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  • South Korean Prime Minister: New Cybersecurity Law Aims to Minimize Illegal Activities
    South Korean Prime Minister: New Cybersecurity Law Aims to Minimize Illegal Activities South Korean Prime Minister Han Seung-soo stated on July 7 that the government will ensure freedom of expression for legitimate criticism and diverse opinions while firmly addressing clear false information and illegal activities under the newly implemented Cybersecurity Law. Han made these remarks during a State Council meeting held at the Government Seoul Complex. He noted that online platforms serve as spaces for communication and public discourse, playing a crucial role in the advancement of democracy. However, he acknowledged that as the online realm expands, the negative effects of illegal activities, such as the spread of false and manipulated information, are also increasing. He explained that the purpose of the recent amendment is to minimize these adverse effects. Han urged relevant agencies, including the Ministry of Science and ICT, to ensure the smooth implementation of the amendment and requested that they clearly explain the specific changes to the public with relatable examples. Additionally, he emphasized the need for the government to remain vigilant to minimize damage from heavy rain, stating that the primary goal of disaster response is the safety and lives of citizens. He stressed that no citizen should lose their life due to such disasters and urged relevant departments, including the Ministry of the Interior and Safety and the Ministry of Environment, to work closely with local governments to thoroughly inspect and reinforce areas vulnerable to flooding, such as underground roads, semi-basement homes, and landslide-prone regions. Han also mentioned that reports on the progress and challenges related to the eradication of technology theft from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will be presented. He noted that addressing technology theft is a critical task he received as the Minister of SMEs and Startups during a State Council meeting with the President. He described technology theft as a serious crime that undermines the innovative spirit of SMEs. According to investigation results, there were 474 cases of technology theft in 2024, with an average loss of 2.3 billion won per case. He explained that the government plans to strengthen penalties for theft and restrictions on public bidding, as well as establish guidelines for assessing damages to ensure that affected companies receive adequate compensation.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-07 12:12:00
  • South Korea to Invest $1.4 Billion in Physical AI Development in Gyeongnam and Jeonbuk
    South Korea to Invest $1.4 Billion in Physical AI Development in Gyeongnam and Jeonbuk The Ministry of Science and ICT will invest 1.4 trillion won (approximately $1.4 billion) over five years to secure leadership in next-generation physical artificial intelligence (AI) technology. The plan includes developing AI models for precise control of manufacturing processes and a platform for autonomous factory operations in Gyeongnam and Jeonbuk, respectively, to establish domestic physical AI technology. The Ministry and the National IT Industry Promotion Agency (NIPA) announced on July 7 that they are soliciting participation in the '2026 Gyeongnam and Jeonbuk AX (AI Transformation) Research and Development Project' until July 28. A total of 1.4131 trillion won will be invested in the project from 2026 to 2030, with 676.3 billion won allocated to Gyeongnam and 736.8 billion won to Jeonbuk. This initiative focuses on securing core physical AI technologies centered around manufacturing sites. Physical AI refers to technology that perceives and makes judgments about the real world, directly controlling robots and equipment. Since AI models developed in laboratories have limitations in real-world industrial applications, the plan includes collecting data directly from manufacturing sites and conducting demonstrations. The Ministry will promote the project with two main pillars: 'ultra-precise control' of manufacturing processes and 'integrated operation' that intelligently connects and operates the entire factory. Utilizing the industrial bases of Gyeongnam and Jeonbuk, specialized research and development and demonstrations will be conducted, linking them into a single physical AI platform. In Gyeongnam, a project will be launched to develop a 'human-AI collaborative physical intelligence action model (LAM) for global demonstration.' The goal is to secure ultra-precise control technology for manufacturing processes. The project will develop physics-informed neural network (PINN) technology that reflects physical laws such as thermodynamics and fluid dynamics in AI models, and will establish high-reliability fusion data and LAM based on actual manufacturing data to demonstrate a collaborative manufacturing model between humans and AI. In Jeonbuk, a project will be conducted to create a 'collaborative intelligence physical AI-based software platform ecosystem.' This includes developing an autonomous intelligent factory platform that integrates factory and logistics systems, as well as promoting standardization of AI autonomous factory operating systems and software. Additionally, a testbed and a joint research cluster involving industry, academia, and