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  • Yong Hye-ins Press Conference Leaves Blue House in a Bind
    Yong Hye-in's Press Conference Leaves Blue House in a Bind Yong Hye-in, the nominee for Minister of Gender Equality and Family, has sparked various controversies, leaving the Blue House in a difficult position. There are also voices of dissent within the ruling Democratic Party.On the 12th, according to political sources, Kang Yoo-jung, the Blue House spokesperson, stated the day before, "Yong's press conference is unrelated to the president's schedule, and there was no prior consultation with the Blue House."She added, "The Blue House believes that the ministerial nominee should be given the opportunity to explain to the public," and emphasized that they are open to hearing diverse opinions from the public.However, she did not provide a clear stance on the possibility of retracting Yong's nomination. During a government question session held the same day, lawmakers from the opposition party asked Prime Minister Han Seung-soo if he would consider retracting Yong's nomination, to which the Prime Minister argued that the nominee also deserves a chance to clarify.Additionally, Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Nam-kook appeared on MBC's 'News Outside' the day before and commented on Yong's press conference, saying, "Her responses seemed combative, and I wonder if that aligns well with public sentiment at this time. I believe it was inappropriate."He further noted that the controversy surrounding Yong is not about legal violations but rather about aligning with public sentiment. "The criticism Yong is facing is not about the past issues of nominees regarding loopholes or illegalities, but rather a matter of public emotion and sentiment," he emphasized.Kim also pointed out, "Even if the nominee has explanations to offer, she should present herself in a more humble manner that aligns with the public's perspective."Notably, Kim remarked, "Yong is a member of the opposition party. While she may hope for active support from the Democratic Party, the current public opinion landscape makes it difficult to defend her, revealing a challenging situation. It is not easy for the Democratic Party to actively support her at this time."Meanwhile, Yong held a press conference in the National Assembly on the 10th, declaring that she would not resign from her position as a proportional representative. In response to criticism that she violated conventions, she stated, "We should reflect on whether the convention of resigning from a proportional representative position has been perceived among politicians as a form of sharing power." If Yong were to resign, her party, the Basic Income Party, would be reduced to a non-parliamentary party, as she was elected as a proportional representative of the Democratic Party's satellite party during the 22nd general election. 2026-09-12 10:56:00
  • 2027 College Admissions Show Polarization Among Applicants
    2027 College Admissions Show Polarization Among Applicants The results of the 2027 college early admissions process reveal a stark polarization among applicants, driven by anxiety and strategic choices. While the number of students applying through school record-based admissions has decreased due to a drop in current students, the essay-based admissions have seen a significant surge from N-year students.In particular, the semiconductor contract programs, which guarantee employment with major companies amid a tough job market, have achieved record competition rates. Conversely, medical schools, traditionally seen as top-tier options, have experienced a decline in competition rates due to the introduction of regional doctor systems and expanded enrollment.According to data from Jongno Academy, Etoos, and Jinhaksa, the competition rate for early admissions at 11 major universities in Seoul reached 21.72 to 1, with 8,860 more applicants than the previous year, an increase of 1.8%. While applicants for the top five universities' semiconductor contract programs surged by 19.4% compared to last year, the competition rate for medical schools at eight major universities in Seoul fell from 39.10 to 36.86 to 1.Meanwhile, the three regional universities designated under the '10 Seoul National Universities' initiative saw an 11.6% increase in applicants compared to last year.Seoul's Major Universities: Strategic Moves as Essay Admissions Fill the GapThe competition rate among the 11 major universities in Seoul (Kyung Hee University, Korea University, Sogang University, Seoul National University, University of Seoul, Sungkyunkwan University, Yonsei University, Ewha Womans University, Chung-Ang University, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, and Hanyang University) rose slightly from 21.46 to 21.72 to 1.However, a closer look reveals significant fluctuations among universities. Central University saw a 16.9% increase in applicants, while Sogang University and Hankuk University of Foreign Studies experienced increases of 12.6% and 22.7%, respectively. In contrast, Sungkyunkwan