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  • Gwangmyeong City Corporation Enhances Field Management with Direct Engagement
    Gwangmyeong City Corporation Enhances Field Management with Direct Engagement Gwangmyeong City Corporation is enhancing its field management system by increasing the participation of on-site workers and strengthening the problem-solving capabilities of mid-level managers. According to the corporation, on September 10, it held the 'Smile Field Management 2.0' event at Memorial Park. The event was attended by 12 participants, including the head of the management department and deputy managers from various projects, who reviewed key issues on-site and discussed improvement measures. The 'Smile Field Management 2.0' initiative is characterized by expanding participation beyond team leaders to include deputy and junior staff members from each project site. This approach aims to empower mid-level managers by moving away from merely relaying issues to superiors or waiting for instructions. Instead, they are encouraged to directly identify problems, analyze their causes, and seek solutions. Additionally, the program includes leadership lectures from team leaders to enhance the necessary leadership and problem-solving skills for effective field management and organizational operation. Participants shared key issues and challenges they face in their daily work processes and exchanged ideas on potential improvements. They also inspected the facilities and cleanliness of Memorial Park ahead of the Chuseok holiday, identifying areas needing enhancement from the perspective of visitors. Following this, Kim Chan-woo, head of the Welfare Team, delivered a special lecture on the 'Field-Centered Fundamental Problem-Solving Process (Earthworm Theory).' He emphasized the importance of accurately identifying the root causes of problems to prevent recurrence, highlighting the need for strategic thinking and problem-solving processes among mid-level managers. Han Jeong-gwang, head of the management department, stated, "The process of repeatedly inspecting the field and directly confirming issues is crucial for developing the basic competencies needed to respond to changing environments." Seo Il-dong, the president, remarked, "Unexpected issues often arise in the field, so it is essential for employees who encounter these problems firsthand to develop the ability to find solutions on their own." He added, "We will continue to expand the role of field management so that deputy managers can listen to the voices from the field and accumulate experience in making judgments and resolving issues." Meanwhile, the corporation plans to establish a participatory field management system through 'Smile Field Management 2.0' that not only gathers field opinions but also encourages employees to identify problems and derive solutions themselves.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-14 15:08:10
  • Cheorwon County Reviews 128 Promises Worth 860.4 Billion Won
    Cheorwon County Reviews 128 Promises Worth 860.4 Billion Won Cheorwon County in Gangwon Province has outlined 128 promises for its 9th term, with a total financial investment of 860.4 billion won. The county will hold a final report meeting on the 15th to assess the feasibility of each project and the funding plans.According to Cheorwon County, the meeting will take place at 10 a.m. on the 15th in the county hall's conference room, chaired by County Mayor Kim Dong-il. Department heads will report on the direction and investment plans for their respective projects, and attendees will discuss any necessary adjustments.In terms of funding, the county budget accounts for 425.1 billion won, which is approximately 49.4% of the total. The national budget contributes 173.3 billion won, the provincial budget adds 79.3 billion won, and other sources provide 182.7 billion won. This amount reflects the currently reviewed investment plans and does not indicate secured or executed budget amounts.The number of promises has increased from 127 to 128. This change resulted from the review of projects and policy proposals suggested by the transition committee, leading to the integration or separation of certain initiatives. A total of 20 departments are involved in the implementation. Cheorwon County began establishing action plans for the 127 promises in July.Notably, the investment figures do not include national projects such as the establishment of the Cheorwon National Forest Healing Center and the expedited construction of the Pocheon-Cheorwon Expressway. Therefore, the 860.4 billion won should not be interpreted as the final project cost for all promises.The county plans to finalize the action plans based on feedback from the meeting and manage the progress of the promises. Mayor Kim stated, “We will examine the feasibility of the projects and the financial plans to ensure that the promises lead to changes in the lives of our residents.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-14 15:08:00
  • KOSPI Market Capitalization Drops by 212 Trillion Won in a Month
