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  • 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
  • Gwangmyeong Mayor Park Seung-won Pledges Support for Youth Mental Health
    Gwangmyeong Mayor Park Seung-won Pledges Support for Youth Mental Health Park Seung-won, the mayor of Gwangmyeong, promised on September 11 to create a supportive environment where youth can seek help without hesitation.During the opening ceremony of the Gwangmyeong Youth Counseling Welfare Center, Mayor Park stated that the center will specialize in addressing the psychological and emotional challenges faced by young people, offering services such as counseling, psychological assessments, and crisis support.The center was established with a total investment of 4.172 billion won, featuring a five-story building with a total floor area of 453.75 square meters.The second floor includes art and play therapy rooms along with a large educational space, while the third and fourth floors house seven individual counseling rooms and a group counseling room. The fifth floor is designated for the center's administrative offices, and parking is available on the first floor.To reduce psychological burdens during counseling, the center has enhanced privacy and soundproofing. The interior design is themed around 'A Journey to the Sea' to create a comfortable atmosphere.The external space also incorporates feedback from youth.As part of a public design art project, Mayor Park conducted a survey targeting young people to inform the creation of character sculptures, graphic murals, and signage under the theme of 'Dialogue and Empathy.'The center will provide individual and group counseling, as well as psychological assessments for both youth and their parents. It will also offer outreach counseling services directly to schools, homes, and local child care centers.Mayor Park emphasized the importance of building a robust community safety net to ensure that youth can access counseling and support before they encounter crises.In particular, he plans to strengthen the system for early identification of youth in need of help by connecting schools, families, and community organizations to provide counseling and welfare services.Community members expressed hope that the center will become a welcoming space for youth to seek help without feeling burdened.A Gwangmyeong resident, identified as Lee, remarked, 'It is significant that youth can now receive professional help nearby, especially since they often struggle to speak up about their difficulties. I hope that those in need of counseling can use the services comfortably without feeling self-conscious.'Mayor Park reiterated his commitment to continuously support youth in realizing their potential and growing healthily.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-11 14:44:00
  • Lees approval rating drops to new low of 38%
    Lee's approval rating drops to new low of 38% SEOUL, September 11 (AJP) - President Lee Jae Myung's approval rating continued to slide, hitting a new low, according to a survey released by Gallup Korea on Friday. The survey of about 1,000 adults nationwide conducted earlier this week found that 38 percent of respondents said Lee was doing a good job, down 2 percentage points from the previous week and the lowest level since he took office in July last year. Some 51 percent of respondents held negative views, unchanged from the previous poll, while 11 percent remained undecided. Housing-related policies were the most frequently cited reason for disapproval, with 24 percent of respondents citing them. Controversies over personnel appointments including those involving gender minister nominee Yong Hye-in and Justice Minister nominee Kim Seung-won followed at 16 percent, with a growing number of respondents saying both were unfit for the posts. Economic and livelihood issues were cited by 10 percent, while 6 percent pointed to moral concerns amid allegations that Lee, who has been accused of a slew of charges, sought to avoid his own trial after leaving office. Kim has been accused of lobbying authorities over the approval of a COVID-19 treatment in 2021, while Yong has faced criticism for trying to keep her parliamentary seat after being nominated for a Cabinet post, as well as allegations of nepotism and issues involving her minor party. Lee's support fell sharply among people in their 40s to 45 percent, down 10 percentage points from a week earlier, while rising by 6 percentage points among those aged 18 to 29 and by 4 percentage points among those in their 30s. The poll also showed little change in support for the ruling Democratic Party (DP), which remained at 38 percent. Support for the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) stood at 29 percent, down 1 percentage point from the previous week. AJP Takeaways - President Lee Jae Myung's approval rating fell to 38 percent, according to a Gallup Korea survey of about 1,000 adults conducted in the week before the poll was released, marking the lowest approval level since Lee took office in July 2025. - Housing policies were the leading reason for dissatisfaction, cited by 24 percent of respondents, followed by controversies surrounding Cabinet appointments at 16 percent and economic and livelihood concerns at 10 percent. - Political party support remained relatively stable: the ruling Democratic Party (DP) held 38-percent support, while the opposition People Power Party (PPP) stood at 29 percent, down 1 percentage point from the previous poll. 2026-09-11 14:41:23
  • Korean Stock Exchange Extends Trading Hours to 8 PM Starting September 14
