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KB Financial Group Expands Collaboration with Bloomberg to Strengthen Global Business KB Financial Group is partnering with global financial information and technology company Bloomberg to enhance its competitiveness in the global capital markets and strengthen its overseas network.On September 9, KB Financial announced that it signed a memorandum of understanding with Bloomberg to expand their strategic collaboration.The two companies will enhance data and technology cooperation focusing on capital markets and asset management. KB Financial plans to utilize Bloomberg's financial information and analytical solutions to improve its trading and investment operations, as well as strengthen its portfolio and risk management capabilities. They will also explore new collaborative opportunities in data governance and digital transformation.Additionally, they will work together to promote KB Financial's financial products and services to global market participants and expand its network of overseas clients and investors.A representative from KB Financial stated, "To enhance our competitiveness in the global capital markets, leveraging data and artificial intelligence (AI) is essential, along with a robust global network. We aim to expand our expertise in capital markets and our global business foundation through our collaboration with Bloomberg." 2026-09-10 13:44:00 -
Hyundai Steel and Subsidiaries Reach Labor Agreement Under New Law Hyundai Steel and its subsidiaries have signed a collective agreement through primary-subcontractor negotiations, marking the first instance since the implementation of the Yellow Envelope Law (revised labor union law).On September 10, the Ministry of Employment and Labor announced that Hyundai Steel and four of its subsidiaries—Hyundai ITC, Hyundai IEC, Hyundai IMC, and Hyundai ISC—signed the "2026 Primary-Subcontractor Negotiation Agreement" at the Hyundai Steel plant in Dangjin. This is the first case of a collective agreement being reached through actual negotiations between primary and subcontractor labor unions since the revised labor law took effect on March 10.The revised labor law expanded the definition of an employer to include those who can substantially and concretely control or determine the working conditions of employees, even if they are not parties to the employment contract.Previously, the Labor Relations Commission decided to separate the bargaining units for the four labor unions of Hyundai Steel's subsidiaries and the labor unions of affiliated companies. The initial decision was made on April 16, and the re-examination decision was made on June 24. Consequently, Hyundai Steel has been conducting negotiations for each bargaining unit.The primary-subcontractor negotiations with the four subsidiary labor unions began with an introductory meeting on August 20 and included a total of four sessions. The management of the subsidiaries also participated in discussions regarding industrial safety issues, recognizing Hyundai Steel's employer status through the Labor Relations Commission.As a result of the negotiations, Hyundai Steel and the subsidiary labor unions agreed to continuously improve the industrial safety and health management systems of the subsidiaries. They also committed to establishing a roadmap for long-term improvements to enhance safety and health standards.The Cheonan branch of the Ministry of Labor supported the negotiations by facilitating practical discussions between labor and management and presiding over labor-management meetings to reconcile the positions of the primary and subcontractor labor unions.Labor Minister Kim Young-hoon stated, "This is the first case where the intent of the revised labor union law, which promotes dialogue and coexistence between primary and subcontractors, has been realized on the ground. The signing of this collective agreement is a significant opportunity for Hyundai Steel's workplace to become safer through dialogue between primary and subcontractors." He added, "The Ministry of Labor will do its utmost to support the promotion of dialogue between primary and subcontractors to ensure the successful establishment of primary-subcontractor negotiations."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-10 13:36:20
