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  • New Agreements Needed for CPTPP Membership
    New Agreements Needed for CPTPP Membership "If Mexican agricultural products come in, our farmers will face even more difficulties. While it is said to be necessary for the development of the Korean economy, I fear that the measures for farmers will be mere window dressing, just like during the Korea-China Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations."This was the sentiment expressed by an agricultural industry representative during a recent meeting. The agricultural sector is closely monitoring the government's push for membership in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Following a press conference attended by hundreds of farmers, large-scale protests are also being considered.The discussion was ignited by Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Kim Jeong-kwan, who stated during a presidential briefing on August 4 that the government would consider joining the CPTPP to secure new markets in ASEAN and Mexico and to expand exports of K-content. He further formalized the discussion at a forum, asserting, "It is rather strange for a trading nation like Korea not to join the CPTPP."The agricultural sector, which had felt relieved after successfully blocking agricultural imports during tariff negotiations with the United States, was taken aback. Joining the CPTPP could allow agricultural and fishery products from countries without an FTA with Korea to enter at lower tariffs. Since Korea has not signed an FTA with countries like Mexico among the CPTPP members, there are concerns that products such as Mexican peppers and avocados could enter Korea duty-free.The potential acceleration of market opening during the CPTPP membership process is also heightening farmers' concerns. The CPTPP has a higher rate of tariff elimination for agricultural products among member countries compared to existing FTAs, and it is more challenging to set exceptions. This raises fears that the impact on farmers could be greater than that of past bilateral FTAs.The concerns of the agricultural sector regarding CPTPP membership appear to be valid. Recent analyses suggest that the decrease in agricultural production could be greater than during the 2022 discussions on CPTPP membership, as the number of member countries and the scale of trade have both increased since then. Additionally, the fact that the fund for rural cooperation established during the Korea-China FTA negotiations only raised about 30% of its target amount remains a significant concern. This has led to widespread skepticism in the agricultural community about the effectiveness of any proposed measures.However, many experts believe that Korea's membership in the CPTPP is inevitable. Free trade agreements are seen as one of the avenues to maximize exports. Notably, Mexico is a key export market for major Korean products such as automobiles, auto parts, steel, and machinery, and it could serve as a gateway for Korea's entry into North America. This could signal a new direction for the Korean economy in search of growth engines beyond semiconductors.The economic benefits are also expected to be substantial. The Korea Institute for International Economic Policy (KIEP) previously analyzed that joining the CPTPP could increase Korea's real GDP by 0.33% to 0.35% and consumer welfare by $3 billion. The Korea Institute for Industrial Economics and Trade also projected that Korea's net exports could increase by an average of $600 million to $900 million annually over 15 years if it joins.Nevertheless, there should be no agreements that sacrifice the agricultural sector unilaterally, as it is a vital national industry responsible for the country's food supply. Practical safety measures must be established to minimize the damage to farmers from market opening. The previous voluntary contributions to the rural cooperation fund have proven ineffective.There needs to be a new agreement that can be legislated. Currently, the United States is pushing for the 'Farm, Food, and National Security Act' to elevate agriculture as a national industry. The Korean government can learn from this. If it pursues legislation and corresponding policies, persuading farmers may not be as difficult as it seems.Some experts emphasize the need to treat farmers like quasi-public servants. Given the importance of agriculture in the era of climate crisis, the government should more actively support their livelihoods, with suggestions including increasing direct payments.The significance of agriculture is growing in the context of the climate crisis. It is widely recognized that enhancing food self-sufficiency is crucial to avoid being swayed by external variables. If trade is restricted to protect farmers, economic growth could be hampered. It is essential to devise new measures for the development of the agricultural sector while also ensuring the creation of national wealth. Membership in the CPTPP is no longer a matter of avoidance or delay.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-09 17:04:10
