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  • Park Jong-jun Receives Three-Year Sentence Request in Appeal Over Deletion of Yoon Suk Yeols Secret Phone Records
    Park Jong-jun Receives Three-Year Sentence Request in Appeal Over Deletion of Yoon Suk Yeol's Secret Phone Records 12·3 Emergency Martial Law, Park Jong-jun, former head of the Presidential Security Service, has been indicted for deleting information from Yoon Suk Yeol's secret phone and has been requested to serve a three-year prison sentence in his appeal, despite being acquitted in the first trial.On September 15, during the appeal hearing for Park's alleged destruction of evidence, the Special Prosecutor's Office (led by Special Prosecutor Cho Eun-seok) requested the Seoul High Court's Criminal Division 12-2 (Judges Jo Jin-goo, Kim Min-a, and Lee Seung-cheol) to impose a three-year sentence. The court is scheduled to deliver its ruling on October 14 at 2 p.m.The special prosecutor pointed out, "What the defendant deleted was not ordinary data but secret phone call records that reveal the substance of insurrection crimes. These records were deleted just as the insurrection investigation began, meaning the most crucial evidence disappeared at the most critical time."Additionally, the prosecutor stated, "The defendant has changed his explanations whenever unfavorable evidence was presented and has consistently sought to minimize his responsibility. It is difficult to see that he sincerely acknowledges his wrongdoing."In response, Park's attorney argued, "The defendant's actions were not intended to destroy evidence related to the insurrection investigation against Yoon Suk Yeol or to obstruct impeachment proceedings. They were part of his duties to maintain security and protection as the head of the security service."In his final statement, Park said, "The management regulations for the secret phone, which was developed during the Moon Jae-in administration and first utilized under the Yoon Suk Yeol administration, were not established at the time of this incident, and the security service personnel had very low technical understanding. To claim that there was an intent to destroy evidence in the actions taken by the security service at that time is far from the substantive truth."Previously, Park was indicted on December 6, 2024, for remotely logging out and deleting call records from Yoon and other officials, including Hong Jang-won, former first deputy director of the National Intelligence Service, and Kim Bong-sik, former chief of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency.The first trial acquitted him, stating, "It is difficult to recognize the intent to destroy evidence simply because the measures taken were insufficient or that there were more appropriate methods available in hindsight." The special prosecutor had requested a three-year sentence during the first trial's conclusion.Meanwhile, Park was sentenced to four years in prison and taken into custody on July 1 for obstructing the execution of a warrant against Yoon by the High-ranking Officials Crime Investigation Agency.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-15 13:40:00
  • Korean Womens Volleyball Team Aims for Redemption at 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games
    Korean Women's Volleyball Team Aims for Redemption at 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games The Korean women's volleyball team, ranked 28th by the International Volleyball Federation, is set to seek redemption at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games after a disappointing performance three years ago in Hangzhou.Under the guidance of head coach Cha Sang-hyun, Korea will open its Group D campaign on September 16 at 4 p.m. against Hong Kong, ranked 127th, at the Komaki Park Arena in Aichi Prefecture. The team will then face Qatar (107th) on September 17 at 1 p.m. and Vietnam (32nd) on September 18 at 4 p.m.A total of 14 teams are competing in the women's volleyball event, divided into four groups of three to four teams each. The top two teams from each group will advance to the quarterfinals.Korea's goal for this tournament is to win the gold medal. The last time the team secured a gold in women's volleyball at the Asian Games was in 2014 in Incheon. The last medal of any kind was a bronze at the 2018 Jakarta-Palembang Games.Performing well in the group stage is crucial for Korea's chances. If they finish second in their group, they will likely face the first-place team from another group, which is expected to be China, currently ranked 7th by the FIVB, 21 spots ahead of Korea.The pivotal match will be against Vietnam on September 18, which will essentially determine the group winner.Vietnam is the team that dealt Korea a painful defeat at the last Hangzhou Games. In the 2022 Hangzhou tournament, Korea lost to Vietnam in their opening match, failing to reach the semifinals and finishing in fifth place. This