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  • Experts Predict Yen Weakness by Year-End Despite Recent Strength
    Experts Predict Yen Weakness by Year-End Despite Recent Strength This week, the U.S. Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) and the Bank of Japan (BOJ) will hold consecutive monetary policy meetings. Most foreign exchange market experts believe that the recent strength of the yen is unlikely to continue through the end of the year. The BOJ's upcoming rate hike is largely priced in, and the pace of future increases is expected to influence the exchange rate. Even if rates are raised, a cautious approach to further hikes could lead to a rise in the yen-dollar exchange rate.The Nikkei reported on September 14 that in a survey of 14 foreign exchange market participants, about 80%, or 11 respondents, expect that even if the yen strengthens in the short term, the yen-dollar exchange rate will be higher than the recent low of around 152 yen by year-end. On that day, the yen-dollar exchange rate fluctuated in the 154 yen range. All respondents predicted that the BOJ would raise its policy rate from the current 1% to 1.25% at its monetary policy meeting on September 17-18.Consequently, market attention is shifting from whether the rate will be raised to when the next increase will occur. BOJ Governor Kazuo Ueda stated at a press conference on September 1 that he would discuss rate hikes at every monetary policy meeting. The following day, Policy Board member Hajime Takata emphasized the need for flexibility in rate adjustments, suggesting a departure from the previous approach of raising rates by 0.25% approximately every six months. This was interpreted by the market as a signal that the pace of increases could accelerate.However, some analysts noted that Ueda's comments were not particularly new. The Nikkei pointed out that when BOJ Deputy Governor Ryozo Himino made similar remarks the previous week, it did not lead to a strengthening of the yen. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Vessenet expressed strong support for Japan taking decisive actions on both market and monetary policy to correct the yen's excessive undervaluation, which the Nikkei analyzed as a factor that prompted the market to respond with yen buying following Ueda's remarks.Inno Deppei, chief analyst at Mitsubishi UFJ Bank, believes that if Ueda mentions that the decision on further rate hikes will be made at each meeting, including the next one, expectations for an October hike will rise, leading to yen buying. Conversely, Hirofumi Suzuki, chief foreign exchange strategist at Mitsui Sumitomo Bank, warned that if the BOJ maintains a cautious stance on further hikes, the yen could weaken again. In fact, after the negative interest rate was lifted in March 2024 and following a rate hike in December 2025, Ueda's comments were interpreted as leaning towards monetary easing, causing the yen-dollar exchange rate to rise.The voting of policy board members will also be a point of interest. Akira Moroga, chief market strategist at Aozora Bank, predicted that if Takata or Naoki Tamura, who are in favor of rate hikes, propose an increase of 0.5%, double the market expectation, the yen-dollar exchange rate could drop by about 1 yen. On the other hand, Daisaku Ueno, chief foreign exchange strategist at Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley Securities, suggested that if no significant hike proposals are made and opposition to rate increases grows, the yen-dollar exchange rate could rise. In the June meeting, member Doichiro Asada, who favors monetary easing and active fiscal policy, opposed the hike.Year-End Yen Weakness OutlookDespite expectations for a BOJ rate hike, concerns about rising prices due to high oil prices and the possibility that the BOJ's rate increases may lag behind are contributing to forecasts of yen weakness by year-end. Toru Sasaki, chief strategist at Fukuoka Financial Group, noted that if inflationary pressures from high oil prices persist, concerns about the BOJ's rate hikes falling behind will grow, highlighting the potential for an expanding trade deficit. As a result, he suggested that the