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  • Chinese Media Criticizes EUs Trade War Threats
    Chinese Media Criticizes EU's Trade War Threats Chinese state media has strongly criticized recent trade pressure statements from the European Union (EU) regarding China.On September 10, the Global Times reported that "EU officials have repeatedly issued ultimatum-like demands to China, and European media are claiming that the EU and China are on the brink of a trade war."Maros Sefcovic, the EU's Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, recently demanded clear commitments from China to address trade imbalances, stating, "I want to see initial actions by early October." He warned that if dialogue fails to yield results, there would be political pressure within the EU to seek alternative solutions.The Global Times noted, "China has not responded aggressively to the EU's harsh statements and has been advocating for resolving mutual concerns through dialogue and negotiation," emphasizing that unilateral conditions or threats of market closure should not be used as pressure tactics. The media outlet also pointed out that Europe, which is experiencing trade friction with the United States, should reflect on its own stance towards Washington and how the U.S. treats Brussels.Additionally, the article refuted European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's frequently cited figure of a trade deficit with China amounting to approximately 1 billion euros per day. It argued that this figure does not reflect the EU's service trade surplus with China and failed to acknowledge that many products produced by European companies in China and sold back to the European market are recorded as profits for China, while the majority of actual profits return to Europe.The media stated, "China does not desire a trade war, but it is not afraid of one," asserting that demands for unilateral concessions through unequal trade agreements are unacceptable. It further questioned whether the EU truly has the capability to engage in a trade war with China, challenging, "If you are really prepared, go ahead and try it."Meanwhile, China's exports to the EU reached $425.2 billion in cumulative figures as of August this year, a 15.3% increase from the previous year. Imports amounted to $182.8 billion, up 6.2%. China's trade surplus with the EU for this year has increased by 23.3% to $242.5 billion.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-10 10:08:00
  • Apple Unveils First Foldable iPhone Duo Starting at $1,999
    Apple Unveils First Foldable iPhone Duo Starting at $1,999 Apple introduced its new foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo, starting at $1,999 on September 9. John Turnus, the new CEO of Apple, expressed optimism, stating, "We will redefine the foldable phone experience." However, concerns have been raised that the high price may render it a mere luxury item.First foldable phone marks a major design shift after 20 yearsAccording to Reuters, CEO Turnus unveiled the iPhone Duo at Apple Park in Cupertino, California. This marks Apple's first foldable phone, breaking away from the flat design the company has maintained since 2007.The device is a passport-style smartphone that folds horizontally, featuring a 5.4-inch display when closed and a 7.6-inch (19.3 cm) screen when opened. The open screen area is 50% larger than that of the iPhone 18 Pro Max and 80% larger than the iPhone 18 Pro.When opened, the thickness is 5.2 mm, while it measures 11.3 mm when closed, weighing 254 grams. Apple claims it is the thinnest device in its lineup when opened, although it is thicker than competing products from Chinese manufacturers, according to Reuters.The iPhone Duo features a specially designed hinge, a dual display with a consistent aspect ratio, and a new titanium body. The base model with 256GB of storage starts at $1,999, while the top model with 2TB of storage is priced at $3,199.During the event, Turnus emphasized, "It’s a completely new product yet surprisingly familiar," noting its passport-like size makes it comfortable to hold and easy to use with one hand.He also pointed out that existing foldable phones are often cumbersome and unsuitable for everyday tasks like scrolling or watching videos, stating that they feel like two phones stuck together, making the larger screen feel smaller. Apple has focused on enhancing the user experience to differentiate itself from existing foldable phones.The Wall Street Journal noted that under Tim Cook's leadership, Apple has faced criticism for not releasing enough innovative products, suggesting that Turnus aims to mark his era as a "new beginning for innovation."Francisco Jeronimo, an analyst at IDC, remarked, "Apple may be entering the foldable phone market years later than others, but with just one product announcement, it has set the price and competitive standards. Now, all competitors will be evaluated against Apple."Apple to compete with Huawei in China's foldable phone marketChina, the largest market for foldable phones, is expected to be a critical battleground for the success of the iPhone Duo.According to Counterpoint, China accounted for 45% of the global foldable phone market last year, with Huawei holding about 80% of that share. Ahead of the iPhone Duo's launch, Huawei and Xiaomi proactively announced their latest foldable phone models on September 7.Counterpoint forecasts that global foldable phone shipments will exceed 100 million units this year, predicting