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  • Global Oil Supply Chain Faces Crisis Amid Red Sea Tensions
    Global Oil Supply Chain Faces Crisis Amid Red Sea Tensions The international oil supply chain is facing disruptions due to Iran's blockade of the Hormuz Strait, with tensions now extending to the Red Sea, raising concerns in the global energy market. Experts warn that simultaneous disruptions in these two major oil transport routes could lead to a global economic recession.According to the Wall Street Journal, on July 17, Saudi Arabia has been increasing its oil exports through the Red Sea following the blockade of the Hormuz Strait. However, this effort is now threatened by a shaky ceasefire with the Houthi rebels in Yemen.Currently, Saudi Arabia transports oil from its eastern fields to the western Red Sea port of Yanbu via an east-west pipeline, exporting approximately 4.6 million barrels per day through the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait. This figure, however, falls short of the pre-war level of 7.3 million barrels per day.The concern lies in the possibility that the Iran-aligned Houthi forces, who control the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, may resume attacks on shipping vessels.Since 2022, the Houthis and Saudi Arabia have maintained a ceasefire, but recent exchanges of airstrikes and missile attacks have escalated military tensions.On July 13, Saudi and Yemeni government forces conducted airstrikes on the international airport in Sana'a, the Houthi-controlled capital, prompting the Houthis to retaliate with ballistic missiles and drones targeting Abha International Airport in southern Saudi Arabia.Market analysts fear that if the Houthis attack commercial vessels in the Red Sea or target Saudi ports and oil facilities, it could create a worst-case scenario where both major oil transport routes in the Middle East are disrupted simultaneously, coinciding with the Hormuz Strait blockade.Capital Economics, a UK economic analysis firm, predicts that if both the Hormuz and Bab-el-Mandeb straits are incapacitated for an extended period, or if Saudi oil pipelines and port facilities suffer significant damage, the global economy could fall into recession.April Longley Alley, a senior political advisor at the UN Yemen envoy's office, stated, "The Houthis perceive the current situation as an opportunity to their advantage and are likely to escalate tensions to gain greater leverage."Kaja Kallas, the European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, expressed concern, stating, "The situation in the Red Sea is deteriorating again," and warned that Houthi missile attacks could quickly spread instability from land to sea.However, experts believe that the Houthis are more likely to adopt a strategy of gradually increasing tensions rather than launching a full-scale blockade or large military actions. This approach may be aimed at drawing Saudi Arabia back to the negotiating table to enhance their bargaining power for resuming flights at Sana'a International Airport and increasing the flow of goods.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-18 19:20:00
  • Heavy Rain Expected in Seoul and Gangwon This Sunday
    Heavy Rain Expected in Seoul and Gangwon This Sunday Heavy rain is expected across the country, particularly in the Seoul metropolitan area and Gangwon Province, on Sunday, July 19.According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, the anticipated rainfall from July 18 to 19 over the weekend is expected to reach 80 to 150 mm in Seoul, Incheon, and Gyeonggi Province, with some areas possibly exceeding 200 mm. In Gangwon Province, rainfall is projected to be between 100 and 150 mm, with inland and mountainous regions potentially receiving more than 250 mm.In the Chungcheong region, including Daejeon, Sejong, South Chungcheong, and North Chungcheong, rainfall is expected to range from 50 to 100 mm, with some areas in northern Sejong and South Chungcheong exceeding 200 mm, and southern Daejeon and South Chungcheong exceeding 150 mm.In Jeonbuk, rainfall is forecasted to be between 30 and 100 mm, with the western coast of Jeonbuk possibly receiving more than 120 mm. Gwangju and South Jeolla are expected to see 30 to 80 mm, while northern and central North Gyeongsang is projected to receive 50 to 100 mm, with northern North Gyeongsang possibly exceeding 150 mm. In Daegu, southern North Gyeongsang, Busan, Ulsan, and South Gyeongsang, rainfall is expected to be between 20 and 60 mm, and Jeju Island is forecasted to receive 5 to 30 mm.The Korea Meteorological Administration emphasized the need to prepare for potential flooding in low-lying areas and landslides due to the possibility of intense rainfall over a short period.Tomorrow morning, the minimum temperature is expected to range from 21 to 26 degrees Celsius, while the maximum temperature during the day is forecasted to be between 25 and 33 degrees Celsius.Waves in the East, West, and South Seas are expected to reach heights of 0.5 to 1.0 meters. In the offshore waters, about 200 km from the coast, wave heights are projected to be 0.5 to 2.0 meters in the East and South Seas, and 0.5 to 1.5 meters in the West Sea.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-18 18:24:00
  • Kim Yong-beom: In the AI Era, the State Should Organize Production Relations
