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  • Yanggu Estimates Dam Damage at Up to 3.9 Trillion Won, Advocates for Benefit Sharing
    Yanggu Estimates Dam Damage at Up to 3.9 Trillion Won, Advocates for Benefit Sharing Yanggu County in Gangwon Province has reported that cumulative damage from the Hwacheon and Soyanggang dams could reach up to 3.9233 trillion won. The county plans to shift from a compensation-based support system to a 'benefit-sharing approach' that returns the profits and resources from the dams to the residents.On September 8, Yanggu County held a meeting at the county hall to discuss the results of a study on the impact of the dams and potential policy measures to expand government support.According to the county, the study aimed to objectively assess the socio-economic damages caused by regulations, development restrictions, and transportation disruptions that have persisted for over 50 years since the dams were built.The Gangwon Research Institute estimated that the cumulative damage to Yanggu County from the Hwacheon Dam amounts to 972 billion won over 81 years. The damage from the Soyanggang Dam was analyzed to be between 2.7485 trillion and 2.9513 trillion won over 52 years. It is currently estimated that annual damages range from 8 billion to 14.7 billion won.Notably, the construction of the Soyanggang Dam submerged part of National Route 46, increasing travel time between Yanggu and Chuncheon from 40 minutes to 2.5 hours. The prolonged transportation disruptions and decreased accessibility have negatively impacted the population and local economy.In comparison to the scale of the damage, the support provided has been minimal. The annual budget allocated for support projects in the dam vicinity is approximately 2.28 billion won, with only 1.09 billion won, or 48%, designated for local support projects.A significant portion of the project funds has been spent on one-time and consumable projects, limiting their effectiveness in creating sustainable income and self-reliance for residents.The issue of dam-related damage extends beyond Yanggu County. During the construction of the Soyanggang Dam, 50.21 square kilometers of land in the Chuncheon, Inje, and Yanggu areas were submerged, displacing 3,153 households and 18,546 individuals. Chuncheon has faced long-term regulations and development restrictions related to water sources, while Inje and Yanggu have dealt with transportation disruptions and changes in living conditions due to submerged roads.Residents of Hwacheon and Yanggu, near the Hwacheon Dam, have raised concerns about the concentration of benefits from the electricity and water produced by the dam in external regions, compounded by issues of submersion and accessibility. As a result, communities in Chuncheon, Hwacheon, Yanggu, and Inje have been jointly advocating for increased support and improved distribution criteria.The study identified Yanggu County not just as a victim but as a stakeholder entitled to share in the benefits of the dams. It suggested a policy shift from post-damage compensation to ongoing profit distribution.Specifically, the study proposed expanding the scope of support for surrounding areas and incorporating factors such as submerged land area, regulatory areas, transportation detour costs, and population decline into the criteria for calculating and distributing support funds. It also recommended increasing the local contribution ratio from electricity and water sales and transforming one-time support projects into long-term initiatives focused on resident income and job creation.Revisions to the Dam Construction and Management Act and improvements to unreasonable regulations in the natural environment conservation areas around the Soyanggang Dam were also highlighted as necessary tasks. The analysis indicated that regulatory easing should selectively adjust overly restrictive measures on residents' lives and regional development while maintaining water quality and ecological preservation standards.As a means of revitalizing the region, the enhancement of a waterfront tourism belt connecting the Paroho, Soyangho, and Peace Dam was proposed. Other suggestions included community-funded solar power projects and pumped storage using Paroho as a lower dam, as well as the establishment of a 'National Land Central Community Center' for users of National Route 46.Community-funded solar power has been successfully implemented in other regions as a profit-sharing model. At the Hapcheon Dam, over 1,400 residents from around 20 villages invested in a community project and received a share of the generated profits.However, the feasibility of solar power and pumped storage projects must first be verified regarding their business viability, impact on the power grid, water quality, ecological effects, and potential visual disruption. It is essential to disclose investment risks and expected returns to residents from the outset and to institutionalize profit-sharing criteria to prevent further conflicts.To effectively alleviate damages, it is necessary to establish a joint consultative body involving the government, Gangwon Province, and adjacent cities and counties, going beyond the demands of individual local governments. By bundling requests for increased funding, legal reforms, improvements to disrupted roads, and income-generating projects into a single long-term plan, the likelihood of policy implementation can be enhanced.Participants at the meeting discussed utilizing the study's findings for government policy and institutional improvements, as well as connecting proposed projects to resident income and job creation.Kim Wang-kyu, the mayor of Yanggu County, stated, “Yanggu has endured various regulations and development restrictions for over half a century since the construction of the Soyanggang Dam, contributing to national development and stable water supply for the metropolitan area. We will establish a system that ensures that sacrifices and contributions lead to appropriate compensation and that the benefits of the dam are effectively returned to the residents.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-09 10:52:00