University, Yonsei University, and the University of Seoul saw declines of 9.9%, 8.3%, and 7.8%.A notable trend is the 'concentration phenomenon' in admissions types. While the competition rates for school record-based admissions (from 8.12 to 6.68 to 1) and comprehensive admissions (from 13.55 to 13.36 to 1) decreased, the essay-based admissions skyrocketed from 75.00 to 82.00 to 1.Despite a reduction of 59 positions in the essay admissions, the number of applicants increased by 18,088 (7.4%). Notably, Sungkyunkwan University's essay admissions recorded a staggering competition rate of 462.83 to 1, while Sogang University's humanities program reached 129.33 to 1, indicating a last-minute surge in applications for essay admissions.Record Competition for Semiconductors; Medical Schools See DeclineThe landscape for top-tier natural science programs has also shifted. The five semiconductor contract programs (Yonsei University, Korea University, Sungkyunkwan University, Sogang University, and Hanyang University) attracted 5,992 applicants, marking a 19.4% increase and achieving a record competition rate of 28.53 to 1. Notably, Sogang University's system semiconductor engineering program, in partnership with SK Hynix, recorded an astonishing 297.67 to 1, while Hanyang University's semiconductor engineering program reached 211.00 to 1.In contrast, the once-dominant medical schools have seen a decline in competition. Among the eight universities in Seoul with medical programs, seven (excluding Central University) reported lower competition rates. The overall competition rate for medical schools dropped from 39.10 to 36.86 to 1, with declines across all admission types, including essay admissions (from 233.11 to 226.06 to 1).Regional Universities Divided by '10 Seoul National Universities' InitiativeThe application trends for regional universities have sharply diverged based on government policy direction. The universities designated for the '10 Seoul National Universities' initiative—Pusan National University (up 19.0%), Chungnam National University (up 8.6%), and Chonnam National University (up 5.1%)—saw a combined increase of 14,014 applicants (11.6%), raising their average competition rate to 9.16 to 1. In contrast, Kyungpook National University, excluded from this initiative, experienced a 0.9% decrease in applicants and a drop in competition rate.This year, the newly introduced 'regional doctor system' admissions also disrupted the early admissions landscape. The regional doctor selection program at Kosin University recorded a competition rate of 39 to 1, Dong-A University at 38.2 to 1, and Eulji University at 33 to 1, attracting many top-tier applicants. Among regional medical schools, Jeonbuk National University, which is recruiting nine students, received 219 applications, the highest number recorded.Experts Analyze the Competitive Landscape Ahead of 2028 Admissions ReformAdmissions experts agree that the results of this early admissions cycle reflect a psychological pressure stemming from the perception that this is the 'last year of the current admissions system.'Im Seong-ho, head of Jongno Academy, stated, "Major universities in Seoul are experiencing a dual trend of strategic maneuvering and stable applications due to the psychological burden of the current system's final year for the 2027 admissions cycle." He noted that the medical school application situation has shifted from confident applications to more stable choices, influenced by the expansion of regional doctor recruitment and resulting in a dispersion effect among top-tier applicants, while interest in semiconductor contract programs has surged.Kim Byeong-jin, head of Etoos Education Assessment Research Institute, explained, "The overall decrease in the number of applicants and current students has inevitably led to a decline in applicants for school record-based admissions and other types. This year marks the last application cycle under the revised 2015 curriculum, which has highlighted a trend toward stable, lower-tier applications."Woo Yeon-cheol, head of Jinhaksa Admissions Strategy Research Institute, added, "High school seniors, facing significant pressure to retake exams, have leaned toward stable and appropriate applications in school record-based and comprehensive admissions, while N-year students with competitive exam capabilities have actively pursued higher-tier essay admissions. This indicates a growing trend among applicants to seek practical options in semiconductor programs and contract-based admissions rather than medical schools."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-12 10:32:00
  • Jang Dong-hyuk: Police Had No Intent to Arrest Kim Byeong-ki
