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  • Emart Sees Record 21.2% Increase in Pre-Orders for Chuseok Gift Sets
    Emart Sees Record 21.2% Increase in Pre-Orders for Chuseok Gift Sets Emart has reported a record high in pre-orders for Chuseok gift sets.The company announced on September 10 that sales during the first pre-order period, from August 6 to September 4, increased by 21.2% compared to the same period last year, marking the highest level ever.On the final day of the event, September 4, sales reached their peak for any single day during the pre-order period for holiday gift sets. During the same timeframe, sales at Traders and Emart Everyday also rose by 31.6% and 11.6%, respectively.The surge in sales this year was driven by so-called 'affordable premium' sets, which maintained product quality while lowering prices. Emart explained that it enhanced price competitiveness through diverse sourcing, varying product sizes, and bulk purchasing.Notable items include the $40 'Wando Live Abalone Set' and the $70 'Special Selection of Red Tilefish and Hairtail Set.' In the meat category, the $90 American and Australian-style LA ribs topped the sales charts.Sales of apple and pear gift sets priced between $30 and $50 increased by 10.3% year-on-year, while sales of ginseng, deodeok, and dried mushrooms surged by 42.9%. A mixed set of processed foods, including canned goods and cooking oil, sold over 1.6 million units.High-end gifts also saw increased demand, with sales of premium gift sets priced over $200 rising by 91% compared to last year.In addition to traditional holiday gifts like Hanwoo beef and dried yellow corvina, premium alcoholic beverages such as whiskey and wine, which emphasize brand and rarity, drove high-end demand.From August 6 to September 7, sales of wine gift sets increased by 39.6%, while sales of liquor sets rose by 38.6%, compared to the previous year's pre-order period.Demand for early discounts also contributed to the strong pre-order performance. Emart will continue pre-orders until September 16.Customers can enjoy discounts of up to 50% on select items when paying with event cards or accumulating Shinsegae points, along with gift vouchers based on purchase amounts, interest-free installments, and free shipping.An Emart representative stated, “In light of high inflation, consumers are looking to reduce their purchasing burden through pre-order benefits, while still valuing quality and prestige in gifts for special individuals during the holiday season.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-10 15:48:00
  • Seragem Hosts Support Event for National Team at Jincheon Training Center
    Seragem Hosts Support Event for National Team at Jincheon Training Center Seragem announced on September 10 that it held a support event for the national team athletes training for the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games at the Jincheon National Training Center on September 9.Prior to the event, Seragem collected supportive comments for the national team athletes through its official Instagram account. The messages from customers were then delivered to the athletes at the Jincheon National Training Center.Customers expressed their encouragement with messages such as, "We wholeheartedly support the athletes during their intense training," "We are proud of all the athletes who have endured so much," and "Most importantly, we hope they finish healthy and injury-free." Seragem organized these messages into content to provide strength to the athletes during the event.On the day of the event, a coffee truck was set up for the national team and officials, offering refreshing beverages. Additionally, sports towels featuring the phrase "Seragem supports the national team" were given to the athletes, allowing them a moment to rest and share in the spirit of encouragement.Since 2023, Seragem has collaborated with the Korea Sports Council to support a relaxation space within the Jincheon National Training Center, equipped with Seragem products. This area was fully renovated in May and renamed the "Seragem Champions Recovery Lounge." The upcoming Asian Games will take place from September 19 to October 4.A Seragem representative stated, "It is meaningful to deliver our customers' heartfelt support directly to the national team athletes who are in the final stages of their training ahead of the Asian Games. We hope the athletes can showcase their best abilities and that their hard work pays off with great results."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-10 15:44:20
  • Is the New Hyundai Avante Worth Its Price Tag?
