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  • SBI Savings Bank First in Korea to Achieve International Customer Satisfaction Certification
    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
  • South Korea Hosts World Emerging Security Forum, Emphasizing International Cooperation
    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
  • NH Savings Bank Launches 6% Savings Account with Limited Availability
    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
  • Xi, Putin send congratulatory messages as North Korea marks 78th anniversary
    Xi, Putin send congratulatory messages as North Korea marks 78th anniversary SEOUL, September 9 (AJP) - North Korea unveiled congratulatory messages from Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, with both leaders pledging to strengthen ties with Pyongyang, as the reclusive country marked the 78th anniversary of its founding on Wednesday. The messages sent to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un ahead of the anniversary were featured on the front page of the state-run Rodong Sinmun, commemorating the country's establishment on Sept. 9, 1948, by regime founder and Kim's grandfather Kim Il-sung. Calling North Korea a "friendly socialist neighbor," Xi said Beijing would continue to support and strengthen ties with Pyongyang. "It is the consistent and steadfast policy of the Chinese party and government to successfully defend, consolidate and develop the China-relations," he said. In a similar manner, Putin also emphasized the longstanding relationship between Moscow and Pyongyang, pledging to further strengthen a "comprehensive strategic partnership" between the two countries. He added that closer cooperation would serve both countries' interests and contribute to regional security and the emergence of a more "multipolar" world order. The messages come as North Korea continues to deepen diplomatic and economic ties with both China and Russia. Pyongyang has increasingly used its ties with the two traditional allies to seek recognition as a nuclear-armed state while strengthening its leverage in negotiations. North Korean state media also reported that Kim received similar congratulatory messages along with flower baskets from leaders in Belarus, Cambodia, Equatorial Guinea, Laos, Mongolia, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland, Viet Nam and Zimbabwe. AJP Takeaways - Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin pledged to strengthen ties with North Korea in messages to Kim Jong-un on Sept. 9, 2026. - North Korea is using closer ties with China and Russia to boost its diplomatic leverage and seek recognition as a nuclear-armed state. - North Korea marked its 78th founding anniversary on September 9, 2026, with congratulatory messages from leaders of 12 countries. 2026-09-09 15:16:09
  • Court Rules on Kwon Hyuk-bins Divorce Settlement, Valuing Assets at 2.5 Trillion Won
    Court Rules on Kwon Hyuk-bin's Divorce Settlement, Valuing Assets at 2.5 Trillion Won In a divorce ruling, a court ordered Kwon Hyuk-bin, Chief Vision Officer (CVO) of Smilegate, to pay his spouse 35% of Smilegate-related stock and 650 million won in cash as part of the asset division. The court dismissed the spouse's claim for alimony, determining that Kwon CVO was not responsible for the breakdown of the marriage.The Seoul Family Court's Division 3 ruled on September 9 that Kwon CVO's spouse, identified as Lee, would receive 35% of the stock related to Smilegate as part of the divorce and asset division. The remaining cash amount of 650 million won was ordered to be paid to cover the shortfall based on the asset division ratio.This ruling comes nearly three years and ten months after the case was filed in November 2022.The court assessed Kwon CVO's net worth at approximately 7.3375 trillion won, with the value of Smilegate-related stock accounting for about 7.3149 trillion won, or 99.8% of his total assets.If the stock were to be converted to cash for the asset division, Kwon CVO would need to provide around 2.55 trillion won. However, the court decided to divide 35% of the Smilegate stock in kind instead of cash, noting that Kwon CVO holds 100% of the company's shares, thus posing no risk of losing control over the company.Even if the ruling is upheld, there will be no change in Smilegate's governance structure. Kwon CVO will retain 65% ownership after the stock division, alleviating concerns that he would need to sell shares to pay the substantial cash settlement.A key issue in the divorce proceedings was whether Kwon CVO's shares in Smilegate could be considered marital property. The court concluded that Kwon CVO's individual business acumen and management decisions were crucial to the company's growth, leading to a division ratio of 65% for Kwon CVO and 35% for Lee.The court acknowledged Lee's indirect contributions, citing her previous ownership of shares in Smilegate's predecessor, Smilegate Entertainment, and her long-term commitment to household and childcare responsibilities as factors in including Smilegate shares in the asset division.Consideration was also given to the financial support Lee's family provided early in the marriage and the substantial dividends Kwon CVO received from Smilegate after the lawsuit was filed when determining the 35% contribution ratio.The valuation of Smilegate's stock utilized the discounted cash flow (DCF) method. The court noted that intangible assets play a significant role in evaluating the value of gaming companies and that future growth potential must also be considered. The valuation also reflected the merger of Smilegate with four subsidiaries prior to the valuation date.The court rejected Lee's claim for alimony, determining that Kwon CVO bore no