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Hyundai Capital Offers Six-Month Payment Deferral for Small Rental Car Companies 현대캐피탈이 중소 렌터카 업체의 자금 부담을 덜기 위한 금융지원에 나선다.현대캐피탈은 중소 렌터카 업체를 대상으로 자동차 할부원금의 6개월 상환을 유예하는 지원 프로그램을 시행할 예정이라고 14일 밝혔다.유예기간 발생 이자의 50% 감면도 실시한다. 현재 현대캐피탈은 약 700곳의 중소 렌터카 업체에 렌터카 구입 등을 위한 금융서비스를 제공하고 있다. 관련 금융 규모는 약 7400억원이다. 현대캐피탈 금융서비스를 이용하고 있는 중소 렌터카 업체라면 이번 프로그램을 신청할 수 있다.금융지원 외에 중소 렌터카 업체의 영업과 경영을 돕기 위한 추가 지원책도 검토하고 있다.현대캐피탈은 자사 리스·렌트 차량이 사고나 고장으로 단기 대차가 필요한 경우 중소 렌터카 업체의 차량을 우선 배정하는 방안을 논의하고 있다. 또 중소 렌터카 업체의 영업용 자산 확보를 지원하기 위해 현대캐피탈의 장기 렌터카 반납 차량을 중소 업체에 우선 양도하는 방안도 검토 중이다.현대캐피탈 장기 렌터카의 전국렌터카공제조합 보험상품 가입을 확대하는 방안도 함께 살펴보고 있다.현대캐피탈 관계자는 “중소 렌터카 업계와 상생·협력하고 정부의 포용금융 정책에 동참하기 위해 금융지원책을 마련했다”며 “추가 지원 프로그램을 비롯해 업계와 지속적으로 대화하고 협력하며 상생하는 렌터카 생태계를 만드는 데 앞장서겠다”고 말했다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-14 11:16:00 -
Shinhan Bank's Delivery App 'Ddaenggyeo' Surpasses 10 Million Members Shinhan Bank's delivery app 'Ddaenggyeo' has surpassed 10 million members. To celebrate this milestone, the bank is launching an event offering discount coupons and support funds for customers and merchants. On September 14, Shinhan Bank announced that the number of Ddaenggyeo members has exceeded 10 million. Launched in January 2022, Ddaenggyeo has expanded its services by promoting low commission fees, consumer discounts, and support for small businesses. The app has particularly strengthened its local services by collaborating with municipal governments to integrate local currency payments and regional discount benefits. Merchants are charged a commission fee of about 2%, reducing the burden on small business owners using the platform. To commemorate reaching 10 million members, Shinhan Bank will hold a customer participation event for one month starting today. Users who click the 'Recommend' button for a merchant in the Ddaenggyeo app and write a text review will receive a 1,000 won discount coupon, while those who submit photo or video reviews will receive a 2,000 won coupon. Among customers who recommend merchants, 1,000 will be randomly selected to receive an additional 10,000 won discount coupon. Support for merchants will also be provided. The top 1,000 merchants with the most customer recommendations will receive a certification badge within the app and a support fund of 100,000 won. New merchants will be exempt from commission fees until December 31. Shinhan Bank is also utilizing order and sales data accumulated through Ddaenggyeo for financial services. Last month, the bank launched the 'Ddaenggyeo Excellent Merchant Loan,' which incorporates actual sales and business performance of merchants into credit evaluations and loan limit calculations, offering support of up to 100 million won.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-14 11:16:00
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K-pop boy band NCT WISH to drop new album next month SEOUL, September 14 (AJP) - K-pop boy group NCT WISH will return with their fourth mini album next month, about six months after releasing their first full-length album, SM Entertainment said on Monday. The six-track EP, titled "I SPY," will be released through major music platforms on Oct. 12, led by a title track of the same name. A physical version will also be released the same day, with preorders opening on Monday through major online and offline music retailers. The new album follows NCT WISH's first studio album, "Ode to Love," released in April. According to SM Entertainment, the album marked the group's third consecutive million-selling release and set career highs in both album sales and digital performance. Ahead of the release, NCT WISH teased a trailer titled "Confused Boy" on their YouTube channel. The trailer introduces a new digital world called "WISH LAND," where the members encounter a mysterious presence called "energy." The group also released the Japanese single "YO-I-DON! / BOY MEETS GIRL" in July. The single has surpassed 500,000 cumulative shipments and earned double platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of Japan. AJP Takeaways - NCT WISH will release their fourth mini album, "I SPY," on Oct. 12. - The six-track album includes a title track of the same name. - The release comes about six months after the group's first full-length album, "Ode to Love." 2026-09-14 11:14:53 -