that Apple will capture a 25% market share in its first year, placing it second behind Samsung's 38%. Huawei is expected to hold 22%. IDC anticipates that Apple's market share could rise to about 40% by the end of next year.Will it be a luxury item? Price and usability are key factorsHowever, concerns have been raised regarding the iPhone Duo. The base model's price of $1,999 is approximately $100 more than Samsung's flagship foldable phone, the Galaxy Z Fold 8, which retails for $1,899.99.Dipanjan Chatterjee, an analyst at Forrester, told the BBC, "Due to its high price, it risks becoming a 'luxury item' that enhances brand image but fails to drive substantial growth."Carolina Milanesi, an analyst at Creative Strategies, pointed out that the learning curve associated with transitioning from traditional smartphones to foldable devices presents a significant challenge.There are also concerns that the foldable phone market remains relatively small, limiting growth potential. According to CCS Insight, foldable phones currently account for only about 2% of total smartphone sales. Ben Wood, a CCS analyst, predicted that even with Apple's entry, the foldable phone market share will only reach about 4% of the overall smartphone market within the next decade. 2026-09-10 10:08:00
  • Hwachuns Beneficial Microorganism Cultivation Increases by 60% in Three Years
    Hwachun's Beneficial Microorganism Cultivation Increases by 60% in Three Years The cultivation of beneficial microorganisms in Hwachun, Gangwon Province, has increased by approximately 60%, rising from 109 tons in 2022 to 175 tons last year. By the end of August this year, 140 tons have already been produced to meet ongoing demand from local farms.According to Hwachun County on September 10, the county has been operating a beneficial microorganism cultivation center in the Hwachun Agricultural Industrial Complex since 2021. The target recipients are registered agricultural management entities in the region.The cultivated microorganisms include four types: Bacillus, photosynthetic bacteria, lactic acid bacteria, and yeast. These are provided free of charge to crop and livestock farms.Farmers are utilizing these microorganisms to enhance crop growth, improve soil conditions, and reduce odors in livestock facilities. Feedback indicates that the increased supply is helping to lower the use of chemical fertilizers and reduce farming costs.Agricultural producers interested in utilizing the microorganisms can visit the center on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with their own containers, fill out an application form, and receive the cultivation liquid.The free supply of agricultural microorganisms is part of an eco-friendly agricultural support initiative operated by several cities and counties in Gangwon Province. Hongcheon County supplies five types of microorganisms, including photosynthetic bacteria, year-round, while Hoengseong County produces over 200 tons of microorganisms annually. Yanggu County is enhancing accessibility for farmers by utilizing various supply points across towns and villages.Last year's production in Hwachun is significant compared to other major cultivation facilities in the province. Notably, Hwachun differentiates itself by recycling some of the mountain trout collected after the Sancheoneo Festival as agricultural materials.The county supplies an eco-friendly fish fermentation liquid made from mountain trout at a price of 1,500 won per liter. This product has received organic agricultural material certification.Recently, it has been noted that not only farmers but also local mountain trout farms are seeking supplies of the microorganism cultivation liquid. If this demand is met, the center's support scope is expected to expand from agriculture and livestock to aquaculture.Kim Se-hoon, the mayor of Hwachun, stated, “We are striving for stable production and supply of beneficial microorganisms to ensure their diverse use in agricultural settings. We will support efforts to reduce farming costs and enhance income.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-10 10:04:20
  • Local Governments to Join Labor Inspections for the First Time in 73 Years
    Local Governments to Join Labor Inspections for the First Time in 73 Years 73 years after the central government took charge of labor inspections, local governments will now participate. Starting in December, leading local governments such as Gyeonggi and Jeju will begin workplace inspections, with the government planning to enhance the expertise of local labor inspectors through the dispatch of central inspectors and the establishment of training and IT systems. On September 10, the Ministry of Employment and Labor held the first meeting of the 'National Labor Inspection Council,' announcing the 'Establishment and Implementation Plan for Local Government Labor Inspection System.' This plan outlines the preparations needed for local governments to conduct labor inspections ahead of the December 8 implementation of the 'Labor Inspector Job Execution Act' and clarifies the division of roles between central and local authorities. The meeting included Minister of Employment and Labor Kim Young-hoon, along with deputy heads from 16 cities and provinces, and officials from the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, who reviewed the readiness of local governments. The National Labor Inspection Council is the first statutory body where central and local governments discuss labor