recent strength of the yen may wane, with the yen-dollar exchange rate possibly reaching 160 yen.There are also analyses suggesting that the yen's strength could limit further gains. Junya Tanase, chief foreign exchange strategist at JPMorgan Chase, pointed out that if the yen strengthens, the burden of import prices decreases, which could reduce expectations for accelerated BOJ rate hikes. If the urgency to raise rates diminishes, the momentum that has recently driven yen buying could weaken.The upcoming FOMC meeting on September 15-16 is another variable. According to the Nikkei, following the release of the U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI), the probability of a Fed rate hike in September reflected in the futures market has risen from about 70% to over 90%. Among survey respondents, expectations for a hike were prevalent. However, Shinichiro Kadota, head of foreign exchange and bond research at Barclays Securities, noted that since the market has already priced in much of the U.S. rate hike, its impact on the yen-dollar exchange rate is likely to be limited.On September 8, Secretary Vessenet stated, "I have asymmetric information," indicating that he is now in control of the situation, which helped curb yen selling. The market interpreted this as him possessing information that others do not, contributing to yen buying. Experts have mentioned the possibility of multiple BOJ rate hikes or an increase in the yen asset allocation by Japan's Government Pension Investment Fund (GPIF), but the specifics of what information Vessenet referred to remain unconfirmed.Conversely, there are also forecasts that the yen will continue to strengthen. Shusuke Yamada, chief Japan foreign exchange and interest rate strategist at BofA Securities, predicts the yen-dollar exchange rate will be 149 yen by year-end. He believes that as Japan's balance of payments improves, structural factors contributing to yen weakness will ease, and if the BOJ accelerates the pace of rate hikes, the exchange rate will decline further.A scenario of yen strength based on a sharp drop in stock prices has also been proposed. Osamu Takashima, currency strategist at Citigroup Securities, explained that overseas investors have been buying Japanese stocks while hedging currency risks, leading to a rise in stock prices that has driven yen depreciation. He warned that if stock prices plummet, this trend could reverse, resulting in strong yen buying pressure and potentially pushing the yen-dollar exchange rate below 150 yen.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-15 10:00:00
  • Seongnam Industry Promotion Agency Supports Domestic Indie Game Developers Global Expansion
    Seongnam Industry Promotion Agency Supports Domestic Indie Game Developers' Global Expansion The Seongnam Industry Promotion Agency has attracted attention by hosting an export consultation event aimed at supporting domestic indie game developers in their global expansion. According to the agency, the event, titled '2026 Connect Fair - K-Game Export Consultation,' was held on September 11 at the Gravity Chosun Seoul Pangyo Autograph Collection Space Ballroom, organized by the Seongnam City, the Seongnam Industry Promotion Agency, and the Korea Mobile Game Association. This event was part of the '2026 Indie Craft,' hosted by Seongnam City and co-organized by the Seongnam Industry Promotion Agency and the Korea Mobile Game Association. A total of 126 companies, including 44 domestic and international partners such as investors and publishers, and approximately 82 domestic indie game developers participated. The pre-arranged business meetings totaled over 240. More than 30 consultation tables were set up at the venue, where participants engaged in 30-minute one-on-one business meetings to discuss game content, investment, publishing, and opportunities for international expansion. Domestic partners included NC, Nexon, Netmarble, Kakao Games, and Com2us. International participants included Japan's Cygames, indie game publisher Phoenixx, Singapore's mobile game publisher Habby, China's game distribution platform TapTap, Taiwan's game development and distribution company Softstar