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Jung Dong-young: Trump's North Korea Message is Genuine, Dialogue Must Continue 정동영 통일부 장관은 9일 도널드 트럼프 미국 대통령의 북미 대화 재개 움직임에 대해 “진심이며 전략적인 판단이라고 본다”고 밝혔다. 정 장관은 이날 서울 중구 달개비하우스에서 열린 한반도 평화전략 자문단 제5차 회의에서 트럼프 대통령의 한미연합훈련 축소 지시 등 최근 대북 메시지를 일시적이거나 즉흥적인 행보로 봐서는 안 된다는 취지로 이같이 말했다. 그는 “이를 불씨로 끝내지 않고 지각판의 움직임으로 이어지도록 기대하고 움직여야 한다”며 북미 대화 재개를 위한 정부의 적극적인 역할을 주문했다. 정 장관은 이재명 대통령이 올해 여섯 차례 평화체제를 언급했다는 점도 강조했다. 특히 3·1절 기념사와 광복절 경축사에 담긴 메시지는 한반도 문제에 대한 정부의 정책 방향이라고 설명했다. 이종주 통일부 통일정책실장은 평화체제 논의를 통해 북한의 핵 활동 중단을 유도하고, 향후 핵 감축과 폐기로 이어지는 경로를 마련하겠다고 보고했다. 아울러 북미·북일 관계 정상화와 동북아 다자협력을 촉진하고, 한반도 평화체제 구축을 한미 공동의 목표로 만들기 위한 한국의 기여 방안도 제시하겠다고 밝혔다. 한편 이날 회의에서는 이 대통령이 이달 유엔총회 연설에서 평화체제 전환 의지를 재확인해야 한다는 제언도 나왔다. 정세현 전 통일부 장관은 북한을 공식 국호인 ‘조선민주주의인민공화국’으로 호명하는 방안도 검토할 필요가 있다고 주장했다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-09 16:52:00 -
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
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Kim Jae-seop Calls for Tax Relief for Small Business Owners Kim Jae-seop, a lawmaker from the People Power Party, stated on September 8 that "now is not the time to increase taxes on small business owners, but rather to alleviate their burdens." He emphasized his commitment to actively pursue tax reform during the National Assembly's tax law review process.On the same day, Kim listened to the opinions of small business and restaurant industry representatives regarding the government's tax reform proposal and received a petition for improvements aimed at easing tax burdens.Small business organizations proposed several measures for tax relief, including: the withdrawal of the reduction in credit card sales tax deductions, an increase in the threshold for simplified taxation, and an expansion of income deductions for expenses related to small business operations.Kim remarked, "Small business owners should not bear additional tax burdens amid high interest rates, rising prices, and sluggish domestic demand," reiterating that "now is the time to reduce tax burdens on small business owners." He added, "I will ensure that the realities faced by small business owners are properly reflected during the National Assembly's tax law review process."Meanwhile, the business environment for small business owners remains challenging. In July, the Business Sentiment Index (BSI) for small businesses was recorded at 55.6, a decline of 8.0 points from the previous month. According to a survey by the Small Business Association, 53.3% of respondents reported that their business conditions were 'bad,' significantly outpacing the 13.0% who reported 'good' conditions.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-09 16:48:10
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Court Rules on Stock Division in Kwon Hyuk-bin Divorce Case The court has recognized Kwon Hyuk-bin, Chief Vision Officer of Smilegate, as having a 35% spousal contribution in his divorce case, ordering the division of unlisted stocks. This contrasts with the ruling in the divorce case of Choi Tae-won, chairman of SK Group, where Noh So-young's contribution was set at one-third, while Choi retained his shares. Although the contributions were similar, the division method differed based on the 'nature of the assets and their liquidity.'On September 9, the Seoul Family Court's Division 3, led by Judge Jeong Dong-hyuk, accepted the divorce petition filed by Kwon's spouse, identified as Ms. Lee, and ordered Kwon to pay her 35% of his Smilegate shares and 65 billion won in cash. The total property division amounts to approximately 2.55 trillion won.The court determined that the couple's marriage had irreparably broken down and that both parties bore equal responsibility. While the divorce petition was granted, Ms. Lee's claim for alimony was dismissed. The dismissal does not imply that Kwon is free from blame for the marriage's collapse.A key issue was whether the Smilegate shares held in Kwon's name could be considered jointly acquired property. The court noted that Ms. Lee held shares during the company's early establishment and was registered as a director and CEO. Her economic support during the early years of their marriage and her long-term contributions to household management and child-rearing were also acknowledged as part of her contribution.However, the court concluded that Kwon's business acumen and management decisions were crucial to Smilegate's growth, setting the property division ratio at 65% for Kwon and 35% for Ms. Lee. Although the court did not explicitly recognize Ms. Lee as a co-founder, it reflected her early involvement and direct and indirect contributions during the marriage in the property division.In July, the appellate court in Choi's divorce case also recognized Noh's contributions to the formation, maintenance, and value increase of SK shares during their marriage. The Seoul High Court's Family Division 1, led by Judge Lee Sang-joo, set the division ratio at two-thirds for Choi and one-third for Noh, ordering Choi to pay Noh 944 billion won.However, the