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Gwangju, South Korea, Secures $4.2 Million for AI-Driven Vaccine Production The city of Gwangju, South Korea, is set to develop technology that utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) to predict variability in vaccine production processes and manage quality in real-time. On September 10, Gwangju announced that its project, titled 'Development of AI-Based Control of Vaccine Manufacturing Variability and Intelligent Quality Management System,' led by GC Pharma, has been selected for the Ministry of Trade's 2026 Biohealth R&D program, securing 5 billion won (approximately $4.2 million) in national funding. This initiative, part of the national advanced strategic industry support for bio-specialized zones, will see a total investment of 7.6 billion won (about $6.4 million), spanning from this year until 2030. GC Pharma will lead the project, collaborating with Mokpo National University, Daegu Catholic University, and the Jeonnam Bio Promotion Agency as research partners. The core objective is to develop technology that analyzes and predicts variations in the vaccine manufacturing process using AI, leveraging the Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) production base at GC Pharma's facility in Hwaseong, which specializes in messenger RNA (mRNA) and lipid nanoparticle (LNP) pharmaceuticals. This will enable the identification of changes in the manufacturing process in advance and establish an intelligent quality management system to oversee vaccine quality in real-time. Each institution has defined roles in the project. GC Pharma will provide manufacturing data from the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) to the finished product (FP) stages and validate process reproducibility through pilot and GMP-scale production. Mokpo National University and Daegu Catholic University will gather data on changes in manufacturing conditions to train and validate the AI model. The Jeonnam Bio Promotion Agency will secure manufacturing and analytical data necessary for building a purification process prediction model. This research is noteworthy for its potential to enhance the efficiency of existing production processes and quality management by integrating manufacturing data accumulated in actual vaccine production with AI technology. Seo Hyung-bin, Director of the Strategic Industry Bureau of Gwangju, stated, "The selection of this project is expected to expand the foundation for developing AI-based biopharmaceutical manufacturing technology in the Hwaseong bio-specialized zone. We will secure technological competitiveness in response to the AI transition and support the growth of related industries." Gwangju plans to link this project with medical, research, and demonstration institutions concentrated in the Hwaseong bio-specialized zone. The area is home to various bio-related infrastructures, including Chonnam National University Hospital, the National Immunotherapy Innovation Center, the Vaccine Safety Technology Support Center, the Microbial Demonstration Support Center, KTR Healthcare Research Institute, and the WHO Global Bio Campus. Additionally, Gwangju is pursuing several bio-related R&D and industrialization projects, including 30 billion won for next-generation cancer immunotherapy technology development, 43 billion won for mRNA vaccine demonstration support, 39.7 billion won for establishing a bio-health convergence knowledge industry center, 44 billion won for developing peptide advanced new drug technology platforms, and 3.8 billion won for bio scale-up projects.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-10 08:44:00 -
Trump Associates Express Concerns Over Longevity of Iran War Associates of President Donald Trump have expressed concerns that the Iran War may continue throughout his presidency, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) citing sources on September 9. While Trump has assured that the conflict will end after the midterm elections, contrasting worries have emerged within his administration.According to the report, Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and other key officials conveyed to Trump during discussions in the Oval Office and Situation Room that Iran may continue to resist despite U.S. maritime blockades and other military pressures. They indicated that the Iran War could extend until the next presidential inauguration in January 2029.This information stands in stark contrast to Trump’s assertion that the Iran War would conclude immediately after the midterm elections. Speaking to reporters at Andrews Joint Base near Washington, D.C., before departing for the Republican midterm convention in Dallas, Texas, Trump stated, “I believe the war will end as soon as the elections are over because they (Iran) can no longer hold out.”He added, “They (Iran) are desperate to influence