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  • Chey seeks stock-cash mix in $666 million divorce, ex-wife holds out for cash
    Chey seeks stock-cash mix in $666 million divorce, ex-wife holds out for cash SEOUL, August 16 (AJP) - SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won balked at a court order to hand his former wife 944 billion won ($666.3 million) in cash because the two sides could not agree on how the record divorce settlement should be paid. Chey, 65, proposed settling part of the award with SK shares alongside cash, but Roh Soh-yeong, 65, the director of the Art Center Nabi and daughter of a former South Korean president, insisted on the full amount in cash, the legal sources said Sunday. The impasse pushed the chairman of the country's second-largest conglomerate to lodge a fresh appeal with the Supreme Court on Aug. 14, one minute before the midnight deadline. Chey had been prepared to accept the July 24 remand ruling and close a legal battle that has dragged on for more than nine years, according to sources. But he ran into trouble raising nearly 1 trillion won within about three weeks. He weighed selling part of his SK holdings, yet feared that a controlling shareholder dumping a large block of shares would rattle the stock price and the group's governance structure. To bridge the gap, Chey offered to blend cash with stock, pledging to cover any shortfall should the share price fall while waiving any claim to gains if it rose. Roh's side rejected the offer and demanded strict compliance with the ruling. Facing 5 percent annual interest from the day after the judgment became final — about 130 million won a day — Chey used the re-appeal to stave off the mounting charge while he hunts for a workable payment plan, analysts said. The court filing fee alone for contesting the full sum is estimated in the tens of billions of won. Chey's lawyers are expected to argue that the appellate court misapplied the law in fixing both the division ratio and the size of the award. The court valued his SK shares as of April 16, 2024, the close of arguments in the divorce trial, yet still factored in a subsequent surge — from 160,000 won to 858,000 won — in setting Roh's share at one-third, a point his side calls contradictory. SK stock has since slid more than 30 percent to around 500,000 won. AJP Takeaways • The dispute between SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won and Art Center Nabi Director Roh Soh-yeong is no longer over the size of the 944 billion won ($680 million) divorce award but over its form of payment, with Chey resisting a full cash settlement over concerns about liquidity and his grip on holding company SK Inc. • Chey filed his appeal with the Supreme Court of Korea one minute before the midnight deadline on Aug. 14, 2026, staving off 5 percent annual interest of about 130 million won a day while he seeks a workable payment plan; the filing fee alone for contesting the full sum is estimated in the tens of billions of won. • Chey's lawyers are expected to argue that the Seoul High Court, in its July 24, 2026 remand ruling, misapplied the law by valuing his SK Inc. shares as of April 16, 2024, yet still factoring a later price surge into Roh Soh-yeong's one-third share — a share price that has since fallen more than 30 percent to around 500,000 won. 2026-08-16 14:04:34
  • Seong-Yeong Seo Elected Chair of Gyeonggi Province Democratic Party
    Seong-Yeong Seo Elected Chair of Gyeonggi Province Democratic Party Seong-Yeong Seo, a lawmaker representing Bucheon Gap in Gyeonggi Province, has been elected as the new chair of the Democratic Party's Gyeonggi Province chapter.The party held its regular member meeting on August 16 at the Suwon Indoor Gymnasium. Seo, who ran unopposed, was elected with 68.07% of the votes in a support ballot.In his acceptance speech, Seo stated, “I will take the heavy responsibility of placing the Gyeonggi Province chapter at the center of victory and creating a party where members are the owners.”He emphasized that the goal is to win the 2028 general elections and to restore the government in 2030, noting that Gyeonggi Province, which has the largest number of citizens and local committees, is the starting point for that victory.Seo plans to lead the Gyeonggi Province chapter by strengthening cooperation between the party and the government, supporting local committees, and expanding member participation.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-16 13:36:00
  • SK Group Chairman Choi Tae-won Appeals Property Division Ruling
