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  • President Lee Calls for Accountability After 40 Million Personal Data Breach at Tving
    President Lee Calls for Accountability After 40 Million Personal Data Breach at Tving President Lee Jae-myung has ordered a thorough investigation and strict accountability following a data breach at the online video service Tving, where over 40 million personal records were compromised. He also emphasized the need to prevent secondary crimes that could exploit the leaked information.During a meeting with senior advisors at the Blue House, President Lee stated, "Recently, an incident occurred at an online video service company where more than 40 million personal records were leaked, raising public anxiety and concern." He continued, "It has been reported that the company failed to take necessary measures despite having identified security vulnerabilities in advance. Relevant agencies must swiftly and accurately ascertain the circumstances of the incident and hold those responsible accountable according to the law and principles." President Lee characterized the incident as a matter of national security, extending beyond individual corporate security issues. He remarked, "In the era of digital transformation, the thorough protection of personal information is a fundamental foundation for maintaining community trust and ensuring stable social operations." He noted that with the advancement of artificial intelligence, hacking methods are becoming increasingly sophisticated, targeting a wide range of sectors including telecommunications, finance, retail, and online platforms. "From a national security perspective, it is time to elevate the security capabilities and awareness of our entire society," he assessed.President Lee also directed improvements to strengthen personal data protection responsibilities across public and private sectors, as well as domestic and international companies. He mentioned that a revised personal information protection law, which enhances penalties for data breaches, will take effect from today.He urged, "The burdens associated with neglecting personal data protection must be made significantly greater than the benefits gained, to enhance the effectiveness of sanctions. We need to quickly establish comprehensive countermeasures based on inter-agency cooperation to correct the mistaken perception that security is merely an unnecessary cost." Additionally, he called on companies to take on a serious sense of responsibility by bolstering security personnel and improving systems, stating, "Both the government and businesses must work together to ensure that citizens can use digital services with peace of mind." * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-11 15:28:00
  • Seongnam Mayor Shin Sang-jin Hopes for Success at Asian Games
    Seongnam Mayor Shin Sang-jin Hopes for Success at Asian Games Seongnam Mayor Shin Sang-jin expressed his hopes on September 11 regarding the upcoming Asian Games, stating, "I hope the sweat and effort put in so far will lead to good results on the field."On that morning, Mayor Shin held a meeting with athletes representing Seongnam City Hall in the first conference room of the city hall, encouraging them for their hard work and wishing them success.Ten athletes from Seongnam City Hall will compete as national representatives in the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, which will kick off in Japan on September 19.The athletes include boxers and members of the hockey team: Park Cheol-eon, Son Da-in, Bae Seong-min, Kim Jae-hyun, Kim Yong-bok, Kim Gyu-beom, Lee Hae-seung, Kim Jae-han, and Kim Jae-ho, totaling ten.This event is expected to showcase the competitive spirit of Seongnam City Hall's sports team on the international stage while also boosting local interest and pride in sports among citizens.The boxing team will compete in the women's under 65 kg category, aiming for the top spot in Asia.The competition schedule for the boxers includes the round of 16 starting on September 24, followed by the quarterfinals on September 27, semifinals on September 29, and the finals on October 2.As emphasized by Mayor Shin, the primary goal is to perform to the best of their abilities without injuries.Citizens of Seongnam are also looking forward to the athletes' performances, hoping for medal wins and encouraging them to give their all in each match.The nine members of the hockey team will also represent the national team on the international stage.The hockey team will begin their group stage matches against Bangladesh on September 18, followed by games against Indonesia on September 22, India on September 24, Sri Lanka on September 26, and Japan on September 28.The semifinals are scheduled for October 1, with the finals on October 3.As Seongnam City Hall athletes play a key role in the national team, the competitiveness of Seongnam's sports department is also expected to gain attention.Local citizens are increasingly enthusiastic about the athletes.They expressed pride in the Seongnam City Hall athletes representing South Korea, stating, "It’s a source of pride that Seongnam City Hall athletes represent our country. While results are important, we hope they perform their best without injuries. All citizens of Seongnam will support them wholeheartedly."In particular, citizens hope that the athletes, who have trained locally, will compete against world-class athletes as national representatives, further elevating the status of local sports and the role of Seongnam City Hall's sports department.Meanwhile, Mayor Shin Sang-jin stated, "Above all, I hope they can showcase their skills without injuries and return safely." He added, "As the athletes compete under the name of Seongnam City Hall on the international stage, I will support them vigorously alongside the citizens."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-11 15:28:00