research will be established near the Jeonbuk Innovation City to provide a foundation for technology validation. The Ministry plans to link the two projects to implement a single physical AI platform that encompasses precise control of manufacturing processes and factory operations. This aims to reduce reliance on foreign manufacturing solutions and establish an 'intelligent advanced K-AI factory package' that integrates AI models, software, and equipment and robot control technologies, facilitating entry into the global market. Park Tae-wan, Director of the Information and Communication Industry Policy Bureau at the Ministry, stated, "This project marks the first step in concretizing physical AI, one of the three mega-projects promoted by the government. We aim to establish a K-physical AI-based manufacturing innovation model led by AI, from manufacturing processes to factory operations, to foster new export competitiveness." The government announced on June 29 that it would cultivate semiconductors, physical AI, and AI data centers as national strategic industries under the 'Korea's Great Leap 3 Mega Projects.' 2026-07-07 12:08:00
  • Tax Agency Uncovers $731 Million in Real Estate Tax Evasion
    Tax Agency Uncovers $731 Million in Real Estate Tax Evasion Numerous cases of real estate tax evasion have been uncovered, including instances where individuals transferred ownership of high-value apartments to friends or family members to qualify for tax exemptions on capital gains. Some individuals purchased luxury homes using funds received from parents or spouses without paying gift taxes, while others concealed business income to finance high-value apartment purchases.The National Tax Service (NTS) announced on July 7 that it has recovered a total of 31.8 billion won ($23.5 million) in taxes from 104 individuals suspected of real estate tax evasion involving high-value properties. The total amount of tax evasion identified is estimated at 73.1 billion won ($55 million).The NTS began simultaneous investigations on October 1 of last year, targeting individuals who acquired high-value properties in the Han River area, as well as foreign nationals and minors involved in suspicious real estate transactions. The investigations examined not only evasion of capital gains and gift taxes but also the sources of funds used for property acquisitions, including omitted business income and corporate fund misappropriation.A common method identified was the 'fake sale' scheme. Property owners with multiple homes would falsely transfer low-value properties to relatives or friends before selling high-value homes, thereby claiming the one-home capital gains tax exemption.For instance, an individual identified as A, who owned two homes, transferred a low-value apartment to a friend before selling a high-value apartment for approximately 2 billion won ($1.5 million), claiming the one-home tax exemption. However, investigations revealed that A continued to reside in the low-value apartment after the transfer and paid the buyer's acquisition and property taxes while also providing monthly payments. The NTS deemed this a mere formal transfer and denied the tax exemption, recovering 1 billion won ($750,000) in capital gains tax from A and reporting A's mother and the friend who lent their name to prosecutors for tax evasion.In another case, a woman sold a single-family home and transferred her apartment to her husband's friend, falsely reporting the transaction as tax-exempt. Evidence also emerged that the buyer manipulated financial documentation to make it appear as though they had purchased the apartment. The NTS recovered 600 million won ($450,000) in capital gains tax and reported the involved parties to prosecutors.In a separate case, a property owner transferred a multi-family housing building to a sibling before selling an apartment, falsely claiming the capital gains tax exemption. However, there were no records of financial transactions, and it was confirmed that the original owner continued to receive monthly rent after the transfer. The NTS recovered 400 million won ($300,000) in capital gains tax and issued a significant fine.During the investigation into the sources of funds for acquiring high-value apartments, cases of omitted business income and corporate fund misappropriation were also revealed. An individual in their 50s, identified as B, acquired multiple properties, including a planned redevelopment apartment in Gangnam, with funds generated from a slush fund created by underreporting sales at a livestock wholesale business operated by their spouse. The NTS recovered 3.1 billion won ($2.3 million) in corporate and gift taxes.Foreign-related tax evasion cases were also included in the investigation. A so-called 'black-haired foreigner' acquired two high-value homes in Mayongseong for speculative purposes without reporting funds received from a foreign spouse. The NTS recovered 400 million won ($300,000) in gift taxes.There were also cases where individuals received support for high monthly rents from parents without paying gift taxes. An unemployed individual in their 40s lived in a high-value apartment along the Han River, paying over 7 million won ($5,250) in monthly rent while continuing to invest in stocks worth tens of billions of won and incurring high living expenses. Investigations confirmed that this individual received over 2 billion won ($1.5 million) from their