  • Paris Baguette Expands Global Reach with Entry into Laos and North America
    Paris Baguette Expands Global Reach with Entry into Laos and North America Paris Baguette is accelerating its global expansion with its entry into Laos and an expansion in the North American market. Chairman Huh Young-in's long-term efforts to improve overseas operations and expand networks are beginning to bear fruit.On September 9, Paris Baguette announced that it opened its first store in Laos at the 'Kokkok Mega Mall Patuxai' in Vientiane, the capital, in July. This marks the first time a domestic bakery company has opened a store in Laos. With this opening, Paris Baguette now operates in seven Southeast Asian countries, including Singapore, Vietnam, Cambodia, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Globally, the company has over 730 stores across 13 countries, including North America, Europe, and Asia.Laos is a key market in the Mekong economic zone, where urbanization and a growing middle class are rapidly increasing demand for dining and café services. Paris Baguette has been preparing for its entry by signing a master franchise agreement with the local representative company, Korao Group, in 2024. The local store will feature global hits like the 'Fresh Yogurt Cream Cake' and 'Best Ever Garlic Bread,' along with local specialties such as the 'Musang King Durian Roll Cake' to attract consumers.The company is also building production infrastructure that extends beyond Southeast Asia to the Middle East and North Africa. Last year, Paris Baguette completed a halal-certified production center in Johor, Malaysia, covering an area of 12,900 square meters. In February, it received halal certification for all its stores in Singapore and last month for all its stores in Indonesia. The Malaysian factory has the capacity to produce up to 100 million baked goods annually.Growth in the North American market is also strong. Since entering the U.S. in 2005, Paris Baguette now operates in 30 states. In May, it opened its first airport store at Philadelphia International Airport, surpassing 300 locations in the region.In the prestigious business publication Entrepreneur's '2026 Franchise 500,' Paris Baguette ranked 29th overall and first in the bakery café category, becoming the only domestic brand to break into the top 30.Last year, Paris Baguette opened 77 new stores in North America and plans to add over 150 more this year, aiming for a total of more than 400 locations. In line with this growth, a large-scale bakery factory in Texas, led by Chairman Huh Young-in, began construction in September last year and is expected to serve as a key logistics and production hub for North America upon completion.A representative from Paris Baguette stated, "With our entry into Laos, we plan to further expand our Southeast Asian operations and continue opening stores in North America to maintain our growth in the global market."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-09 10:52:00
  • Uiwang City Corporation Conducts Emergency Response Training for All Employees
    Uiwang City Corporation Conducts Emergency Response Training for All Employees Uiwang City Corporation conducted emergency response training for all employees on September 4 at the Wangsong Lake Camping Site, simulating scenarios involving missing children and heat-related illnesses.According to the corporation on September 9, this training was designed to improve rapid response capabilities in the event of multiple simultaneous emergencies, moving beyond traditional methods of addressing individual disasters.This was the first session of the corporation's complex disaster training program tailored to specific work sites.The training began with the process of receiving a report of a missing child, disseminating information, and controlling access points. It included verifying movement patterns using CCTV, organizing search teams, and conducting on-site searches.Notably, the training utilized drones equipped with thermal imaging cameras to expand the search area and assess the condition of the found child, followed by emergency measures assuming a heat-related illness scenario, thereby testing actual on-site response procedures.The corporation confirmed that the training highlighted the need for inter-departmental collaboration and established response protocols in situations requiring simultaneous searches for missing children and emergency responses.Looking ahead, the safety audit team plans to sequentially conduct complex disaster training for eight facility management departments, reflecting the unique characteristics and major risk factors of each work site.Additionally, training topics will be selected based on the primary risk factors of each facility, and equipment and technologies applicable in real situations will be utilized to enhance disaster response capabilities.Uiwang City Corporation President No Seong-hwa stated, “We have reviewed our response procedures and collaboration systems to prepare for complex crisis situations that may arise in real settings. We will continue to conduct training that reflects the characteristics of each work site.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-09 10:52:00
  • Coupang users and spending stronger than pre-data leak