assessment of contributions differed between the two cases. In Choi's case, the Supreme Court excluded 30 billion won in illegal funds linked to the late former President Roh Tae-woo, ruling that such funds fall outside the protection of the law due to their 'anti-social and unethical nature.' This led to a reduction in the property division amount from 1.38 trillion won to 944 billion won.The division methods also varied. In Choi's case, he retained his shares while paying Noh in cash. In Kwon's case, 35% of the unlisted shares, valued at approximately 7.1 trillion won, will be directly transferred to Ms. Lee.Given that most of Kwon's wealth is tied up in Smilegate shares, raising 2.55 trillion won in cash would require selling stocks. The difficulty of selling unlisted shares and the associated taxes and costs were considered. The fact that Kwon would not lose control even after transferring 35% of the shares also supported the in-kind division.Kwon's case is still in the first instance. Once the ruling is finalized, it will become the largest property division case in a public divorce lawsuit in South Korea. However, the appellate court may reassess the division targets, ratios, stock values, and in-kind division methods. Choi's case is also under review, with the Supreme Court yet to decide on 244 billion won of the 944 billion won in question.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-09 16:48:10
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South Korea Addresses Discussions on Potential Deployment to Hormuz Strait The South Korean government is working to clarify discussions surrounding the potential deployment of troops to the Hormuz Strait, stating that these talks have advanced beyond the government's review stage. The administration emphasized that contributing to freedom of navigation in the region does not necessarily equate to a decision to deploy troops, and any final judgment will be made following discussions at the National Security Council (NSC). Seong Gi-hong, the Chief of Public Communication at the Blue House, appeared on the YouTube program 'Mae Bul Show' on September 9, stating, "The government has not yet made a final decision and is proceeding with caution." Seong pointed out that fragmented information from various government sectors has led to discussions suggesting that a deployment has already been decided. He clarified, "We are in the stage of reviewing various options," and noted that there is a difference between reported deployment plans and actual government discussions. Regarding the agreement between President Yoon Suk Yeol and French President Emmanuel Macron to cooperate on freedom of navigation in the Hormuz Strait, Seong cautioned against overinterpretation. He stressed that contributions to freedom of navigation should not be equated with troop deployment. As for the decision-making process moving forward, Seong explained that opinions from relevant ministries and various levels will be consolidated at the NSC, after which President Yoon will make the final decision. He noted that individual review opinions have not yet been officially reported to the president or compiled into a unified government stance. Seong also addressed speculation linking the deployment issue to trade negotiations with the United States. He acknowledged that the U.S. is seeking cooperation from various countries but asserted, "The decision will be made based on the autonomous judgment of the South Korean government." On domestic political issues, Seong assessed that conflicts within the progressive camp have impacted the recent decline in presidential approval ratings. He remarked that the heated competition leading up to the Democratic Party's national convention after the local elections has revealed fractures within the support base, stating, "We view this very seriously." In response to criticisms that the government's reform commitment has weakened, Seong acknowledged that the Blue House is aware of this perception. He emphasized the need to faithfully reflect the president's reform intentions in policy formulation and execution, and to communicate this sincerity to the public. Regarding the possibility of constitutional amendments, including the president's re-election, Seong reaffirmed the existing position that a constitutional amendment allowing re-election for the sitting president is not feasible, stating, "There is no change in this regard," and noted that President Yoon will listen to relevant opinions before making a judgment. Concerning Kim Ji-yong, the nominee for the inaugural head of the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency, who has a history of opposing prosecutorial reforms, Seong indicated that the nominee will clarify his stance and attitude in line with the responsibilities he will assume during the National Assembly's confirmation hearing. 2026-09-09 16:44:10
