Latest by
-
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 -
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
Samsung Biologics Requests Delay for Second Mediation Session Amid Labor Dispute Samsung Biologics has requested a delay for its second mediation session originally scheduled for September 15. The cancellation of the focused negotiations aimed at reaching a wage and collective agreement before the Chuseok holiday has raised concerns about the prolonged negotiations. According to industry sources on September 10, Samsung Biologics submitted a formal request to the Incheon Regional Labor Relations Commission to postpone the second mediation session. After completing the first mediation on September 8, the company and the union had planned to conduct focused negotiations over two days on September 10 and 11, followed by the second mediation on September 15. However, the company has now requested to delay this session. The company's request for a delay came after the union publicly disclosed the contents of the first mediation and criticized the company's negotiation stance. The union stated that since submitting a revised proposal in June, the company has not provided any concrete proposals, indicating a lack of sincerity in the negotiations. They released meeting minutes and statements to employees and the media to support their claims. Samsung Biologics pointed out that the union has filed seven legal disputes against the company and its CEO for unfair labor practices ahead of serious discussions. The company also noted that some union executives have spread false rumors, such as claims about double-digit wage increases being decided by others, which undermines mutual respect and trust. They further accused the union of unilaterally disclosing meeting minutes and distorting some content to distribute materials criticizing the company to all employees. The company views the mediation not as a genuine dialogue but as a means for other purposes. They expressed deep regret over the situation and emphasized their commitment to engaging in responsible and sincere negotiations to bridge the gap between the two sides and reach a satisfactory agreement. The union, however, expressed surprise at the company's request to delay the second mediation. Union Chairman Park Jae-sung stated, "It is difficult to understand that the company requested a delay citing trust issues." He added, "We cannot agree with the claim that we have fabricated false information." This delay has introduced uncertainty into the previously planned timeline for reaching an agreement before the Chuseok holiday. The mediation committee had instructed that negotiations should be concluded by September 20 to 22 at the latest, aiming for a resolution before the holiday.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-10 16:56:00
-
Korean Foreign Minister Jo Hyun Engages in Diplomatic Efforts in Nepal and France Korean Foreign Minister Jo Hyun has been actively engaged in diplomatic efforts from September 5 to 10. During this week, she has addressed various issues, including the safety of overseas citizens and supporting President Yoon Suk Yeol. On September 10, she attended a government questioning session in the National Assembly to discuss the outcomes of her visit to France and is scheduled to meet with Uganda to discuss economic cooperation.Minister Jo visited Nepal from September 5, where she met with Foreign Minister Pradeep Gyawali on September 6. Nine South Koreans remain uncontacted due to severe flooding in Nepal. Following her meeting with Gyawali, a search operation by the Korea Disaster Relief Team (KDRT) was conducted in the affected areas on September 8.However, the KDRT is concluding its mission as per the original 10-day schedule, with team members set to return on September 11. The government plans to send a second team of KDRT members to Nepal on the same day to replace the first team returning home.Park Du-sun, a spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry, stated during a regular briefing, "The team will consist of eight members and will operate locally for seven days." According to officials, the team will include two members each from the Foreign Ministry, the National Fire Agency, the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), and a medical team.Park added, "We will work closely with Nepalese authorities to conduct reconstruction and relief activities, alongside a small search and rescue team." After concluding her Nepal visit on September 7, Jo traveled to France to assist President Yoon, who accepted an invitation to co-chair the 'Lumiere Summit,' an international film and video conference, alongside French President Emmanuel Macron.During their meeting, President Yoon and President Macron agreed to closely cooperate on ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and stabilizing global supply chains. Macron also expressed interest in collaborating with South Korea on a multinational mission for the peaceful reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.In this context, Minister Jo explained during the government questioning session that, "We achieved several memorandums of understanding (MOUs) on security cooperation and defense collaboration with France, the only nuclear-armed country in the EU. We also agreed to deepen our cooperation in the cultural sector, particularly in film." Additionally, Jo announced that a meeting between the foreign ministers of South Korea and the United States is expected to take place this month, aiming to quell recent rumors of conflict between the two nations.Meanwhile, Jo is scheduled to meet with Uganda's Deputy Prime Minister Christopher Walter Kiyonga at the Foreign Ministry later in the afternoon. Last year, trade between South Korea and Uganda was approximately $47 million. Uganda is seeking investment and participation from South Korean companies in various sectors, including energy, minerals, and ICT.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-10 16:52:20
-