    Kim Yong-beom: In the AI Era, the State Should Organize Production Relations Kim Yong-beom, the Chief of Policy at the Blue House, asserted on July 18 that in the age of artificial intelligence (AI), the role of the state should be to organize production relations rather than act as a producer itself.In a Facebook post, Kim stated, "In the AI era, the state's role lies in organizing relationships where production capacity is continuously formed and reproduced. A nation's competitiveness depends not on how much it produces, but on how stably it establishes and maintains those production relations."He explained that discussions about the role of the state in the AI era are divided into two schools of thought: one advocating for active support of the AI industry, termed 'industrial policy,' and the other emphasizing the need to strengthen welfare and redistribution in response to job losses and income disparities caused by AI, referred to as 'social policy.'While he acknowledged that both arguments are necessary, he pointed out that they alone do not sufficiently explain the changes in the state's role demanded by the AI production revolution.He emphasized the need to design pathways for the formation of production capacity, connect production factors, and socially establish production conditions that the market can no longer reproduce on its own.Kim predicted that AI would replace entry-level jobs in the labor market before impacting existing positions. He noted that new employees typically perform basic tasks such as data research and translation while learning the organization's workflow, but generative AI is quickly replacing or supplementing these tasks, reducing companies' incentives to invest in long-term training for new hires.He pointed out that if all memory reduces the hiring of new employees, future skilled workers cannot be developed. He stated, "The state must organize a separate labor market in collaboration with businesses, public institutions, research organizations, and local industries, providing not only wages but also real work experiences, on-site mentoring, organizational experiences, responsible tasks, and career paths leading to the private sector."He added, "It is crucial to socially reconstruct the pathways for skill formation weakened by AI, ensuring that young people are guaranteed their first opportunities for growth and restoring the pathways for skill and production capacity to be reproduced across society."Kim highlighted that while AI is part of the 'bit industry' composed of software and data, it also requires substantial physical infrastructure. He stated, "To build AI data centers, industrial land, high-voltage transmission networks, cooling facilities, optical communication networks, and power generation equipment must be established together," emphasizing that simply securing GPUs and semiconductors does not create AI production capacity.This indicates that future corporate production capacity will heavily depend not only on individual companies' technologies and facilities but also on the power grid, data, research, and development provided by society as a whole.In this context, Kim concluded that the state's role is not to directly manufacture semiconductors or operate AI services but to organize power, data, computing infrastructure, and long-term finance to function as a cohesive production system.He remarked, "If society invests significant costs and institutional capabilities to form specific production capacities, there must also be mechanisms to connect the achievements created by businesses with their social contributions," stressing the importance of creating a 'feedback loop' that leads to the formation of the next production capacity.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-18 18:08:00
  • Son Heung-min scores first MLS goal of season in LAFC return
    Son Heung-min scores first MLS goal of season in LAFC return SEOUL, July 18 (AJP) - South Korean captain Son Heung-min scored his first Major League Soccer goal of the season on Saturday in his first game back with Los Angeles FC following the 2026 World Cup. Son started against city rivals LA Galaxy at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California, and found the net in the 57th minute to put LAFC 3-0 ahead. The 34-year-old forward collected a pass from Mark Delgado before firing a right-footed shot into the net for his first goal against the Galaxy since joining LAFC last summer. The goal also ended Son's scoring drought in MLS this season. He had recorded nine assists in league play without scoring, while netting twice in the CONCACAF Champions Cup. Son returned to club duty after captaining South Korea at the 2026 World Cup. 2026-07-18 17:49:24
  • AI Revolution in Military Service: Overcoming Resource Crisis Amid Population Decline
    AI Revolution in Military Service: Overcoming Resource Crisis Amid Population Decline South Korea's military resources are rapidly diminishing. With declining birth rates and a shrinking population, the number of young people enlisting in the military is decreasing, making the management and acquisition of military resources a critical national security issue. Military administration now requires a new approach. Instead of merely managing military resources and selecting conscripts, AI will analyze population and military data to predict future military resources and provide tailored services to citizens. At the forefront of this initiative is Hong So-young, the Commissioner of the Military Manpower Administration. The question is clear. Can South Korea overcome the military resource crisis of the population decline era through AI and create a fairer, more efficient military administration? The number of young people eligible for military service is decreasing. South Korea's military administration is facing new challenges. As low birth rates persist, the number of young people enlisting in the military is rapidly declining. In