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  • Lee Jae-geun, KB Financials Next Chairman Candidate, Emphasizes AI and Digital Transformation
    Lee Jae-geun, KB Financial's Next Chairman Candidate, Emphasizes AI and Digital Transformation KB Financial Group's final candidate for chairman, Lee Jae-geun, has outlined plans to maintain management continuity while promoting artificial intelligence (AI), digital transformation, and decentralized organizational operations.On the morning of September 14, Lee spoke with reporters on his way to the KB Financial headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, stating, "I will ensure that the continuity of management, strategy, and business is not compromised. I will deeply consider what role we should play as a leading financial group in South Korea."Lee was selected as the final candidate, surpassing current chairman Yang Jong-hee, who was considered for reappointment. He remarked, "KB Financial achieved its best-ever performance in the first half of the year, and our stock price has reached an all-time high. I take this as a serious message not to become complacent with being number one."He expressed a commitment to actively respond to changes in the financial environment, noting, "Changes are occurring centered around AI and digital technology, along with money movement and an aging population. The next 3-5 years will be a critical period for the fate of the financial group."Regarding organizational direction, he proposed a decentralized approach, stating, "Rather than concentrating authority in one person, we aim for an organization that operates through processes and systems. I will work towards creating a more decentralized and sustainable organization."In terms of upcoming CEO appointments for major affiliates at the end of the year, Lee emphasized the importance of expertise. The terms of representatives from key affiliates, including banking, cards, securities, and insurance, will expire this year. He noted, "While the appointments will be decided by the CEO candidate recommendation committee, I will prioritize capabilities, expertise, the ability to engage with employees, and the commitment of organizational members, rather than being limited by age."Lee also pledged to support productive and inclusive finance, stating that KB Financial is pursuing a total of 110 trillion won in financial support for these areas. He emphasized, "Being a leading financial group means not only generating profits but also growing together with customers, investors, and society." 2026-09-14 14:44:00
  • Netflix celebrates Lee Chang-dongs Venice win with overseas film rollout
    Netflix celebrates Lee Chang-dong's Venice win with overseas film rollout SEOUL, September 14 (AJP) - Netflix is celebrating Korean director Lee Chang-dong's Venice win for "Possible Love" by rolling out his earlier films overseas. "Possible Love" won the Silver Lion Grand Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival. "Green Fish" and "Secret Sunshine" began streaming in Italy, Britain, France, Australia and New Zealand in late August. "Peppermint Candy" and "Oasis" were added in Italy and Spain on Sept. 4. Netflix said "Poetry" and "Burning" will also become available in Japan, the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. The films will be offered with subtitles in six languages, including Korean and English. Lee made his feature debut with "Green Fish" in 1997 and went on to direct "Peppermint Candy," "Oasis," "Secret Sunshine," "Poetry" and "Burning." He won best director at Venice in 2002 for "Oasis" and best screenplay at Cannes in 2010 for "Poetry." "Possible Love" centers on two married couples — a laid-off worker and his wife, and a documentary director and her husband — whose lives become entangled through a film project. The Korean Film Council selected "Possible Love" as South Korea's entry for best international feature at the 99th Academy Awards. Kang Dong-han, Netflix's vice president of Korean content, said the streaming service will continue working as a long-term partner for Korean cinema. "Possible Love" opens in Korean theaters on Sept. 23, followed by Australia and New Zealand on Oct. 22 and the United States, Canada, Britain, Ireland and Japan on Oct. 23. Netflix will stream the film globally from Nov. 6. AJP Takeaways - Netflix is expanding overseas access to Lee Chang-dong's earlier films after "Possible Love" won the Grand Jury Prize at Venice. - "Green Fish," "Secret Sunshine," "Peppermint Candy" and "Oasis" have already been added in selected countries. - "Poetry" and "Burning" are expected to follow in markets including Japan, the United States and Canada. 2026-09-14 14:41:36
  • Free flu shots available from next week amid rising cases