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SK Gas Shares Rise Nearly 5% on Increased Profit Outlook from Ulsan GPS SK Gas shares rose nearly 5% during trading on expectations of increased profits from the Ulsan GPS power generation project and a recovery in its liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) business.According to the Korea Exchange, as of 1:24 PM, SK Gas was trading at 254,500 won, up 12,000 won (4.95%) from the previous trading day.Analysts predict that the expansion of profits from Ulsan GPS's power generation business will continue to improve SK Gas's performance. Yuanta Securities forecasts that operating profit from the power generation business centered on Ulsan GPS will increase by 83.4%, from 116 billion won this year to 212.8 billion won next year.Ulsan GPS operates power plants with a capacity of 1,212 MW based on LNG and 1,171 MW based on LPG, capable of using both fuels. This flexibility allows for the selection of the more economically viable fuel depending on price, which is expected to enhance profitability in the power generation sector.SK Gas, a company that imports and distributes LPG both domestically and internationally, has recently expanded its business scope to include LNG storage and transmission infrastructure, diversifying its revenue structure.Notably, the Ulsan Artificial Intelligence Data Center (AIDC) is expected to gradually begin operations in 2027, leading to increased demand for electricity and LNG. Consequently, the utilization of existing energy assets, such as Ulsan GPS and Korea Energy Terminal (KET), is also anticipated to rise.The solid profit base of the LPG core business is another factor fueling expectations for improved performance. Son Hyun-jung, a researcher at Yuanta Securities, stated, "While quarterly performance volatility in the LPG business may continue, the annual profit generation capacity based on domestic and international sales and trading will be maintained."The escalation of tensions between the United States and Iran has also contributed to increased concerns over energy supply chains, impacting stock prices. The geopolitical risks surrounding the Strait of Hormuz have heightened interest in gas-related companies capable of responding to changes in energy supply and demand.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-10 13:36:00
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Mayor Shin Gye-yong: Citizens Must Be Included in Gwacheon's Future Decisions Mayor Shin Gye-yong stated on September 10 that "the city of Gwacheon and its citizens must not be excluded from the process of determining the future of Gwacheon," as he raised concerns about the Ministry of Justice's plan to relocate to Sejong.During a press conference held in the lobby of the government building, Shin criticized the government's unilateral announcement of the relocation plan, which he said significantly impacts Gwacheon's future, without sufficient prior consultation with the city. He called for a reevaluation of the plan.Shin emphasized the need for a comprehensive review of the relocation plan and the establishment of an official consultation body between the government and Gwacheon.While he does not oppose the national direction of balanced regional development, he insists that decisions affecting Gwacheon's urban structure and future should not be made unilaterally by the government without community involvement.He asserted, "Reevaluating the Ministry of Justice's relocation plan from the ground up is Gwacheon's fundamental position." He also stressed that if the relocation is deemed unavoidable, the government should first confirm a central administrative agency or a corresponding key national function before proceeding with the move to maintain Gwacheon's administrative and self-sustaining functions.The Ministry of the Interior and Safety is currently conducting a study to review future utilization plans for the Government Gwacheon building and surrounding vacant land. However, Shin raised concerns that Gwacheon has not been able to participate in discussions regarding this study.Given that the utilization direction of the Government Gwacheon building and vacant land is directly linked to Gwacheon's urban development, he argued that the city and its citizens should be included as official discussion participants from the outset of the study.Moreover, the vacant land in Gwacheon has been frequently mentioned as a potential site for housing supply under government policies, raising significant concerns among local residents.Shin contended that the plans for the Government Gwacheon building and vacant land should be comprehensively reviewed beyond individual policy levels, such as housing supply, in the context of Gwacheon's overall urban planning and long-term development direction.He called on the government to consider the following: reevaluation of the Ministry of Justice's relocation plan, transparent disclosure of the future utilization study for the Government Gwacheon building, establishment of an official consultation body between the government and Gwacheon, and the application of the principle of 'confirming a replacement agency before relocation' if the Ministry of Justice's move proceeds.Local citizens also expressed concerns that the relocation of the government building is not merely an issue of moving a specific department but could impact the overall administrative, economic, and living conditions in Gwacheon.One resident stated, "Policies related to the government building should not be decided without adequately