Government Discusses Potential Military Contribution in Hormuz Strait The South Korean government has reaffirmed its cautious stance regarding potential military contributions in the Hormuz Strait, stating that no specific plans have been finalized. To address concerns surrounding the US-South Korea alliance, the government announced plans for a foreign ministers' meeting later this month. In terms of inter-Korean relations, officials reiterated the priority of establishing a peace regime over economic cooperation.During a government Q&A session on foreign affairs, unification, and security held on September 10, Prime Minister Han Seung-soo stated, "As of now, no practical contribution plans have been decided regarding the Hormuz Strait."However, he added, "We are considering various scenarios due to the importance of freedom of navigation and the oil secured through the Hormuz Strait, as well as the global supply chain. We are reviewing multiple options." This suggests a comprehensive evaluation of energy security, the safety of South Korean vessels, and international cooperation without specifying troop deployment or mission scope.The government is also preparing for potential energy supply disruptions stemming from tensions in the Hormuz Strait. First Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Park Yoon-joo mentioned that discussions are ongoing with relevant ministries regarding alternative supply routes and energy stockpiling exchanges between countries, including Japan. The government emphasized that any future contributions will be based on domestic legal procedures and social consensus.Regarding concerns that President Donald Trump may pressure South Korea to export the Cheongung-II surface-to-air missile system to Ukraine, Prime Minister Han expressed caution. He stated, "There has not yet been an official request," emphasizing that arms exports must consider international circumstances, relevant laws, parliamentary opinions, and public consensus.In response to worries about the US-South Korea alliance, Foreign Minister Cho Hyun actively addressed these by announcing the upcoming foreign ministers' meeting. He stated, "The US-South Korea alliance is fundamentally strong," and plans to meet with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio later this month.Cho acknowledged that even a strong alliance may have differing views but emphasized that any contentious issues have been resolved through close consultations with the US. He asserted that claims of problems within the alliance lack basis and that any differences can be adequately addressed through discussions between the two countries.On North Korea policy, the focus has shifted from economic cooperation to establishing a peace regime that addresses North Korea's security concerns. Unification Minister Jeong Dong-young remarked, "Merely enhancing North Korea's economic interests will not bring back the golden era of inter-Korean relations experienced during past democratic administrations," adding that fundamental problem-solving has now become a priority.Jeong noted that with the restoration of North Korea's relations with China and Russia, it is unlikely that economic incentives alone will draw North Korea to dialogue. He emphasized the need to prioritize the establishment of a peace regime that alleviates North Korea's security concerns, stating, "In the past, the order was to prioritize peace and economic issues, but that order has now changed."He also assessed that significant obstacles to the four-party talks, such as the presence of US troops in South Korea and bilateral agreements between North Korea and the US, have largely been resolved. Jeong asserted that the time is ripe for establishing a peace regime through four-party dialogue and urged the need to actively leverage the current momentum in US-North Korea discussions initiated by President Trump.However, he noted that there are currently no official communication channels between the two Koreas. Jeong stated, "It has been seven years since all contact, dialogue, and communication have been severed," emphasizing the urgency of restoring inter-Korean relations. 2026-09-10 16:52:00
-
Seoul bus strike looms next week as wage talks stall SEOUL, September 10 (AJP) - A full-scale strike by bus drivers in Seoul is increasingly looming, as they threatened again on Thursday to proceed with their planned strike next week. The union, affiliated with the Korean Automobile Workers' Federation, has held a dozen rounds of wage talks with the city's bus operators since March. But the two sides have still been unable to narrow their differences over the workweek hours used to calculate wages as well as a proposed pay increase. The union is demanding that 176 hours be used as the monthly basis for calculating wages, along with a 7.85 percent increase in hourly wages, citing a 2024 Supreme Court ruling in a case involving Dong-A Transportation. But the operators disagree, proposing 209 hours instead, with any differences to be settled later because part of disputes in the case including whether bonuses should be included in ordinary wages were referred to a lower court the following year and remain pending. They estimate that accepting the union's demands would increase annual costs by 539.4 billion won ($390 million), instead offering an overall 10.32 percent wage increase including bonuses. The two sides met for a mediation session earlier this week but failed to reach an agreement, with another session scheduled for next Tuesday. The union remains adamant about going ahead with the strike starting with the first buses on Sept. 16 if no breakthrough is reached in their talks, though it remains open to further negotiations. Meanwhile, the Seoul Metropolitan Government is seeking to mediate a settlement between the two sides while preparing emergency transportation measures to minimize possible disruptions. About 7,000 buses operate across Seoul each day, carrying an average of more than 3.79 million passengers. AJP Takeaways - Seoul bus drivers plan to begin a full-scale strike on Sept. 16, 2026, if wage negotiations fail to reach an agreement. - The Seoul City Bus Labor Union is seeking a 176-hour monthly wage calculation basis and a 7.85-percent hourly wage increase, while the Seoul City Bus Transport Business Association is proposing 209 hours and an overall 10.32-percent pay increase including bonuses. - About 7,000 buses operate across Seoul each day, carrying an average of more than 3.79 million riders, prompting the Seoul Metropolitan Government to prepare emergency transportation measures. 2026-09-10 16:49:32 -
Don Spike Opens Restaurant in Gyeongju After Drug Conviction Composer and entrepreneur Don Spike, whose real name is Kim Min-soo, has announced plans to open a restaurant in Gyeongju after serving time for drug-related charges.On September 10, Don Spike shared on his social media that he is reflecting on his past mistakes from four years ago. He stated, "I have taken time to look back on my life and reflect on the errors I made."He added, "This has been a valuable time to determine how I will live the rest of my life to avoid repeating the same mistakes. With the help of good people, I am preparing for a new beginning in the beautiful coastal area of Gampo in Gyeongju."Don Spike expressed his commitment to not disappoint those who have supported him, saying, "I will do my best to meet everyone's expectations and support."Previously, he revealed the exterior of his upcoming restaurant, which will be named 'BARBACOA by donspike.'Don Spike has a history in the restaurant industry, having previously operated a barbecue specialty restaurant.In September 2022, Don Spike was arrested for purchasing approximately 45 million won worth of methamphetamine and using it with female escorts at hotels and resorts from late 2021 to September 2022.In January 2023, he was sentenced to three years in prison with a five-year probation in the first trial, but the second trial overturned the original sentence, resulting in a two-year prison term, which he has now completed.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-10 16:44:00