the election results because that is how they will be allowed to have nuclear weapons.” Trump emphasized, “What they want is nuclear weapons, and if they obtain them, the whole world will be in danger.”As the Iran War, which began in February, enters its seventh month, sources indicate that Trump has been discussing his desire to resolve the conflict quickly with his associates. However, they also noted that Trump prefers to use pressure tactics such as maritime blockades and sanctions to dismantle Iran’s nuclear program.In this context, senior officials in the Trump administration also appear uncertain about when the Iran War might conclude. Last week, Vice President Vance told reporters that he would not refer to the current military engagement with Iran as a “war,” expressing uncertainty about when the conflict might end.Additionally, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth reportedly plans to extend the deployment of some air defense troops to the Middle East without a clear end date, according to WSJ sources. 2026-09-10 08:40:00
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Samsung Electronics Service Launches Cashless Service Center Pilot Program Samsung Electronics Service is launching a pilot program for a cashless service center focused on digital payments and enhancing eco-friendly services, including the issuance of electronic receipts.Starting September 17, the pilot program will be implemented at 16 service centers nationwide. The initiative aims to promote digital payment methods such as credit cards, app cards, Samsung Pay, and bank transfers, following a recent decline in cash payments at service centers to less than 5%.The pilot locations include centers in Seoul (Yeouido, Dogok, and Hangdong Knowledge Industry), Gyeonggi Province (Incheon Ganseok, Yongin Suji, and Suwon Yeongtong), Daejeon (Doan), Chungnam (Buk Cheonan and Gongju), Gwangju (Chamdang), Jeonnam (Gwangyang), Daegu (Daegok and Seongseo), Gyeongbuk (Gimcheon), and Ulsan (Seoul-san and Dong Ulsan).Samsung Electronics Service stated, "We expect that simplifying the settlement process will reduce waiting times for customers visiting our centers," adding that they plan to expand the program to all centers based on customer feedback.The company will also increase the issuance of electronic receipts to reduce paper waste, following a partnership with the Korea Environmental Industry and Technology Institute for the 'Carbon Neutral Point System.' Over 70% of all receipts issued in the past two years have been electronic.Customers can view their receipt history on the Samsung Electronics Service website for three months starting the day after service use. By signing up for the 'Carbon Neutral Point Green Living Practice' program, they can receive incentives of up to 70,000 won annually.Additionally, Samsung Electronics Service offers eco-friendly services such as 'smartphone display single item repair,' which focuses on replacing only the faulty parts to reduce repair costs and contribute to resource recycling.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-10 08:36:00
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Korea Eximbank Expands Financial Cooperation in Africa, Supporting AI and Key Mineral Supply Chains Korea Eximbank is partnering with the African Development Bank (AfDB) to enhance financial support for future growth sectors in Africa, including artificial intelligence (AI), digital transformation, key minerals, and eco-friendly infrastructure.On September 9, during the 8th Korea-Africa Economic Cooperation (KOAFEC) Ministerial Conference held in Seoul, Korea Eximbank announced that it signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with AfDB to expand sustainable growth and financial cooperation in the African region.The two institutions agreed to strengthen financial collaboration to respond to changes in the global economic environment and foster future innovative industries. Key areas of cooperation include AI and digital transformation, stabilization of key mineral supply chains, and eco-friendly and renewable energy infrastructure.Particularly, they noted that Africa possesses essential resources needed for AI transformation and has significant growth potential. Korea Eximbank aims to broaden opportunities for domestic companies to participate in large infrastructure and supply chain projects in Africa through joint financial support with AfDB.This MOU is a comprehensive revision of the existing agreement signed in 2005, marking a significant update after 21 years. It reflects the expansion of their cooperation from the existing relationship to focus on future industries and supply chains, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the KOAFEC.Hwang Gi-yeon, President of Korea Eximbank, stated, "It is meaningful to redefine our partnership with AfDB, which has lasted for over 20 years. As a policy financing institution, Korea Eximbank will engage in multifaceted financial diplomacy that connects Korea's world-class technology with Africa's future development needs."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-10 08:32:20
