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  • MONSTA X Wins First Music Show with MAGIC on Music Bank
    MONSTA X Wins First Music Show with 'MAGIC' on Music Bank The group MONSTA X has secured their first music show win following their comeback. On September 11, MONSTA X topped KBS 2TV's 'Music Bank' with their title track 'MAGIC' from their mini-album 'The Phase.' During the performance, MONSTA X showcased their vocals and choreography in a white-themed setup, expressing the energy of 'MAGIC' through dynamic dance moves and stage presence. In a statement through their agency Starship Entertainment, MONSTA X expressed gratitude, saying, "Thanks to MONBEBE's support, we were able to continue our activities for 'MAGIC' with strength, and we are grateful to share this joyful moment of winning first place on a music show." They added, "Even in our 12th year since debut, being able to perform on stage and continue to take on new challenges is all thanks to MONBEBE. We believe this win is a result of everyone, including I.M, who is currently serving in the military, and the dedicated staff who have been with us for a long time." They also mentioned, "With this album, we aimed to maintain MONSTA X's unique color while showing a new side of ourselves, and it is even more meaningful that many people have received it positively. We will continue to repay you with good music and performances." Following the release of 'The Phase,' MONSTA X reached sixth place on the Worldwide iTunes Album Chart. They also topped the iTunes Top 100 K-Pop Album Charts in 11 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Brazil, and Turkey. This year, they are currently on their 2026 world tour 'THE X: NEXUS,' which began in Seoul. In October, they will resume their tour across ten cities in North America, including the United States and Canada. MONSTA X will hold encore performances in Incheon at the Inspire Arena on November 21 and 22, where they will meet with fans.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-12 15:40:00
  • First Container Ship to Navigate Arctic Route Arrives in the UK After 21 Days
    First Container Ship to Navigate Arctic Route Arrives in the UK After 21 Days 국내 컨테이너선 최초로 북극항로 시범 운항에 나선 팬스타 아크로호가 부산을 출항한 지 21일 만에 영국에 도착했다. 12일 해양수산부에 따르면 팬스타 아크로호는 이날 오전 5시께(한국시간) 영국 펠릭스토우항에 입항했다. 지난달 22일 부산에서 출항한 지 21일 만이다. 팬스타 아크로호는 지난달 31일 북극해에 진입해 이달 9일 북극해를 빠져나온 뒤 영국으로 향했다. 북극해 진입 초기에는 해빙(海氷)으로 운항에 일부 어려움을 겪었지만 유럽에 가까워질수록 해빙이 줄면서 대체로 순항한 것으로 전해졌다. 팬스타 아크로호는 2758TEU(1TEU는 20피트 컨테이너 1개)급 컨테이너선이다. 화학제품과 중고차, 자동차 부품 등 화물 737TEU를 포함해 총 837TEU를 싣고 부산을 출발했다. 펠릭스토우항에서는 일부 화물을 하역할 예정이다. 유럽 내 운항도 이어간다. 오는 13일 네덜란드 로테르담에 도착한 뒤 16일 폴란드 그단스크에 기항할 예정이다. 이후 다시 북극해를 통과해 부산으로 돌아오며 귀항 예정일은 다음 달 12일이다. 북극항로는 기후변화에 따른 해빙 면적 감소로 활용 가능성이 커진 아시아와 유럽 간 최단거리 해상 운송로다. 기존 항로보다 운송 거리와 시간을 줄일 수 있어 새로운 글로벌 물류망으로 주목받고 있다. 정부는 이번 시범 운항에서 확보한 항해 데이터와 운항 경험을 향후 북극항로 진출을 위한 기초 자료로 활용할 방침이다. 실제 선박 운항을 통해 해빙과 기상 변화, 항로별 운항 여건 등을 확인하면서 향후 상업 운항 가능성을 검토하는 데도 활용될 전망이다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-12 15:20:00
  • AI Predicts Electricity Needs in South Koreas Energy Transition
    AI Predicts Electricity Needs in South Korea's Energy Transition How much electricity will South Korea need in five minutes? Power supply can change with heat waves or cloud cover over solar power plants. With the increase in data centers and electric vehicles, the calculations have become more complex. Kim Sung-jin, chairman of the Korea Power Exchange, is building an 'AI control tower' for predicting supply and demand using AI and data. Electricity is different from regular commodities. The amount used and produced nationwide must be balanced at every moment. A shortage increases the risk of blackouts, while excess generation raises costs. The Korea Power Exchange manages this massive balance. It forecasts national electricity demand, plans generation, and operates the power system and market. Although it may not be visible to the public, it serves as the control tower for South Korea's power system. AI Reads 'Electricity in 5 Minutes' The core task of the Korea Power Exchange is forecasting electricity demand. It must predict how much electricity will be needed at 10 a.m., 3 p.m., and 8 p.m. tomorrow to prepare generation. Numerous variables, including temperature, humidity, day of the week, time, industrial activity, and holidays, influence electricity usage. The exchange utilizes vast data to forecast daily and weekly electricity demand and is advancing AI-based predictions as a key strategic initiative. It also produces five-minute interval demand forecasts. We are entering an era where data and AI can predict how much electricity South Korea will need in five minutes.AI's importance is growing as solar and wind energy increase. In the past, adjusting generation to match demand was centered around large power plants like nuclear, coal, and gas. Now, cloud cover can reduce solar output, and weak winds can decrease wind generation. It is essential