    SK Group Chairman Choi Tae-won Appeals Property Division Ruling SK Group Chairman Choi Tae-won has appealed a ruling that requires him to pay 9.44 trillion won to Noh So-young, the director of the Art Center Nabi, amid disagreements over the payment method. According to Yonhap News on August 16, Choi's side initially considered accepting the ruling issued on July 24. However, they reportedly faced difficulties in securing the 9.44 trillion won in cash by the appeal deadline on August 14. Choi's team also explored the option of selling some of their SK shares. However, they were concerned that selling a large number of shares at once could impact the stock price and the group's governance structure. They proposed a payment plan that included both cash and stock. It is reported that if the stock price falls, Choi's side would cover the losses, but they would not claim any gains if the stock price rises. Nonetheless, Noh's side maintains that the full amount of 9.44 trillion won should be paid in cash as per the ruling. Delays in payment also influenced the decision to appeal. If the property division payment is not made after the ruling is finalized, a 5% annual interest will accrue starting the next day, amounting to approximately 130 million won per day based on the 9.44 trillion won. Choi's team submitted the appeal just one minute before the deadline on August 14, thereby postponing the finalization of the ruling and avoiding immediate interest payments. The appellate court ordered Choi to pay Noh 9.44 trillion won and set the property division ratio at 33.3% for Noh and 66.6% for Choi. In the appeal, the valuation of SK stock and the property division ratio are expected to be contentious issues once again. The appellate court calculated the stock price based on April 16, 2024, when the appeals court proceedings effectively concluded, but it also considered subsequent stock price increases in assessing Noh's contribution to asset formation. Choi's side is expected to argue that it is inconsistent to calculate the stock price based on a past date while also factoring in later stock price increases into the division ratio.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-16 13:32:00
  • People Power Party Criticizes President Lees Proposal for Ending Korean War
    People Power Party Criticizes President Lee's Proposal for Ending Korean War The People Power Party has strongly criticized President Lee Jae-myung's proposal to discuss ending the Korean War, calling it "begging for peace by disarming ourselves."Choi Bo-yoon, the party's chief spokesperson, stated in a commentary on the 16th, "While North Korea is enhancing its nuclear capabilities, the president has only offered superficial proposals like 'discussions between the parties' and 'three principles of peaceful coexistence.'" He further urged a shift in North Korea policy, questioning how long the country must endure such a pathetic plea for self-disarmament while forgetting the serious security principles.On the previous day, during the 81st Liberation Day speech, President Lee proposed transforming the Korean Peninsula's armistice system into a peace system and suggested starting discussions to end the long-standing war.He also introduced a concept of 'three principles of peaceful coexistence' that emphasizes mutual respect and preventing military conflict. He indicated that discussions on ending the war could also address halting North Korea's nuclear capability enhancement.On the same day, Ahn Cheol-soo, a member of the People Power Party, stated on Facebook, "Ending the war without denuclearization is tantamount to recognizing North Korea's nuclear program," and called for strengthening nuclear deterrence.Ahn proposed the forward deployment of U.S. nuclear forces on the Korean Peninsula, securing rights for uranium enrichment and spent fuel reprocessing, and introducing nuclear-powered submarines.He emphasized, "Deterrence comes not from goodwill but from fear," asserting that dialogue can only begin within a balanced nuclear power framework.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-16 13:20:00
  • Most workers see bias against fixed-term staff, survey finds
    Most workers see bias against fixed-term staff, survey finds SEOUL, August 16 (AJP) - About 80 percent of South Korean workers believe discrimination exists between fixed-term and permanent employees, according to a survey released on Sunday, underscoring persistent tensions in the country's labor market as the government weighs loosening rules on non-regular hiring. The civic group Gabjil 119 said 80.4 percent of respondents to a poll conducted between June 1 and 7 said such discrimination was present. The survey, carried out by Global Research, canvassed 1,000 workers nationwide aged 19 and older. Temporary workers, at 84.6 percent, and those in their 50s, at 86.5 percent, were the most likely to perceive bias. Awareness of discrimination climbed steadily with age, rising from 72.1 percent among workers in their 20s to 79.8 percent for those in their 40s, suggesting the perception sharpens as careers lengthen. Nearly half of respondents, or 48.4 percent, doubted that a government "fairness allowance" could close the wage gap. About two-thirds, or 65.6 percent, said fixed-term workers could not freely exercise legal entitlements such as maternity and parental leave or the reporting of workplace harassment, while 64.2 percent said they could not join or form a union without repercussions. Gabjil 119 said its counseling hotline had fielded numerous complaints, including verbal abuse over a worker's appearance or alma mater, threats