parents for rent, stock investments, and living expenses, leading to a recovery of 1.3 billion won ($975,000) in gift taxes.The NTS stated that in cases of tax evasion through fraudulent or other improper means, a 40% penalty for underreporting will be imposed. Six individuals confirmed to have committed tax evasion were reported to prosecutors, and four others received fines totaling 700 million won ($525,000).The NTS has notified local governments to impose fines and criminal penalties on 20 individuals found to have violated the real estate registration law through name trusts and other means.Looking ahead, the NTS plans to continue identifying tax evasion risks throughout the entire process of acquiring, holding, and transferring real estate. In particular, it will focus on verifying low valuations of gifted properties, payment of gift taxes, and low-value transfers among family members, especially in light of the potential increase in gift transactions following the reintroduction of higher tax rates for multiple homeowners.An NTS official stated, “Preventing real estate tax evasion is the starting point for establishing tax justice and restoring stability and trust in the housing market. We will respond firmly to real estate tax evasion under the principle that evasion will always be detected.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-07 12:08:00
  • Discussion on Bilingual Signage at Gwanghwamun; 200 Citizens to Participate
    Discussion on Bilingual Signage at Gwanghwamun; 200 Citizens to Participate A discussion will be held regarding the addition of a Korean sign alongside the existing Chinese characters at Gwanghwamun in Gyeongbokgung.The Ministry of the Interior and Safety and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced on July 17 that they will host a public forum titled 'Everyone's Discussion' on July 26 in Seoul, inviting citizens to participate in the dialogue about the 'Gwanghwamun Korean Signage.' 'Everyone's Discussion' is a public forum organized by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety to listen to citizens' voices and actively incorporate them into policy amid a complex and evolving policy environment.This forum aims to engage the public in a thorough discussion about the proposal to install a Korean sign alongside the existing Chinese characters, considering the historical and cultural significance of Gwanghwamun and the symbolism of the Korean language.Approximately 200 citizens, along with officials from relevant agencies and experts, will gather to engage in multifaceted discussions. The program will include expert presentations, panel discussions, and small group discussions where citizens can participate directly.The forum will seek to gather unfiltered public opinions on key issues, such as whether Gwanghwamun should be viewed as a national symbolic space that embodies modern values or preserved as a cultural heritage site.The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on July 26 at Yonsei University's Baekyangnuri. Any South Korean citizen can apply to attend. Interested participants can register easily through the websites of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, or via the public online communication platform 'Communication Innovation 24' from July 7 to 14.Minister Yoon Ho-jung stated, 'Everyone's Discussion is a public forum introduced by the citizen-led government to ensure that policies closely related to citizens' lives reflect their vivid experiences and voices. I hope many citizens will take an interest and participate in this first forum to determine the future of the Gwanghwamun signage, a national symbolic space.'Minister Choi Hwi-young remarked, 'Gwanghwamun is both a cultural heritage and a national symbolic space, while the Korean language is a valuable asset that showcases South Korea's cultural pride. This year marks the 100th anniversary of 'Gagya Day,' the origin of Hangul Day, and I hope this forum will be a meaningful opportunity to hear broader public opinions and build consensus.'* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-07 12:08:00
  • Household Surplus Reaches 79 Trillion Won in Q1 Amid Stock Investment Shift
    Household Surplus Reaches 79 Trillion Won in Q1 Amid Stock Investment Shift In the first quarter of this year, South Korea's stock market outperformed major countries, leading to a shift of household funds into stock investments. Corporate surplus reached a record high, bolstered by a strong semiconductor market.Households have shown a trend of moving funds from bank deposits to stock investments, a phenomenon referred to as 'money move,' while the household debt-to-GDP ratio has dropped to the 85% range.According to the Bank of Korea's '2026 Q1 Fund Circulation (Preliminary)' statistics released on July 7, the net fund management amount for households (including individual businesses) and non-profit organizations in the first quarter was 79.2 trillion won, up from 67 trillion won in the previous quarter.Net fund management refers to the increase in surplus funds available to economic entities. For households, it is calculated by subtracting borrowed funds from the total amount managed, which includes deposits, insurance, pensions, funds, and stocks.The increase in household net fund management compared to the previous quarter is attributed to rising household income from year-end bonuses and an increase in surplus funds due to