  • AI comes at a price: $3,000 for a phone
    AI comes at a price: $3,000 for a phone SEOUL, September 11 (AJP) - Apple is ready for a strong comeback after losing loyal Korean consumers to Samsung's foldables, with the iPhone's first foldable form rolling out across Korea on Oct. 23. The appeal to lure back long-term iPhone users is apparent, if form had been the sole put-off. The sole damper is the starting price tag of 3.29 million won for the entry-level 256-gigabyte model and 5.09 million won for the top-end 2-terabyte iPhone Duo. Apple has again set the bar by pushing the upper end of smartphone pricing beyond 5 million won for the first time in Korea. Samsung Electronics' latest foldables are hardly any cheaper. The Galaxy Z Fold8 starts at 2.28 million won in Korea, while the top-end 1TB Fold8 Ultra costs 3.45 million won. The ultra-premium devices sit at the extreme end of the market. But one thing is for sure. Smartphones are no longer an accessible gadget. Global smartphone retail prices have risen an average 15 percent so far this year, while newly launched devices are 25 percent more expensive than comparable models a year earlier, according to Counterpoint Research. More than 40 percent of smartphone models tracked by the research firm have raised prices in 2026, the first time the industry has crossed that threshold. Smartphones have gotten smarter with embedded AI services and agents, but those features rely on chips powerful enough to run them. The cost of memory has translated into the cost of hardware. Smartphone memory prices surged more than 80 percent quarter-on-quarter in the second quarter as the artificial intelligence boom continued to reshape how the world's limited memory production capacity is allocated. Memory makers have increasingly prioritized high-margin products used in AI data centers, tightening the supply available for smartphones and other consumer electronics. Global DRAM suppliers' inventories remain at historically low levels, while additional supply is being directed primarily toward servers, according to TrendForce. The result is a form of "chipflation" — rising semiconductor costs that are beginning to spill over from AI infrastructure into the prices consumers pay for everyday electronics. The impact is already visible inside smartphones. The bill of materials for comparable low-end smartphones jumped 70 percent from a year earlier in the second quarter, with almost all of the increase attributable to memory, Counterpoint said. Mid-range devices saw their component costs rise 52 percent, with memory accounting for about 40 percent of total BoM costs. Even premium smartphones were not spared. Their component costs increased nearly 50 percent, with DRAM overtaking the application processor to become the most expensive single component in a premium smartphone. The effects are moving beyond manufacturers' balance sheets. Some smartphone makers are reducing storage capacity, scaling back camera specifications or bringing back 4G models in certain price segments to contain costs. Others are concentrating on higher-end products where elevated component costs can be more easily absorbed or passed on to consumers. As smartphone prices rise, consumers are likely to respond by holding on to their devices for longer, according to Hwang Yong-sik, a professor of business administration at Sejong University. "As prices continue to rise and more premium phones enter the market, replacement cycles will inevitably get longer," Hwang said. "The switching cost is getting higher, so consumers are likely to choose to use their devices more sparingly and for longer." Consumers have begun to accept the cost of higher memory — effectively the hardware tokens of the AI age. For Park, a 30-year-old office worker in Seoul, higher smartphone prices mean one thing: holding on to his current device for longer. "If smartphone prices weren't such a burden, I might think about replacing my phone even if it still works," Park said. "But at these prices, unless my phone reaches the point where I really can't use it anymore, I'll probably just keep using it." Park, who uses a Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus, said he extended his mobile contract for another year after his initial two-year contract expired rather than replacing the device. He said he would still prefer a new premium phone over a refurbished one, but rising prices have raised the threshold for when he considers an upgrade. Counterpoint said buyers are delaying upgrades, choosing devices with less storage or turning to refurbished smartphones as prices climb. The research firm expects the global smartphone average selling price to rise 22 percent this year to $450, although it cautioned that the increase should not be interpreted simply as consumers willingly spending more on premium devices. Global smartphone shipments fell 11 percent from a year earlier in the second quarter to their lowest second-quarter level since 2013, with Counterpoint describing the memory shortage as the dominant drag on the market. The pressure is also spreading to PCs. TrendForce said rising retail prices are already weighing on consumer spending and notebook shipments as PC makers face higher DRAM