marked Korea's second-ever no-medal finish at the Asian Games, the first being in Doha in 2006.The team is determined to avenge that loss to Vietnam. Captain Kang So-hwi, who plays for Korea Expressway Corporation, stated before departing from Incheon International Airport on September 13, "I can never forget the humiliation of losing to Vietnam. This time, we will definitely seek revenge."Korea has a favorable recent record against Vietnam, having won both encounters earlier this year.Coach Cha noted, "The first major challenge of this tournament is the group match against Vietnam. We have won both matches against them this year, so we will prepare thoroughly to ensure victory."Korea's recent performance has shown improvement. After struggling last year and failing to remain in the Volleyball Nations League (VNL), the team rebounded by winning the AVC Cup in June, defeating Taiwan 3-0 in the final and finishing the tournament with a perfect record. This success also improved their world ranking from 40th to 31st, securing a spot in next year's FIVB World Cup.However, they have struggled against top-tier teams. In the East Asian Championships, they finished third after losing to Japan, and at the Asian Championships in August, they were eliminated in the quarterfinals by Thailand, finishing sixth.For Korea to contend for a medal in this tournament, the performance of star player Kang So-hwi, who is returning from injury, will be vital. Kang missed the East Asian Championships due to a left thigh muscle tear. Although she returned for the Asian Championships, her attack success rate was only 20.8% against Japan in the group stage and 14.71% in the quarterfinals against Thailand, falling short of her usual performance.Kang expressed optimism, saying, "My physical condition has improved significantly. We have had disappointing results in international competitions, but this time I want to achieve a good outcome."There will also be changes in the middle blocker position. Jeong Ho-young will fill the spot left by Lee Joo-ah, who is sidelined with a shoulder injury.Coach Cha commented, "Jeong Ho-young is in good condition, and since she has spent considerable time training with the setters, we have no issues with team cohesion."The women's volleyball medal matches are scheduled for September 22. 2026-09-15 13:32:10
  • ABL Bio Shares Decline Amid Employee Raids Over Insider Trading Allegations
    ABL Bio Shares Decline Amid Employee Raids Over Insider Trading Allegations 에이비엘바이오가 글로벌 제약사와의 기술이전 계약 관련 미공개정보 이용 의혹으로 금융당국의 압수수색을 받으면서 주가가 약세로 돌아섰다. 15일 오후 현재 에이비엘바이오는 전 거래일보다 2300원(3.54%) 내린 6만2600원에 거래되고 있다. 이날 에이비엘바이오는 오전 한때 6만7300원까지 오르며 전 거래일 대비 3.73% 상승하기도 했다. 그러나 압수수색 소식이 전해지면서 상승분을 반납하고 하락 전환했다. 주가조작 근절 합동대응단은 이날 서울 강남구 에이비엘바이오 본사와 관련 직원들의 주거지 등을 압수수색했다. 합동대응단은 에이비엘바이오 직원 등 10명 안팎이 글로벌 제약사와의 기술이전 계약 체결 사실이 공시되기 전에 회사 주식을 매수한 뒤 공시 이후 주가가 오르자 매도해 부당이득을 취한 것으로 의심하고 있다. 현재 파악된 부당이득 규모는 약 10억원으로 알려졌다. 에이비엘바이오는 지난해 4월 GSK와 기술이전 계약을 체결한 데 이어 11월에는 일라이 릴리와 기술이전 계약을 맺었다. 회사는 면역항암치료제와 퇴행성 뇌질환 치료제 등을 개발하고 있다. 다만 이번 압수수색은 미공개 중요정보 이용 혐의와 관련한 사실관계를 확인하기 위한 단계로 관련자들의 혐의가 확정된 것은 아니다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-15 13:32:00
  • Seongnam Youth Foundation Achieves Top Ranking for Fifth Consecutive Year
    Seongnam Youth Foundation Achieves Top Ranking for Fifth Consecutive Year The Seongnam Youth Foundation in Gyeonggi Province received the highest rating of S grade in the 2026 management evaluation, marking its fifth consecutive year at the top among six public institutions in Seongnam. According to the foundation on the 15th, this evaluation comprehensively assessed the institution's management practices and the outcomes of its key projects, with the foundation exceeding the average results of the evaluated institutions in all areas. To enhance organizational efficiency, the foundation has refined its mid- to long-term operational direction and strengthened its job classification and management capabilities. Additionally, it improved its management system to align institutional goals with resources, revamped its ESG materiality assessment, and updated key performance indicators (KPIs) to establish a sustainable management foundation. Efforts to expand youth and young adult participation in policy-making were also reflected in the evaluation. Through initiatives such as the youth participation budget system, youth council, participation committee, operational committee, and citizen advisory group, the foundation has broadened the avenues for youth, young adults, and citizens to contribute their opinions in policy and project processes. Notably, the foundation has strengthened its participatory framework by incorporating feedback from these processes into actual budgets and projects, moving beyond mere opinion collection to effecting real change in policies and initiatives. In light of this evaluation result, the foundation plans to further enhance support that youth and young adults can feel