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AI, robotics firms help revive South Korea's IPO scene SEOUL, September 10 (AJP) –The number of initial public offerings is showing signs of recovery in September, with as many as 11 companies preparing to go public. Artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics firms are emerging as a major source of new listings. Expected fundraising this month is estimated at 400 billion won (US$299 million) to 450 billion won. An early-September estimate by Eugene Investment & Securities put the combined market capitalization of companies expected to list at 2.1 trillion won to 2.7 trillion won. That scale would be broadly in line with recent September levels. According to an AJP analysis of Korea Exchange (KRX) monthly listing data, companies listed in September had an average combined market capitalization of about 2.73 trillion won from 2021 through 2025. The number of new listings is also set to increase. Eight to 11 companies are expected to go public this month. They include Neosapience, an AI company behind the Typecast voice-generation platform, and BRILS, a robotics and automation solutions provider. Wise Planet Company, a marketing and media-commerce company, is also among the candidates. Only one company listed in September last year, while six made their debuts in August. The market was much weaker just a month ago. Only six companies listed in August, raising a combined 210.6 billion won, about one-third of the historical August average of 595.8 billion won. September also brings larger offerings. AI coding education platform operator Elice Group is expected to raise about 156.4 billion won. Beyond the larger deals, AI and robotics companies are also drawing investor interest. Bigwave Robotics, which provides industrial robotics and physical AI solutions, is conducting institutional bookbuilding through Friday. The process allows institutional investors to submit bids before the company sets its final IPO price and proceeds with the listing. Neosapience, which develops AI-based voice and content generation technology, completed institutional bookbuilding this week and is taking retail subscriptions on Thursday and Friday. Its IPO price was set at 10,000 won, with the company scheduled to list on the KOSDAQ on Sept. 21. Another AI company, Lablup, which develops infrastructure software for AI computing, plans to begin institutional bookbuilding on Sept. 28 and continue through Oct. 2. It is targeting an October listing. A broader mix of AI and robotics companies could give investors more choices and support the market's recovery. Attention is also moving beyond companies already in the formal IPO process. Several of South Korea's best-known private technology and consumer companies are accelerating preparations for listings. Fashion platform Musinsa has already filed for a preliminary KOSPI listing review and is widely expected to pursue a market debut in 2027. AI chipmaker Rebellions is also targeting a KOSPI listing next year after pushing back its original timetable. The company plans to complete filing preparations by the end of 2026. MegazoneCloud also remains in the IPO pipeline, while Wrtn Technologies has begun selecting underwriters for a potential listing after 2027. AJP Takeaways - South Korea's initial public offering scene is showing signs of a September 2026 recovery, with as many as 11 companies preparing to go public. Artificial intelligence and robotics firms including Neosapience, BRILS and Bigwave Robotics are emerging as a major source of new listings. - September 2026 IPO fundraising is estimated at 400 billion won (US$299 million) to 450 billion won, while the combined market capitalization of prospective listings was projected at 2.1 trillion won to 2.7 trillion won. - An AJP analysis of Korea Exchange monthly data found that September listings averaged about 2.73 trillion won in combined market capitalization from 2021 through 2025. 2026-09-10 17:10:39 -
