Latest by
-
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 -
Mokpo National University Students Demand Reassessment of Medical School Selection Process Mokpo National University students took to the streets to demand a thorough reassessment of the selection results for the new national medical school in Jeonnam. They argued that the issue transcends university competition, impacting the health rights of residents in the southwestern region and the future of local youth, urging the government to ensure the evaluation process is fair and professional.On September 14, student governance bodies, including the university's student council and various departmental student councils, held a rally in front of the Gwangju government office to protest what they termed an unfair evaluation process for the candidate universities for the new national medical school.About 60 students participated, holding placards with slogans such as 'Reveal the secret of the 1.30 points' and 'Invalidate the closed-door evaluation,' demanding the disclosure of specific grounds for the selection process and evaluation results.The students highlighted that the final scores for National Suncheon University and Mokpo National University were 89.15 and 87.85, respectively, with a mere 1.30-point difference.They argued that given the narrow score margin, which determined a long-standing aspiration for the region, the detailed scores for each evaluation criterion, the composition and expertise of the review panel, and the overall evaluation process should be transparently disclosed and reassessed.Particularly, they raised concerns about the adequacy of the evaluation regarding the plans for securing land for the medical school and teaching hospital.The students contended that while Mokpo National University secured state-owned land for the establishment of a medical school and teaching hospital in the Yonghae-dong campus area, National Suncheon University proposed a plan for free leasing of land owned by local governments, questioning whether this was adequately verified under the same criteria.They expressed that if the rationale for addressing land issues after the evaluation is applied, it raises concerns about fairness compared to universities that competed based on the plans submitted at the time of evaluation.Gwon Beom-seok, president of the Mokpo National University student council, conveyed the sentiments of students and local youth in the southwestern region through an appeal titled 'A Plea from the Youth of Mokpo National University to the President.'Gwon stated, 'What we want is not special treatment for Mokpo National University, but a proper review, verification, and fair evaluation.' He added, 'If the results were determined based on incorrect facts or inadequate verification, we urge the government to reassess and correct them, as 36 years of waiting should not become a lifelong regret for the residents of the southwestern region due to a 50-minute evaluation without proper verification.'He emphasized that this issue should not be viewed merely as a question of which university will establish a medical school.Gwon remarked, 'The establishment of a medical school is directly related to the health rights of residents in the underserved southwestern region and is a significant matter affecting the future and educational opportunities of local youth. We hope our youth are not left with the frustration that 'those who adhere to principles and prepare thoroughly end up at a disadvantage.'Messages from students directed at President Song Ha-cheol, who has expressed his intention to resign, were also shared. Gwon acknowledged the efforts made by the president for the students and the university over the past few years, stating, 'Even in light of this result, faculty, students, and staff will stand together.'The student governance bodies plan to continue demanding the disclosure of evaluation criteria and scoring grounds, verification of the review panel's composition and expertise, and reassessment of the land acquisition plans for the medical school and teaching hospital.Gwon asserted, 'The narrow margin of 1.30 points must be clarified through the evaluation and judgment processes. Until the questions surrounding the evaluation process are resolved, the student governance bodies and university members will unite in response.'Meanwhile, the controversy surrounding the selection results for the candidate universities for the national medical school in Jeonnam is spreading beyond the university, with local politicians, municipal governments, local councils, university members, and residents all calling for a review of the evaluation process. As Mokpo National University students take direct action, attention is focused on how the government will respond to the raised issues.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-15 09:44:00