    Korean Stock Exchange Extends Trading Hours to 8 PM Starting September 14 The Korea Exchange will launch an 'aftermarket' allowing real-time stock trading until 8 PM starting September 14. This change shifts the existing after-hours trading from a fixed-price system to a real-time trading format, joining the 'after-hours stock trading' market previously dominated by the alternative exchange NextTrade (NXT).According to financial industry sources on September 11, the exchange will implement the aftermarket for the KOSPI and KOSDAQ markets starting on the 14th. Previously, trading was limited to a fixed-price system from 4 PM to 6 PM after the regular market closed. In the new aftermarket, trading will occur from 4 PM to 8 PM, with buy and sell orders executed in real-time when matched.A total of 38 brokerage firms are expected to participate, covering 95.2% of the market share. If investors do not specify a particular market, brokers will submit orders to the market that offers the best execution based on the likelihood of execution and total costs.One significant change for individual investors is the increase in tradable stocks. While the NXT aftermarket operates with a limited selection of stocks, the Korea Exchange's aftermarket will allow trading of most KOSPI and KOSDAQ listed stocks, excluding those that did not trade during the regular session, stocks under investment warning or management, and those with very low liquidity.However, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and exchange-traded notes (ETNs) will not be included in the trading options. Although there were initial discussions about allowing aftermarket trading for exchange-traded products (ETPs), concerns over price distortion and increased volatility led to their exclusion for now. The exchange plans to reassess the timing for allowing these products once market stability and liquidity are confirmed.Lee Kyung-min, a researcher at Daishin Securities, noted, "It is difficult to calculate the real-time net asset value (iNAV) after the regular market closes, and there are limitations on liquidity providers' quotes, raising concerns about price distortion. The competition for ETF night trading with NXT will be postponed until infrastructure is improved."To address potential market volatility, safety measures have been implemented. Market orders will not be allowed in the aftermarket; only fixed-price orders will be permitted. The price limit will remain the same as in the regular market, set at ±30% from the previous day's closing price, and a volatility mitigation mechanism (VI) will be activated.Global Stock Markets Compete to Extend Trading HoursMajor overseas stock markets are also engaged in a competition to expand trading hours. The Nasdaq in the U.S. operates pre-market and aftermarket sessions in addition to its regular hours from 9:30 AM to 4 PM. Pre-market trading starts at 4 AM, and aftermarket trading runs until 8 PM, allowing for 16 hours of trading each day. Major U.S. exchanges are even pushing for a 23-hour trading system.Germany's electronic trading platform Xetra expanded its trading hours for individual investors to 8 AM to 10 PM last December. Notably, unlike Korea's aftermarket, Xetra allows trading of stocks, ETFs, ETCs, and ETNs during extended hours.The Korea Exchange plans to consider gradually extending trading hours in the future, starting with the launch of the aftermarket. Jung Eun-bo, chairman of the Korea Exchange, met with Lin Martin, chief executive officer of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), in New York on September 3 to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) aimed at enhancing cooperation in market operations and infrastructure. The two exchanges plan to share experiences and expertise gained during the process of market operation and infrastructure innovation, including extending trading hours and shortening settlement cycles (T+1), and may form a joint advisory committee if necessary.Chairman Jung has previously stated that the trend of expanding trading hours among major global exchanges makes it inevitable for the domestic market to extend its trading hours as well. The exchange will monitor the global trend of extended trading hours and consider gradually increasing trading hours in the domestic market.Longer Trading Hours Raise Investor Protection ConcernsAs trading hours increase, investor protection remains a challenge. During periods with fewer participants than in regular trading hours, liquidity may decrease, leading to wider bid-ask spreads and increased price volatility. The simultaneous operation of aftermarkets by KRX and NXT could also result in liquidity being dispersed across both markets.While stock trading will continue until 8 PM, the public disclosure period remains unchanged, from 7:30 AM to 6 PM. This means that trading will occur for two hours after the regular public disclosure period has ended.The exchange decided to maintain the current disclosure hours, considering the potential for late disclosures of negative information, known as 'owl disclosures.' However, if any trading suspension reasons, such as bankruptcy, bank transaction suspension, or adverse audit opinions, are confirmed after the disclosure deadline, trading for those stocks will be halted in the aftermarket.Market operations related to designating short-selling stocks and other measures will be announced at 8 PM, after the aftermarket concludes. As the expansion of trading hours increases investor options, ensuring sufficient liquidity in the after-hours market and minimizing information asymmetry will be crucial for the successful establishment of the aftermarket.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-11 14:32:00
  • HD Hyundai Marine Solutions Shares Rise 5% on Engine Expansion Growth Expectations