    Coupang users and spending stronger than pre-data leak SEOUL, September 09 (AJP) -Coupang’s grip on South Korean consumers appears largely intact despite a massive personal-data leak and regulatory crackdowns, as shoppers continue to choose speed and convenience over lingering privacy and ethical concerns. Estimated credit and debit card payments on Coupang reached 4.930 trillion won in August, up 12.6 percent from 4.378 trillion won a year earlier, according to Mobile Index operated by AI data technology company IGAWorks Wednesday. The figure remained close to the 5 trillion-won mark after payments hit 5.094 trillion won ($3.8 billion) in July, up 5.4 percent from 4.834 trillion won in June and the highest monthly level recorded since the data breach. Coupang's estimated card payments had fallen as low as 4.022 trillion won in February but have since steadily recovered. User base has also continued to expand. Monthly active users of the Coupang app reached 35.95 million in August, up about 510,000 from 35.44 million in July. The figure was also well above the 34.38 million users recorded in October last year, before the personal-data leak became public. The numbers suggest that the consumer backlash that followed the breach has had little lasting impact on actual shopping behavior. Coupang has built much of its hold on consumers around Rocket Delivery and dawn delivery, which have turned groceries, household goods and other everyday purchases into recurring transactions. Its Wow paid membership adds another layer of lock-in through delivery and other benefits, making it more difficult for regular users to shift their spending elsewhere. Domestic rivals have also struggled to offer comparable delivery coverage, product selection and purchasing convenience. The gap is increasingly visible. Coupang's 35.95 million MAUs in August were nearly four times the 9.04 million recorded by Naver Plus Store, Naver's separate shopping app. Gmarket's estimated card payments fell 25.9 percent from a year earlier to 247.7 billion won in August, while 11st's dropped 3.1 percent to 241.4 billion won. Coupang's August payments were about 10.1 times the combined amount spent at the two platforms. The payment figures are estimates generated by IGAWorks using credit- and debit-card data and AI algorithms and may differ from Coupang's actual sales. Naver Plus Store payment data were not included in the comparison. AJP Takeaways - Coupang’s estimated card payments reached 4.93 trillion won in August, up 12.6 percent from a year earlier, after topping 5 trillion won in July. - 1Monthly active users rose to 35.95 million in August, exceeding levels seen before the data breach and suggesting little lasting consumer exodus. - Fast delivery, recurring purchases and Wow membership benefits appear to have outweighed privacy concerns, while rivals Gmarket and 11st continued to lose ground. 2026-09-09 10:49:14
  • Hanmicos Kwak Dong-shin Purchases 700 Million Won in Company Shares for Fourth Time This Year
    Hanmico's Kwak Dong-shin Purchases 700 Million Won in Company Shares for Fourth Time This Year Kwak Dong-shin, chairman of Hanmico, is set to invest 700 million won of his personal funds to acquire additional company shares. This marks his fourth share buyback this year, following record quarterly sales driven by increased demand for artificial intelligence (AI) semiconductor equipment and the company's expansion into the U.S. market.On September 9, Hanmico announced that Kwak plans to purchase 700 million won worth of shares on the stock market on October 7. Once the acquisition is complete, his ownership stake will increase to 33.63%.Since 2023, Kwak has consistently invested his personal funds to buy Hanmico shares. This year alone, he has purchased a total of 16.7 billion won in shares, following earlier acquisitions of 3 billion won in April, 8 billion won in June, and 5 billion won in July. His cumulative investment since 2023 has reached 70.2 billion won.At the end of July, Kwak completed a 5 billion won share buyback, raising his ownership stake to 33.62%. In the same month, Hanmico's stock price surged to its daily limit following the announcement of its record quarterly performance, reflecting growing market interest in the company's improved results.Central to this growth is the TC Bonder for high-bandwidth memory (HBM). Hanmico reported a record quarterly revenue of 251.1 billion won in the second quarter, with an operating profit of 130.3 billion won, resulting in an operating margin of 51.9%. This growth is attributed to increased demand for TC Bonders and semiconductor packaging equipment due to expanded investments in AI semiconductors.The company is also broadening its business scope. Recently, it launched four types of 2.5D packaging equipment targeting foundries and semiconductor backend companies. By the end of this year, Hanmico plans to establish a local subsidiary, Hanmico USA, in San Jose, California, to enhance technical support for U.S. customers.A Hanmico representative stated, "Chairman Kwak's additional share buyback reflects his confidence in the company's growth due to its U.S. expansion and equipment supply increase, as well as his commitment to responsible management. We aim to strengthen our position in the AI semiconductor and advanced packaging markets."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-09 10:48:10
  • Government Considers Art Rental Program to Enhance Building Aesthetics
    Government Considers Art Rental Program to Enhance Building Aesthetics The South Korean government is discussing a plan to allow the rental of artworks for installation in larger buildings, rather than requiring direct purchase. This initiative comes amid ongoing criticism that installed artworks often become neglected or deteriorate, turning into "eyesores" in front of buildings. The rental option could broaden builders' choices and improve post-installation management.According to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, a policy discussion on improving the system for artworks in buildings will take place on September 16 at the National Folk Museum in Jongno, Seoul. Local governments, artists, architects, and relevant organizations, including the Korea Arts Council, will participate.Notably, the rental program is on the agenda. Under the current Cultural Arts Promotion Act, builders of certain types or sizes of buildings are required to allocate a percentage of construction costs for artworks, including paintings, sculptures, and crafts. The ministry is considering allowing compliance with this requirement through rented artworks instead of purchased ones.However, this proposal is still in its early stages. Specific details regarding the rental period, cost