inspections together. It will select the targets for delegation of inspection authority, discuss uniform application of labor standards and health and safety criteria, and explore ways to strengthen the capabilities of local labor inspectors. Since the enactment of the Labor Standards Act in 1953, the labor inspection system has been under the central government’s purview, marking a significant shift to a joint system with local governments after 73 years. In April, the government established the Labor Inspector Job Execution Act to provide a legal basis for local government labor inspections. Gyeonggi and Jeju signed agreements for collaborative inspections in January and July, respectively. In May, the 'Regional Labor Inspection Council' was formed, involving local labor offices from nine regions and local governments, which has since conducted joint inspections and consultations. The implementation plan divides the necessary tasks for local labor inspections into three pillars: 'Preparation, Cooperation, and Execution.' First, the qualifications and appointment procedures for local labor inspectors, as well as the scope of delegated authority, will be specified in subordinate regulations. A 'Local Labor Inspector Duty Regulation' containing detailed inspection criteria is also set to be established next month. Efforts will also be made to expand personnel. The Ministry of the Interior and Safety will support the prompt deployment of 120 local labor inspectors, as designated this year. Training focused on practical exercises will be conducted for new inspectors over eight weeks from October to November, and local inspectors will participate in specialized training provided by the Ministry of Labor. An IT infrastructure will be established, with plans to build a labor information system by November to enable local governments to commence inspections within the year. A dedicated system for local governments and a mobile inspection checklist are planned for development next year. The capacity of local governments to perform delegated tasks will be assessed starting next year, with joint evaluations by the government to begin in 2028. Support measures will also be implemented to compensate for the initial lack of field experience among local inspectors. Veteran central labor inspectors will be dispatched to each city and province to oversee and guide the inspection and investigation processes. When local inspectors conduct their first workplace inspections, they will be accompanied by inspectors from the relevant local labor office to assist in the field. The selection of workplaces for inspection will be determined by plans prepared by the cities and provinces, reviewed by the Regional Labor Inspection Council, and finalized by the National Labor Inspection Council. In cases of urgent inspections needed due to social issues or industrial accidents, the targets for inspection may be added or changed. During workplace inspections, particular attention will be paid to issues directly related to workers' rights, such as wage arrears. Checklists and evaluation criteria will be utilized to reduce regional disparities in inspections, and support will be provided to small businesses to ensure compliance with labor laws and establish labor management systems. A support system for investigations necessary for local inspectors performing special judicial police duties will also be established. A three-tiered support system will be implemented, involving 'dispatch of central inspectors - support from local labor offices - guidance and advice from prosecutors,' and a 'referral application system' will be introduced to transfer complex cases that local governments cannot handle to the relevant local labor office. Gyeonggi and Jeju are preparing to begin workplace inspections on December 8, coinciding with the law's implementation. Jeju established a dedicated labor inspection department, the 'Labor Safety Inspector,' on August 25, becoming the first local government in the country to do so. Gyeonggi Province plans to recruit 170 local inspectors and has already enrolled 10 prospective inspectors in training with the Ministry of Labor last month. Minister Kim Young-hoon stated, "The purpose of local government inspections is not to penalize small businesses but to prevent legal violations and support the establishment of labor management systems. We will do our utmost to ensure that local governments' preventive inspections contribute to eliminating blind spots in workplace safety in the region."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-10 10:04:00
  • Government Implements Power Stabilization Measures Ahead of Chuseok
    Government Implements Power Stabilization Measures Ahead of Chuseok The government is launching measures to stabilize the power grid as electricity demand decreases during the autumn season. With reduced power consumption from industrial and commercial facilities during the Chuseok holiday, the government plans to balance supply and demand by reducing generation and increasing electricity consumption during daylight hours, as renewable energy sources like solar power continue to generate electricity.On September 10, the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment, led by Minister Kim Sung-hwan, is reviewing the current power supply situation and operational plans for the autumn season at the Han River Flood Control Center in Seocho-gu, Seoul.This autumn, the focus of power supply management will be on