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  • Netflixs The East Palace Unveiled in Seoul
    Netflix's 'The East Palace' Unveiled in Seoul SEOUL, July 08 (AJP) - Actors Nam Joo-hyuk, Roh Yoon-seo, and Jo Seung-woo and director Choi Jung-kyu pose during the press conference for the Netflix series 'The East Palace' at Fairmont Ambassador Seoul Hotel in Seoul on July 8, 2026. AJP Yoo Na-hyun 2026-07-08 12:27:38
  • Hyundai AutoEver Launches Union Amid Rising Labor Movements in SI Industry
    Hyundai AutoEver Launches Union Amid Rising Labor Movements in SI Industry Hyundai AutoEver has established a labor union, following the recent formation of a union at Samsung SDS. This marks a significant shift in labor relations within the domestic IT service industry, particularly among major system integration (SI) companies.On July 8, the preparatory committee for the Hyundai AutoEver union announced its formation through a company-wide notice. The committee will operate under the National Chemical Fiber Food Workers' Union, with Oh Jin-hyuk and Lee Dong-yeop serving as representatives.In its declaration, the union stated, “We resolutely announce the formation of the Hyundai AutoEver union to uphold the dignity and value of labor and to pursue our legitimate rights as workers.”The union emphasized, “We have quietly dedicated ourselves to the company’s remarkable growth despite staff shortages and excessive workloads. However, the only response to our hard work has been thorough disregard and unfair treatment.”Key issues raised by the union include: 1) opaque compensation that does not reflect performance, 2) performance evaluations influenced by personal biases and political factors, and 3) an organizational culture that treats members like mere components.Particularly, the union criticized the company for unilaterally pushing through changes, such as the abolition of remote work, without sufficient consultation with employees. The union stated, “The company has trampled on workers' basic rights by notifying us of significant changes without prior discussions.”With its formation, the Hyundai AutoEver union has outlined four key demands: 1) transparency in the criteria for performance evaluations and compensation, 2) establishment of objective performance evaluation standards, 3) negotiation of labor-management agreements during policy changes, and 4) job security based on trust in personnel management.The union declared, “We will no longer allow unilateral sacrifices to be imposed on workers and will stand in solidarity to fight against all injustices from management.”The establishment of the Hyundai AutoEver union aligns with a growing trend of union formation in the SI industry. Recently, Samsung SDS also saw the launch of its first labor union since its founding, reflecting increasing demands from IT service industry employees regarding performance compensation, evaluations, and organizational culture.Industry observers anticipate that as the business structure of SI companies shifts towards AI and cloud services, demands for improved compensation systems and organizational culture to secure and retain key personnel will intensify. 2026-07-08 12:24:00
  • Director Choi unveils Netflixs The East Palace
    Director Choi unveils Netflix's 'The East Palace' SEOUL, July 08 (AJP) - Director Choi Jung-kyu speaks during the press conference for the Netflix series 'The East Palace' at Fairmont Ambassador Seoul Hotel in Seoul on July 8, 2026. AJP Yoo Na-hyun 2026-07-08 12:22:49
  • Jo Seung-woo shines at The East Palace press event
    Jo Seung-woo shines at 'The East Palace' press event SEOUL, July 08 (AJP) - Actor Jo Seung-woo poses during the press conference for the Netflix series 'The East Palace' at Fairmont Ambassador Seoul Hotel in Seoul on July 8, 2026. 2026-07-08 12:20:06
  • Lotte Department Store Ranked First in Customer Satisfaction