assessment, and artwork replacement methods have yet to be determined.A ministry official stated, "The rental program is one of several options we are exploring. It could offer advantages in terms of post-installation management and contribute to revitalizing the art market. It may also diversify builders' choices." The official added, "We are still in the conceptual phase, and nothing has been finalized yet."Post-installation management of artworks in buildings has long been a challenge. While the initiative aims to expand creative opportunities for artists and provide citizens with more access to art, there have been persistent concerns that poorly maintained artworks can detract from urban aesthetics.Recently, a large fountain sculpture installed in an apartment complex in Songpa District, Seoul, during its construction in 2009 was criticized for being neglected and showing signs of wear, such as broken tiles. In another case, a work titled "Red Diving Goggles" by artist Yuk Geun-byeong, installed in front of the Hyundai Department Store in Sinchon in the same year, led to conflicts between the builder and the artist over maintenance methods. They eventually reached an agreement for restoration in 2024, highlighting ongoing issues surrounding post-installation management.Implementing a rental program presents several challenges. Detailed criteria must be established regarding the rental entity, method, duration, cost assessment, and whether artworks will be replaced after the contract ends. The potential impact on artists' sales if purchases are replaced by rentals also needs to be considered.Jung Jun-mo, a former curator at the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, noted, "If a rental program is introduced, the costs associated with installation and transportation of artworks could be significant. There is also a risk that subpar artworks could be rented, harming urban aesthetics, or that conflicts could arise over responsibility if artworks are damaged during the rental period." He added, "While there is already a review process for aesthetics, there are still many debates regarding the quality of artworks. Before implementing a rental program, it is essential to comprehensively review the evaluation criteria and the targets for installation."The method for selecting artworks is also under discussion. A comprehensive amendment to the Cultural Arts Promotion Act, proposed by 14 lawmakers including Jo Gye-won in July, aims to expand the requirement for public art competitions to include certain residential complexes. This would extend the current obligation, which applies to national and local governments and public institutions, to the private sector. If passed, private apartments meeting the criteria set by presidential decree would also need to select artworks through public competitions.The Ministry of Culture plans to gather opinions on the amendment while broadly discussing long-term improvements, including the rental program and enhanced post-installation management. A ministry official stated, "We will freely discuss not only the proposed amendment but also various long-term improvement measures."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-09 10:48:10
  • 2026 University Innovation Support Project Workshop Opens in Busan
    2026 University Innovation Support Project Workshop Opens in Busan A platform will be established to gather the voices of university practitioners regarding the operation and evaluation of the University Innovation Support Project, aiming to enhance the program's effectiveness and explore long-term development directions. The University Innovation Support Project General Council, led by Lee Joo-yeol, a professor at Namseoul University, announced that it will hold the '2026 University Innovation Support Project Workshop' in Busan from September 14 to 15.Sponsored by the National Research Foundation of Korea, the workshop will bring together over 360 practitioners from 141 participating universities nationwide. The event is designed to address the challenges faced by practitioners, improve institutional frameworks, and enhance the operational and performance management capabilities of university staff in response to the rapidly changing higher education landscape.The program will go beyond simple information sharing, featuring expert lectures, sharing of best practices, and in-depth feedback sessions aimed at refining performance management systems and addressing practical challenges faced by universities.On the first day, September 14, the workshop will begin with opening remarks from Lee Joo-yeol and a congratulatory message from Jeon Min-hyun, president of the Korean Council for Private University Presidents. A special lecture on enhancing job competencies will follow, with Professor Ryu Hee-wook from Soongsil University discussing 'The Concept of Performance Indicators and Guidelines for Developing Performance Indicators for the University Innovation Support Project.' Additionally, Emeritus Professor Chae Young-hee from Pukyong National University will share strategies for performance analysis and feedback system development using AI.In a session on best practices, representatives from Nazarene University and Ewha Womans University will present their experiences in operating student support programs, sharing insights on student-led innovation from planning to evaluation and dissemination.The second day, September 15, will feature reports on the current status of the General Council's initiatives and upcoming schedules, along with updates on ongoing policy research projects.Notably, this workshop emphasizes the establishment of a close feedback system with university practitioners. Regional working committee members of the General Council and a research team from the Korean Productivity Consulting Association, which is conducting a study on establishing a long-term development strategy based on performance analysis of the University Innovation Support Project, will lead the feedback sessions over the two days. They plan to compile the operational and evaluation challenges identified in regional discussions on the 14th and feedback related to policy research projects on the 15th.Results from prior feedback sessions, which addressed issues such as autonomous innovation outcomes, the contribution of government support, constraints on innovation, and future evaluation systems, will also be discussed comprehensively. The collected opinions will serve as crucial evidence for designing future evaluation methods, institutional improvements, and sustainable development directions for higher education.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-09 10:48:00
