AJU PRESS ASIA FIRST NEWS AGENCY

Journalist

&
""
Latest by
  • Iran Reports Explosions on Two Oil Tankers in Hormuz Strait Amid Rising Tensions
    Iran Reports Explosions on Two Oil Tankers in Hormuz Strait Amid Rising Tensions Two oil tankers exploded in the Hormuz Strait, resulting in a large fire, as armed conflict in the region entered its seventh day on July 18.According to the Iranian state news agency IRNA, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stated that the explosions occurred around midnight local time after the vessels were deceived by U.S. intelligence while attempting to pass through a mine-laying area in the southern Hormuz Strait.The explosions reportedly took place at approximately 12 a.m. local time. This incident comes as the U.S. and Iran have been exchanging airstrikes in the region, effectively abandoning a ceasefire agreement.Iran has asserted its control over the Hormuz Strait, emphasizing that vessels must obtain permission to safely navigate the northern strait, which is closer to Iran.The IRGC declared, "The Hormuz Strait has become extremely unstable due to U.S. aggression, and we firmly announce that it is completely closed. As long as U.S. acts of invasion continue, no chemical fertilizers or even a drop of crude oil or gas can be exported through this region."They further advised, "Vessels should not be deceived to protect their assets and, above all, their lives. Do not enter the mine-laying area."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-18 11:12:00
  • Death Toll from Venezuela Earthquake Exceeds 5,000 Amid Ongoing Disaster Concerns
    Death Toll from Venezuela Earthquake Exceeds 5,000 Amid Ongoing Disaster Concerns More than 5,000 people have been confirmed dead following a series of earthquakes that struck Venezuela last month.According to Yonhap News Agency, Jorge Rodriguez, the Speaker of the National Assembly, announced on July 17 that the official death toll had reached 5,069. It is reported that the identities of at least 300 of the deceased have yet to be confirmed.The number of injured remains at 16,740, as previously reported, with most of the injured having been discharged from hospitals. Approximately 20,000 displaced individuals are currently living in temporary shelters, although many are said to lack access to clean water and proper sanitation facilities.On June 24, Venezuela was hit by two powerful earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5, devastating the coastal region of La Guaira, located north of the capital, Caracas.While the Venezuelan government has not released official statistics on missing persons, opposition estimates suggest that around 30,000 individuals are unaccounted for. The United Nations estimated on June 27, three days after the earthquakes, that the number of missing persons could reach 50,000.The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has projected that the death toll from the earthquakes could range from a minimum of 10,000 to as high as 100,000.Meanwhile, a representative from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) warned that El Niño could pose significant risks to earthquake survivors. El Niño is a climate phenomenon characterized by warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures in the equatorial Pacific, leading to drastic changes in weather patterns, including extreme events such as typhoons, floods, and droughts.The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported last month that the El Niño phenomenon has already begun this year, with a 63% chance of developing into a super El Niño, where sea surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific exceed average levels by more than 2 degrees Celsius.The UN estimates that the direct economic damage from the earthquakes amounts to $6.7 billion (approximately 9.98 trillion won), and the total economic losses, including indirect damages, could be up to three times that amount.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-18 11:00:00
  • 16,000 Art Coins to be Hidden Across Seoul in September
    16,000 'Art Coins' to be Hidden Across Seoul in September The fifth edition of Frieze Seoul will transform the city into an open-air museum from September 2 to 5, featuring over 125 galleries from more than 30 countries at COEX. As part of this event, British artist Ryan Gander will launch a public art project, hiding 16,000 specially made coins throughout various accessible locations in Seoul, allowing visitors to experience art in unexpected ways.On July 18, Frieze Seoul announced Gander's public art initiative, 'The Find Seoul.'Gander will conceal the 16,000 coins in areas such as Euljiro, Hannam, Cheongdam, Samcheong, and around COEX. Each coin serves as both an artwork and a good luck charm, featuring different inscriptions. Those who find the coins can keep them or pass them on to others. The project will run from August 31 to September 10.During Frieze Week, 'Neighborhood Nights' will also take place, starting with Euljiro Night on August 31, followed by Hannam on September 1, Cheongdam on September 2, and Samcheong on September 3. On