    KOSPI Market Capitalization Drops by 212 Trillion Won in a Month The market capitalization of South Korea's stock market has reportedly evaporated by approximately 210 trillion won over the past month.As of 11:40 a.m. on September 14, the combined market capitalization of the KOSPI and KOSDAQ was recorded at 602.2 trillion won, according to the Korea Exchange and Koscom.Specifically, the KOSPI market capitalization stood at 556.7 trillion won, while the KOSDAQ market capitalization was 45.5 trillion won.This represents a decrease of 212.5 trillion won (3.41%) compared to the total market capitalization of 623.5 trillion won a month ago on August 14.Compared to two months ago on July 14, the market capitalization has decreased by 34.9 trillion won (0.58%), and it has plummeted by a staggering 1,971.2 trillion won (24.66%) since the KOSPI reached its all-time high of 9,385.59 on June 22.The combined market capitalization of the KOSPI and KOSDAQ first surpassed 600 trillion won on April 27 and quickly exceeded 700 trillion won just eight trading days later on May 11. In June, it even surpassed 800 trillion won during trading.The index has followed a similar trend. The KOSPI started the year at 4,000 points, broke through 5,000 points in January, and exceeded 6,000 points in February.After a pause due to the impact of the U.S.-Iran conflict, the index rebounded in May, driven by semiconductor stocks, reaching 7,000 points and then 8,000 points. In June, it even surpassed 9,000 points, hitting an all-time high of 9,385.59.However, the situation changed dramatically in July. The KOSPI index fell by 22.19% during the month, marking a record drop. The index, which had once exceeded 9,000 points, plummeted to 5,262.77.Currently, the KOSPI is fluctuating between the 6,000 and 7,000 points range, struggling to find direction. The market capitalization is also hovering around 600 trillion won.Notably, the poor performance of major stocks such as Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, which have a significant weight in the domestic market capitalization, is evident. Both stocks, which once had market capitalizations exceeding 2,000 trillion won, have now fallen to the 1,000 trillion won range.As of now, Samsung Electronics has a market capitalization of 1,482.3 trillion won, down 30% from 2,119.3 trillion won on June 18. Similarly, SK Hynix's market capitalization is 1,263.8 trillion won, a 39% decrease from 2,080.4 trillion won on June 22.This decline is attributed to various factors, including rising international oil prices due to the prolonged conflict in the Middle East, geopolitical uncertainties, a strong won, and the persistence of high domestic interest rates.Looking ahead, key variables for the stock market will include the alleviation of external uncertainties and foreign investment trends. Analysts generally believe that support for the KOSPI at the 7,000-point level will depend on the resumption of foreign net buying and the continued leadership of semiconductor stocks.Han Ji-young, a researcher at Kiwoom Securities, stated, "This week, the KOSPI is expected to show volatility from the beginning of the week, influenced by major U.S. indicators, the potential for interest rate hikes by the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) this month, international oil prices, and changes in foreign investment trends."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-14 15:08:00
  • Toss Renames Restaurant App to Toss Spot to Expand Offline Presence
    Toss Renames Restaurant App to 'Toss Spot' to Expand Offline Presence Toss has renamed its restaurant recommendation app from 'Spot List' to 'Toss Spot.' This change is seen as part of its strategy to expand offline touchpoints, following the introduction of facial recognition payments and payment terminals.According to the financial sector on September 14, Toss's operator, Viva Republica, changed the service name on August 19, just over three months after the app's launch on May 7 in the Google Play Store.Toss Spot provides rankings and recommendations for restaurants based on users' actual payment data. It utilizes users' transaction histories linked to Toss to show frequently visited or revisited establishments.Industry experts view Toss Spot as a new consumer touchpoint that could help expand Toss's offline business. Through its subsidiary Toss Place, the company distributes payment terminals and POS solutions. Last year, it officially launched 'Face Pay,' which allows payments through facial recognition. As of the end of July, Toss Place had accumulated 440,000 merchant partners.While Face Pay and payment terminals handle transactions in stores, Toss Spot aims to attract users at the earlier stage of store exploration. In the future, if store searches, visits, payments, and rewards are interconnected, it could enhance the use of the Toss ecosystem by consumers and merchants.The name change is interpreted as a move to leverage the Toss brand for greater initial recognition. As of today, Toss Spot has recorded 'over 1,000 downloads' in the Google Play Store.However, Toss has stated that specific plans for linking Toss Spot with Face Pay and Toss Place have not yet been established. Currently, the significance lies in integrating the restaurant exploration service under its brand, thereby securing another offline consumer touchpoint.A Toss representative stated, 'We changed the name to clarify that this is a service provided by Toss, making it easier for users to access the service through a familiar brand. Our goal is to help users discover good restaurants based on reliable information.' 2026-09-14 15:08:00