a decrease in new apartment supply.Fund management expanded primarily in equity securities and investment funds, with the total amount reaching 61.4 trillion won, a significant increase from 34 trillion won in the previous quarter. Deposits in financial institutions also rose from 12.8 trillion won to 29.4 trillion won.Household borrowing decreased slightly to 17.1 trillion won, down from 17.3 trillion won in the fourth quarter of last year.Non-residents shifted from net acquisition to net disposal of domestic stocks, primarily selling off shares. This is interpreted as profit-taking following the rise in stock prices.The net disposal of domestic issued stocks and investment fund shares by non-residents expanded significantly from -8.5 trillion won in the previous quarter to -62.1 trillion won.Meanwhile, the scale of domestic residents' acquisition of foreign stocks decreased from 61.5 trillion won to 40.3 trillion won.The financial asset to financial liability ratio for households and non-profit organizations rose to 2.60, up from 2.54 at the end of the previous quarter. Net financial assets increased by 183.5 trillion won to 3,950.2 trillion won compared to the end of the previous quarter.The net fund management amount for non-financial corporations reached 20.8 trillion won, a significant increase from 1 billion won in the previous quarter, marking the highest level since the statistics began in 2009.Kim Yong-hyun, head of the Bank of Korea's Fund Circulation Team, analyzed that non-financial corporations, as the main agents of production, typically face a shortage of funds for physical investments compared to financial investments. However, this quarter, a surge in operating profits due to a strong semiconductor market led to a significant increase in surplus funds for non-financial corporations.The household debt-to-GDP ratio fell by 2.9 percentage points to 85.3% compared to the end of the previous quarter. Kim noted that household debt increased by about 0.6% this quarter due to government regulations on household loans and stricter management by banks. He explained that the nominal GDP growth rate for the first quarter was about 4% compared to the previous quarter, contributing to the significant drop in the household debt ratio.He added, "The government has announced plans to manage the household debt ratio below 80%. If household debt is significantly controlled and nominal GDP rises by over 10% this year, the household debt ratio could decrease considerably."The net fund procurement amount from the external sector reached 84.3 trillion won, influenced by an increase in the current account surplus. This is the highest level since the statistics began in 2009, surpassing the previous record of 53.3 trillion won in the third quarter of last year.Kim stated, "The net procurement amount from the external sector was also influenced by the increase in international balance due to rising exports, significantly driven by semiconductor exports." 2026-07-07 12:08:00
  • Financial Supervisory Service Intensifies Efforts to Protect Consumers from Financial Risks
    Financial Supervisory Service Intensifies Efforts to Protect Consumers from Financial Risks The Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) is enhancing oversight in areas of growing concern for financial consumers, including excessive debt investment, insurance payout leaks, and information breaches due to the spread of artificial intelligence (AI).On July 6, the FSS held its third Consumer Risk Response Council, where it discussed key risk factors affecting financial consumer protection and strategies to address them.Amid increasing volatility in the stock market, the FSS noted a rapid rise in stock-related loans, such as margin loans and stock loans, which heightens the risk of consumer losses from excessive leverage. The balance of margin loans surged from 27.3 trillion won at the end of last year to 37.3 trillion won by the end of last month, with significant increases in forced sales of margin trades.In response, financial institutions will be required to clearly explain the structure and risks of leveraged investments to consumers and to prevent practices that effectively encourage excessive debt investment. The FSS will also continuously monitor the aggressive marketing strategies of asset management companies.In the insurance sector, the FSS identified the actions of third parties, such as medical institutions, that could lead to increased insurance premiums due to payout issues. To manage the 'third-party risk' associated with excessive medical treatments or cost inflation, the FSS plans to implement comprehensive guidelines for managing third-party risks related to insurance payouts, covering all stages from product design to sales and post-payment management.Additionally, the FSS is focusing on the so-called 'payback' practices, where some nursing hospitals refund part of the out-of-pocket expenses to cancer patients. If evidence of insurance fraud is found during investigations, the FSS plans to refer cases for prosecution and strengthen cooperation with relevant agencies, including the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the National Health Insurance Service.The FSS also expressed concerns about potential consumer harm from information theft and hacking incidents due to the expanded use of AI. It pointed out that the concentration of large amounts of personal credit