  • Hyundai Motor Accelerates Autonomous Driving Data Collection with RoboTaxi Initiative
    Hyundai Motor Accelerates Autonomous Driving Data Collection with RoboTaxi Initiative Hyundai Motor is ramping up its efforts to secure autonomous driving data. Following a successful bid for the Seoul RoboTaxi project, the company is set to collect road environment data in the city, despite the immediate profitability of the venture being uncertain. The driving data collected is expected to enhance the sophistication of its 'data flywheel' process, which involves iterative AI learning and vehicle application.According to industry sources, Hyundai plans to launch its autonomous taxi service in Seoul by the end of this year. The company was selected alongside Kakao and Tmoney Mobility as an operator for the city’s autonomous taxi platform, which encompasses everything from ride-hailing to operational management.The motivation behind Hyundai's entry into the Seoul RoboTaxi market is the need to gather autonomous driving data. In the bustling urban environment of Seoul, where vehicles, pedestrians, and two-wheelers frequently interact and unexpected situations arise, the company aims to capture 'edge cases' that are difficult for AI to learn in advance. This data is directly linked to enhancing autonomous driving competitiveness.Hyundai is reportedly considering applying the autonomous taxi operation experience and data collected in Seoul to its own data flywheel. The data flywheel is a cyclical structure where data is collected from real vehicles, which is then used by AI to improve autonomous driving technology, and subsequently applied back to the vehicles to gather new data. This approach is similar to Tesla's method of training its autonomous driving AI using vast amounts of driving data from production vehicles.Last month, Park Min-woo, head of Hyundai Motor Group's Autonomous Vehicle Division, identified the data flywheel process—'data collection → AI learning → vehicle application → data collection'—as a core competitive advantage in autonomous driving during the CEO Investor Day. He emphasized that the speed and quality of data acquisition and the iterative AI learning process are crucial for maintaining competitiveness in the autonomous driving sector.To establish its data flywheel, Hyundai plans to deploy over 200 autonomous vehicles in Gwangju in the second half of this year. The company will also utilize its end-to-end (E2E) autonomous driving solution, 'Atria AI.' Next year, it intends to expand the testing areas to five districts in Gwangju.Hyundai is also building a large-scale infrastructure to support its data flywheel. The group plans to establish an AI data center in Saemangeum to process the vast amounts of data collected from vehicles and use it as a foundation for AI model training. The structure will involve collecting data on actual roads in Seoul and Gwangju, training and improving AI at the data center, and then applying the results back to the vehicles.The demand for data acquisition is expected to grow in the future. Starting in 2028, Hyundai plans to sequentially launch its software-defined vehicles (SDVs) to expand its data collection capabilities to production vehicles. This initiative builds on its previous work with Motional and the development of the Ioniq 5 RoboTaxi, as well as supplying Ioniq 5-based vehicles to Waymo, aiming to create an ecosystem that encompasses its own vehicles, autonomous driving AI, and mobility platforms.A Hyundai representative stated, "To enhance autonomous driving technology, it is crucial to gather a sufficient amount of diverse data generated on actual roads."Meanwhile, Hyundai will unveil its autonomous driving strategy, including its software-defined vehicles and data flywheel, at the 'HMG Autonomous Driving Media Day' on the 11th.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-09 17:04:10
  • Record Rainfall Forces Evacuation of 3,500 Athletes in Nagoya Ahead of Asian Games