costs. Conventional DRAM contract prices are expected to rise another 13 percent to 18 percent quarter-on-quarter in the third quarter, even after steep increases earlier this year. Hwang said the impact could extend beyond electronics if higher prices leave households with less room for discretionary spending. "If inflation continues, consumers will tighten their belts and close their wallets," Hwang said. "They will spend less, and that could eventually become a factor affecting sales in the smartphone industry as well." For consumers, the question is therefore no longer simply how much more advanced the next smartphone or laptop will be, but how much more they will have to pay for it. A 5-million-won smartphone remains an extreme example, driven by factors well beyond memory costs. Apple has in fact kept prices of its existing iPhones steady despite the memory surge, according to Counterpoint. But as AI infrastructure competes for the same underlying memory manufacturing resources used by consumer devices, the industry's cost structure is changing. Whether today's 5-million-won smartphone remains an outlier or becomes an early sign of a more expensive era for consumer electronics may depend in part on how long the global memory shortage lasts — and how much of the bill device makers are willing, or able, to pass on to consumers. AJP Takeaways - AI-driven memory shortages are spilling into consumer electronics, pushing up smartphone and PC prices as chipmakers prioritize higher-margin products for AI data centers. - Global smartphone retail prices have risen an average 15 percent so far this year, while smartphone memory prices surged more than 80 percent quarter-on-quarter in the second quarter, according to Counterpoint Research. - Rising device prices are prompting consumers to delay upgrades, choose lower-cost configurations or turn to refurbished models, raising the prospect of longer replacement cycles and weaker consumer electronics demand. 2026-09-11 15:27:40
  • Job Growth Surges 37% Amid Automation in Auto Parts Industry
    Job Growth Surges 37% Amid Automation in Auto Parts Industry Joil Industrial, a manufacturer of automotive parts, has increased its workforce by 37% over the past four years as it embraces production process automation and transitions to electric vehicle components.The Ministry of Employment and Labor reported that Minister Kim Young-hoon visited Joil Industrial, a small auto parts company in Ulsan's Buk-gu district, on September 11 to observe automation and business transition efforts and to hear from labor and management.Since 2007, Joil Industrial has implemented robotic automation in its pressing and welding processes. Recently, the company has expanded its operations to include electric vehicle battery pack cases and has established automated systems for pressing, welding, sealing robots, and mold storage.Contrary to fears that automation would lead to job cuts, Joil Industrial's workforce has grown from 97 employees in 2022 to 133 in September 2023, marking a 37% increase since 2022. The number of employees has risen steadily, reaching 108 in 2023, 122 in 2024, and 128 last year.During the meeting, experienced mid-career workers from internal combustion engine parts processes shared their job transition experiences. Both labor and management at Joil Industrial urged the government to support the transition of skilled workers, secure AI specialists, and establish safety standards for new automated equipment.The Small and Medium Business Administration provided insights into the current status and support tasks for the transition of auto parts suppliers in the Ulsan region. Joil Industrial has also utilized government support programs, including workplace innovation consulting and youth job creation incentives.The automotive industry is a prime example of industrial transition, with simultaneous changes in products and production methods due to electrification and AI integration. The government’s newly established basic plan for employment stability in industrial transition emphasizes not only business restructuring but also training for job transitions and maintaining employment during the transition process.Minister Kim Young-hoon stated, "The focus of industrial transition should be on people, not just technology. The case of Joil Industrial demonstrates that industrial transition can lead to job growth, and we will strengthen support to provide new job opportunities for youth and to integrate the skills of mid-career workers with new technologies."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-11 15:12:00
  • Koreas High-Speed Rail Passenger Numbers Rise 13% After Merger
    Korea's High-Speed Rail Passenger Numbers Rise 13% After Merger Passenger numbers on Korea's high-speed rail increased by 350,000 compared to last year, just ten days after the integration of services.On September 11, Korea Railroad Corporation (KORAIL) reported that the total number of high-speed rail passengers during the first ten days following the integration (September 1-10) rose by 13.1% to 3.057 million, compared to 2.704 million during the same period last year.KORAIL and SR, which previously operated separately, officially merged on September 1. The SRT service has been transferred to KORAIL, and train names and operations have been unified under the KTX brand.Passengers using trains departing from Suseo Station increased from 649,000 last year to 806,000 this year, a rise of 24.2% (157,000 passengers).Meanwhile, KTX passengers from Seoul, Yongsan, and Haengsin stations grew from 1.876 million