to predict not only how much electricity will be consumed but also how much will be produced.With the rise of energy storage systems (ESS), electric vehicles, and distributed energy resources, the power grid is becoming a vast network connecting numerous suppliers and consumers in real-time. This is why AI is necessary. AI Consumes Electricity and Directs It A new variable shaking up the power market is AI itself. The spread of generative AI has led to an increase in large data centers. Operating numerous GPUs is required to train and service AI. When large data centers are established, they create significant new electricity demand in the area. Ironically, while AI consumes vast amounts of electricity, it is also needed to ensure a stable supply of that electricity. In the future, the Korea Power Exchange will need to consider nuclear, gas, solar, wind, ESS, electric vehicles, and AI data centers simultaneously. The complexity of the power system has grown too intricate to rely solely on human experience and existing statistics. The value of AI in accurately predicting supply and demand and supporting optimal choices is becoming increasingly significant. Kim Sung-jin's 'Energy Transition' Since taking office in May, Kim Sung-jin has identified building a stable power supply system, innovating the power market, and establishing a distributed power system as key tasks. In particular, distributed energy is a crucial variable that will change the future power system. The traditional method of sending electricity produced at large power plants through long-distance transmission networks to metropolitan and industrial areas is shifting towards a system where electricity is produced and consumed locally. The relationship between electricity and industrial location is also changing. As facilities that consume vast amounts of electricity, such as semiconductor factories and AI data centers, continue to increase, there are limits to building transmission networks everywhere they are needed. A new approach is required to guide industries to areas with abundant electricity. Regional electricity prices, distributed energy, and industrial locations are becoming interconnected.AI and data can be utilized to analyze how much electricity is needed in each region, how demand will grow, and what burdens will arise on the transmission network. The role of the Korea Power Exchange may also expand from simple power supply management to supporting the efficient allocation of energy and industry through a data platform. Korea Power Exchange's Transition to 'KPX AI' The Korea Power Exchange itself has begun its own transformation. In response to the energy transition and AI innovation in 2026, it has restructured its organization and enhanced its AX data capabilities. It is also pursuing an information strategy plan for the introduction of 'KPX AI.' The core asset is data. Vast amounts of data are accumulated during the processes of generation, electricity demand, market prices, and system operations. By making this data usable for AI and linking predictions and analyses to actual decision-making, the accuracy and efficiency of power system operations can be improved. AI-based electricity demand forecasting is just the starting point. There is significant potential for expanding its application to renewable energy generation forecasting, power market analysis, and distributed resource management. The essence of the AX that the Korea Power Exchange should aim for lies here. It is not about creating many AI systems but using AI to predict South Korea's electricity more accurately and operate it more stably. The 'AI Control Tower' of South Korea's Electricity As the AI era takes off, the role of South Korea's power industry is becoming clearer. While power companies like Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power generate electricity and Korea Electric Power transmits and distributes it, the Korea Power Exchange matches supply and demand nationwide and directs the entire system. It serves as the 'brain' of South Korea's electricity. Now, AI is entering this brain.With the increase of solar and wind energy, the spread of ESS and electric vehicles, and the emergence of large new electricity consumers like AI data centers, the complexity of the power system is growing. The success of the energy transition that Kim Sung-jin is promoting depends on how stably and efficiently this complex system is managed. AI predicts electricity demand and analyzes renewable energy generation. It reads vast amounts of power data to assist in the operation of the power system and market. We are moving beyond an era where AI consumes electricity to one where AI directs South Korea's electricity. The Korea Power Exchange, the control tower of South Korea's electricity, is now evolving into an 'AI control tower.' :Kim Sung-jin, Chairman of the Korea Power Exchange:Kim Sung-jin is an expert in industrial and energy policy. He has served as the spokesperson for the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, director of the Trade Policy Bureau, industrial and trade secretary at the Presidential Office, and director of Gwangju Technopark. He became chairman of the Korea Power Exchange in May 2026, promoting energy transition centered on stable power supply, power market innovation, and the establishment of a distributed power system. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-12 15:00:00