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Financial Supervisory Service Calls for Improvement of Insurance Companies' KPI 금융감독원이 보험업계에 핵심성과지표(KPI) 개선을 주문했다. 단기 실적 중심의 평가 체계가 보험업계 전반의 신뢰를 떨어뜨리고 있다는 판단에서다. 금감원은 9일 생명보험협회 교육문화센터에서 보험회사·보험협회 임원 49명을 대상으로 '보험회사 성과평가 관행 개선 워크숍'을 열었다. 이번 워크숍에서는 보험회사 KPI 점검 결과와 검사 지적사례, 해외 주요국의 성과평가체계 운영 현황 등이 중점 논의됐다. 금감원이 성과평가체계를 점검한 결과 최고경영자(CEO) 성과평가에서 단기실적 중심 평가체계, 중·장기 건전경영 유인 부족, 소비자보호 성과의 형식적 설계 및 운영 등 미흡사항이 드러났다. 다수의 보험회사가 수익성·성장성 평가 시 단기 재무성과에 치중하고, 잘못된 계리가정에 따른 장래 손실은 경영진 평가에 반영하지 않는 것으로 나타났다. 상품 생애주기별로도 문제점이 확인됐다. 상품설계·제조 부문에서는 잘못된 상품설계에 대한 사후 패널티가 없었고 판매·유지 부문에서는 단기 유지율 중심 평가로 장기계약 유지 유인이 부족했다. 보험금 지급 부문에서는 보상담당 임원 성과에 손해율 관리항목이 포함돼 보험금 부지급 유인과 소비자이익 상충 우려가 지적됐다. 박지선 금감원 부원장은 "보험회사의 성과평가체계가 단기·외형 성장 중심에서 벗어나, 중장기적 시계에서 지속가능한 성장과 재무건전성, 소비자 이익이 균형 있게 설계될 수 있도록 노력이 필요하다"고 당부했다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-09 16:44:00
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U.S. Treasury Secretary Warns of Consequences if China Wins AI Race U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Besant warned that if the United States loses the artificial intelligence (AI) competition with China, it could have serious consequences for national security and the economy. His comments come amid growing concerns in the U.S. over the rapid emergence of China's open-weight AI models.According to a Bloomberg report on September 9, Besant stated at a Breitbart News event in Washington the previous day, "If China wins the AI competition, there will be no tomorrow," adding, "If China gets ahead of us in AI, nothing else will matter." He also noted that even with significant defense spending, the U.S. would fail to protect itself if it falls behind China in the AI race.Besant's remarks appear to reflect recent opposition in the U.S. regarding the construction of AI data centers. Former President Donald Trump has also warned that domestic backlash against data center construction could threaten the economy and ultimately risk ceding AI leadership to China.This concern is contrasted with China's rapid development of AI data centers in sparsely populated areas in the north and northwest, far from major cities.The growth of Chinese open-weight AI models is further fueling U.S. anxiety. Unlike the closed models led by U.S. companies such as OpenAI and Anthropic, open-weight models allow users and developers to download and modify the model's weights. Chinese firms are increasingly releasing competitively priced models that approach the performance of U.S. models.According to the AI-focused newsletter Interconnects, downloads of Chinese open-weight AI models exceeded 328 million last month, more than double that of U.S. models. This surge is attributed to the release of powerful new products like Moonshot AI's 'Kimi K3' and DeepSeek's updated 'V4 Pro.'The U.S. government has also raised suspicions that Chinese AI companies are engaging in large-scale distillation activities to acquire technology from leading U.S. AI models. Distillation refers to a technique that enhances the performance of one AI model by utilizing the output results of a more advanced model.On September 8, the National Security Agency (NSA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) jointly released a cybersecurity document claiming that Chinese AI companies have been conducting industrial-scale distillation activities targeting advanced models from U.S. firms like Anthropic, OpenAI, Google, and SpaceX. The document also suggested that these activities likely occurred with the knowledge of the Chinese government.In response, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning urged the U.S. on September 9 to stop its baseless accusations and slander against China, emphasizing the need for both countries to strengthen cooperation as AI powers.Meanwhile, ahead of the scheduled U.S.-China summit on September 24, both countries are preparing to discuss AI safety issues, as reported by Reuters. This will mark the first time since the start of the Trump administration's second term that the two nations will engage in official bilateral talks focused solely on AI. 2026-09-09 16:40:20
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Champions City: A New Luxury Residential Hub in Gwangju "Currently, the wealthiest area in Gwangju is Bongsun-dong. However, I believe that will change to 'Gwangju's Gangnam' in the future," said a 70-year-old taxi driver, identified as A, during a visit to Champions City in Imdong, North Gwangju, on September 8. Construction is underway to transform the site of former textile factories into a large-scale residential complex featuring high-rise apartments, The Hyundai Gwangju, and various commercial and cultural facilities. There is growing anticipation that the Imdong area, long viewed as an industrial zone, will evolve into a new residential hub in Gwangju. From Industrial Zone to 4,300-Unit Mixed-Use Development with Hotels Champions City is a mixed-use development project on the former Jeonbang and Ilshin textile factory sites. It plans to create a total of 4,315 residential units, along with The Hyundai Gwangju, hotels, and parks. The first phase of sales includes 3,216 units across 12 buildings, ranging from