  • Kangjins FU-SO Experience Recognized for Boosting Local Tourism
    Kangjin's FU-SO Experience Recognized for Boosting Local Tourism Kangjin County's signature stay-type rural tourism program, 'FU-SO Experience,' has been recognized for successfully connecting the region's unique characteristics to tourism resources.Kangjin County announced that it won the Local Branding category at the 14th Yonhap News TV Economic Forum held on September 11 at the Lotte Hotel in Seoul as part of the '2026 Rebooting Local Era Awards.'The 'Rebooting Local Era Awards' were established to discover policies and innovative cases that respond to regional extinction and promote local revitalization. This year, six institutions were selected as awardees across four categories: media coexistence, local branding, regional economy & jobs, and living conditions & welfare innovation, along with special awards.The FU-SO Experience received high praise for evolving into a stay-type tourism model that utilizes vacant rural accommodations, local food, and residents' daily lives as tourism content.Unlike traditional tourism that involves merely visiting attractions, this program allows visitors to stay at farms and interact with locals, providing a direct experience of rural life and culture.Kangjin County Mayor Kang Jin-won presented the award-winning case, highlighting the background of the FU-SO Experience's introduction, the participatory operation process involving residents, and its impact on the local economy and population growth.According to Kangjin County, since the FU-SO Experience began in 2015, a total of 79,300 participants have engaged in the program by last year. During this period, participating farms generated direct income of 7.78 billion won, and the associated consumption effects, including visits to local restaurants and cafes and purchases of specialty products, are estimated to exceed 17.5 billion won.The FU-SO Experience is also expanding its reach into school field trips, even as such programs have been declining recently.As of May this year, 57 schools have made reservations for the program through 2028, with a total of 9,513 students expected to participate. Notably, the county's direct management of the program, including pre-checks of farms and facilities, sharing student transportation details, and assigning guides for each bus, has been cited as a key factor for schools' return visits.This indicates that the FU-SO Experience is not limited to farm stays but is seen as a foundation for expanding tourism demand through school trips, family vacations, and rural experiences.Mayor Kang Jin-won stated, “This award is a testament to the achievements of the county residents and participating farms that have turned rural daily life and the lives of residents into Kangjin's unique competitiveness. We will further develop Kangjin-style stay tourism to ensure more people stay in Kangjin, build relationships with the region, and return.”Kangjin County plans to expand the FU-SO Experience to include family-oriented activities, week-long stays, training for organizations and groups, and programs linked to returning to farming and rural living.In particular, the county aims to enhance the connection between tourism and the local economy by encouraging visitors to stay longer and engage in spending on accommodations, restaurants, cafes, and specialty products.Meanwhile, Kangjin County intends to leverage the administrative integration of Jeonnam and Gwangju, as well as improvements in transportation accessibility between Gwangju and Kangjin, as opportunities to expand the stay-type tourism market. The county plans to increase visitors' length of stay by linking existing tourism policies and local agricultural and fishing resources, while also focusing on expanding the resident population through sustained relationships between tourists and the region.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-14 15:04:20
  • Thank You for the Rate Hike: CMA Funds Reach 106 Trillion Won, Earning 8 Billion Won Daily
    Thank You for the Rate Hike: CMA Funds Reach 106 Trillion Won, Earning 8 Billion Won Daily Recent increases in the Bank of Korea's key interest rate have led major securities firms to raise the yields on Comprehensive Money Management Accounts (CMA). As a result, the 'overnight value' of idle funds has also increased significantly. Based on the yields of major CMA products, over 100 trillion won in CMA funds are now accruing daily interest of around 7 to 8 billion won.According to the Korea Financial Investment Association, as of September 10, the CMA balance was recorded at 106.2646 trillion won, an increase of 7.815 trillion won from the previous day's 105.4831 trillion won. CMA accounts automatically invest customer deposits in repurchase agreements (RPs), issued notes, and money market labs (MMWs), providing