    Jang Dong-hyuk: Police Had No Intent to Arrest Kim Byeong-ki Jang Dong-hyuk, the leader of the People Power Party, stated on September 12 that the police likely had no intention of arresting independent lawmaker Kim Byeong-ki. This comment comes as the abolition of the prosecution's supplementary investigation rights is imminent, suggesting that 'absolute power' will shift to the police.In a Facebook post, Jang noted, "The prosecution rejected the arrest warrant requested by the police," adding, "They probably never intended to arrest him in the first place."He emphasized that the prosecution's request for supplementary investigation was based on two main reasons: first, the police had done nothing for five months since the investigation into Kim concluded, making it difficult to justify an arrest warrant on the grounds of evidence tampering; and second, after a year of investigation, if the evidence is still insufficient, it raises questions about what the police have been doing all this time. Jang remarked, "At this point, even if an arrest warrant were requested, it would likely be dismissed by the court at lightning speed."Jang also pointed out that the police only specified five out of thirteen alleged criminal charges in the warrant, notably omitting the critical allegation of receiving illegal political funds. He criticized this as an admission of being a 'political police,' calling it another form of 'case concealment' through a 'deficient warrant.'Regarding the situation, Jang predicted that Kim would avoid arrest thanks to the prosecution's supplementary investigation rights. Considering the time left before the potential disbandment of the prosecution, he suggested that it is likely the case will end with a non-arrest referral. He expressed concern that in just 20 days, absolute power will shift to a police force that he believes is unfit, stating, "We are entering an era of 'innocent until proven guilty.'"Kim Byeong-ki is a three-term lawmaker who previously served as the floor leader of the Democratic Party. However, he resigned after submitting his withdrawal from the party amid various controversies during his tenure.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-12 10:28:00
  • Gwangju City Conducts Simulation Training for AI Human Infection Response
    Gwangju City Conducts Simulation Training for AI Human Infection Response Gwangju Metropolitan City has conducted a simulation training exercise to prepare for potential human infections from avian influenza (AI) and other emerging infectious diseases.On September 11, Gwangju held the '2026 Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Disease Crisis Management Training' at Hotel Hyundai by Lahan Mokpo, as announced on September 12.The training involved over 140 participants from relevant agencies, including the Honam Disease Control Center, health offices from 22 cities and counties, disaster and livestock departments, fire services, police, and medical institutions.This exercise focused on enhancing initial response capabilities and assessing inter-agency collaboration in light of the ongoing risk of human infection from avian influenza outbreaks abroad.Gwangju's geographical characteristics, with many migratory bird habitats and poultry farms, underscore the importance of establishing a robust response system not only for livestock protection but also for potential human infections.The training simulated a scenario involving a suspected human case of avian influenza, incorporating practical exercises, personal protective equipment (Level D) training, theoretical education, and discussion-based training.During the practical exercises, health officials from local offices practiced the step-by-step initial response procedures, from receiving reports of suspected cases to conducting epidemiological investigations, transporting patients, and collecting specimens, using role-playing and quiz formats.Additionally, training included practical sessions on donning and doffing personal protective equipment to ensure the safety of personnel during infectious disease response operations.Following this, theoretical education on the characteristics of avian influenza and response systems was provided, after which participants from health offices, disaster and livestock departments, fire services, police, health and environmental research institutes, and quarantine stations were divided into 13 groups to discuss agency roles and response strategies for various scenarios.Gwangju Metropolitan City plans to continuously strengthen its response capabilities by reviewing and enhancing the procedures and collaboration systems identified during this training, ensuring they can be applied in real-world situations involving emerging infectious disease crises.Jeong Kwang-seon, head of the Health and Welfare Bureau of Gwangju Metropolitan City, stated, “With the increasing risk of new infectious diseases entering the country due to climate change and increased international exchanges, it is crucial to have practical training and inter-agency collaboration systems in place.”He emphasized, “Through this training, we will ensure a swift and thorough response to protect the health and lives of our citizens.”Avian influenza human infection is a disease that can infect people exposed to birds infected with the avian influenza virus or contaminated environments. It is essential to adhere to preventive measures, such as wearing personal protective equipment and practicing hand hygiene, especially during processes that involve contact with potentially infected birds. Gwangju Metropolitan City plans to maintain information sharing and a joint response system among relevant agencies, including livestock protection departments and health authorities, to prepare for the possibility of human infections.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-12 10:16:00