Chinese Companies Struggle to Collect Payments Amid Economic Slowdown Chinese companies are increasingly facing difficulties in collecting payments due to a sluggish domestic economy.According to the National Bureau of Statistics of China, as of the end of July this year, the accounts receivable of large industrial enterprises in China reached 28.88 trillion yuan (approximately $4.5 trillion), an 8.5% increase from the previous year, as reported by China Finance Online on the 14th. During the same period, product inventory also rose to 7.27 trillion yuan, marking a 10.8% increase. Notably, the average collection period for accounts receivable has extended to 71.9 days, which is 0.9 days longer than the previous year.The pace of increase in accounts receivable is accelerating. The growth rate of accounts receivable as of the end of July this year is 3.8 percentage points higher than the 4.7% recorded at the end of last year. This indicates a growing trend of companies accumulating receivables on their books without receiving payment for products sold or services rendered. Even if the profitability of Chinese companies improves, a lack of actual cash inflow can lead to liquidity crises.Long-term trends reveal a more pronounced issue. At the end of 2016, the accounts receivable of large industrial enterprises in China stood at 12.6 trillion yuan, with an average collection period of 36.5 days. Over the past decade, the balance of accounts receivable has increased by approximately 2.3 times, while the collection period has nearly doubled.The situation is even more severe for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). A survey conducted in the second quarter of this year by the Big Data Research Center at Peking University found that over 60% of SMEs reported having accounts receivable in the current period. Among them, about one-sixth indicated that their receivables exceeded twice their quarterly sales. The average cash flow maintenance period for the surveyed SMEs was only 2.8 months. Additionally, 11.6% reported that they could not sustain normal operations with their available cash, and 21.5% indicated they could run out of cash within a month.Meanwhile, the General Office of the State Council of China issued a notice on the 10th aimed at strengthening the management of payment collection difficulties faced by SMEs. The notice encourages large enterprises, particularly leading companies, to fulfill their commitment to pay SMEs in cash within 60 days after receiving goods, construction, or services. It also mandates that various government departments conduct joint discussions and corrective actions against large enterprises that intentionally extend payment deadlines.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-14 11:12:10
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Supreme Court Rules Private School Teacher Disciplinary Actions Invalid Without Lawyer Presence The Supreme Court ruled that disciplinary actions against private school teachers are invalid if they are conducted without the presence and testimony of a lawyer, similar to public school procedures.The Supreme Court's third division, led by Justice Lee Heung-gu, overturned a lower court ruling that dismissed a lawsuit filed by A, who sought to annul a decision by the Teacher Disciplinary Review Committee. The case has been sent back to the Seoul High Court.A, appointed as an associate professor in the College of Social Sciences at a private university in March 2018, was accused of misconduct by a graduate student, B, in November 2021. A was investigated by police as a suspect in January 2022.In February 2022, the university's disciplinary committee held a hearing and decided to dismiss A for three instances of misconduct involving B. A then filed a request for a review of the dismissal with the Teacher Disciplinary Review Committee, which was denied, prompting A to initiate an administrative lawsuit.The key issue in this case was whether the refusal to allow A's chosen lawyer to accompany him during the disciplinary proceedings constituted a procedural violation.A requested to have his lawyer present during the hearing. However, the disciplinary committee denied this request, allowing the lawyer to wait in a nearby room and stating that A could consult with the lawyer if needed. Investigations revealed that no consultation occurred during the hearing.Both the first and second trials ruled that there was no legal