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  • APR to Absorb Subsidiary APR Factory to Enhance Management Efficiency
    APR to Absorb Subsidiary APR Factory to Enhance Management Efficiency Beauty company APR has announced plans to absorb its subsidiary APR Factory to enhance management efficiency and business competitiveness.APR disclosed on September 9 that it has decided to proceed with the absorption merger of APR Factory, in which it holds a 100% stake. The merger will be conducted without issuing new shares, with a merger ratio of 1:0. There will be no changes to APR's share structure following the merger. The merger agreement date is set for September 16, and the effective date of the merger is December 31.Through this merger, APR aims to improve the efficiency of human and material resource allocation and reduce costs by streamlining overlapping management systems. The company also plans to simplify its decision-making structure to respond quickly to changes in the global beauty market.APR Factory operates three production sites, including one in Gasan, Seoul, and two in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province. It plays a key role in APR's production system, which encompasses research and development (R&D), product planning, production, and logistics.An APR official stated, "This merger is a strategic decision to enhance organizational and operational efficiency, thereby strengthening our business competitiveness. We will work to increase shareholder value through growth in scale and profitability."Meanwhile, APR reported consolidated revenues of 767.5 billion won and an operating profit of 190.6 billion won for the second quarter of this year, marking increases of 134.2% and 134.5%, respectively, compared to the same period last year.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-09 14:08:00
  • Kakao Games to Officially Launch World of Goblins on October 8
    Kakao Games to Officially Launch 'World of Goblins' on October 8 Kakao Games will officially launch its new MMORPG, 'World of Goblins,' on October 8.On September 8, Kakao Games held an online showcase to announce the official release date, key content, combat system, and service plans for 'World of Goblins.''World of Goblins' is developed based on the popular Naver web novel and webtoon 'Myeolgisudojeon.' It features a hybrid 2.5D graphic style that combines 2D pixel characters with 3D backgrounds, creating a retro feel and a three-dimensional spatial experience. The game expands the original's world, which blends traditional Korean folklore with Eastern fantasy elements, and enhances the IP's quality through collaboration with webtoon production company Redice Studio.Lee Si-woo, CEO of Kakao Games, stated in his welcoming remarks, "The game features a Korean-inspired worldview and unique pixel graphics. We aim to provide a sustainable service that allows users to enjoy the core fun of MMORPGs, focusing on growth and cooperation."The showcase revealed a combat system utilizing 12 styles of magic. Players can mix and match various magic styles without being restricted to fixed classes, allowing for personalized combat strategies. This system enables diverse gameplay by combining the characteristics and skills of each style based on the situation.The game also emphasizes a cooperative growth structure over competition. It strengthens cooperative content without making player competition a mandatory element, allowing users to enjoy PvP content selectively. Regular communication among users will be facilitated through operational content such as the 'Goblin Assembly.'The AI system 'Myeorong' will provide user-friendly features and service direction. The showcase included actual gameplay footage and detailed service policies, along with a Q&A session where influencers posed questions to the development team on behalf of users.Before the official launch, Kakao Games will host a live demonstration on September 18, showcasing gameplay and key content, along with real-time commentary from the development team. 2026-09-09 14:04:20
  • Kwon Hyung-taek Visits Power Semiconductor Manufacturer for First On-Site Engagement