responsibility for the marriage's collapse. It assessed that both parties shared responsibility for the prolonged conflict and its escalation, with the degree of fault being equal.Lee was designated as the custodian and guardian of their minor children. Kwon CVO is required to pay 20 million won per month in child support until the children reach adulthood and is allowed to maintain visitation rights in accordance with the children's wishes.Following the ruling, Kwon CVO's attorney expressed some disappointment regarding the court's assessment of the marriage's breakdown but noted that the dismissal of the alimony claim indicates the court found no fault on Kwon CVO's part. The attorney stated that they would review the detailed ruling and consult with Kwon CVO regarding future legal steps.Smilegate stated, "The company has no position on the personal matters of its major shareholder and will continue to carry out its business as usual." 2026-09-09 15:16:00
  • SK Hynix to Introduce ASMLs Next-Generation EUV Equipment for DRAM Production by 2028
    SK Hynix to Introduce ASML's Next-Generation EUV Equipment for DRAM Production by 2028 SK Hynix plans to implement ASML's next-generation High NA extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography equipment in its DRAM production process by 2028. This move aims to enhance the performance and cost competitiveness of next-generation DRAM by surpassing the limitations of current fine process technologies.According to reports from Reuters and others on September 9, SK Hynix has set a goal to apply the High NA EUV process to DRAM mass production by 2028. The company is also considering participation in the Large Size Mask Consortium led by TSMC.High NA EUV represents a new lithography technology capable of creating finer circuits than existing EUV equipment. The numerical aperture (NA), which indicates the light-gathering ability, will increase from 0.33 in current EUV systems to 0.55. This advancement allows for the formation of finer patterns in a single step, reducing the number of process stages while improving semiconductor performance and productivity.Since first applying EUV technology to the mass production of 10-nanometer class fourth-generation (1a) DRAM in 2021, SK Hynix has been expanding its use in advanced DRAM applications. The introduction of High NA EUV is expected to simplify existing EUV processes and accelerate the development of next-generation memory.SK Hynix is also joining efforts to change the standards for semiconductor lithography processes. The company is reviewing participation in a consortium aimed at scaling up photomasks from the current 6-inch size to 12 inches. Photomasks are essential for transferring semiconductor circuit patterns onto wafers, and increasing their size can enhance the productivity and efficiency of next-generation lithography processes.The consortium includes global semiconductor companies such as ASML, with Samsung Electronics already involved. If SK Hynix joins, it could intensify the competition over technological standards in the global semiconductor industry regarding next-generation EUV equipment and large photomasks.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-09 15:12:10
  • Information on Sex Offenders to Be Available Through National Assistant Starting in October
    Information on Sex Offenders to Be Available Through National Assistant Starting in October Starting in October, information on sex offenders will also be available through the National Assistant of the Ministry of Interior and Safety.The Ministry of Gender Equality and Family announced on September 9 that it will fully implement the addition of the National Assistant as a notification channel for sex offender information, alongside existing KakaoTalk and Naver electronic documents.Currently, information on sex offenders is sent out approximately 6.5 million times a year to guardians of children and teenagers under 19 living in the same area as the offenders. This notification process began with postal mail in 2011 and has been gradually transitioning to mobile notifications since 2020.The mobile notification viewing rate increased from 31% in 2022 to 49% last year. However, there have been instances where users mistook notification messages for spam or phishing, highlighting the need to expand notification channels.In response, the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family decided to add the National Assistant, which has about 18.2 million members, as a new notification channel. Users of the National Assistant can select the 'Sex Offender Information Notification' service in their notification settings to receive relevant information.The notification system and the National Assistant will be connected using an Enterprise Service Bus (ESB) method, allowing for real-time sending and receipt confirmation. Given the sensitive nature of the personal information being transmitted, security measures such as encryption will also be implemented.The Ministry plans to introduce the National Assistant service and registration menu on October 10 and will conduct a pilot operation in one administrative district. After assessing the system's stability and information delivery process during the pilot, full implementation will begin in October, with public promotion starting in November.Kim Sung-cheol, Director of Safety and Human Rights Policy at the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, stated, "By adding a trusted channel that many citizens use, we aim to increase the reach of sex offender information and strengthen the safety net for guardians of children and teenagers."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-09 15:12:00
  • Smilegate divorce may top Cheys as Koreas costliest at $1.79 bln