Choosing Between Fixed and Variable Rate Mortgages Amid Rising Interest Rates Consumers seeking home equity loans are facing complex calculations due to rising interest rates. Typically, fixed-rate loans are preferred when rates increase, but the current situation is different. Variable rates are more than 0.5 percentage points lower than fixed rates, making them more attractive in terms of immediate interest burden. However, choosing a variable rate is not straightforward, as further increases in the benchmark rate could lead to higher future interest payments. This raises the question of which option is more favorable during a period of rising rates. Currently, variable rates appear more advantageous. As of September 7, the fixed-rate home equity loans from the five major banks (KB Kookmin, Shinhan, Hana, Woori, and NH Nonghyup) range from 4.80% to 7.24%, while variable rates range from 4.28% to 6.65%. The lower end of variable rates is 0.52 percentage points lower than fixed rates, and the upper end is 0.59 percentage points lower. Given that the Bank of Korea typically adjusts the benchmark rate by 0.25 percentage points at a time, this difference is significant. The lower variable rates are due to the differing speeds at which these products reflect market interest rate changes. The benchmark for fixed-rate loans, the five-year bank bond rate, quickly incorporates future benchmark rate expectations. In contrast, the variable rate benchmark, the Cost of Funds Index (COFIX), is based on the actual costs incurred by banks in raising funds through deposits and bonds, resulting in a slower response to market rate changes. If reducing immediate interest payments is a priority, considering a variable rate may be worthwhile. This is also true for borrowers planning to sell their homes or repay their loans early within a few years. Conversely, if the prospect of increased principal and interest payments due to rising rates is concerning, a fixed-rate loan may be the safer choice. Variable rates are typically adjusted every six months or annually, meaning that if the benchmark rate continues to rise, monthly payments could increase. This is particularly relevant for borrowers with large loan amounts or high debt-to-income ratios, who may find it beneficial to lock in a fixed rate for a certain period, even if it is slightly higher. For borrowers needing to maximize their loan limits, fixed rates are also advantageous. The Debt Service Ratio (DSR) stress test considers potential future rate increases by adding a certain percentage to the actual loan interest rate when determining limits. Products with frequently changing rates face greater burdens. For instance, when the stress rate for home equity loans in regulated areas is set at 3.0%, it is fully applied to variable rates, while only 1.2 percentage points (40%) is applied to a 30-year fixed-rate loan with a five-year adjustment period. Ultimately, the decision should be based more on individual repayment capacity and the required loan amount than on interest rate forecasts. If reducing interest payments is crucial and there is capacity to handle future rate increases, a variable rate may be suitable. However, if the prospect of increased monthly payments due to rising rates is daunting or if maximizing loan limits is essential, a fixed rate should be prioritized. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-10 17:08:00 -
Helinox Wear Launches First Flagship Store in Dosan Park, Expands Global Reach Helinox Wear, a brand developed by Kolon Industries FnC, has opened its first flagship store in the Dosan Park area of Seoul, marking a significant step in expanding its offline presence and targeting the global market.On September 10, Helinox Wear unveiled its inaugural flagship store in the Gangnam district of Seoul. This store, the first of its kind since the brand's launch, aims to enhance brand experience in the Dosan Park area and broaden customer engagement both domestically and internationally.The store spans a total area of 960 square meters (approximately 290 pyeong), covering from the basement level to the rooftop on the fifth floor. It reflects Helinox Wear's lightweight philosophy and brand identity, featuring regular seasonal products, edition lines, and exclusive flagship items.Upon entering, customers are greeted by the brand's signature product, the 'Eclipse Pack Down Jacket.' This jacket received the highest honor, Best of the Best, at the 2026 Red Dot Design Award, and all color options will be showcased for the first time at this flagship store.A representative from Helinox Wear stated, "We