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  • CJ CheilJedang Enhances Safety at Busan Plant with Color Universal Design
    CJ CheilJedang Enhances Safety at Busan Plant with Color Universal Design CJ CheilJedang has improved the working environment at its Busan plant by implementing a safety design that utilizes color.The company announced on July 20 that it has applied 'Color Universal Design (CUD)' at its Busan facility, marking the first time this design has been used in a food manufacturing plant.Color Universal Design is a color design technique that allows individuals with color vision deficiencies or low vision to intuitively recognize spaces and facilities. A common example is the use of color-coded guiding lines on highway entrance and exit ramps.At the Busan plant, safety color design has been applied to key movement areas, including central intersections, pedestrian guiding lines, crosswalks, and emergency evacuation routes. The design utilizes differences in color, brightness, and saturation to distinguish between areas for workers and those for forklifts and trucks, making pedestrian pathways easier to recognize. The same design has been applied to safety markings on floors and walls.Color Universal Design is expected to contribute to strengthening workplace safety systems. According to a report published last year by the Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency, 99.1% of workers in factories where this design was implemented reported improved visibility. Additionally, 98% of respondents evaluated the improved design as helpful for preventing industrial accidents.CJ CheilJedang plans to gradually expand Color Universal Design to other facilities, starting with the Busan plant.The Busan plant recently received the highest rating of 'P grade' in the Ministry of Employment and Labor's Process Safety Management (PSM) evaluation. The facility has also introduced an AI-based risk detection system and smart safety helmets to enhance on-site safety management.Furthermore, the plant is applying safety-related messaging to its Hetbahn products and sharing safety management expertise with partner companies and local small businesses through collaborative safety and health initiatives.Jang Gi-tae, the plant manager at CJ CheilJedang's Busan facility, stated, "The pilot application of safety color design at the Busan plant is a starting point for creating a work environment where everyone can work with peace of mind. We will continue to prioritize safety as our core value and further strengthen the safety culture on-site."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-20 11:48:00
  • Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Leaks: Official Images and Specs Revealed
    Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Leaks: Official Images and Specs Revealed Ahead of the Galaxy Unpacked event, Samsung Electronics' next-generation foldable smartphone, the Galaxy Z Fold8, has had its official promotional images and physical photos leaked.On July 17, U.S. tech outlet The Android Headlines reported that it obtained and released official marketing images for Samsung's upcoming foldable smartphones, including the Galaxy Z Flip8, Galaxy Z Fold8, and Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra.According to the outlet, the leaks confirm much of the design and key specifications.Samsung is set to launch the Galaxy Z Fold8 in three standard colors: Lavender, Graphite, and White, with an exclusive Mint color available only on Samsung.com. Additionally, a model maintaining the existing fold ratio will be released under the name Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra.The Galaxy Z Fold8 is described by Samsung as 'All-New.' Leaked images reveal a dual camera setup with a 50-megapixel wide and ultra-wide camera, along with a 10-megapixel selfie camera on both the front and inside, powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy chipset.The Galaxy Z Flip8, featuring Pink as its primary color, includes a 50-megapixel main camera with 2x optical zoom, a 12-megapixel ultra-wide camera, and a 10-megapixel selfie camera. Its battery capacity is 4,300mAh, allowing users to utilize various functions, such as recording, without fully unfolding the phone.Notably, the new screen ratio enhances the implementation of apps like Instagram and introduces a new split-screen multitasking UI.The top-tier model, the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, boasts a significant upgrade with its ultra-wide camera increasing from 12 megapixels to 50 megapixels. It also features a 5,000mAh battery, supports approximately 27 hours of video playback, and allows for 8K video recording at 30fps.The outlet noted, 'The Ultra model has finally upgraded its long-standing 12-megapixel ultra-wide camera to 50 megapixels, and the Fold8 shows significant improvements in software usability to match the expanded screen.' They added, 'If you have been considering purchasing a foldable device, this year's Unpacked event is worth watching. However, the price remains to be confirmed.'The leak quickly spread within South Korea, with netizens expressing high interest in the new screen ratio and design changes after seeing the physical photos and official promotional images.Comments from users included, 'Optimus View is making a comeback!!!', 'At this point, it feels like they are leaking on purpose?', 'The size is better than I expected. I'm curious about real-world use', 'It definitely looks good', 'It's time to change my phone, and I've decided on this one', and 'I've never used a ratio like this, so I'm curious.'Meanwhile, a video believed to be of the Galaxy Z Fold8 was leaked from China on July 13, generating buzz.The video showcased the device being filmed from various angles while unfolded, revealing that the crease in the display's center appears significantly reduced compared to previous generations, raising expectations.However, this information has been disclosed through overseas tech media and well-known leakers, and Samsung has not officially confirmed it. The specifications, colors, and product names of the actual released products may differ from what is announced at the Unpacked event. 2026-07-20 11:44:00
