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  • AI Integration at SK Innovations Ulsan Complex Marks 60 Years of Refining Excellence
    AI Integration at SK Innovation's Ulsan Complex Marks 60 Years of Refining Excellence SK Innovation's Ulsan Complex (UlsanCLX) is leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to predict and optimize processes. The facility employs a model known as 'Dual Brain AI,' which combines AI capabilities with the experience and expertise of on-site personnel.Founded in 1964 as South Korea's first oil refinery, UlsanCLX has expanded its facilities and processes over the past 60 years. It now boasts the largest crude oil processing capacity in the country, handling 840,000 barrels per day, and ranks third globally in crude oil refining capacity for a single petrochemical plant. The site spans 2.5 million pyeong, including storage, production, and shipping facilities.With over six decades of operation, UlsanCLX faces distinct challenges. Jeong Chang-hoon, head of the Manufacturing AI team at UlsanCLX, noted, 'There are generational differences among the equipment built in the 1960s, 70s, and 90s. These multi-generational facilities have 98 interconnected processes, making optimal operation difficult.'To address this complexity, SK Innovation has introduced the 'Dual Brain' approach. In this model, AI analyzes and predicts vast amounts of data around the clock, while experienced engineers make final decisions based on their expertise. This structure does not fully rely on AI but rather complements human limitations in time and physical capacity.The necessity of the Dual Brain approach became evident in the control room of the Heavy Oil Upgrading Facility (HOU) during a recent visit. Numerous process data points were displayed in real-time on monitors, with the number of screens across UlsanCLX reaching hundreds to over a thousand. The plant operates continuously, 24/7, with staff managing operations in four shifts.Much of the process is already automated, with computers controlling equipment. Operators typically do not need to intervene unless unexpected situations arise, at which point workers quickly restore normal operations. A site representative explained, 'The experience and know-how of skilled workers accumulate during these unexpected situations.'Ultimately, UlsanCLX aims to encapsulate this know-how within AI. The data accumulated over years of operation will be used to train AI, enabling it to identify anomalies and suggest responses in similar situations. However, the final judgment will still rest with humans. Jeong emphasized, 'I don't think we can replace people. Our unique experiences and knowledge must continue to be integrated.'To implement the Dual Brain concept, UlsanCLX is pursuing five key manufacturing AI initiatives across three areas: optimization, equipment reliability, and safety, health, and environment (SHE). The optimization area includes production optimization AI and utility optimization AI, while the equipment reliability area features predictive maintenance AI and maintenance planning AI. The SHE area includes the integrated safety monitoring system 'SHIELD.'The 'Production and Process Optimization AI' was demonstrated at the Ulsan World Future Industry Expo (WAVE 2026) on September 10. Participants could adjust cooling and heating conditions to find optimal operating points. While humans adjusted values one by one, AI quickly derived optimal values. AI analyzes variables that are difficult for humans to calculate, such as crude oil type, processing volume, operating conditions, cooling and heating conditions, product quality, and energy efficiency, and suggests optimal operating conditions for engineers to decide on final operations.Beyond optimizing individual processes, efforts are underway to connect the entire plant. The utility optimization AI adjusts the usage of steam, electricity, and water needed for process operations, with the long-term goal of linking multiple processes to enhance overall value chain margins.In areas that are difficult for humans to access, drones and robotic dogs are also being utilized. These mobile devices check equipment status and assess on-site hazards, collecting data. Currently, UlsanCLX operates one robotic dog, with plans to expand to about ten in the future. Drones are also expected to be used more extensively for equipment inspections and site patrols.The generational transition of skilled personnel is another driving factor behind the AX initiative. Jeong noted, 'By 2030, many of the veteran workers who have been with us since 2025 are expected to retire.' It is crucial to capture the judgment criteria and experiences built over decades of responding to equipment issues and unexpected situations in data and AI to minimize technological gaps.UlsanCLX aims to achieve an annual productivity increase of approximately 100 billion won, zero equipment downtime, and zero major accidents by 2030. This year, the facility will begin developing and validating predictive models and agents, with plans to enhance data infrastructure starting in 2027. By 2028, the goal is to ensure the reliability of Brain AI, and after 2030, to continue expanding AX applications to establish a Dual Brain operational system.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-15 14:04:00
  • AI Drives Regional Employment Disparities, with 80% of New Jobs in Capital Area