    Smilegate divorce may top Chey's as Korea's costliest at $1.79 bln SEOUL, September 09 (AJP) - A Seoul court ordered Smilegate founder Kwon Hyuk-bin to pay his estranged wife roughly 2.4 trillion won ($1.79 billion) in stock, the largest divorce settlement in South Korean history. The Seoul Family Court granted the divorce petition filed by the wife, surnamed Lee, and ordered that the award be paid in shares rather than cash. "The marriage has broken down to a point beyond repair," the court said, adding that both spouses bore equal responsibility for the collapse. On that basis it granted the divorce but dismissed Lee's claim for consolation money and instead arranged for her to a direct stake in the privately held firm behind hit titles such as "Lost Ark" and "Epic Seven." The ruling caps a legal fight that began in November 2022, when Lee sued Kwon roughly two years after the couple separated, accusing him of neglecting the family. She had sought half of his holdings, arguing that she once held a 30 percent founding stake and served as a registered director while shouldering more than two decades of domestic work. The court valued Kwon's Smilegate shares at about 7.1 trillion won and set the division at 35 percent. Kwon, who denied any fault and opposed the divorce, contended that Lee never invested in or worked for the company and could not be considered a co-founder. The award eclipses the 944 billion won granted in July to Roh Soh-yeong in her divorce from SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won, itself the country's largest at the time. The dispute remains before the Supreme Court on appeal over how the sum should be paid. Born in 1974, Kwon graduated from Sogang University with a degree in electronic engineering, married Lee in 2001 and founded Smilegate the following year. He became chairman of the affiliated Heemang Studio foundation in 2012 and took the title of chief visionary officer in 2020, the year the couple began living apart. AJP Takeaways - A Seoul court ordered Smilegate founder Kwon Hyuk-bin to hand about 2.4 trillion won ($1.8 billion) in company stock to his estranged wife, the largest divorce settlement in South Korean history. - The court ordered payment in Smilegate shares rather than cash, an unusual remedy that would give Lee a direct stake, though the two sides were found equally at fault and her claim for consolation money was dismissed. - The judgment is a first-instance ruling and could be appealed, as Kwon disputes that Lee qualifies as a co-founder. 2026-09-09 15:10:16
  • Korea and Africa Strengthen AI Cooperation with AfDBs AI Hub in Korea
    Korea and Africa Strengthen AI Cooperation with AfDB's AI Hub in Korea Korea and Africa are expanding their economic cooperation, focusing on artificial intelligence (AI) and digital infrastructure, as they mark the 20th anniversary of the Korea-Africa Economic Cooperation (KOAFEC). An AI hub of the African Development Bank (AfDB) will be established in Korea, alongside the expansion of development cooperation projects, including 13 initiatives across seven sectors, including AI and digital technology.The Ministry of Economy and Finance announced that the 8th KOAFEC Ministerial Meeting was held on September 9 at the Grand Walkerhill Hotel in Seoul. Officials from finance and ICT ministries of 45 African countries attended the meeting, where they discussed the theme of 'Africa's Great Transformation through AI and Digital Infrastructure.'Based on the discussions, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Koo Yun-cheol and AfDB President Akinwumi Adesina adopted the '2026 KOAFEC Joint Declaration.' They agreed to expand cooperation in various fields, including industrialization, education, health, and agriculture, centered on the AI ecosystem and digital infrastructure.Additionally, they prepared a '2027/28 KOAFEC Action Plan' outlining cooperation directions for the next two years and approved 13 trust fund projects in seven areas: AI and digital, urban development, education and capacity building, agriculture, energy, environment, and health. Domestic AI and digital innovation institutions and companies will participate as collaborating entities in these projects.The development cooperation framework will also be strengthened. Koo and Adesina signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to enhance the linkage of development cooperation measures.Both sides will utilize the KOAFEC trust fund to identify demand-driven projects and expand policy consulting and capacity building, while continuing cooperative financing between the Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF) and AfDB in key areas such as AI, critical minerals, culture, and climate. They also plan to enhance joint research and policy consulting through the Knowledge Sharing Program (KSP).A platform dedicated to Korea-Africa AI cooperation will be established. The two sides signed a Letter of Intent to establish the Korea-Africa AI Hub in Korea, aiming to connect Korea's AI capabilities with AfDB's African network to support Africa's AI transformation and bilateral AI cooperation.Furthermore, the government's ongoing global AI hub cooperation will be expanded to include Africa. The government has been working on establishing AI cooperation centers with the World Bank (WB), Asian Development Bank (ADB), Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), and Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI). The participation of AfDB will further expand the AI cooperation network with major multilateral development banks (MDBs).Cooperation at the country level has also been specified. Koo met with Botswana's Vice President and Minister of Finance, Ndaba Gaolathe, to discuss ways