basis to guarantee A's right to have a lawyer present during the disciplinary proceedings, resulting in a dismissal of A's claims.The court explained that even if such a right existed, A had already submitted a written statement through his lawyer, and his testimony during the hearing did not differ from the submitted statement. The court concluded that since A could consult with his lawyer waiting nearby, the refusal to allow the lawyer's presence did not substantially hinder A's right to defend himself, nor did it invalidate the procedural legitimacy of the committee's decision.However, the Supreme Court found that the lower court misinterpreted the legal principles regarding the presence of a lawyer in disciplinary procedures for private school teachers, which affected the ruling. The court emphasized the need for procedural rights for private school teachers to be equivalent to those of public school teachers, as outlined in the Teacher Status Act.The court stated, "The dismissal in this case was conducted without allowing A's request for his lawyer to be present, which constitutes a significant procedural flaw that could render the decision invalid."The court noted that there was no evidence suggesting that A intentionally delayed the proceedings or obstructed the disciplinary process. It pointed out that if the disciplinary committee or school staff prevented A from having his lawyer present, the committee's decision would have been made without ensuring A's right to defend himself, thus losing its procedural legitimacy.Additionally, the court mentioned that A contested some of the alleged misconduct, and even though his lawyer was waiting nearby, the lack of direct consultation or advice during the hearing meant that A's ability to defend himself was not adequately protected.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-14 11:12:00
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Woori Financial Launches Pre-Notification Event for 'Wuda페' with Financial Coupons and Prizes Woori Financial Group announced on the 14th that it will hold a pre-notification event for the '2026 Woori Financial Together Festa (Wuda페)' until the 30th, showcasing financial products and services from its eight affiliates.During the inaugural Wuda페 last October, 263,000 customers signed up for the group's products and services over three weeks. This year, Woori Financial has extended the event to a month and increased the scale of benefits, including special offers and prizes, to enhance customer experience.New customers who sign up for the pre-notification event will receive financial coupons worth between 10,000 and 100,000 won, which can be used when enrolling in bank products. Existing customers will be offered various benefits, including mobile coupons and Honey Money.Customers using Woori WON Banking for the first time will receive a 10,000 won Naver Pay reward on a first-come, first-served basis, while new customers who sign up for the Samsung Wallet Money account will have a chance to win prizes such as the Galaxy Z Fold through a lottery.The main event of Wuda페 will take place for a month starting on the 1st of next month. All eight affiliates of Woori Financial will participate, presenting 16 special offers and services, including high-interest savings accounts, mobile trading system (MTS) accounts, mini insurance, and card issuance events.A Woori Financial Holdings official stated, "The 2026 Woori Financial Together Festa returns with even more abundant benefits. We have prepared special products, services, and benefits, and we hope for our customers' interest and participation."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-14 11:12:00
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Hanwha General Insurance Launches Digital Finance School for Seniors Hanwha General Insurance has launched a training program aimed at senior customers utilizing mobile technology.On September 14, Hanwha announced that it hosted a 'Digital Finance School' for senior customers residing in the Gyeonggi region, including Incheon, Bucheon, and Bupyeong.This program was developed to enhance financial accessibility for digitally marginalized groups as non-face-to-face financial services expand. Considering that approximately 78.7% of visitors to Hanwha's customer service centers are aged 60 and older, the training was designed to meet the needs of senior clients