the same day, 'Frieze Music,' sponsored by BMW, will be held.In collaboration with the Busan Biennale, 'Busan Biennale × Frieze Film Seoul 2026' will be presented at SongEun, featuring a special screening program that expands on the 2026 exhibition theme 'Dissonant Chorus.' Artists such as Allison Nguyen, Umi Ishihara, and Luis Hock will participate, offering a new way to experience the Busan Biennale in Seoul.Inside the exhibition halls, various special projects will be showcased. Artists Moon Kyungwon and Jeon Junho will present 'Mobile Agora,' an installation that arranges recycled plastic chairs in a circular formation to encourage dialogue among viewers. This installation prompts participants to reflect on issues like plastic pollution and climate change.Print Bakery will unveil 'The Moon Jar Constellation,' featuring 15 Korean artists, including Shim Moonseob, Lee Kangsok, and Jeon Gwangyoung. This project reinterprets the traditional moon jar through a contemporary artistic lens, with a portion of the proceeds donated to UNICEF.This year's Frieze Seoul Artist Award winner, Yagwang (Kim Taeri, Jeon In), will present a new work titled 'Facade Zone.' The piece includes latex sculptures inspired by Korean Buddhist attire and accessories, along with a lighting system that continuously alters the work's appearance. Visitors will be able to move freely inside and outside the structure to engage with the artwork.From September 3 to 5, a talk program in collaboration with Kiaf Seoul and the Arts Management Support Center will take place at COEX. Domestic and international artists, curators, and art institution representatives will participate, and all talks will be free to attend at COEX Studio 159.Patrick Lee, director of Frieze Seoul, stated, “As we celebrate the fifth edition of Frieze Seoul, we aim to extend artistic experiences beyond COEX to various locations throughout the city. From our collaboration with the Busan Biennale to public art projects across the city, this year's program is designed to allow both domestic and international visitors to engage more deeply with contemporary art in Seoul.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-18 10:32:00
  • Fire Breaks Out at Coupang Logistics Center in Incheon, Ongoing for Three Hours
    Fire Breaks Out at Coupang Logistics Center in Incheon, Ongoing for Three Hours A fire broke out at the Coupang logistics center in Seongnam-dong, Seohae-gu, Incheon, prompting firefighting efforts.According to Yonhap News, the fire was reported at approximately 6:54 a.m. on July 18. No injuries have been reported so far.Fire authorities have deployed 148 personnel and 59 pieces of equipment, including pump trucks, and have been battling the blaze for over three hours.A fire official stated, "We will investigate the specific cause of the fire and the extent of the damage as soon as the firefighting efforts are completed."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-18 10:28:00
  • Small and Mid-Cap Stocks Surge as Semiconductor Shares Decline
    Small and Mid-Cap Stocks Surge as Semiconductor Shares Decline In July, semiconductor stocks have plummeted, leading to a decline in large-cap stocks, while small and mid-cap stocks, particularly thematic and cosmetic shares, have seen significant gains.According to the Korea Exchange on July 18, the KOSPI large-cap index fell by 20.6% from the start of the month through the 16th. This decline was steeper than the overall KOSPI index, which dropped by 19.5% during the same period.In contrast, the KOSPI mid-cap index decreased by 6.2%, and the small-cap index fell by 1.6%, indicating a relatively stable performance.This trend marks a shift from last month, when the KOSPI large-cap index rose by 0.9%, while mid-cap and small-cap stocks fell by 10.5% and 11.1%, respectively.Market analysts attribute the recent changes to concerns over a peak-out in the semiconductor sector, which has increased volatility among major stocks like Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix. Additionally, a slowdown in foreign buying has prompted individual investors to turn their attention to thematic and small-cap stocks.Indeed, Samsung Electronics has seen a decline of 23.7% this month, while SK Hynix has dropped by 30.5%. Samsung's stock price fell from 334,000 won at the end of last month to 255,000 won by July 16, a decrease of 79,000 won. Similarly, SK Hynix's price fell from 2,650,000 won to 1,842,000 won, a drop of 808,000 won during the same period.Conversely, small-cap stocks have rebounded. Among small-cap stocks, so-called 'patriotic thematic stocks' have performed strongly. Hanseong Corporation has surged by 245% this month, while Monami and Enex have recorded increases of 211% and 162%, respectively.In the mid-cap sector, cosmetic and food and beverage stocks have shown relative strength. Cosmax (17%), Amorepacific Holdings (15%), and Kolmar Korea (8%) have significantly outperformed the KOSPI index, while Orion Holdings (8%) and Lotte Wellfood (6%) have also posted positive returns.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-18 10:12:00