returns. They are considered a primary channel for idle funds awaiting investment in the stock market.Following the recent interest rate hikes, CMA yields have been on the rise. Korea Investment & Securities raised the yield on its personal RP-type CMA from 2.30% to 2.50% on August 31. Woori Investment & Securities also increased rates on its CMA Note and Woori WON CMA Note from September 10. For personal customers, the Woori WON CMA Note offers a 3.00% annual rate for amounts up to 10 million won, and 2.80% for amounts exceeding that.If we assume a yield of 2.50% applies to the 106.2646 trillion won, the daily interest would be approximately 7.28 billion won. At a 2.80% yield, it would rise to about 8.15 billion won, and at 2.85%, it would increase to around 8.3 billion won. However, since CMA accounts can vary in management style and yield based on type—such as RP, MMW, or issued notes—these figures are simple estimates rather than actual total interest payouts.What does this mean for individual investors? If 100 million won is placed in a CMA yielding 2.50%, the pre-tax daily earnings would be about 6,849 won. At a 2.85% yield, it would be around 7,808 won, and at 3.00%, approximately 8,219 won. While these amounts may seem modest on a daily basis, over a year, investing 100 million won at 2.50% would yield a pre-tax total of 2.5 million won, compared to 3 million won at 3.00%, resulting in a 500,000 won difference.The rise in CMA yields can be attributed to two recent increases in the key interest rate. The Bank of Korea raised the rate from 2.50% to 2.75% in July, followed by another increase to 3.00% last month. Consequently, major securities firms have raised CMA yields by approximately 0.15 to 0.25 percentage points.A securities industry official noted, "Even within the same securities account, the yield can differ depending on whether funds are held as regular deposits or managed through a CMA. It's important to consider that different CMA products have varying management styles and risk structures, so investors should review the product details and applicable conditions carefully." 2026-09-14 15:04:00
  • Financial Supervisory Service Warns Insurance Industry on Fetal and Caregiver Insurance
    Financial Supervisory Service Warns Insurance Industry on Fetal and Caregiver Insurance 금융감독원이 태아보험과 간병인보험 등 심사 과정에서 소비자 피해가 발생하지 않도록 보험업계에 주의를 당부했다. 금감원은 생·손해보험협회 및 보험회사와 함께 '보험업계 소비자보호·보상부문 부서장 확대 간담회'를 개최했다고 14일 밝혔다.금감원은 최근 분쟁이 늘고 있는 현안을 업계와 함께 살펴봤다. 우선 금감원은 태아보험 계약에 대한 소비자 보호 강화를 요청했다. 태아보험은 출생할 자녀(주피보험자)의 위험을 주로 보장하는 상품이다. 청약 시 임신부(종피보험자)에게 계약 전 알릴의무를 부과하라는 것이 금감원 요구다. 아울러 보험사가 태아와 직접 관련성이 낮은 임신부의 질병력 등을 계약 전에 알리지 않았다는 이유로 계약 전체를 해지하는 경우가 빈번하다며 "태아보험과 관련하여 계약 전 알릴의무 위반 등을 이유로 소비자에게 과도한 불이익을 부과하지 않도록 각별히 유의할 것"이라고 당부했다. 간병인보험 허위청구 심사에 대해서도 적극적인 대응을 주문했다. 보험회사가 통제할 수 없는 제3자(간병인, 의료기관 등)에서 보험금 누수가 발생하는 것을 예방하기 위해 상품 개발 단계부터 위험을 검토할 필요가 있다고 설명했다.이날 보험업계는 도수치료 관리급여 지정 이후 신장분사 치료 등으로의 풍선효과가 발생하고 있다고 우려했다. 또 일부 의료기관의 허위·둔갑청구 사례를 지적하며 당국 차원의 대응 필요성을 제기했다.금감원은 올해 도입된 '분쟁 Key man' 제도를 통해 금감원의 과거 분쟁 처리 사례 등을 보험업계에 수시로 공유할 계획이다. 회사별·유형별 분쟁 동향을 지속적으로 모니터링하고 필요할 경우 현장점검도 실시할 예정이다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-14 15:00:20
  • South Korea and Kazakhstan Sign MOU to Modernize Statistics Using AI and Big Data
    South Korea and Kazakhstan Sign MOU to Modernize Statistics Using AI and Big Data The National Data Agency of South Korea is set to enhance cooperation with Kazakhstan in the fields of data and statistics. The two countries have agreed to share experiences in artificial intelligence (AI), big data, and the use of administrative data to digitize statistical production processes and strengthen statistical capabilities.On September 14, the National Data Agency announced that it signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Kazakhstan's Statistics Committee at the Daejeon Government Complex. This initiative aims to establish a practical foundation for cooperation in data and statistics as relations between the two countries expand in conjunction with the Korea-Central Asia Summit.The signing ceremony was attended by Ahn Hyung-jun, head of the National Data Agency, and Makhsat Turlubayev, head of Kazakhstan's Statistics Committee, along with officials from both organizations.Through this MOU, the two agencies will collaborate on the digitalization of statistical production processes and share case studies on the use of administrative data, big data, and AI. They also plan to exchange statistical methodologies and the latest trends, as well as conduct training visits, bilateral meetings, and seminars to enhance their capabilities.The National Data Agency intends to support Kazakhstan's statistical modernization by sharing South Korea's innovative experiences and best practices in the data and statistics sector. This effort is also aimed at assisting Kazakhstan in strengthening its statistical capabilities in line with international standards and preparing for its membership in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).Ahn Hyung-jun stated, "This MOU signifies the development of practical outcomes in the data and statistics field as a result of the Korea-Central Asia Summit. We will actively share