    Kwon Hyung-taek Visits Power Semiconductor Manufacturer for First On-Site Engagement Kwon Hyung-taek, chairman of the Technology Guarantee Fund, conducted his first on-site visit to a company since taking office, where he listened to the regulatory challenges faced by a power semiconductor manufacturer.The Technology Guarantee Fund announced on September 9 that Kwon visited GMJ Co., located in Gijang-gun, Busan, on September 8, to hold a business meeting.This meeting was organized to hear directly from companies that must outsource parts of their manufacturing processes due to uniform restrictions on business types within industrial complexes, and to examine the impact of regulations on actual manufacturing sites. Kwon, accompanied by regulatory innovation experts, confirmed the difficulties faced by companies, such as increased production costs and extended production periods, and discussed the need for reasonable improvements to entry regulations.GMJ Co. is a small but innovative company that utilizes copper clips and ultrasonic vibration bonding technology to develop next-generation power semiconductor packaging technology, which reduces power loss and enhances heat dissipation performance. The company has received recognition for its technological competitiveness, winning the 'IR52 Changyung-sil Award' in 2024 and 2026, and the 'Million Dollar Export Tower' in 2025, as well as being selected for the 'Innovation Premier 1000.'The Technology Guarantee Fund has highly evaluated GMJ's technological capabilities and growth potential, providing financial support for the development of power semiconductor packaging process technology and product mass production. This includes tailored guarantee support linked to government research and development (R&D) special guarantees and Busan's secondary battery financing.After the on-site meeting, Kwon expanded communication with members of the organization by meeting with employees from the Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam and Daegu-Gyeongbuk regional headquarters, gathering opinions on organizational culture, work issues, and safety and health matters. Kwon was appointed as chairman of the Technology Guarantee Fund in July.Kwon stated, "Through my first corporate site visit since taking office, I was able to hear directly about the challenges companies are facing and to see what support is needed on the ground. The Technology Guarantee Fund will continue to listen to the voices from the field and strive for institutional improvements and effective support that companies can truly feel."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-09 14:04:00
  • Xexymix Expands K-Athleisure Presence with Popup Store in Chengdu, China
    Xexymix Expands K-Athleisure Presence with Popup Store in Chengdu, China Xexymix is expanding its marketing reach to Chengdu, a key city in western China. On September 5, Xexymix announced the opening of a 550 square meter (approximately 170 pyeong) experiential popup store at the cultural and trend complex 'Dongjiao Memory' in Chengdu, Sichuan Province. The popup will operate until November 4. Dongjiao Memory is a national AAAA-level tourist site that has transformed an existing industrial facility into a cultural space. It attracts over 50,000 visitors daily, with 72% of them aged between 20 and 35. Xexymix aims to leverage this youthful demographic to enhance brand experience in western China. The popup focuses more on experiences than product sales. It features body composition measurements, photo booths, color tests, and idol makeup sessions alongside its athleisure products. By combining fitness and beauty with Korean-style photo and makeup content, Xexymix emphasizes its K-Athleisure image. The event also connects online and offline experiences. Visitors can participate in the experiential program by posting images from the popup on the Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu with the hashtag '#XEXYMIX.' Last month, Xexymix held a similar popup featuring global model Go Yoon-jung at Henglong Plaza, conducting a photo card event across Asia, including China. Xexymix is targeting the Asian market, expanding into countries such as China, Japan, Taiwan, and Indonesia. Recently, it entered Thailand, opening a physical store in Central Park, a prime commercial area in Bangkok. A representative from Xexymix stated, "We have been expanding our offline sales base in the Chinese market and are now broadening our engagement with local consumers through various marketing activities that connect online and offline. We will continue to strengthen our position as a leading K-Athleisure brand."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-09 14:04:00