effectively managing excess generation rather than a shortage of electricity.The power grid must maintain a real-time balance between the electricity produced by power plants and the electricity consumed by users. As the share of renewable energy, which varies with weather conditions, increases, there is a growing need to accurately predict and control the output from smaller generation sources.This issue becomes more pronounced in autumn, as cooling demand significantly decreases compared to summer. On sunny and cool days, solar and wind generation can increase, leading to a higher likelihood of supply exceeding demand, especially during weekends or holidays when industrial and commercial electricity consumption drops.The government anticipates that total power demand will fall to 47.3GW at 1 p.m. on Chuseok, September 25.To address this, the government has designated a 58-day period from September 19 to November 15 as the 'Autumn Power Supply Stabilization Measures Period' to manage the power grid. This aims to prevent localized supply-demand imbalances or system instability from escalating into nationwide power grid instability.First, the government will minimize situations where excess power is generated. It will adjust maintenance schedules for major generators to reduce the number of operating units and minimize the operation of coal-fired power plants.Conversely, during times of low electricity consumption, the government will work to increase demand. It will enhance the 'Plus Demand Response (DR)' program to boost consumption during surplus periods and adjust the charging times for energy storage systems (ESS) linked to solar power.The charging time for ESS, previously set from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m., will be shifted to 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the stabilization period. This adjustment aims to encourage the storage of surplus electricity in ESS during peak solar generation hours.Electric vehicle (EV) charging will also be utilized to increase electricity demand during daylight hours. The government plans to temporarily discount electricity rates for EV chargers from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekends and holidays in September and October.For residential and commercial EV charging, the electricity rate will be discounted by 50%. Rates for charging service providers, including public institutions, local governments, and private charging operators, will be reduced by up to 32%. This initiative aims to distribute and encourage EV charging during low-demand weekend hours to maintain balance in the power grid.Should generation significantly exceed demand despite these measures, the government will implement output control to directly reduce generator output.To enhance predictability for power producers, the government plans to provide notifications about the need for output control three times: the day before, at 9 a.m. on the day of, and 30 minutes prior to the control. However, in cases of sudden weather changes requiring real-time responses, the government will provide advance notice as much as possible before implementing output control.Minister Kim Sung-hwan stated, "Electricity is a core resource that supports the lives and economy of the people, so it is crucial to ensure stable power supply management without any gaps. We will work closely with relevant agencies to ensure the stable operation of the power system this autumn, allowing citizens to celebrate the Chuseok holiday with peace of mind."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-10 10:04:00
  • Broadcast and OTT Industry Aims for 30 Trillion Won by 2030
    Broadcast and OTT Industry Aims for 30 Trillion Won by 2030 The government is laying the groundwork for growth among creators, production companies, platforms, and the content creation industry.The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced on September 10 the '7th Long-Term Plan for the Promotion of the Broadcasting and Video Industry (2026-2030).' This plan was proactively established two years ahead of the end of the previous '6th Long-Term Plan (2023-2027)' to reflect the rapidly changing environment of the broadcasting and video content industry.After more than 18 communication sessions, including industry meetings and site visits, the ministry outlined four key strategies and 12 detailed tasks aimed at achieving the following goals by 2030: 30 trillion won in industry revenue, 306 million dollars in content exports, and doubling the proportion of production companies with revenues exceeding 10 billion won (from the current 13.9% to 27.8%).First, the ministry believes that securing intellectual property rights for production companies is key to ensuring the sustainability of the broadcasting and video industry. To this end, it plans to increase subsidies for production costs necessary to secure intellectual property rights (IP) for both drama and non-drama formats. In the long term, the ministry aims to expand support through funds, loans, and tax incentives, enabling production companies to cover about 50% of the average drama production costs, which range from 10 to 15 billion won for a 10-episode series.Additionally, the ministry has designated content creators on platforms like YouTube as a new source of intellectual property and a strategic genre for spreading 'K-content' globally, committing to support the entire production cycle.As competition intensifies among global broadcasting and video content