  • North Korea Marks 78th Anniversary with UN Chiefs Message
    North Korea Marks 78th Anniversary with UN Chief's Message North Korea announced on September 12 that UN Secretary-General António Guterres sent a congratulatory message to Kim Jong Un in honor of the 78th anniversary of the North Korean regime's establishment, known as 9·9 Day. Notably, the disclosure of Guterres' message has drawn attention.According to the Korean Central News Agency, Guterres stated, "National holidays remind us of the value of dialogue and solidarity in responding to global challenges." He added, "To address issues such as ending wars, climate action, reducing inequalities, and technology transfer, new engagement and commitment to multilateral cooperation are needed to ensure peace and security, achieve sustainable development goals, and uphold human rights."This release of the UN Secretary-General's message by North Korea is considered somewhat unusual. While North Korea has previously disclosed that the UN Secretary-General sent a congratulatory message on the regime's founding anniversary, this is the first time the full text has been made public.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-12 10:08:10
  • Yeosu World Island Expo Welcomes Autumn Visitors with Concerts and Sunset Views
    Yeosu World Island Expo Welcomes Autumn Visitors with Concerts and Sunset Views As the cool breeze signals the start of autumn, the '2026 Yeosu World Island Expo' in Jeollanam-do is expanding its tourism offerings to include exhibitions, experiences, performances, and island travel.Initially focused on individual visitors, the expo has recently seen an influx of groups from daycare centers, schools, and organizations. In response, the organizing committee is increasing performances and interactive programs while actively attracting weekday group visits.The expo, which opened on September 5, is themed 'Connecting Islands, Seas, and the Future' and will run until November 4 at a venue covering approximately 180,000 square meters in the Jinnam district of Yeosu.One of the expo's highlights is the opportunity to experience islands from around the world in one location.The 'International Exchange Island,' featuring participation from 30 foreign local governments and three international organizations including WHO and UNICEF, showcases the culture and natural environments of islands such as the Galapagos, Santorini, and Taquile.Families are particularly drawn to the interactive exhibition 'Treasure Island,' where visitors become explorers, completing missions while enjoying slides, augmented reality, and trick art.On September 9, about 70 children from a local daycare visited Treasure Island. A teacher accompanying the group noted, "The children had a great time exploring and completing missions as if they were part of an expedition." Daytime Exhibits, Evening Concerts by the SeaThe expo is also enhancing its evening programming to extend visitor stays.Starting September 11, 'Weekly Concerts' will be held every Friday and Saturday at 7:30 PM. The program is designed to allow visitors to enjoy exhibitions and experiences during the day and then relax with a concert as the sun sets over Yeosu Bay.The first concert on September 11 will feature top performers from MBN's 'Legend of the Unknown,' Jang Han-byeol and Jeong Yeon-ho. On September 12, Kim Yong-bin, Cheon Rok-dam, and Choi Jae-myung from TV Chosun's 'Mr. Trot' will take the stage.The concerts will last about 60 minutes, and expo attendees can enjoy them without prior reservations.The organizing committee plans to expand outdoor programs, including busking and cultural performances, to create a comprehensive experience where visitors can enjoy exhibitions and experiences during the day and concerts, sunsets, and night views in the evening.Additional interactive programs will also be introduced, including events where visitors can send messages to family and friends using the media facade of the theme island, movie screenings at sunset, visible radio broadcasts in collaboration with Yeosu City Hall's music program 'Yeosu I-Park Music,' and treasure hunts throughout the exhibition halls.There will also be opportunities for visitors to share their experiences online through verification and photo zone events.Group Visits from Daycares to Institutions ContinueThe expo is accelerating efforts to attract group visitors during weekdays.On September 10, over 250 children from seven local daycare centers, including Goona, Haeoreum, and Wungcheon Forest 2, visited the expo.On September 11, group visits continued with 200 children from private daycare centers in Yeosu, 300 members of the Korea Local Public Enterprises Association, and 19 