considering the opinions of Gwacheon citizens," adding that it is essential to present what functions will replace the government building and how the city's future will change after the relocation.Another citizen noted, "Since Gwacheon has developed around the government building, any changes to its functions will significantly affect the area," urging that plans for a replacement agency or local development measures should be prepared alongside the relocation decision.Shin reiterated, "If the government proceeds with the relocation, it must first confirm a central administrative agency or a corresponding key national function to maintain Gwacheon's administrative and self-sustaining capabilities."Additionally, Shin plans to request meetings with the President, Prime Minister, and relevant agencies to demand a clear stance from the government. 2026-09-10 13:32:20
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Lack of Witnesses at Justice Minister's Hearing Raises Concerns for Lee Jae-myung's Administration The National Assembly's confirmation hearing for Kim Seung-won, the nominee for Minister of Justice, is set for September 15. However, not a single witness or reference person has been selected to verify the allegations against him. As it stands, the hearing is likely to consist solely of questions directed at the nominee and his responses.The issues at hand are serious, including allegations of soliciting approval for clinical trials of a COVID-19 treatment, which could directly impact public health. There are also claims of potential pressure on investigations related to his deferred prosecution.A confirmation hearing is not merely a platform for the nominee to provide explanations; it serves as a critical evaluation by the National Assembly on whether the nominee is fit for high office on behalf of the public. At the very least, individuals such as broker Yang and pharmaceutical company representative Kang, as well as former Food and Drug Safety Minister Kim Kang-rip, should be present. The absence of witnesses indicates a refusal to conduct proper verification, turning the hearing into a mere 'explanation session.'Moreover, the nominee is set to lead the Ministry of Justice, an institution whose very name embodies justice. Higher standards are expected of him compared to other cabinet members. With fundamental changes to the criminal and judicial system scheduled for October, a Minister of Justice who has lost public trust will be unable to fulfill his duties effectively.Compounding the situation is the current state of the Lee Jae-myung administration. After over a year in office, the administration's approval rating, which once exceeded 60%, has plummeted to the 30% range, with disapproval ratings nearly double that of approval. A recent Realmeter-Energy Economy Newspaper survey indicated that support among residents of Seoul and those in their 30s has dropped to the 20% range. Analysts attribute this decline to controversies surrounding the reversal of real estate tax reforms and allegations of favoritism and dropped charges against cabinet nominees. The government and ruling party must discern whether the signal from the public is to 'conduct more thorough verification' or to 'push through appointments.' The answer is clear.When presidential approval ratings fall to the 20% range, the momentum for advancing national policies diminishes, and even ruling party lawmakers begin to prioritize their own political survival over the president's agenda. This phenomenon is commonly referred to as a 'lame duck' situation. A lame duck does not emerge suddenly; it develops gradually as the public loses trust in the president's judgment, the ruling party becomes hesitant about the president's choices, and the public service sector begins to look toward the next administration. One of the starting points for this decline is always 'appointments.'Believing that blocking witnesses will protect the nominee is a dangerous political delusion. Just because allegations are not addressed during the hearing does not mean they will disappear. History has shown that if additional allegations arise through investigations or media scrutiny after the nominee's appointment, it can be detrimental not only to the individual involved but also to the president and the government. 2026-09-10 13:32:00