minimized the potential for down leakage by subdividing the panels into 30 sections, making the jacket lightweight at just about 320 grams for a size large."The store will also offer a limited quantity of the new 'Spectra Eclipse Pack Down Jacket,' which features water-repellent, windproof, and body heat-reflecting capabilities. Additionally, customers can find a flagship-exclusive collection that includes T-shirts, grocery bags, camp caps, bandanas, and keychains inspired by Seoul.On the second floor, visitors can view the 2026 Fall/Winter collection, which showcases around 80 products. This collection highlights Helinox Wear's philosophy of extending technology used in camping gear to clothing.Helinox originated in 2009 as a manufacturer of ultra-lightweight tent poles under Dong-A Aluminum. The brand aims to create 'Wearable Gear' that combines functionality and everyday usability by applying its lightweight tent pole technology to apparel.A Helinox Wear representative emphasized, "Lightweight and durability are core values of our brand. We are creating products that are light, warm, and durable by incorporating technology from our gear into our clothing." They added that a high-strength material backpack focused on lightweight design has been particularly popular, with approximately 10,000 units sold in the first half of this year.Since its launch in October 2025, Helinox Wear has opened five stores in major shopping districts, including Gangnam and Jamsil, expanding its offline distribution network. Kolon FnC plans to enhance its product lineup by maximizing lightweight features through Helinox's gear technology.Looking ahead, Helinox Wear is set to accelerate its global market strategy, starting with a pop-up store in Shanghai, China, in October to gauge local reactions, followed by the opening of a formal store in December.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-10 17:04:10
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Small Business Association Establishes Overseas Expansion Network in Vietnam The Small Business Association is creating an ecosystem for the overseas expansion of small businesses.On September 10, the association announced that the '2026 Small Business Global Scale-Up Delegation' visited Vietnam from September 2 to 5 to promote local market entry for small businesses and enhance economic cooperation between the two countries.This initiative is the first follow-up project of the 'Korea-Vietnam Joint Small Business Support Agreement' signed in July between the Small Business Association and the Vietnamese Embassy in South Korea.Previously, the two organizations agreed to collaborate on the global expansion and joint development of small businesses, as well as on digital management (DX), artificial intelligence transformation (AX), and nurturing the next generation of small business leaders.The delegation focused on establishing a cooperative foundation connecting the Vietnamese government, local economic organizations, and the Korean business network, while exploring local business opportunities for participating sectors.During a meeting with Phan Thi Thang, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade of Vietnam, they requested administrative support from the Vietnamese government to ensure stable local entry for Korean small businesses. They also agreed to strengthen the cooperation system to support small businesses entering Vietnam through a meeting with the Korean Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (KOCHAM).Song Chi-young, president of the Small Business Association, stated, 'We will create a global expansion model so that our small businesses' excellent products and services can compete in the global market beyond local neighborhoods.'* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-10 17:04:00