    Record Rainfall Forces Evacuation of 3,500 Athletes in Nagoya Ahead of Asian Games As the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games approach, record rainfall in Nagoya has led to the evacuation of hundreds of athletes from temporary accommodations.On September 9, according to Yonhap News, AP, and AFP, Nagoya experienced torrential rain, with peak rates reaching 104 mm per hour, causing flooding on roads and subway stations, and halting public transportation. Reports indicate that 3,500 residents in Nagoya were evacuated.The event is utilizing various accommodations, including cruise ships, hotels, and temporary wooden containers, instead of a large-scale athletes' village.Among these, approximately 400 athletes and officials were evacuated from a container facility near the port due to the rain but returned after about two hours.Nagoya Mayor Ichiro Hirose stated, "While there was limited damage, such as leaks in some buildings, the athletes are safe, and the facilities at the venues have not suffered serious damage. Given the current situation, there should be no obstacles to holding the event as scheduled."Meanwhile, the Asian Games, featuring over 11,000 athletes from 45 Asian countries, is set to officially open on September 19, with preliminary events for some sports, including basketball, starting on September 10.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-09 17:00:00
  • Financial Union Ends Strike, Plans Second Walkout on September 30
    Financial Union Ends Strike, Plans Second Walkout on September 30 A large blue tent has been set up at the entrance of the Bank Hall in Jung-gu, Seoul. Following a major strike on September 4, the financial union has begun an overnight sit-in against the Financial Industry Employers' Council. With disagreements over a 4.5-day workweek, wage increases, and the relocation of public financial institutions unresolved, the union is considering a second strike on September 30.On the second day of the sit-in on September 9, Yoon Suk-gu, chairman of the National Financial Industry Labor Union, stated, "We have held over 30 official negotiations in the past five months, and there have been several unofficial discussions among representatives, but we have not narrowed the gap on key issues."The most contentious issues between the financial union and the employers' council are the reduction of working hours and wage increases. The union is demanding a 6% wage increase along with a reduction in the weekly working hours from the current 40 hours to 35 hours without any wage cuts.Banking sector representatives express concerns that reducing working hours could increase personnel management and cost burdens. They argue that hiring additional staff to compensate for reduced hours would raise labor costs and could lead to customer inconveniences during adjustments to operating hours or work systems.In response, Yoon argued, "The conditions to change operating hours and work patterns have already been established with artificial intelligence (AI) and digitalization, and the financial sector can take the lead in promoting reduced working hours."The issue of relocating financial institutions is also a source of conflict. In line with the government's plan for balanced national development, the possibility of relocating state-owned banks such as the Industrial Bank of Korea, Export-Import Bank, and Korea Development Bank is being discussed. The Financial Services Commission and the Financial Supervisory Service are also separately discussing relocation, but specific targets and timelines have not been confirmed.Yoon emphasized the need to first assess the outcomes and side effects of the first round of public institution relocations conducted from 2005 to 2019. He noted, "In previous relocation cases, family relocations were not smooth, and some employees remained in the metropolitan area. Issues related to personnel and compensation due to local work have not been adequately resolved due to total labor cost constraints."He added, "The impact of relocating financial institutions on the competitiveness of the financial industry and the national economy must be prioritized in our assessment."Political figures have also visited the sit-in site. Kim Nam-kun, a member of the Democratic Party, visited the site the previous day and stated that the financial sector needs to take the lead in implementing a 4.5-day workweek.Kim remarked, "One of the key measures to reduce polarization is job sharing. We need to consider reducing working hours and pilot implementing a system like the 4.5-day workweek." He refrained from commenting on the relocation of public financial institutions, calling it a "somewhat different issue."If labor negotiations continue to stall, the financial union plans to escalate its actions. Yoon stated, "We will hold a rally on the 18th and are considering a second strike on the 30th, depending on the negotiation situation."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-09 16:56:20