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Apartment Move-In Outlook Declines Amid Loan Regulations in South Korea This month, the outlook for apartment move-ins across the country has declined. In the metropolitan area, the drop was more pronounced due to a slowdown in transactions and an increase in wait-and-see attitudes following stricter real estate regulations on loans and taxes.On September 10, the Korea Housing Industry Institute (KHI) reported that the national apartment move-in outlook index for September is 87.6, a decrease of 6.8 points from the previous month.The move-in outlook index predicts whether individuals who have purchased apartments will be able to pay the remaining balance and move in as scheduled. A score below 100 indicates a negative outlook for the move-in market, while a score above 100 suggests a positive outlook.In the metropolitan area, the move-in outlook index fell to 81.0, down 8.4 points from the previous month. In Seoul, the index dropped to 90.6, a decrease of 9.4 points, while Incheon fell to 65.3, down 18.5 points. Conversely, Gyeonggi Province saw a slight increase to 87.0, up 2.7 points.KHI noted, "The uncertainty stemming from stricter household loan management and tax regulations on non-residential properties has led to a slowdown in housing transactions, particularly in key areas like Gangnam and the Han River belt. However, a balloon effect has emerged, with demand shifting to the outskirts of Seoul and southern Gyeonggi Province, which has somewhat limited the extent of the decline in the metropolitan area’s move-in outlook."In major cities, the index fell to 92.9, down 1.0 point from the previous month. Busan dropped from 88.8 to 80.0, a decrease of 8.8 points, and Daejeon fell from 92.8 to 85.7, down 7.1 points. In contrast, Gwangju increased from 100.0 to 107.1, up 7.1 points, and Daegu rose from 81.8 to 85.0, an increase of 3.2 points. Ulsan and Sejong remained unchanged at 100.0.In rural areas, the index fell to 86.0, down 10.8 points from the previous month. Jeju experienced the largest drop, falling 26.2 points to 66.6, while Jeollanam-do decreased by 22.3 points to 77.7, and Gangwon fell by 15.0 points to 75.0. Chungbuk dropped 14.3 points to 85.7, and Gyeongbuk fell 8.4 points to 91.6. Jeollabuk-do and Gyeongnam remained at 100.0, while Chungnam stayed at 91.6.Last month, the actual national apartment occupancy rate was 59.5%, down 8.6 points from the previous month. In the metropolitan area, it decreased from 85.4% to 80.8%, a drop of 4.6 points, while the four major cities outside the metropolitan area, along with Gwangju and Sejong, fell from 58.9% to 55.5%, down 3.4 points. Other regions saw a significant decline from 68.5% to 51.6%, a drop of 16.9 points.The main reasons for unoccupied units included failure to secure final payment loans at 37.2%, delays in selling existing homes at 31.4%, lack of tenants at 15.7%, and delays in selling pre-sale rights at 5.9%. As major banks tightened their mortgage lending criteria in the second half of the year, the proportion of respondents citing failure to secure final payment loans, which had dropped to 26.5% in June, continued to rise last month.KHI stated, "The simultaneous decline in the move-in outlook for September and the occupancy rate for August suggests that the worsening funding conditions due to stricter loan regulations are impacting the move-in conditions for prospective residents. A comprehensive response plan considering the housing market's supply-demand conditions and funding environment is necessary."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-10 13:32:00
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Hyundai Engineering Selected for Energy Projects in Yongin and Shin Honam Hyundai Engineering is achieving significant milestones in the energy sector. On September 10, Hyundai Engineering announced that it has been selected as the preferred bidder for the 'Yongin Combined Heat and Power Plant Construction Project' commissioned by Korea Midland Power and SK Innovation E&S, as well as the 'Shin Honam Combined Cycle Power Plant Construction Project' commissioned by Korea East-West Power. The 'Yongin Combined Heat and Power Plant Construction Project' involves the establishment of a 1,050 MW power generation facility and a 517 Gcal/h heat production facility in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province. Hyundai Engineering will oversee the design, procurement, and construction (EPC) of the project, which has a total budget of approximately 1.75 trillion won. Construction is set to begin in September 2026, with completion expected by September 2030. Combined heat and power generation produces electricity using LNG while recovering heat for district heating or industrial steam, reducing energy loss compared to conventional power plants. The 'Shin Honam Combined Cycle Power Plant Construction Project' will build a 500 MW LNG combined cycle power plant on the site of the Honam Thermal Power Plant in the Yeosu National Industrial Complex, Jeollanam-do. Hyundai Engineering will serve as the lead company in the consortium, responsible for design and major equipment procurement. Posco E&C will handle the procurement and construction of auxiliary equipment, with a total project cost of approximately 630 billion won. Construction is scheduled to start in June 2027 and be completed by May 2030. Combined cycle power plants enhance efficiency by combining gas and steam turbines. The gas turbine operates on LNG, and the high-temperature exhaust gases