  • IBK Bank to Provide Up to 1.5 Million Won in Childcare Support for SMEs and Small Business Owners
    IBK Bank to Provide Up to 1.5 Million Won in Childcare Support for SMEs and Small Business Owners IBK Bank is launching a childcare cost support program for employees of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and small business owners. The bank announced that the 'IBK Childcare Support' service will begin on July 20. The IBK Childcare Support program is designed to cover the out-of-pocket expenses incurred when utilizing the government's 'Childcare Service.' This initiative aims to significantly reduce the financial burden on employees of SMEs and small business owners, who often lack adequate workplace welfare benefits. Eligible participants include employees of SMEs and small business owners (individual business owners with a small business verification certificate) who have incurred out-of-pocket expenses while using the government-provided childcare services in the first half of this year. Selected households that meet the criteria will receive support of up to 1.5 million won. Single-parent families, particularly those headed by unmarried parents, and employees working for family-friendly certified companies will be prioritized for support. Bank President Jang Min-young stated, "We hope this service will provide practical assistance to employees of SMEs and small business owners who are struggling with childcare. As a national policy bank, we will fulfill our responsibility to create a supportive environment where work and family can coexist." * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-20 11:40:00
  • Lotte Home Shoppings Eeseol Pop-Up in LA Attracts 30,000 Visitors in Three Days
    Lotte Home Shopping's Eeseol Pop-Up in LA Attracts 30,000 Visitors in Three Days Lotte Home Shopping's K-Brand export platform, 'Eeseol,' opened a pop-up store in Los Angeles, attracting over 30,000 visitors within its first three days.The initiative aims not only to introduce domestic beauty and lifestyle brands to local consumers but also to facilitate export consultations with U.S. distributors to support their entry into the North American market.Since July 17, the K-Beauty and Lifestyle pop-up store has been operating at 'The Grove,' a premium shopping mall in LA, Lotte Home Shopping announced on July 20.This event is part of the 'Retail Companies Overseas Expansion Support Project' promoted by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA).The pop-up space spans 1,887 square meters (approximately 570 pyeong) across two floors and will run until August 15. Lotte Home Shopping has themed the event 'Live Seoul' and prominently features its self-planned export platform, Eeseol.A total of 39 domestic beauty and lifestyle companies are participating in the pop-up. According to Lotte Home Shopping, some brands have already sold out their prepared stock, and experiential programs such as personal color diagnosis and makeup classes have been fully booked.In addition to local consumers, U.S. distributors and buyers are visiting the event to engage in export consultations with participating companies. Lotte Home Shopping plans to use this pop-up as a platform for market validation, focusing on converting buyer consultations into actual export contracts and global placements.The opening ceremony on July 17 was attended by Kim Jae-gyeom, CEO of Lotte Home Shopping; Kim Young-wan, Consul General of the Republic of Korea in Los Angeles; Lee Hae-don, Director of the Korean Cultural Center in Los Angeles; Nam Woo-seok, Head of KOTRA's Los Angeles office; and Corinne Verdier, representative of The Grove.Attendees discussed strategies for expanding the presence of domestic small brands in North America while enjoying brand events with local influencers, K-Beauty classes, and K-Pop experience programs.Following the LA event, Lotte Home Shopping plans to open another Eeseol pop-up in Paris, France, in October. The company aims to expand its global e-commerce efforts to support the overseas expansion of domestic brands.Since 2016, Lotte Home Shopping has been operating the 'Korea Brand Expo' to assist domestic small and medium-sized enterprises in exploring overseas markets. To date, it has held 23 events, with over 1,600 companies participating and achieving more than 11,000 export consultations, totaling over $1.2 billion in consultation results.Kim Jae-gyeom, CEO of Lotte Home Shopping, stated, 'Eeseol, which debuted in LA, is receiving a positive response locally. Based on our experience from the 'Lotte Brand Expo' since 2016 and the support from the Ministry of Trade and KOTRA, we will strive to ensure that the excellent products of domestic small and medium-sized enterprises receive much love in the global market.' 2026-07-20 11:40:00