    AI Drives Regional Employment Disparities, with 80% of New Jobs in Capital Area Since the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), jobs with high exposure to generative and agentic AI have increased, but most of this job growth is concentrated in the capital area. In contrast, non-capital regions, which have a higher proportion of jobs exposed to physical AI in sectors like manufacturing, transportation, and hospitality, may face widening labor market disparities depending on the pace of technological advancement.The Bank of Korea released a report on September 15 titled 'AI and Regional Labor Markets: Risks of Widening Disparities and New Opportunities.'Recent increases in AI-exposed jobs have been led by the capital area. Over the three years since generative AI began to gain traction in 2023, jobs with high exposure to generative AI increased by 247,000, with the capital area accounting for 80.8% (199,000 jobs). Similarly, among the 105,000 new jobs exposed to agentic AI in 2025, 88.3% (93,000 jobs) were in the capital area.There are also disparities in AI exposure by region. The highest exposure to generative AI is found in Seoul, Sejong, Gyeonggi, and Incheon, while agentic AI exposure is highest in Seoul, Sejong, Gyeonggi, and Daejeon. Conversely, physical AI exposure is concentrated in non-capital regions, with the highest levels in Gyeongsangbuk-do, Jeollanam-do, Chungcheongbuk-do, and Ulsan.The regional disparities stem from differences in occupational composition and industrial structure. The capital area has a relatively high concentration of office and sales jobs with high exposure to generative AI, as well as managerial and professional roles with high exposure to agentic AI. The proportions of these occupations in the capital area are 20.2%, 8.9%, 1.5%, and 28.1%, respectively, compared to 15.8%, 8.2%, 1.2%, and 18.0% in non-capital regions. In contrast, non-capital regions have a higher proportion of jobs in equipment and machine operation, simple labor, and services.However, when looking at age groups, the number of workers in generative and agentic AI-exposed jobs has decreased for those in their 20s in both capital and non-capital regions, with no significant differences between the two. This trend is attributed to the focus of higher education on traditional knowledge and information accumulation, making it difficult for young graduates to acquire expertise and experience immediately after graduation.The Bank of Korea views the spread of generative and agentic AI as favoring the labor market in the capital area. This is due to the concentration of high AI-utilization professional and office jobs, as well as a relatively well-established human and material infrastructure for AI and IT. Consequently, there is a risk that the spread of AI will exacerbate existing labor market disparities rather than alleviate the concentration in the capital area.Additionally, the relationship between AI and skilled labor could further widen regional gaps. With knowledge service industries and semiconductor manufacturing already concentrated in the capital area, if AI investments also gravitate towards this region, the spatial concentration of industries may strengthen. The proportion of knowledge service workers in the capital area is 71.9%, while semiconductor manufacturing stands at 74.4%.The Bank of Korea also analyzed that the spread of physical AI could pose new risks to employment in non-capital regions. However, as its current spread is slower than that of generative and agentic AI, the immediate potential for job losses is relatively limited.Jung Min-soo, head of the Bank of Korea's regional economic research team, stated, "Due to issues such as a lack of physical data, insufficient sophistication, and user trust in physical AI, we believe the spread of physical AI will take time. The job losses due to automation through robots, not physical AI, are already occurring, and the additional impact of physical AI should be analyzed over time."At the same time, the Bank of Korea noted that while the spread of AI poses risks of widening regional disparities, it also offers opportunities to enhance productivity in non-capital regions. AI has the potential to increase the productivity of low-skilled workers, compensating for a lack of human capital, and promoting the knowledge service transformation of product development and process improvement in manufacturing.Therefore, the Bank of Korea recommends strengthening AI utilization education in regions, supporting the development of knowledge services and startups linked to key manufacturing industries, and expanding investments through focused efforts to establish regional AI hubs that connect academia, businesses, and government around regional universities.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-15 14:04:00
  • Fried-chicken chain bhc opens first store in Viet Nam
