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Naver Z, First Strike Amid Wage Freeze Dispute; Full Strike Planned for 23rd Naver Z, which operates the metaverse platform Zepeto, has entered its first strike amid a wage freeze dispute. The union plans to escalate its actions, starting with a four-hour partial strike on September 9 and a full strike scheduled for the 23rd.According to the ICT industry on September 9, members of the Naver Z union, part of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, conducted a partial strike from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. This marks the first time the union has taken actual strike action within the Naver Group.The core issue of the dispute is this year's wage increase rate. Naver Z management proposed a wage freeze due to business conditions, while the union is demanding a 5.3% increase, which was agreed upon by Naver's headquarters and major affiliates. The two sides have been unable to narrow their differences during wage negotiations.The union applied for labor dispute mediation with the Gyeonggi Provincial Labor Relations Commission, but no agreement was reached in two rounds of mediation. Following the suspension of mediation on July 24, a vote on whether to take strike action showed an 88.6% turnout, with 98% in favor, granting the union the right to strike.Following the partial strike, the union plans to expand its collective actions if there is no change in management's stance. A full strike is planned for the 23rd, and if negotiations do not progress, the union may escalate to a strike lasting up to five days.This strike by the Naver Z union is intertwined with demands for 'integrated negotiations,' which call for Naver's headquarters to participate in wage discussions with its affiliates. The union held a declaration ceremony for integrated negotiations on August 20, insisting that the headquarters should discuss wages and working conditions with its subsidiaries.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-09 15:36:00 -
Choi Tae-won Accepts 700 Billion Won Property Division with ex-wife, Appeals Remaining Amount Choi Tae-won, chairman of SK Group, has filed an appeal against a ruling requiring him to pay 944 billion won to his ex-wife, Noh So-young, the director of the Art Center Nabi. However, he stated that he will only contest 244 billion won of the total amount.According to legal sources on September 9, Choi's legal team submitted a request to the Family Division of the Seoul High Court on August 31, indicating that they accept the division amount of 700 billion won but will appeal the remaining sum.Choi's representatives explained, "In light of the prolonged nature of this dispute, we aim to reduce the conflict and resolve the matter swiftly, thus we accept the 700 billion won. However, we believe there are legal issues with the amount exceeding that."Previously, the Family Division of the Seoul High Court ruled in July that Choi must pay Noh 944 billion won as part of their property division. The court determined that the SK shares held by Choi were acquired during their marriage and should be included in the division. However, it did not recognize the contribution of 30 billion won in slush funds provided by the late former President Roh Tae-woo to SK.Choi's legal team submitted the appeal just before the deadline on August 14 at 11:59 PM.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-09 15:36:00
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Seragem Showcases AgeTech Healthcare Solutions at K-ICT Week in Busan Seragem is participating in an information and communication technology (ICT) exhibition in Busan to showcase its AgeTech-based healthcare solutions and seek business collaborations with related companies.According to Seragem, it will operate a healthcare experience space at the 'K-ICT WEEK in BUSAN 2026,' a global exhibition of leading future technologies, taking place at BEXCO in Busan until September 11.The Busan Information Industry Promotion Agency, the event's organizing body, is hosting a 'Joint AgeTech Pavilion' to gather local AgeTech companies, showcase related technologies and products, and facilitate exchanges between businesses, demand sources, and buyers.Seragem has set up a healthcare experience area within the AX Lounge of the exhibition, where it will unveil healthcare solutions and products linked to AgeTech. Attendees will have the opportunity to experience products such as the Master V9 and Master V7 spinal care medical devices, as well as the premium massage chair, Pause M8 Fit, allowing them to relax and try out the equipment.Additionally, Seragem will participate in the 'Global AgeTech Forum' organized by the Busan Information Industry Promotion Agency, where it will examine the current status and prospects of the domestic and international AgeTech industry and explore business collaboration opportunities in wellness with over 20 AgeTech-related companies.Seragem is officially supporting the 'AgeTech Demonstration Base Project Based on Marine Cultural City' promoted by the Busan Metropolitan City and the Busan Information Industry Promotion Agency, contributing to the enhancement of senior health. As part of this initiative, it established a healthcare experience space at the Haha Center in Dong-gu, Busan, in July, and recently set up additional experience areas at the Haha Center in Gijang and the Our Neighborhood ESG Center in Buk-gu.Meanwhile, 'K-ICT WEEK in BUSAN 2026' will run for three days until September 11.A Seragem official stated, "We will actively support the senior generation in experiencing AgeTech in their daily lives and promote the activation of related industries and the silver economy in close cooperation with Busan City and the Busan Information Industry Promotion Agency."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-09 15:28:00