  • Search Efforts Continue for Missing South Korean Workers in Nepal Floods
    Search Efforts Continue for Missing South Korean Workers in Nepal Floods Search operations are ongoing for nine South Korean employees missing due to severe flooding in Nepal.According to Yonhap News and the local corporate response team, Namdong Power is deploying seven ground search teams, totaling 76 personnel, to scour the area around the incident site.Previously, Namdong Power had organized four teams with 46 members for the ground search. They have now recruited an additional 30 personnel, primarily Sherpas familiar with the local terrain.A Namdong Power official stated, "We are committed to securing as many specialized personnel for the ground search as possible and will continue our efforts even if the government decides to end the search."Doosan Enerbility also launched one helicopter and four drones the previous day, and plans to deploy another helicopter and two drones today to focus on the main camp of the hydroelectric power station and downstream areas.Meanwhile, as of today, the death toll from the flooding that occurred on August 26 in the Himalayan mountainous region has reached 1,358 in Nepal alone. Including 43 fatalities from landslides related to the flooding in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, the total death toll stands at 1,401.The number of missing persons is reported to be 5,845, comprising 5,326 in Nepal and 519 in the Tibet region.Among the missing are nine South Korean workers involved in the construction of the UT-1 hydroelectric power station, including six employees from Doosan Enerbility and three from Namdong Power.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-09 14:04:00
  • Corporate borrowing picks up amid slowing household loans
    Corporate borrowing picks up amid slowing household loans SEOUL, September 09 (AJP) - Bank loans showed mixed trends last month, with corporate borrowing accelerating while household loan growth slowed despite an increase in mortgage-related lending. Household loans increased by 3.4 trillion won (US$2.5 billion) in August, easing from a 5.5 trillion won rise in July, according to data released by the Bank of Korea (BOK) on Wednesday. Corporate loans expanded by 9.7 trillion won, up from 7.7 trillion won a month earlier. The slowdown in household borrowing masked a different trend in housing-related lending. Mortgage loans increased by 4 trillion won, up from 3.5 trillion won in July, as housing transactions in the Seoul metropolitan area and increased housing supply supported demand. Loans for jeonse, South Korea's lump-sum deposit lease, continued to fall, declining by 700 billion won after an 800 billion won drop in July. Other household loans including unsecured credit and overdraft loans fell by 600 billion won after rising by 2.0 trillion won a month earlier. The BOK attributed the decline to weaker individual stock investment and tighter management of credit loans by banks. The figures showed that overall household loan growth was easing, even as mortgage demand remained high. Household loans through banks increased by 24.5 trillion won during the first eight months of this year, below the 27.3 trillion won increase recorded over the same period last year. Mortgage borrowing rose by 17.3 trillion won during the period, compared with 27.7 trillion won a year earlier. Other household loans increased by 7.2 trillion won after declining by 300 billion won during the first eight months of 2025. Corporate borrowing moved in the opposite direction. Bank loans to companies increased by 9.7 trillion won in August, exceeding both July's 7.7 trillion won increase and the 8.4 trillion won gain recorded a year earlier. Loans to large companies rose by 4.9 trillion won, up from 3.8 trillion won, as banks stepped up lending and companies sought funds partly to repay corporate bonds. Loans to small and midsized enterprises increased by 4.8 trillion won from 3.9 trillion won, supported in part by expanded financing programs at some banks. The shift extended a trend seen in July, with companies relying more heavily on bank credit while the corporate bond market remained in net repayment. Corporate bank loans increased by 66.9 trillion won during the first eight months of this year, compared with 39.7 trillion won during the same period in 2025. Corporate bonds, meanwhile, recorded 17.2 trillion