South Korea's statistical innovation experiences using various data and new technologies, including administrative data, big data, and AI, to assist Kazakhstan in its statistical modernization."Makhsat Turlubayev expressed appreciation for South Korea's experience in developing official statistics and hopes that this MOU will lead to expanded practical cooperation between the two agencies in utilizing various data and advancing statistical systems.Previously, the National Data Agency has signed MOUs with the statistics agencies of Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, expanding its network of cooperation in the data and statistics field with Central Asian countries. It is also pursuing official development assistance (ODA) projects with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to enhance statistical capabilities in Central Asia.With this MOU, the National Data Agency aims to strengthen the foundation for statistical cooperation with key Central Asian countries and lead regional data and statistical collaboration, thereby enhancing South Korea's international standing and influence.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-14 15:00:20
  • Students from Jeonnam and Gwangju Unite to Promote Schools Free of Hate and Discrimination
    Students from Jeonnam and Gwangju Unite to Promote Schools Free of Hate and Discrimination Representatives from student councils in Jeonnam and Gwangju gathered for the first time since the launch of the Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City Education Office to promote a school culture free from hate and discrimination.On September 12, the Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City Education Office held the '2026 Jeonnam-Gwangju Student Council Leadership and Officials Exchange' at the Jeonnam government building, providing a platform for student representatives from both regions to discuss common issues.About 30 student representatives participated, including the leadership and officials of the 8th Jeonnam Student Council and the Gwangju Student Council. This exchange was particularly significant as it marked the first official gathering of student council representatives from Jeonnam and Gwangju since the establishment of the integrated education office. The students shared their legislative activities and thoughts while exploring ways to collaborate on forming a 'Unified Student Council.'The joint agenda chosen by the students focused on 'reducing hate speech and creating a respectful school culture.'Students examined issues of hate and discrimination encountered in school life from their perspective and discussed practical measures to mitigate these problems. Prior to the event, they researched examples of hate speech and related issues, aiming to identify actionable solutions that could be implemented in schools.The discussions culminated in a 'Joint Declaration for a School Culture Free from Hate and Discrimination,' drafted by the students themselves.The declaration emphasizes critical thinking, considerate language use, proactive responses to hate speech, and the practice of coexistence by acknowledging and respecting differences.The students recited the joint declaration together, committing to ensure that this initiative does not end as a one-time declaration but continues through activities in their respective schools and student councils. The goal is to foster a culture of respect and coexistence through ongoing exchanges between the Jeonnam and Gwangju student councils.One participating student council member stated, “It was especially meaningful for student representatives from Jeonnam and Gwangju to come together to discuss hate speech issues and present a joint declaration we created ourselves. I hope we can continue to communicate and build a school culture that respects one another.”Kim Kwang-sik, Director of the Democratic Life Education Division at the Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City Education Office, remarked, “It is significant that student representatives from Jeonnam and Gwangju discussed common issues for the first time since the launch of the integrated education office and led to a joint declaration. We will support ongoing exchanges and communication between student councils.”He added, “We will actively support students in voicing their opinions and proposing solutions to social issues such as hate and discrimination, helping them grow as democratic citizens.”Meanwhile, the Jeonnam and Gwangju student councils plan to use this first official exchange as a stepping stone to share experiences in student governance and expand their communication. They aim to establish a participatory foundation that reflects students' opinions in educational policies and school culture, transcending regional and school differences, particularly in relation to future discussions on forming a unified student council.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-14 15:00:00
  • Buses display banners opposing strike
    Buses display banners opposing strike A banner opposing the strike is displayed on a bus operating between Gyeonggi and Seoul at a bus depot in Gunpo, September 14, 2026. 2026-09-14 14:58:46