three basement levels to a maximum of 49 stories. According to the sales team, over 21,000 people visited the Champions City model home in its first three days after opening on September 4. Approximately 2,000 visitors are reported daily, even on weekdays. The model home features designs that aim to differentiate it from existing apartments in Gwangju. The showcased living room is surrounded by windows on three sides, enhancing openness. The units start from 84 square meters, with no small housing types offered, and penthouses are located on the top floors of each building. About 79% of the units, or 2,534, are 84 square meters, indicating a balanced approach rather than a focus solely on larger units. Notably, some larger units feature a 5.4-meter high 'wide terrace,' designed as an indoor garden space that can be utilized for various purposes, unlike typical protruding balconies. The community within the complex will also be extensive, covering about 11,800 square meters and including a swimming pool, sauna, breakfast service, and a hotel-style lobby lounge. The development concept is based on the idea of a '15-minute city,' where essential facilities are within close proximity. The project aims to integrate residential, commercial, and cultural functions into a single living area, rather than merely providing apartments. A sales representative stated, "We approached this as building a city, not just homes." Residents are hopeful about the changes in the long-stagnant Imdong area. A noted, "This area is close to the terminal, and with a shopping mall and a baseball stadium nearby, the location is excellent. Given the vast expanse of the former factory site and the long-standing stagnation of the surroundings, once development accelerates, the local atmosphere will change significantly." Local real estate agencies have also reported a shift in interest, with inquiries from outside the region increasing for Imdong, which previously had low residential appeal. Jeong Joo-hyun, a representative of a local real estate agency, remarked, "Typically, we receive very few inquiries from other regions, but this time, we have seen a significant increase in questions about resale restrictions, non-priority and first-come-first-served supply options, and how to acquire so-called 'royal properties.' We've even received a couple of inquiries from Seoul." High Prices Present a Challenge Amid Four Years of Market Stagnation Despite the optimism surrounding the development in Imdong, the biggest hurdle for Champions City is its pricing. The Gwangju housing market has been experiencing a prolonged downturn since 2022, and the average sale price for the first phase of Champions City is set at 2.35 million won per square meter. For the 84-square-meter units, prices range from 707 million to 870 million won, with larger units commanding even higher prices. The price difference is not significant compared to popular complexes in Bongsun-dong, Gwangju's premier affluent area. Last month, the 84-square-meter units at Bongsun Jeil Pungkyungchae Elite Park sold for 860 million to 870 million won, while Bongsun Hanok Adellium 3 sold for 970 million won. The highest sale price for Champions City’s 84-square-meter units is already approaching the actual transaction prices of major complexes in Bongsun-dong. Typically, during housing market downturns, developers opt to offer smaller, more affordable units to broaden the buyer base. However, Champions City has taken the opposite approach by excluding smaller units. A sales representative emphasized, "We did not include the popular 25-pyeong units to create a landmark representing Gwangju." This strategy reflects a belief that there is a demand for high-end and larger housing options that prioritize product quality over price. The sales team noted that since April of last year, they have conducted pre-sales consultations with about 2,000 potential customers, revealing a diverse interest across age groups from their 20s to 60s. There has also been interest in larger units exceeding 85 square meters and penthouses. The key question remains whether this pre-sale interest will translate into actual purchasing power. With 3,216 units available in the first phase and prices starting from 700 million to 800 million won, the ability of the local market to absorb such a large volume will be a critical factor. Yoo Hwa-jung, a representative of a local real estate agency, stated, "The combination of a large department store and a major complex, along with the formation of a new residential environment not previously seen in Gwangju, is a significant advantage. However, the high sale prices are the biggest concern." Nonetheless, there are expectations that the development of The Hyundai Gwangju and new large complexes, along with nearby Gwangcheon-dong developments, will enhance the residential appeal of Imdong in the medium to long term. While it may be challenging for Imdong to surpass the established reputation of Bongsun-dong, which has long been associated with strong educational districts, there is potential for it to grow into a new residential axis. Jeong added, "I believe Gwangcheon and Imdong will not surpass Bongsun-dong immediately, as Bongsun-dong has the advantage of its educational district. However, once the redevelopment of Gwangcheon-dong is completed, there is a possibility that within ten years, the Gwangcheon and Imdong areas could become one of the leading regions in Gwangju."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-09 16:36:00