  • Dave the Diver tops 10 million in a Korean first
    'Dave the Diver' tops 10 million in a Korean first SEOUL, September 09 (AJP) - South Korean studio Mintrocket said that its diving-and-sushi adventure "Dave the Diver" has sold more than 10 million copies worldwide, the first domestic single-player packaged game to cross that mark. The milestone announced Tuesday comes as Korean developers, long dominant in free-to-play online titles, increasingly bet on premium single-purchase games for console and PC. "Dave the Diver," released in full in mid-2023, casts players as a diver who harvests marine life by day and runs a sushi restaurant by night, blending exploration, collection and management. Sales have kept climbing three years after launch on the strength of new content, platform expansion and outside collaborations, Mintrocket said, evidence that the title has matured into a durable franchise rather than a one-off hit. The game debuted on PC before reaching PlayStation, Nintendo Switch and Xbox, and a mobile version launches globally on Apple's App Store and Google Play on Sept. 17. The "In the Jungle" downloadable content released in June sold about 1 million copies in roughly two months, while cameo appearances in "Fortnite" and franchise collaborations with China's KFC and Sushiro have widened the game's reach. The success arrives amid a broader shift that has drawn government notice, following Pearl Abyss's "Crimson Desert," which sold 5 million copies within 26 days of its March release, and earlier console breakthroughs from Neowiz's "Lies of P" and Shift Up's "Stellar Blade." Nexon, Mintrocket's parent, has separately leaned into single-player development with titles including "The First Berserker: Khazan." AJP Takeaways - Mintrocket, a Nexon studio, said on Sept. 8, 2026, that "Dave the Diver" has sold more than 10 million copies worldwide, the first South Korean single-player packaged game to reach that level. - The game's "In the Jungle" expansion sold about 1 million copies in roughly two months after its June 2026 release, and a global mobile version arrives Sept. 17, 2026. - The milestone reinforces a Korean industry pivot toward premium console and PC games, alongside Pearl Abyss's "Crimson Desert," which sold 5 million copies within 26 days of its March 2026 launch. 2026-09-09 10:47:04
  • Exchange to Suspend Night Trading of Derivatives Before Chuseok Holiday
    Exchange to Suspend Night Trading of Derivatives Before Chuseok Holiday The Korea Exchange will suspend night trading of derivatives for one day ahead of the Chuseok holiday. This measure aims to reduce the risk management burden on market participants, as night trading can expose them to prolonged risks.The exchange announced on September 9 that it will halt night trading of derivatives scheduled from 6 p.m. on the 23rd to 6 a.m. the following day.Night trading of derivatives is conducted in a manner that combines it with regular trading for settlement. Therefore, the night trading starting on the 23rd will be settled together with regular trading on the 28th.However, conducting night trading just before a long holiday could expose those trades to market risks until regular trading resumes. The exchange explained that if prices fluctuate significantly during the holiday, the risk management burden on clients could increase due to margin calls, offsetting trades, or liquidity shortages.This suspension applies to all products eligible for night trading on the KRX derivatives market. Among stock derivatives, it includes KOSPI 200, Mini KOSPI 200, and KOSDAQ 150 futures and options. KOSPI 200 weekly and KOSDAQ 150 weekly options are also included.In the FICC derivatives market, night trading of U.S. dollar futures, 3-year treasury futures, and 10-year treasury futures will also be suspended.The exchange stated, "Major Asian exchanges that have introduced night trading also implement measures such as suspending night trading the day before long holidays. We will actively support risk management for market participants by suspending night trading before long holiday periods."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-09 10:44:10
  • The Resilience of Judaism: A Journey Through History and Tradition
    The Resilience of Judaism: A Journey Through History and Tradition What happens to a people when their nation disappears? When they lose their land, their king, and even their temple, what do they hold onto for survival? Throughout human history, many nations have lost their homelands and scattered across the globe, often assimilating into the languages and cultures of their conquerors. Over generations, they lost their languages and faith, ultimately forgetting who they were.However, the Jewish people were different.They lost their nation. They lost their temple. They scattered across the world and endured centuries of persecution and exile. Yet, through nearly 2,000 years of diaspora, they maintained their religious and cultural identity. What enabled their survival?In their hands was something that outlasted swords: a book. They had a tradition of reading, questioning, discussing, and teaching their children.In the first part of the story of Judaism, we followed Abraham and Moses. Abraham left his homeland, and Moses departed from the land of slavery in Egypt. Their departures were not mere relocations; for Abraham, it marked the beginning of faith, and for Moses, the start of freedom. At the end of this long journey, the people of Israel entered into a covenant with God at Mount Sinai, understanding their relationship with God not as one of mere obedience but as one of promises and responsibilities.At the heart of this covenant and teaching is the Torah. The Talmud represents the vast intellectual tradition accumulated over centuries of questioning, debating, and interpreting how to understand and live the Torah in the context of changing times and realities.