    Free flu shots available from next week amid rising cases SEOUL, September 14 (AJP) - Free flu shots will be available starting next week, as influenza cases rise sharply nearly a month earlier than usual, along with a resurgence of coronavirus infections, which have become a seasonal illness. According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government on Monday, the first round of flu shots will be available to children and pregnant women starting from Sept. 21. Children aged 6 months to under 9 who are receiving their flu shot for the first time must get two doses at least four weeks apart. Vaccinations for older adults will begin in October and run through April next year. The early vaccinations come as flu cases are rising sharply across the country. According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, the rate of influenza-like illness reached 25.3 cases per 1,000 outpatients in the first week of September, more than three times the rate of 6.6 cases seen during the same period last year. More children will be eligible for free flu shots this year, as the age limit was extended from those up to age 13 to those up to age 14, meaning children aged 6 months to 14 years, those born between Jan. 1, 2012 and Aug. 31, 2026 will be included. Those aged 75 and above can get their flu shots from Oct. 12, followed by people aged 70 to 74 on Oct. 15 and those aged 65 to 69 on Oct. 19. They can also receive flu and COVID-19 vaccines at the same time, protecting them against both respiratory illnesses in a single visit to a local clinic. As respiratory infections continue to spread, the city government urged residents to wear masks, wash their hands frequently, avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands, and keep indoor spaces well ventilated. People who develop a fever or respiratory symptoms are also advised to visit a hospital promptly. "Influenza infections are rising at unusually high levels," said Jo Young-chang, a city official, urging eligible residents to get their shots without delay during their scheduled vaccination period. AJP Takeaways - Free flu shots in Seoul will begin Sept. 21, 2026, with vaccinations initially available to children who require two doses and pregnant women. Children aged 6 months to under 9 years receiving the vaccine for the first time must receive two doses at least four weeks apart. - South Korea's influenza activity has risen sharply ahead of the usual season. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency recorded 25.3 influenza-like illness cases per 1,000 outpatients during the week of Aug. 30-Sept. 5, 2026, more than three times the 6.6 cases recorded during the same period in 2025. - Free influenza vaccination coverage has expanded to children up to age 14, while vaccinations for older adults will begin in stages: Oct. 12 for those 75 and older, Oct. 15 for ages 70-74, and Oct. 19 for ages 65-69. Eligible older adults can receive influenza and COVID-19 vaccines during the same visit. 2026-09-14 14:40:38
  • Legislation Grants Investigative Powers to Major Crime Agency
    Legislation Grants Investigative Powers to Major Crime Agency A bill granting the Major Crime Investigation Agency (MCIA) supplementary investigative and re-investigative powers for seven major crimes was passed on September 14 by the Administrative Safety Committee's first subcommittee, led by the Democratic Party. The opposition People Power Party boycotted the meeting in protest of the amendment.The first subcommittee of the Administrative Safety Committee convened on September 14 and approved an amendment to the 'Act on the Organization and Operation of the Major Crime Investigation Agency.' The Democratic Party plans to address this bill in the full committee meeting scheduled for September 15.After the meeting, Lee Hae-sik, the subcommittee chair from the Democratic Party, explained to reporters that the seven major crimes for which the MCIA can conduct supplementary investigations and re-investigations include: sexual violence, sexual crimes against children and adolescents, stalking, child abuse, abuse of the disabled, elder abuse, and domestic violence.Additionally, attacks on critical national infrastructure were included as major crimes, and the bill specifies the process for requesting the transfer of cases that other investigative agencies have reported. It also allows the MCIA to continue investigations if other agencies fail to comply with corrective measures requested by prosecutors due to legal violations or human rights infringements.The amendment that passed the subcommittee is expected to clear the full committee meeting on September 15. Lee stated, "In addition to this amendment, there are six other bills to be addressed in the full committee meeting, and we will submit this for immediate consideration and approval."In contrast, the People Power Party, which opposed the amendment, issued a statement through its members on the Administrative Safety Committee. They expressed that they find it difficult to agree with the amendment, stating, "Ultimately, the supplementary investigative powers should be restored, and rather than creating a new agency and organization, we should revive the prosecutors' supplementary investigative powers."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-14 14:40:00
  • Transforming Invasive Plant Japanese Knotweed into Functional Health Ingredients