won in net repayments over the period, reversing from net issuance of 3.9 trillion won a year earlier. Bonds remained in net repayment by 900 billion won in August after 1.9 trillion won in July, as higher interest rates raised issuance costs and the market entered a seasonal lull. Commercial paper and short-term notes recorded net issuance of 4.1 trillion won, little changed from 4 trillion won in July, supported by working-capital demand from some public enterprises. Higher market rates continued to add pressure to corporate funding conditions. The three-year government bond yield rose to 3.84 percent at the end of August from 3.76 percent at the end of July, while the 10-year yield climbed to 4.31 percent from 4.26 percent. The BOK attributed the increase to higher oil prices following renewed tensions in the Middle East, changing monetary policy expectations at home and abroad and higher long-term government bond yields in major economies. Short-term market rates also rose sharply following the BOK's August policy rate increase. The yield on three-month bank bonds rose to 3.21 percent from 2.99 percent, while the 91-day certificate of deposit rate increased to 3.12 percent from 2.95 percent. Financial flows also reversed some of July's sharp movements. Asset managers received 23.5 trillion won in August after recording a 42.8 trillion won decline in July, led by a 15.5 trillion won increase in equity funds. Bond funds, by contrast, declined by 300 billion won after increasing by 700 billion won in July as market interest rates rose. Bank deposits edged up by 100 billion won after falling by 30.0 trillion won in July. Time deposits increased by 20.3 trillion won as household funds returned and local governments temporarily deposited cash. The KOSPI ended August at 6,820, up from 6,595 at the end of July, while the KOSDAQ climbed to 834 from 720. The BOK said investor sentiment improved further in early September amid strength in U.S. technology shares, pushing the KOSPI close to 7,000. AJP Takeaways - South Korea's bank household loans increased by 3.4 trillion won in August, slowing from July even as mortgage lending accelerated to 4.0 trillion won. - South Korea's corporate bank loans increased by 9.7 trillion won, with companies continuing to rely on banks and corporate bonds remaining in net repayment. - South Korea's market rates rose further in August, and asset-manager inflows rebounded amid an equity-market recovery from July's decline. 2026-09-09 13:58:36
  • Hyumax Mobility Unveils AI Parking System at Seoul Station
    Hyumax Mobility Unveils AI Parking System at Seoul Station A vehicle entered the parking lot at Seoul Station, where a display showed the license plate and parking route simultaneously. When a pedestrian approached the vehicle's path, a 'Caution: Pedestrian' alert activated. In areas where vehicles intersect, a 'Caution: Vehicle' warning appeared. If the entering vehicle is electric, the system also provides directions to the charging station. On September 9, Hyumax Mobility showcased its AI-based smart video guidance system, Ai-PAS, developed by its subsidiary Hi-Parking, at the Seoul Station parking lot. Ai-PAS features 360-degree AI cameras that recognize the movements of vehicles and pedestrians in real-time. An AI server analyzes the video data and automatically controls on-site equipment such as displays and barriers. Unlike traditional parking guidance systems that only indicate available spaces, Ai-PAS perceives the entire parking area as a single entity, managing vehicle movement and surrounding conditions. When a vehicle enters, the system guides it to an available spot. Upon exit, it directs the vehicle to the optimal exit. If a pedestrian approaches or if vehicles cross paths, the system automatically displays 'Caution: Pedestrian' or 'Caution: Vehicle' alerts. When the parking area is full, a smart barrier restricts entry, alleviating the stress of searching for parking in crowded areas. The operation of Ai-PAS can be summarized as 'perception → analysis → judgment → action,' with the entire process managed by AI. This method is more efficient than traditional sensor-based systems, as it eliminates the need for ultrasonic sensors at each parking space, allowing the AI to analyze the entire area and operate the displays and barriers. As the 360-degree camera recognizes the parking lot's conditions, the AI server analyzes accumulated