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Korean Economy on Track for $40,000 Per Capita Income, Says Finance Minister Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Ku Yoon-cheol stated that the possibility of achieving a per capita gross national income (GNI) of $40,000 this year has increased. He emphasized the need to design policies that allow citizens to feel the economic recovery and to strengthen the growth foundation through structural innovation in key industries such as steel.During a meeting on economic relations and structural innovation held at the Government Complex in Seoul on September 10, Ku noted, "The recovery of our economy is becoming more evident," adding that the second quarter's nominal GDP increased by 26.4% compared to the same period last year, marking the highest growth rate in 47 years.He also highlighted that employment in August rose by 184,000 compared to the same month last year, recovering to an increase in the late 100,000s for the first time since the Middle East war. Furthermore, he pointed out that the household income survey for the second quarter showed improvements across all income levels, particularly among lower-income groups.Ku explained that global credit rating agencies Moody's and Fitch have positively assessed the fiscal soundness of next year's budget and future growth investment plans based on the solid growth of the Korean economy."The government will not rest on these economic indicators," Ku stated, pledging to accelerate growth and design policies that citizens can feel. He added that efforts to improve the economic structure through structural innovation will be strengthened to solidify the foundation for growth.The government plans to announce a plan for the advancement of the steel industry in the fourth quarter. Key components will include innovations in manufacturing processes based on artificial intelligence (AI), expansion of high-value-added products such as special steel, and a low-carbon transition centered on hydrogen reduction steelmaking. Plans for the advancement of other key industries, such as petrochemicals, will also be discussed sequentially.To address vacancies and unsold units in knowledge industry centers, the government will pursue regulatory improvements. Ku stated, "We will actively create demand through public projects, such as converting vacant and unsold knowledge industry centers into public rental housing for youth and newlyweds."The regulations on business types for occupancy will be completely overhauled, shifting from a system that only allows previously listed industries to one that permits all industries except for restricted ones. This aims to encourage the entry of various new industries in line with changes in sectors like AI and convergence.In terms of sales management, the government plans to prohibit the installation of sales promotion offices before the approval of recruitment announcements to prevent false and exaggerated advertising. Additionally, the practice of "splitting sales rights"—selling shares of sales rights to multiple parties before obtaining building usage approval—will also be banned.The government will enhance its response to trade-based financial crimes that manipulate import and export performance or origins to unjustly receive government support. This includes focusing on the manipulation of export performance aimed at new listings and policy financing support, as well as disguising low-priced imports as domestic products for public procurement.The government plans to expand information sharing among relevant ministries, including the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, the Public Procurement Service, and the Korea Customs Service, and establish a cross-ministerial collaboration system to connect inspection results with follow-up actions and regulatory improvements.During the meeting, plans for financial support for the '2027 World Youth Conference' to be held in Seoul next summer were also discussed. With an expected participation of over 1 million domestic and international youth, the government will prepare for safety management and immigration and transportation responses, as well as support cultural events and experiential programs to promote Korean culture.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-10 08:32:00