Entertainment, Vietnam's game publisher GAMOTA, and Spain's indie game developer DALOAR Studios. A representative from one of the international partner companies stated, "It was meaningful to meet excellent Korean indie games directly, and I hope to connect with developers for more cultural and business opportunities." Domestic developers also positively evaluated the opportunity to meet various partners in one place while preparing for international expansion. One participating developer remarked, "It was helpful to meet various partners directly at this stage of preparing for global expansion, and I hope such events continue to provide practical opportunities for indie developers." Following the consultation, an after-party in collaboration with Microsoft was held to facilitate networking among participants. This year's Indie Craft also collaborated with 'GXG 2026,' Seongnam City's largest game culture festival. An offline exhibition was set up in conjunction with GXG 2026, held recently around Pangyo Station, to introduce domestic indie games to citizens and industry stakeholders. Lee Joo-yeon, head of the Seongnam Industry Promotion Agency, stated, "The first Connect Fair has yielded significant results in terms of scale and outcomes, demonstrating global interest in K-indie games. We will continue to develop various support measures to help indie game developers grow in the global market." Hwang Seong-ik, president of the Korea Mobile Game Association, added, "This Connect Fair was an opportunity for domestic indie and small game developers to meet global partners directly, and we will continue to support the global expansion and success of K-indie games."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-15 10:00:00
  • Exchange Rate Rises to 1340s Amid Ongoing Middle East Tensions
    Exchange Rate Rises to 1340s Amid Ongoing Middle East Tensions The won-dollar exchange rate is trading in the high 1340s amid heightened risk aversion.As of 9:05 a.m. on September 15, the exchange rate in the Seoul foreign exchange market stands at 1346.1 won per U.S. dollar. The rate was recorded at 1346.2 won as of 6 a.m., down 1.1 won from the previous session's closing price.U.S. stock markets fell sharply overnight. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed down 152.09 points (0.29%) at 52,421.20.The Standard & Poor's (S&P) 500 index dropped 37.00 points (0.48%) to close at 7,619.98, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index fell 146.62 points (0.56%) to finish at 26,186.41.U.S. Treasury yields surged significantly. The yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury note rose above the psychological resistance level of 5%, reaching 5.012% during trading.This marks the first time since October 2023 that the 10-year Treasury yield has exceeded 5%, and only the second occurrence since the global financial crisis in 2007.International oil prices also increased due to concerns over supply disruptions following the closure of a key oil pipeline in Saudi Arabia. November Brent crude futures rose 1.02% to $105.68 per barrel, while October West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures increased by 1.34% to $101.39 per barrel.As demand for safe-haven assets grows, the dollar index, which measures the value of the dollar against six major currencies, rose by 0.377% to 99.490.Analysts expect the exchange rate to rise further due to investors' risk aversion. Min Kyung-won, an economist at Woori Bank, stated, "The pressures from Middle East tensions and risk-off sentiment are likely to dominate, and active responses from domestic demand entities may further drive up the exchange rate."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-15 09:56:20
  • Immunonsia Shares Surge After Adding Pancreatic Cancer Patients to Clinical Trial