  • Diverging Paths for People Powers Leadership Amid Constitutional Day Events
    Diverging Paths for People Power's Leadership Amid Constitutional Day Events 국민의힘 '투톱'인 장동혁 대표와 정점식 원내대표의 엇갈린 행보가 주목을 받고 있다. 장 대표는 참정권 수호를 위한 장외 투쟁에 나선 한편 정 원내대표는 장 대표와 거리를 두면서 원 구성 협상 등을 위한 원내 상황에 집중하는 모습이다. 18일 정치권에 따르면 장 대표와 정 원내대표는 전날인 국회 제헌절 행사에 다른 행보를 보였다. 장 대표는 제헌절 기념식에 불참하고 참정권 집회가 열리는 서울 송파구 올림픽공원을 찾았지만, 정 원내대표는 기념식에 참석했다. 앞서 장 대표는 여당의 일방적인 국회 상임위원회 구성에 불만을 나타내며 제헌절 행사에 불참하겠다고 밝혔다. 정 원내대표도 같은 이유로 기념식 불참을 예고했지만 입장을 바꿔 행사에 참석했다. 그는 참석 이유에 대해 "어떤 상황에서도 국회 정상화를 위해서 늘 노력하고 있다는 것을 보여주기 위한 것"이라고 밝혔다. 또한 "우리가 오늘 기려야 하는 것은 제헌절이라는 껍데기가 아니라 토론과 합의의 제헌절 정신"이라며 "(더불어민주당은) 여야 합의에 입각해 이뤄져야 할 원 구성부터 일방적으로 통보했고 독단적으로 악법을 쏟아내며 폭주하고 있다"고 비판했다. 일각에서 당 투톱의 행보에 대해 '엇박자를 보인다'는 지적이 나오자 국민의힘은 '투트랙 전략'이라고 반박했다. 박성훈 수석대변인은 전날 기자들과 만나 "당 대표와 원내대표는 어제 저녁에도 만났다"며 "장 대표는 선명한 메시지로 지지층을 규합하는 역할을 한다면, 원내대표는 중도층과 외연 확장을 위한 역할을 나눠서 수행하고 있다"고 설명했다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-18 10:08:00
  • Future of Korea National University of Arts: Legal Status and Campus Relocation Issues
    Future of Korea National University of Arts: Legal Status and Campus Relocation Issues Discussions surrounding the Korea National University of Arts (KNUA) are intensifying. Despite being a top national arts education institution that has produced world-class talent, KNUA faces a paradoxical situation where it cannot confer full degrees due to its classification as a 'specialized school.' The long-standing issue of relocating the Seokgwan-dong campus, coupled with a political debate over 'regional relocation,' has left the future of KNUA uncertain. On July 15, the National Assembly's Legislative Research Service published a report titled 'What Kind of School Should the Korea National University of Arts Be? - Issues of Legal Status and Campus Relocation,' which deeply analyzes the complex challenges facing KNUA. The report identifies three main issues surrounding KNUA: 1) Legal status reform, 2) Scope and stages of the Seokgwan-dong campus relocation, and 3) Criteria and procedures for site selection.Despite Top Reputation, KNUA's Legal Status as a 'Specialized School' Requires Urgent ReformThe most pressing challenge is to resolve the discrepancy between KNUA's legal status and its degree system. Classified as a 'specialized school' under higher education law, KNUA operates graduate-level 'art specialist' programs but is unable to award official master's or doctoral degrees. This has led to ongoing complaints from graduates who face disadvantages in studying abroad, employment, and international exchanges. The report states, "Designing a system that meets the requirements for formal degree programs while maintaining the identity of practical, specialized arts education is crucial." However, it also notes the need for careful consideration of equity issues with other art universities, enrollment, and financial burdens, urging legislative discussions to be centered around two proposed bills in the 22nd National Assembly.Seokgwan-dong Campus: Conflict Between Heritage Preservation and Financial BurdensThe issue of relocating the Seokgwan-dong campus has also stalled for years. When the UNESCO World Heritage site of the royal tombs was designated in 2009, the South Korean government committed to demolishing KNUA facilities and restoring the tombs. However, the relocation of the annex building has been delayed, and there remains a significant disagreement between the Cultural Heritage Administration and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism over whether the main building should also be demolished. The Cultural Heritage Administration advocates for the complete relocation, including the main building, for restoration purposes, while the Ministry and KNUA emphasize the remaining value of the buildings, the need for alternative sites, and the substantial financial burden involved. With UNESCO requiring a report on the preservation status that includes a feasible relocation plan by December 1 of this year, reaching an agreement among government departments has become urgent. The report suggests that a differentiated approach is needed regarding whether to proceed with a complete relocation or to first fulfill the commitment to relocate the annex and then gradually address the main building.Debate Over Campus Relocation: 'Regional Development' vs. 'Decline in Arts Education Competitiveness'Discussions about campus relocation have naturally evolved into a debate over site selection. Recently, lawmakers, including Jeong Jun-ho, have proposed legislation to specify KNUA's location as 'Gwangju Metropolitan City' and relocate it, intensifying the controversy. Proponents of regional relocation argue that it is necessary to alleviate the concentration of young artists in the metropolitan area and strengthen local cultural and artistic foundations, citing 'regional balanced development.' In contrast, many KNUA members and artists strongly oppose this, warning that moving away from the metropolitan area, where performance and exhibition infrastructure and specialized personnel are concentrated, could severely diminish educational competitiveness. The Legislative Research Service emphasizes that there is a clash between differing perspectives on regional policy and arts education, urging the government and local authorities to establish clear criteria for site selection, feasibility studies, and cost analyses. Finally, the report recommends that the Ministry of Culture and the Cultural Heritage Administration promptly finalize a realistic relocation and demolition plan, while the National Assembly should gradually review discussions on legal status reform and campus site selection, considering each other's schedules and prerequisites.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-18 10:08:00