    Fried-chicken chain bhc opens first store in Viet Nam SEOUL, September 15 (AJP) - South Korean fried-chicken chain bhc Chicken has opened its first store in Viet Nam, marking its entry into the Southeast Asian market and expanding its overseas presence to 10 countries. According to Dining Brands Group, formerly known as BHC Group, which operates the chain, its first Vietnamese outlet opened last Saturday at Vincom Plaza Phan Van Tri in Ho Chi Minh City, several months after it signed a franchise deal with Vietnamese food and beverage company Hao Open Foods in April. The new outlet offers bhc Chicken's signature fried chicken, along with snacks such as tteokbokki and kimchi-fried rice as well as other menu items tailored to local tastes. "With the opening of our first outlet in Viet Nam, we will closely monitor local tastes and customer feedback as we work to expand our presence as a global brand," said Nam Hwa-yeon who is in charge of overseas business. bhc Chicken now operates 51 stores across 10 overseas countries including Canada, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, the U.S. and Viet Nam. AJP Takeaways - bhc Chicken has opened its first store in Viet Nam, marking the South Korean fried-chicken chain's entry into the Southeast Asian market. - The first Vietnamese bhc Chicken outlet is located at Vincom Plaza Phan Van Tri in Ho Chi Minh City and offers signature fried chicken, tteokbokki, kimchi-fried rice and menu items adapted to local tastes. - bhc Chicken now operates 51 stores across 10 overseas countries, including Canada, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, the United States and Viet Nam. 2026-09-15 14:02:42
  • Hampyeong County and Kumho Tire Discuss Collaboration on New Factory Investment
    Hampyeong County and Kumho Tire Discuss Collaboration on New Factory Investment Hampyeong County and Kumho Tire met at the construction site of the new Kumho Tire factory in the Bitgreen National Industrial Complex, where a 660 billion won investment is underway. The meeting focused on assessing the construction progress and discussing collaboration with the local community.On September 14, Hampyeong County officials held a meeting with Kumho Tire representatives at the new factory site to discuss the factory's development status and future cooperation plans.During the meeting, participants shared updates on the construction progress and future timelines, while also addressing administrative support and challenges faced during the project.They discussed strategies to translate the large corporate investment into tangible economic benefits for the local community, such as job creation and revitalization of local businesses.Hampyeong County emphasized the importance of expanding cooperation between the company and the community, urging Kumho Tire to actively support the designation of the Bitgreen National Industrial Complex as an RE100 site.Kumho Tire representatives expressed their commitment to collaborating on the RE100 designation and maintaining ongoing communication with the local community throughout the construction process.The new Kumho Tire factory will be a large-scale production facility covering approximately 500,000 square meters in the Bitgreen National Industrial Complex.The first phase of the project will involve an investment of about 660.9 billion won, and once completed, the factory will have an annual production capacity of 5.3 million tires. Construction is currently progressing in phases, with plans for full operation by the first half of 2028.Hampyeong County believes that the construction of the new factory should not only focus on the building itself but also on ensuring that corporate investments lead to local talent recruitment, improved living conditions, and the attraction of partner companies. The county plans to strengthen its collaboration with Kumho Tire.As the large-scale production facility becomes operational, it is expected to enhance the industrial concentration of the Bitgreen National Industrial Complex, potentially impacting population influx and local business revitalization. The county aims to continuously identify specific collaborative strategies that allow both the community and the company to grow together.Lee Nam-o, the mayor of Hampyeong County, stated, “Kumho Tire's investment is expected to play a crucial role in revitalizing the Bitgreen National Industrial Complex and enhancing Hampyeong's future industrial competitiveness. We will provide administrative support to ensure the smooth progress of the factory construction.”He added, “We will create a collaborative model that allows corporate investment benefits to translate into real advantages for the local community, including local talent recruitment and improved living conditions.”Meanwhile, the first phase of the Kumho Tire Hampyeong factory project aims to secure a production capacity of 5.3 million tires annually. Kumho Tire plans to gradually construct the factory, with full operations expected to begin in the first half of 2028. Hampyeong County will continue to pursue strategies to activate the Bitgreen National Industrial Complex through attracting businesses and creating jobs linked to the new factory.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-15 13:56:00
  • President Yoon Emphasizes Turkmenistans Resources for High-Value Industries and Jobs
    President Yoon Emphasizes Turkmenistan's Resources for High-Value Industries and Jobs President Yoon Suk Yeol stated on September 15 that "Turkmenistan's abundant resources can lead to high-value industries and jobs, and that South Korea will work together to make the land connecting the Caspian Sea and Central Asia a new route for logistics and trade." On this day, President Yoon held a summit with Serdar Berdymukhamedov, the President of Turkmenistan, who is on a state visit to South Korea for the first Central Asia-Korea Summit. They discussed ways to enhance bilateral relations and expand practical cooperation. During their meeting, the two leaders agreed to strengthen their relationship based on close communication and cooperation. President Yoon noted, "Since establishing a mutually beneficial partnership in 2008, we have built a solid foundation for practical cooperation over the years. Now, we should work together to create tangible results that can be