distribution platforms, the ministry will enhance support for domestic platforms, including online video services (OTT), to strengthen their competitiveness in both domestic and international markets. This includes improving the sound and image quality of existing videos and continuing support for dubbing and subtitles for direct overseas expansion.The ministry will also expand support for co-productions between domestic production companies and foreign broadcasters and studios, as well as increase production cost rebates (location incentives) to encourage domestic filming of major international productions, similar to past projects like 'Avengers: Age of Ultron' (2015) and 'Black Panther' (2018). Furthermore, it aims to develop the International Broadcasting and Video Market (BCWW) into Asia's largest event and to re-host the Asia Drama Conference, positioning South Korea as a future hub for international broadcasting and video content production.To reflect the changing video content environment, the ministry will establish integrated promotion legislation covering broadcasting, OTT, film, animation, and new media video content (including creator content, AI-generated videos, and virtual humans). It will also create a structured support ladder for systematically nurturing industry professionals, discovering new talent, enhancing the skills of existing workers, and cultivating leaders in the OTT industry.To increase the utilization of the 'Virtual Studio' (located within Daejeon Studio Cube), which opened in December last year, the ministry will implement preferential measures for production companies and fully remodel the Digital Magic Space (DMS) studio in Sangam-dong, Seoul, to equip it with the latest filming and post-production facilities.In response to the evolving industry environment, including the emergence of OTT platforms, the ministry will push for revisions to standard contracts in the broadcasting sector to foster a fair contract culture and will work on establishing standard contracts for content creators to protect their rights.Moreover, to strengthen copyright protection, the ministry will actively utilize the recently implemented emergency blocking system for illegal sites (since May 2026) and enhance international cooperation to address copyright infringement issues abroad. Additionally, it will ensure the viewing rights of vulnerable groups through the integrated cultural usage voucher and continue to support the production of voice-over subtitles and audio description broadcasts to improve accessibility for people with disabilities.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-10 10:00:10
  • SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won Inspects Ulsan AI Data Center and Manufacturing AX Site
    SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won Inspects Ulsan AI Data Center and Manufacturing AX Site Chey Tae-won, chairman of SK Group, visited Ulsan to assess the implementation status of AI transformation (AX).On September 10, Chey visited the SK AI Data Center in Ulsan and the SK Innovation Ulsan CLX (Complex) as part of his on-site management efforts. He was accompanied by key executives, including Jang Yong-ho, CEO of SK Innovation; Jeong Jae-hun, CEO of SK Telecom; Yoon Byeong-seok, CEO of SK Gas; Kim Won-ki, CEO of SK Enmove; Kim Jong-hwa, CEO of SK Energy and SK Geo Centric; Kim Seong-su, CEO of SK Broadband; and Kim Young-sik, CEO of SK Eco Plant.This visit marked Chey's first domestic on-site management since declaring a major shift toward AX-centered management at the 'New Icheon Forum' in June. He inspected the construction status of the SK AI Data Center in Ulsan, which is the first site in SK Group's nationwide initiative to establish AI infrastructure with a total capacity of 15 gigawatts (GW), aiming for operational readiness by the end of 2027 in collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS). SK Group plans to expand the Ulsan AI Data Center to a GW-scale and establish a total of over 2 GW of AI data center clusters across the Yeongnam region.Following this, Chey visited SK Innovation Ulsan CLX to check on the AX status and encourage the staff. Ulsan CLX is a core site for SK Innovation's manufacturing AX, integrating AI into refining and chemical processes to optimize operations, enhance safety, and improve energy efficiency.The dual-brain concept at Ulsan CLX combines AI, which makes data-driven decisions, with the decades of experience accumulated by engineers on-site. The AI continuously monitors and analyzes all processes and equipment across the 2.5 million square meters of Ulsan CLX, allowing for rapid responses based on human judgment. This model is expected to be applicable to other manufacturing sites in the future.SK Group has positioned itself as an 'AI full-stack provider' as part of its strategy, aiming to build a value chain that starts with semiconductors and encompasses AI data centers, energy, and services, ultimately leading to the application of manufacturing AX in real industrial settings.Chey emphasized, "The SK AI Data Center in Ulsan is a cornerstone of our country's AI development, and I urge you to prioritize safety in its construction with pride." He added, "Ulsan CLX is the heart of SK Innovation, which is fundamental to SK Group, and I encourage you to continue your dedication to driving SK Group's AX innovation as you have done so far."He further stated, "The SK AI Data Center in Ulsan, a symbol of AI infrastructure, and SK Innovation Ulsan CLX, which implements that AI in actual production, must ultimately connect to complete SK's vision of being an 'AI full-stack provider.' Let us lead the AI era through synergy among SK Group members."After his on-site management, Chey is expected to participate in the '2026 Ulsan Forum' on September 11. 2026-09-10 10:00:10