video data to assess vehicle flow and congestion. Based on this analysis, the on-site equipment, including displays and barriers, is activated. Hyumax Mobility emphasizes that this solution is optimized for the era of autonomous driving. With the increase in autonomous vehicles, not only must the vehicles themselves be capable of self-driving, but the spaces for parking, charging, and waiting must also be automated. Hyumax Mobility plans to develop Ai-PAS into a vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) system, where autonomous vehicles and robo-taxis can exchange information with parking infrastructure. Ai-PAS will collect real-time data on vehicle locations and flow, enabling autonomous vehicles to identify available parking spaces. The company aims to gradually expand this intelligent infrastructure to major transportation hubs, starting with Seoul Station. Hyumax Mobility is also working on integrating parking, charging, and vehicle management into a cohesive infrastructure necessary for operating autonomous vehicles. The company currently operates 1,400 parking lots and 3,300 charging stations nationwide. It also has brands such as TrueParking for parking operations, TrueCharger for electric vehicle charging services, and TrueCar for car-sharing. The strategy is to combine the self-developed Ai-PAS to transform parking lots into mobility hubs. Yoon Bo-kyung, head of customer experience at Hyumax Mobility, spoke with reporters after the demonstration, stating, “Korea's overall infrastructure for autonomous driving and robo-taxis is not yet sufficiently prepared. While there are operators for parking and charging, few are preparing the necessary infrastructure for parking and charging within a single system.” Connecting individually operated parking and charging infrastructures into a unified system is the market Hyumax Mobility aims to target. Yoon added, “We will expand the infrastructure to various locations, just as we have established Ai-PAS in areas like Gwanghwamun D Tower and Seoul Hospital, where parking space is limited and complex.” 2026-09-09 13:56:00
  • Lottery Winner Receives $10 Million but Continues to Work
    Lottery Winner Receives $10 Million but Continues to Work A 30-something office worker who won the lottery has received approximately 12 billion won ($10 million) but continues to go to work, drawing attention.On September 8, an anonymous post titled 'Lottery Winner' appeared on the workplace community Blind. The individual, identified as A, who works for a major domestic company that produces displays, expressed, "I really couldn't hold back my excitement and had to share it, even anonymously."A shared, "I'm in my mid-30s, and I still can't believe it," adding, "I returned to work without fully grasping the situation."He described the process of claiming his winnings, saying, "I drove to the NH Bank headquarters. There was a parking lot behind the building, and when an employee asked, 'Did you come to the bank?' I replied, 'Yes,' and they opened the door for me right away. I went to the first floor and quietly told the security officer that I had won the lottery, and they guided me. I went to the VIP room on the second floor, where I waited with a drink until my number was called. The entire process took about two hours, and there were no annoying sales pitches or offers."A's net winnings amounted to 12 billion won, and he noted, "They take a lot in taxes." He added, "After paying off all my loans and changing my car, there won't be much left," and stated, "I returned to work without fully realizing it. I guess I have to keep working for now."To prove his win to skeptics, he shared his winning ticket and bank statement.In response to questions from other netizens about his lottery purchasing habits, he said, "I’ve been buying tickets for about six years, routinely purchasing 10,000 won worth every week. I didn’t dream about it, and I didn’t buy any Spitto or pension lottery tickets."He concluded in the comments, "Now I don’t mind going to work anymore, and I have no worries about performance or promotions. I plan to visit my hometown during Chuseok and tell my parents, and I’ll buy them a house or a car," eliciting envy from readers.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-09 13:56:00
  • Judiciary Committee to Hold Confirmation Hearing for Kim Seung-won on 15th
