요소 설계와 AI 기반 분석 등 11개 과정을 추가했다. 이에 따라 당초 계획한 AI 교육과정 24개의 개설이 모두 마무리됐다. 교육과정은 AI 기초역량 7개와 직무별 AI 활용(AI+X) 17개로 구성됐다. 기초역량 과정에서는 데이터와 보안, 윤리 등 공통 소양과 함께 경영, 금융, 교육훈련, 디자인, 제조 생산성·품질 등 5개 분야의 AI 활용 흐름을 다룬다. 직무별 과정은 문화·예술·디자인·방송을 비롯해 건설, 기계, 전기·전자, 화학·바이오, 환경·에너지·안전 등 6개 산업군에 AI 기술을 접목했다. 단순한 AI 도구 사용법을 넘어 실제 업무 과정에서 AI를 활용해 문제를 해결할 수 있도록 실습 비중을 높인 것이 특징이다. '생성형 AI를 활용한 PLC ST 프로그래밍 HMI 설계' 과정에서는 구글의 생성형 AI인 제미나이를 활용해 기계 제어 프로그램을 설계한다. AI의 도움을 받아 코드를 작성·검토하고 오류를 분석해 개선하는 방법도 학습한다. '광고 콘텐츠 제작과 AI 기반 타겟팅' 과정은 광고 콘셉트 기획과 문구 작성부터 이미지·영상 제작, 편집, 성과 분석과 타겟팅 전략 수립까지 광고 프로젝트 전 과정에 AI를 활용하도록 구성됐다. 정부가 산업 전반의 AI 전환을 추진하면서 현장 인력의 활용 역량을 높이는 직업훈련의 중요성도 커지고 있다. 특히 이번 과정은 범용적인 AI 지식에 그치지 않고 제조와 설계, 안전관리 등 산업별 업무에 AI를 적용하는 데 초점을 맞췄다. 교육 접근성을 높이기 위해 24개 전 과정에 수어 통역도 제공한다. 청각장애인 등 교육 취약계층의 신기술 학습을 돕고 디지털 교육 격차를 줄이겠다는 취지다. 교육은 STEP 홈페이지에서 누구나 무료로 수강할 수 있다. STEP은 구직자와 재직자, 취업준비생 등을 대상으로 기술·공학과 인문 분야 등 약 2500개의 공공 직업훈련 콘텐츠를 제공하는 온라인 플랫폼이다. 한연희 한기대 온라인평생교육원장은 "국민 누구나 일상과 업무에서 AI를 효과적으로 활용할 수 있도록 양질의 교육 콘텐츠를 지속해서 확대하겠다"며 "디지털 학습 격차를 해소하고 실무 중심의 공공 AI 교육환경을 조성하는 데 힘쓰겠다"고 밝혔다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-26 12:04:00
-
Financial Commission Awards Eight Outstanding Public Officials for Active Administration The Financial Services Commission (FSC) has recognized the reform of the stock price manipulation whistleblower reward system and the introduction of a transaction suspension system for suspected phishing accounts as exemplary cases of active administration for the first half of this year.On July 24, FSC Vice Chairman Kwon Dae-young awarded certificates of commendation to eight public officials (six for excellence and two for encouragement) for their outstanding contributions to active administration. The FSC plans to provide these awardees with incentives, including the highest performance bonuses in the future.Among the exemplary cases was the reform of the capital market unfair trading whistleblower reward system, led by Officer Kim Min-soo. The FSC praised the complete overhaul of the reward system, including the removal of the cap on rewards for reporting stock price manipulation, which aims to encourage proactive reporting from insiders and promote fair market order.Other recognized cases included measures to strengthen management of personal delinquent debts in the financial sector (Officer Lee So-min), the introduction of a transaction suspension system for suspected phishing accounts (Officer Nam Go-woon), the transition to a licensing system for debt collection (Officer Jang Hee-jin), the establishment of a joint support system in the financial sector related to the supply of naphtha due to the situation in the Middle East (Officer Lee Jeong-min), and measures to promote mid-interest loans (Officer Jeong Hyeong-jun).The encouragement awards went to the expansion and reform of the Win-Win Insurance program for vulnerable groups (Officer Lee Young-min) and the improvement of the financial regulatory sandbox system (Officer Kim Chang-bae).Additionally, Officer Yoo Eun-ji, who was recognized as an outstanding public official for active administration in the second half of last year, received the Green Tower Medal at the 6th Active Administration Awards organized by the Ministry of Personnel Management for her contributions to establishing infrastructure for preventing voice phishing through an information-sharing and analysis AI platform.The FSC selected the eight exemplary cases after evaluating ten submissions received through internal and external calls, with assessments conducted by the Active Administration Monitoring Group and private members of the Active Administration Committee, culminating in a decision made at the second meeting of the committee on July 16.Vice Chairman Kwon Dae-young stated, "It is increasingly necessary to promote policies that resonate with the public in a proactive and creative manner that breaks existing frameworks. I hope that we will continue to make efforts to approach the public one step closer through active administration in the second half of the year."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-26 12:04:00