to identify cooperation projects focused on the Botswana Economic Transformation Program (BETP) for industrial diversification and enhancement of critical mineral supply chains. He also discussed the smooth implementation of the 'Tanzania AI and Digital Technology Education Institution Construction Project,' the first pilot project of the K-AI package, with Tanzania's Minister of Information and Communication, Angela Jasmine Mbelwa Kairuki.AI cooperation will also extend to the private sector. The government plans to support African startups by providing Korean GPU and NPU-based cloud infrastructure and technology through the KOAFEC trust fund, facilitating the development of AI products and services tailored to local demand in collaboration with Korean companies through the 'K-AI Cloud Voucher' program.In Korea, companies like Ellice Group will provide AI cloud services, while HealthOnCloud and Baro AI will participate in technology and service development with African startups. Future plans include selecting additional participating companies and supporting business matching and joint ventures to connect with local commercialization.During his opening remarks, Deputy Prime Minister Koo emphasized the three key areas of cooperation: expanding AI infrastructure, utilizing AI solutions across sectors, and nurturing AI talent, proposing to develop specific cooperation projects, including the K-AI package.On September 10, the KOAFEC Business Innovation Forum, country-specific investment briefings for African nations, and one-on-one business meetings between Korean and African companies will be held to explore concrete investment and business opportunities.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-09 15:08:00
  • Samsung and SK Hynix Strengthen Global Semiconductor Alliances to Maintain Memory Leadership
    Samsung and SK Hynix Strengthen Global Semiconductor Alliances to Maintain Memory Leadership Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix are enhancing their collaboration with global semiconductor companies to maintain their leadership in next-generation memory technology. They are not just securing the latest equipment but are actively participating in technology development and standard-setting. This shift indicates that the competition to maintain a memory advantage is expanding from individual manufacturing capabilities to the entire global semiconductor ecosystem. Samsung has joined a large mask consortium led by ASML to expand the existing 6-inch photomask, which is used to engrave circuit patterns on wafers, to 12 inches. At the same time, it is pursuing the application of high-NA EUV technology for advanced DRAM mass production by 2028, becoming the first in the industry to do so. SK Hynix is also aiming to apply high-NA EUV for DRAM mass production in 2028 and is considering joining the 12-inch mask consortium. High-NA EUV is a next-generation lithography technology that can create finer circuits than existing EUV. Combining this with large masks can enhance productivity and reduce manufacturing costs. ASML and TSMC plan to establish a pilot production line for 12-inch masks by 2031 and prepare for full-scale production by 2033. Samsung and SK Hynix's early participation in this process signifies more than just equipment acquisition; it indicates their intention to play a leading role in shaping the standards and specifications for semiconductor manufacturing in the future. It is clear that South Korea's semiconductor industry possesses world-class manufacturing competitiveness. The accumulated process technology and mass production experience in memory fields such as DRAM and HBM are difficult to replicate. However, given China's rapid advancements, complacency is not an option. Chinese memory companies like CXMT and YMTC are quickly enhancing their production capacity and technological capabilities, backed by substantial government support. While a technological gap still exists between South Korea and China, the latter's ability to build competitiveness based on its vast domestic market is a cause for concern. Moreover, the nature of semiconductor competition is changing. In the AI era, simply producing high-quality memory is no longer sufficient to maintain competitiveness. Advanced lithography equipment, materials and components, design, foundry, advanced packaging, and software must be interconnected within a single ecosystem. Collaboration with big tech companies developing AI semiconductors is now essential rather than optional. In the future, companies must go beyond merely supplying HBM and next-generation memory demanded by big tech; they need to collaborate from the early stages of product development, jointly designing new memory and packaging technologies. They must evolve from a customer-supplier relationship to become partners in technology development. The government must also actively support our companies to position themselves at the center of global cooperation networks through research and development and talent cultivation. It is urgent to streamline regulations to ensure domestic investments do not lag. While the government cannot create competitiveness for companies, it is responsible for creating an environment where they can compete. The memory advantage is not an eternal right. Technology changes rapidly, and competitors are constantly emerging. The methods for maintaining this advantage must also evolve. Samsung and SK Hynix must maintain their world-leading manufacturing competitiveness while closely connecting with global leaders like ASML, TSMC, and big tech to shape the direction of technology together. Companies that collaborate to define technological pathways will outlast those that try to lead alone. 2026-09-09 15:04:20