-
Shinhan Financial Group Launches Campaign to Prevent 'No-Show Fraud' Against Small Businesses 신한금융그룹이 금융당국·경찰청과 손잡고 소상공인을 대상으로 한 '노쇼사기' 피해 예방에 나선다. 신한금융은 금융위원회·금융감독원·경찰청과 함께 노쇼사기 피해 예방과 건전한 거래문화 조성을 위한 공동 캠페인을 한 달간 실시한다고 15일 밝혔다. 이번 캠페인은 최근 공공기관이나 기업 등을 사칭한 노쇼사기 등으로 소상공인 피해가 이어지자 이를 예방하기 위해 마련됐다. 신한EZ손해보험은 '노쇼사기 피해지원 보상보험'을 출시하고, 신한은행은 이를 '땡겨요' 가맹점주 약 15만명에게 무상 제공한다. 가맹점주는 가입에 동의하면 등록일로부터 1년간 보장받을 수 있다. 노쇼사기 피해가 발생하면 경찰 수사 결과 등에 따라 최대 300만원의 피해지원금을 받을 수 있다. 신한금융은 금융당국 및 경찰청과 함께 온·오프라인 채널을 활용한 예방 교육과 홍보도 진행한다. 소상공인에게 주요 노쇼사기 유형과 피해 사례, 예방수칙, 피해 발생 시 대응 절차 등을 안내할 예정이다. 신한금융 관계자는 "금융당국 및 유관기관과 협력해 소상공인이 안심하고 거래할 수 있는 환경을 만들겠다"고 말했다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-15 09:44:00
-
Finda's Living Stability Loans Exceed 16 Billion Won, 95% for Low to Mid-Credit Borrowers Finda, a fintech company, announced on September 15 that the cumulative amount of its mid-interest Living Stability Loans, launched at the end of June, has surpassed 16 billion won.The Living Stability Loan is designed for low to mid-credit borrowers, specifically those in the bottom 50% of credit scores, to use for emergency living expenses, with loans available up to 10 million won.Finda reported that approximately 95% of the total loan amount has been provided to consumers with credit scores between 500 and 700.The average loan amount per transaction was about 8.6 million won, based on the maximum limit of 10 million won. Among users who reached the loan application stage, the success rate for actual loan disbursement was around 50%.The number of applications has also been on the rise. The average daily loan applications in August increased by 11% compared to the previous month, and in September, there was a further increase of 31%. The loan disbursement amount this month has risen by 21% compared to last month.The average daily approval rate for loan limits saw increases of 68% and 66% in August and September, respectively, compared to the previous month. Compared to the initial launch period, this represents an increase of about 190%.Lee Hye-min, CEO of Finda, stated, "The Living Stability Loan is enhancing financial accessibility for low to mid-credit borrowers who are often overlooked, alleviating their financial burdens. We will continue to strengthen our product lineup through partnerships with savings banks and other financial institutions to expand financial inclusion for the public."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-15 09:40:20
-
Hyundai Capital Launches Fall Promotion with 12-Month Interest-Free Financing and Low Rates for Electric Vehicles Hyundai Capital announced on September 15 that it will launch a fall automotive finance promotion featuring short-term, small-amount interest-free installments, low rates for electric vehicles, and benefits for Genesis lease and rental customers.The promotion includes a 'short-term small installment program' applicable to all models of Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis, allowing financing of up to 20 million won. Customers can enjoy interest-free installments for 12 months and a 1.9% annual interest rate for 24 months. Additionally, there are no early repayment fees for those opting for the 12-month installment plan.Customers purchasing electric vehicles will also benefit from low-interest financing. The 'Hyundai EV Burden Down' program offers a 2.8% annual interest rate for 36 months on models such as the Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6, and Kona EV.For Kia's EV3, EV6, and EV9 models, a 'residual value guarantee deferred installment' plan is available at a 3.6% annual interest rate for 36 months.Both financing options allow customers to defer up to 60% of the vehicle price until the end of the installment period, reducing monthly payment burdens.Hyundai Capital has also prepared benefits for Genesis lease and rental customers. Existing owners of Genesis or certain Hyundai electric vehicles, Nexo, or imported cars can receive an additional discount equivalent to 4% of the vehicle price when using Genesis through the 'The Better Choice' program, along with model-specific benefits.A Hyundai Capital representative stated, "We have created promotions including interest-free and low-interest installments to reduce the financial burden on our customers. We aim to provide various financial services that customers can utilize economically based on their financial situations and vehicle usage purposes."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-15 09:40:10
-