not to renew contracts, and denials of maternity leave. "Discrimination against fixed-term workers is not merely a wage-gap issue but a structural problem that makes it hard for workers to assert their rights," the group said. The organization urged the government to scrap a proposed special act on so-called mega special zones that would extend the maximum period for hiring fixed-term workers to four years from the current two, a measure it argued would entrench precarious employment. AJP Takeaways • In a survey of 1,000 South Korean workers conducted in June 2026, 80.4 percent said discrimination exists between fixed-term and permanent employees, with temporary workers and those in their 50s reporting the highest awareness. • About two-thirds of respondents said fixed-term workers cannot freely exercise legal rights such as maternity leave, parental leave, or union membership, which Gabjil 119 described as a structural barrier rather than a simple wage gap. • Gabjil 119 called on the government to withdraw the proposed Special Act on the Designation and Management of Mega Special Zones, which would extend the maximum fixed-term employment period to four years from two — a measure the Labor Ministry outlined to ruling-party lawmakers in late July 2026 but has not yet finalized as legislation. 2026-08-16 13:05:29
  • Rain Falls in Sinan After Drought Prayer at Seungbong Mountain
    Rain Falls in Sinan After Drought Prayer at Seungbong Mountain Residents of Amtae-myeon in Sinan County, weary from severe drought, received welcome rain just two days after holding a prayer for rain at the summit of Seungbong Mountain. Although the amount of rain is insufficient to fully alleviate the drought, it has provided a small sense of fulfillment for the residents as it moistens the parched land.According to Sinan County, as of noon on the 16th, the region recorded a maximum rainfall of 33mm in Aphaedo, with an average of 12.9mm across Sinan.On the 14th, residents held a rain prayer at the summit of Seungbong Mountain, the highest peak in the area at 355 meters above sea level, to seek relief from the drought.The event was attended by over 30 participants, including members of the Amtae-myeon Village Leaders Association, led by Yang Heung-gil, and representatives from 13 local social organizations. Faced with ongoing heat and a lack of rainfall, residents came together to address the challenges of securing drinking and agricultural water, as well as concerns over crop damage.The traditional ceremony featured offerings of purified water, rice, grains, and fruits. A symbolic performance called the 'Amtae Life Water Gathering' was conducted to express the community's unity and determination to overcome the drought by combining water that represents both domestic and agricultural needs.The prayer included heartfelt wishes for rain to replenish water sources and reservoirs, ensuring stable access to drinking and agricultural water for residents. Farmers also prayed for their carefully tended rice and crops to withstand the drought and yield a bountiful harvest.Yang Heung-gil, chairman of the Amtae-myeon Village Leaders Association, remarked, "I remember times in the past when we prayed for rain at the summit of Seungbong Mountain during droughts. I hope our wishes reach the heavens and bring us rain."Moon Seon-woong, chairman of the Sinan County Council's Operations Committee, stated, "The heavens must understand the frustrations of the residents," and promised to establish drought response measures at the county council level.Son Tae-won, head of Amtae-myeon, expressed, "The residents' earnestness in performing the ceremony at the rugged summit of Seungbong Mountain from dawn is significant. We will focus our administrative efforts on establishing permanent drought measures to ensure stable access to drinking and agricultural water."Just two days after the residents' heartfelt prayers, the long-awaited rain fell in the Sinan region on the 16th.By noon that day, Aphaedo received 33mm of rain, while the average rainfall in Sinan was recorded at 12.9mm. Although this amount is insufficient to resolve the prolonged drought, it has been a much-needed relief for the drying crops and parched land, bringing joy to residents and farmers alike.As of August, Amtae-myeon has accumulated 539.5mm of rainfall, which is only 48.6% of the average for this time of year. Consequently, the area is conducting campaigns to encourage residents to conserve domestic water and manage agricultural water as part of their drought response efforts.With the residents' urgent calls for rain echoing from the summit of Seungbong Mountain just two days prior, there is growing hope that this rain marks the beginning of sufficient additional rainfall to alleviate the drought.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-16 12:52:00
  • AI Requires Water as Well as Power, Says K-water CEO Yoon Suk-dae