  • CJ CheilJedang Expands Marketing for Haeppang in New Yorks Times Square
    CJ CheilJedang Expands Marketing for 'Haeppang' in New York's Times Square CJ CheilJedang announced on September 10 that it will conduct a global campaign, 'Sticks To Anything,' to promote its 'Haeppang Sticky White Rice' in the United States through both online and offline channels until November.As part of the campaign launch, advertisements for Haeppang Sticky White Rice were displayed on major billboards in New York's Times Square, Broadway, and downtown Los Angeles from August 31 to September 6 (local time).In the U.S., Haeppang Sticky White Rice is marketed under the name 'bibigo Sticky White Rice.' Last year, sales of Haeppang Sticky White Rice in North America surpassed 100 million units.The campaign draws inspiration from the term 'Sticky' in the product name, conveying the rice's chewy texture and its versatility with various dishes, encapsulated in the slogan 'Sticks To Anything.'Online content for the campaign has been released since August 19. A teaser video shared on bibigo USA's official Instagram and TikTok features a giant ball of rice rolling through Houston and downtown Texas. As of September 8, the video has garnered over 20 million views within three weeks of its release. Additionally, Google searches for related keywords, including bibigo, have increased more than threefold since the campaign began.The campaign will unfold in two phases until the end of November. The first phase, launched on September 8, includes five pieces of content titled 'Sticky Rice Wall,' showcasing Haeppang Sticky White Rice paired with Korean dishes such as pork belly, bibimbap, tofu kimchi, and japchae. On October 6, five additional pieces of content, 'Sticky Rice Tape,' will be released, focusing on American food culture. This content will visualize 'Sticky' in the form of tape and introduce Haeppang Sticky White Rice paired with familiar local dishes like steak, burrito bowls, and mac and cheese.Content featuring NFL player Kyler Murray and influencer Brooke Monk, who has approximately 50 million followers, will also be released sequentially. TikTok will host interactive content allowing consumer participation.A representative from CJ CheilJedang stated, 'It is meaningful to promote the quality and appeal of Haeppang Sticky White Rice through iconic platforms like Times Square in New York. We will continue to strengthen our position as a leading global K-food brand through marketing activities tailored to local consumer lifestyles and trends.'Haeppang, launched in 1996, is Korea's first shelf-stable instant rice brand, celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-10 10:00:00
  • Kim Min-seok Addresses Controversy Over Seoul Mayor Candidate List
    Kim Min-seok Addresses Controversy Over Seoul Mayor Candidate List Kim Min-seok, leader of the Democratic Party, clarified on September 10 that a notebook containing a list of potential candidates for the Seoul mayoral election was simply a collection of ideas. He stated, "I just wrote down what various people have told me." During an appearance on the Democratic Party's official YouTube channel, Min-seok emphasized, "I have not discussed this with the individuals mentioned, nor have I sought their opinions. I apologize for being photographed with it." He noted, "I believe there is a 99.99% chance of a Seoul mayoral election and a by-election for the Gangneung parliamentary seat. I have responsibilities for both the general election and the by-elections in Seoul and Gangneung, so it is natural for me to prepare." Regarding the names and initials in his notebook, he identified 'Hoon-sik' as Kang Hoon-sik, chief of the presidential office, 'Won-sik' as former National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-sik, and 'Cheong-rae' as former Democratic Party leader Jeong Cheong-rae. The other candidates, which were difficult to identify, included former Trade Negotiation Chief Kim Hyun-jong, Seoul National University professor Kim Kyung-min, and former lawmaker Kim Jin-ae. Min-seok also mentioned that individuals like Jeong Won-o (former mayor of Seongdong-gu), Park Joo-min (Democratic Party lawmaker), Jeon Hyun-hee (Democratic Party lawmaker), Seo Young-kyo (Chair of the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee), and Park Hong-geun (Minister of Planning and Budget) were part of the basic candidate pool from the last primary. He added, "I wrote this down while analyzing what kind of candidate would appeal to Seoul and be a winning card." Additionally, he commented on the 'OUT' notation next to the names of Lee Jin-sook and Han Dong-hoon, stating, "I believe these two should not be in the National Assembly. There are controversies surrounding the May 18 incident, and I am pursuing the expulsion or at least suspension of Lee Jin-sook, who denies the legacy of former President Kim Young-sam." As for Han Dong-hoon, an independent lawmaker, Min-seok remarked, "He positioned himself as an attacker during the confirmation hearing for Kim Seung-won, the nominee for Minister of Justice, but it became a Han Dong-hoon incident. It has been confirmed that the materials he presented were internal documents, and the leak itself poses legal issues." He concluded, "There is a situation that goes beyond reasonable suspicion of legal violations, and the Han Dong-hoon incident must be resolved." * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-10 10:00:00