    Is the New Hyundai Avante Worth Its Price Tag? The Hyundai Avante stands out in the compact sedan segment. It offers more space than a subcompact while maintaining lower maintenance costs than a mid-size car, making it a popular choice for first-time buyers. Recently, it has been relaunched as the fully redesigned eighth-generation model, the 'All-New Avante.'The new Avante has undergone significant changes, with an increase in length by 55 mm and a height increase of 5 mm. Its width is now 1,855 mm, just 5 mm less than the Sonata (1,860 mm). These dimensions bring the Avante closer to mid-size sedan standards, effectively blurring the lines between it and the Sonata.However, the pricing is a concern. The gasoline 2.0 model starts at 23.98 million won, while the hybrid 1.6 model begins at 30.42 million won (before eco-friendly vehicle tax benefits). Compared to previous models, the starting price has increased by 3.36 million won for the gasoline version and 3.87 million won for the hybrid. Adding options to the higher trim of the hybrid can push the price over 40 million won.When looking solely at price, the gap between the Avante and Sonata has narrowed significantly. The Sonata's 1.6 gasoline model ranges from 29.33 million to 36.66 million won, while the hybrid ranges from 34.18 million to 41.37 million won. The distinction between the new Avante hybrid and the Sonata is becoming less clear in terms of both size and price.Expanding the competition, the Avante faces more rivals, particularly from Chinese electric vehicles that are gaining traction in the domestic market due to their lower prices. The BYD Dolphin starts at 24.5 million won for the base model and 29.2 million won for the active model, while the Ato3 is priced at 34.9 million won. Although the Avante differs in class and type, consumers looking for new cars in the 20 million to 30 million won range may consider these alternatives.Hyundai maintains that the price increase is not merely a hike but a reflection of enhanced product quality. Jose Munoz, President of Hyundai Motor, stated, "As advanced technologies are integrated into vehicles, costs are rising. Technologies that were unimaginable five years ago are now included, and better materials are being used, which ultimately affects pricing."A Hyundai representative added, "In the era of electrification and software-defined vehicles (SDV), customer expectations are rising. The eighth-generation Avante is designed to offer high product quality from the base trim and provide advanced mobility experiences through various options."While the rationale for the price increase due to improved quality is understandable, it may lead to hesitation among consumers when it comes time to make a purchase. The significant price increase of hundreds of thousands of won could be a burden for the core buying demographic of young professionals in their 20s and 30s. The elimination of the lowest trim has also raised the perceived entry price, contributing to psychological resistance.Despite market concerns, the eighth-generation Avante achieved over 10,000 contracts (11,094 units) on its first day, surpassing the previous record set by the seventh-generation Avante (10,058 units). This achievement is notable, especially as the shift toward electric vehicles accelerates and the preference for SUVs strengthens, demonstrating strong demand for a traditional three-box internal combustion sedan.Particularly noteworthy is the trim selection. An analysis of the contracts reveals that the top trim, Inspiration, accounted for 52% of the total, while the base trim, Modern, and the mid-level trim, Premium, each made up about 24%. This indicates a growing consumer preference for advanced features and differentiated product quality even within the compact segment.An industry insider remarked, "The new Avante has evolved from being a compact car competing solely on price to offering a product quality closer to that of higher-end vehicles. Initial contracts show that despite the price increase, there is demand for higher trims, but the key question will be how consumers accept the increased prices once the initial excitement fades." 2026-09-10 15:44:10
  • Yong Hye-in Stands Firm on Dual Role as Lawmaker and Minister
    Yong Hye-in Stands Firm on Dual Role as Lawmaker and Minister Yong Hye-in, the nominee for Minister of Gender Equality and Family, reiterated her decision not to resign from her position as a proportional representative lawmaker during a press conference held at the National Assembly on September 10.During the conference, she stated, "The nomination of an opposition lawmaker as a minister is the first case since the Kim Dae-jung government and the DJP alliance, making it difficult to evaluate as a mere precedent."She emphasized, "It is a principle that lawmakers can concurrently hold ministerial positions as permitted by law," and questioned whether the tradition of resigning from proportional representation positions has been perceived as a form of political patronage. She expressed agreement with the need for legislative discussion on the potential drawbacks of lawmakers holding ministerial roles, stating, "It is hard