    Immunonsia Shares Surge After Adding Pancreatic Cancer Patients to Clinical Trial 이뮨온시아가 항암 신약 후보물질의 임상 대상에 췌장암을 추가했다는 소식에 15일 장 초반 상한가를 기록했다. 이날 오전 9시 47분 기준 이뮨온시아 주식은 코스닥 시장에서 전 거래일 대비 29.94%(810원) 오른 3515원에 거래되고 있다. 이뮨온시아는 차세대 CD47 항체 신약 후보물질 ‘IMC-002’의 제1상 임상시험계획 변경승인을 식품의약품안전처로부터 받았다고 밝혔다. 식약처의 변경승인일은 지난 8월 4일이다. 이번 변경승인의 핵심은 IMC-002의 임상시험에 췌관선암종(PDAC) 환자군을 추가하는 것이다. 기존 제1상 임상시험은 표준 치료에 실패한 진행성 암 환자를 대상으로 IMC-002의 안전성과 내약성 그리고 약동학과 임상적 활성을 평가하는 방식으로 진행된다. 이번 변경을 통해 확장 코호트에 췌장암의 한 종류인 PDAC 코호트가 추가됐다. 임상시험은 먼저 여러 용량을 투여해 적정 용량을 찾는 단계와 특정 암종별로 환자를 늘려 약물의 효과와 안전성을 확인하는 단계로 나뉜다. 용량 상승 단계에서는 IMC-002를 5·10·20·30mg/kg으로 투여하고 안전성과 내약성을 평가한다. 이후 확장 코호트에서는 IMC-002 20mg/kg을 투여하고 표준 치료를 병용한다. 이번 임상에서 확인하는 것은 단순히 약물이 안전한지만이 아니다. 회사는 객관적 반응률(ORR)과 질병통제율(DCR) 그리고 반응 지속 기간(DOR)·무진행 생존기간(PFS)·전체 생존기간(OS) 등을 통해 IMC-002의 항암 효과도 평가할 계획이다. 췌장암 코호트에는 우선 약 12명의 환자가 참여할 예정이다. 이후 안전성에 문제가 없고 임상적 유익성이 기대될 경우 코호트별 환자 수를 최대 18명까지 늘릴 수 있도록 임상시험이 설계됐다. 임상시험은 삼성서울병원과 서울아산병원 그리고 국립암센터에서 진행된다. 예상 종료일은 2030년 3월 31일이다. 다만 회사는 임상 진행 상황에 따라 시험 기간이 변경될 수 있다고 공시했다. 다만 이번 소식은 임상시험 대상 확대 및 변경승인에 해당한다. 아직 임상시험을 통해 약물의 효능이 입증된 단계는 아니다. 회사 역시 임상시험과 품목허가 과정에서 기대에 미치지 못하는 결과가 나올 수 있으며 이에 따라 상업화 계획을 변경하거나 포기할 가능성이 있다고 공시했다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-15 09:52:00
  • Kangjin Expands Housing Program to 110 Homes and 311 Residents
    Kangjin Expands Housing Program to 110 Homes and 311 Residents The 'Kangjinpumae' initiative in Gangjin County, South Jeolla Province, which repurposes vacant homes into living spaces for new residents, has successfully housed a total of 110 families and 311 individuals.According to Gangjin County on September 15, Kangjinpumae is a housing and settlement support program that offers remodeled vacant homes to new residents for a monthly rent of 10,000 won. The program aims to alleviate one of the biggest burdens during relocation—housing costs—allowing new residents to continue their lives and economic activities in the area.The second round of recruitment this year also showed high demand, with 63 applications for 10 available homes, resulting in an average competition ratio of 6.3 to 1.Following a document review, interviews were conducted on September 10 at the Gangjin County Library. Applicants were evaluated on their motivations for moving to Gangjin, their commitment to settling down, plans for future living and economic activities, and their ability to communicate and adapt to the local community.Notably, local representatives, including village leaders and women's association heads, participated in the interviews. This approach was designed not just to select residents for vacant homes but to assess their potential integration into the community.As a result of the evaluations, 7 homes and 21 residents were confirmed for occupancy, bringing the total number of confirmed residents through Kangjinpumae to 110 families and 311 individuals.A key feature of Kangjinpumae is its perspective on rural vacant homes—not merely as properties to be demolished or repaired, but as valuable resources for attracting new residents.The county has opted to renovate long-abandoned houses and offer them at low prices, addressing the vacant home issue while reducing the initial settlement burden for newcomers.Gangjin County's vacant house utilization policy received the Presidential Award for its vacant house remodeling support project at the 20th Korea Local Government Management Competition held in September 2024.The county plans to continue this initiative, focusing on connecting home renovations to actual relocations and long-term settlement. The high demand for the 10 homes in this recruitment cycle indicates a significant interest in rural relocation among potential residents.However, securing funding for remodeling remains a challenge for expanding supply. Renovating long-abandoned homes to create safe living spaces incurs substantial costs, making it difficult for local governments to sustain supply increases solely through their own resources.Gangjin County recognizes that the increase in vacant homes and population decline is not just a local issue but a common challenge faced by rural areas nationwide. Therefore, it sees the need to link its vacant house remodeling project with national policies addressing rural depopulation and population issues.With stable financial support from the central government, the county hopes to expedite the conversion of abandoned homes into housing resources and expand the availability of homes for those wishing to return to farming or relocate to the area.Kang Jin-won, the