in their daily lives. This includes expanding tailored support in areas closely related to youth and young adult lives, such as self-sufficiency and mental health, as well as continuously broadening the foundation for growth and independence through collaboration with the local community. The positive response from citizens regarding the top management evaluation rating has been notable. One citizen remarked, “It’s impressive that the foundation has consistently received good evaluations for five consecutive years, reflecting steady operations.” They added, “As an organization for youth and young adults, I hope the results of the management evaluation translate into tangible support in the field.” Meanwhile, CEO Yang Kyung-seok stated, “Achieving the top rank in management evaluation for five consecutive years is a testament to the consistent efforts of our staff in their respective roles.” He emphasized, “We will continue to listen carefully to the voices of youth, young adults, and citizens and reflect them in our policies and projects to create changes that citizens can feel.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-15 13:28:00
  • Artist Shin Young-jins Day Moon Exhibition Reflects on Division Along the Yalu River
    Artist Shin Young-jin's 'Day Moon' Exhibition Reflects on Division Along the Yalu River Over 50 works by artist Shin Young-jin, capturing the memories of division along the Yalu River and Baekdu Mountain, will be on display in Inje, Gangwon Province.According to Inje County, the Inje Naeseorak Art Museum will host a special exhibition titled 'Day Moon - Memories of the Yalu River' from September 18 to November 15.The exhibition will feature the artist's representative series 'Day Moon - The Landscapes Left Behind,' along with the large piece 'Day Moon - Memories of the Yalu River - Boat Ride,' which measures 244 cm by 100 cm and was completed this year.The 'Day Moon' series has been a project of Shin's since 2014, evolving from personal longing and waiting to broader themes of historical memory, the reality of division, and questions of peace.The foundation of the works is rooted in landscapes Shin encountered during a journey along the Yalu River nearly 30 years ago. Using sketches, photographs, and memories from that time, he has translated the Yalu River, Baekdu Mountain, and the landscapes of North Korea onto canvas.The mountains and rivers depicted in the paintings transcend mere beauty; they intertwine with the history of the nation and the scars of division. The day moon floating in the artwork serves as a witness to the past and a symbol of the peace yet to come.Shin has experimented with lines, colors, forms, and materials based on realistic landscapes, layering reality with memory, history, and imagination, blurring the lines between representation and abstraction.This exhibition is notable for capturing the reality of division and confrontation within the serene landscapes of the Yalu River. Presenting works focused on North Korean landscapes in the border area of Inje adds significant symbolism to both the exhibition space and its themes.Art critic Lee Kyung-mo described Shin's work as a combination of humanities and art, representing a solid historical awareness that goes beyond mere representation of nature to evoke the accumulated history and truths of the land.This exhibition aligns with Inje County's cultural policy to continue high-quality curated exhibitions centered around public art museums. The Naeseorak Art Museum recently held 'Utopia, Reality and Virtuality' from July to September 13, followed by this special exhibition. The aim is to broaden cultural enjoyment opportunities for residents and attract external visitors through continuous exhibition programming.The Inje Cultural Foundation is also promoting support for professional artists' creative activities, community cultural projects, and outreach performances in schools. This approach connects museums and galleries with performance and creative support to expand the local cultural and artistic foundation. This exhibition is expected to serve as a catalyst for extending Inje's border area identity into cultural content.However, to enhance the status of 'Cultural Arts City Inje,' it is essential to accumulate specific data not only on the number of exhibitions but also on visitor numbers, the proportion of outside visitors, and the impact of connections with local tourist sites. Developing interpretive and experiential programs that link exhibitions with tourism is also seen as a future task.Shin Young-jin stated, 'Starting from personal longing, 'Day Moon' has now become a presence that remembers history, witnesses the times, and questions peace. I want to ask what we have remembered and lost, and what kind of peace we should create moving forward.'Lee Woo-hyun, a curator at the museum, remarked, 'This exhibition illuminates the layers of memory where the past and present intersect through the landscapes of the Yalu River and Baekdu Mountain. Visitors will experience the process of 'Day Moon' expanding from personal lyricism to universal questions of history and reality.'* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-15 13:24:00