Typhoon 'Dujuan' May Approach the Korean Peninsula Ahead of Chuseok As the Chuseok holiday approaches, attention is focused on whether Typhoon 'Dujuan' will head toward South Korea.Currently classified as a tropical depression over the sea south of Japan, it is expected to develop into a typhoon with maximum wind speeds of 39 meters per second (140 km/h) between September 19 and 20, raising concerns about its trajectory.The key point for determining its path toward the Korean Peninsula is September 17.According to the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA), as of 3 a.m. on September 15, the tropical depression was moving north-northeast at a speed of 11 km/h, located about 850 km east of Guam.The central pressure is 1002 hPa, with maximum wind speeds of 54 km/h at the center.The KMA forecasts that this tropical depression will develop into Typhoon 'Dujuan' within 24 hours.By 3 a.m. on September 16, it is expected to strengthen to maximum wind speeds of 76 km/h, and by September 17, it could reach 104 km/h.On September 18, it is projected to enter the 'strong' category with wind speeds of 133 km/h, maintaining strong winds of 140 km/h on September 19 and 20.The main concern is its direction of movement.The KMA anticipates that the tropical depression will gradually shift from north-northeast to northwest and west-northwest.By around 3 a.m. on September 18, it is expected to approach the sea southeast of Kagoshima, Japan, at a distance of 1610 km, moving to 1150 km on September 19 and 750 km on September 20.This indicates that the center of the typhoon will pass over the sea south of Japan, maintaining a significant distance from the Korean Peninsula.However, the trajectory could change depending on surrounding pressure systems and sea surface temperatures, so vigilance is necessary.Even if indirectly affected by the typhoon, there is a possibility of strong winds and high waves, particularly along the southern coast and Jeju Island.The name of this typhoon, 'Dujuan,' was submitted by China and means 'azalea.'The KMA currently views it as a tropical depression but believes it is likely to develop into a typhoon within 24 hours.Notably, the typhoon's strength is expected to significantly increase from September 17, making this period crucial for assessing its potential impact on the Korean Peninsula. 2026-09-15 09:40:00
-
BYD to Launch Solid-State Battery Electric Vehicle Next Year China's largest electric vehicle manufacturer, BYD, is set to release an electric vehicle equipped with solid-state batteries next year.Li Ke, BYD's vice president, recently stated in a media interview that the company plans to launch models utilizing solid-state battery technology by 2027, as reported by the China Business Journal on September 15.BYD's solid-state batteries have already passed automotive standard verification. Chinese media report that the sulfide-based solid-state battery being developed by BYD has a cell energy density of 400Wh/kg and is expected to enter small-scale production in 2027. This represents a significant increase in energy density compared to BYD's current Blade battery.It is reported that a prototype vehicle equipped with BYD's solid-state battery has a driving range of 1,218 kilometers under the China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC). The high energy density of solid-state batteries could address the driving range issues that have been a major drawback for existing electric vehicles.The biggest challenge in commercializing solid-state batteries is mass production. Achieving high energy density in laboratory or prototype stages is vastly different from producing tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of batteries with consistent quality. Therefore, BYD is expected to first validate the safety, durability, and production yield of the batteries through small-scale production and vehicle integration before scaling up production.Industry insiders in China suggest that after the initial deployment of BYD's solid-state batteries in a limited number of vehicles in 2027, the company may gradually expand their application, with a potential for full-scale mass production around 2030. It is anticipated that BYD's premium brand, Yangwang, will be the first to feature solid-state batteries.In the interview, Li emphasized, "As BYD's ultra-fast charging technology, 'Flash Charging,' spreads in China, there is no future for internal combustion engine vehicles."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-15 09:40:00
-