  • Man Arrested for Stabbing Mother in Incheon
    Man Arrested for Stabbing Mother in Incheon A man in his 20s has been arrested for allegedly stabbing his mother in a house in Incheon, South Korea.According to Yonhap News Agency, the Incheon Ganghwa Police Station reported that the suspect, identified as A, was apprehended on charges of attempted murder on September 12. A is accused of stabbing his mother, B, multiple times with a knife in their single-family home around 10 p.m. the previous day. B sustained injuries to her face and neck but was treated at a hospital and has since been discharged.A police official stated, "A appears to be suffering from a mental illness," adding that they are investigating the circumstances and motives behind the incident and plan to apply for an arrest warrant. 2026-09-12 14:44:10
  • KDRT Leader to Discuss Search and Rescue Efforts with Nepal Authorities
    KDRT Leader to Discuss Search and Rescue Efforts with Nepal Authorities Yoon Suk, the leader of the second team of the Korea Disaster Relief Team (KDRT), arrived in Nepal on September 12 to assist with the aftermath of devastating floods. He stated that he would coordinate closely with Nepalese authorities regarding the search and rescue operations for missing Koreans.According to Yonhap News, Yoon arrived in Nepal separately from the second team members who had reached the country the previous day. Speaking to reporters, he expressed empathy for the families of the missing, saying, "The government is taking the heartbreaking feelings and wait of the families seriously." He added, "We will do our utmost to fulfill our mission through seamless shifts with the first team of KDRT."Yoon elaborated that the second team's activities would include both search and rescue as well as recovery and reconstruction efforts. He emphasized the importance of maintaining close communication with Nepalese authorities and collaborating with the embassy, the joint government response team, and relief workers to carry out their assigned tasks.Regarding additional search and rescue efforts, Yoon noted, "Coordination with Nepalese authorities is necessary," and stressed the need to listen to on-site reports and discuss plans in detail.Currently, Nepalese authorities have shifted their focus from search and rescue to recovery and reconstruction. The second team has been significantly reduced in size, from 44 members in the first team to just 8 members.However, President Lee Jae-myung has instructed officials to listen to the voices of the families of the missing and seek solutions, suggesting that search and rescue operations may continue alongside recovery efforts. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also announced that it plans to promote search and rescue activities within feasible limits through consultations with Nepalese military authorities, while also conducting preliminary investigations related to recovery and reconstruction in collaboration with the Nepalese government and international organizations. As of now, nine Koreans remain unaccounted for.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-12 14:20:20
  • Jang Dong-hyuk Criticizes North Korea Missile Launch and Yoon Administration
    Jang Dong-hyuk Criticizes North Korea Missile Launch and Yoon Administration Jang Dong-hyuk, leader of the People Power Party, criticized the Yoon administration on September 12 following North Korea's ballistic missile launch, stating, "The Lee Jae-myung administration is constantly going backward." He specifically claimed that President Lee has abandoned national defense and is no longer acting as a president.In a Facebook post, Jang noted, "The ballistic missile fired by North Korea early in the morning traveled 250 kilometers from Wonsan, which means it could reach our metropolitan area."He added, "In July, Kim Jong-un declared that 'nuclear armament has been realized.' We must strengthen our military capabilities and maintain a steadfast U.S.