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Samsung Electronics Trains Heat Pump Installation Experts to Target Domestic Heating Electrification Samsung Electronics is expanding its efforts to secure installation and service personnel following its domestic production of heat pumps. The company aims to establish a comprehensive business foundation from production to installation and maintenance, as the actual heating efficiency of heat pumps varies based on the design and construction of piping systems in individual homes.On September 10, Samsung announced the establishment of an 'EHS Heat Pump Training Center' at its CS Academy in Suwon, where it will enhance specialized training for installation engineers and B2B partners.The training center features equipment similar to that found in actual homes, including water tanks, hot water control kits, underfloor heating distribution systems, piping installations, and fan coil units. Trainees will gain hands-on experience from piping installation to product setup. The training will also cover operational testing and service inspections using Samsung's AI-based appliance diagnostic program, 'HASS.'Instructors will include in-house EHS specialists and external experts in boiler and piping systems. In April, Samsung conducted training for over 200 installation engineers in Jeju on a thermal energy storage system that utilizes surplus solar power.Samsung is the first manufacturer participating in the government's heat pump distribution project to redirect overseas production back to Korea, establishing a 2,132-square-meter EHS heat pump boiler production line at its Gwangju facility. The company began trial production last month and will commence full-scale production by the end of this month.The government aims to distribute 3.5 million high-efficiency heat pumps by 2035 to transition from fossil fuel heating to electric heating, targeting a reduction of 5.18 million tons of greenhouse gases. Expanding product supply and establishing installation and maintenance personnel and service systems are also key challenges for market growth.Samsung is concurrently verifying product performance. It is testing the 'EHS All-in-One' system, which provides heating and hot water in a single unit, in a standalone house in Jeju, while also assessing its applicability in multi-family housing at the Samsung C&T Residential Performance Research Institute in Yongin. In Hokkaido, Japan, the company is conducting technology validation considering extreme cold and heavy snowfall conditions.Lim Sung-taek, Vice President of Samsung Electronics' DA Division, stated, "Heat pumps are a key solution for implementing high-efficiency, eco-friendly heating, and it is crucial to have professional installation, operational testing, and service capabilities. We will actively respond to the electrification of domestic heating by continuously expanding our professional training and service infrastructure following the establishment of our domestic production base."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-10 08:32:00
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Global Oil Prices Surpass $100 as U.S. Treasury Yields Hit Three-Year High International oil prices have surpassed $100 per barrel, while U.S. Treasury yields have reached their highest level in over three years. Concerns over oil supply from the Middle East and worries about the U.S. Treasury market have led to declines in both U.S. and European stock markets.According to the International Financial Center, Brent crude closed at $101.21 per barrel on September 9, marking a 3.36% increase from the previous trading day. Ongoing military clashes between the U.S. and Iran have reignited fears of supply disruptions. President Donald Trump indicated that the escalation of war and rising energy prices may only stabilize after the midterm elections.As high oil prices increase inflationary pressures, the U.S. government's measures to stabilize the Treasury market have fallen short of expectations. The Treasury Department expanded its bond buyback program to $6 billion, three times the previous amount, but market reactions suggest this is insufficient. Consequently, the yield on the 10-year Treasury note rose by 5 basis points to 4.84%, the highest level since November 2023.The simultaneous rise in oil prices and Treasury yields has put pressure on the stock market. The S&P 500 index fell by 0.48%, while the Stoxx 600 index in Europe dropped by 1.41%. The volatility index (VIX), which reflects market anxiety, increased by 4.71%.If high oil prices persist, central banks in major economies may face greater challenges in their policy decisions. Rising energy prices could reignite inflation, making it difficult to lower interest rates, while increased fiscal debt and Treasury yield pressures may hinder governments from expanding spending to stimulate the economy.Market participants are also growing cautious ahead of the upcoming Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting. A Reuters survey indicated that 70% of economists expect interest rates to remain unchanged, although some argue that the Federal Reserve may need to raise rates to demonstrate its commitment to price stability. For the time being, international financial markets are expected to react sensitively to oil price movements driven by Middle Eastern tensions, U.S. inflation indicators, and the Fed's policy decisions.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-10 08:28:20