produced are used to generate additional steam, which is then utilized for steam turbine generation, improving energy utilization. Both projects are being considered for the application of hydrogen co-firing and hydrogen-only combustion methods, using LNG as the primary fuel immediately after completion, with plans to transition to hydrogen co-firing and eventually hydrogen-only combustion in the long term. A Hyundai Engineering official stated, “This achievement reflects the market's trust in Hyundai Engineering's technological capabilities and project execution in the energy sector. We will continue to contribute to national power stability and strengthen our business in next-generation energy infrastructure projects, including combined cycle and combined heat and power generation.” Meanwhile, Hyundai Engineering is also expanding its energy business beyond power plants. In May, it began construction on the Hillsboro solar power project in Texas, USA. The renewable energy produced there will be supplied to major North American facilities of the Hyundai Motor Group, including Hyundai Motor, Kia, and Hyundai Mobis.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-10 13:32:00
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Law Firm YK Launches Class Action Over Data Breach at Gangnam Unni The beauty medical platform Gangnam Unni has experienced a data breach affecting approximately 220,000 personal records, prompting a major law firm in South Korea to initiate a class action lawsuit. Attention is now focused on the court's ruling regarding the leak of consultation and treatment information.On September 10, legal sources reported that law firm YK has filed a damages lawsuit against Healing Paper, the operator of Gangnam Unni, and is recruiting affected members to join the plaintiff group.Previously, Healing Paper announced on September 7 that it had detected abnormal access to its consultation history inquiry feature (API) on September 4, resulting in the leak of some customers' personal information. After identifying the unusual activity, the company blocked the access route, but confirmed the next day that the same attacker attempted to access the system again through a different route.The breach affected a total of 219,665 individuals, with around 160,000 being domestic users. Additionally, approximately 48,000 users from Japan and many others from Taiwan, Thailand, China, and English-speaking countries were also impacted.The leaked information includes names, phone numbers, email addresses, birth dates, genders, countries and regions of residence, social network login IDs, IP addresses, and device information. Notably, details related to consultation requests, including treatment names, hospital names, doctor names, desired appointment times, reasons for consultation, and progress status, were also compromised. In some cases, information about the treatments individuals expressed interest in, actual treatment details, appointment dates, names of treating doctors, and payment amounts and methods were included.This incident is particularly concerning as it involves not only general personal information like names and contact details but also sensitive data regarding the consultations and treatments users sought. The nature of the leaked information and the resulting emotional distress are expected to be key issues in determining the damages awarded.YK views this incident as distinct from a typical data breach. According to Article 23 of the Personal Information Protection Act, health-related information is classified as sensitive. The leaked details about consultation treatment names, hospitals, doctors, and actual treatment histories could reveal which medical institutions individuals consulted or received treatment from.YK believes that this information is likely to be classified as sensitive under the Personal Information Protection Act. If recognized as such, additional consent would be required at the collection stage, and appropriate safety measures must be implemented during processing, which will be crucial in determining liability.The scale of damages is also expected to be a significant point of contention in the lawsuit. In data breach cases, the type and nature of the leaked information, the extent of the breach, and the degree of harm suffered can all influence the calculation of damages. YK argues that the leak of specific beauty medical consultation and treatment histories, which individuals may be reluctant to disclose, warrants a different assessment of emotional distress.Attorney Hyun Min-seok of YK stated, "Even though cosmetic procedures have become commonplace, individuals still prefer to keep their consultation and treatment histories private. The emotional distress experienced by victims may differ significantly between cases where only names and contact information are leaked and those where detailed treatment histories are also exposed."Future litigation will