the past, the key task was to select and allocate personnel from a sufficient pool of military resources. However, the situation is changing. Accurately predicting and efficiently utilizing limited military resources is now directly linked to national security. A decrease in military resources complicates personnel management within the military. This affects not only active-duty soldiers but also social service personnel and alternative service members across various military systems. The issue extends beyond just fewer people enlisting. As South Korea's demographic structure changes rapidly, accurately predicting how many military resources can be secured at any given time is becoming increasingly important. This is where Commissioner Hong So-young must focus. It is not enough to merely worry about the decline in military resources. Analyzing population, military, enlistment, and service data to anticipate and respond to future changes is essential. The Military Manpower Administration in the AI era should not remain just an agency managing conscripts. It must evolve into an intelligent military administration that predicts future military resources and supports both national security and the lives of young people. AI predicts future military resources. Accurately predicting military resources is becoming increasingly important. A decline in the birth rate will lead to a decrease in military resources after a certain period. However, simply analyzing birth rates is insufficient for accurately predicting the scale of military resources. Numerous variables, including demographic structure, health status, military assessment results, enlistment demand, and military personnel structure, must be considered. AI can be utilized to analyze this vast amount of data. It analyzes demographic changes, reviews past military assessment results, connects enlistment and service data, and predicts future personnel needs for the military. Based on this information, the government and military can establish more accurate military policies. By identifying when military resources will decline, they can analyze military personnel demand and resource supply, preparing necessary systems and policies. Responding after military resources are depleted is entirely different from anticipating and preparing for changes years in advance. The primary goal of AI military resource prediction is not merely to calculate numbers. It is to secure time for South Korea to prepare for the new security environment of the population decline era. Military data becomes a new asset for national security. The performance of AI is derived from data. The quantity and quality of data available significantly influence AI's analytical and predictive capabilities. The Military Manpower Administration has accumulated vast amounts of data, including information on military resources, military assessments, enlistment and service, social service, and military career paths. This data is not just administrative material; it can become a crucial national asset for establishing South Korea's future military policies. However, if data is scattered across departments and agencies, it becomes challenging to utilize effectively. Data must be systematically managed to connect disparate information and allow AI to analyze it. This is why the Military Manpower Administration should become South Korea's military data platform. By linking population data with military data, analyzing military personnel demand, and predicting future military resources, the government can create new policies based on this information. Military administration in the AI era should not rely solely on experience and past statistics. It must evolve into an intelligent administration that predicts the future and establishes policies based on data. AI supports military assessments. One of the most important values in military administration is fairness. Citizens in similar circumstances should fulfill their military obligations based on the same criteria. This is why military assessments are crucial. It is essential to accurately verify the health status and medical information of conscripts and determine military disposition according to laws and standards. However, as medical technology advances and diseases and treatments diversify, the information that must be reviewed during military assessments is increasing. AI can support these military assessment tasks. It analyzes vast medical data and past assessment cases, identifies similar cases, and provides information that military assessment doctors need to review. Utilizing AI can enhance the speed and accuracy of military assessments while reducing the workload of personnel. However, AI should not make all decisions regarding military assessments. Military disposition is a significant administrative action that greatly impacts citizens' rights and obligations. AI should support expert judgment, with final decisions and responsibilities resting with humans. A new military administration system must be established where AI and military assessment experts work together. AI detects signs of military evasion. One of the biggest issues undermining the fairness of military service is military evasion. Illegal military evasion by a few can create feelings of deprivation and distrust among the majority who fulfill their military obligations diligently. The problem is that methods of military evasion are becoming increasingly complex. Relying solely on past experiences and individual investigations has limitations in identifying new types of military evasion. AI can analyze vast data to detect unusual signs and patterns that are difficult for humans