to 2.032 million, an increase of 8.3% (156,000 passengers).Regular pass holders also saw an increase, rising from 179,000 to 219,000, a 22.3% increase (40,000 passengers).The number of available seats has increased, particularly on the Suseo line, which saw a rise from 521,000 to 682,000 seats, a 30.8% increase (161,000 seats). The number of seats on the Seoul line remained stable, increasing slightly from 1.972 million to 1.976 million.Train operations have also expanded, with weekday services increasing from 379 to 402 trains per day, and weekend services rising from 437 to 457 trains per day.Lee Min-seong, head of KORAIL's passenger business division, stated, "The integration of high-speed rail has allowed us to operate trains more efficiently and increase seat availability. We will continue to analyze passenger demand and travel patterns to create a more convenient rail service that customers can feel."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-11 15:08:00
  • Apartment Requests Delivery Riders to Show Faces, Sparking Controversy
    Apartment Requests Delivery Riders to Show Faces, Sparking Controversy A residential complex in Jeonju, South Korea, has sparked controversy after requesting delivery riders to remove their helmets and masks to reveal their faces. The notice has generated significant discussion among internet users.On September 8, a post titled "Notice requesting delivery riders to show their faces at an apartment in Jeonju" was shared on the social media account of Bobae Dream, accompanied by a photo of the notice.The notice requests that delivery riders and others wearing helmets show their faces, stating, "Many residents have expressed concerns and fears when they see individuals with their faces covered by helmets. We kindly ask that you lift your helmet to reveal your face when moving within the complex or using the elevator. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation to ensure all residents can feel safe and comfortable while passing through the area."The apartment management cited safety and security as the reasons for this request. They noted that if individuals use common entrances and elevators with their faces covered, it becomes difficult to identify them through CCTV footage in case of any incidents.However, the term "showing faces" used in the notice does not imply that delivery riders' photos or personal information will be made public online. It simply requests that they remove their helmets and masks so that their faces can be identified by CCTV when entering the premises.Despite this clarification, many delivery riders have expressed dissatisfaction, arguing that the measure treats their profession as if they are potential criminals. They contend that since they already receive assignments through platforms and travel directly to customers' addresses, requiring additional face verification is excessive.In particular, delivery riders using motorcycles may face delays if they have to remove and then put on their helmets each time they enter the complex. For those who earn per delivery and are pressed for time, even a brief entry procedure can be a significant burden.One internet user pointed out, "If delivery riders are required to show their faces, the same standard should apply to other outsiders, such as parcel delivery workers or repair technicians."Another user remarked, "If we start requiring face verification and personal information for crime prevention, we need to establish clear guidelines on how far this will go," adding that the request seems to reflect bias against certain professions.Current delivery riders also commented that they often receive suspicious looks simply for wearing helmets, and that differing entry procedures at various complexes lead to conflicts on-site due to tight delivery schedules.Conversely, some residents support the measure, arguing that it is necessary for safety. They believe that since unknown individuals can access common areas and approach residents' doors, at the very least, their faces should be identifiable.These residents stated, "This is not about viewing delivery riders as criminals, but rather a procedure to verify the identity of outsiders entering the complex," and added, "If an incident occurs, it is useless to check CCTV footage if all faces are covered."However, some residents with children expressed heightened concerns. One user noted, "Children and women may feel anxious encountering a stranger with a covered face in the elevator," indicating understanding of the apartment's request.In some cases, apartments have gone beyond asking delivery riders to remove their helmets, requiring them to write their phone numbers and names in a guestbook or leave identification. Some complexes only allow the use of freight elevators instead of regular ones or prohibit motorcycle access, forcing riders to walk long distances with food.As a result, delivery riders have begun referring to complexes with strict entry conditions as "heavenly dragon apartments" and share information about them. Last month, there were also criticisms regarding excessive entry restrictions at certain apartments, which were seen as discriminatory against delivery workers.Reactions among internet users regarding this controversy have been sharply divided, with some arguing it is a "minimal cooperation for resident safety" while others see it as a "discriminatory demand treating delivery riders as potential criminals."Ultimately, the core issue is not whether to verify faces but whether the same reasonable standards are applied to all external visitors. There is a growing call for an entry system that considers both resident safety and the rights and working conditions of delivery riders.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-11 15:04:00