  • Integration Plan for Public Institutions Under the Ministry of SMEs and Startups Faces Challenges
    Integration Plan for Public Institutions Under the Ministry of SMEs and Startups Faces Challenges One week after the announcement of the integration plan for public institutions under the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, key implementation details such as the surviving corporation and equity settlement remain unresolved. There are significant differences in the responses from each institution, indicating that confusion is likely to continue in the field for the time being.According to the Ministry of SMEs and Startups on September 9, the government is pushing forward with the reform of public institution functions as outlined in the 'Public Institution Function Reform Promotion Plan' announced on September 3.Eight public institutions under the Ministry are subject to reduction and adjustment. The Korea Small and Medium Enterprises Distribution Agency (Han Yu-won) and the Public Home Shopping Network will be merged to establish a new entity tentatively named the 'Small and Medium Enterprises Marketing Promotion Corporation.' Additionally, the Korea Startup Incubation Association will be integrated into the Startup Promotion Agency. The Small and Medium Business Research Institute will be transferred to the Economic and Social Research Council under the Office for Government Policy Coordination, while the Comprehensive Support Center for Disabled Enterprises will move to the Korea Employment Agency for the Disabled under the Ministry of Employment and Labor. Three facility management subsidiaries, including GiboMate, Jungjin Partners, and Han Yu-won Partners, will be consolidated into a new entity tentatively named the 'Small and Medium Venture Management Corporation.'The most significant change involves the merger of Han Yu-won and the Public Home Shopping Network, which together have a total of 674 employees (295 from Han Yu-won and 379 from the Public Home Shopping Network). However, industry experts point out that a restructuring of the governance is necessary before the actual integration can take place. While the Public Home Shopping Network is 50% owned by Han Yu-won, the National Agricultural Cooperative Federation holds 45%, and the National Federation of Fisheries Cooperatives owns 5%. The specifics regarding which entity will remain as the surviving corporation, whether the shares held by the agricultural cooperatives will be converted into shares of the new entity, or if they will be settled in cash, have yet to be determined.Disparities in compensation and job levels are also on the agenda for adjustment. According to the public institution management information disclosure system 'Alio,' the average salary per person based on this year's budget is 78.88 million won for the Public Home Shopping Network and 70.12 million won for Han Yu-won, a difference of 8.76 million won.A representative from Han Yu-won stated, "There are expectations that integrating with the sales channel of the Public Home Shopping Network will enhance support for promising small and medium enterprises. However, no specific details have been finalized yet."The term of the head of the integrated institution is also seen as a challenge. It is reported that the process for appointing a representative at Han Yu-won is proceeding independently of the integration announcement. In contrast, the future of Lee Il-yong, the representative of the Public Home Shopping Network who took office in March, has become uncertain due to the inclusion of the network in the integration plan.Additionally, the Small and Medium Business Research Institute, which is being transferred, is expected to continue its policy research tasks for the Ministry while establishing a collaborative framework with research institutions under the Economic and Social Research Council to analyze and study small and medium enterprise policies from a more comprehensive perspective.The Comprehensive Support Center for Disabled Enterprises, which has been responsible for policies related to disabled enterprises, is experiencing a somber atmosphere following its transfer to the Korea Employment Agency for the Disabled. Furthermore, the long-awaited elevation of the center to the 'Disabled Enterprise Promotion Agency' has also been stalled. Park Ma-ru, the chairman, is nearing the end of his term, leading to increased anxiety within the organization. A representative from the organization explained, "The chairman's term is until October, but if a successor is not appointed, it will automatically be extended."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-09 16:56:10
  • Hyundai Card Expands Concert Marketing Amid Fierce Competition