mayor of Gangjin County, stated, "Kangjinpumae is a settlement support policy that revives vacant homes into new residents' havens, helping them live stably in Gangjin and establish roots in the community. We will develop the program to transform usable vacant homes into new assets for the region, enabling more residents to establish their lives in Gangjin."He added, "The issues of vacant homes and population decline are challenges that rural areas across the country must address together. It is essential to have stable financial support and institutional backing from the central government to expand the vacant house remodeling policy being implemented locally."Looking ahead, Gangjin County plans to identify and renovate additional usable vacant homes, ensuring that support through Kangjinpumae leads not only to relocation but also to job creation, economic activities, and participation in community life, thereby promoting a reduction in vacant homes and an increase in the resident population and local economic activity.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-15 09:52:00
  • Korean Education Officials Apologize for Unprecedented Application System Failure
    Korean Education Officials Apologize for Unprecedented Application System Failure In an unprecedented server failure just before the application deadline for the 2027 college admissions, the Korean Council for University Education (KCUE) and application processing agency YouWay gathered to issue a joint apology. With only 10 minutes left before the deadline, the system outage and subsequent one-hour extension raised concerns about the fairness of the admissions process. Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, both organizations committed to a public announcement to address the aftermath and promised a complete overhaul of the system. As anxiety peaked among students and parents, a thorough remedy procedure based on objective data is expected to be the first test in restoring trust in the admissions system. On September 14, KCUE President Lee Gi-jung and YouWay CEO Sung Yoon-seok held a joint press conference to present their statements regarding the application system failure. Both leaders expressed their sincere apologies for the confusion caused to students and parents due to the server failure that occurred around 5:50 PM on September 11. They outlined plans for remedial measures for affected students and structural improvements to the college application process. As the organization overseeing admissions for universities nationwide, KCUE took the incident seriously and began addressing the issue. President Lee stated, "I feel a heavy heart and deep regret knowing that students and parents who have prepared for college entrance for a long time experienced significant anxiety and confusion at the last moment of application." He emphasized, "Above all, ensuring that no student suffers any unfair disadvantage due to this system failure will be our top priority." To this end, KCUE is currently reviewing data related to the system failure submitted by YouWay. In response to concerns raised in student communities about fairness and potential manipulation following the extension, President Lee clarified the principles of remediation. He stated, "We will establish a reasonable and fair remedy procedure in consultation with the respective universities based on objective facts and verifiable data," and promised to ensure that fairness among students and the integrity of the admissions process are not compromised during the implementation of these procedures. YouWay, directly involved in the server failure, also reiterated its apologies. CEO Sung, standing alongside President Lee, acknowledged, "An unexpected server error occurred in our application system around 5:50 PM on September 11, causing significant confusion and inconvenience for students who were finalizing their applications just before the deadline." Sung explained the one-hour extension, stating, "Following the incident, we extended the application deadline from 6 PM to 7 PM in accordance with KCUE's emergency response manual," but acknowledged, "We understand that this measure cannot fully alleviate