  • Gyeonggi Provinces Gwacheon Mayor Aims to Revitalize Local Economy with 10,000 Won Happiness Program
    Gyeonggi Province's Gwacheon Mayor Aims to Revitalize Local Economy with '10,000 Won Happiness' Program Shin Gye-yong, the mayor of Gwacheon in Gyeonggi Province, is launching an initiative to revitalize struggling local businesses and promote consumption within the community by linking it to regional currency. The mayor, in collaboration with the Korea Racing Authority, will host the '2026 Gwacheon 10,000 Won Happiness' event from September 14 to 23. This initiative aims to support small businesses facing challenges due to rapid environmental changes, such as urban redevelopment, and to encourage citizens to shop locally and revisit local commercial areas. The program specifically seeks to enhance the circulation of spending within local businesses by utilizing regional currency, thereby increasing actual sales for small enterprises and stimulating the local economy. All Gwacheon residents can participate by submitting receipts for purchases over 10,000 won at participating Gwacheon Tori stores through a dedicated website. Participants will receive a discount coupon worth 5,000 won in regional currency via the Gyeonggi regional currency app, which can be used until October 31. Eligible purchase times are weekdays from 5 PM to 10 PM and weekends from 7 AM to 10 PM. Both card payments and cash receipts are accepted, and individuals can participate up to two times, although receipts from the same store can only be submitted once. Citizens have responded positively to the 'Gwacheon 10,000 Won Happiness' program, appreciating the direct benefits of shopping locally. Many express hope that the initiative will encourage them to return to their favorite restaurants, cafes, and essential shops during evening and weekend hours. Mayor Shin stated, "Due to recent rapid environmental changes, such as urban redevelopment, sales in local commercial areas have declined, and the influx of foot traffic has not fully translated into evening and weekend spending." He added, "I hope this event, linked to regional currency, will fill the gaps in local commerce and reignite the vitality of our community's businesses." * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-11 15:00:00
  • Han Seong-sook Addresses Allegations of Surveillance Against Independent Lawmaker Han Dong-hoon
    Han Seong-sook Addresses Allegations of Surveillance Against Independent Lawmaker Han Dong-hoon Prime Minister Han Seong-sook apologized on September 11 for the alleged surveillance of independent lawmaker Han Dong-hoon, stating, "Our staff acted inappropriately." However, she denied the allegations of surveillance.During a National Assembly session focused on economic issues, Han explained, "I informed the Speaker's office about the situation, and I understand that at 2 p.m. today, the first vice minister visited the lawmaker's office to apologize."In response to a request for an apology from Song Eon-seok, a member of the People Power Party, Han stated, "As a public official, I believe it was inappropriate to ask a question at a press conference for opposition lawmakers without clearly identifying myself." She added, "I regret that my response, which was given as a general citizen, caused unnecessary misunderstandings and controversy for both the lawmaker and the public."On the previous day, Han Dong-hoon had demanded clarification regarding the surveillance allegations during a National Assembly session on foreign affairs, unification, and security. The Prime Minister's office later asserted that there was no surveillance of lawmakers or directives from the Prime Minister, stating, "An official from the Prime Minister's office, identified as A, asked a spontaneous question in a public place (the Rotunda), and regardless of the reasons, it was inappropriate for a current public official to ask a question at a lawmaker's press conference without disclosing their identity, and we issued a stern warning."In relation to this, Han Dong-hoon challenged the Prime Minister's office's claim that it was a public space, asking, "Can the martial law troops also enter the Rotunda?" He also expressed the need to uncover the underlying motives. 2026-09-11 14:52:00
  • 93% of Bodies Recovered from Nepal Floods Remain Unidentified, AI Facial Recognition Deployed
    93% of Bodies Recovered from Nepal Floods Remain Unidentified, AI Facial Recognition Deployed Only 7% of the bodies recovered from the recent floods in Nepal have been identified. Due to a lack of DNA testing capacity, authorities are now utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) facial recognition technology to assist in the identification process.According to local media reports from the Kathmandu Post and EFE on September 11, 1,377 bodies have been recovered since the floods struck the Himalayan region near the Nepal-China border on August 26. However, only 102 of these bodies, or 7.4%, have been identified and returned to their families.The only institutions in Nepal capable of conducting DNA tests are the Central Forensic Science Laboratory and the National Forensic Science Institute under the Ministry of Science and Technology. Typically, these institutions handle fewer than 1,000 samples annually, but they have received over 2,600 samples since the floods.Dr. Jiban