-South Korea alliance." He emphasized, "That is what a president should do, and it is the government's responsibility, yet the Lee Jae-myung administration continues to go backward."Jang also criticized the consolidation of military academies, calling it a de facto declaration of abandoning South Korea's national defense. He remarked that the nominee for Minister of National Defense reportedly agrees with the statement, 'There would be no problem even if we regain operational control tomorrow.' He expressed concern over vague responses regarding our main adversary, stating, "They seem to have only selected individuals who fit the administration's preferences, despite being graduates of military academies."Furthermore, he stated, "President Lee continues to repeat claims of being a 'pacemaker.' He cannot even make a proper statement regarding North Korea's missile launches or the pressure from the U.S. to deploy troops, and being a pacemaker is not something anyone can do."Jang concluded, "Peace is maintained through strength and solidarity. It is a deception to talk about peace while undermining military strength and shaking the U.S.-South Korea alliance. Protecting the people and the nation is the president's greatest responsibility. A president who abandons national defense is no longer a president." 2026-09-12 13:56:00
  • Kim Min-seoks Notebook Sparks Controversy Over Seoul Mayor Candidates
    Kim Min-seok's Notebook Sparks Controversy Over Seoul Mayor Candidates The controversy surrounding Kim Min-seok's notebook listing potential candidates for the Seoul mayoral election has ignited a political dispute between the ruling Democratic Party and the opposition People Power Party. The Democratic Party has labeled the criticism as "groundless attacks," while the People Power Party has accused them of "judicial intimidation."On September 12, Democratic Party spokesperson Lee Yong-woo criticized the People Power Party, stating, "They are making a fuss over a single line in Kim's notes," and urged them to stop distorting simple political forecasts into judicial intimidation. He also called on them to reflect on their own actions.Lee added, "It is absurd to think about what they have done. Independent lawmaker Han Dong-hoon received a request from People Power Party member Na Kyung-won to drop charges related to the fast-track incident while he was serving as Minister of Justice." He emphasized that Na was involved in a case she was being tried for and noted that she had repeatedly claimed on far-right YouTube broadcasts that the charges could be dropped depending on political circumstances.Lee questioned why the People Power Party, which is so strict about a single memo, is so lenient regarding its own members. He stated, "The public is watching their blatant double standards, which only apply to their own side. If they want to talk about fairness and judicial processes, they should apply the same standards to their own people."Earlier, People Power Party spokesperson Park Seong-hoon criticized Kim's notebook, claiming it preemptively judged the outcome of ongoing trials and pressured the judiciary while speculating on candidates for the upcoming by-election. This comes as Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon faces a first-instance ruling that could invalidate his election due to alleged violations of political funding laws.Park stated, "The behavior of calculating power-sharing is an infringement on judicial independence and constitutes political intimidation against the judiciary. To arbitrarily predict outcomes before a ruling undermines the foundations of the rule of law and is an unconstitutional notion." He also urged Kim to focus on the lives of suffering citizens rather than on a hastily drawn-up election plan.Meanwhile, Kim's notebook listing potential candidates for the Seoul mayoral election was made public on September 9. In response, Kim appeared on the Democratic Party's official YouTube channel the following day, stating, "I did not discuss this with the individuals mentioned in the notes, nor did I seek their opinions. It was just my personal thoughts, and I apologize for being photographed with it." However, he asserted, "I believe there is a 99.99% chance of a by-election for the Seoul mayor. I have responsibilities for both the general election and the by-election, so it is natural for me to prepare for it." 2026-09-12 13:36:00
  • Concerns Rise Over Youth Support for Yoon Hye-in as Ministerial Candidate
    Concerns Rise Over Youth Support for Yoon Hye-in as Ministerial Candidate The Democratic Party of Korea is increasingly concerned about Yoon Hye-in, the candidate for Minister of Gender Equality and Family. There are growing public reactions indicating that youth support for the party is wavering. This comes as the party's support among young voters has recently declined, suggesting that proceeding with Yoon's appointment could accelerate this trend.Spokesperson Jo Gye-won spoke to reporters after a briefing at the National Assembly on the 12th, stating, "We are seriously monitoring this issue from the perspective of the public. The youth's opinions are boiling over regarding this matter, and we cannot ignore it. We need to consider what measures are necessary."When asked about the possibility of an early resolution regarding Yoon's candidacy, Jo responded, "I understand there are various sentiments within the party. The leadership may express its position on this matter soon."The Democratic Party is set to