through hands-on education.The training lasted about two hours and included three sessions: digital education, practical exercises, and a health seminar.During the digital education session, participants learned how to file insurance claims and check contracts using mobile apps, as well as the procedures for connecting to video consultations. In the practical exercise, dedicated financial planners (FPs) were matched one-on-one with customers to assist with smartphone usage and provide tailored advice on financial and insurance-related inquiries.The health seminar introduced methods for physical and mental recovery in later life, including lymph therapy using guasha tools.Hanwha noted that there is a significant demand for digital education among senior customers, which was confirmed during the program's preparation.A Hanwha representative stated, “We focused on ensuring that digitally marginalized groups can utilize smart services without inconvenience in a non-face-to-face financial environment. We will continue to enhance service satisfaction from the customer perspective and act as a wellness partner to support healthy daily living.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-14 11:12:00
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Uzbekistan seeks tourism pact with Korea before summit SEOUL, September 14 (AJP) - Hours before a South Korea-Uzbekistan summit in Seoul on Monday afternoon, the Uzbek government proposed a dedicated tourism agreement between the two countries' tourism authorities, seeking to turn eight years of visa-free travel into a working commercial relationship. Uzbekistan received about 7.75 million foreign tourists between January and July, up 22.6 percent from a year earlier, and earned roughly $3.9 billion from tourism services over the same period. South Korean travelers accounted for 26,500 of those arrivals. Tashkent placed that figure third among its long-haul markets, behind only China and Türkiye, and said Korean arrivals had already moved past pre-pandemic levels. An intergovernmental tourism agreement between the two countries has been in force since 2012. What Uzbekistan now wants is a narrower document signed directly between the relevant agencies on each side, paired with an action plan setting targets for the number of travelers moving in both directions. The groundwork for that is already in place. South Koreans have been able to enter Uzbekistan without a visa for stays of up to 30 days since February 2018, and the two capitals are linked by direct flights, which together strip out most of the friction from a trip that would otherwise require planning months ahead. Access alone has not been enough. Uzbekistan argued that it needs a working presence inside the South Korean travel trade itself, meaning relationships with tour operators, itineraries and packages built for Korean buyers, sustained destination marketing and service standards that hold up once visitors arrive. Some of that has been attempted. In October 2024, an Uzbek-Korean tourism forum in Seoul drew more than 100 industry figures, with Uzbek tour operators and airlines presenting routes and packages aimed at the Korean market. Business-to-business meetings ran at the center of the program, letting companies negotiate directly rather than through their governments. Uzbekistan wants to continue that work through the Korea Association of Travel Agents, proposing joint industry events and destination promotion campaigns inside South Korea. Korean firms would be pulled in the other direction as well, toward the Tashkent International Tourism Fair. A less visible obstacle sits behind all of it. Uzbekistan does not have enough guides who speak Korean and understand what Korean visitors expect, and expanding their training has been set aside as a separate line of work. That is where Uzbekistan wants South Korea as a partner in building the industry rather than simply a source of customers. Proposals under discussion with the Korea International Cooperation Agency include placing Korean specialists inside Uzbek tourism colleges, running exchanges and training programs in South Korea, and opening a Korean language and culture center at the Silk Road International University of Tourism and Cultural Heritage in Samarkand. Exchanges of that kind have already started. Officials from Uzbekistan's Tourism Committee attended a high-level policy forum