    Hyundai Card Expands Concert Marketing Amid Fierce Competition 현대카드가 자사의 대표 문화 콘텐츠인 ‘슈퍼콘서트’를 활용한 콘서트 특화 마케팅을 강화한다. 외부 유통·플랫폼 사업자의 고객을 끌어오는 기존 제휴카드와 달리, 직접 구축한 공연 브랜드를 카드 상품으로 확장해 충성 고객을 확보하겠다는 전략이다. 신한·삼성카드도 컬리·지그재그·포르쉐 등 특정 소비층을 보유한 브랜드와 손잡으며 카드업계의 고객 선점 경쟁이 치열해지고 있다. 9일 금융권에 따르면 현대카드는 올해 하반기를 목표로 콘서트 특화 마케팅을 검토하고 있다. 기존 슈퍼콘서트 선예매와 티켓 할인 혜택을 강화하고 공연 관련 혜택을 추가하는 방안 등이 거론된다. 현대카드는 슈퍼콘서트를 통해 콜드플레이를 비롯해 브루노 마스, 폴 매카트니, 비욘세, 어셔, 스티비 원더 등 세계적인 아티스트의 내한 공연을 유치해왔다. 오는 10월에는 3년 만에 재개하는 슈퍼콘서트 무대에 캐나다 출신 팝스타 위켄드가 오른다. 현대카드 회원에게는 일반 예매보다 하루 앞서 티켓을 구매할 수 있는 선예매 혜택이 제공됐다. 현대카드는 그동안 슈퍼콘서트 선예매와 할인 혜택을 통해 카드 회원을 공연 관객으로 끌어들이는 문화 마케팅을 펼쳐왔다. 앞으로는 콘서트에 특화된 별도 상품을 통해 공연 관람 수요가 높은 고객의 카드 이용과 재발급을 유도한다는 구상이다. 이번 상품은 정태영 현대카드 부회장이 강조해온 ‘경험 중심’ 전략과도 맞닿아 있다. 현대카드는 슈퍼콘서트 외에도 뉴욕현대미술관(MoMA)과의 협업을 비롯해 뮤직·디자인·쿠킹 라이브러리 등 문화공간을 운영하며 결제 혜택을 넘어선 브랜드 경험을 제공해왔다. 다른 카드사들은 외부 브랜드와의 제휴를 통해 특정 소비층을 확보하고 있다. 범용 할인 혜택만으로 고객을 장기간 붙잡기 어려워지자 패션·신선식품·배달·생활용품·고급차 등 이용자의 취향과 소비 성향이 뚜렷한 영역으로 제휴카드를 세분화하는 모습이다. 신한카드는 오는 10월 컬리와 제휴카드를 출시할 계획이다. 모바일인덱스에 따르면 지난달 컬리의 월간활성이용자수(MAU)는 478만명이다. 프리미엄 신선식품과 새벽배송을 기반으로 충성 고객을 확보한 컬리와 손잡고 온라인 장보기 수요를 카드 회원으로 끌어들이겠다는 전략이다. 신규 카드에는 컬리 이용액에 대한 할인과 적립, 포인트 혜택 등이 담길 전망이다. 지난 1일에는 패션 플랫폼 지그재그와 함께 2030 여성 고객을 겨냥한 상업자표시신용카드(PLCC)를 출시했다. 지그재그 이용액의 최대 15%를 지그재그 포인트로 적립하고, 이용자가 동의하면 카드를 지그재그페이에 자동으로 등록해 결제 편의성을 높였다. 카드 사용으로 쌓은 포인트를 다시 지그재그에서 사용하도록 해 플랫폼 내 재구매를 유도하는 구조다. 삼성카드는 생활 밀착형과 프리미엄 시장을 동시에 공략하고 있다. 스타벅스·무신사에 이어 다이소와 제휴한 카드를 선보이고 토스·네이버페이 등 젊은 이용자가 많은 플랫폼과도 협업을 확대하고 있다. 프리미엄 고객을 겨냥해서는 포르쉐코리아와 손잡고 ‘포르쉐 삼성카드’를 출시했다. 포르쉐 공식 서비스센터 이용 혜택을 비롯해 주유·전기차 충전, 항공·호텔·리조트·골프 등 고소득 고객의 소비 성향을 반영한 서비스를 한 장에 담았다. 포르쉐 차량 보유자라는 명확한 고객군을 대상으로 카드 이용액과 충성도를 동시에 높이겠다는 전략이다. 카드업계 관계자는 “범용카드는 할인율과 적립률이 비슷해 고객 차별화가 쉽지 않지만 특정 브랜드나 콘텐츠를 기반으로 한 카드는 이용 대상과 소비처가 명확하다”며 “카드사들이 대규모 회원을 넓게 모집하기보다 반복적으로 카드를 사용할 가능성이 높은 고객을 정밀하게 공략하는 방향으로 상품 전략을 바꾸고 있다”고 말했다. 2026-09-09 16:56:10
  • Ministry of SMEs Selects 32 Promising Startups in AI and Innovation
    Ministry of SMEs Selects 32 Promising Startups in AI and Innovation The Ministry of SMEs and Startups announced on September 9 that it has selected 32 companies to advance to the integrated finals of the 'K-Startup of the Year' competition, which is organized by the ministry's preliminary leagues in artificial intelligence (AI) and innovative startups.'K-Startup of the Year' is a national startup competition aimed at early-stage companies with less than three years of operation, having previously produced innovative firms such as Lunit Technologies, LD Carbon, and Lion Robotics.This year, nine ministries, including the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, the Ministry of Science and ICT, and the Ministry of Education, are operating specialized leagues in various fields, with outstanding companies from each league competing in the integrated finals. A total of 130 teams will advance to the finals.A total of 344 companies applied for the AI League, while 630 applied for the Innovative Startup League.After a series of evaluations, the ministry selected 10 companies from the AI League and 22 from the Innovative Startup League, totaling 32 teams for the integrated finals.The AI League winner is 'Intellisia,' which provides market research solutions based on AI-generated virtual technologies to reduce the time and cost burdens of traditional market research methods.The Innovative Startup League winner is 'The Ace Company,' which developed a video detection system to prevent accidents in semiconductor wafer processing.The finalists will participate in the 'K-Startup of the Year Integrated Finals Kickoff Event' on September 22. Following this, 20 selected teams will advance to the grand finals, where winners will receive up to 500 million won in prize money and preferential treatment in subsequent support programs, including the initial startup package.Moon Seung-hwan, head of the Startup Venture Innovation Division at the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, stated, “The driving force behind innovation and growth in future new industries, including AI, is the startups that challenge based on new technologies and ideas. It is particularly meaningful to discover promising AI startups through the newly established AI League this year.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-09 16:52:10
  • Shinhan Bank Begins Search for Next CEO Amid Non-Banking Expansion