  • Chinas Exports Surge Amid Severe Domestic Slowdown
    China's Exports Surge Amid Severe Domestic Slowdown China continues to experience high export growth, but domestic economic stagnation persists.The National Bureau of Statistics of China announced on September 15 that industrial production in August increased by 5.2% compared to the same period last year. This marks a 0.7 percentage point rise from July's growth rate of 4.5% and exceeds the Reuters forecast of 4.8%. In August, production in the equipment manufacturing sector rose by 12.1%, while high-tech manufacturing saw a 16.7% increase. Battery production surged by 57.2%, and industrial robot output grew by 34.6%.Exports in August rose by 25.0% year-on-year in dollar terms, surpassing July's growth rate of 23.9%.However, the total retail sales of consumer goods, a key consumption indicator, only increased by 0.4% compared to the previous year. This is below July's growth rate of 0.6% and lower than the Reuters forecast of 0.8%.Cumulative fixed asset investment in August fell by 7.2% year-on-year, worsening from July's cumulative decline of 6.7%. Additionally, cumulative investment in real estate development dropped by 19.9%, indicating ongoing market weakness.The urban unemployment rate in August rose to 5.3%, up 0.1 percentage points from the previous month.The Consumer Price Index (CPI) in August increased by 0.8% year-on-year, with the growth rate widening by 0.3 percentage points from the previous month, and a month-on-month increase of 0.4%.The National Bureau of Statistics stated, "In August, the Chinese economy operated overall stably," but noted that "uncertainties in the external environment are increasing, and structural contradictions of weak domestic demand are becoming more pronounced." It added that "some companies are facing operational difficulties, and there is a need for strengthened macro policy adjustments, expansion of domestic demand, and industrial upgrades."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-15 13:24:00
  • Korea scraps renewable quotas in energy transition push
    Korea scraps renewable quotas in energy transition push SEOUL, September 15 (AJP) - New renewable power projects in South Korea will sell electricity under long-term fixed-price contracts won at government auctions from January, the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment said Tuesday. The revised renewable energy promotion act retires the renewable portfolio standard that has shaped the market since 2012. Developers will bid beneath a government ceiling price in auctions run separately for each energy source, and winners will sign long-term fixed-price supply contracts with Korea Electric Power Corporation. Bids will also be scored on their contribution to domestic industry, supply chains and energy security. Renewable energy certificates, the tradable credits generators now buy to meet their quotas, will no longer be issued for new facilities. Existing operators will keep receiving them for up to 20 years, and the certificate spot market will trade until Dec. 31, 2029. Renewables supplied about 10 percent of Korea's electricity in 2024, among the lowest shares in the OECD, according to data compiled by Ember. The government's first renewable energy master plan, unveiled in May, targets 100 gigawatts of installed capacity by 2030 and a 30 percent share of generation by 2035. The ministry will hold a public hearing in Seoul on Sept. 30, finish drafting subordinate rules this year and announce the first solar and wind auctions next year. AJP Takeaways - South Korea's Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment promulgated on Sept. 15, 2026 a revised renewable energy promotion act that abolishes the 2012 renewable portfolio standard and replaces it with government-run competitive auctions from Jan. 1, 2027. - Winning bidders will sign long-term fixed-price power purchase contracts with Korea Electric Power Corporation, while renewable energy certificates stop being issued for new facilities and the certificate spot market closes on Dec. 31, 2029. - The overhaul supports the government's first renewable energy master plan, released in May 2026, which targets 100 gigawatts of installed renewable capacity by 2030 and a 30 percent share of power generation by 2035, up from about 10 percent in 2024. 2026-09-15 13:23:58
  • Dongmyung University Expands AI Entrepreneurship Education and Industry Collaboration