    HD Hyundai Marine Solutions Shares Rise 5% on Engine Expansion Growth Expectations HD Hyundai Marine Solutions is experiencing a 5% increase in its stock price, driven by growth expectations in its data center engine maintenance business.As of 2:23 PM on September 11, the company’s shares were trading at 242,500 won, up 13,000 won (5.66%) from the previous trading day, according to the Korea Exchange.The rise in stock price is attributed to HD Hyundai Heavy Industries' announcement of a larger-than-expected expansion plan for its power engine production capacity, which is expected to enhance the profitability of HD Hyundai Marine Solutions' maintenance business.On the same day, NH Investment & Securities raised its target price for HD Hyundai Marine Solutions from 280,000 won to 310,000 won, reflecting a 10.7% increase. The firm initially estimated the expansion of data center engines at 1.5 GW, but the actual expansion was set at 3.3 GW, more than double the initial forecast.Jeong Yeon-seung, a researcher at NH Investment & Securities, stated, "We expect the data center engine maintenance business to generate approximately 90.1 billion won in operating profit by 2030."The increasing number of engine installations is expected to contribute to the growth of the maintenance business. Jeong noted, "Data center engines have higher operational rates and unit prices compared to marine engines, making them the most profitable among the engines currently under maintenance. Unlike large shipbuilders facing concerns about peak performance, HD Hyundai Marine Solutions' profit growth cycle is expected to continue beyond 2030."NH Investment & Securities forecasts that HD Hyundai Marine Solutions will achieve sales of 2.336 trillion won this year, a 17.8% increase from the previous year, and an operating profit of 389 billion won, up 11.0%.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-11 14:32:00
  • Ministry of Science and ICT Enhances Public Nano Fab Operations with Samsungs Expertise
    Ministry of Science and ICT Enhances Public Nano Fab Operations with Samsung's Expertise The Ministry of Science and ICT is taking steps to enhance the operational competitiveness and service quality of the public nano fab, a national research and development infrastructure. On September 11, the ministry announced it would hold a report meeting on the outcomes of the 'Samsung Electronics-Nano Convergence Technology Institute Public Nano Fab Operational Efficiency Consulting' as a follow-up to a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed among the three major semiconductor companies: Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix, and DB HiTek.During the report meeting, participants shared achievements aimed at improving the operational competitiveness and service quality of the public nano fab, and discussed ongoing public-private collaboration strategies to strengthen the national semiconductor research ecosystem.The event was attended by about 20 officials, including Ji Hyun-ki, Vice President and Head of the Samsung Electronics DS Division's Win-Win Cooperation Center, and Lee Byung-hoon, Director of the Nano Convergence Technology Institute.This consulting initiative applied Samsung's manufacturing innovation experience and know-how from its 'Supplier Development Consulting' program, which targets semiconductor materials, components, and equipment partners, to the unique characteristics of the public nano fab. The Nano Convergence Technology Institute adopted Samsung's on-site improvement methodologies to enhance safety, cleanliness, equipment reliability, and process service responsiveness.Vice President Ji stated, "The public nano fab is a key foundation of the K-Semiconductor ecosystem, enabling domestic materials, parts, and equipment companies to develop and validate new technologies and products. We will continue to contribute to strengthening the overall competitiveness of the domestic semiconductor ecosystem by integrating the manufacturing innovation know-how accumulated through consulting with our partners into the public nano fab."Looking ahead, the Ministry of Science and ICT plans to expand its efforts to include the Korea Nano Institute and the Semiconductor Joint Research Institute at Seoul National University. Additionally, it aims to share consulting results and best practices with all institutions participating in the integrated platform 'MoaFab,' which is linked to the public nano fab, to continuously enhance the reliability of the national semiconductor R&D and materials, parts, and equipment verification infrastructure.Yoon Kyung-sook, Director of Basic Research Policy at the Ministry of Science and ICT, remarked, "The transfer of advanced fab operation know-how from the private sector can establish a model of exemplary win-win cooperation that innovatively shapes the virtuous cycle structure of the semiconductor ecosystem, as significant as the transfer of idle equipment from the three semiconductor companies. We will strengthen public-private collaboration with the three semiconductor companies through private consulting, idle equipment transfer, and the utilization of experienced personnel, centered around the MoaFab, which supports national semiconductor R&D."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-11 14:28:00
  • South Korean Foreign Minister Discusses Strait of Hormuz with Iranian Counterpart
    South Korean Foreign Minister Discusses Strait of Hormuz with Iranian Counterpart South Korean Foreign Minister Jo Hyun spoke by phone on September 11 with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi to discuss the recent situation in the Middle East, bilateral relations between South Korea and Iran, and the protection of overseas citizens. This call was made at the request of Minister Araghchi amid ongoing tensions regarding the deployment of South Korean forces to the Strait of Hormuz.The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, "Minister Jo expressed deep concern over the recent situation in the Middle East and hopes for the restoration of sustainable peace and stability."It added, "Minister Jo emphasized our consistent position that the free and safe passage of all vessels, including ours, must be guaranteed in the Strait of Hormuz, and that we have continuously participated in international efforts to ensure freedom of navigation in the area." He also urged Iran to pay attention to the safety of South Korean citizens abroad.Meanwhile, Minister Araghchi conveyed Iran's stance on the current situation in the Middle East to Minister Jo. The two ministers agreed to maintain ongoing communication on regional issues and bilateral relations through both bilateral and multilateral channels. As Iran has recently warned that South Korea would face consequences if it decides to deploy forces to the Strait of Hormuz, attention is focused on whether relations between the two countries can improve.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-11 14:12:00