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Ryu Jun-yeol and Seol Kyung-gu Shine in Netflix's 'The Rat' Every work has numerous perspectives. Although the director and actors share the same space and time, their experiences may differ. 'B-Cut by Choi Song-hee' focuses on the vivid behind-the-scenes records beyond the 'A-Cut' captured on screen. It reconstructs the moments of the 'B-Cut' that were more intense than the completed frames through interviews with the director and actors. (Editor’s note)Netflix's original series 'The Rat' (directed by Kim Hong-sun) is a thriller that follows novelist Moon Jae (played by Ryu Jun-yeol), who has his name, face, and life stolen by a mysterious entity known as the rat, and loan shark No Ja (played by Seol Kyung-gu), who is trying to recover lost money. The series has climbed to the top of the global non-English shows on Netflix in its second week of release. Director Kim Hong-sun emphasized that he values the positive feedback from viewers more than the impressive viewership numbers."I’m very happy. In fact, 'The Rat' isn’t a work that everyone can enjoy, and there are limits to its mainstream appeal. So, I think the opinions of those who watched it are more important. If viewers found it interesting or enjoyable, then I feel satisfied," said Kim Hong-sun.The director reflected on the challenges of portraying the dual roles of Moon Jae and the rat, noting that he believed Ryu Jun-yeol could handle the difficult role due to his performance in the film 'The Owl.'"Watching 'The Owl,' I thought Ryu Jun-yeol could portray both roles in a way that resonated with what I had seen in the film. Initially, it was a vague thought, but I saw that potential," Kim explained.The process of bridging the gap between the fundamentally different characters was the result of thorough and intense discussions. Up until just before filming, they kept numerous possibilities open on set to find the most convincing tone."It wasn’t just my direction. Ryu Jun-yeol naturally researched his character, and we discussed many cases based on his research and my thoughts. I think there were various types from one to seven or eight. We kept discussing how to approach it, and we adjusted on set. Ultimately, we concluded that 'this is the best now.' I didn’t set a strict definition for how this character should be. The actor must have had a lot of thoughts, and I would have struggled if I were in his position," Kim said."When expressing a character, I think it was necessary to distinguish between the external and internal aspects. I received a lot of help from the makeup team. As time went on, I could feel how detailed and dedicated the makeup team was. I prefer a natural integration rather than an overly obvious attempt. Just because it’s a genre piece, I wanted to avoid making it obvious that 'this person is playing two roles' by using exaggerated makeup. The point was to make it subtle, so that while it’s clear they are different, it’s not immediately obvious how," Ryu Jun-yeol shared.Meanwhile, Seol Kyung-gu's character, No Ja, injects tension into the narrative with a rhythm and tone that starkly contrasts with Moon Jae. For Kim, having Seol, a veteran actor representing South Korea, was a significant asset to the project."Seol Kyung-gu has been an actor we’ve admired since 'Peppermint Candy.' He has already established a strong presence. When I proposed this role to him and he agreed, it felt like we had gained a significant advantage. It was like a cheat code, giving us a sense of relief that one issue was resolved. That was really important to us," Kim said."It was challenging to portray such a raw character after a long time. However, Director Kim Hong-sun allowed me the freedom to express myself. I was personally familiar with Ryu Jun-yeol, which made it comfortable. The director isn’t one to give detailed notes, preferring to let the actors take the lead, so I could try things my way. That could be a downside, but it was comfortable for me," Seol Kyung-gu noted.The character of No Ja, as researched by Seol, shone even brighter when clashing with the polar opposite Moon Jae. The perfect contrast between the two characters created a powerful synergy that heightened the immersion in the story."I can’t do this alone. Moon Jae and No Ja are completely opposite characters. No Ja is impulsive, while Moon Jae is more laid-back. I think that contrast was well portrayed. We helped each other in embodying our characters," Seol said.Although Ryu Jun-yeol and Seol Kyung-gu were once in the same agency, 'The Rat' marks their first deep collaboration in a project. Ryu expressed relief and excitement about finally working with his senior actor at this stage in his career."I’ve had a few opportunities to work with Kyung-gu for over