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Hanuywon Launches Special Discount Event for Asian Games The Hanuywon Co-Growth Mall, operated by the Korea Small and Medium Enterprises and Startups Agency, will hold a special event in conjunction with the upcoming 2026 Nagoya Asian Games.According to Hanuywon on September 8, the event will take place from September 19 to October 4, coinciding with the Asian Games. Targeting fans who enjoy watching games at home, the event will feature about 50 selected products from small and medium enterprises, including food items like chicken and pizza, as well as essential viewing equipment such as projectors and speakers, all offered at special discounts during the event. Additionally, a 5% discount coupon will be provided.Lee Tae-sik, CEO of Hanuywon, stated, "This year has seen various sports events, including the World Cup held in June. We organized this event to highlight suitable products from small and medium enterprises during this period. We hope many consumers will support these excellent products while cheering for Korea."Meanwhile, the Co-Growth Mall is an online welfare mall dedicated to products from small and micro businesses, having opened in 2018 and continuing to operate successfully. Currently, the mall features over 200,000 quality products from around 3,000 small enterprises. Until September 18, a 'Chuseok Gift Planning Exhibition' is also being held in celebration of the upcoming Chuseok holiday.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-08 13:56:10
ByteDance Enters AI Virtual World Competition Beyond TikTok Chinese tech giant ByteDance is developing artificial intelligence (AI) that creates a three-dimensional representation of the real world, responding in real-time to user movements and voice. The company, known for growing TikTok into a global video platform, is entering the so-called 'World Model' competition, leveraging its video generation technology for applications in robotics and autonomous vehicles.Bloomberg reported on September 7 that ByteDance is preparing a new AI model specialized in real-time spatial video generation, with a potential launch as early as next month. Zhang Yiming, the founder of ByteDance, is personally overseeing the development, which involves personnel and AI resources from various business sectors.The new AI model will be based on ByteDance's existing video generation AI, Sidance. It aims to create a virtual world where users can interact in real-time, applicable for live broadcasts, short dramas, and games.This technology, referred to as a World Model, allows AI to learn how the real world moves and changes, going beyond simple text or image generation. It can understand and predict outcomes based on user interactions, such as how moving an object affects its environment or what happens in a space where a car is moving. This capability is considered crucial in fields that require interaction with the real world, such as robotics, gaming, and autonomous vehicles.ByteDance's strategy is to leverage its technological expertise in video to enter the World Model market. The Sidance video generation AI has already established itself as a significant success for the company, being utilized in various products, including the video editing program CapCut and the AI chatbot Doubao. Independent filmmakers, content creators, and AI startups also use Sidance.Moreover, the new AI model is expected to connect various businesses within ByteDance. It will integrate AI models and cloud computing resources with content platforms like TikTok and hardware from XR (extended reality) device manufacturer Pico.For instance, the new AI model could create a virtual world that responds in real-time to the voice or movements of Pico headset users, generating video at 20 frames per second with a delay of about 0.05 seconds.ByteDance's development of the World Model is seen as part of its strategy to transition its business towards generative AI. The company aims to expand its influence in the AI sector by connecting AI models with data centers, cloud services, content platforms, and XR devices.To enhance its AI competitiveness, ByteDance is also making significant investments. According to Bloomberg, the company recently secured a $30 billion loan to expand its AI capabilities and acquire data center and AI hardware. ByteDance is reportedly considering increasing its capital expenditures for AI infrastructure to as much as $70 billion this year.Meanwhile, Meta and Apple have also made substantial investments in virtual and mixed-reality devices. Meta is building a popular ecosystem around its Quest headsets, while Apple is promoting its high-end spatial computing device, the Vision Pro. However, both companies are still facing challenges in establishing VR and spatial computing devices in the mainstream market.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-08 13:56:00