Rizal, a DNA expert and former director of the National Forensic Science Institute, noted that the shortage of testing personnel and difficulties in securing chemicals and reagents are significant challenges. Many bodies were swept away in muddy waters or submerged for extended periods, complicating DNA collection. In severely damaged cases, samples must be taken from teeth or bones, which takes additional time.The Central Forensic Science Laboratory has deployed 19 DNA experts from India and four from China, while the Korean Disaster Relief Team (KDRT) is also assisting with identifications. However, the unprecedented scale of the disaster has placed a heavy burden on their operations.Meanwhile, the American AI technology company NowtrKit is supporting Nepalese authorities with its facial recognition system called 'FaceTag.' This system analyzes faces in photos and videos, comparing them to images of missing persons to identify potential matches among 5 to 10 candidates.Samar Panti, founder of NowtrKit, reported that approximately 500 missing persons have been registered in FaceTag, with 90 of those potentially identified. However, final identifications must be verified by Nepalese police and other relevant agencies. A spokesperson for the Nepalese police acknowledged the use of AI technology but noted that severely damaged bodies are difficult to identify using this method.In addition, local transportation networks, which were disrupted by the floods, are gradually being restored. According to a report from Yonhap, the first temporary bridge crossing the Trishuli River opened on September 10 in the Nuwakot District of Bagmati Province. Fifteen days after the floods destroyed over 40 bridges across the Trishuli River, the prefabricated steel bridge, built by the Nepal Army, measures 57.9 meters in length and 5.5 meters in width, capable of supporting loads of up to 60 tons, allowing large trucks and heavy equipment to pass. The opening of the bridge is expected to facilitate the movement of relief supplies and personnel, which had previously relied on helicopters and zip lines.Local residents expressed hope that the bridge's restoration would lead to the recovery of their livelihoods. A hardware store owner mentioned that they had been unable to conduct business due to a lack of supplies but said, "Now that the bridge is back, I can receive goods and resume my business."As the identification of victims continues to take considerable time, efforts to restore damaged roads and bridges across Nepal are intensifying to help communities return to normalcy.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-11 14:48:00
  • South Korea Officially Joins GEPA Negotiations to Strengthen Green Trade Response
    South Korea Officially Joins GEPA Negotiations to Strengthen Green Trade Response South Korea will officially participate in the Green Economy Agreement (GEPA) negotiations led by Singapore, New Zealand, and Chile. This move aims to proactively reflect domestic industrial interests in new green trade norms as climate and environmental-related trade measures, such as the European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), become more widespread.The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced on September 11 that South Korea's participation in the GEPA negotiations has been formalized. The participation was established through an exchange of letters among the trade ministers of the existing member countries—Singapore, New Zealand, and Chile—finalized by the previous day.GEPA is a multilateral agreement designed to ensure that policies and regulations introduced by countries to combat climate change do not create unnecessary trade barriers. It also discusses ways to expand trade and investment in green goods and services.Singapore, New Zealand, and Chile agreed to pursue GEPA negotiations during the APEC summit in Gyeongju last October. These countries have been at the forefront of establishing new trade norms, including the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement (DEPA).The government expects that South Korea's participation will enhance its ability to respond to trade-related climate measures, including the EU's CBAM. The EU has been implementing the CBAM since January, requiring importers of carbon-intensive products such as steel, aluminum, cement, fertilizers, electricity, and hydrogen to purchase and submit certificates equivalent to the carbon emissions embedded in those products.South Korea plans to reflect the realities and interests of its domestic industry in the process of establishing international standards for low-emission products like low-carbon steel, aiming to secure new export markets. Existing member countries have expressed optimism that South Korea's inclusion will promote green trade and investment and contribute to building a future-oriented agreement framework centered on middle powers.The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy plans to consult with relevant departments and the industry to incorporate the needs and interests of domestic companies into the negotiations.Park Jeong-sung, head of the Trade Negotiation Headquarters at the Ministry, stated, "As the multilateral trade system centered on the WTO weakens, agreements like GEPA will lead the way in establishing new trade norms. We will prepare for negotiations to ensure that responses to climate change and the expansion of green markets translate into industrial competitiveness and new export opportunities."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-11 14:44:10