    Transforming Invasive Plant 'Japanese Knotweed' into Functional Health Ingredients The invasive plant Japanese knotweed is being repurposed as a functional ingredient for health supplements, potentially becoming a new source of income for farmers in the Jeonnam region.(Re) Jeonnam Bio Industry Promotion Agency's Green Bio Division and Pens Co., Ltd. announced that they have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to cultivate Japanese knotweed, designated as an invasive species, into a safe and standardized functional ingredient for health supplements.Under this agreement, both parties plan to jointly establish a safety management system and industrialization foundation for Japanese knotweed in connection with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs' 'Natural Material Standardization Hub Project.'A key focus will be on creating a management system to prevent the spread of Japanese knotweed beyond cultivation areas during its industrial use.Pens Co., Ltd. has been researching functional materials derived from Japanese knotweed for about a decade. The developed 'Japanese Knotweed Extract Powder (HSy2)' has been recognized as a functional ingredient by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety's Health Functional Food Review Committee. The 194th meeting results published by the Ministry also confirm the recognition of Japanese Knotweed Extract Powder (HSy2) as a functional ingredient.According to Pens Co., Ltd., related technologies have been patented in ten countries, including the United States, China, Japan, and the European Union.The two parties aim to establish a standardized supply chain from raw material production to cultivation, harvesting, and processing through this agreement.Given that Japanese knotweed is an invasive species, they will apply management standards to prevent its spread. In open fields, harvesting will be completed before the plant flowers to inhibit seed production, and soil mulching will be implemented. For facility cultivation, barriers will be installed to prevent seed dispersal, and any remaining plant material after harvest will be collected and disposed of.There is growing interest in whether the industrialization of Japanese knotweed will translate into actual income for farmers.Currently, contract cultivation is being pursued across approximately 40,000 pyeong in four regions of Jeonnam: Boseong, Goheung, Jangheung, and Hwasun. The plan is to establish a supply chain where all produced raw materials are purchased.Pens Co., Ltd. explained that the cultivation process could reduce the burden of pest management and the use of pesticides and fertilizers, and if contract cultivation and full purchasing are established, it could serve as a differentiated income source for farmers compared to existing crops.However, thorough verification of the cultivation and management of invasive plants and the potential for external spread must be conducted before expanding contract cultivation.Both parties plan to conduct joint research with local governments in the cultivation areas to verify the effectiveness of the spread prevention guidelines and continue discussions with environmental authorities.Baek Dong-hyuk, head of the Natural Resources Research Division at the Jeonnam Bio Industry Promotion Agency, stated, "This agreement is an attempt to create a new bio-industry model that utilizes invasive species as high-value resources. We aim to establish a standardized raw material supply chain that ensures safety and contributes to increasing farmers' income and revitalizing the domestic natural product industry."Kim Hong-sik, CEO of Pens Co., Ltd., also remarked, "By expanding contract cultivation of Japanese knotweed in the Jeonnam region, we will provide farmers with stable income opportunities and contribute to enhancing agricultural competitiveness and revitalizing the local economy."Meanwhile, the 'Japanese Knotweed Extract Powder (HSy2)' has been recognized as a functional ingredient after review by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety's Health Functional Food Review Committee. The Ministry operates a separate recognition and standardization system for functional ingredients in health supplements. Therefore, in the future industrialization process, quality standardization of functional ingredients, along with management at each stage of cultivation, harvesting, and disposal of invasive plants, will need to be implemented.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-14 14:40:00
  • Korea and Central Asia Discuss Future AI and Science Technology Partnership
    Korea and Central Asia Discuss Future AI and Science Technology Partnership Baek Kyung-hoon, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Science and ICT, discussed future cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI) and science technology with ministers from five Central Asian countries on September 14. The Deputy Prime Minister chaired the 'Korea-Central Asia Future AI and Science Technology Partnership Ministerial Meeting' at the Central Post Office in Seoul. Ministers from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan attended to explore avenues for future collaboration in AI and science technology.The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), which participated in the ministerial meeting, presented plans to expand climate technology demonstration projects through the Climate Technology Acceleration Fund (CTAF). GGGI aims to enhance local demonstrations and commercialization of climate technologies utilizing future innovative technologies in collaboration with the five Central Asian countries.Baek stated, "We reached a consensus on mutually beneficial future cooperation with the AI and science technology ministers from the five Central Asian countries. I hope that cooperation in the AI and science technology sectors, combining the strengths of both regions, will expand alongside the successful hosting of the upcoming first Korea-Central Asia Summit."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-14 14:36:20