to identify. It analyzes military assessment and medical information, compares it with past military evasion cases, and identifies repetitive or abnormal patterns. Based on the unusual signs identified by AI, the Military Manpower Administration can conduct more precise investigations and verifications. This shifts the approach from detecting military evasion after it occurs to proactively identifying warning signs. However, an important principle remains: AI's analysis should not solely determine military evasion. AI should identify suspicious patterns, while final investigations and judgments must be conducted by humans. Responsible AI use is necessary to enhance the fairness of military service while protecting citizens' rights. AI provides tailored military services to citizens. Military administration is unfamiliar to most citizens. It can often be challenging to understand complex systems and procedures related to military assessments, enlistment, social service, and alternative service. Each conscript has different information needs. The information to be verified varies based on age, health status, major, qualifications, enlistment timing, and service type. Generative AI can become a new tool for transforming military services. Citizens can ask questions about their situations, and AI can find the necessary military information. It can easily explain related systems and procedures. AI can provide essential information to young people preparing for enlistment, answer parents' questions, and offer tailored administrative services to social service personnel and conscripts. This shifts the focus from citizens searching for military administration information to AI proactively providing the necessary information. The goal of AI military services is not to showcase new technology but to make military administration easier and more convenient for citizens. Connecting military service with the future of youth through AI. For young people, military service is a significant time in their lives. However, many view their military obligations as a period that interrupts their education and employment. This highlights the need for new policies that connect military service with the future of youth. AI can analyze young people's majors, qualifications, aptitudes, and experiences. By linking this with the personnel needs of the military, individual abilities can be utilized more effectively. Young people majoring in IT can leverage their skills in digital and cyber fields. Those studying machinery and electronics can gain experience in related technical areas. It is also important to connect the experiences and skills gained during military service with post-service employment and social integration. AI analyzes young people's capabilities, suggests suitable military career paths, and connects military service experiences with post-service employment. This transforms military service from merely fulfilling an obligation into a time for young people to gain new experiences and skills. Military administration in the AI era should not only manage the military resources needed by the state but also connect the future of each young person with national security. AI reduces blind spots in military administration. Many citizens participate in military administration. Various situations arise during military assessments, enlistment, social service, and the fulfillment of military obligations. Some citizens may not receive necessary support due to a lack of understanding of complex administrative procedures. Others may not fully understand their rights and obligations due to insufficient information. AI can be utilized to reduce these blind spots in military administration. It provides necessary information based on citizens' situations, informs them of easily overlooked administrative procedures, and guides them to necessary support systems. Especially, AI services that are easy to use for citizens who are not familiar with digital environments are essential. AI explains complex administrative terms in simple language and provides information through various means, including voice and text. AI can become a new communication channel between citizens and the Military Manpower Administration. The ultimate goal of AI military administration is not just to enhance administrative efficiency. It is to help citizens fulfill their military obligations more fairly and conveniently. The Military Manpower Administration itself must also transform through AI. The Military Manpower Administration is not only an agency that utilizes AI in military administration but also an administrative body that must transition into an AI organization. AI can learn from decades of accumulated military administration data and policy information. When public officials ask for necessary information, AI can find relevant materials and past cases. It can also support policy decisions by analyzing vast data. By having AI assist with repetitive administrative tasks, public officials can focus more on professional judgment and citizen services. AI can also be utilized in the process of handling public inquiries. It can analyze frequently asked questions and identify the most inconvenient administrative procedures for citizens. This is a transition from a digital Military Manpower Administration to an AI-driven one. Commissioner Hong So-young is an expert in military administration and information technology, having served in key positions such as the Director of Information Planning and the Director of Military Resources. Utilizing AI and data to change the operational methods of the Military Manpower Administration and enhance the quality of citizen