to agree with applying different principles and standards only to proportional representatives."Yong added, "If my personal advancement had been more important than serving the nation and the people, I would not have accepted the ministerial position. I accepted the nomination to create a gender-equal society for all under the Lee Jae-myung government."Addressing various allegations against her, she remarked, "Since my nomination, absurd accusations have been reported as if they were factual. Although I have been preparing for the confirmation hearing, the schedule has yet to be set. The fundamental cause seems to be the stubbornness of the People Power Party, and I feel disappointed that even some within the Democratic Party are being swept up in speculation and malicious manipulation."Regarding the so-called 'ghost regional party' allegations against the Basic Income Party, to which she belongs, she clarified, "By law, a regional party must have an office address, and the only full-time staff member, who is also the chairperson, used their home address as the office."In response to criticisms labeling her party as a 'family party' due to her spouse holding a party position, she stated, "There are no procedural flaws, and I consulted thoroughly with party officials and activists during the founding process and meeting preparations. After appointments, there are additional approval processes, so it is not solely my decision."She further asserted, "My income alone is sufficient to support my family, and there is no reason to pay my spouse a salary of 2.5 million won from party funds."On the controversy surrounding her involvement in an alleged 'under-organization' with discriminatory internal regulations, she acknowledged her participation, stating, "I do not intend to deny my involvement in the private faction. The faction disbanded in 2017 due to issues raised by my former colleagues regarding its discriminatory and hierarchical culture, which lacked the capacity for self-correction. I agree with my colleagues' concerns, and it was appropriate for a group with outdated cultural practices to disband."After the press conference, when asked about Kim Gil-o, the CEO of Korea Board Games, related to the 'under-organization' allegations, she replied, "The private faction disbanded in 2017, and I have not been in contact since then."When questioned about her willingness to step down due to high negative ratings in public opinion polls, she said, "I am aware that there are various opinions within the Democratic Party regarding the nomination by the appointing authority, but I have no further comments at this stage."Meanwhile, the schedule for Yong's confirmation hearing has not yet been finalized. The Gender Equality and Family Committee of the National Assembly attempted to adopt a plan for the confirmation hearing during a full meeting, but the session was canceled due to a breakdown in negotiations over witness testimonies between the ruling and opposition parties. 2026-09-10 15:44:10
  • The Stage for Robot Competition is Changing
    The Stage for Robot Competition is Changing The IFA 2026 in Berlin featured the largest number of humanoid robots ever, with a notable presence from Chinese robotics companies. Firms such as Aizhi Robotics, Dubot, Engine AI, and DEEP Robotics showcased their innovations. Unitree's humanoid robot demonstrated its capabilities by assembling a sandwich using bread and vegetables.In late January 2025, 16 Unitree H1 robots performed the traditional Chinese dance Yangge while distributing handkerchiefs during the popular CCTV Spring Festival Gala. In April of that year, humanoid robots participated in a 21.0975 km half marathon in Beijing, with the winning Tian Gong Ultra completing the race in 2 hours, 40 minutes, and 42 seconds. At that time, the robots required human guidance and operated in a semi-autonomous mode. This year, Tian Gong Ultra completed the marathon autonomously, reducing its time to 1 hour and 15 minutes.The evolution from dancing robots to those capable of performing tasks marks a significant advancement in China's humanoid technology. However, it is premature to equate the robots showcased at exhibitions with fully operational 'working robots.' Many challenges remain before they can reliably function in industrial settings for extended periods.Factories and warehouses do not operate under fixed conditions. Variations in component locations or task sequences can occur, and unexpected situations may arise, such as a person entering a robot's path. Simply repeating predetermined actions is insufficient to handle these variables. For robots to work reliably over long periods, they must be able to perceive their surroundings and respond appropriately, which requires accumulating diverse data from real-world tasks. This is part of the Chinese government's push to accelerate the deployment of humanoid robots in industrial environments.In June, China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission launched a special initiative for 'humanoid robots and embodied intelligence practical training.' This initiative focuses on training and validating robots in real work environments. 