information in big data platforms adopted by financial institutions for AI research and customer analysis could lead to misuse if control mechanisms fail.Furthermore, the FSS is pursuing reforms to protect consumers from illegal financial practices. It will conduct joint inspections of registered lending companies that charge high interest rates by illegally using vehicles as collateral and will strengthen internal controls regarding the trading of personal data by insurance agencies and unfair replacement sales.Lee Chan-jin, the head of the FSS, stated, "In a highly volatile market, financial institutions must fulfill their responsibilities as risk managers for customer assets. We will swiftly respond to consumer harm factors, including third-party risks inherent in insurance products, illegal financial practices, and AI-based financial incidents, in cooperation with relevant agencies."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-07 12:04:00
  • 310 New Bacterial Species Discovered in South Korean Islands and Coasts
    310 New Bacterial Species Discovered in South Korean Islands and Coasts Domestic islands and coastal areas have yielded a significant discovery of 310 bacterial species, many of which have not been previously reported in South Korea. Some of these bacteria exhibit properties that could lead to the development of antimicrobial and anticancer substances, as well as support for plant growth, highlighting their potential applications in medicine, biotechnology, and eco-friendly agriculture.The National Institute of Biological Resources, under the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment, announced on July 7 that it has identified a total of 310 species, including 13 new species and 297 unrecorded species, following a five-year survey of over 100 native bacterial resources in domestic islands and coastal regions from 2021 to last year.Researchers collected samples from seawater, marine sediments, halophytes, and soil to isolate and identify the bacteria. Since 2023, the eco-friendly research vessel 'Seomnurimho' has been deployed to expand the survey to remote islands such as Gageodo, Chuja-do, and Eocheongdo, which are difficult to access.The survey also identified unrecorded species with industrial potential. One such bacterium, 'Jusikella harenae,' discovered last year on Yuldo, produces a bright red pigment called prodigiosin.Prodigiosin has been reported to possess various biological activities, including antimicrobial, anticancer, and immune-modulating properties, making it a candidate for pharmaceutical and biotechnological applications. The institute believes this bacterium could be utilized in related industries.Another unrecorded species, 'Rosebium salinum,' was isolated from the roots of halophytes on Goha Island. This bacterium has the ability to convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia, a form that plants can use, indicating its potential for supporting plant growth in eco-friendly agriculture.The institute plans to use the newly identified species and unrecorded species as foundational data for biodiversity research in islands and coastal areas and to include them in the national species list. The goal is to continuously secure microbial resources from islands and coastal regions, which are sensitive to climate change and rich in biodiversity, thereby expanding the foundation for the biological resource industry.Park Jin-young, director of the National Institute of Biological Resources, stated, "We will continue long-term surveys and resource discoveries in island and coastal areas to secure useful biological resources and expand research, thereby strengthening the link between biodiversity research and industrialization."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-07 12:04:00
  • Climate Ministry to Innovate Administrative Work with AI, Launches 20 Employee-Led Projects
    Climate Ministry to Innovate Administrative Work with AI, Launches 20 Employee-Led Projects The South Korean government's transition to artificial intelligence (AI) is expanding beyond policy areas to transform the way civil servants work. Employees at the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment plan to identify and implement administrative automation and public service improvement projects using AI.On July 8, the ministry will hold a launch ceremony for the 'Climate AI Friends' initiative at the Sejong Social Campus On, announcing plans to collaborate with affiliated organizations on AI-driven innovation projects.The Climate AI Friends initiative consists of teams formed by two to three employees from the ministry and its affiliated agencies, focusing on integrating AI into their actual work. Rather than merely receiving training on AI usage, employees will identify inconveniences and inefficiencies in their workflows and develop improvement projects.Out of 40 teams that applied, the ministry selected 20 based on creativity, feasibility, and applicability to work processes. The chosen teams proposed ideas to automate repetitive administrative tasks and enhance efficiency, aiming to improve public convenience and administrative services.Some of the projects may not only benefit the Climate Ministry but could also be applicable to other administrative agencies, indicating potential for broader implementation in the public sector.Notably, these projects will be carried out by teams composed of employees from both the ministry and its affiliated organizations. This approach aims to go beyond segmented AI usage within individual agencies, fostering collaboration based on diverse work experiences and data to identify joint projects and practical applications.The selected teams will engage in activities in two areas: 'AI-based work automation' and 'AI service planning and implementation' from this month through September. The ministry will provide hands-on training and expert consultations, and plans to hold a performance-sharing event to highlight successful cases.During the launch ceremony, participants will receive certificates and introduce their respective projects. They will also share their future activity plans and project directions.