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HUG Introduces AI to Streamline Housing Purchase Review Process, Reducing Time by 93% The Housing and Urban Guarantee Corporation (HUG) has significantly reduced the processing time for its housing purchase review tasks by implementing an AI automated analysis system. On September 9, HUG announced the introduction of an AX-based support system for reviewing public and private auction properties for its housing lease program, automating the preparation of basic review materials. The housing lease program allows HUG to purchase homes for which it has guaranteed lease deposits, providing public rental housing to households without homes. HUG's AI-based automated analysis program extracts key information necessary for preliminary reviews, such as housing types and rights relationships, directly from real estate registration documents, generating standardized data in bulk. Previously, employees had to manually check each real estate registration document and input information by hand. This improvement is notable as it stems from frontline employees identifying inefficiencies in their workflow. According to pilot results, the time required to prepare preliminary review materials for each registration document has decreased from approximately 2 minutes and 30 seconds to just 10 seconds, marking a 93% reduction in processing time. This year, the scale of the housing lease program is set to double from 1,800 units last year to 3,600 units. With the increase in review volume, the introduction of AI automated analysis is expected to enhance the efficiency of the review process. HUG plans to gradually expand the scope of automated analysis to include appraisal reports and sales item specifications, and is also working on establishing an AI-based review support platform to assist with overall public and private auction reviews. As the volume of reviews increases during the expansion of public rental supply, AI-based automation is likely to be a key tool for enhancing supply speed and administrative efficiency. Choi In-ho, President of HUG, stated, “The core of AX is to practically improve the work methods on the ground and allow employees to focus on more valuable tasks. We will continue to expand our business innovation using AI and digital technology.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-09 15:24:20
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Eddie Daniel, Our Diversity Scholarship Recipient, to Compete in Asian Games Our Diversity Scholarship Foundation, part of Woori Financial Group, announced that Eddie Daniel, a scholarship recipient, will represent South Korea at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.Daniel, who plays for the Seoul SK Knights, has gained recognition as the first high school graduate to win the KBL Rookie Sixth Man Award. This award is given to players who excel as substitutes, making significant contributions to their teams.When he was first selected as a scholarship recipient, Daniel expressed, "I will grow strong with the generous support I have received." After being named to the national team this year, he stated, "I want to be someone who can share the support and help I have received with others."Lee Ji-hyun, deputy director of the Our Diversity Scholarship Foundation, said, "We will continue to support children’s potential in various fields, including sports."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-09 15:24:00
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Saemangeum Development Corporation Participates in World Smart City Expo Saemangeum Development Corporation is showcasing the future of the Saemangeum smart waterfront city at the 2026 World Smart City Expo.The corporation announced on September 9 that it will introduce plans for smart city services in the first city being developed in Saemangeum, the 'Saemangeum Smart Waterfront City,' during the expo, which runs until September 11.The World Smart City Expo is the largest international smart city event in Asia, co-hosted by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the Ministry of Science and ICT, and Busan Metropolitan City. Saemangeum Development Corporation has consistently participated in this event over the past four years to promote the Saemangeum smart waterfront city.Last May, the corporation changed the development concept of the waterfront city to 'Creating Saemangeum First City with Businesses.' Since then, it has established three key development strategies: a business-supporting hinterland city, a livable luxury city, and a uniquely attractive city, along with a basic plan for the smart city.This exhibition will focus on the smart city plan for Saemangeum, total mobility across land, sea, and air, and smart safe city initiatives, presenting the future vision of the smart waterfront city and various smart services.Additionally, the corporation plans to showcase some of the AI hydrogen city spatial implementation plans and priority business plans linked to Hyundai Motor Group's announcement of a 9 trillion won investment in Saemangeum earlier this year.As Saemangeum transitions into a complex development site with industrial complexes, hinterland cities, and mobility and energy infrastructure, the execution of the smart city concept is expected to be a key factor in its future competitiveness.Na Kyung-kyun, president of Saemangeum Development Corporation, stated, "The Saemangeum Smart Waterfront City, the first city in Saemangeum, marks the starting point for a future-oriented city. We will actively support the creation of smart cities and AI hydrogen cities in collaboration with Hyundai Motor Group and related agencies."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-09 15:20:20
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Coramco to Develop Urban Complex at Government Gwacheon Station Coramco Asset Trust will participate in a project to develop the commercial area of Gwacheon’s old downtown into a mixed-use urban complex combining residential and commercial facilities. On September 9, Coramco announced that it has signed a business agreement with the Integrated Preparatory Committee for the Government Gwacheon Station District 1 Urban Complex Development Project to promote the development through a private trust method. The Government Gwacheon Station District 1 is located in the core commercial area of Byeollyang-dong, Gwacheon City, Gyeonggi Province, near the Government Gwacheon Station on Seoul Subway Line 4. The area covers 12,415 square meters. According to the plan, a complex with approximately 590 residential units and commercial facilities will be developed, featuring six underground floors and up to 40 above-ground floors. The total floor area is expected to be around 156,300 square meters. Detailed architectural plans may be adjusted during the permitting process. Although the site has significant potential due to its proximity to the Government Gwacheon Station, challenges such as aging buildings and complex property rights have hindered the advancement of redevelopment projects. Coramco plans to lead the project as the implementer, overseeing the overall process, including project structure review, permitting strategy, feasibility analysis, financing, and contractor selection. If the redevelopment of the commercial area near Gwacheon’s old downtown progresses, it is expected to enhance not only housing supply but also the recovery of aging commercial districts and improvements in living infrastructure. Lee Chung-sung, CEO of Coramco Asset Trust, stated, “The Government Gwacheon Station District 1 is a symbolic location that can revitalize the functions of Gwacheon’s old downtown. We aim to create a mixed-use development model that balances residential and commercial functions while protecting the rights of existing landowners.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-09 15:20:10