services is one of the areas where Commissioner Hong can excel. In the AI era, protecting personal information becomes even more critical. The data held by the Military Manpower Administration includes sensitive personal information. Many details are directly connected to citizens' rights, such as military service, health, physical examinations, and administrative information. As the use of AI expands, the importance of personal information protection and data security also increases. Citizens' personal information should not be indiscriminately used in the name of creating good AI. Clear standards are needed regarding what data is used and where. The processes of AI judgment and analysis must also be transparent. When AI is used for significant decisions that may disadvantage citizens, a system must be in place for human review and accountability. AI military administration should not pursue efficiency alone. It must also ensure fairness, transparency, personal information protection, and accountability. AI administration that citizens do not trust cannot succeed. For South Korea to create a new model of AI military administration, it must establish systems and principles that protect citizens' rights alongside technological development. In the era of population decline, the role of the Military Manpower Administration becomes even more significant. As military resources decrease, the role of the Military Manpower Administration must also change. It should shift from managing abundant military resources to accurately predicting and efficiently utilizing scarce military resources. AI can support this transformation. It predicts future military resources, connects them with military personnel needs, and supports military assessments. It identifies unusual signs of military evasion, provides tailored military services to citizens, and connects youth with their military service and future. All these policies aim toward a single goal. To utilize South Korea's limited military resources more fairly and efficiently. The population decline is an unavoidable reality. However, if prepared in advance using AI and data, the country can respond to the crisis. The Military Manpower Administration in the AI era should not be an agency worried about population decline but rather one that predicts changes in future military resources and supports new national security strategies. Can South Korea become a powerhouse in AI military administration? South Korea possesses world-class digital infrastructure, ICT technology, and decades of accumulated experience and data in military administration. Combining these with AI opens up new possibilities. By analyzing population and military data, predicting future military resources, and connecting them with personnel needs, AI can support military assessments, detect unusual signs of military evasion, and provide necessary information to citizens. It can link young people's majors and abilities with military service and connect military experiences with future employment and social integration. This ecosystem must be established. For South Korea to develop into a powerhouse of AI military administration, it must connect AI, military data, national security, youth policies, administrative innovation, and personal information protection into a cohesive national strategy. South Korea must evolve from a country that responds after military resources have declined to one that predicts future military resources using AI and prepares in advance. The task assigned to Commissioner Hong So-young is not limited to managing conscripts and conducting enlistment operations. It is to transform South Korea's military administration and military resource management system in the era of population decline through AI and data. AI military resource prediction, intelligent military assessments, detection of military evasion, tailored military services, and military career planning all aim toward a single goal: to make AI a new national security infrastructure for South Korea's military administration. South Korea's military resources are rapidly diminishing. However, a decrease in population does not equate to a decrease in the importance of national security. Rather, accurately predicting and efficiently utilizing limited military resources has become even more critical. AI analyzes population and military data, predicts future military resources, supports military assessments, detects unusual signs of military evasion, and provides necessary military information to citizens. It connects young people's majors and abilities with military service and links military experiences to future growth. This is the new national security system that the AI military revolution must create. South Korea possesses world-class ICT and AI technology, vast military data, and decades of accumulated experience in military administration. Combining these with AI and data analysis capabilities opens up new possibilities. Transforming from an agency that manages military resources to one that predicts future military resources. Shifting from a country where citizens search for military administration information to one where AI proactively provides necessary information. Transitioning from viewing military service as a mere obligation to connecting young people's abilities, military service, and future employment. Moving beyond merely worrying about the crisis of population decline to using AI to predict future military resources and find new solutions for national security. This is the starting point for the AI military revolution that Commissioner Hong So-young must lead. Commissioner Hong So-young is an expert in military administration and information technology, having accumulated over 30 years of experience in the field. She has held key positions, including Director of Information Planning and Director of Military Resources, leading the digital innovation of military resource management and military administration. Since taking office as Commissioner, she has been tasked with responding to the decline in military resources due to low birth rates and population decline while establishing a fair and efficient military administration system. Utilizing AI and military data to predict future military resources, innovate military assessments and military evasion detection, provide tailored military services, and design military career paths is the core task assigned to Commissioner Hong So-young.