◆ From the Temple to the BookThe year 70 CE was pivotal in Jewish history. The Roman army captured Jerusalem, and under the command of Titus, they destroyed the Second Temple, the center of Jewish faith. The temple was not merely a religious structure; it housed priests and sacrificial offerings and was the cornerstone of Jewish faith, community, and historical identity.With the temple gone, where could they meet God?Judaism underwent a remarkable transformation. If the temple could not be rebuilt, they made the word the center of their lives. If they could not offer sacrifices, they met God through prayer, study, and practice. If they could not go to Jerusalem, they made their homes and synagogues the centers of their faith communities.The focus shifted from a stone temple to a temple of words.Buildings can be destroyed. Territories can be taken. However, the words that reside in memory and the knowledge accumulated in the mind cannot be easily taken away. With just one book, they can read it anywhere, and if that book is lost, they can pass on the words they remember and memorize to their children. Thus, Judaism evolved into a religion of study and memory.◆ Torah: How Should Humans Live?The Torah is often translated as 'law.' While this translation is not incorrect, it is insufficient. The Hebrew term Torah encompasses not only law but also teachings and guidance on how humans should walk their paths.In a narrow sense, it refers to the five books of Moses: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. However, in Jewish tradition, the Torah is more than a legal code; it is a teaching that asks how to live one's life before God.How should one serve God? How should one honor parents and live with neighbors? How should one treat the poor and the stranger? How should one earn and spend money? What should one eat and avoid? When should one work and when should one rest? What should one remember and pass on to the next generation?Every aspect of life was a subject of inquiry.Religion and daily life were not completely separate. Faith was not limited to offering sacrifices at the temple on specific days; it was connected to the concrete actions of eating, doing business, raising children, making contracts with neighbors, working, and resting. Therefore, reading the Torah was not merely about reciting religious texts.It was about learning how to live as a human being.◆ Talmud: A Civilization That Never Stopped QuestioningHowever, the world cannot be easily resolved with the text of scripture alone. Times change, and new problems arise. Each person's circumstances differ, and even the same scripture can lead to different interpretations.Here, the Jewish people developed a unique path. They asked questions, debated, countered, and asked again. Among the vast accumulation of interpretations and debates, the Talmud stands out.The Talmud is not a book written by a single person. It is a compilation of discussions by generations of rabbis and scholars on the Torah and real-world issues. It is fundamentally structured around the Mishnah and Gemara, with the Jerusalem Talmud formed in the Palestinian region and the Babylonian Talmud developed in the Jewish communities of Mesopotamia. Notably, the Babylonian Talmud later gained central authority in the scholarly and legal traditions of rabbinic Judaism.What is noteworthy in the Talmud is not just the conclusions but the process of reaching those conclusions. When one rabbi makes a claim, another rabbi counters it. Another person may offer a new interpretation based on a biblical verse or tradition. The arguments of people from centuries ago meet the opinions of later scholars on the same page. Just because one side wins does not mean the other side's thoughts are erased. Minority opinions and counterarguments are also recorded.Today's minority opinion may hold new meaning under different conditions in another era. This is a significant characteristic of Talmudic thought. It does not stop at memorizing answers but asks why. It acknowledges authority while seeking evidence, and it continues to question even while learning from teachers.Thus, a tradition of studying together, reading, and debating has developed in Jewish education. The widely known havruta tradition exemplifies this. Two people sit together, reading scripture and continuously exchanging questions like, “Why is that?” “What is the basis?” “Can we think the opposite?” “Is another interpretation possible?”Questions are not disbelief. Questions are a way to approach the truth.◆ Sabbath: The Human Ability to PauseAnother key to understanding Judaism is the Sabbath, or Shabbat. This sacred time of rest lasts from Friday evening until Saturday evening. The Ten Commandments instruct to remember and keep the Sabbath holy.This norm, established thousands of years ago, contains remarkably modern anthropology. Humans must work, but they are not born solely to work. They pause from labor, production, and earning money to share meals with family, pray, read scripture, and reflect on who they are.The value of a human being is not determined solely by productivity.Slaves cannot rest at will. Free people can pause. In this sense, while the Exodus was a spatial liberation, the Sabbath can be seen as a liberation of time. Escaping Egypt does not automatically eliminate the condition of slavery. Humans can become enslaved again to money, power, desires, and labor. Thus, one day a week, they declare:I am not a working machine. I do not exist solely to earn money.The philosophy of the Sabbath is even more urgent in the age of AI. Smartphones never sleep, and social media and platforms demand human attention 24/7. AI does not rest, nor do robots. Should humans work 24/7 as well?No.The more machines do not rest, the more humans must learn to rest in a human way. Pausing is not laziness; it is a way to preserve humanity.