    Lotte Department Store Ranked First in Customer Satisfaction Lotte Department Store announced on July 8 that it has secured the top spot in the 2026 National Customer Satisfaction Index (NCSI) survey for the department store sector.The NCSI, developed jointly by the Korea Productivity Center (KPC) and the University of Michigan, quantifies customer satisfaction based on consumer evaluations of company products and services.This marks the first time Lotte Department Store has achieved the number one ranking in the NCSI department store category since 2022. The company attributed its success to efforts to reassess and enhance the entire customer journey from the moment they enter the store until they leave.Lotte identified its ongoing 'premium curation' initiative at key stores as a significant factor in improving customer satisfaction. Notably, the Incheon store began a full renovation in the second half of 2023 and completed its makeover in May. The Nowon store, set to grand open next month, has also enhanced its competitiveness by introducing new beauty and gourmet sections this year.The Jamsil and main stores are establishing themselves as hybrid shopping platforms that combine shopping, tourism, and entertainment. Together, these two locations have achieved a combined annual revenue of 5 trillion won for two consecutive years since 2024.Kim Sang-woo, head of Lotte Department Store's sales division, stated, "Achieving first place in the NCSI department store category is a result of the dedication of our employees, who prioritize customer value, and the trust of our customers. We will continue to focus on the essence of customer experience to become a beloved department store."Meanwhile, Lotte Department Store is holding its '2026 Summer Regular Sale' until July 12, offering discounts of up to 40% across all product categories, including fashion, sports, kids, and living. A total of over 400 brands are participating in the event.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-08 12:20:00
  • Small Business Central Association Hosts 2026 Small Business Sharing Festa with $150,000 in Donated Goods
    Small Business Central Association Hosts '2026 Small Business Sharing Festa' with $150,000 in Donated Goods The Small Business Central Association and the Small Business Love Sharing Foundation announced the opening ceremony of the '2026 Small Business Sharing Festa' on July 8 in Yeouido, Seoul.This event features the sale of 150,000 items donated by small businesses, including household goods, children's books, school supplies, and accessories, with proceeds aimed at supporting disadvantaged communities.During the event, employees and volunteers from the Small Business Central Association participated in a program to create food kits for veterans who have served the country.As a sponsor, Naver Pay offered an additional 5,000 points for purchases over 30,000 won, while Home & Shopping contributed by donating products from its vendors to promote a culture of sharing among small businesses.The event also included an auction featuring memorabilia from popular figures, including Tak Jae-hoon, So Yu-mi, and Kim Na-hee, as well as signed CDs from famous celebrities.Earlier, the Small Business Love Sharing Foundation engaged in a volunteer activity in May at a free meal service in Dong-gu, Daejeon, providing warm meals to those in need.Kim Gi-moon, president of the Small Business Central Association, expressed gratitude to the small business representatives who participated in the donations, stating, "I would like to thank the small business leaders who contributed to this festa. We will continue to promote the good deeds of donating small businesses and strive to spread a warm culture of sharing further." 2026-07-08 12:16:00
  • Roh Yoon-seo shines at The East Palace press event
    Roh Yoon-seo shines at 'The East Palace' press event SEOUL, July 08 (AJP) - Actress Roh Yoon-seo poses during the press conference for the Netflix series 'The East Palace' at Fairmont Ambassador Seoul Hotel in Seoul on July 8, 2026. 2026-07-08 12:11:26
  • Netflixs The East Palace unveiled with Nam Joo-hyuk
    Netflix's 'The East Palace' unveiled with Nam Joo-hyuk SEOUL, July 08 (AJP) - Actor Nam Joo-hyuk poses during the press conference for the Netflix series 'The East Palace' at Fairmont Ambassador Seoul Hotel in Seoul on July 8, 2026. 2026-07-08 12:10:11
  • Wastewater Biogas to Fuel Hydrogen Cars with New Facility in Cheongju