SM Vexcell Shares Surge 22% Following First Battery Export to Southeast Asia SM Vexcell's shares surged over 20% following the company's first successful battery export. According to the Korea Exchange, as of 1:48 PM on September 8, SM Vexcell's stock was trading at 2,105 won, up 22.94% from the previous trading day. The surge was driven by news that the battery division exported its flagship alkaline batteries to CP Group, Thailand's largest conglomerate. This marks Vexcell's first overseas export. Thailand is one of the largest battery consumer markets in Southeast Asia, making this a significant step in the company's global expansion. The batteries are set to begin shipping in mid-September and are expected to be available across Thailand through CP Extra, a distribution subsidiary of CP Group, as early as next month.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-08 13:56:00
Snoopy Welcomes Foreign Tourists at Airport in Traditional Hanbok Snoopy, dressed in a traditional hanbok and hat, greets foreign tourists arriving in South Korea. The Korea Tourism Organization announced a collaboration with the global character 'Peanuts' to create hospitality content that blends traditional Korean culture.On September 7, the organization signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Snoopy Garden to enhance the welcoming atmosphere for foreign visitors and promote Korean cultural content.The main focus of this agreement is the development of content for 'Korea Welcome Week,' utilizing Peanuts characters. The two parties plan to incorporate familiar characters like Snoopy and Woodstock with traditional Korean elements such as hanbok and hats to engage foreign tourists.The jointly produced images will be used in promotional materials and souvenirs for the welcome week events, which will also feature photo zones and welcome booths. Events and souvenirs for foreign tourists will be available for direct participation.The welcome week will take place at Incheon International Airport and Jeju International Airport from October 30 to November 15, featuring photo zones and experiential spaces themed around Peanuts characters.At the event, foreign tourists will receive travel convenience information and local tourism details in multiple languages. Various benefits for domestic travel, including tourism, shopping, transportation, and cultural experiences, will also be provided.The organization aims to connect the welcoming experience at the airport with local tourism and encourage repeat visits. Plans to expand collaboration with the tourism industry, local governments, and private enterprises are also in place.A representative from the organization stated, “By combining Peanuts characters with Korean cultural and tourism content, we will provide foreign tourists with a memorable hospitality experience. We will explore various hospitality content to ensure that the positive first impression formed upon entry leads to travel satisfaction and repeat visits.”A representative from Snoopy Garden remarked, “This will be an opportunity to showcase the essence of Peanuts alongside Korean hospitality culture, and we will work together to generate interest in Jeju tourism and Snoopy Garden.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-08 13:48:00
Mandatory Deposit for Restoration Guarantee on Projects Using Over 10,000㎡ of Public Waters Projects utilizing over 10,000 square meters of public waters will now be required to deposit a performance bond for restoration. Failure to comply with restoration orders may result in fines of up to 10 million won per incident.The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries announced that a revised enforcement decree of the 'Act on the Management and Reclamation of Public Waters' was approved at a cabinet meeting on September 8.This revision follows the amendment of the public waters law last year, which will take effect on September 17. It specifies the criteria and procedures for the performance bond deposit and the imposition of fines as mandated by the law.The amendment mandates that a performance bond be deposited for projects using over 10,000 square meters of public waters. This aims to secure the necessary funds for restoration from the outset of large-scale projects, clarifying the responsibility of operators for restoration.Specific criteria and procedures for imposing fines for non-compliance with restoration orders have also been established. Fines can be imposed up to 10 million won per incident and can be repeated up to twice a year until the restoration obligation is fulfilled.The ministry expects that by securing restoration funds in advance and establishing penalties for non-compliance, the effectiveness of restoration orders will be enhanced, leading to quicker recovery efforts.Hwang Jun-sung, Director of Marine Environment Policy at the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, stated, “With this legal amendment, we anticipate that the responsibility and effectiveness of public waters management will be significantly strengthened by securing the necessary costs for restoration from the utilization stage.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-08 13:48:00