  • Democratic Party Candidates Complete Registration, Intensify Campaigns
    Democratic Party Candidates Complete Registration, Intensify Campaigns Candidates vying for leadership positions in the Democratic Party have completed their registration and are ramping up efforts to win public support. Concurrently, a so-called 'war of rules' has emerged over various issues, intensifying factional conflicts.Former Prime Minister Kim Min-seok will tour the Daejeon area on the 18th before concluding his schedule with a visit to Iksan, Jeonbuk, to attend a memorial concert for Kim Min-ki, who passed away two years ago. Kim Min-ki, born in Iksan in 1951, debuted as a singer in 1971 and is regarded as a master of Korean folk music, known for iconic pro-democracy songs like 'Morning Dew' and 'Evergreen.'Notably, Kim's Daejeon itinerary is significant as the city will host the party convention on November 17. The convention preparation committee previously announced a schedule that begins in Chungnam, Chungbuk, Daejeon, and Sejong, and concludes in Daejeon after covering Ulsan, Busan, Gyeongnam, Jeju, Incheon, Gangwon, Daegu, Gyeongbuk, Jeonbuk, Jeonnam, Gwangju, Gyeonggi, and Seoul. Analysts interpret Kim's focus on Daejeon as an attempt to gain early momentum in the race.Representative Song Young-gil is holding town hall meetings in Gyeongnam and Ulsan to enhance communication. Gyeongnam is particularly important as it carries a 5% weighting in the effective voting results for national delegates and party members. The preparation committee has identified Daegu, Gyeongbuk, and Gyeongnam as vulnerable areas. The introduction of a one-person, one-vote system at this convention aims to address concerns that specific regional opinions may be overlooked.Both Gyeongnam and Ulsan showed strong support for the Democratic Party in the recent local elections. In Gyeongnam, former Provincial Era Committee Chair Kim Kyung-soo narrowly lost to Governor Park Wan-soo, while in Ulsan, Democratic Party member Kim Sang-wook defeated former Mayor Kim Du-gyeom, who ran as a candidate from the People Power Party.Former party leader Jung Cheong-rae is hosting a party meeting for local delegates in his district of Mapo-gu, Seoul. Key agenda items include the selection of executive committee members and national delegates, emphasizing party member sovereignty. Jung, who introduced the one-person, one-vote system, is promoting a Democratic Party centered on its members.Additionally, Jung is expected to appeal for support from party members in his district, where he has successfully secured four terms and enjoys strong backing.Factional tensions continue to simmer ahead of the party convention, particularly between the pro-Lee Jae-myung faction and the pro-Jung Cheong-rae faction. The pro-Lee faction has criticized the failure to implement the Youth Supreme Council system, while the pro-Jung faction has opposed the introduction of the preference voting system. The pro-Lee faction claims that the pro-Jung faction's lack of a clear candidate for the Youth Supreme Council led to their opposition to the system approved by the preparation committee, while the pro-Jung faction argues that the introduction of the preference voting system violates party rules.The preference voting system allows voters to list their top three preferred candidates on the ballot. If a candidate receives a majority of first-choice votes in the first round, they are declared the winner. If no candidate achieves a majority, subsequent choices are counted to determine the winner. Some analysts suggest this system may favor the pro-Lee faction.Moreover, the Democratic Party is facing controversy after recognizing the candidacy of Representative Song and former Democratic Research Institute Deputy Director Kim Yong, who is challenging for the Supreme Council position. The party's decision to grant them candidacy exceptions has raised eyebrows, as party rules stipulate that eligibility is limited to party members who joined at least six months prior to the exercise of rights and have paid dues at least six times within the year leading up to that date.Song, who left the party amid allegations of distributing money envelopes in 2023, was reinstated in February but has not met the six-month requirement. Kim, who was sentenced to prison for receiving money from private developers in the Daejang-dong scandal, reportedly failed to meet the dues payment requirement due to account