  • Public Health Employees Engaged in Side Jobs and Multi-Level Marketing
    Public Health Employees Engaged in Side Jobs and Multi-Level Marketing Serious moral hazard among employees of the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) and the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA) has come to light. Reports indicate that some employees conducted business for family companies during work hours, posted sponsored content on blogs, and earned substantial side incomes through multi-level marketing and translation work.According to a disciplinary report submitted by Representative Heo Jong-sik of the Democratic Party on September 13, multiple employees from both agencies were found to have violated dual employment regulations and pursued personal interests during work hours, resulting in disciplinary actions such as termination and suspension.The NHIS disciplinary records reveal serious cases of employees abusing their authority for personal gain, causing financial harm to the agency.One employee, a level 4 manager, was found to have remotely managed business operations for a family-owned company during work hours from September 2023 to July 2025. Additionally, this employee exploited their knowledge of insurance-related duties to falsely register ineligible family members as workplace subscribers, leading to financial losses for the NHIS. Due to the severity and intentionality of the misconduct, the NHIS terminated this employee on February 24, 2026.Another employee, a level 5 staff member, was discovered to have received sponsorships worth 2,077,700 won (approximately $1,800) for 65 promotional posts from October 2022 to December 2025. Notably, 10 of these posts were made during work or business trip hours, resulting in a three-month salary reduction for violating the ban on commercial activities and the duty of diligence.Additionally, another employee engaged in promotional activities for five skincare companies without prior approval for dual employment from December 2022 to December 2025. This employee also exposed NHIS-related information and personal data of colleagues on their personal YouTube channel for 15 months, leading to a one-month suspension.At HIRA, a large-scale dual employment issue was uncovered during a regular audit by the Board of Audit and Inspection in the first half of 2024.One employee had been involved with a multi-level marketing company for over ten years, purchasing approximately 200,000 won worth of products monthly to maintain a specific rank (director) within the company. In return, this employee received about 700,000 won weekly in sponsorship fees, accumulating external income of 153,335,000 won (approximately $130,000) from 2019 to 2022. However, disciplinary action was not taken until December 2024.Furthermore, the Board of Audit and Inspection identified violations of dual employment regulations among 14 HIRA employees based on external income data from the National Tax Service, leading to disciplinary actions in May 2025. One employee earned a total of 106,266,649 won (approximately $90,000) through German translation work for 21 institutions.Serious cases also included one employee who dispensed medications at external care facilities 84 times, earning 13,580,000 won (approximately $11,500).Other forms of commercial activities among HIRA employees included participation in writing papers, grading assignments, supervising exams, and delivering packages.Representative Heo Jong-sik stated, "It is a serious breach of public service discipline for employees in public institutions, who should serve the public, to manage family businesses, post promotional content on blogs, and engage in multi-level marketing. The use of work hours and job knowledge for personal gain must be strictly managed." He added, "We need to thoroughly check dual employment approvals and commercial activities during work hours to rectify the management system for public service."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-14 14:36:10
  • Gyeongturami Launches AI Carbon Mat for Enhanced Sleep Management
    Gyeongturami Launches AI Carbon Mat for Enhanced Sleep Management Gyeongturami Boiler has introduced an artificial intelligence (AI) carbon mat designed to create a customized sleep environment.On September 14, Gyeongturami announced the launch of the '2027 Model Gyeongturami 3rd Generation AI Ondol Carbon Mat,' equipped with an 'AI Sleep Control System' and an 'AI Temperature Control System.'The new product's 'AI mode' assesses the user's optimal temperature, usage time, and whether they have left the mat, providing a tailored heating environment.To activate AI mode, users simply press the 'AI button' on the smart remote for three seconds. The first key feature, the 'AI Sleep Control System,' determines the preferred temperature and usage time for the user while analyzing individual sleep patterns based on collected data.Based on this analysis, the mat automatically adjusts its temperature during sleep, reducing the hassle of manual settings and creating a comfortable sleeping environment. Unlike traditional heating methods that operate on fixed temperatures and times, this system offers personalized heating based on the user's sleep preferences.The AI also responds to situations where the user leaves the bed. The second key feature, the 'AI