felt in the growth of both countries and the lives of our people." He emphasized, "Our government will firmly support maximizing each other's strengths to open new opportunities." According to a written briefing by Chief Spokesperson Kang Yoo-jung, the two leaders agreed to expand existing cooperation focused on energy and plants to include infrastructure such as railways, shipbuilding, new city construction, water resources, forestry, artificial intelligence, and science and technology. President Yoon requested special attention and support for South Korean companies to continue participating in Turkmenistan's large-scale plant and infrastructure projects based on their accumulated experience and technological expertise. As a result of the summit, 13 agreements and memorandums of understanding (MOUs) were signed. Notably, the investment protection agreement, which serves as the institutional foundation for protecting and promoting investors from both countries, was finalized and signed after 16 years of negotiations. The agreement includes principles for fair and equitable treatment of investors from the other country, national treatment and most-favored-nation treatment, compensation principles in the event of expropriation, investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) procedures, and guarantees for the free remittance of investment funds. MOUs were also signed in the fields of chemical industry, plants, and infrastructure. The two countries agreed to share policy, technology, and human resources information and to establish a cooperation network between governments and research institutions to discover new projects. They will also expand cooperation in oil, gas, and chemical industries, construction, transportation, logistics, as well as smart cities and digital urban infrastructure. The two leaders expressed agreement that Turkmenistan's national logistics hub strategy, the 'Revival of the Great Silk Road,' will become a new growth engine connecting Central Asia and the Caspian Sea. President Yoon requested President Berdymukhamedov's cooperation to allow South Korean companies to participate in railway modernization projects. In the shipbuilding sector, they agreed to expand reciprocal cooperation methods where South Korean technicians and Turkmen personnel jointly construct vessels locally. They also plan to translate the potential for cooperation in railway and new city construction into concrete project outcomes. In the water resources sector, they will collaborate on modernizing infrastructure such as the Karakum Canal, smart water management using AI, and water reuse. They also agreed to share South Korea's experience in forest restoration and ICT-based digital forest management to jointly address climate change and desertification. Through cooperation in customs and intellectual property rights, they will strengthen the stable operational foundation for South Korean companies operating locally. For the first time, official cooperation channels between law enforcement authorities of both countries will be established to jointly address transnational crimes such as drug trafficking and money laundering. President Yoon expressed gratitude for the support provided to South Korean citizens and their families who were safely evacuated through Turkmenistan during the urgent situation in Iran last June and this March. He remarked, "The warm hand extended during difficult moments truly reflects the deep trust and friendship between our two countries." President Berdymukhamedov emphasized that this is his first state visit to South Korea since taking office and expressed hope that the visit will serve as a meaningful opportunity to further develop bilateral cooperation. He also stated that Turkmenistan values the development of friendly cooperation with South Korea. In particular, he officially expressed support for the 'E.N.D Initiative,' which is derived from the first letters of the English words for Exchange, Normalization, and Denuclearization, proposed by President Yoon. President Berdymukhamedov reiterated his consistent position that all issues on the Korean Peninsula should be resolved through peaceful dialogue and diplomatic means. The two leaders also agreed that expanding cultural and human exchanges, as well as cooperation between youth and universities, will underpin the stable and sustainable development of bilateral relations. Chief Spokesperson Kang stated, "The government plans to take follow-up measures to ensure that the agreements and MOUs lead to tangible results that the people can feel, such as expanding cooperation in plants and transportation, protecting investments, and responding to climate change."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-15 13:52:00
  • Gwangju Lawmaker Pushes for Expanded Support for Young Small Business Owners