the mental distress you experienced." He added, "We take this incident very seriously and will thoroughly investigate the cause, enhancing our emergency response system to prevent recurrence. All employees will humbly accept criticism and strive to become a trusted application service provider." KCUE indicated that it will not dismiss this incident as a simple, one-time technical failure by a specific agency but will pursue fundamental structural reforms to the college application system. President Lee stated, "We will closely examine the overall operation of the application system and the response mechanisms in case of failures, and we will work closely with the Ministry of Education to improve the entire application process where institutional and structural improvements are needed." Currently, YouWay is accepting selective remedy applications based on clear logs of application submissions and payment attempts during the server outage period (5:50 PM to 6:00 PM) for 56 universities, including Kyung Hee University and Chung-Ang University, until 6 PM on September 16.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-15 09:52:00
  • South Korea ready to face Qatar in mens football opener at Asian Games
    South Korea ready to face Qatar in men's football opener at Asian Games SEOUL, September 15 (AJP) - South Korea begins its bid for a fourth consecutive gold medal in men's football at the Asian Games in Japan on Tuesday. Led by coach Lee Min-sung, South Korea's under-23 squad will face Qatar in its opening match at 7:30 p.m. at Paloma Mizuho Rugby Stadium in Nagoya before taking on Saudi Arabia next week in its second and final group-stage match. South Korea won gold at the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon, the 2018 Games in Jakarta-Palembang and the 2022 Games in Hangzhou, and now seeks an unprecedented fourth consecutive title in men's football. But the road to the knockout stage leaves little room for error, as Iraq's withdrawal reduced the men's tournament to 15 teams, leaving South Korea in a three-team group while the other groups have four teams each. The top two teams in each group will advance to the quarterfinals, meaning South Korea has just two matches to secure a place in the last eight, compared with three group-stage games for teams in the other groups. The unusual format offers an extra recovery period between matches, but it also makes the opener against Qatar particularly important, as a poor result would put South Korea under pressure ahead of its match against Saudi Arabia, scheduled for Sept. 22 at the same venue. Lee has formed a strong squad with several players playing in Europe including Stoke City's Bae Jun-ho, Brentford's Kim Ji-soo, Newcastle United U21's Park Seung-soo and KVC Westerlo's Yang Min-hyeok. The 23-man roster also includes three wild-card players such as Gangwon FC's Lee Gi-hyuk, Celtic FC's Yang Hyun-jun and Swansea City's Eom Ji-sung. The four players, Bae, Eom, Lee and Yang, were also included in South Korea's national team squad for this summer's World Cup in June. "We came here to win. Our training went well during our pre-tournament camp in Shizuoka before arriving in Nagoya. We are fully prepared," Lee said at a press event the previous day, just a day before the opener. If South Korea advances to the next round, it will face either the winner or runner-up of the group featuring Kuwait, the Philippines, Uzbekistan and Viet Nam in the quarterfinals on Sept. 25, depending on whether it finishes first or second in its group. AJP Takeaways - South Korea faces Qatar on Sept. 15 at 7:30 p.m. in its Asian Games men's football opener in Nagoya, Japan. - South Korea is seeking a record fourth consecutive Asian Games gold medal after winning in 2014, 2018 and 2022. - With only two group-stage matches, South Korea must finish in the top two to reach the September 25 quarterfinals. 2026-09-15 09:48:08
  • Hyosung Chairman Cho Hyun-joon Secures $286 Million in Contracts with U.S. Tech Giants