    AI Requires Water as Well as Power, Says K-water CEO Yoon Suk-dae AI is not just an industry that consumes electricity; it also requires water. Data centers, which operate numerous GPUs, need significant power and water for cooling, and the production of AI semiconductors also requires substantial water resources. Yoon Suk-dae, CEO of Korea Water Resources Corporation (K-water), is integrating AI into this process. The goal is to ensure a stable supply of water necessary for the AI industry while using AI to predict floods and droughts and to enhance the intelligence of water treatment plants and pipeline networks. We are entering an era of 'water for AI, and AI for water.' As we discuss the AI era, semiconductors and power are often the first topics that arise. AI data centers, which utilize high-performance GPUs, require a lot of electricity. However, electricity alone cannot sustain these data centers. High-performance semiconductors generate heat during continuous operations, necessitating cooling systems that consume significant amounts of water. Water is also crucial in semiconductor production. Ultra-pure water, which has had impurities removed, is used in the manufacturing process. To run AI models, GPUs are needed, and to produce GPUs, semiconductor factories are required. Both data centers and semiconductor factories depend on a reliable supply of electricity and water. This is where water policy intersects with advanced industrial policy. In this context, K-water's role is evolving. It is not just a public enterprise that supplies clean water and manages dams and rivers; it is increasingly recognized as a key infrastructure agency supporting the AI and semiconductor industries. As competition among AI data centers intensifies, the criteria for their locations are changing. Decisions about where to build data centers must consider not only power and communication networks but also cooling methods and water supply conditions. Similarly, semiconductor production facilities require a stable supply of industrial water. This is why K-water is gaining attention in the AI era. As the AI industry grows, the importance of securing and supplying industrial water reliably, as well as the need for reuse and efficiency, is becoming more pronounced. Water must now be viewed as a strategic resource that determines the competitiveness of a nation's advanced industries, beyond just a resource for daily life. Moreover, K-water is not stopping at merely supplying water; it is transforming water management itself through AI. Central to Yoon's vision are digital twin technology, AI water treatment plants, and smart pipeline management. By combining years of accumulated water management experience and data with AI, K-water aims to enhance predictive and decision-making capabilities. Results are already emerging. The AI water treatment plant was recognized as a global lighthouse in the water sector at the World Economic Forum in 2024, and in January of this year, approximately 9,000 visitors attended K-water's booth at CES 2026 in Las Vegas, leading to export and investment consultations worth about 132 billion won. The smart pipeline management technology also received an award at the Global Mobile Awards during Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2026. Yoon stated, “2026 will be the year we transition our AI-first strategy into action,” adding, “We will start with water management that protects public safety and support industry and the economy.” On one hand, K-water supplies water necessary for AI data centers and advanced industries, while on the other, it uses AI to manage South Korea's water more precisely. This is the intersection of water for AI and AI for water. The climate crisis is also changing water management practices. With repeated heavy rainfall and extreme droughts, it has become difficult to manage dams and rivers based solely on past experiences. K-water's digital twin-based water management creates virtual representations of actual dams and rivers, combining meteorological and hydrological data to simulate various scenarios in advance. When heavy rain is anticipated, the system analyzes various conditions, such as inflow and outflow rates at dams, to support operators' decision-making. The true value of AI lies not only in responding quickly after a disaster occurs but also in predicting risks in advance to minimize damage. AI is also being integrated into water treatment plants that produce the water we drink daily. K-water has been applying AI technologies such as autonomous operation, energy management, predictive maintenance, and intelligent imaging to major metropolitan water treatment plants. The goal is to develop an intelligent operating system that comprehensively analyzes water quality, flow rates, energy consumption, and equipment status to find optimal operating conditions. The same applies to pipelines. Smart pipeline management analyzes data on water pressure and flow rates in the water supply network to detect anomalies. As AI advances, this can evolve from responding to leaks after they occur to a preventive management approach that identifies unusual patterns in advance. The entire water management process, from dams to treatment plants to faucets, is becoming interconnected