    Dongmyung University Expands AI Entrepreneurship Education and Industry Collaboration Dongmyung University is applying artificial intelligence in entrepreneurship education to support companies entering overseas markets and is expanding its collaboration for training talent in the pet industry and youth entrepreneurship education.The university's Department of Entrepreneurship participated in the 'SOLVE Conference 2026' held in Busan on September 8, where they shared examples of AI-based entrepreneurship education and took part in a practical hackathon. The event aimed to explore cooperation in the startup ecosystem between South Korea and Indonesia and to seek local innovation solutions.The hackathon featured a team called 'TU Bluesquare,' composed of students Go Hye-young, Kim Yu-jin, Kim Yang-soon, and Ryu So-hyung. The students developed a marketing automation process called 'LocalFit AI' to support the entry of JoVex and HanGood into the Indonesian market and conducted a local proof of concept (PoC).This process automates tasks ranging from exploring and matching local influencers in Jakarta to proposing email collaborations, guiding content creation, posting short-form content, and tracking consumer responses.The university reported that the time required for the tasks was reduced from approximately 3 hours and 20 minutes to about 50 minutes.Professor Noh Seong-yeo from the Department of Entrepreneurship participated as a university track speaker, presenting a model of entrepreneurship education that combines generative AI with local ecosystems and strategies for building a climate tech ecosystem. During a panel discussion, participants discussed how to integrate AI tools into practical training and ways to nurture global entrepreneurs at local universities.In the pet industry sector, the university, academic societies, and companies have joined forces for talent development and collaborative research and development.On the same day, Dongmyung University's Anchor Project Group signed a memorandum of understanding with Yonsei University's Future Entrepreneurship Support Group, the Korean Society of Artificial Intelligence Convergence Technology, K-Tech, Docback Co., and Yudam to activate a super-regional pet industry ecosystem.The six participating organizations and companies agreed to jointly plan and operate educational programs needed in the pet industry and to identify research and development projects. They will share research equipment and facilities, educational and academic information, and establish a cooperation network among local governments, universities, and industries.This agreement is part of the 'Anchor Project,' a regional growth talent development system in Busan. The participating organizations plan to nurture talent that meets local industrial demands by linking the university's educational capabilities with technology and field experience.Collaboration for career and entrepreneurship education targeting youth is also being pursued. On September 11, Dongmyung University signed a memorandum of understanding with the Busan Creative Economy Innovation Center, Yangsan Girls' Middle School, Yangsan Girls' High School, and Yangsan Jeil High School.The five organizations will utilize Dongmyung University's 'Everyone's Entrepreneurship' program and entrepreneurship education facilities to provide career and entrepreneurship experiences and expert mentoring. They will also jointly identify entrepreneurship clubs linked across middle, high school, and university levels, as well as community problem-solving projects.Dongmyung University will support professors, experts, and educational facilities, while the Busan Creative Economy Innovation Center will connect entrepreneurship support programs and expert networks. The participating middle and high schools will integrate their educational curricula and creative experiential activities, career education, and club activities with university and entrepreneurship support organization programs.The agreement organizations plan to refine joint programs through follow-up practical discussions and support students' ideas to transition into entrepreneurship club activities and community projects.Noh Seong-yeo, head of the Dongmyung University Entrepreneurship Support Group, stated, “Through this agreement, we have connected the strengths of middle and high schools, universities, and local entrepreneurship organizations, providing a foundation for youth to explore their career paths and develop creative ideas into actual projects. In the future, we will systematically support local youth's career planning and entrepreneurial spirit by actively utilizing the university's various educational and entrepreneurship infrastructure, including 'Everyone's Entrepreneurship.'”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-15 13:04:00
  • Yanggus Kim Geun-jun Achieves Third Place in Chinese Tennis Tournament