◆ The Home as the First SchoolThe starting point of Jewish education was not a grand school but the home. Parents became the first teachers, not only providing food and clothing but also teaching their children about scripture and history.Particularly, the Passover table serves as a history classroom. Children ask, “Why is this night different from all other nights? Why do we eat unleavened bread?” Parents recount the story of the Exodus, explaining that they were slaves in Egypt and that God freed them.What is crucial here is that the past is not taught as a mere history. The statement “Our ancestors were slaves” does not remain as historical knowledge but is brought into the present life.We were slaves.Therefore, memory comes with responsibility. Since they were also strangers in Egypt, they must not mistreat strangers and the weak. Remembering their own suffering and ensuring that others do not endure the same pain is the ethics of memory.Education begins here. It is not about memorizing history but learning responsibility from history.◆ Crossing Borders with a BookThe history of the Jewish people is also the history of the diaspora. After the Babylonian exile, significant communities formed in Mesopotamia, and during and after the Roman era, Jewish communities established themselves in various regions, including Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East.They lived in different countries, spoke different languages, and had different professions. However, when communities formed, they built synagogues and taught children scripture and writing. Scholars studied and debated the Torah, interpreting the issues of their times. Particularly in the diaspora communities of Mesopotamia, a vast legacy known as the Babylonian Talmud was formed through long-standing academic accumulation.Even without a nation, they could study. Even without a king, there could be teachers. Even without an army, they could read books. Even without a temple, they could pray at the family table.This was one of the remarkable survival strategies of Jewish civilization. They created a culture that outlasted the state.Education became the most enduring capital.Here, one must be cautious in viewing the economic and academic achievements of the Jewish people. Simplifying it to the notion that Jews are inherently intelligent overlooks historical complexities. What matters is the long-accumulated culture and institutions of education, as well as the historical context of the diaspora.Economic history studies suggest that after the destruction of the Second Temple, the religious significance of Torah study and children's education grew in rabbinic Judaism, leading to increased literacy, which likely influenced urban commerce and professional occupations in the long term. Of course, Jewish economic history cannot be explained solely by education. Persecution, occupational restrictions, forced migrations, and varying political and economic environments must also be considered.However, it is clear that the Jewish community has long valued education and literacy.Homes can be taken away. Land can be confiscated, and property can disappear. But the knowledge and ability to think that reside in the mind cannot be easily taken away.Thus, education became an asset for survival before being a means of success.◆ Rabbis: Teachers Who Teach Questions Over AnswersIn Judaism, a rabbi is a significant figure. However, it is not exactly the same concept as a priest in Christianity. Fundamentally, a rabbi is a teacher who studies, interprets, and teaches the Torah and legal traditions.It is meaningful that the community is not centered solely around power figures but also around teachers and interpreters. A good student is not someone who unconditionally accepts the teacher's words. They must be able to learn, listen, and ask questions again.The rabbinic tradition's wisdom literature, Pirkei Avot, poses this famous question: “Who is wise? The one who learns from everyone.”A knowledgeable person can speak. A more knowledgeable person knows how to listen. And a truly wise person recognizes their ignorance and asks again.This is humility in knowledge.◆ In an Age of Answers, the Importance of QuestionsKorean education also has lessons to reflect upon here. For a long time, we have called those who quickly find answers top students. Exams had answers, teachers knew them, and students learned and memorized. This educational approach was quite effective during the rapid growth of the industrial era.However, the era of generative AI is different. In the race to find answers, humans already struggle to compete with machines. Searching, summarizing, translating, and calculating are tasks that AI performs faster. The gap is likely to widen in the future.Therefore, the focus of human education must also change. What one asks is as important as what one knows, and the ability to question and verify answers is becoming increasingly crucial. The ability to discern truth from the abundance of information is vital.The long-standing culture of questioning among Jews holds unexpected modern relevance in the 21st century's AI era.Before asking AI questions, humans must first ask themselves: Why? For what purpose? For whom?The word must become life. However, Judaism should not be understood merely as a religion of study. The ultimate purpose of study is not the accumulation of knowledge but the transformation of life.What is the meaning of reading the Torah a hundred times if one acts unjustly toward their neighbor? What is the purpose of studying the Talmud extensively if one ignores the poor and the weak?The mitzvah in Judaism refers to God's commandments and leads to obligations and practices in life. Learning must translate into action, and faith must manifest in relationships with family, neighbors, and in the marketplace.Thus, the spirituality of Judaism is not solely a spirituality that looks to the heavens. It enters into the very ordinary aspects of life: food and work, family and money, rest and education.Perhaps the greatest caution for religion lies here: having many words without life, reading scriptures without justice, praying without caring for neighbors, and speaking of God while failing to love humanity.In that moment, even religion can become an idol.