hold a high-level party meeting on the 13th, where opinions on this issue are expected to be exchanged. Jo added, "We will properly assess the situation from the public's perspective and discuss response measures."Meanwhile, Yoon has declared her intention to hold both her position as a proportional representative lawmaker and the ministerial role. This has sparked controversy regarding the Basic Income Party's status. Typically, lawmakers can hold ministerial positions, but it has been customary for proportional representatives to resign when appointed as ministers.In a press conference on the 10th, Yoon expressed her opposition to this tradition, stating, "We need to reflect on whether the resignation of proportional representatives has been viewed as a political arrangement among politicians."If Yoon were to resign, the Basic Income Party would lose its status as a parliamentary party, as she was elected as a proportional representative of the Democratic Party's satellite party during the 22nd National Assembly elections. 2026-09-12 13:12:00
  • Kim Seung-won Addresses Questions on Lee Jae-myungs Criminal Case
    Kim Seung-won Addresses Questions on Lee Jae-myung's Criminal Case Kim Seung-won, the nominee for Minister of Justice, stated on September 12 that he intends to ensure the Ministry of Justice and the prosecution review the possibility of dropping criminal charges related to President Lee Jae-myung upon his appointment. He emphasized that he would carry out his duties fairly in accordance with laws and regulations, ensuring that the prosecution maintains political neutrality and performs its responsibilities impartially.According to Yonhap News, Kim made these remarks in a written response to Representative Joo Jin-woo of the People Power Party, a member of the National Assembly's Legislative and Judiciary Committee. Kim's past involvement as a co-representative of a group advocating for the dismissal of charges against President Lee has raised concerns. In response, he stated, "I will distinguish between my political activities as a member of the National Assembly and my duties as a minister," adding that he would ensure his previous positions do not influence case handling or personnel decisions, and that he would make necessary judgments in accordance with relevant laws.Additionally, Kim, who has led the push for a revised criminal procedure law that eliminates the prosecution's supplementary investigative powers, reiterated his stance that it is appropriate to completely abolish the direct investigative powers of prosecutors to ensure a clear separation between investigation and prosecution, and to focus on the prosecution's primary role of initiating and maintaining charges.As he prepares for his role, Kim faces the task of minimizing the negative impacts of abolishing the prosecution's supplementary investigative powers. He stated, "I will ensure thorough follow-up measures, including the revision of related laws, and will concentrate all efforts to collaborate with relevant agencies to establish a new criminal justice system."Kim, a former judge and a two-term member of the National Assembly, recently served as the Democratic Party's secretary and chair of the first subcommittee on legislative review.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-12 12:56:00
  • North Korea fires multiple short-range ballistic missiles into East Sea
    North Korea fires multiple short-range ballistic missiles into East Sea SEOUL, September 12 (AJP) - North Korea fired multiple short-range ballistic missiles toward the East Sea early Saturday, South Korea's military said, a day after Seoul, Washington and Tokyo wrapped up a five-day joint military exercise. The Joint Chiefs of Staff said it detected the missiles being launched from the Wonsan area at around 5:20 a.m. The missiles flew about 250 kilometers before falling into the sea. South Korean and U.S. authorities are conducting a detailed analysis of the missiles, the JCS said. The launch came a day after South Korea, the United States and Japan concluded their five-day Freedom Edge exercise in international waters south and east of Jeju Island. North Korea has criticized the trilateral exercise and warned earlier this week that it would take countermeasures. Saturday's launch marked North Korea's first ballistic missile test since Aug. 20, when it fired more than 10 short-range ballistic missiles while South Korea and the United States were conducting their annual Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise. It was North Korea's 13th ballistic missile launch this year. AJP Takeaways - North Korea fired multiple short-range ballistic missiles from Wonsan early Saturday, with the missiles traveling about 250 kilometers. - The launch came a day after South Korea, the U.S. and Japan concluded their five-day Freedom Edge military exercise. - It marked North Korea's first ballistic missile launch in 23 days and its 13th this year. 2026-09-12 11:02:54