ten years, but they never connected. I was disappointed to meet him through this project, but I also felt fortunate that it was this work. If I had met him in my early thirties, I don’t think I would have learned even a fraction of what I learned from him now. Working together now has been incredibly educational. To sum up our chemistry, it was the best. There’s an unspoken rule among actors not to dictate how to act, especially for juniors to seniors, but I shared my thoughts in almost every scene. I would say, 'I think No Ja would do this,' or 'What do you think about this?' That was possible because he was open to my ideas. Sometimes he would happily accept them, and other times he would say, 'No, you’re wrong,' but that was so enjoyable for me," Ryu Jun-yeol said."I wouldn’t say I contributed a lot of ideas, but Ryu Jun-yeol prepared extensively for the scenes. Usually, actors only prepare for their own parts, but Ryu considered the overall context and shared a lot. We ended up trying things out together, and if something didn’t work, we would cut it. I think we had a lot of fun doing that," Seol Kyung-gu added.As the narrative gradually shifts into a buddy movie format in the latter half, the genuine chemistry between the two actors, developed during long waits in a confined car, is evident. Their continuous engagement with the text and each other solidified their bond both on and off the screen.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-10 17:04:00
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Global Oil Prices Near $110 Amid Rising Geopolitical Tensions Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are causing international oil prices to rise sharply. The price of Dubai crude, a benchmark for Middle Eastern oil, has surpassed $100 per barrel for the first time in four months, raising concerns within domestic industries. Prolonged high oil prices could lead to increases in fuel, raw materials, energy, and logistics costs, thereby heightening the cost burden on companies.According to industry sources, international oil prices have been rapidly increasing this week. The price of Dubai crude, which serves as the basis for domestic oil imports, jumped 4.43% to $109.75 per barrel, marking a five-month high.The global benchmark, Brent crude, also crossed the $100 mark. On the London ICE Futures Exchange, November Brent crude closed at $101.21 per barrel, up 3.36% from the previous trading day. This is the first time oil prices have exceeded $100 since July 23.The primary driver of rising oil prices is geopolitical instability in the Middle East. As the U.S. midterm elections approach, tensions between Iran and the U.S. have intensified, leading to disruptions in shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. According to Reuters, as of September 9, only seven vessels passed through the Strait, down from 12 the previous day and half the recent ten-day average of 14 vessels.Meanwhile, the Iran-backed Houthi rebels have attacked energy facilities in southern Saudi Arabia, increasing uncertainty regarding oil production and transportation in the region.The rise in international oil prices is also increasing cost pressures on domestic industries. Companies that directly use oil, as well as those in manufacturing with high energy and transportation costs, are affected. An increase in oil prices can raise the costs of petroleum products and petrochemical raw materials, which can then lead to higher logistics and production costs, spreading cost pressures across various sectors.The shipping industry is among the most directly impacted sectors. Rising oil prices lead to higher bunker fuel costs, increasing operational expenses for shipping companies. Additionally, uncertainties in the Strait of Hormuz may result in detours and higher insurance premiums, further adding to costs.The steel industry is also closely monitoring the situation. Domestic steelmakers import a significant portion of their key raw materials, such as iron ore and coking coal, so rising oil prices can increase maritime transportation costs, adding to their cost burden. Furthermore, if energy costs for operating steel mills rise, production cost pressures will increase even more.The secondary battery industry is not immune to rising costs either. Some materials