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SBI Savings Bank First in Korea to Achieve International Customer Satisfaction Certification SBI Savings Bank announced on September 9 that it has become the first bank and savings bank in South Korea to obtain the international standard certification for customer satisfaction management, known as 'ISO10002.'ISO10002 is a standard established by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) that recognizes organizations with systematic and fair processes for handling customer requests and complaints. In South Korea, the certification is granted after an evaluation by the Korea Productivity Center, which operates under the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.SBI Savings Bank explained that it received the certification due to its recognized processes for handling customer complaints and its management system aimed at enhancing customer satisfaction.With this certification, SBI Savings Bank aims to increase the reliability of its complaint handling procedures, proactively prevent customer dissatisfaction, and strengthen its rapid complaint resolution system.Kim Moon-seok, CEO of SBI Savings Bank, stated, "We recognize customer-centric management as a core value and are making company-wide efforts to enhance customer satisfaction. We will listen more closely to our customers' voices and treat them as valuable assets for our growth, striving to become a trusted financial institution."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-09 15:20:10
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South Korea Hosts World Emerging Security Forum, Emphasizing International Cooperation The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the 2026 World Emerging Security Forum (WESF) was held in Seoul on September 9. Launched in 2021 to lead discussions on emerging security threats, this year's forum marks its sixth iteration.The forum featured over 20 speakers from government, international organizations, and academia, with an audience of more than 200 attendees. The theme, "Emerging Technology: Risks and Opportunities," facilitated in-depth discussions and diverse analyses on how technologies such as AI, drones, and space are rapidly transforming the global security landscape. Jeong Yeon-du, head of the Ministry's Strategic Information Office, emphasized in his opening remarks that "international cooperation, norm-setting efforts, and responsible actions by each country are crucial for ensuring that technological innovation strengthens security."In this context, he highlighted the South Korean government's initiatives, including leading the launch of the REAIM high-level meeting on the responsible military use of AI and the adoption of the first UN General Assembly resolution on the implications of military AI for international peace and security. He also expressed the government's commitment to fostering a human-centered and inclusive AI environment that ensures the benefits of technology are accessible to all.Kim Hwi-gang, the Cybersecurity Secretary at the Blue House, stated in his congratulatory remarks that "in the modern cyber threat environment, where the speed of attacks is increasing and methods are becoming more sophisticated, rapid detection and recovery from threats are key to cyber defense. Strengthening this resilience will guide the direction of our future cybersecurity policy." He further promised to connect private sector technological innovations with national-level cyber resilience, in line with the government's recently announced policy to nurture innovative companies in AI, drones, cybersecurity, and aerospace.Discussions in various sessions addressed the fundamental changes in warfare due to the proliferation of low-cost drones and the autonomy of weapon systems, the compressed decision-making time and increased risk of misjudgment as AI, cyber, and nuclear capabilities become interconnected, and the simultaneous militarization and commercialization of space leading to congestion and competition. Participants identified the need for human control and accountability over autonomous weapon systems, maintaining human involvement in critical areas such as nuclear command and control, and reflecting the expanded role of the private sector in space security in the formation of international norms. They agreed that close communication and cooperation among the international community are essential to overcome these challenges.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-09 15:20:00
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NH Savings Bank Launches 6% Savings Account with Limited Availability NH Savings Bank announced on September 9 that it will offer the 'NH FIC Correct Earth Regular Savings' account with an interest rate of up to 6.0% per year, available for a limited 800 accounts.The 'NH FIC Correct Earth Regular Savings' account is designed to provide customers with tangible financial benefits while encouraging environmentally friendly practices in daily life. NH Savings Bank sets annual sales limits for this product in the first and second halves of the year.In line with its commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) management, the bank has structured the preferential interest rate conditions to allow customers to naturally participate in eco-friendly activities during the account signup process.The product can be subscribed to through NH Savings Bank's mobile and internet banking platforms, with a total of 800 accounts available. The subscription period is 12 months, and customers can deposit between 10,000 won and 300,000 won each month.The base interest rate is 4.5%, and with a maximum preferential rate of 1.5 percentage points, customers can receive an annual interest rate of up to 6.0% (pre-tax). The preferential rate applies if customers agree to the eco-friendly practice pledge, consent to the use of NH marketing, and meet certain spending requirements with a debit card. The debit card must be used for purchases of at least 100,000 won within three months of opening the savings account.Kim Jang-seop, CEO of NH Savings Bank, stated, "Through this second-half offering, we aim to provide customers with real interest rate benefits while also contributing to the promotion of eco-friendly practices and ESG values."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-09 15:20:00