  • Delivery Riders Route Sparks Controversy Over Service Fees
    Delivery Rider's Route Sparks Controversy Over Service Fees A customer using a delivery platform's 'single household delivery' service raised concerns after noticing that the rider assigned to their order stopped at another apartment complex. The customer had paid an additional 1,000 won for the service but suspected that the rider was handling multiple orders during the delivery process.On September 9, a post titled 'Single Household Delivery: Customers Can't Get Refunds Even If the Rider Doesn't Deliver to One Household' appeared on an online community.The author of the post, identified as A, stated, "I often used the single household delivery service thinking it only delivered to one household. This time, I kept the order screen open while playing a game after placing my order."While checking the delivery route, A noticed that the rider, who was supposed to be heading to their home, stopped at an apartment complex in the opposite direction.A explained, "I couldn't record the pickup from the store, but I started recording the screen from that point. The food I ordered was dessert, so it didn't suffer any direct damage from being delayed."The issue arose with the single household delivery fee. A pointed out, "The important thing is that single household delivery costs 1,000 won more than regular delivery," and shared their conversation with the platform's customer service.According to A's account, the customer service representative stated, "For single household delivery orders, only one order can be completed by a single rider from pickup to delivery. We ask for your understanding that multiple deliveries by one rider are not possible due to system limitations."The representative added, "While this may not fully address your inconvenience, I will assist in issuing a coupon that can be used in conjunction with other coupons for future single household delivery orders."However, A insisted on verifying the delivery route. When A mentioned, "I recorded this on screen. I used single household delivery, but the rider delivered to a completely different apartment," the representative responded, "I apologize for the inconvenience. I will request additional measures to strengthen follow-up actions regarding the rider to improve our service based on today's incident." The representative also noted, "Conducting deliveries for other companies while performing a single delivery is a serious violation, and actions will be taken according to our policies after verifying the facts."Regarding the refund for the delivery fee, A asked, "So you're saying that instead of a refund for the 1,000 won single household delivery fee, I will receive a coupon to use for my next single household delivery?" The representative replied, "I’m sorry, but we cannot refund the delivery fee." A pressed further, asking, "So, to conclude, I couldn't use the single household delivery service, but a refund is not possible, correct?"A expressed in the community post, "1,000 won might seem like a small amount, but from a user's perspective, the company's response felt really inadequate."In response, a company representative stated, "There can be various reasons such as physiological needs or vehicle issues, making it difficult for the representative to immediately determine whether the rider failed to fulfill the single household delivery. However, we provide coupons to customers as compensation regardless of the truth of the matter." The representative also clarified, "Single household delivery operates under a policy where a rider must complete one delivery before being assigned another, meaning they cannot take on multiple deliveries at once. If there are violations of our terms and operational policies, such as unjustified delays or actions that compromise service quality, we will take appropriate measures based on our standards."The incident has garnered over 700 comments, attracting significant attention from online users. Many criticized the customer service response.One user commented, "The direct loss is only 1,000 won, but if it were hot food or noodles instead of dessert, the quality would be compromised, making it a much larger issue." Another user noted, "This company has issues from the moment you contact customer service to the resolution process, and nothing is handled properly or satisfactorily." Others shared similar experiences, stating, "I also used single household delivery and saw the rider take a completely different route. When I contacted customer service, I just received a generic response and that was it."Conversely, a user claiming to be a former delivery rider offered a different perspective. This user stated, "We don’t know if it’s a single household delivery; we just go where the company sends us. During peak hours, single household or budget deliveries don’t matter; it gets chaotic. If a rider is at a store for over 20 minutes, it could be because they pressed the pickup button incorrectly or the order system isn’t updating quickly enough. When ordering, I always choose budget delivery and check each address to ensure it’s as close to home as possible and avoids traffic." 2026-09-10 09:56:00