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Hanwha General Insurance Opens 'Dasum Classroom' for Mental Health Support 한화손해보험이 학생들의 일상 회복을 돕는 지원사업에 나선다. 한화손보는 고려대학교 안암병원, 서울특별시교육청과 함께 정신건강 입원학생을 위한 병원학교 ‘다숨교실’을 열었다고 10일 밝혔다. 지난 7일 열린 개소식에는 배주영 한화손보 브랜드마케팅팀 상무와 이성우 고려대 안암병원 진료부원장, 한규만 정신건강의학과 과장, 김수진 다숨교실 병원학교장, 김귀선 서울시교육청 민주시민교육과 팀장 등 관계자들이 참석했다. 기존 병원학교는 소아암 등 신체 질환을 앓는 학생을 중심으로 운영됐다. 이에 정신건강 문제로 입원한 학생들은 치료 기간 학업이 중단되는 경우가 있었다. 지난 7월 서울시교육청 인가를 받아 고려대 안암병원에 문을 연 다숨교실은 이 같은 교육 공백을 줄이기 위해 마련됐다. 학생들은 다숨교실에서 국어·영어·수학 등 교과 수업을 이어갈 수 있다. 음악과 스포츠 활동, 전문 심리상담 등 심리·정서 프로그램도 무료로 제공된다. 한화손보는 환아뿐 아니라 장기간 병간호로 지친 보호자 지원에도 초점을 맞췄다. ‘보호자 웰니스 프로그램’을 통해 마음건강 선별검사와 맞춤형 심리상담, 부모교육, 보호자 지지모임 등을 제공해 돌봄 과정에서 발생하는 심리적 부담을 낮출 계획이다. 한화손보 관계자는 “의료기관과 교육기관, 기업이 각자의 전문성을 모아 미래 세대의 건강한 성장을 지원하는 협력 모델”이라며 “치료를 넘어 아이들의 배움이 멈추지 않도록 하고 환아와 가족 모두가 건강하게 일상으로 돌아갈 수 있도록 사회적 안전망 역할을 다하겠다”고 말했다. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-10 08:28:00
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NH Investment & Securities Raises Com2us Target Price Following 'Zeus' Success NH Investment & Securities has raised its target price for Com2us from 43,000 won to 50,000 won, citing the strong performance of the new game 'Zeus: God of Omens,' which has exceeded market expectations. The game has maintained a top position in revenue rankings since its release, indicating a higher likelihood of sustained growth compared to previous titles. In a report on September 10, analyst Ahn Jae-min maintained a 'buy' rating on Com2us and increased the target price by 16.3%. Ahn noted, "The performance of 'Zeus: God of Omens,' which has held the number one spot in Google revenue rankings for two weeks since its launch on August 26, significantly surpasses expectations. It is essential to acknowledge this strong performance." NH Investment & Securities has significantly revised its revenue estimates for 'Zeus,' raising projections for the third quarter from 10.2 billion won to 57.8 billion won, and for the fourth quarter from 24.3 billion won to 76.5 billion won. Daily revenue estimates were also increased from 300 million won to 1.7 billion won for the third quarter, and from 270 million won to 850 million won for the fourth quarter. Ahn explained that investors had been concerned about Com2us's previous games, which failed to maintain momentum after initial success. However, he believes that this new title has been well-prepared for live service. He also predicted that the likelihood of a sharp revenue decline, as seen in the past, is low, given that 'Zeus' has maintained its top revenue ranking two weeks post-launch. However, Ahn indicated that the game's revenue performance following the release of the competing title 'Eclipse' on September 10 will be crucial in determining the stock's direction. He stated, "If revenue remains stable after the launch of 'Eclipse,' the stock price is likely to rebound." From a valuation perspective, Ahn noted that Com2us appears undervalued. While the average price-to-earnings ratio (PER) for global gaming companies is around 22.9 times, Com2us stands at just 8.2 times. Ahn acknowledged that market interest in gaming stocks has waned recently, but he believes the success of this new title should be adequately reflected in the stock price. NH Investment & Securities has lowered its target PER from 17 times to 15 times, considering the potential for momentum to fade after the game's release. However, due to significant expected growth in 2026 and 2027, the target price has been raised. As of September 9, Com2us's stock closed at 31,200 won, indicating a potential upside of about 60.3% to the new target price of 50,000 won. Ahn concluded, "Given the substantial expected growth in 2026 and 2027, there remains ample room for the stock to rise from its current level." * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-10 08:24:20
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Lotte Card Hosts 'Think Us Day' Market in Banpo 롯데카드가 서울시와 함께 지역 특산물과 친환경 제품을 소개하는 상생 마켓을 연다. 롯데카드는 오는 11일부터 12일까지 서울 반포한강공원 달빛광장에서 ‘띵크어스 데이 3rd(with 넥스트로컬) in 반포한강공원’을 개최한다고 10일 밝혔다. ‘띵크어스 데이’는 지역 자원과 특산물을 활용한 제품이나 친환경 제품을 만드는 기업과 시민이 만나는 상생 마켓이다. 롯데카드와 서울시가 올해로 3년째 공동 개최하고 있다. 이번 행사에는 롯데카드의 ESG 캠페인 ‘띵크어스’와 서울시 청년 창업 지원사업 ‘넥스트로컬’ 참여 기업을 비롯해 농림축산식품부 지원 기업 등 총 46개 기업이 참여한다. 롯데카드는 이번 행사를 통해 지역 기업의 브랜드와 제품을 시민들에게 알리고 판로 확대를 지원할 수 있을 것으로 기대하고 있다. 롯데카드 관계자는 “띵크어스 데이는 지역과 환경을 살리는 기업과 시민을 연결해 지속가능한 사회를 위한 노력을 함께 실천할 수 있도록 돕는 행사”라며 “한강공원에서 지역의 다채로운 브랜드와 제품을 만나는 나들이를 즐기길 바란다”고 말했다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-10 08:24:00