Temperature Control System,' autonomously detects whether the user has vacated the mat and switches to energy-saving mode to reduce unnecessary heating.When the user returns to bed, the system detects their presence and automatically reverts to the previous AI mode, enhancing user convenience without the need for manual adjustments.The heating mat utilizes patented 'aramid carbon heating wires,' which are five times stronger than steel and have passed 800,000 bending tests.The fabric that comes into direct contact with the skin combines Austrian Lenzing Tencel fabric and Aerocilber material to enhance deodorizing and drying performance.It has received 'washable certification' for up to five washes and has passed safety standards for children's textile products, as well as domestic regulations regarding radon and thoron.A Gyeongturami Boiler representative stated, 'By integrating our 60 years of heating technology with AI-based intelligent sleep control technology, we will continue to evolve our carbon mat to provide customers with a more comfortable and pleasant sleeping environment.'* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-14 14:36:00
  • Ansan City Corporation Concludes 2026 Nuesom Sunset Festival
    Ansan City Corporation Concludes 2026 Nuesom Sunset Festival In Ansan, South Korea, the '2026 Nuesom Sunset Festival' concluded its three-week schedule, attracting participation from citizens and tourists alike.According to the Ansan City Corporation, the festival was held every Saturday from August 29 to September 12 in collaboration with the city of Ansan and the Korea Tourism Organization.This year's event focused on experiences and performances that utilized the region's natural environment, including coastal paths, mudflats, and scenic views.Participants enjoyed programs such as the Nuesom Coastal Healing Pass, Tandohang Mudflat Experience, Nuesom Slow Therapy, sushi-making classes, yacht tours, and a sunset string quartet.Families engaged in mudflat experiences and sushi-making, while yacht tour participants took in the coastal scenery around Tandohang and Nuesom from the water.One of the festival's highlights was a classical concert held at sunset on the Tandohang coastal path. Starting at 6 p.m., the string quartet from 'Ensemble Soheung' performed as the sun set over the West Sea, captivating visitors with the combination of music and the vibrant sunset.Attendees expressed their enjoyment, saying, "Walking the coastal path with my family and watching the sunset made for a unique weekend outing," and, "It was great to experience activities with my kids and enjoy a performance as well. I was able to take my time exploring the scenery of Tandohang, which I usually just pass by."This event was significant as it analyzed tourism resources and visitor demand in the Tandohang area through big data-based tourism consulting from the Korea Tourism Organization, showcasing programs that combined wellness, gastronomy, culture, and marine experiences.Meanwhile, Kim Hyung-ho, head of the facilities department, stated, "We showcased the joy of combining the natural scenery and experiences of Tandohang and Nuesom. We will continue to develop content that utilizes local tourism resources to make it a destination people want to revisit."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-14 14:32:10
  • Elderly Woman Repays 48-Year-Old Debt with Cash Gift at Yeongdeungpo Station
    Elderly Woman Repays 48-Year-Old Debt with Cash Gift at Yeongdeungpo Station At Yeongdeungpo Station, staff members expressed their gratitude through letters posted on the bulletin board for an elderly woman who returned to repay a long-standing debt. Nearly 48 years ago, she was unable to purchase a train ticket for her young son, and on August 26, she visited the station to deliver a cash envelope containing 5 million won.According to a representative from Korea Railroad Corporation's Western Metropolitan Headquarters, the woman, in her 80s, presented a handwritten letter along with the cash to a station employee around 11 a.m. on that day.The story dates back to October 1978, when the grandmother, facing financial difficulties, could not afford a ticket for her son to travel from Jeongeup, North Jeolla Province, to Yeongdeungpo, Seoul. The stationmaster allowed them to board the train without collecting the fare of 500 won.After nearly five decades, the grandmother returned to Yeongdeungpo Station with an envelope bearing her son's name and insisted on making the payment. Despite the staff's repeated refusals, they ultimately accepted her gesture.Following her departure, the station employees responded with a letter titled 'To the Grandmother from Nangok-dong.' The letter expressed their commitment to remember her kindness and to approach customers with the same warmth she demonstrated.A representative from the Korea Railroad Corporation's Western Metropolitan Headquarters noted, "The staff initially insisted they could not accept the money, but the grandmother was adamant about wanting to give it to Yeongdeungpo Station. In the end, we had no choice but to accept it, and it has been categorized as 'other income.'"He added, "Beyond the monetary value, it was a moment to reflect on the warmth of the human spirit. This incident has inspired all railway staff to strive for better service while maintaining that same spirit of kindness." 2026-09-14 14:32:00