    Wastewater Biogas to Fuel Hydrogen Cars with New Facility in Cheongju 충북 청주에 하수처리 과정에서 발생하는 바이오가스를 활용해 하루 500㎏ 이상의 청정수소를 생산하는 시설이 들어섰다. 생산한 수소를 현장에서 바로 차량에 공급하는 통합형 공급체계도 구축됐다.기후에너지환경부는 9일 충북 청주시 흥덕구 청주 공공하수처리장에서 '바이오가스 기반 청정수소 생산시설' 준공식을 개최한다고 8일 밝혔다.이번 시설은 청주 공공하수처리장의 하수처리 과정에서 발생하는 바이오가스를 고순도 청정수소로 전환하는 시설이다. 총사업비는 약 100억원으로 정부와 현대차그룹이 각각 50억원을 투입했다.바이오가스는 유기성 폐자원이 분해되는 과정에서 발생하는 메탄(CH4)을 주성분으로 하는 가스다. 바이오가스를 활용해 수소를 생산하면 화석연료인 도시가스로 만드는 그레이수소보다 이산화탄소 배출량을 85% 이상 줄일 수 있다.청주 시설은 하루 4000N㎥ 규모의 바이오가스를 원료로 하루 500㎏ 이상의 수소를 생산할 수 있다. 이는 수소승용차 100대 이상을 충전할 수 있는 규모다.특히 수소 생산시설과 충전소를 한곳에 구축한 것이 특징이다. 생산한 수소를 별도의 충전소로 운송하지 않고 현장에서 바로 차량에 공급할 수 있어 생산부터 충전까지 이어지는 통합형 공급체계를 갖췄다.청주 공공하수처리장에서는 하루 약 7000N㎥의 바이오가스가 발생한다. 그동안 일부 바이오가스는 하수처리설비 운영에 활용됐지만 이번 시설 준공으로 수송 분야까지 활용 범위가 넓어지게 됐다.지역 주민이 배출한 하수에서 발생한 바이오가스를 수소로 전환해 다시 지역 내 무탄소 교통수단의 연료로 사용하는 순환 구조가 만들어지는 셈이다. 기존 도시 기반시설인 하수처리장이 하수 처리 기능을 넘어 에너지 생산·공급 거점으로 역할을 확대한다는 의미도 있다.정부는 환경기초시설과 지역 에너지 자원을 활용한 수소 생산 기반을 확대하고 있다. 지난달에는 서울 서남물재생센터에 바이오가스 기반 청정수소 생산시설을 준공했다. 충북에서는 충주댐의 수력에너지를 이용해 물을 전기분해하는 수전해 수소 생산시설 구축도 추진하고 있다.이호현 기후부 2차관은 "최근 에너지 안보가 중요한 상황에서 도시의 기반시설을 활용해 에너지를 직접 생산·공급하는 체계를 구축했다는 점에 의미가 있다"며 "앞으로도 환경기초시설 등과 연계한 지역 기반 청정수소 생산의 모범사례를 지속적으로 발굴하겠다"고 말했다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-08 12:04:00
  • Labor Department Approves Support for 1,247 Workers Transitioning to Full-Time Employment
    Labor Department Approves Support for 1,247 Workers Transitioning to Full-Time Employment The government has approved support for over 1,200 workers transitioning to full-time employment through its regular employment transition support program, which resumed this year.As of the end of June, the Ministry of Employment and Labor reported on July 8 that 740 businesses and 1,247 workers have been approved for the program, which is 62.0% of the annual target of 2,010.The support is aimed at businesses with fewer than 30 employees that convert non-regular workers who have been employed for more than six months into full-time positions. Eligible businesses include priority support companies and medium-sized enterprises, with a maximum monthly subsidy of 600,000 won per worker for up to one year.In terms of industry distribution, the health and social welfare sector accounted for the largest share at 29.7%, followed by manufacturing (15.5%), retail and wholesale (13.9%), scientific and technical services (7.5%), information and communication (6.5%), and business facility management (5.7%).The Ministry noted that participating companies have benefited from the subsidies in securing young talent and improving working conditions. For instance, an IT company in a regional area converted four young workers to full-time status and raised their salaries by 250,000 won per month.Another regional IT firm transitioned two young workers to full-time positions even after the conclusion of a research and development project. The government views these cases as evidence that the transition support program can contribute to securing skilled labor and enhancing job stability for workers, beyond merely subsidizing labor costs.The regular employment transition support program also addresses the dual structure of the labor market. Non-regular workers often face significant disparities in job security, wages, and benefits compared to their full-time counterparts. Meanwhile, small and medium-sized enterprises frequently hesitate to convert workers to full-time status due to labor cost burdens. The government subsidies help alleviate these initial costs for businesses.However, to ensure that the transition to full-time employment is not merely temporary, it is essential to maintain employment and improve wages and working conditions after the transition. Particularly for young workers to move into stable jobs, it is necessary to evaluate not only the number of transitions but also the duration of employment and improvements in working conditions.The Ministry plans to continue supporting the transition to full-time employment in the second half of the year. Companies interested in participating can apply after consulting through the Employment 24 website or their nearest employment center.Seo Myeong-seok, Director of Labor Standards Policy at the Ministry, stated, "Transitioning to full-time employment is an investment that enhances job security for workers and competitiveness for businesses. We will continue to strengthen support to reduce the burden on small and medium-sized enterprises and enable more workers, including young people, to secure stable jobs."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-08 12:04:00