  • S2W Shares Surge 16% Following Announcement of Joining OpenAI Cybersecurity Initiative
    S2W Shares Surge 16% Following Announcement of Joining OpenAI Cybersecurity Initiative The stock price of South Korean big data analytics AI company S2W has surged following news that it will join a global cybersecurity initiative led by OpenAI.As of 1:37 PM on September 11, S2W shares were trading at 13,680 won, up 1,930 won (16.43%) from the previous trading day. At one point during the session, the stock rose to 14,450 won, marking an increase of over 22%, although it later retraced some of those gains. This follows an 11.90% rise in the previous trading session.Earlier, S2W announced that it would join the partner ecosystem of 'Daybreak,' a global cybersecurity initiative led by OpenAI. The anticipation surrounding the expanded collaboration with OpenAI is believed to be reflected in the stock's performance.The 'Daybreak Defense Network' aims to help businesses and organizations proactively identify, validate, and remediate vulnerabilities using OpenAI's frontier models and security technologies.S2W specializes in developing security-focused language models and AI-based security platforms, accumulating expertise and business experience in AI vulnerability assessment and penetration testing.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-11 14:12:00
  • Student Reporter Program Launches to Document Life at Busan Port
    Student Reporter Program Launches to Document Life at Busan Port The first student reporter program, 'Busan Port People,' has officially begun its activities, focusing on documenting the lives and experiences of workers at Busan Port from a youth perspective.University students from the Busan area will meet directly with workers in the port, shipping, and fisheries sectors to capture their experiences, skills, and memories of industry changes through a youthful lens.On September 10, The Fact Busan-Ulsan Bureau and the Busan Labor Forum held the launch ceremony for the first student reporter program at the Busan Port People Promotion Committee office in Jung-gu, Busan.'Busan Port People' is a public record project aimed at uncovering the lives and experiences of workers in the port, shipping, and fisheries sectors who have contributed to the growth of Busan Port. The project seeks to document the stories of these workers, who have not received adequate recognition despite being central to the development of Busan Port, and preserve them as part of the city's industrial and cultural heritage.The student reporters will visit various workplaces related to Busan Port and conduct interviews with workers. They plan to present the accumulated experiences, skills, and the joys and challenges faced during industry changes in various content formats, including articles, photos, and videos.The reporters will reinterpret the voices of port workers, sailors, shipping and logistics personnel, and fisheries workers who have driven the growth and development of Busan Port. Rather than merely listing the history and achievements of the industry, they aim to convey the value of labor and the generational experiences that have shaped Busan Port through specific narratives.During the launch ceremony, participants received their appointment letters, and the purpose, direction, and future plans of the 'Busan Port People' project were introduced. Basic training on field reporting, interview techniques, and article writing principles was also conducted for the reporters.One participating student expressed enthusiasm, stating, "By diving into the Busan Port scene and hearing the vivid voices of the workers, I feel a significant role in bridging the youth generation and the local community."The student reporters also stated, "We will work together to ensure that this project becomes a sustainable recording initiative that preserves Busan's valuable assets for future generations, rather than just a one-time event."The stories uncovered by the student reporters will be showcased to the public at the 'Busan Port Together Festival - Busan Port People' on November 25 at the Busan Port International Passenger Terminal.The event will highlight the contributions of the key figures who have driven the growth and development of Busan Port. It will feature tributes and awards for these individuals, a talk show connecting experiences across generations, a 'JOB SHOW' introducing various professions and industrial sites at Busan Port, and tribute performances.Through this event, the aim is to honor the labor and lives of those who have sustained Busan Port and share their accumulated experiences and values with the youth and the public. The findings from the student reporters will also be integrated into the event program to present a more comprehensive narrative of the people of Busan Port.The Busan Port People Promotion Committee stated, "Through this event, we aim to document the past and present of Busan Port and develop it into a sustainable public project where field workers and the youth can discuss the future of Busan Port together."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-11 14:08:00