'Embodied intelligence' refers to the ability of AI to perceive and act upon its environment through a physical body, closely related to physical AI.The goal of this policy is clear: to generate data through practical experience. As robots pick up and move objects, they create various types of information, including video and location data, movement trajectories, force adjustments, joint movements, and task sequences. China aims to utilize this data to improve models, algorithms, and key components. By the end of this year, the government plans to identify over 100 high-value application scenarios and develop the capacity for 'mass-scale field application.'Moreover, the deployment of robots is not limited to factories. Their applications extend to logistics, commercial services, healthcare, caregiving, safety production, and emergency response. Data accumulated in factories alone may not suffice for hospitals or disaster sites, as different environments require distinct judgments and actions. Expanding the range of applications not only broadens the market but also lays the groundwork for acquiring necessary data across various work environments.However, it is crucial not to equate policy goals with current technological capabilities. 'Mass-scale' does not imply that such a number of robots have already been sold or deployed; rather, it signifies the ability to expand to that scale. The Chinese government has also identified challenges such as durability, thermal management, power consumption, collision detection, and emergency braking for long-duration, high-load tasks.South Korea is also ramping up investments in this area. In August, the government announced plans to invest 2.3 trillion won in fostering a humanoid ecosystem by 2030 and an additional 2.8 trillion won for demonstrations in eight key sectors, including autonomous manufacturing, small-scale manufacturing, agriculture, construction, logistics, ports, caregiving, and defense. Furthermore, over 500 demonstrations are scheduled for 2027, with data from various sectors being consolidated into a government-wide integrated library for domestic companies' model training.However, the most critical consideration for South Korea is not the scale of investment but the type of data to be secured in practical demonstrations. The country has already accumulated extensive production experience and process know-how in related fields such as automotive, shipbuilding, semiconductors, batteries, and electronics. If this data, including video, location information, force, torque, and joint movements, can be utilized for training rather than merely confirming the performance of completed robots, it could significantly enhance the value of its manufacturing base.That said, merely increasing the volume of data can lead to limitations in its applicability. Each factory has different equipment and workflows, and companies use various robots and sensors. Even if data is generated from the same task, differences in format and units can hinder its use in other environments or models. While it is impossible to standardize all data into a single format, establishing minimal common standards for what information to record and in what units and structures is essential. It is important to create mechanisms that allow for the use of necessary information while protecting companies' technologies and trade secrets.In the competition for generative AI, computational resources and digital data were crucial. In the next phase, where robots and AI converge, real-world work environments will be the key resource. This shift presents a new opportunity for South Korea, which has a strong manufacturing base. However, China is rapidly expanding robot development and deployment with robust policy support, making it challenging for South Korea to match that pace in the short term. Competing on scale in the same manner is also not realistic for South Korea. Therefore, the country must leverage its strengths in manufacturing to gradually accumulate advanced practical data and refine the process of connecting this data to technological advancements. It is time to build competitiveness not through scale but through the quality of the field and the depth of accumulation.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-10 15:44:00
  • South Korea to Dispatch Second KDRT Team to Flood-Stricken Nepal
    South Korea to Dispatch Second KDRT Team to Flood-Stricken Nepal South Korea will send a second team of the Korea Disaster Relief Team (KDRT) to Nepal, which has been affected by severe flooding, on September 11. However, the size of this team is significantly smaller than the first team, which will return home the same day with 44 members. The duration of the second team's mission is also shorter, reduced from 10 days to 7 days.Park Doo-soon, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated during a regular briefing at the ministry's office in Jongno-gu, Seoul, that the second team will consist of 8 members who will operate in Nepal for 7 days. According to officials, the team will include 2 members each from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Fire Agency, the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), and