    Hyosung Chairman Cho Hyun-joon Secures $286 Million in Contracts with U.S. Tech Giants Hyosung Heavy Industries has secured contracts worth 386.5 billion won (approximately $286 million) for high-voltage transformers from major U.S. tech companies in September alone. This achievement is seen as a significant result of Chairman Cho Hyun-joon's years of effort in establishing a local production and solution system in the U.S.On September 15, Hyosung Heavy Industries announced that it had signed contracts for high-voltage transformers totaling 386.5 billion won with two prominent U.S. tech firms. The transformers will be used in new AI data centers being built in the northern and southern regions of the United States, including a 765kV transformer worth 220 billion won and a 345kV transformer worth 166.5 billion won, both of which will supply substantial power to the data centers.This contract reflects Hyosung Heavy Industries' established reputation for product reliability, positioning the company as a key partner in the local power infrastructure market, particularly among tech giants.Chairman Cho emphasized the importance of being prepared for the changes in the power market driven by AI. He stated, "With the advent of the AI era, the demand for power infrastructure is exploding, marking the arrival of a supercycle not seen in 60 years. Based on our total solution competitiveness, which includes transformers, circuit breakers, HVDC, STATCOM, and ESS, we aim to elevate our company to the global top three within five years."In anticipation of the AI era, Cho has focused on developing the data center and power infrastructure business. He noted that global data center operators, especially big tech companies, are seeking partners who can ensure stable power supply and rapid construction."No matter how many data centers are built, they are useless without power supply," Cho said. "We must develop Hyosung's overwhelming capabilities in the AI data center business as a key driver of the group's future growth."Previously, the high-voltage transformer plant in Tennessee, acquired by Hyosung Heavy Industries in 2020, has become a crucial base for leading the local supply chain. Once the ongoing expansion at the Memphis plant is completed, it will possess the largest high-voltage transformer production capacity in the U.S.The U.S., the largest power market globally, has seen a significant increase in investments in AI data centers, particularly among big tech companies. According to global investment bank Goldman Sachs, the power demand for data centers in the U.S. is expected to grow at an average annual rate of 15% until 2030, with approximately $50 billion (about 66 trillion won) projected to be invested in new power infrastructure to support this growth.Since the early 2010s, Hyosung Heavy Industries has maintained the top market share in the U.S. 765kV high-voltage transformer market, supplying nearly half of the 765kV transformers installed in the U.S. transmission network.As of August, Hyosung Heavy Industries' new order amount reached approximately 9.3 trillion won, surpassing last year's total annual orders. The annual order target has also been raised from 8.4 trillion won to 12 trillion won.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-15 09:48:00
  • Daewoong Pharmaceutical Discusses Paradigm Shift in Blood Sugar Management with Korean and Japanese Experts
    Daewoong Pharmaceutical Discusses 'Paradigm Shift in Blood Sugar Management' with Korean and Japanese Experts Daewoong Pharmaceutical announced on September 15 that it will broadcast a web symposium on September 16 through its medical information platform, Dr.Ville, focusing on the theme of 'Paradigm Shift in Blood Sugar Management.' The event is designed to share the latest clinical practices utilizing Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) with healthcare professionals in South Korea. CGM measures blood sugar changes in real-time and continuously through a sensor attached to the skin, allowing for a comprehensive view of blood sugar fluctuations over a day, unlike traditional fingertip blood tests. Professor Choi Sung-hee from Bundang Seoul National University Hospital will serve as the moderator, while Professor Min Se-hee from Asan Medical Center and Professor Motozugu Nagao from Tokyo Women's Medical University will present. Daewoong