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-18 17:28:00
  • President Lee Orders Full Efforts to Combat Incheon Coupang Warehouse Fire
    President Lee Orders Full Efforts to Combat Incheon Coupang Warehouse Fire President Lee Jae-myung directed authorities on July 18 to exert all efforts in extinguishing the fire at the Coupang warehouse in Incheon, ensuring that the damage does not spread further.Chief Presidential Spokesperson Kang Yu-jeong stated in a media briefing that the president emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of firefighters on the scene.A fire broke out at the Coupang logistics center in Incheon, prompting the fire department to issue a National Fire Mobilization Order. However, firefighters are facing challenges due to the presence of household goods and thick smoke inside the facility.According to the Incheon Fire Department, the fire started around 6:54 a.m. on the sixth floor of the Coupang Logistics Center in Seoknam-dong, Seohae-gu.In response to the fire, the National Fire Agency issued the mobilization order at 3:15 p.m. to ensure a comprehensive response.As a result, 142 pieces of equipment, including 21 high-altitude ladder trucks and unmanned firefighting robots from Seoul, Gyeonggi, Chungbuk, Chungnam, and Gangwon provinces, along with 386 firefighters, have been deployed to assist in the firefighting efforts.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-18 17:20:00
  • Messi Aims for Back-to-Back World Cup Titles
    Messi Aims for Back-to-Back World Cup Titles Soccer star Lionel Messi expressed a strong determination to secure a second consecutive title as Argentina prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.According to Yonhap News, Messi spoke at the 'Fanatics Fest' event held at the Javits Center in New York on July 18, stating, "We will give it our all," and emphasized, "As I have said many times, we will never stop fighting."Argentina will face Spain in the tournament final on July 20 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. If Argentina, the reigning champions from the 2022 Qatar World Cup, wins, they will achieve back-to-back World Cup titles.This event was organized by the American sports merchandise company Fanatics, serving as an alternative to the traditional final press conference. Fans had the opportunity to hear directly from the players, and other sports legends, including NFL star Tom Brady and tennis champion Novak Djokovic, were also in attendance.One of the highlights of the day was a recently resurfaced photo of Messi bathing a baby Yamal, taken during a charity calendar shoot for FC Barcelona in 2007. The image has gained attention as both players are set to meet in the World Cup final.Messi remarked, "It’s really amazing to see that photo. Isn’t that what life is about? A player I took a picture with as a baby is now my opponent in the World Cup."He added, "Lamine is a player from my beloved club and is growing into one of the best in the world. I wish him well in the future, but we will do our best to ensure that doesn’t happen this time."As the final approaches, praise for Messi has also come from the opposing team. Spain's captain Rodri stated, "What Messi has shown as a player and what he means to Argentina needs no explanation. He is, for me, the greatest player of all time."Spain's head coach Luis de la Fuente described Messi as a "unique player," noting that his performance at this age serves as a model for younger players. He added, "We won’t mark him man-to-man, but he is a player who requires special attention."The Argentine team has also expressed confidence in their star player. Coach Lionel Scaloni said, "Messi is a historic figure and a legend. It’s a privilege to be with him, and the final will be a great match."Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez stated, "All the players and coaching staff are doing their best every day to bring joy to our country. I want to bring the World Cup trophy home with Messi and share the joy with our people."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-18 17:12:00
  • Fire at Incheon Coupang Logistics Center Leads to National Fire Mobilization Order