◆ Dasuk Yoo Yeong-mo's 'One' and the Words of JudaismHere, we return to Dasuk Yoo Yeong-mo. He read the Bible, Buddhist scriptures, and traversed the Analects, Mencius, Laozi, and Zhuangzi. However, his study was not about accumulating knowledge to showcase himself. Ultimately, it was a quest for 'One.'The 'One' that Dasuk spoke of is not simply the number 1. It is the source of all existence and the ultimate place to which humans must return. People come from the One, live seeking the One, and return to the One. Therefore, true study should not stop at knowing many things outside but should awaken the true self within.The 'Eolna' he spoke of is also on that path. It is about finding the true self beyond the self of the body, the self of desires, and the self of possessions.The study of the Torah in Judaism and Dasuk's philosophy differ in historical background and religious systems. There is no need to force them into one. However, they resonate meaningfully in that they both represent studies that transform humans.Study must change humans.If one reads books but does not change as a person, that study is not yet complete. If one has gained knowledge but has become more arrogant, that is a flawed study. If one speaks more of God but grows to hate others more, that is a flawed faith.True knowledge humbles and broadens a person. And it sets them free.◆ In the Age of AI, Questioning Humanity AgainHumanity now stands at another civilizational threshold. We are discussing the possibilities of moving beyond generative AI to AGI (Artificial General Intelligence) and even ASI (Artificial Superintelligence). AI that can remember more information than humans, calculate faster, and surpass human abilities in certain areas is becoming a reality.So, what should humans do?We cannot compete with machines by memorizing more or calculating faster. In the future, the important human will not be the one who competes with machines but the one who can ask machines the right questions and verify their answers.For whom is this AI? Does it speak the truth or amplify falsehoods? Does it expand human freedom or surveil and control humans? Does it distribute wealth widely or concentrate it in the hands of a few? Does it prevent war or become a more powerful weapon? Does it help coexistence between humans and nature, or does it further deplete the Earth?The moment we stop asking these questions, humans may become subservient to AI rather than its masters.Thus, what is needed in the age of AI is not just technology but spirituality. We must seriously consider the issue of Spirituality-centered AI (SAI) that goes beyond human-centered AI (HAI) to contemplate human dignity and life, culture and nature, and even the meaning of existence beyond humanity.What is more important than the speed of technology is its direction. What is more important than ability is purpose, and what is more important than intelligence is wisdom.◆ Even if Books Are Taken Away, Questions RemainWe must not simplify the thousands of years of Jewish history into a beautiful success story. There have been horrific times of persecution, discrimination, exile, and massacre, and there have been conflicts and divisions within the Jewish community. In modern times, new issues have arisen that require us to distinguish between Jews and the state of Israel, Judaism and the political choices of modern Israel.Nevertheless, one clear message left by this ancient civilization is:Learn. Ask. Remember. Rest. And live what you have learned.The temple can be destroyed. Nations can disappear, and property can be taken away. But the thinking human cannot be taken away. Even if books are taken away, the words in memory remain, and even if the last book disappears, questions remain for humanity.Who am I? Where did I come from? How should I live? What is truth? What is justice? What is freedom?Abraham departed. Moses led the slaves into the wilderness. And their descendants scattered across the world with books in hand. When they lost their land, they held onto the words; when they lost their temple, they preserved their homes and synagogues; and even after the center of sacrifice disappeared, they continued to pray and study. Parents taught their children, and children passed it on to the next generation.Thus, one generation created the next.The strength that enabled them to endure nearly 2,000 years of diaspora cannot be explained solely by great armies or vast wealth. It was the people who remembered the words, who questioned, who learned, and who taught what they learned to the next generation.The second question that Judaism poses to us today ultimately leads us here:What will we pass on to the next generation?Money? Houses? Power? Or something that cannot be easily taken away even if the world changes?The power to think and the courage to question, the heart that seeks truth and the responsibility to act justly, and the freedom to choose for oneself. Perhaps that is the most enduring legacy one human can pass on to another, one generation to the next.Truth begins with questioning. Justice begins with translating what has been learned into life. Freedom begins when one can pause and think for themselves.And spirituality connects all of this into one.Coming from the One, seeking the One, and returning to the One.The ancient tradition of study and questioning among the Jewish people asks us again, across thousands of years and into the age of AI:What are you learning? And are you living according to what you have learned?* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-09 10:44:10