likely examine whether Healing Paper implemented appropriate access controls and safety measures in processing personal information, including the consultation history inquiry API. YK plans to investigate whether the inquiry feature was adequately controlled to respond only to authorized users during the lawsuit.Attorney Hyun added, "This incident goes beyond a simple member information leak, as it involves the exposure of users' consultation and actual treatment information. We will work to substantiate the sensitivity of the leaked information and the emotional harm suffered by victims to ensure adequate compensation is achieved."YK has previously handled numerous class action lawsuits, including cases involving Pizza Hut franchise owners, and is currently representing victims in a data breach case involving the marriage information company Duo. Victims of the Gangnam Unni data breach can apply to participate in the lawsuit through the official website of law firm YK.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-10 13:24:00
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Foldables flip the script in Apple VS Samsung Round 2 SEOUL, September 10 (AJP) - Nineteen years ago, Apple's iPhone rewrote the rules of the mobile phone industry, forcing Samsung Electronics and other handset makers into a frantic race to catch up. Round two is unfolding with the roles reversed. Apple has unveiled the iPhone Duo, its first foldable smartphone, entering a form factor Samsung helped bring into the mainstream with the original Galaxy Fold in 2019. This time, Samsung is the incumbent and Apple the latecomer. The reversal sets up a new chapter in one of the technology industry's longest-running rivalries, with Apple challenging Samsung not in the conventional smartphone format it created but in a category the Korean company has spent years refining. At first glance, the resemblance is striking. The book-style iPhone Duo opens to a 7.6-inch inner display and has a 5.4-inch outer screen. Apple's device starts at $1,999. Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold8, unveiled in July and released in the United States in August, also has a 7.6-inch main display and a roughly 5.5-inch cover screen. It weighs 201 grams and starts at $1,899.99 in the United States. But Apple is unlikely to remain a minor newcomer for long. Counterpoint Research expects Apple to capture about 25 percent of global foldable smartphone shipments in 2026 despite entering the market late in the year, placing it second behind Samsung at 38 percent and ahead of Huawei at 22 percent. The projected jump is particularly notable because initial supply of the iPhone Duo is expected to be constrained, with Apple gradually increasing availability as production ramps up. For Samsung, the more immediate threat may be North America, one of its most important premium smartphone markets and Apple's home turf. Counterpoint earlier forecast Apple's share of North American foldables could reach 46 percent this year, while Samsung's share could fall to 29 percent from 51 percent in 2025. The region's overall foldable market is projected to expand 48 percent. Those numbers illustrate Apple's biggest weapon. Samsung has spent years improving foldable hinges, flexible OLED panels, durability and software built around larger screens. Apple, however, enters the category with an enormous installed base of premium iPhone users who previously had to leave the Apple ecosystem if they wanted a foldable phone. Counterpoint expects that ecosystem advantage to help Apple unlock pent-up demand among high-end iPhone users and take share from premium Android foldable makers. Samsung is hardly entering the battle from a position of weakness. Its global smartphone sales rose 9 percent from a year earlier during the week of Aug. 9-15, even as the overall smartphone market contracted 10 percent, helped by strong early demand for the Galaxy Z8 series. Sales of the Galaxy Z8 series during its first two weeks were 8 percent higher than those of the previous-generation Z7 lineup during the comparable launch period, according to Counterpoint. Samsung also has something Apple does not: seven years of commercial experience in a product category where early failures can be costly. The first Galaxy Fold encountered durability problems, but successive generations allowed Samsung to refine flexible displays, hinges, water resistance, multitasking and software interfaces long before Apple put a folding iPhone on sale. The question is whether that head start can outweigh Apple's ability to rapidly bring millions of existing iPhone users into the category. There is another possibility. Apple's arrival could make the market much bigger. Foldables remain a relatively small part of global smartphone sales despite years of development. Counterpoint expects cumulative foldable shipments to pass 100 million units by the end of this year, eight generations after the