Yen Falls to 152 Against Dollar, Ending '160 Yen Era'? The yen fell to around 152 against the dollar on the morning of September 8. The exchange rate had approached 164 yen in late July but dropped to the low 155 yen range following a joint intervention by the U.S. and Japan. However, it returned to the 160 yen level by the end of August. Just a week later, the yen plummeted nearly 8 yen to the 152 range. The break of the previously strong 155 yen support level prompted not only short-term speculators but also long-term investors to liquidate their yen positions. Market observers are divided on whether the yen will hover in the mid-150s for the time being or trend back toward 160 yen as the year progresses. In Tokyo's foreign exchange market, the yen-dollar exchange rate briefly dropped to 152.88 yen, nearing this year's low of 152.11 yen recorded on January 28. The euro-yen exchange rate also fell to 178.86 yen, the lowest level since mid-November of last year. Trading was subdued the previous day due to the U.S. Labor Day holiday. Amid this backdrop, the exchange rate quickly broke below the 155 yen mark. The Nihon Keizai Shimbun reported on September 8 that the breakdown of the 155 yen level, which had served as a strong support during Japan's unilateral interventions in April and the U.S.-Japan joint intervention at the end of July, led to a surge in stop-loss dollar selling and yen buying, accelerating the downward trend. Analysts suggest that this decline is not limited to short-term speculators. Yusuke Okada, a senior researcher at Mitsubishi UFJ Trust Bank, stated, "Both hedge funds and long-term investors are unwinding their yen selling and dollar buying positions, indicating a shift in market dynamics." The backdrop for this position liquidation is the expectation that the Bank of Japan (BOJ) will accelerate its interest rate hikes. BOJ Governor Kazuo Ueda hinted at the possibility of rate increases during a press conference on September 1. The market is nearly pricing in a 0.25 percentage point increase in the policy rate at the BOJ's monetary policy meeting scheduled for September 17-18. There are also growing expectations that the BOJ may continue to raise rates every three months or that the terminal rate could be higher than previously anticipated. If this occurs, the interest rate differential between the U.S. and Japan may narrow more quickly, reducing the appeal of trading yen for dollars. Additionally, concerns about potential joint intervention by U.S. and Japanese authorities are encouraging yen buying. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Vessenst recently reiterated strong support for Japan taking decisive market and monetary policy actions to address the yen's significant undervaluation. Following these remarks, speculation has increased that U.S. and Japanese authorities may engage in joint intervention to correct the yen's depreciation. However, there are cautious views regarding whether the recent drop in the exchange rate was indeed a result of actual intervention. Mitsuhiro Ueda, a foreign exchange analyst at Daiwa Securities, told Asahi Shimbun on September 7, "If it were actual intervention, the yen would have appreciated much more sharply than this." Moreover, expectations for easing tensions in the Middle East have weakened dollar buying pressure. On September 7, Iran's Foreign Ministry announced that negotiations with Oman regarding a temporary route in the Strait of Hormuz have entered the final stages, with a potential agreement possible within days. This has tempered the movement to buy dollars amid Middle East instability, and expectations are growing that Japan's trade balance will improve if international oil prices stabilize. Forecasts Suggest Yen Could Fall to 149 The 155 yen level that was breached the previous day may now act as a resistance level against further increases in the exchange rate. Makoto Noji, a senior foreign exchange and foreign debt strategist at SMBC Nikko Securities, told Nikkei on September 7 that even if the exchange rate rebounds, there is a high likelihood of yen buying orders coming in as it approaches 155 yen, suggesting a potential drop to 152 yen this week. He added that if the BOJ raises rates and adopts a more hawkish stance at the meeting on September 17-18, the yen could fall to 150 yen. Shusuke Yamada, a senior Japan foreign exchange and interest rate strategist at Bank of America Securities, noted that the yen has strengthened not only against the dollar but also against other currencies, viewing the recent decline in the exchange rate as a correction of excessive yen depreciation, and he forecasts an exchange rate of 149 yen by year-end. However, there are also predictions that the yen-dollar exchange rate could rise back to the 160 yen level. According to the Yomiuri Shimbun, Tsuyoshi Ueno, a senior economist at NLI Research Institute, stated that the BOJ may find it difficult to raise rates beyond market expectations, and concerns about expansionary fiscal policy during the year-end budget formulation process may resurface, leading to a rebound in the exchange rate toward 160 yen as the year progresses. Daisuke Karakama, a chief market economist at Mizuho Bank, mentioned to Nikkei that while there is a possibility of the exchange rate falling below 150 yen this year, long-term pressures for yen selling, such as increasing foreign direct investment and a growing digital deficit, remain, indicating that the risk of a renewed yen depreciation toward 160 yen persists.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-08 13:36:00