    Gwangju Lawmaker Pushes for Expanded Support for Young Small Business Owners Efforts are underway to establish a framework to support the management stability and sustainable growth of young small business owners facing challenges due to sluggish domestic demand, high interest rates, and inflation.The 'Gwangju Integrated Special City Youth Small Business Promotion and Support Ordinance,' proposed by Gwangju lawmaker Kang Seong-chan of the Democratic Party, passed the relevant committee on September 11.This ordinance focuses on supporting not just initial startup assistance but also product development, market expansion, management education, and facility improvements, aiming to provide a foundation for young small business owners to operate stably in the region.During the committee review, the age range for eligible young business owners was expanded from the original 19 to 34 years to 18 to 45 years.Kang explained that this adjustment considers the unique regional characteristics, including many rural and depopulated areas, and aims to broaden the scope of young small business owners who can receive policy support.The ordinance includes provisions for establishing and implementing annual support plans for the growth and management stability of young small business owners.Specific support initiatives include product development, distribution and promotion, management education and consulting, facility improvements, and networking and joint projects among young small business owners.It also establishes a framework for collaboration between city, county, and district governments and relevant organizations, allowing for the delegation of projects to specialized institutions or organizations for efficient implementation.The high closure rate of young self-employed individuals was also cited as a reason for the ordinance's creation.According to analysis data from NH Nonghyup Bank, the closure rate of young self-employed individuals in the Gwangju area is 67%, the third highest in the country. Last year, the number of business closure reports nationwide exceeded one million, indicating challenging conditions for small businesses.As a result, there is a growing call for policies that not only focus on increasing the number of young entrepreneurs but also support the maintenance and growth of their businesses after startup.Kang Seong-chan stated, “What young small business owners need is not just one-time support at the moment of startup, but a support system that helps them overcome management crises and grow sustainably.” He added, “We aimed to establish a systematic foundation that can be felt on the ground, from product development to market expansion, management capacity enhancement, and facility improvements.”He further emphasized, “For young people to start businesses and continue operating stably in the region, it is essential to invigorate local economies and neighborhoods. We will continue to ensure that the voices of young small business owners are reflected in policies and lead to self-sufficiency.”The ordinance has passed the relevant committee stage and is pending approval from the full council. If ultimately approved, it is expected to provide a policy basis for establishing annual support plans at the integrated special city level, supporting young small business owners from startup through to management stability and growth.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-15 13:52:00
  • GKL and COEX Partner to Boost Foreign Tourism and Cultural Industry
    GKL and COEX Partner to Boost Foreign Tourism and Cultural Industry Grand Korea Leisure (GKL), a quasi-public enterprise operating the foreigner-only Seven Luck Casino, has partnered with global MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions) company COEX to attract foreign tourists and revitalize the tourism and cultural industry.On September 15, GKL President Yoon Doo-hyun and COEX President Cho Sang-hyun, along with executives from both companies, attended a signing ceremony at GKL's headquarters in Gangnam, Seoul, to formalize their collaboration.The agreement aims to leverage the tourism and MICE infrastructure and networks of both organizations to provide diverse experiences for foreign tourists and contribute to the development of the tourism industry and local economy around COEX.Under the agreement, the two parties will pursue initiatives including the development of tourism, MICE, and cultural programs for foreign tourists; joint marketing and promotions for international conferences and exhibitions; collaborative promotion and project discovery with members of the COEX MICE Cluster (CMC); and the exchange of information and joint research on trends in foreign tourist visits and spending.Yoon Doo-hyun stated, "I hope this agreement lays the foundation for providing a more comprehensive tourism experience for foreign visitors. GKL aims to grow into Asia's leading urban tourism platform company through effective integration of surrounding tourism infrastructure and innovative marketing strategies."Cho Sang-hyun remarked, "By combining COEX's MICE infrastructure with GKL's capabilities in attracting foreign tourists, we will create tangible results from our collaboration. We will also expand connections with CMC members and related organizations to develop the COEX area into a premier tourism and MICE hub."The inbound tourism market in South Korea is experiencing unprecedented growth this year. According to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, over 12.8 million foreign tourists visited South Korea from January to July, a 21.3% increase compared to the same period last year.Additionally, foreign card spending reached 12.86 trillion won, up 48.3% from last year's 8.15 trillion won.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-15 13:52:00
  • Taewoong Accelerates Orders in TerraPowers SMR Business, Expands Cooperation with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries
    Taewoong Accelerates Orders in TerraPower's SMR Business, Expands Cooperation with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Taewoong, a specialized forging company, is accelerating its follow-up orders in the small modular reactor (SMR) business of the U.S. nuclear firm TerraPower. After entering the TerraPower supply chain with its first order in June, the company is now leveraging its existing trading experience and vendor registration to secure additional volumes. The company anticipates that discussions for follow-up orders could materialize within the next three to four months.According to the financial investment industry on September 15, Taewoong is pursuing a plan to supply additional volumes related to TerraPower's Natrium SMR project through the Canadian company Marmen. TerraPower, which is constructing its first commercial sodium SMR in Kemmerer, Wyoming, announced 12 new supply contracts at the end of last month, expanding its supply chain. Among these, Marmen is responsible for the design of the nuclear fuel transfer lift.Marmen is a Canadian company that processes and manufactures large components for the nuclear, aerospace, and heavy industries. TerraPower previously selected Marmen as the manufacturer for the rotating plug of the sodium SMR. Taewoong entered the TerraPower supply chain for the first time by securing related forged products from Marmen in June. Discussions for the order with TerraPower began in November of last year and took about seven to eight months to finalize.This time, the situation is different, according to the company. With established trading performance related to TerraPower and completed vendor registration, discussions for follow-up volumes are expected to progress more quickly than during the first order. While additional orders have not yet been confirmed, the company believes that negotiations could become concrete within the next three to four months. A Taewoong representative stated, "There is a sufficient possibility for additional orders, and we expect progress soon."The characteristics of forged products for nuclear power also support the potential for follow-up orders. Nuclear components require high quality standards and certification processes, making it difficult to replace suppliers once a company has participated in the initial development and delivery process.Existing cooperation with Marmen is also a competitive advantage. Taewoong reportedly supplied approximately 15 billion won worth of forged rings for launch pads to SpaceX and Blue Origin through Marmen between 2022 and 2023. The ongoing trading relationship with Marmen in the aerospace sector is now expanding into the nuclear field, increasing the likelihood of securing additional supply opportunities for large projects in the future.In particular, Taewoong is also solidifying its SMR cooperation with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries. HD Hyundai Heavy Industries was selected as the preferred negotiator for the manufacturing and supply of key equipment for sodium reactors in May and has recently decided to invest 238.6 billion won in establishing a dedicated SMR equipment manufacturing plant at its Ulsan shipyard.This has created an atmosphere for expanding cooperation between Taewoong and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries. Discussions among the management teams of both companies have recently taken place, and a meeting of practical personnel is scheduled for this month. Building on their existing trading relationship in the shipbuilding sector, including forged products for ship engines, they are looking to broaden their collaboration into the SMR field to explore new order opportunities.With the expansion of orders, expectations for improved performance are also growing. IBK Investment & Securities forecasts Taewoong's revenue for this year to be 394.6 billion won, with operating profit projected at 21.5 billion won. This represents a year-on-year increase of 12.8% in revenue and 328.9% in operating profit. Researcher Yoo Chang-geun stated, "This year is expected to be a turning point for performance recovery, as high-margin orders in the nuclear and power generation sectors continue, leading to a clearer improvement in results over the years."Recently, Taewoong's stock price has been on the rise. It increased by 22.89% from 30,800 won on August 25 to a closing price of 37,850 won the previous day. Although it experienced a 3.81% decline compared to the previous trading day, it still maintains a price in the upper 30,000 won range. 2026-09-15 13:48:00
  • Kang Ho-dong Re-elected as ICAO President, Leading Global Agricultural Cooperatives
    Kang Ho-dong Re-elected as ICAO President, Leading Global Agricultural Cooperatives Kang Ho-dong has been re-elected as president of the International Cooperative Alliance for Agriculture (ICAO). He was also reappointed as a director of the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA), continuing to represent South Korea's agricultural cooperatives on the international stage.On September 15, the National Agricultural Cooperative Federation announced that Kang was re-elected during the ICAO General Assembly held in Panama City on September 14. His new term will last four years. With this re-election, Kang will also continue his role as a director of the ICA.Founded in 1951, ICAO is a sectoral organization under the ICA that represents approximately 1 billion cooperative members worldwide. Currently, 45 agricultural cooperative organizations from 35 countries are members. South Korea's agricultural cooperatives have served as the chair organization since 1998, coordinating cooperation among global agricultural cooperatives.Since taking office as ICAO president in July 2024, Kang has represented the voices of agricultural cooperatives while serving as a director of