-
Lee Chan-jin Attends Asia-Pacific Financial Supervisors Meeting to Discuss AI and Supply Chain Risks Lee Chan-jin, the head of the Financial Supervisory Service, participated in an international conference attended by financial supervisors and central bank governors from the East Asia and Pacific region, where discussions focused on the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in the financial sector and strategies to address global supply chain risks. He also discussed ways to enhance cooperation in the financial industry with Indonesia's Financial Services Authority (OJK).According to the Financial Supervisory Service, Lee attended the 15th East Asia and Pacific Financial Supervisors and Central Bank Governors Meeting (EMEAP GHOS) held in Singapore on July 23-24.EMEAP is a cooperative body established in 1991 for financial supervisory agencies and central banks from 11 countries in the East Asia and Pacific region to facilitate mutual cooperation and information exchange. The meeting was hosted by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).Participants discussed key issues related to the supervisory and management challenges posed by the expanded adoption of AI in the financial sector, as well as the risks to supply chains arising from recent global environmental changes and potential responses.During the meeting, Lee also held a separate bilateral meeting with OJK Chairperson, Friderika Widiya Sari Dewi. The two sides exchanged views on expanding exchanges and cooperation between the financial industries of South Korea and Indonesia, emphasizing the need to strengthen collaboration in financial supervision and enhance mutual information sharing.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-26 12:04:00
-
People Power Party Expands Front Against Government Over Voting Rights and Investigative Powers The leadership of the People Power Party is broadening its front against the government, focusing on issues of voting rights infringement and the abolition of supplementary investigative powers.On July 26, Jang Dong-hyuk, the party leader, stated on his Facebook page, "The claim that manipulation of the Central Election Management Commission's systems is impossible has been proven false. We must expedite a special investigation."During his visits to Gimhae and Daegu the previous day, Jang emphasized that he stood with young citizens protesting against the infringement of voting rights, asserting, "The public is now aware of who is right and who is wrong. We can no longer trust the joint investigation team or the courts."He added, "Until we reclaim our lost voting rights and restore democracy in South Korea, the people's voices will not be silenced. Anyone who ignores this will not escape the judgment of the public."As the party leader pressures the government and ruling party regarding the voting rights issue, Jung Jeom-sik, the party's floor leader, raised concerns about the current state of supplementary investigative powers.On Facebook, he remarked, "The entire nation is in confusion over the existence of supplementary investigative powers, yet President Lee remains silent. Why is someone who is so involved in the party's highest committee elections not speaking on this matter?"Jung further criticized, "The president is evading political responsibility for actions that undermine the rule of law, only concerned with ensuring his own safety after leaving office. Is this how politics should be conducted?"He also pointed out that members of the Democratic Party are reportedly cautious of strong party members ahead of their upcoming convention. He stated, "The president and ruling party are placing the lives and safety of the public on the scales of political engineering, engaging in a sordid bargain. The entire nation is watching. If the abolition of supplementary investigative powers passes in the National Assembly and the president even relinquishes his right to request reconsideration, both the government and ruling party will face downfall."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-26 11:56:00