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Chugye University Hosts 'Odyssey' Fusion Education Event at 4D Theater Chugye University of the Arts has launched a unique fusion humanities project by renting out an entire cinema to enhance students' foundational academic skills and career exploration. The event, held on September 3, invited not only students and faculty but also the often-overlooked facility support staff and local residents, fostering a warm sense of community.The university announced that the '2026 Fusion Humanities Concert: Experiencing the Classic Odyssey and the Film Odyssey for My Nostos (Return Home)' took place at the Lotte Cinema World Tower's Super MX4D theater. Approximately 220 attendees, including current and former students, faculty, and staff, participated in the event. Additionally, about 10 local residents from the nearby Chung-hyeon-dong area joined the viewing group.This project aims to lower the barriers to understanding classical literature and connect with students' real academic concerns.The university drew parallels between the narrative of Odysseus's return to Ithaca and the lives of modern college students, encouraging them to reflect on their current challenges and future career goals. The initiative seeks to help students actively redefine their life roadmaps.Furthermore, the program integrated excerpts from Homer's Odyssey with the 2026 film Odyssey, exploring literature, philosophy, history, and cinematic language to cultivate critical thinking skills.Before the film screening, Professor Jeong Jae-min from the College of Liberal Arts delivered a special lecture titled 'Youth! Row Towards Ithaca (Your Goal)!' adding academic depth to the program. Attendees then experienced the film in a 4D environment enhanced with motion seats, wind, and scents, allowing them to see how classical texts are translated into visual language.The event included follow-up programs, such as the 'My Career Nostos (Return Home) Contest,' where students will write reflection journals and create AI-assisted short films. The university aims to support students in expanding the questions posed in the works into their own career development stories.Most importantly, the event highlighted the warm consideration of the university community beyond educational achievements. Professor Jeong noted, 'We invited the facility support team, including security and cleaning staff, to this screening. It was heartwarming to see them enjoy the experience like schoolgirls on a picnic.' He added, 'Since they were all adults, the theater was unfamiliar to them, and they had difficulty finding their seats, so I enjoyed guiding them around.'Additionally, the university did not forget to engage with the local community by inviting residents from the Chung-hyeon-dong community center.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-09 16:36:00
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Lee Seok-yeon: National Integration Committee Must Not Flatter Power Lee Seok-yeon, who has been controversially dismissed as the chair of the National Integration Committee after suggesting that President Lee Jae-myung should resign for the sake of national unity, stated on September 9, "If the National Integration Committee is merely an organization that flatters power with pleasing words and performative activities, it has no value in existence."After completing his resignation ceremony at the Seoul Government Complex in Jongno, Lee posted on Facebook, asserting that the committee should serve as a channel for conveying the pain and anger of the people, as well as the voices of the silent majority, to those in power.He added, "Politics often exacerbates conflicts and divides our society through confirmation bias and partisan logic." He emphasized that politicians must demonstrate unity in politics before advocating for national integration. He warned that if individuals view their opponents as enemies and reject differing opinions, democracy will lose its place.Lee further stressed, "If politics is confined within the walls of factions and the public is divided and distrustful of one another, no matter how much the economy grows or national power increases, the future of South Korea cannot be bright."Lee, who took office in September last year, has stepped down after just one year. Some analysts suggest that his call for the president's resignation led to his effective dismissal. Following Lee's remarks, Kim Min-seok, the leader of the Democratic Party, sharply criticized him.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-09 16:36:00