freezes during his incarceration.The Democratic Party will begin preliminary elections on the 21st, aiming to narrow down the candidates for party leader to three and for the Supreme Council to eight. Alongside Kim, Song, and Jung, Representative Ko Min-jeong and former Gangjin County Council Chair Kim Bo-mi have declared their candidacies and completed registration.Representative Ko is intensifying her campaign efforts in Honam, which is expected to play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the party convention. She plans to engage with young people in Muan and then move to Mokpo to rally support.Identified with the pro-Moon faction, Ko has taken a cautious stance on the abolition of supplementary investigative powers as part of judicial reform, distinguishing herself from Kim, Song, and Jung. She believes that some supplementary investigative powers should remain for exceptional cases, such as sexual violence. Ko has also signed onto a proposed amendment to the Criminal Procedure Act introduced by Representative Hong Gi-won.Kim Bo-mi, advocating for generational change, suggested a joint debate among the five candidates the previous day. Following the party's decision to maintain the candidacies of Song and Kim, she referenced the failed candidacy of former interim leader Park Ji-hyun on Facebook, stating, 'The principles of the Democratic Party should take precedence over individual circumstances. If the principles applied to youth are to be upheld, they should equally apply to those in their 60s who attended university in the 1980s.' She warned, 'Principles only become meaningful when applied uniformly. If exceptions are made for the privileged while youth are excluded, young people will continue to distance themselves from the Democratic Party.' 2026-07-18 10:08:00
  • Eunma Apartment Receives Approval 33 Days Ahead of Deadline; Will Gangnam Create a Second Eunma?
    Eunma Apartment Receives Approval 33 Days Ahead of Deadline; Will Gangnam Create a 'Second Eunma'? The Eunma Apartment has received its project implementation plan approval 33 days ahead of the legal deadline, drawing attention to the 'Redevelopment Acceleration Task Force' operated by Gangnam District. As redevelopment sites in Apgujeong and Daechi-dong look to Eunma as a model, interest is growing in whether this expedited approval process can be replicated elsewhere.According to Gangnam District Office, there are currently 57 redevelopment projects underway, including the Eunma Apartment. The approval for the project implementation plan was granted earlier this month, taking just 27 days from application to approval, significantly shorter than the statutory processing time of 60 days.The rapid approval is attributed to the 'Gangnam Redevelopment Acceleration Task Force.' Documents obtained exclusively by this agency reveal that the task force is led by the district mayor, with the head of the Urban Environment Bureau overseeing operations and the head of the redevelopment division managing practical matters.The task force consists of a rapid response team, a field communication team, and a support group of experts. The rapid response team includes nine members from various departments, such as the Road Division and the Parks and Greenery Division, who quickly address administrative issues during the project process. The field communication team manages partnerships and consultations with residents and associations, while the expert support group comprises 40 external professionals, including lawyers and accountants, who assist with dispute resolution and specialized consultations.Gangnam District explained that for the Eunma Apartment, they analyzed the results of integrated reviews and discussions with related agencies before the application for the project implementation plan was submitted, identifying potential issues in advance. After the application was received, approximately 80 related departments and agencies conducted simultaneous consultations, and any necessary revisions were promptly shared with the association to expedite the process. This proactive preparation and concurrent discussions contributed to the shortened approval timeline.Indeed, the progress of redevelopment projects varies significantly, as shown in the status report released by Gangnam District this month. Projects that have completed the establishment of associations and are awaiting project implementation plan approval include Dogok Woosung (March 31, 2025), Gaepo Woosung 6th (April 24, 2024), and Gaepo Woosung 7th (February 2, 2024), with each waiting approximately 1.3 to 2.5 years after establishing their associations.Several projects remain at the approval stage for their promotion committees. The Nonhyeon-dong project received promotion committee approval in April and is preparing for association establishment, while the Daechi Mido and Gaepo Hyundai 2nd projects also received promotion committee approval in March and are following up on subsequent procedures. Cases like the Eunma Apartment, which quickly progressed to project implementation plan approval, are still relatively rare.Major redevelopment