individuals from the Jeonnam Comprehensive Welfare Center for the Disabled.On September 19, daycare center directors from Jeonnam and Gwangju will visit the expo, followed by group visits from over 40 daycare centers.According to the organizing committee, around 40 schools and travel-related organizations are planning pre-visits for school trips or experiential learning.A 'Special Day Event' involving public officials and employees from local organizations and companies in Yeosu is also planned to boost weekday attendance.Island Travel Beyond the Expo: Geumo Island and GaedoAnother unique feature of the Yeosu World Island Expo is its connection to actual island travel.After enjoying exhibitions and performances at the main venue in Jinnam, visitors can travel to Geumo Island and Gaedo to experience the islands they learned about at the expo.On Geumo Island, visitors can enjoy trekking along coastal cliffs and experiencing local cuisine, while Gaedo offers camping programs with views of the sea.During the expo, discounts on ferry fares for visitors to the islands will be available, making it possible to plan a two-day, one-night itinerary connecting the main venue with the actual islands.Visitors can explore the International Exchange Island and Treasure Island during the day, enjoy the sunset and concerts over Yeosu Bay in the evening, and then venture to Geumo Island or Gaedo the next day.The organizing committee plans to continue enhancing content that combines exhibitions, performances, and tourism based on visitor feedback.The Yeosu World Island Expo will run until November 4. As autumn deepens, it remains to be seen how the expo will attract visitors seeking to experience Yeosu's sea, islands, sunsets, and night views beyond a simple exhibition space.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-12 10:08:00
  • Shinhan Bank Partners with Gachon University Gil Medical Center for Senior Dementia Prevention Seminar
    Shinhan Bank Partners with Gachon University Gil Medical Center for Senior Dementia Prevention Seminar Shinhan Bank announced on September 12 that it conducted a dementia prevention seminar in collaboration with Gachon University Gil Medical Center for senior participants in the Incheon area, ahead of World Alzheimer's Day on September 21.The seminar, held on September 10 at 'Shinhan Hakijae Incheon,' aimed to help seniors understand the main symptoms of dementia and the importance of early detection, as well as to learn health management methods that can be practiced in daily life.Professor Choi Su-jeong from Gachon University Gil Medical Center's Department of Family Medicine led the lecture, discussing the early signs of dementia, the significance of early detection, and preventive measures through chronic disease management, along with health management practices for everyday life.Shinhan Bank also operates services aimed at protecting the financial lives of senior customers. These include AI-based detection of abnormal behavior at ATMs and a fraud detection system, as well as notifications for signs of financial irregularities in parents and memory assessment events to support the prevention of financial accidents and memory management.Following this seminar, Shinhan Bank plans to expand its educational offerings for seniors to include areas related to health and daily life in addition to finance. A bank representative stated, "We will continue to enhance consumer protection activities to reduce financial inconveniences and damages for our customers."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-12 10:04:00
  • BNK Gyeongnam Bank Donates 100 Million Won in Traditional Market Gift Certificates to Changwon
    BNK Gyeongnam Bank Donates 100 Million Won in Traditional Market Gift Certificates to Changwon BNK Gyeongnam Bank announced on September 12 that it has donated 100 million won in traditional market gift certificates to the city of Changwon ahead of the Chuseok holiday.The donation ceremony, held the previous day at Changwon City Hall, was attended by Kim Tae-han, president of BNK Gyeongnam Bank, and Changwon Mayor Kang Ki-yoon. The gift certificates will be distributed to 2,000 vulnerable households recommended by the city, to assist with holiday preparations.BNK Gyeongnam Bank explained that by providing traditional market gift certificates instead of cash, it aims to support the livelihoods of vulnerable groups while also promoting the use of traditional markets and boosting local consumption. Kim Tae-han stated, "I hope the traditional market gift certificates will help vulnerable households prepare for the holiday and stimulate the local economy."Additionally, BNK Gyeongnam Bank has prepared a total of 381 million won in traditional market gift certificates for its Chuseok Love Sharing project this year. The certificates will be provided to 7,620 vulnerable households recommended by 18 cities and counties in Gyeongnam, including Changwon.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-12 10:04:00
  • North Korea Launches Multiple Ballistic Missiles, Flying 250 km