used in separators, such as polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP), are linked to petrochemical raw material prices, meaning prolonged high oil prices could increase cost pressures.Industry experts are watching the sustainability of the current rise in oil prices. While short-term price increases can be absorbed through inventory management or adjustments in selling prices, sustained high prices above $100 per barrel could limit companies' ability to respond.An industry representative stated, "The duration of high oil prices is a greater burden for companies than short-term spikes. Given the current challenging market conditions, it is difficult for companies to fully pass on increased costs to product prices, which could further strain profitability."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-10 17:00:20
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Samsung Biologics Secures $2.6 Billion Contract with European Pharmaceutical Company Samsung Biologics announced on September 10 that it has signed a contract worth 350.8 billion won (approximately $2.6 billion) for contract manufacturing of biopharmaceuticals with a European pharmaceutical company. The names of the client and the product are kept confidential due to non-disclosure agreements. The contract is set to last until December 31, 2033.This year, Samsung Biologics has secured six contracts, bringing its total cumulative orders to $21.9 billion since its inception.A company representative stated, "We maintain close partnerships with many clients, including most of the top 20 global pharmaceutical companies, and are solidifying our collaborative framework that encompasses the entire process from drug development to commercial production. We plan to focus on attracting new clients and expanding contracts with existing customers in line with the increasing global demand for biopharmaceuticals and the trend of diversifying supply chains."The company is also expanding its biopharmaceutical production capacity. Its fifth plant in Songdo, Incheon, which has a capacity of 180,000 liters, began operations in April. Following the acquisition of a 60,000-liter plant in Rockville, USA, in March, the total production capacity now stands at 845,000 liters. The company plans to sequentially build its sixth to eighth plants in Songdo.Recently, Samsung Biologics expanded its business into the peptide sector by acquiring the Swiss Polypeptide Group. Additionally, it plans to open a sales office in the Netherlands soon, following the establishment of offices in the United States (2023) and Japan (2025).The representative added, "We are continuing our 'three-pillar expansion' strategy, which focuses on increasing production capacity, expanding our portfolio, and enhancing our geographical presence to strengthen partnerships with existing and potential clients. We aim to enhance global customer trust and continuously expand our orders based on our overwhelming production capacity, diversified business portfolio, geographical presence, and quality competitiveness."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-10 17:00:10
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Korea Railroad Corporation Wins Prime Minister's Award for AI and Innovation The Korea Railroad Corporation has been recognized for streamlining the reporting process for activities in railroad protection zones.On September 10, the Korea Railroad Corporation announced that it received the Prime Minister's Award in the knowledge management category at the 15th Korea Knowledge Awards held at the Shilla Hotel in Seoul, organized by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety.The Korea Knowledge Awards aim to identify and reward institutions that have achieved government innovation and enhanced corporate competitiveness through knowledge administration and management, while also promoting exemplary cases. This year, the focus was on improving public services and work efficiency.The corporation was acknowledged for converting the reporting process for activities in railroad protection zones to a digital format based on the Railroad Comprehensive Information System (RAFIS), enhancing public convenience and administrative efficiency.The reporting system requires notification to the Korea Railroad