category emerged in 2019. Growth is expected to accelerate sharply next year. Counterpoint forecasts global foldable smartphone shipments will rise 37 percent in 2027, the fastest growth since 2022, helped by Apple's expansion, Samsung's latest Galaxy Z Fold devices and new models from other manufacturers. That makes Apple's entry a double-edged development for Samsung. The iPhone maker could strip Samsung of customers at the premium end, particularly in markets where consumers are already deeply tied to Apple's ecosystem. But Apple could also do what Samsung has so far struggled to accomplish on its own: turn folding phones from a specialist category into a mainstream premium device. Samsung could benefit from that expansion even when consumers buy an iPhone. Samsung Display, an affiliate of Samsung Electronics, is one of the world's leading makers of foldable OLED panels and stands to gain as Apple drives demand for premium folding displays. Counterpoint expects global foldable smartphone panel shipments to reach about 27.5 million units this year, up around 24 percent from 2025, while revenue is projected to surge about 48 percent to $4.4 billion. Apple's procurement ramp is one of the main drivers. Earlier Counterpoint research identified Samsung Display as a major beneficiary of Apple's entry and projected its share of foldable panel shipments would rise above 50 percent. The result is an unusual competitive dynamic. Apple is becoming Samsung Electronics' most formidable new competitor in finished foldable phones while simultaneously helping enlarge a display market in which another Samsung company is positioned to benefit. The next phase of competition is also moving beyond hinges and thinness. Counterpoint expects wider book-style foldables to become increasingly important as larger screens make AI-assisted multitasking easier, allowing users to keep source material, AI output and other applications visible simultaneously. Ecosystem integration and software experience are therefore expected to play a larger role in differentiating foldables. That brings the rivalry back onto terrain Apple knows well. Samsung had the first-mover advantage in folding hardware. Apple brings an integrated software and services ecosystem and a large base of premium users. In the first smartphone round, Apple changed the format and Samsung proved it could catch up fast. In round two, Samsung created the head start. Now it is Apple's turn to chase. AJP Takeaways - Apple presents a two-sided impact for Samsung: tougher competition for Samsung Electronics, but potentially stronger demand for the foldable display ecosystem in which Samsung Display is a major player. - Apple is forecast to capture 25 percent of the global foldable market in its first year, while Samsung remains No. 1 with 38 percent, according to Counterpoint Research's latest forecast. - Foldables still account for only about 2 percent of global smartphone sales, but shipments are projected to accelerate 37 percent in 2027 following Apple's entry. 2026-09-10 13:19:50 -
Damyang County Mayor Park Jong-won Engages with Residents in September Park Jong-won, the mayor of Damyang County, began his 'Dialogue with Residents' initiative on September 9.According to Damyang County in Gwangju, Mayor Park will visit 12 towns and villages from September 9 to 29 to hear local voices.On the first day in Damyang-eup, he discussed key local issues with residents, including recovery from heavy rain damage, flood prevention, and waste management facilities.Mayor Park and county officials listened to residents' suggestions and explained the administrative processes and conditions for projects that could not be immediately pursued, while exploring possible alternatives together.After the dialogue, they visited the Hakdong Greenhouse Complex to hear about the challenges and suggestions from local farmers.Damyang County provided specific explanations for administrative and technical challenges that hindered certain initiatives and proposed feasible alternatives.Residents showed understanding and agreement with the explanations regarding project conditions and constraints.The county plans to review residents' suggestions by department, prioritizing those that can be addressed quickly, while managing long-term issues that require budget approval or coordination with relevant agencies separately.The schedule for the dialogue with residents includes Bongsan-myeon on September 10, Goseo-myeon on September 11, Gasa Literature-myeon on September 14, Changpyeong-myeon on September 15, Daedeok-myeon on September 16, Mujeong-myeon on September 17, Geumseong-myeon on September 21, Yong-myeon and Wolsan-myeon on September 28, and Subuk-myeon and Daejeon-myeon on September 29.Park Jong-won stated, “We will create tangible changes that residents can feel, realizing a 'happier Damyang where we live well together.'”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-10 13:04:20