“The government's AI transition is not just about adopting technology; it begins with changing the way we work,” said Ahn Se-chang, Director of Planning and Coordination at the Climate Ministry. “We hope that the 20 AI utilization projects created by employees on the ground will promote the transition to AI in the public sector and lead to improvements in administrative services that citizens can feel.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-07 12:04:00
  • Cloud Subscription Fees to Be Included in Consumer Price Index
    Cloud Subscription Fees to Be Included in Consumer Price Index Subscription fees for software, including artificial intelligence (AI), and cloud storage will be included in the consumer price index (CPI) survey. This marks the first revision of item classification since the introduction of the expenditure classification system based on 2006 data.The National Data Agency announced on July 7 that it will revise the CPI based on 2025 data and publish the results on December 18. The agency updates representative items and weights every five years to reflect changes in economic and social structures as well as household consumption patterns.Based on the results of the 2025 Household Trend Survey, the agency will adjust the representative items and weights. New items being added include software subscription fees, cloud storage fees, and smartwatches, reflecting the increased use of digital technologies such as AI. Conversely, some items, such as fern and kindergarten fees, which have seen a decrease in consumer spending, will be excluded.The agency has selected 455 representative items and will also revise special classification indices, such as the living price index, which reflects the cost of living. This is a reduction of three items compared to the 2020 data, with 433 items maintained that have an average monthly consumer expenditure of over 312 won and can be continuously monitored for price changes.Additionally, the classification of items will be revised in accordance with updates to the international classification of consumer expenditure purposes and the Korean standard classification of individual consumption expenditures. This is the first revision since the expenditure classification system based on 2005 data was implemented in 2006. The agency plans to move and adjust the classification of some items according to their expenditure purposes to enhance comparability between countries.The agency will collect public opinions on the proposed selection of representative items from today until July 17 through its website. Submitted opinions will be reviewed for validity and finalized after deliberation by the National Statistical Commission.The results of the revision will be announced on December 18, and the consumer price trends based on 2025 data are scheduled for publication on December 31. It is worth noting that the consumer price index and inflation rates calculated based on the 2020 data for the period from January 2025 to November 2026 may change to reflect the 2025 standards.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-07 12:04:00
  • Gwanghwamun to Consider Bilingual Signage with Hangul
    Gwanghwamun to Consider Bilingual Signage with Hangul The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Ministry of the Interior and Safety announced on July 7 that they will hold a public forum to gather opinions on whether to include Hangul alongside Chinese characters on the Gwanghwamun sign. The event is scheduled for the 26th at Yonsei University's Baekyangnuri.Approximately 200 citizens, along with officials from relevant organizations and experts, will participate in the forum. After expert presentations and panel discussions, attendees will break into small groups to share their views. Participants will consider questions such as whether Gwanghwamun should maintain its traditional appearance or evolve into a national symbol that incorporates Hangul.Citizens interested in attending the forum can apply from July 7 to 14 through the websites of the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of the Interior, or via 'Communication Innovation 24.' The forum will take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the 26th.Culture Minister Choi Hwi-young stated, “Gwanghwamun is a cultural heritage and a symbolic space of the nation, while Hangul represents a valuable asset that showcases South Korea's cultural pride. This year marks the 100th anniversary of 'Gagya Day,' the origin of Hangul Day, and I hope this forum will be a meaningful opportunity to hear a broader range of public opinions and foster consensus.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-07 12:04:00