a medical team.Park added, "The team will be composed of a small number of search and rescue personnel along with a reconstruction team, and we will closely coordinate with the Nepali authorities to carry out reconstruction and relief activities as well as emergency response operations on the ground."Regarding complaints from families of missing persons in Nepal about the KDRT's search efforts, Park said, "The government takes this matter seriously," but emphasized that it has mobilized all available resources for search and rescue operations. He noted, however, that the challenging mountainous terrain, unstable ground conditions, and unpredictable weather have posed significant constraints, necessitating careful consideration of the safety of the team members.Meanwhile, the KDRT has successfully rescued one Chinese survivor 10 days after the flooding, but the search for 9 missing South Koreans continues. 2026-09-10 15:44:00
  • AI Develops Emotional Connections with Users; U.S. Agency Pushes for User Protection Law
    AI Develops Emotional Connections with Users; U.S. Agency Pushes for User Protection Law The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is taking steps to establish a user protection system for generative artificial intelligence (AI) that goes beyond simple question-and-answer interactions to form emotional connections with users.According to the FCC on September 10, the agency is conducting policy research to draft an 'AI User Protection Law.' The primary goal of the legislation is to ensure user rights and create a systematic foundation for addressing damages that may arise during the use of AI services.An FCC official stated, "We have laid out the framework for the law concerning user rights and damage relief, and we are currently discussing how to design an evaluation system for AI services and what level of responsibility and obligations to impose on service providers." A public forum to discuss the related legislation is scheduled for November.The need for AI user protection has grown as the role of generative AI services rapidly expands. Generative AI now offers not only general information but also counseling and emotional exchanges. The trend of 'companion AI' and relationship-oriented chatbots that respond like friends or partners by remembering users' speech patterns, preferences, and past conversations is also on the rise.For instance, AI-based services like Scatter Lab's 'Zeta' and Lutton's 'Crack' have seen significant growth. Zeta's monthly active users surged from 58,069 in April 2024 to 1,586,178 last month, an increase of nearly 27 times. Similarly, Crack's user base grew from 218,050 in April of last year to 538,841 in August, a rise of about 2.5 times.However, this growth has raised new concerns, including the potential for AI to encourage self-harm or criminal behavior, as well as the risk of emotional dependency or over-engagement among youth. Given that different responses can be generated based on the context of user conversations, existing methods for preemptively identifying harmful content have limitations.Questions have also been raised about the effectiveness of youth protection measures. A preliminary study released in February by researchers from the University of California, Irvine, and the University of Alabama, titled 'Actions Speak Louder Than Chats: Investigating AI Chatbot Age Gating,' found that in 1,050 tests of five major AI chatbots, there were no instances of blocking access for child users. Only two cases involved directing users to seek help from adults. The researchers noted, "Simply stating a minimum age in the terms of service does not effectively restrict children's actual access."Another challenge is the ambiguity surrounding accountability and relief procedures when harm occurs. A study by the Korea Information Society Development Institute (KISDI) concluded that the existing telecommunications legal framework is insufficient to adequately address the risks and user harms associated with AI services. KISDI emphasized the need to establish a dedicated dispute resolution committee for AI service-related conflicts.Internationally, there are also movements to enhance user protection for AI chatbots. Last year, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) began investigating the impact of AI chatbots on children and adolescents, focusing on major players like OpenAI, Google, and Meta.In January, California mandated that AI companion chatbot providers inform users that they are not conversing with a human and implement safety measures to address self-harm risks and sexual content aimed at minors.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-10 15:40:10
  • Kim Eun-kyung: Financial Rights Must Transition from Declaration to System