    Shinhan Bank Begins Search for Next CEO Amid Non-Banking Expansion Suhyup Bank has officially begun the process of selecting its next CEO. With three internal candidates and three external candidates in the running, securing four votes from the CEO recommendation committee has become crucial. As the bank aims to transition to a financial holding company by 2030, identifying a suitable leader to drive future mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and the holding company transition is a key focus.According to financial industry sources, the CEO recommendation committee conducted document reviews on six applicants on September 9, selecting candidates for interviews. The internal candidates include current CEO Shin Hyung-jo and former vice presidents Park Yang-soo and Jeong Cheol-kyun. The external candidates are Lee Hyung-joo, director of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), Kang Cheol-seung, head of the Korea Fisheries Policy Forum, and Lee Hyung-seung, an outside director at BNK Securities.Those who pass the document review will be interviewed on September 21. The committee plans to recommend a final candidate on September 22, followed by approval from the Suhyup Bank board, the Suhyup Central Association board, and the shareholders' meeting next month. The new CEO's term will last until November 17.A key factor in this selection process is obtaining agreement from at least four of the five committee members. The committee consists of three members recommended by the government and two by the Suhyup Central Association. A consensus between the two sides is necessary, as a decision cannot be made by just one group.In past selections, differing preferences for candidates between the two sides have prolonged the process. In early 2017, after three rounds of applications, former CEO Lee Dong-bin was appointed, and in 2020, no candidate received four votes, leading to a reapplication. In 2022, both sides supported different candidates, resulting in additional applications and interviews before former vice president Kang was appointed.The competition between Shin and Lee is drawing attention in the financial sector. Shin is noted for his strong understanding of the bank's internal affairs and ongoing projects. Under his leadership, Suhyup Bank's total assets increased from 63.3 trillion won at the end of last year to 70 trillion won in the first half of this year, with a pre-tax net profit of 2.034 trillion won recorded in the same period.Lee can leverage his experience in policy and regulation from his time in financial authorities. As Suhyup seeks to secure non-banking subsidiaries in securities and capital and transition to a holding company structure, the ability to coordinate with financial authorities may favor an external candidate.This selection process is closely tied to Suhyup's expansion into non-banking sectors. The bank aims to transition to a financial holding company by 2030, having acquired Trinity Asset Management last year and currently pursuing acquisitions of Sam Sang In Securities and a capital company. The goal is to diversify its revenue structure, which is heavily reliant on banking, into securities, asset management, and capital, laying the groundwork for a comprehensive financial group.If Shin is reappointed, it would ensure continuity in the ongoing M&A and holding company transition efforts. Conversely, if an external candidate is appointed, there may be changes to the roadmap for expanding non-banking operations and the holding company transition.There is also interest in whether Shin will succeed in his reappointment. Since Suhyup Bank was separated from the Suhyup Central Association's credit business in 2016, no sitting CEO has been reappointed. If Shin is selected as the final candidate, he would become the first CEO to be reappointed at Suhyup Bank.A banking industry official stated, “Given that Suhyup Bank is smaller than commercial banks, it aims to expand its revenue base and scale through acquisitions of non-banking subsidiaries. Completing the ongoing M&A and establishing a foundation for a sustainable financial group will be the next CEO's key task.” 2026-09-09 16:52:10
  • Jung Dong-young: Trumps North Korea Message is Genuine, Dialogue Must Continue
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  • Kakao Pay Completes Proof of Concept for Digital Asset Wallet Technology
    Kakao Pay Completes Proof of Concept for Digital Asset Wallet Technology 카카오페이가 원화 스테이블코인 등 디지털 자산을 보관하고 송금·결제할 수 있는 지갑 기술의 실증(PoC·개념검증)을 마쳤다고 9일 밝혔다. 이번 실증의 핵심은 기존 카카오페이머니 지갑 시스템을 스테이블코인 등 온체인 자산까지 담는 통합형 지갑으로 확장하는 것이다. 약 4300만명이 사용하는 기존 지갑 시스템을 기반으로 스테이블코인의 송금·결제·정산 기능을 검증하고 실제 서비스에 적용하기 위한 사용자 인터페이스도 구축했다. 향후 카카오그룹은 카카오페이의 결제 인프라와 카카오뱅크의 은행 인프라에서 각각 지갑 기술을 검증해 국내 디지털 자산 생태계 전반의 유통 인프라 구축에 나설 계획이다. 현재 원화 스테이블코인 등 디지털 자산 도입을 검토하는 국내 주요 기업·금융기관들과 협력 논의도 이어가고 있다. 신원근 카카오페이 대표 겸 그룹 스테이블코인 공동 태스크포스(TF)장은 "스테이블코인 등 디지털 자산의 진정한 가치는 발행을 넘어 자산이 실제로 사용되는 유통 단계에서 드러날 것"이라며 다양한 파트너들과 국내 디지털 자산 생태계 활성화를 추진하겠다고 밝혔다. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-09 16:48:20