through data and AI. One of K-water's significant assets is the extensive water data it has accumulated over many years. Data on rainfall, river levels, dam inflow and outflow rates, water quality, water treatment plant operations, and pipeline networks is continuously generated. If this data is standardized and utilized for AI training, it can lead to the development of specialized water AI capable of predicting floods and droughts, optimizing water treatment plant operations, and detecting leaks. In the future, multiple AI agents may analyze weather, dam, water treatment plant, and pipeline data individually and collaborate to propose response strategies, evolving into an agentic AI water management system. The growth of the AI industry presents new challenges. While the demand for water from data centers and semiconductor factories is likely to increase, climate change is also increasing the volatility of floods and droughts. It is essential to maintain a balance between providing stable water for advanced industries and existing water for daily life and agriculture. Therefore, water policy in the AI era should not merely focus on increasing supply. It must also consider expanding the use of recycled water, improving water use efficiency, and regional water resource conditions. Data centers should not only base their location decisions on power availability but also take into account water supply and local environmental factors. The management of water resources will become a key factor in South Korea's AI competitiveness. The national transition to an AI-driven economy is not solely a software issue. To implement AI in reality, physical infrastructure such as semiconductors, data centers, power, and water is necessary. K-water's tasks are twofold: one is to ensure a stable supply of water necessary for AI industries like data centers and semiconductors, and the other is to manage South Korea's water more safely and efficiently through AI. Digital twin technology, AI water treatment plants, and smart pipeline management are making this second task a reality. In the industrial era, roads, ports, and power networks determined national competitiveness. In the AI era, data centers, semiconductors, and water are emerging as new national infrastructure. The two lifelines of AI civilization are electricity and water. For South Korea to become a powerhouse in AI, it is not enough to secure GPUs and data centers alone. It must also prepare the electricity and water needed to operate them reliably. This is why K-water is being recognized as a key infrastructure agency supporting South Korea's AI industry, beyond just being a water management public enterprise. Yoon Suk-dae, CEO of K-water, is leading the transition of K-water to AI through digital twin technology, AI water treatment plants, and smart pipeline management. He is focusing on providing stable water supply for advanced industries such as semiconductors and data centers while managing floods and droughts in response to the climate crisis. He is establishing an 'AI-first' water management system that supplies water to the AI industry while utilizing AI for water management.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-16 12:36:00
  • Jeong Targets Kim, Appeals to Voters in Gyeonggi Province
    Jeong Targets Kim, Appeals to Voters in Gyeonggi Province In the final stages of the Democratic Party's national convention, candidate Jeong Cheong-rae targeted rival Kim Min-seok on August 16, stating, "Once betrayed, one can be betrayed again." Jeong's remarks came after he narrowly lost to Kim in the Honam regional primary on August 15, as he sought to rally support in the Gyeonggi Province.During a joint speech event held at the Suwon Indoor Gymnasium in Gyeonggi Province, Jeong continued to challenge Kim, asserting, "Loyalty is upheld by those who have been loyal. Once betrayed, one can be betrayed again," and emphasized, "As the icon of prioritizing the party over self, I will uphold my loyalty to the Democratic Party and President Lee Jae-myung to the end."In contrast, Kim refrained from responding directly to Jeong's attacks and instead highlighted the unique challenges faced by Gyeonggi Province, which has historically received fewer benefits due to its proximity to Seoul. He proposed region-specific policies aimed at addressing these issues.Kim stated, "Gyeonggi has three main tasks. First, it must lead the future and the world through semiconductors," adding that reform policies such as basic income and local currency should drive the country's reform and normalize the northern border areas of Gyeonggi, which have faced discrimination from the capital region.He also expressed a commitment to share the financial burdens faced by Gyeonggi, declaring, "I will ensure that the semiconductor locomotive already running in Gyeonggi and the three mega-project locomotives for the local areas run together."Meanwhile, candidate Song Young-gil reiterated the importance of peace in inter-Korean relations, appealing for support by referencing President Lee. Song remarked, "President Lee is precious as he is a president who protects peace," and added, "No matter how much the economy develops or how advanced we become in artificial intelligence, if inter-Korean relations deteriorate, it will all be for nothing."He further stated, "I will work with President Lee to fulfill the roles that former Presidents Kim Dae-jung, Roh Moo-hyun, and Moon Jae-in could not achieve, aiming to successfully conduct a North Korea-U.S. summit to change the dynamics of the Cold War on the Korean Peninsula."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-16 12:28:00