    North Korea Launches Multiple Ballistic Missiles, Flying 250 km North Korea launched several ballistic missiles early on September 12, flying approximately 250 kilometers.The Joint Chiefs of Staff reported that at around 5:20 a.m., multiple short-range ballistic missiles were detected being fired from the Wonsan area into the East Sea. They added, "The U.S. and South Korea are currently conducting a detailed analysis of the exact specifications of the missiles."They emphasized, "Our military maintains a robust readiness posture under the strong South Korea-U.S. alliance, closely monitoring North Korea's various activities and ensuring we can respond overwhelmingly to any provocations."This launch marks the first since August 20, occurring 23 days later. Analysts suggest it may be a response to the recent Freedom Shield military exercises conducted by South Korea, the U.S., and Japan from September 7 to 11 in the waters southeast of Jeju.Previously, on August 20, North Korea also launched ballistic missiles while U.S. and South Korean forces were conducting their regular joint exercise, the Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS).This year, North Korea's ballistic missile launches have reached 13. However, since September 6, North Korea has remained silent regarding three previous missile launches. It remains to be seen whether they will comment on this latest launch.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-12 09:56:00
  • Kim Seong-hoon Emphasizes Field Voices in Policy for Bikyaram Innovation City
    Kim Seong-hoon Emphasizes Field Voices in Policy for Bikyaram Innovation City The Jeonnam Gwangju Integrated Special City is seeking to discover new growth engines for Bikyaram Innovation City based on industry-academia-research collaboration. Kim Seong-hoon, head of the Innovation City Support Team, expressed his commitment to translating field voices into practical policies.On September 11, the Jeonnam Gwangju Integrated Special City Innovation City Support Team held the 'Innovation City Industry-Academia-Research Conference' at the Bikyaram Complex Cultural and Sports Center in Naju, discussing strategies for the development of the innovation city and ways to foster future industries.The event was attended by over 100 representatives from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, local governments, relocated public institutions, universities, research organizations, and resident companies.The conference aimed not only to share achievements among institutions but also to strengthen the industry-academia-research cooperation system and identify policies that can be implemented on the ground. Participants shared challenges faced by public institutions and resident companies, gathering opinions to reflect in policies aimed at revitalizing the innovation city.Five institutions, including Dongshin University, Jeonnam Technopark, Energy Valley Development Institute, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, and IoT Plus, participated in thematic presentations, showcasing successful cases of industry-academia-research collaboration, strategies for fostering future industries, and the long-term development direction of the innovation city.Discussions that followed included various policy proposals aimed at expanding inter-agency cooperation, enhancing regional industrial competitiveness, supporting corporate activities, and improving living conditions for sustainable development of the innovation city.Participants agreed that for the innovation city to grow into a regional innovation hub that organically connects universities, research institutions, and companies, it is crucial to establish a cooperative system that consolidates the capabilities of each institution.Kim Seong-hoon emphasized 'field' and 'cooperation' as the core of innovation city development.Kim Seong-hoon stated, “The competitiveness of the innovation city begins with cooperation among institutions and diverse opinions from the field. I hope this conference serves as a meaningful opportunity for universities, research institutions, companies, and public institutions to collaboratively design the future.”He also indicated a commitment to ensure that the opinions presented at the conference do not remain a one-time discussion but are linked to future policies.Kim added, “We will carefully review the various opinions proposed at the conference to ensure they lead to policies that contribute to the development of the innovation city and the revitalization of the local economy.”The integrated special city plans to review the policy proposals and field opinions presented at the conference, while utilizing card news and the innovation city website to share key discussion points and development directions.This conference is expected to be a significant step in determining how effectively the cooperation system among relocated public institutions, universities, research institutions, and companies translates into actual projects and policies for the revitalization of Bikyaram Innovation City.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-12 09:52:00