  • Korean films reach Ivory Coast cinemas in rare west African expansion
    Korean films reach Ivory Coast cinemas in rare west African expansion SEOUL, July 20 (AJP) - Two South Korean films have entered commercial release in Ivory Coast, marking the first time Korean historical and horror films have received regular theatrical releases in the West African country, the South Korean Embassy in Abidjan said Monday. The release represents a rare expansion of Korean cinema into sub-Saharan Africa, where commercial screenings of Korean films have remained limited despite the global rise of Korean popular culture. While Korean films have become increasingly familiar to audiences in North America, Europe and parts of Asia, theatrical distribution across much of Africa has been relatively uncommon. Leading the release is The King's Warden, director Jang Hang-jun's historical drama that attracted 16.9 million moviegoers in South Korea. The film opened July 16 at Pathé Cap Sud cinema in Abidjan as the opening title of the 2026 Korean Film Festival. Director Kim Soo-jin's horror film Noise also premiered at the festival, and both films have since moved into commercial theatrical release through a local distributor, giving Ivorian audiences access beyond the festival screenings. The festival was organized to mark the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between South Korea and Ivory Coast and drew about 500 guests, including Ivorian Culture Minister Françoise Remarck, government officials, diplomats and business representatives. Remarck noted that cooperation between the two countries had grown to span economic, educational, technological and cultural fields since diplomatic ties were established, calling film "an extraordinary vehicle" for bringing people closer together. South Korean Ambassador Chang Seo-ik said culture was "the most beautiful bridge" between nations and expressed hope that the festival would deepen mutual understanding and cooperation. Visitors also took part in Korean cultural activities before the screenings, including trying on hanbok, Korea's traditional attire, and having their names written in Hangul, the Korean alphabet. The festival opened a weeklong Korean cultural program in Abidjan that also included a Korean consumer goods expo and the Ivory Coast preliminary round of the K-pop World Festival. 2026-07-20 11:39:16
  • BOK to expand CBDC-linked deposit-token trial in Sept
    BOK to expand CBDC-linked deposit-token trial in Sept SEOUL, July 20 (AJP) - The Bank of Korea is preparing to begin the second phase of its deposit-token trial as early as September, expanding the experiment to peer-to-peer transfers, biometric authentication and government-fund disbursement. The central bank, the Financial Services Commission and the Financial Supervisory Service are building the required systems and completing regulatory procedures for the next phase of Project Hangang, according to financial industry sources. Under the project, the BOK issues a blockchain-based wholesale digital currency, which commercial banks use as a settlement asset to issue tokens backed by customer deposits. The number of participating banks will increase to nine as BNK Kyongnam Bank and iM Bank join the seven lenders involved in the first phase. The existing participants are KB Kookmin Bank, Shinhan Bank, Hana Bank, Woori Bank, NH Nonghyup Bank, Industrial Bank of Korea and Busan Bank. Banks plan to simplify the registration process and introduce peer-to-peer transfers, biometric authentication and automatic conversions and withdrawals between conventional deposits and deposit tokens. They will also expand the number of online and offline merchants accepting the tokens through individual partnership agreements. Authorities are considering operating the second phase without setting a predetermined closing date. The trial will remain subject to the financial regulatory sandbox, however, which allows testing for a maximum of four years. The government also plans to test the use of deposit tokens for subsidies, official operating expenses and other public funds. Subsidies for the installation of electric-vehicle charging facilities are being considered as the first government payments to be distributed through the system, with a pilot ministry to be selected within this year. Spending purposes and expiration dates can be programmed directly into the tokens, allowing the government to restrict their use and prevent improper claims. Authorities plan to expand the experiment to other government expenditures and conduct a separate trial involving tokenized government bonds in 2027. Project Hangang began after the BOK and financial regulators unveiled a joint plan in October 2023, followed by system development and technical testing before the first live transaction trial ran from April to June 2025. During the first phase, about 81,000 digital wallets were opened at seven banks, with 114,880 transactions completed and 1.64 billion won converted from bank deposits into tokens. The trial confirmed that key functions, including token issuance, interbank settlement and programmable digital vouchers, could operate in a live environment, but its limited merchant network and functions made it difficult to assess sustained consumer demand. Participants cited a wider merchant network, simpler authentication and remittance services as key improvements, prompting the BOK to focus the second phase on convenience and broader practical use. 2026-07-20 11:36:35