    Kim Eun-kyung: Financial Rights Must Transition from Declaration to System Kim Eun-kyung, head of the Korea Financial Services Agency and the Credit Recovery Commission, emphasized the need to establish inclusive finance as a right for citizens through financial rights.Speaking at the 'Third Policy Forum on Realizing Citizens' Financial Rights' held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, on September 10, Kim stated, "If inclusive finance is a policy direction to ensure no one is excluded from financial services, then financial rights provide the legal and institutional foundation to establish that direction as a citizen's right and public responsibility."To realize financial rights, Kim proposed four basic financial services: basic counseling and debt adjustment, basic insurance, basic loans, and basic savings.Financial rights refer to the right of all citizens to access essential financial services necessary for their economic activities without discrimination. This concept aims to establish financial rights, which are inherent in the constitutional right to pursue happiness, as more concrete universal rights.She added, "Basic counseling, debt adjustment, basic insurance, basic loans, and basic savings are not fragmented services but rather a single 'recovery pathway' that protects citizens in times of crisis and helps them rise again. We must ensure that citizens are protected in crises, can challenge themselves after failures, and that their diligent efforts lead to self-reliance and asset formation."Kim also stressed the importance of clarity regarding who will be guaranteed what level of support, which institutions will share responsibilities, and how to establish stable funding and sustainable performance evaluation systems, stating, "For financial rights to become a tangible reality for citizens, we must fulfill our responsibilities to transform these rights from declarations into systems and into the daily lives of the people."The forum was organized to discuss the institutional foundation and legislative and policy tasks related to the National Basic Financial Guarantee Act.In her presentation, Professor Yoo Kyung-won from Sangmyung University noted, "While policy microfinance clearly serves as a financial safety net by replacing high-interest funds and buffering liquidity during crises, funding alone is not sufficient for citizens to rise again. We need to connect counseling, recovery, self-reliance, and asset formation as a cohesive flow."Professor Han Jae-jun from Inha University, in his presentation on 'Institutional Development and Implications of Global Microfinance,' stated, "Major countries abroad operate a dual support system that combines loan assistance and subsidies in their policy microfinance. It appears that they actively link non-financial services such as counseling, education, and consulting, indicating a need to enhance complex support linkages further."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-10 15:40:10
  • AI Payment Market Worth $7 Trillion: What Standards Are Being Set by the US and China?
    AI Payment Market Worth $7 Trillion: What Standards Are Being Set by the US and China? Ant Group, the financial affiliate of China's Alibaba Group, is partnering with American credit card companies Visa and Mastercard to establish new standards for AI agent payments.On September 10, Ant International, the overseas division of Ant Group, announced the signing of a partnership agreement aimed at developing these standards.The collaboration centers on the principle of 'Know Your Agent,' which aims to create new payment criteria. Just as individuals verify their identity with banks or credit card companies, AI agents will also need to confirm the legitimacy and reliability of the programs they represent.Notably, AI agents do not always make accurate judgments. There is a phenomenon known as 'hallucination,' where AI can generate false information that appears real.Jiang Jingming, Chief Innovation Officer of Ant International, highlighted the importance of ensuring users feel secure, given the potential for AI agents to misrepresent information.To address this, the three companies plan to establish common standards that link each AI agent to real businesses or services and create a system to evaluate the behavior of these agents. This initiative aims to enhance interoperability, allowing AI agents to function smoothly across different payment systems. Jiang stated, 'If an agent is registered with Ant, there will be no need to register again with Visa or Mastercard.'Over the past year, Visa, Mastercard, and Ant International have each unveiled their own protocols to ensure safe transactions via AI agents. This collaboration is seen as a move to create common standards that will allow their independently developed systems to interconnect.Pablo Perez, Chief Digital Officer of Mastercard, emphasized that for commerce using AI agents to expand on a large scale, different 'agent identity verification' systems must be compatible. He stressed the need for merchants and payment providers to have a unified standard for assessing the trustworthiness of AI agents.This initiative comes as the market for 'agent-based commerce,' where AI agents place orders or access services on behalf of users, is expected to grow rapidly. Global consulting firm McKinsey predicts that by 2030, AI agents will handle transactions worth between $3 trillion and $5 trillion in global consumer commerce.Visa and Mastercard's partnership with Ant Financial is particularly significant as