  • Taiwans Drone Defense System Fails to Detect New Chinese Drones
    Taiwan's Drone Defense System Fails to Detect New Chinese Drones Taiwan's drone defense system, established to protect key military facilities such as air bases, has been found inadequate in detecting or disrupting new Chinese drones.According to a recent report from Taiwan's Audit Office, cited by the South China Morning Post on August 16, the government has invested NT$35.5 billion (approximately US$1.57 billion) in a fixed drone defense system that has revealed several vulnerabilities.Developed by Taiwan's National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST), the system has been unable to detect or jam drones operating on the 5.1 gigahertz (GHz) frequency, which China began using in 2023.Additionally, some frequencies of China's BeiDou satellite navigation system are not included in the jamming targets. This raises concerns about Taiwan's ability to respond effectively if the Chinese military employs BeiDou for drone operations.There are also limitations in responding to drones controlled via fiber optic cables or those utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) for autonomous flight. The current system primarily disrupts communications between drones and their operators, making it less effective against these newer drone technologies.Project timelines have also faced setbacks. Delays in construction and issues with procuring key components have pushed back the installation and testing of some systems by 6 to 12 months compared to initial plans. The Audit Office has warned that this could create gaps in the defense of critical military facilities.The Taiwan Ministry of National Defense acknowledged that new drone technologies have rapidly emerged since the project began. NCSIST stated that it has already developed technology to jam the 5.1 GHz frequency and plans to enhance the system's capabilities. They are also working on next-generation equipment to counter fiber optic and AI-controlled drones.This is not the first issue with Taiwan's drone defense systems. A separate project to introduce 26 fixed drone defense systems, valued at NT$9.88 billion (approximately US$430 million), was terminated last month after the equipment failed to pass performance tests three times.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-16 11:24:00
  • Enjoy Coffee at Deoksugung Palaces Seokjojeon This Fall
    Enjoy Coffee at Deoksugung Palace's Seokjojeon This Fall A program offering coffee at Deoksugung Palace's Seokjojeon will take place this fall.The Cultural Heritage Administration and the National Heritage Promotion Agency announced on August 16 that the 'Deoksugung Night Seokjojeon' will run from September 9 to October 18. The program will be held three times a day from Wednesday to Sunday.'Deoksugung Night Seokjojeon' allows visitors to explore the interior of the modern stone building, Seokjojeon, which is not accessible during regular night tours, and enjoy performances and experiences. The program includes guided tours of the Seokjojeon, a café experience on the terrace, and a creative musical that tells stories from the Korean Empire period.Participants will move to Seokjojeon under the guidance of a court lady and listen to a professional guide's explanation while touring the interior. Afterward, they will enjoy 'gabae' (coffee) and refreshments on the second-floor terrace, accompanied by classical music, while taking in the night view of Deoksugung, reminiscent of what Emperor Gojong enjoyed.Additionally, starting in the second half of this year, attendees will have the opportunity to watch a new musical titled 'A Night at Seokjojeon,' set against the backdrop of the Korean Empire royal family.Participants will be selected through a lottery system. Applications can be submitted via Ticketlink from 2 PM on August 19 to 11:59 PM on August 25, with each account allowed to apply once.The winners will be announced at 5 PM on August 27. Successful applicants can reserve up to two tickets from 2 PM on August 28 to August 31. The participation fee is 35,000 won per person. Reservations for remaining seats on a first-come, first-served basis, as well as phone reservations for those aged 65 and older, people with disabilities, and holders of national merit certificates, will begin at 2 PM on September 2.For more details, please visit the websites of the Cultural Heritage Administration and the National Heritage Promotion Agency.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-16 11:20:00