  • Carrot Real Estate Revamps Easy-to-Read Property Registration Service
    Carrot Real Estate Revamps 'Easy-to-Read' Property Registration Service Carrot Real Estate has completely revamped its 'Easy-to-Read' property registration service to help users better understand complex registration documents. The new service focuses on reducing transaction risks, such as lease fraud, by allowing users to check the size of home equity loans, landlord history, and potential ownership disputes all at once.On July 20, Carrot announced the launch of the updated 'Easy-to-Read' service, which replaces its previous 'Simple Analysis of Property Registration' service. This new version incorporates user feedback received since its initial launch in November 2022, significantly improving its functionality.The service is designed to present complicated property registration information in an intuitive manner, enabling users to assess the safety of listings independently.Users can access the analysis results by clicking the 'Get Easy-to-Read Property Registration' button at the bottom of the detailed listing page without needing to input a separate address. The fee for the service is 990 won per transaction, and users can also check properties not registered with Carrot by entering the address in the 'Property Registration Analysis' menu.The service analyzes the safety of listings based on three key factors: whether the size of home equity loans affects deposit protection, if the landlord has a history of failing to return deposits or has been subject to seizure, and the likelihood of legal disputes related to ownership. Additionally, it provides information on the possibility of obtaining guarantee insurance and virtual pre-screening results for available lease loan products.Notably, the service translates complex terminology into easily understandable language. For example, it might state, 'The home equity loan is substantial, but the full deposit is legally protected,' or 'There is a record of a previous tenant not receiving their deposit back, so we do not recommend this contract,' presenting analysis results in a user-friendly format.The service also offers a 'Deposit Protection Action Plan' tailored to the characteristics of the property. This includes a checklist of important considerations for the timing of residency registration, address changes, and how to apply for dividend requests. Users can download the analysis results as a PDF report that reconfigures the original property registration document for easier viewing.A representative from Carrot Real Estate stated, 'We have revamped the service to ensure that users can thoroughly verify safety without information asymmetry from the property search stage. We will continue to enhance our services to reduce user anxiety during the real estate transaction process and help them prepare for contracts with confidence.'Meanwhile, Carrot Real Estate reported that a survey conducted last month among 971 users who completed real transactions revealed that home seekers typically spend an average of 2.4 months finding a new home and visit an average of 3.8 properties before signing a contract. The primary reason for moving was to shorten commuting distances for work.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-20 11:36:00
  • Controversy Arises Over Birthday Voting Guide in Democratic Party
    Controversy Arises Over 'Birthday Voting Guide' in Democratic Party The Democratic Party of Korea is facing controversy over a 'birthday voting guide' ahead of its party convention scheduled for August 17, with preliminary elections starting on July 21. Opinions are divided between those who see it as an infringement on party members' rights and those who view it as a strategic choice for members.Hwang Myung-sun, a Supreme Council member aligned with the pro-Lee Jae-myung faction, stated during a Supreme Council meeting on July 20, "We must stop blatant factional politics."He added, "Some candidates are reportedly encouraging their supporters to vote for candidates based on their birth month, packaged together. In past conventions, candidates have never openly divided party members to solicit votes. This approach, prioritizing personal interests and demanding blind loyalty to specific individuals, cannot escape criticism as factional politics."Hwang emphasized, "Each member's vote is a precious right that should be based on their judgment of a candidate's vision and qualifications. The idea of distributing votes based on birth dates reflects arrogance, treating members as mere numbers rather than sovereign voters."Previously, Democratic Party member Chae Hyun-il, also considered part of the pro-Lee faction, revealed on Facebook that promotional materials have been circulated ahead of the Supreme Council preliminary elections, bundling a specific party leader candidate with three Supreme Council candidates and designating candidates based on members' birth months. This was interpreted as a jab at the pro-Jung Cheong-rae faction.In response, former leader Jung Cheong-rae appeared on MBC Radio's 'Kim Jong-bae's Focus' on the same day, stating, "This has always been the case," and added, "I believe the other side is aware of this as well." He further remarked, "Members are strategizing on their own. Everyone has done this, and it is common practice."Meanwhile, five candidates are running for party leader and 14 for the Supreme Council in the Democratic Party's convention. The preliminary elections will narrow the field to three candidates for party leader and eight for the Supreme Council, making factional strategies a key variable in the upcoming contest. 2026-07-20 11:32:00