    Fire at Incheon Coupang Logistics Center Leads to National Fire Mobilization Order A fire broke out at the Coupang logistics center in Incheon, prompting fire authorities to issue a national fire mobilization order. However, the blaze has been difficult to control due to thick black smoke filling the building from burning household goods stored inside.According to the Incheon Fire Department and Yonhap News, the fire started at 6:54 AM on the sixth floor of the Coupang 32 logistics center in Seongnam-dong, Seohae-gu, Incheon.Fire authorities declared a Level 1 response 2 hours and 21 minutes after the fire began, at 9:15 AM. They escalated to a Level 2 response at 12:25 PM.A Level 1 response involves the full mobilization of personnel from the local fire station, while a Level 2 response includes personnel and equipment from 5 to 6 neighboring fire stations.To intensify efforts against the logistics center fire, the National Fire Agency issued a national fire mobilization order at 3:15 PM. A total of 142 vehicles, including 21 high-lift trucks and unmanned firefighting robots from Seoul, Gyeonggi, Chungbuk, Chungnam, and Gangwon provinces, along with 386 firefighters, have been deployed.Despite the comprehensive response, the fire remains challenging to extinguish. The burning household goods on three-tiered shelves have filled the building with black smoke, which has also spread outside, prompting numerous reports from citizens.Fire authorities anticipate that it will take considerable time to fully extinguish the blaze.At the time of the fire, 121 individuals, including logistics center staff, evacuated on their own. However, during the firefighting efforts, a 40-year-old firefighter was hospitalized for smoke inhalation after operating a ladder truck.The Seohae-gu office issued a safety alert, advising nearby residents and vulnerable facilities to close windows and limit outdoor activities due to the significant smoke and dust generated by the fire.Once the fire is extinguished, fire authorities plan to investigate the specific cause and extent of the damage.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-18 16:48:00
  • Government Posthumously Awards National Medal to Late Seong-sook Seo
    Government Posthumously Awards National Medal to Late Seong-sook Seo The government posthumously awarded the National Medal of Moran to the late Seong-sook Seo, chairperson of the Jeju Olle Foundation, who passed away in April. On July 18, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced that Minister Choi Hwi-young visited the Jeju Olle Traveler Center in Seogwipo, Jeju, to present the medal to her family on behalf of the government. Seo died at the age of 68 in April.Born in Seogwipo, Jeju, Seo graduated from Shinsung Girls' High School and the Department of Education at Korea University. She worked as a journalist for magazines such as Madang and Hankookin, and served as the first female editor-in-chief after holding positions as a political reporter and news director at Sisa Journal. She left the media industry in 2006 after serving as the editor-in-chief of the online newspaper OhmyNews.Returning to her hometown of Jeju, she founded the Jeju Olle Foundation in September 2007 and opened the first course of the Jeju Olle Trail. In 2022, she completed the 27-course Jeju Olle Trail with the opening of the 18-2 course, allowing travelers to explore Jeju solely on foot.A ministry official stated, "The Jeju Olle Trail has attracted a cumulative total of 13.4 million visitors as of June 2026, making it a representative walking trail in the country. It has significantly contributed to sustainable tourism development by creating an ecological and cultural space where nature, travelers, and local residents coexist harmoniously through walking travel."The Jeju Olle Trail has also expanded to Japan and Mongolia, evolving into an international walking travel model that connects people, regions, and the world, promoting the value of walking in society.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-18 16:20:00
  • Special Prosecutor to Question Won Hee-ryong on July 23 Over Highway Allegations
    Special Prosecutor to Question Won Hee-ryong on July 23 Over Highway Allegations The Special Prosecutor's Office, led by Kwon Chang-young, will summon Won Hee-ryong, the former Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, for questioning on July 23 regarding allegations related to the Yangpyeong Expressway route change.The Special Prosecutor's Office announced on the afternoon of July 18 that "Former Minister Won is scheduled to appear for questioning at 10 a.m. on July 23."Previously, the Special Prosecutor's Office had requested Won to appear for questioning twice regarding allegations of abuse of power, but the requests were not delivered due to his absence.The allegations concerning the Yangpyeong Expressway involve a change in the endpoint of the route from Yangseo-myeon in Yangpyeong County to Gangsam-myeon, where land owned by First Lady Kim Kun-hee's family is located, following the inauguration of the Yoon Suk-yeol administration.The Yangseo-myeon endpoint had passed a preliminary feasibility study in 2021, but the Ministry of Land began reviewing the endpoint in Gangsam-myeon in May 2023, leading to concerns of favoritism.In response to the emerging allegations, Won decided to cancel the project. The Special Prosecutor's Office is reportedly investigating whether he followed proper procedures during this process.Previously, the Kim Kun-hee Special Prosecutor's Office, led by Min Jung-ki, indicted a Ministry of Land official, identified as Kim, on charges of abuse of power related to the favoritism allegations. However, they were unable to establish charges against the "higher-ups," including Won.The Special Prosecutor's Office, which took over the case, imposed a travel ban on Won in March and initiated a forced investigation into the National Intelligence Resource Management Agency, the Ministry of Land, and former Vice Minister Baek Won-guk in April.On July 15, they seized Won's mobile phone.On the same day, Won stated on Facebook, "I will not yield to unreasonable investigations and unjust applications of the law," urging the Special Prosecutor's Office not to fabricate charges that do not exist.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-18 15:56:00