    Judiciary Committee to Hold Confirmation Hearing for Kim Seung-won on 15th The National Assembly's Judiciary Committee has adopted a plan to conduct a confirmation hearing for Kim Seung-won, the nominee for Minister of Justice, scheduled for the 15th. The ruling and opposition parties are at odds over the selection of witnesses, prompting further discussions among party representatives.During a full committee meeting on the morning of the 9th, the Judiciary Committee approved the confirmation hearing plan for Kim, who was appointed to the second cabinet of the Lee Jae-myung administration. This allows the committee to proceed with the hearing as planned on the 15th.However, the ruling and opposition parties engaged in heated exchanges over the list of witnesses to be summoned during the hearing. As disagreements persisted, the selection of witnesses was ultimately postponed.The Democratic Party reiterated that the allegations involving Kim are related to a case that has already been suspended by the prosecution, asserting that there is no relevance to the confirmation hearing. They countered that the list of witnesses proposed by independent lawmaker Han Dong-hoon was merely an attempt to incite controversy.Representative Kim Dong-ah stated, "Since the Yoon Suk-yeol administration decided to suspend prosecution, the matter is effectively closed. The suspension indicates that there is no basis for prosecution." He added that a thorough investigation is needed regarding Han's alleged illegal disclosure of internal prosecution documents.Representative Kim Gi-pyo also questioned, "What is the reason for reigniting a case that has already been suspended?" He pointed out that the witness list proposed by the People Power Party seems aimed at supporting Han's provocations.On the other hand, the People Power Party called for the inclusion of brokers Yang Soo-jin and Kang Se-chan, who are related to the 'new drug solicitation allegations' involving Kim. The Democratic Party opposed this, citing the case's prior suspension, leading to the postponement of witness selection.Representative Kim Tae-kyu argued, "Conducting a hearing without witnesses signals that the Democratic Party has already decided to push Kim's confirmation through. If they are confident, they should clarify everything before the public."Representative Kwak Gyu-taek characterized the allegations involving Kim as a typical stock manipulation scam disguised as new drug development, insisting that at least the key figures, Yang and Kang, should be called as witnesses. 2026-09-09 13:52:00
  • Aju Media Group and Lee Gi-yeon Opera Institute Collaborate to Promote Amateur Vocalists
    Aju Media Group and Lee Gi-yeon Opera Institute Collaborate to Promote Amateur Vocalists 아주미디어그룹과 이기연오페라연구소가 아마추어 성악인들의 무대를 넓히고 성악·문화예술 콘텐츠 활성화에 나선다. 아주미디어그룹은 9일 서울 종로구 아주경제신문사에서 이기연오페라연구소와 '제1회 대한민국 아마추어 성악콩쿠르 공동사업'을 위한 업무협약(MOU)을 체결했다. 이번 협약은 양 기관이 제1회 대한민국 아마추어 성악콩쿠르를 공동으로 추진하고, 대회를 방송과 디지털 콘텐츠로 확장하기 위해 마련됐다. 장기적으로는 국내에 머물지 않고 글로벌 콘텐츠와 공연·문화행사 등으로 협력 범위를 넓힌다는 구상이다. 협약에 따라 이기연오페라연구소는 대회 기획과 운영을 비롯해 참가자·심사위원 관리, 예선·본선 및 심사 운영, 음악적 품질 관리 등을 맡는다. 아주미디어그룹은 대회 홍보와 미디어 지원을 담당한다. 방송·영상·숏폼 콘텐츠를 제작하고 ABC를 활용한 AI·디지털 콘텐츠, 글로벌 통신사 AJP와 그룹 미디어를 통한 국내외 홍보도 추진한다. 양 기관은 이번 콩쿠르를 일회성 행사에 그치지 않고 장기 사업으로 키운다는 데 뜻을 모았다. 참가자들의 이야기를 담은 방송·디지털 콘텐츠와 AI 기반 콘텐츠를 공동 개발하고, 향후 공연과 문화행사 등으로 영역을 넓혀 'K-VOICE CLASSIC' 브랜드로 발전시킬 계획이다. 임규진 아주미디어그룹 사장은 “이번 협업은 좋은 파트너와 함께 새로운 시도를 시작한다는 데 의미가 있다”며 “신문 지면은 물론 유튜브와 OTT, 채널, AJP 등을 활용해 단계적으로 영역을 넓히고 세계에 알리는 방안까지 구상하고 있다”고 말했다. 이어 “올해 한 번으로 끝낼 사업이 아니라 부족한 점을 보완하면서 내년에는 규모를 키우고 장기적으로 역사를 쌓아가고 싶다”며 “K팝이 세계적인 관심을 받았듯 K성악 역시 충분한 저력이 있다고 본다. 전통 민요와 국악에서 콘텐츠를 발굴하거나 AI를 작곡에 접목하는 등 우리만의 새로운 성악 콘텐츠를 만드는 시도도 가능할 것”이라고 밝혔다. 이기연 이기연오페라연구소 대표는 아마추어 성악인들이 설 수 있는 무대를 꾸준히 넓혀왔다는 점을 강조했다. 이 대표는 “음악가로 활동하면서 유튜브를 시작한 뒤 생각했던 것보다 훨씬 많은 분이 노래를 사랑하고 있다는 것을 알게 됐다”며 “아마추어를 위한 무대를 만들고 해외 버스킹을 진행하면서 '나도 무대의 주인공이 될 수 있다'는 것을 보여주는 기획을 계속해 왔다”고 말했다. 그는 “연구소가 가진 문화예술 기획력과 인력풀에 아주미디어그룹의 미디어 역량이 더해지면 전국을 넘어 세계를 대상으로 다양한 기획을 시도할 수 있을 것”이라며 “첫 대회는 정통 클래식 곡으로 진행하지만 2회, 3회부터는 장르의 폭을 넓혀갈 계획”이라고 설명했다. 이어 “단순히 노래를 잘하는 사람을 뽑는 대회에 머물고 싶지 않다”며 “앞으로는 오페라와 정통 클래식뿐 아니라 트로트, 가요 등 장르의 경계를 넓혀 자신만의 노래로 감동과 행복을 전하는 사람을 발굴하는 무대를 만들어가고 싶다”고 덧붙였다. 첫 공동사업인 '제1회 대한민국 아마추어 성악콩쿠르'는 성악을 전공하지 않은 아마추어 성악인들을 위한 경연이다. 일반부와 시니어부로 나눠 진행하며 1·2차 예선을 통과한 본선 진출자 14명이 오는 10월 9일 오후 3시 서울 서초구 흰물결아트센터 예술극장에서 최종 경연을 펼친다. 전체 대상 수상자에게는 상금 200만원과 상장이 수여된다. 일반부와 시니어부 각 1~3위 및 심사위원 특별상도 시상한다. 본선 진출자에게는 이기연오페라 연구소 유튜브와 ABC 방송 출연 기회가 주어진다. 2026-09-09 13:48:10