Pharmaceutical has invited Professor Nagao to share Japan's latest clinical experiences. Professor Nagao will deliver a lecture titled 'From Monitoring to Management: A New Diabetes Management Model with CGM.' In Japan, the insurance coverage for CGM has expanded, making it actively used in routine care for both Type 1 and insulin-treated Type 2 diabetes patients. Professor Min Se-hee will explain the guidelines for using integrated continuous glucose monitors (iCGM) recommended by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). He will cover the indications, measurement accuracy across blood sugar ranges, and considerations for using CGM data in clinical settings. Moderator Choi Sung-hee will lead discussions centered on the latest clinical evidence related to CGM and how to connect CGM data with patients' lifestyles and self-management, sharing various clinical perspectives from healthcare professionals in Korea and Japan. Park Hyung-cheol, head of Daewoong Pharmaceutical's ETC Marketing Division, stated, "Recent diabetes management has expanded beyond simply checking blood sugar levels to helping patients understand their blood sugar data and enhance their self-management capabilities. We hope that useful insights can be widely shared amid the changing paradigm of blood sugar management." Meanwhile, Daewoong Pharmaceutical has recently been selected as a partner in the 'Blood Sugar Catch 9988' initiative, a citizen blood sugar management support project promoted by the Seoul Metropolitan Government. This project targets 1,000 Seoul residents identified as pre-diabetic with fasting blood sugar levels between 100-125 mg/dL through health center metabolic syndrome screenings.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-15 09:48:00
  • President Yoon Holds Summits with Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan Leaders to Expand Cooperation
    President Yoon Holds Summits with Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan Leaders to Expand Cooperation 이재명 대통령이 15일 투르크메니스탄과 카자흐스탄 정상을 잇달아 국빈으로 맞아 정상회담을 갖는다. 양국과 각각 13건씩 총 26건의 협정과 양해각서(MOU)를 교환하고, 카자흐스탄과의 관계를 17년 만에 '미래지향적 포괄적 전략 동반자 관계'로 격상한다. 강유정 청와대 수석대변인은 이날 서면 브리핑을 통해 이 대통령이 투르크메니스탄 대통령 공식환영식을 시작으로 중앙아시아 양자 정상외교 2일차 일정에 들어간다고 밝혔다. 이 대통령은 먼저 세르다르 베르디무하메도프 투르크메니스탄 대통령과 정상회담을 갖는다. 양 정상은 양국 관계의 미래지향적 발전 방향과 실질적 협력 증진 방안, 지역·국제 정세 등 현안을 폭넓게 논의한다. 양국은 2008년 호혜적 동반자 관계를 수립한 뒤 플랜트와 에너지를 중심으로 협력을 발전시켜 왔다. 베르디무하메도프 대통령 취임 이후 첫 방한인 만큼 이번 회담을 계기로 정상 간 신뢰를 다지고 협력 분야를 확대한다는 구상이다. 회담 직후에는 양 정상 임석 아래 협정과 MOU 13건을 교환한다. 이어 양국 각계 인사 50여명이 참석하는 국빈 오찬이 열린다. 오찬에는 유자 소스를 곁들인 대게 냉채와 보양 삼계죽, 된장 소스를 곁들인 대구구이, 양갈비 구이와 삼색 쌈밥, 두부 민어 완자탕 등이 오른다. 베르디무하메도프 대통령이 술을 마시지 않는 점을 고려해 녹차와 레몬주스, 토닉워터 등으로 만든 무알코올 칵테일 '그린 하모니'와 오렌지주스가 제공된다. 이 대통령은 승마를 즐기는 베르디무하메도프 대통령에게 고구려 무용총의 수렵도를 칠보기법으로 재현한 '무용총 수렵도 칠보 액자'를 선물한다. 청와대는 말을 민족의 상징으로 여기는 투르크메니스탄과 고구려의 기마문화에서 문화적 공감대를 찾았다고 설명했다. 방한하지 않은 베르디무하메도프 여사에게는 투르크메니스탄 여성들의 전통 장신구 착용 문화를 반영한 칠보 브로치를 전달한다. 이 대통령은 투르크메니스탄 일정을 마친 뒤 카심조마르트 토카예프 카자흐스탄 대통령과 정상회담을 갖는다. 양 정상은 경제·통상과 에너지·핵심광물, 인공지능(AI)·과학기술, 인적·문화 교류 등 미래 협력 과제를 논의하고 MOU 13건을 교환한다. 이번 회담을 계기로 2009년 수립된 양국의 전략적 동반자 관계는 '미래지향적 포괄적 전략 동반자 관계'로 격상된다. 기존 교역·투자 중심의 협력을 경제안보와 첨단산업, 과학기술 전반으로 확대하기 위한 제도적 기반을 마련한다는 의미다. 카자흐스탄은 중앙아시아 최대 영토와 경제 규모를 보유하고 원유와 우라늄 등 에너지·자원이 풍부한 국가다. 글로벌 공급망 재편에 대응해 핵심광물과 시장을 다변화하려는 한국의 주요 협력 대상으로 꼽힌다. 회담과 MOU 교환식 이후에는 양국 각계 인사 50여명이 참석하는 국빈만찬이 열린다. 만찬에는 카자흐스탄에서 인기가 높은 닭강정을 포함한 산해진미 냉채와 가을 버섯 소고기·김치만두, 옥돔구이와 양고기 산적, 비빔밥과 소고기무국 등이 제공된다. 한국 만두와 카자흐스탄 전통음식 '만티'의 유사성을 살리고, 현지에서 비빔밥이 인기를 얻는 점도 메뉴에 반영했다. 후식에는 카자흐스탄 전통 과자 '바우르삭'을 닮은 개성주악과 양국 기업의 협업으로 탄생한 롯데 라하트 초콜릿이 오른다. 이 대통령은 탁구를 좋아하는 토카예프 대통령에게 국산 최고급 탁구라켓에 한국어와 카자흐어로 이름을 새겨 한지 공예 상자에 담아 선물한다. 지난해 세계태권도연맹으로부터 명예 9단 단증과 검은 띠를 받은 점을 고려해 양국 국기와 카자흐스탄의 상징인 설표를 수놓은 태권도복도 증정한다. 정부는 투르크메니스탄과 카자흐스탄 정상의 국빈 방한에 맞춰 롯데월드타워 미디어파사드에 태극기와 해당 국가의 국기를 각각 송출한다. 정부서울청사 옥외전광판에도 한국어·투르크멘어와 한국어·카자흐어 환영 메시지를 방문 일정에 맞춰 각각 표출한다. 각 정상의 공식환영식에서는 전통의장대와 취타대 등 70여명이 청와대에 진입하는 정상 차량을 호위한다. 행사마다 3군 의장대 등 280여명이 도열하고, 해당 국가 어린이 10명을 포함한 총 30명의 어린이 환영단이 정상을 맞는다. 이 대통령은 전날 샤브카트 미르지요예프 우즈베키스탄 대통령과의 정상회담을 시작으로 중앙아시아 5개국 정상과 사흘간 릴레이 양자회담을 진행하고 있다. 오는 16일에는 5개국 정상이 모두 참석하는 제1차 한·중앙아시아 정상회의를 주재한다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-15 09:44:00