Corporation, the manager of the railroad protection zone, for activities such as excavation or construction within 30 meters of the railroad boundary, as mandated by the Railroad Safety Act.Previously, the process involved 11 steps from submission to result confirmation. However, the corporation improved the system to handle all procedures in one go. This change reduced document production by 88.9% (from 19,224 to 2,136 documents) and shortened the processing time from approximately 30 days to 22 days.Progress updates for each step of the process are automatically communicated via KakaoTalk notifications, allowing applicants to track their status in real time. An AI chatbot, reflecting around 200 consultation scenarios, has also been established to enable the public to access information about laws and procedures related to the protection zone at any time.Jung Jin-hyuk, the CEO of the Korea Railroad Corporation, stated, “We have been externally recognized for our achievements in enhancing public convenience and administrative efficiency through the active use of innovative technologies such as AI. We will focus our capabilities, secured through work innovation, on protecting railroad facilities and inspecting high-risk construction sites, ensuring that the results of our digital transformation contribute to creating a safe railroad environment.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-10 17:00:00
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Author Lee Je-hong's Journey from Baekje to His Wife 늦깎이로 등단… 여섯 번째 책 <다시, 그대와 길을 나서다> 출간늦깎이 작가 이제홍(67)이 여섯 번째 책을 펴냈다. 제목은 <다시, 그대와 길을 나서다>. 수필집이다.이 작가는 서울대 무역학과를 졸업하고 이수그룹 등 여러 대기업에서 고위 임원을 지냈다. 평소 역사와 글쓰기에 관심이 많았으나 퇴직하고서야 작가에 도전하더니 2015년 월간 <수필문학>으로 등단에 성공했다.부여 출신으로 백제에 대한 자부심이 대단한 이 작가는 역사 교과서의 ‘근초고왕이 중국 산둥반도를 지배했었다’는 구절을 보며 백제에 관한 소설을 집필하겠다고 마음 먹는다. 고향 집은 정림사지 바로 앞이었다. 오층석탑이 놀이터였다. 어른들은 ‘찬란한 백제 문화’라고 했지만 눈에 보이는 유적은 그 탑 하나뿐이었다. 찬란한 백제는 땅속에 묻혀 있을 것이라던 어린 날의 의문이 훗날 소설의 씨앗이 됐다.정림사지가 유년의 놀이터… 소설로 ‘백제의 위대함’ 알려등단하자마자 발표한 데뷔작이 소설 <지워지지 않는 나라>다. 일본이 ‘백제’의 역사를 우리에게서 뺏어간 것이 아닌가라는 문제 제기를 하는 소설이다. 백제의 고도였던 부여. 그곳의 궁남지에서 한 남자가 변사체로 발견된다. 그는 문화재청 직원이었다. 그의 죽음이 백제 시대에 만들어진 보물, 금동대향로와 관련이 있다는 사실이 밝혀지면서 소설은 전개된다. 마치 이인화의 베스트셀러 <영원한 제국>의 도입부가 연상된다.<지워지지 않는 나라>에 이어 2017년 <사비로 가는 길>을 펴내며 백제 전문가로 이름을 알린다. 삼국시대 ‘역사의 패배자’로 낙인 찍힌 백제의 마지막 왕 의자왕(義慈王·재위 641~660)의 말년 5년을 모티프로 백제의 위대함과 탄식을 동시에 쏟아낸다. 구상 단계에서 군산에서 부여까지 금강을 따라 사흘을 걸었다. 걸을 수 있는 곳은 걷고, 그렇지 않은 곳은 상상으로 디테일을 채웠다. 그가 내린 결론은 “백제는 동양의 로마였다”는 것이다.결혼 40년 맞아 아내와 40일간 남프랑스·북이탈리아로… 새로운 프러포즈잠시 숨을 고르던 이 작가는 2020년 <나, 그리고 또 나>, 2026년 <우연, 운명이 되다>라는 두 편의 소설집을 낸다. 2020년에 수필집 <좋다 말았네>도 연달아 발표한다.주로 백제 역사를 중심으로 이야기를 풀어내다가 어느 순간 자신의 ‘주전공’인 수필로 돌아섰다. 최근 펴낸 수필집 <다시, 그대와 길을 나서다>는 결혼 40년을 맞아 아내와 함께 남프랑스와 북이탈리아를 40일간 걸은 기록이다.부부는 이번 여행의 주제를 ‘사랑’으로 정했다고 한다. 도시와 마을을 지나며 사람들이 남기고 간 사랑의 흔적을 하나씩 건져 보고 그들의 사랑과 비교도 해본다. 이탈리아 베로나에선 로미오와 줄리엣의 ‘슬프지만 지고지순한 사랑’의 현장을 목격한다.여행 마치던 날, 이탈리아의 어느 하늘 아래에서 서로의 손을 맞잡고 눈을 맞추며 “우리는 생각보다 오래, 그리고 생각보다 깊이 서로를 사랑해 왔다”라며 그들의 ‘결혼 40년’을 자축한다. 뒤늦은 프러포즈인 셈이다.작가는 책머리에 이렇게 적었다. “젊은 날의 사랑이 불꽃처럼 뜨거웠다면, 세월이 선물해 준 지금의 사랑은 은은하고 깊은 온기를 품고 있습니다.”백제를 좇아 10여 년을 걸어온 그의 문장이 끝내 가닿은 곳은 바로 옆자리였다. 2026-09-10 16:56:10
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Jeong Dong-young: South Korea Should Act as a 'Peacemaker' After US-North Korea Talks 정동영 통일부 장관은 10일 북미정상회담이 성사될 때까지 한국이 ‘페이스메이커’ 역할을 하고, 이후에는 ‘피스메이커’로 전환해 한반도 평화체제 구축의 당사자로 나서야 한다고 밝혔다.정 장관은 이날 국회 외교·통일·안보 분야 대정부질문에서 “불안정한 정전체제를 항구적인 평화체제로 바꾸는 것은 이재명 대통령이 역설해 온 정책 목표”라며 이같이 말했다.그는 도널드 트럼프 미국 대통령의 한미 연합훈련 축소 지시가 김정은 북한 국무위원장을 의식한 즉흥적인 결정이라는 일각의 해석에 대해 “전략적 판단으로 본다”고 평가했다.정 장관은 트럼프 대통령이 이미 10년 전부터 북미 간 직접 대화를 통해 한반도의 전쟁 상태를 끝내겠다는 뜻을 밝혀왔다고 설명했다. 또 트럼프 대통령이 방한 당시 이 대통령과의 정상회담에서도 한반도의 전쟁 상태를 바꿔야 한다는 취지로 북미대화의 의지를 드러냈다고 전했다.그러면서 이번 결정이 한미 군사훈련에 강한 불만을 나타냈던 김 위원장의 2019년 마지막 친서에 대한 응답의 성격도 있다고 해석했다. 당시 김 위원장은 훈련을 ‘전쟁 연습’으로 규정하며 훈련이 끝난 뒤 연락해 달라는 취지의 메시지를 보낸 것으로 알려졌다.정 장관은 북미대화 재개 과정에서 한국의 역할과 관련해 “이 대통령이 정상외교를 통해 페이스메이커 역할을 하고 있다”며 “북미정상회담이 열리기 전까지는 페이스메이커가 필요하지만, 그 이후에는 피스메이커로 태세를 전환해야 한다”고 강조했다.이어 “한반도 문제에서는 운전자로서 당사자 역할을 해야 한다”며 “지난 100년간 우리의 운명을 스스로 결정하지 못했을 때 겪었던 아픔을 교훈으로 삼아야 한다”고 말했다. 정 장관은 “평화는 물과 공기와 같다”며 “불안정한 평화를 항구적인 평화로 전환하는 역사적 소임이 이재명 정부에 있다”고 덧붙였다.정 장관은 북한의 경제적 이익을 확대하는 방식만으로는 남북관계를 복원하기 어렵다고 진단했다. 그는 북·중, 북·러 관계가 복원된 상황에서는 경제협력보다 북한의 안보 우려를 해소하는 평화체제 구축이 우선돼야 한다며 “4자 대화를 통한 평화체제 구축의 적기가 도래했다”고 밝혔다. 2026-09-10 16:56:10