-
Park Ji-won Urges Cooperation Amid Controversy Over Lee's U.S. Trip Park Ji-won, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea representing Jeonnam Haenam, Wando, and Jindo, emphasized the importance of supporting President Lee Jae-myung's recent achievements during his trip to the United States, urging both the Democratic Party and the People Power Party not to obstruct progress.In a Facebook post, Park stated, "President Lee met with global tech CEOs such as Jensen Huang and Sam Altman in San Francisco, leading to business cooperation worth 1,375 trillion won."He criticized the ruling party's convention for inciting conflict and engaging in what he termed a 'Shincheonji war,' pointing out that People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyuk has been making inflammatory remarks about the election integrity, saying, 'We need to see if the Lee Jae-myung administration is like soybean paste or feces.'Park stressed, "If the president is achieving diplomatic success abroad, the opposition should not only refrain from hindering progress but also avoid breaking the pot of cooperation."Additionally, he directed comments toward former Prime Minister Kim Min-seok, urging him to focus on revitalizing the rural economy, stating, "That is what a former prime minister should be concerned with. This will ensure a forward-looking Democratic Party convention."Meanwhile, controversy surrounding the Shincheonji involvement has emerged ahead of the recent Democratic Party convention. Former leader Jeong Cheong-rae has labeled the allegations as fake news and has threatened legal action. Kim, however, maintains that he was merely raising internal party issues and was not targeting any specific candidate. The Democratic Party convention has narrowed down to a three-way race among Kim, Jeong, and Song Young-gil following the preliminary elections held on July 23.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-26 11:16:00
-
HMM Orders Four Cranes for WUT Terminal in Tacoma, Washington HMM announced that its WUT terminal in Tacoma, Washington, has signed a contract with HD Hyundai Samho for the supply of four cranes.Opened in 1999, WUT is located at the Port of Tacoma and spans approximately 510,000 square meters (about 15.5 acres) with a 793-meter-long berth. The terminal features an on-dock rail capable of accommodating 26 rail cars simultaneously, facilitating inland logistics.Currently, WUT operates eight berth cranes and six yard cranes. Under the new contract, two aging berth cranes will be replaced with new equipment, and two additional yard cranes will be introduced.Once the equipment upgrades are completed, the terminal's capacity to accommodate large container ships is expected to increase, raising its annual throughput capacity from 590,000 TEU to 880,000 TEU.HD Hyundai Samho will handle the design, manufacturing, transportation, installation, and commissioning of the cranes in a turnkey manner, with completion expected by 2028.HMM continues to invest in port infrastructure to strengthen its logistics supply chain and port network. Last year, it signed a memorandum of understanding with India’s JNPA (Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority) for the development of the Bhardwaj Port and is also pursuing the expansion of the TTIA terminal at the Port of Algeciras in Spain.An HMM official stated, "Through the modernization of WUT's equipment, we aim to enhance the efficiency of port logistics services," adding, "We will continue to invest in port infrastructure alongside expanding our fleet."Additionally, HMM announced on July 22 that it received the Winner award in the Brand & Communication Design category at the 2026 Red Dot Design Award, one of the world's three major design awards. 2026-07-26 11:08:00