electronic wallet payments are more common than credit card transactions in many emerging markets. According to global payment service provider Worldpay, electronic wallets accounted for 56% of online shopping payments and 33% of offline payments worldwide last year, with total payment volumes exceeding $13 trillion.Ant International has been expanding its global payment network through partnerships with electronic wallets. Its parent company, Ant Group, operates the mobile payment service Alipay in China, and Ant International has partnered with over 50 electronic wallets through 'Alipay Plus.'Recently, Alipay has also been expanding its payment services utilizing AI. On September 9, Alipay introduced a service that allows users to regularly order Starbucks drinks or summon rides from Chinese ride-hailing company Didi using AI. Users can request Alipay to 'buy a Starbucks iced Americano every day at 10 AM,' and the AI will place the order at the specified time, subsequently prompting the user for payment. 2026-09-10 15:40:10
  • Justice Ministry Hosts Policy Forum on Organizational Reform and Immigration
    Justice Ministry Hosts Policy Forum on Organizational Reform and Immigration The Justice Ministry, preparing for organizational reform to adapt to rapidly changing administrative demands, held a policy forum at the National Assembly.On September 10, the Justice Ministry, led by Acting Minister Lee Jin-soo, co-hosted a forum with Democratic Party lawmakers Jeong Seong-ho, Kang Deuk-gu, and Chae Hyun-il, focusing on the direction of the Justice Ministry's reorganization in light of proposed amendments to the Government Organization Act.The forum was convened to discuss the establishment of a Correctional Agency and the elevation of the Immigration and Foreign Policy Bureau to a vice-ministerial level, in response to the rapidly changing work environment in correctional and immigration administration. The proposed amendment, introduced by Chae in March, includes the introduction of a multi-vice minister system, the establishment of a Correctional Agency under the Justice Minister, and the creation of a political position to oversee immigration management.The first topic addressed was the transformation of correctional administration towards a safer society, emphasizing the need for a Correctional Agency. The current correctional system faces challenges such as chronic overcrowding and a surge in high-risk inmates, including those with drug and mental health issues, necessitating a more professional and systematic response. The role of correctional facilities is expanding beyond mere confinement to include rehabilitation and prevention of recidivism.Participants agreed that establishing a Correctional Agency would enhance the professionalism and independence of correctional policies, allowing for a more sophisticated response to evolving correctional needs. Discussions focused on the specific design direction for the agency's functions, authority, organizational structure, and personnel management.The second topic was the national immigration policy connecting population, regions, and industries, advocating for the elevation of the Immigration and Foreign Policy Bureau to a vice-ministerial level. The number of foreign residents in South Korea has increased from approximately 1.06 million in 2007 to 2.9 million in 2026, representing 5.7% of the total population. Consequently, immigration policy has evolved from mere border control and residency management to a national strategy encompassing talent attraction, regional economic revitalization, and social integration.The forum explored the need to elevate the head of the Immigration and Foreign Policy Bureau to a vice-ministerial political position to integrate and coordinate immigration policies from a national perspective. Additionally, there were calls to strengthen the control tower function of the government’s immigration policy and to redefine the bureau's name to align with its expanded organizational status.Acting Minister Lee Jin-soo stated in his opening remarks, "We will establish a correctional and immigration management system that ensures public safety by providing professionalism and independence in correctional administration and accountability and coordination in immigration administration."Former Justice Minister Jeong emphasized the importance of sustainable innovation in justice administration supported by organizational backing, while Kang highlighted the need to redefine the state's roles and responsibilities in line with changing times. Chae, the lead sponsor of the amendment, stressed the importance of enhancing the nation's response capabilities to meet changing administrative demands, ensuring that the outcomes lead to tangible improvements in the lives and safety of the public.The Justice Ministry plans to carefully review the opinions gathered from lawmakers, academia, and field experts during the forum to actively incorporate them into future organizational reform plans, including the establishment of a Correctional Agency and the elevation of the Immigration and Foreign Policy Bureau.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-10 15:40:00