in May staged by South Korea's Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism under the Korea Partnership Initiative on Sustainable Tourism, the ministry's tourism assistance program for developing countries. An Uzbek entry took first place at the initiative's project competition in June. Uzbekistan counted 35,500 South Korean visitors in 2019, 41,300 in 2024 and 46,300 last year. AJP Takeaways - Uzbekistan proposed a dedicated tourism agreement between the two countries' tourism authorities, paired with an action plan on visitor numbers, putting the proposal out hours before a South Korea-Uzbekistan summit in Seoul on Monday afternoon and on top of an intergovernmental tourism agreement that has been in force since 2012. - Uzbekistan said it drew about 7.75 million foreign tourists between January and July, up 22.6 percent year on year and worth roughly $3.9 billion in tourism service earnings, and placed the 26,500 South Korean arrivals in that period third among its long-haul markets behind China and Türkiye. - Korea International Cooperation Agency is in discussions on placing Korean specialists inside Uzbek tourism colleges, running training and exchange programs in South Korea, and opening a Korean language and culture center at the Silk Road International University of Tourism and Cultural Heritage in Samarkand. - The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism runs the Korea Partnership Initiative on Sustainable Tourism, its tourism assistance program for developing countries, which hosted the May policy forum attended by Uzbekistan's Tourism Committee and the June competition won by an Uzbek entry. The embassy material named the program by acronym only, and AJP established what it stands for and what it does. 2026-09-14 11:10:55 -
Kang Chan-hee Successfully Concludes His Debut Play 'Dead Poets Society' 배우 강찬희가 첫 연극 '죽은 시인의 사회'의 마지막 공연을 성공적으로 마쳤다. 14일 소속사 FNC엔터테인먼트에 따르면 강찬희는 지난 13일 서울 NOL 씨어터 대학로 우리카드홀에서 열린 연극 '죽은 시인의 사회' 마지막 무대에 오르며 유종의 미를 거뒀다. 동명의 명작 영화를 원작으로 한 '죽은 시인의 사회'는 1959년 미국, 엄격한 규율과 전통을 중시하는 명문 기숙학교 웰튼 아카데미를 배경으로 한다. 새로 부임한 영어 교사 존 키팅이 입시와 성공만을 강요받던 학생들에게 '카르페 디엠(Carpe Diem·현재를 즐겨라)'이라는 메시지를 전하며 벌어지는 삶의 변화를 다룬 작품이다. 극 중 강찬희는 아버지의 강압적인 통제 속에서도 남몰래 배우의 꿈을 키워나가는 우등생 소년 '닐 페리' 역을 맡아 극의 중심을 이끌었다. 그는 친구들 사이에서는 쾌활한 리더십을 발휘하는 당당한 학생이면서도, 아버지 앞에서는 한없이 위축되는 닐 페리의 양면성을 입체적인 연기로 풀어냈다. 특히 꿈과 현실의 괴리 속에서 흔들리는 소년의 복합적인 감정선을 밀도 있게 그려내며 관객들에게 먹먹한 여운을 선사했다. 마지막 공연을 마친 강찬희는 소속사를 통해 "이번 작품을 통해 많은 것들을 느끼고 배울 수 있는 시간이었다"며 "첫 연극이라 불안하고 어려운 부분도 있었지만, 마치고 나니 불안했던 마음은 사라지고 아쉬움과 뿌듯함이 남는 것 같다"고 진솔한 소회를 밝혔다. 이어 "공연을 보러 와주신 관객분들께 정말 감사드리고, 앞으로 더욱 성장하는 배우가 되겠다"고 감사를 전했다. 한편, 연극 무대에서 성공적인 연기 변신을 보여준 강찬희는 본업인 가수로 돌아가 팬들과 만난다. 그가 속한 그룹 SF9은 오는 10월 10일과 11일 양일간 서울 KBS아레나에서 데뷔 10주년 기념 콘서트 '2026 SF9 라이브 판타지 #6 축몽(十年逐夢)'을 개최하고 활발한 행보를 이어갈 예정이다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-14 11:08:20
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Kumho Construction Enters Suwon Market with Artera Brand Kumho Construction's residential brand Artera is making its debut in Suwon.On September 14, Kumho Construction announced that it has been selected as the construction company for the Pajang 1 District housing redevelopment project in the Jangan District of Suwon, Gyeonggi Province.The project will create an apartment complex consisting of four buildings, ranging from two basement levels to 28 stories, with a total of 258 units. The total construction cost is approximately 9.27 billion won, with construction set to begin in February 2031 and completion expected in February 2034.The Artera brand will be applied to the complex. Artera was launched in 2024 by merging Kumho Construction's previous brands, Eoulrim and Lichensia. This marks the brand's first entry into Suwon, and the complex is tentatively named Artera Lumiere. Lumiere means 'light' in French.The site will have access to the Pajang IC on the Northern Suwon Circular Road and the Buk Suwon IC on the Yeongdong Expressway. A new station on the Indukwon-Dongtan double-track railway, North Suwon Station, is expected to open in 2029. Nearby schools include Pajang and Dasol Elementary Schools.A Kumho Construction official stated, "Our residential brand Artera is entering Suwon for the first time. We aim to create a differentiated landmark complex based on our expertise in redevelopment projects and Artera's unique design."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-14 11:08:20