-
Trump Orders Halt to U.S. Airstrikes Against Iran After 13 Days President Donald Trump has ordered U.S. forces to cease airstrikes against Iran, bringing to an end 13 consecutive days of attacks. Axios reported on the 25th, citing multiple sources, that Trump received a report on airstrike plans from the military the previous day but did not approve them, instructing the military to refrain from conducting any attacks. As a result, the U.S. airstrikes against Iran were halted for the day on the 24th. However, it remains uncertain whether this directive is a one-time measure or if the pause in airstrikes will continue for the foreseeable future. In recent weeks, Trump had approved daily airstrike plans submitted by the military, with attacks reportedly carried out within hours of approval. The military is still preparing plans in case of a resumption of large-scale operations, but sources indicate that Trump has not yet ordered an expansion of operations. Should a resumption order be given, the military is reportedly in a position to act relatively quickly. During a press briefing at the White House the previous day, Trump stated that while the U.S. is engaged in dialogue with Iran, he warned that military action could be taken immediately if negotiations fail. He said, "We are fully prepared and can act at any time," while also emphasizing that discussions with Iran are ongoing. He expressed that reaching an agreement with Iran would be a wiser strategy than continuing or expanding airstrikes. At a dinner with the White House Correspondents' Association, Trump remarked, "I don’t think Iran is ready to make a deal right now, but I am ready to listen." The Israeli government and military had initially anticipated additional U.S. airstrikes and were preparing for potential retaliatory attacks from Iran and Iran-aligned armed groups. According to Israeli officials, the security cabinet and military leadership were on alert for large-scale airstrikes, having not fully grasped the U.S. operational plans. They were informed the previous night that Trump had not approved further airstrikes. Trump's order to halt airstrikes came just hours after an Omani negotiating team arrived in Tehran to discuss reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Regional sources familiar with the negotiations indicated that progress is being made in discussions between Oman and Iran, with the possibility of an agreement emerging over the weekend. Whether Trump will accept any agreement reached will be a key factor in determining the future of airstrikes.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-26 11:08:00
-
South Korea Leads International Standards Discussion on Drone Cybersecurity 한국이 기체 탈취와 영상정보 유출, 위치 교란 등에 대응하기 위한 드론 사이버보안 국제표준 논의를 주도한다. 국가기술표준원은 국제표준화기구(ISO)가 지난 24일 벨기에 브뤼셀에서 열린 무인기 분과위원회(ISO/TC20/SC16) 제21차 총회에서 드론 사이버보안 표준 작업반(WG10) 신설을 승인했다고 26일 밝혔다. 신설 작업반의 초대 의장에는 이종혁 세종대 정보보호학과 교수가 선임됐다. 무인기 분과위원회에는 한국과 미국, 중국, 일본, 영국 등 27개 정회원국과 9개 준회원국이 참여하고 있다. 드론 활용 영역이 안보와 공공서비스, 물류, 취미 등으로 빠르게 확대되면서 사이버보안의 중요성도 커지고 있다. 통신망에 대한 외부 침입이나 위치정보 교란이 발생하면 촬영 영상이 유출되거나 드론의 통제권을 빼앗길 수 있기 때문이다. 한국은 국내 사이버보안 기술을 바탕으로 국제표준을 선점하기 위해 지난해부터 작업반 신설을 추진해 왔다. 이번 총회에서는 한국이 제안한 '무인항공시스템 사이버보안 요구사항'의 국제표준화 작업도 공식적으로 시작됐다. 작업반 의장을 맡은 한국은 앞으로 회원국 간 의견 조율과 회의 운영을 담당하며 드론 사이버보안 국제표준의 세부 논의 방향을 이끌게 된다. 국내 기술을 국제표준에 반영할 기회가 넓어지면서 관련 기업의 해외시장 진출 기반도 강화될 것으로 보인다. 한국은 이번 총회에서 물류 드론 운용 절차와 레이다 센서 시험방법, 소음시험 방법 등 드론 관련 표준안 8건도 새로 제안했다. 해당 안건들은 회원국 투표를 통과하면 정식 표준화 절차에 들어간다. 현재 ISO에서 개발 중인 드론 표준 26건 가운데 한국이 주도하는 표준은 7건이다. 차기 무인기 분과위원회 총회는 오는 11월 서울에서 개최된다. 김대자 국표원장은 "서울 총회를 비롯한 관련 표준화 활동을 적극적으로 지원해 우리나라가 드론 표준 강국으로 도약하는 데 힘을 보태겠다"고 말했다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-26 11:04:00