Hyundai Card Launches 'Maurizio Cattelan Credit Card' 현대카드가 '바나나 작품'으로 유명한 현대미술가 마우리치오 카텔란과 손잡고 새로운 신용카드를 출시했다. 현대카드는 카텔란과 협업한 '현대카드 Maurizio Cattelan Credit Card(마우리치오 카텔란 크레디트 카드)'를 출시한다고 15일 밝혔다. 지난해 7월 공개한 '현대카드 Tom Sachs Credit Card(톰 삭스 크레디트 카드)'에 이은 두 번째 아티스트 스페셜 플레이트다. 이탈리아 출신인 마우리치오 카텔란은 전시장 벽에 바나나를 붙여 세상에서 가장 비싼 바나나를 탄생시킨 현대미술의 거장이다. 이번 카드는 현대카드를 가상의 국가인 'Republic of Hyundai Card'로 설정하고 신용카드를 주민등록증과 운전면허증으로 재해석한 것이 특징이다. 카드 디자인 곳곳에는 카텔란 특유의 위트와 풍자를 담았다. 카텔란의 대표작 'Comedian'의 바나나를 활용한 홀로그램 패턴뿐 아니라 말·타조·코끼리 등 교통수단이 그려진 운전면허증 뒷면이 적용됐다. 특히 신분증 콘셉트에 맞춰 프로필 사진은 현대카드 회원 '본인 사진'과 AI 아티스트 캐릭터인 'CATT' 중 선택할 수 있게 했다. CATT는 미술관 바닥을 뚫고 얼굴을 내민 카텔란의 작품 '무제'의 주인공을 연상케 한다. 카텔란은 "(신용카드로) 저녁을 먹고, 휴가를 가고, 호텔 숙박비를 내고, 필요한 것과 필요하지 않은 것들을 산다"며 "아마 대부분 예술 작품보다 더 바쁘게 살아갈 것인데 나는 그 이동성이 좋았다"고 말했다. 2026-09-15 09:40:00
-
Manager Arrested After Holding Knife to Internet Broadcaster's Neck A 20-year-old manager has been arrested after holding a knife to the neck of a female internet broadcaster, known as a BJ, during a standoff with police.According to Yonhap News Agency, the Ansan Sangnok Police Station in Gyeonggi Province arrested the man, identified as A, on charges of special injury, special confinement, and attempted murder on September 14.A is accused of threatening the 20-year-old BJ, identified as B, with a knife at a restaurant in Ansan's Sangnok District around 5:30 p.m. on September 12.Police responded to a report of a man hitting a woman and, upon arrival, confirmed the presence of a weapon and the woman's screams. They issued a CODE 0 alert and prepared to deploy over 30 officers and a SWAT team.When police arrived at the scene, they repeatedly demanded that A drop the knife. After he refused, they attempted to subdue him while handing him water. At the moment A switched the knife to his other hand, police grabbed his hand and forced the weapon away. A was arrested around 5:50 p.m. after officers deployed a Taser.During the incident, B sustained minor cuts to her neck and burns from hot water. One police officer involved in the apprehension also suffered a hand injury that required stitches.Investigations revealed that A had previously served as B's chat manager during her broadcasts but had recently quit due to conflicts. He reportedly prepared the knife in advance before confronting B.The police plan to conduct further investigations into A's actions and are considering additional charges for retaliatory crime and attempted murder.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-15 09:24:10
-
POSCO Group to Advance Payments to Partners Ahead of Chuseok Holiday POSCO Group announced it will advance a total of 436.8 billion won in payments to its partners, easing their financial burden ahead of the Chuseok holiday. This initiative aims to support smooth cash flow and liquidity for trading companies during the holiday season, when cash demand typically peaks.From September 16 to 23, POSCO and POSCO Flow will provide early payments totaling 366 billion won to trading companies. POSCO E&C will pay 44.8 billion won in full cash on September 17, instead of the originally scheduled payment period from September 18 to 30. Additionally, POSCO Future M and POSCO DX will also advance approximately 13 billion won in payments in cash on September 22.Every year, POSCO Group has expedited payments to partners before major holidays to reduce their financial costs and support stable management.Since December 2004, POSCO has been paying small and medium-sized enterprises in full cash for their deliveries. Since November 2017, this cash payment policy has also been applied to mid-sized companies, extending the benefits to second- and third-tier suppliers.POSCO Flow has been paying small partner companies in full cash since its launch in 2022, while POSCO E&C has been doing so since 2010, making it the first in the industry.In addition to financial support, POSCO Group engages in various community activities to assist vulnerable groups in the areas where its major operations are located ahead of the holidays.The Pohang Steelworks will support local businesses through traditional market shopping by different departments, and on September 21, executives will visit the 'Songdo Sharing House' to provide meal services. The Gwangyang Steelworks also plans to visit traditional markets and distribute essential goods to local people with disabilities, as well as participate in marine ecosystem cleanup activities.POSCO E&C employees will deliver dumplings made by themselves to 200 underprivileged families in the Incheon area. POSCO Future M will also engage in community service activities tailored to local needs, including marine debris collection, support for free meal services, and environmental cleanup at facilities for people with disabilities across its sites in Pohang, Gwangyang, Sejong, and Seoul.Meanwhile, POSCO has been actively fulfilling its social responsibility, including remodeling eight special education classrooms in elementary schools in Pohang, Gwangyang, and Seoul as of September 9.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-15 09:24:00