  • Jang Dong-hyuk to Conclude Nationwide Protests After Visits to Yongin, Gimhae, and Daegu
    Jang Dong-hyuk to Conclude Nationwide Protests After Visits to Yongin, Gimhae, and Daegu Jang Dong-hyuk, leader of the People Power Party, will conclude nationwide outdoor protests after visiting Yongin on the 23rd and Gimhae and Daegu on the 25th. However, he is expected to continue visiting the ongoing blockade protest at the Jamsil counting center (handball stadium) in Olympic Park, located in Songpa District, Seoul.Park Sung-hoon, the party's chief spokesperson, stated after a Supreme Council meeting on the 20th that Jang is committed to ensuring that the voices of the '2030' generation heard during his visits are accepted within the political system.As a result, Jang is expected to take on a role in bringing citizens' voices into the National Assembly by participating in a special committee for electoral reform within the party. Park noted, "Jang has played a significant role in elevating important issues such as reforming the National Election Commission and protecting citizens' fundamental rights to a national agenda," adding that Jang is focusing on clearly conveying the voices from the field and uniting his support base.However, regarding Jang's continued calls for a complete re-election, Park mentioned, "During the last party meeting, we officially decided not to discuss a complete re-election within our party." He added that he believes this political slogan is effective and beneficial for negotiations with the Democratic Party.Within the party, there are also calls for members to actively support Jang's efforts at Olympic Park.Park Jun-tae, head of Jang's secretariat, reported that "just over 40 of our party's lawmakers have visited the Olympic Park site," noting that citizens are evaluating who has come and who has stayed away.He emphasized, "If we do not participate in this civic movement, we will be remembered as politicians who ignored the aspirations of the people in the future," urging all party lawmakers to join in this effort to protect voting rights, regardless of faction or political stance.Meanwhile, Park dismissed questions regarding rumors of independent lawmaker Han Dong-hoon's return to the People Power Party and the activation of the Maple Emergency Committee, stating, "Now is the time for the People Power Party to focus on offensive strategies against the opposition, not to discuss the return of specific individuals."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-20 11:32:00
  • Jang Dong-hyuk to Conclude Nationwide Protests After Visits to Yongin, Gimhae, and Daegu
    Jang Dong-hyuk to Conclude Nationwide Protests After Visits to Yongin, Gimhae, and Daegu Jang Dong-hyuk, leader of the People Power Party, will conclude nationwide outdoor protests after visiting Yongin on July 23 and Gimhae and Daegu on July 25. However, he is expected to continue visiting the ongoing blockade protest at the Jamsil polling station (handball stadium) in Olympic Park, located in Songpa District, Seoul.Park Sung-hoon, the party's chief spokesperson, stated after a Supreme Council meeting on July 20 that Jang is committed to ensuring that the voices of the '2030' generation heard during his visits are accepted within the political system.As a result, Jang is expected to take on a role in bringing citizens' voices into the National Assembly by participating in a special committee for electoral reform within the party. Park noted, "Jang has played a significant role in elevating important issues such as reforming the National Election Commission and protecting citizens' fundamental rights to a national agenda," adding that Jang is focusing on clearly conveying the voices from the field and uniting his support base.However, regarding Jang's continued calls for a complete re-election, Park mentioned, "During the last party meeting, we officially decided not to discuss a complete re-election within our party." He added that he believes this political slogan is effective and beneficial for negotiations with the Democratic Party.Within the party, there are also calls for members to actively support Jang's efforts at Olympic Park.Park Jun-tae, head of Jang's secretariat, reported that "just over 40 of our party's lawmakers have visited the Olympic Park site," noting that citizens are evaluating who has come and who has stayed away.He emphasized, "If we do not participate in this civic movement, we will be remembered as politicians who ignored the aspirations of the people in the future," urging all party lawmakers to join in this effort to protect voting rights, regardless of faction or political stance.Meanwhile, Park dismissed questions regarding rumors of independent lawmaker Han Dong-hoon's return to the People Power Party and the activation of the Maple Emergency Committee, stating, "Now is the time for the People Power Party to focus on offensive strategies against the opposition, not to discuss the return of specific individuals."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-20 11:32:00