    Yanggu's Kim Geun-jun Achieves Third Place in Chinese Tennis Tournament Kim Geun-jun (25) of the Yanggu County Office Sports Team secured third place in singles at two consecutive international tennis tournaments held in China. He also achieved a runner-up finish in doubles and reached the quarterfinals.According to Yanggu County on September 15, Kim participated in the 'M15 Wuning International Tennis Tour' from August 31 to September 13.In the first tournament, Kim reached the semifinals and finished in a tie for third place. Partnering with Choi Jae-seong from Daegu City Hall in doubles, he advanced to the finals and secured the runner-up position.In the subsequent second tournament, Kim again reached the semifinals, earning another third-place finish. In doubles, he made it to the quarterfinals.His consecutive top-four finishes in singles across both tournaments demonstrate his consistent performance, which is recognized as a sign of stability. The International Tennis Federation (ITF) officially recorded that the second tournament took place in Wuning, China, from September 7 to 13.This year, Kim has continued to excel in international competitions. He won the doubles title at an M15 tournament in Tunisia in January and followed it up with another doubles victory in February at a tournament in the same region. His recent performances in China have further expanded his competitive edge in singles.Yanggu County is strengthening its foundation as a sports city by linking athlete development with hosting competitions and training camps. The county supports its athletes' training and participation in domestic and international events while attracting national-level competitions and training teams through the Yanggu County Sports Foundation.Last year, the county hosted 111 sports events and 113 training teams, generating an estimated economic impact of 34.2 billion won. In the first half of this year, the economic ripple effect from hosting competitions and training camps exceeded 21.2 billion won. The county aims to expand its sports marketing by attracting 115 competitions and 120 training teams this year.As a result, Kim Geun-jun's achievements in international competitions not only highlight the competitiveness of the sports team but also support Yanggu's sports policies aimed at athlete development, event hosting, and regional economic revitalization. However, to ensure the sustained success of the 'sports city,' it is essential to manage economic impacts, including visitor numbers, length of stay, and local spending, beyond just athlete placements.Hong Seong-dong, the coach of the Yanggu County tennis team, stated, "Kim Geun-jun's strong performances in both singles and doubles at the two international tournaments have confirmed his competitiveness. We will do our best to enhance our athletes' training and performance on the international stage."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-15 13:00:00
  • Gori Nuclear Power Plant Focuses on Safety from Decommissioning to Waste Storage
    Gori Nuclear Power Plant Focuses on Safety from Decommissioning to Waste Storage The Marine City Safety Committee of the Busan City Council visited the Gori Nuclear Power Plant on September 14 to assess the current operations and key safety issues related to nuclear power.The visit aimed to comprehensively review the safety management system at the Gori Nuclear Power Plant, which is focused on long-term projects including the decommissioning of Gori Unit 1, preparations for the continued operation of existing reactors, the construction of spent nuclear fuel storage facilities, and the introduction of new innovative small modular reactors (i-SMR).The committee first received a report on key issues from the Gori Nuclear Power Plant, followed by a visit to the decommissioning site of Gori Unit 1, the first permanently shut down reactor in the country.Committee members listened to discussions on the management of radioactive waste and worker exposure during the decommissioning process, emphasizing that the safety of workers and surrounding communities must be prioritized throughout the project.They then visited the improvement sites for Gori Units 3 and 4, where they checked the status of major equipment replacements and the safety management system. The committee inspected the main control room of Gori Unit 3 and the spent nuclear fuel storage pool, as well as the planned site for the dry storage facility for spent nuclear fuel and the proposed site for the i-SMR.The committee stressed the need to clarify safety standards for each project, as the operation, decommissioning, and introduction of new technologies are being pursued simultaneously. They called for sufficient information sharing and transparent communication to build public trust.Chairperson Yoon Ji-young stated, "Nuclear safety is directly related to the lives of citizens," and emphasized that thorough management must prioritize public safety in the long-term issues of decommissioning Gori Unit 1 and managing spent nuclear fuel.The Marine City Safety Committee plans to reflect the results of this inspection in practical policy and institutional improvements.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-15 12:40:00