sites in Apgujeong and Daechi-dong are closely monitoring the Eunma case. The chairman of the Apgujeong 4th district association expressed optimism, stating, "We have high expectations after seeing the Eunma Apartment's progress." However, some voices on the ground indicate that the tangible benefits have yet to be felt. A member of the Daechi-dong redevelopment apartment association remarked, "While the task force is operational, we have not yet experienced a significant increase in the speed of redevelopment."Industry analysts suggest that due to the symbolic nature of the Eunma Apartment, administrative resources have been concentrated there, making it challenging to apply the same expedited approach to all projects. Differences in scale, stakeholder interests, and the agencies involved will inevitably lead to variations in speed.Meanwhile, as support for accelerating redevelopment spreads among local governments, Yangcheon District is also enhancing its support for the Mokdong redevelopment. A Yangcheon District official stated, "Since the 8th civil election, we have established an Urban Development Promotion Team to operate urban maintenance forums and provide on-site consulting for redevelopment projects, serving as a communication channel between the public and private sectors."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-18 10:04:00
  • President Emphasizes Heat Pump Adoption as Kyungdong Navien Leads Domestic Heating Market
    President Emphasizes Heat Pump Adoption as Kyungdong Navien Leads Domestic Heating Market President Lee Jae-myung has reiterated the importance of promoting heat pumps, a clean energy technology, signaling a significant shift in the domestic heating market.According to industry sources on July 15, the government has declared 2026 as the "Year of Heating Electrification" in its efforts to achieve carbon neutrality, aiming to distribute 3.5 million heat pumps by 2035. During a national fiscal strategy meeting at the Blue House on July 13, President Lee stated, "Rationalizing energy use is a national task, and we need to accelerate our efforts. We should consider expanding support even if it adds to the budget burden."Heat pumps are systems that recover heat from the outside air or release heat from indoor air to provide heating, cooling, and hot water.With the potential for expanding the domestic heat pump market, Kyungdong Navien, a leading boiler manufacturer, has launched a heat pump optimized for Korea's ondol (underfloor heating) and hot water-centric living environment, aiming to capture market share.The standout feature of Kyungdong Navien's air-source boiler is its exceptional energy efficiency, achieving a seasonal coefficient of performance (SCOP) of over 4, maximizing operational efficiency compared to traditional gas and oil boilers. This translates to significant energy cost savings for consumers, according to the company.Installation convenience has also received high marks. The new system can utilize existing plumbing in homes, allowing for an eco-friendly heating experience without extensive renovations.Notably, it provides stable hot water at a maximum temperature of 75°C, close to the typical 80°C of standard gas boilers, effectively addressing common issues of lukewarm water during showers or baths. The system also features remote temperature control, scheduling, and real-time energy usage reports through the mobile "Navien Smart APP," enhancing its appeal as a smart home appliance.With this new product launch, Kyungdong Navien is implementing a detailed "three-pronged market expansion strategy" to drive heat pump adoption. First, it plans to establish a standard model based on the results from the "Heating Electrification Center Jeju" by 2028, which will be applicable nationwide.The company aims to expand its product lineup. Following the launch of the air-source boiler in June, it plans to complete the localization of key technologies and components by 2027, and introduce an air-source water heater, which has already proven its performance in the North American market, to the domestic market within the year, broadening consumer choices.Additionally, Kyungdong Navien is establishing a professional one-stop service system to enhance consumer trust. Considering the unique characteristics of heat pumps that require new industrial standards and installation protocols, it is introducing the "NRP (Navien Renewables Partner)" system across its nationwide dealerships. This initiative will provide standardized installation manuals, systematic training, and a rigorous installation quality certification program.Based on its air-source boiler lineup and infrastructure, Kyungdong Navien has set a goal to sell approximately 210,000 units annually in the domestic heat pump market by 2035.A representative from Kyungdong Navien stated, "As mentioned during the opening ceremony of the 'Heating Electrification Center Jeju' in May, we will expand heat pump sales in line with government policy and strengthen our position in both domestic and international markets."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-18 10:04:00