the ICA and the Asia-Pacific Regional Office of the ICA (ICA-AP). Last year, in conjunction with the '2025 International Year of Cooperatives,' he hosted the ICAO General Assembly in Seoul, adopting the 'Seoul Declaration,' which addresses food security, climate crisis response, youth and women in agriculture, and the protection of farmers' rights.Kang has also promoted the 'Nongsim Cheonsim' movement (the farmers' heart is the will of heaven) to the international community and shared the experiences of South Korean cooperatives through training programs for member organization representatives and global leadership capacity-building initiatives.He stated, "In the face of crises such as climate change and food security, solidarity among cooperatives is more essential than ever. Based on the spirit of the Seoul Declaration, we will work together to overcome these challenges and pave the way for a sustainable future in agriculture and rural areas where farmers are respected." 2026-09-15 13:44:10
  • Cheorwon Labor Party Office to Shine for Third Consecutive Year with $30 Million Funding
    Cheorwon Labor Party Office to Shine for Third Consecutive Year with $30 Million Funding The Cheorwon Labor Party Office in Gangwon Province will continue to convey the memories of division and the values of peace through light and video for the third consecutive year, following 2025 and this year. The Cheorwon County government has secured approximately 3 billion won ($30 million) in national and local funding after being selected for the National Heritage Media Art project.According to Cheorwon County on September 15, the Labor Party Office has been officially selected for the National Heritage Media Art project for 2027 by the Cultural Heritage Administration.The National Heritage Media Art initiative integrates light, video, and digital technology with historically significant national heritage sites for nighttime cultural heritage utilization.For next year's project, 31 local governments across the country applied, with Cheorwon, Gyeongju, Buyeo, Seogwipo, Yeosu, Wonju, and Taebaek being selected among them. The Cultural Heritage Administration has officially announced the selection of seven projects for the National Heritage Media Art initiative.Cheorwon first passed the application in 2025 with the theme 'Gathering Light: Clearing Clouds, Illuminating Peace.' This year, it was again selected with the theme 'Peace Rising: From Memory to Empathy, Beyond Healing to the Future!'The theme for the 2027 event will be 'Peace Without Borders: There Are No Boundaries to Peace.' With this selection, Cheorwon County will secure an additional 1 billion won ($10 million) in national and local funding, bringing the total funding over three years to approximately 3 billion won.The Labor Party Office, the venue for the event, is a building that served as the North Korean Labor Party's office in Cheorwon after the liberation. It bears traces of bullets and shells from the Korean War, showcasing the scars of division and is registered as a national cultural heritage site.Notably, the Labor Party Office is adjacent to the civilian control line and the DMZ. The theme 'There Are No Boundaries to Peace' can be conveyed more realistically in this context. Cheorwon County plans to utilize this location, implementing light and video to transform the Labor Party Office into a central space for nighttime tourism.A key focus will be connecting visits to the event with local consumption. The media art will take place in the evening, increasing the likelihood of overnight stays for visitors. By linking the Labor Party Office with Cheorwon Historical and Cultural Park, local restaurants, accommodations, and experiential businesses into a single route, there is significant potential to convert day visits into overnight stays.Cheorwon County plans to analyze this year's event results and develop tourism packages involving accommodations, dining, and experiential businesses. This may include guidance on restaurants and experiential facilities available before and after the event, as well as combining discounts on accommodations, local gift certificates, and transportation convenience.However, the tourism package is still in the planning stage. To achieve tangible economic benefits for the region, it will be necessary to clarify the participating businesses, sales methods, reservation systems, and nighttime transportation. It is also essential to measure not just visitor numbers but also accommodation rates, average stay duration, and spending at restaurants and shops.This year's '2026 National Heritage Media Art Cheorwon Labor Party Office' opened on September 11 and will run until October 11 at the Labor Party Office and Cheorwon Historical and Cultural Park. The Cultural Heritage Promotion Institute is also promoting the event on the same schedule.Cheorwon County plans to incorporate visitor flow, stay duration, and program preferences identified this year into next year's content and tourism product development. The challenge ahead will be to connect the success of being selected for three consecutive years to local income and job creation.Cheorwon County Mayor Kim Dong-il stated, 'Being selected for three consecutive years is a recognition of the historical value of the Labor Party Office and the peace message of the DMZ on a national level. We will ensure that this project goes beyond being a mere spectacle and provides tangible benefits to the local community.'* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-15 13:40:00