Repeat takers of Korea's CSAT likely highest in 23 years SEOUL, September 08 (AJP) -Nearly 200,000 repeat and non-school test-takers are expected to join South Korea's once-a-year college entrance exam on Nov. 19, the largest number in 23 years and a development likely to intensify competition for a shrinking pool of current high-school seniors. A total of 551,864 people applied to sit the College Scholastic Ability Test, or CSAT, for 2027 admissions, the Korea Institute for Curriculum and Evaluation said Tuesday. The total was down 2,310 from 554,174 applicants last year, driven largely by a sharp decline in current high-school students. The number of current students fell 16,506, or 4.4 percent, from a year earlier. By contrast, so-called N-su students — graduates and qualification-exam holders seeking another shot at college admission — increased by about 14,000 to 196,473, the highest since 198,025 registered for the 2004 academic-year exam. Graduates alone numbered 173,706, also the highest in 23 years, while 22,767 qualification-exam holders applied, marking the largest number in 32 years. Private education institute Jongro Academy estimated that about 99,000 of the graduate applicants are "ban-su" students who entered university this year but are taking the CSAT again in hopes of gaining admission to a different school. Current high-school students accounted for 64.4 percent of all applicants, while graduates and qualification-exam holders made up 35.6 percent. The surge in repeat test-takers comes as this year's exam will be the last under the current CSAT system and as South Korea introduces a regional doctor program that is expected to add another incentive for applicants seeking medical-school places. Starting with the 2028 admissions cycle, the CSAT will be reorganized under a more fully integrated testing system eliminating the current distinction in elective subjects between humanities- and science-track students. AJP Takeaways - Nearly 200,000 repeat and non-school applicants registered for the Nov. 19 CSAT, the highest in 23 years, even as total applicants edged down. - Current high-school applicants fell 4.4 percent from a year earlier, raising competitive pressure from older test-takers who now make up 35.6 percent of the pool. - The surge comes in the final year of the current CSAT format, with regional doctor admissions and looming 2028 exam changes adding incentives for graduates to try again. 2026-09-08 13:28:40
Unification Ministry: New Bridge Enhances North Korea-Russia Exchange With the opening of the Tumen River bridge connecting North Korea and Russia, the Unification Ministry stated that "infrastructure has been expanded to enhance human and material exchanges between North Korea and Russia," and it will monitor future developments.An official from the Unification Ministry spoke to reporters at the Government Complex in Seoul on September 8, saying, "The completion ceremony for the North Korea-Russia Tumen River bridge was held the previous day, marking the opening of the bridge. This signifies the development of the comprehensive strategic partnership between North Korea and Russia, as well as the expansion of infrastructure for human and material exchanges."According to North Korea's state media, the completion ceremony for the bridge connecting North Korea's Rajin and Russia's Hassan was held simultaneously in both countries on September 7. North Korean Premier Pak Tae-sung and Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin attended via video link from Pyongyang and Moscow, respectively.The Tumen River bridge is a project agreed upon during the North Korea-Russia summit in June 2024 and began construction in April of last year. North Korea announced that it completed the construction 495 days after breaking ground. The total length of the bridge and access roads is approximately 5 kilometers, built as a two-lane road.Previously, land transport between North Korea and Russia primarily relied on the "Friendship Bridge" over the Tumen River. With the new route for vehicles, the movement of tourists, workers, and goods is expected to increase significantly.The Unification Ministry also assessed a recent statement from North Korean Defense Minister Kim Song-ki, who criticized the U.S.-South Korea-Japan joint military exercise "Freedom Shield," as a continuation of previous criticisms of military cooperation.The official noted, "Given that North Korea has consistently condemned the Freedom Shield exercise in the past, this response is at a basic level. The expressions in the statement indicate a conditional willingness to respond, and we will observe if further reactions emerge."Regarding whether the statement serves as a message for dialogue with the United States, the official clarified, "Based solely on the statement, there is no visible message related to North Korea-U.S. relations; it is a response to routine U.S.-South Korea joint exercises."The Unification Ministry also kept various possibilities open concerning North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's announcement of plans to strengthen naval power in eight months during the commissioning ceremony of the new destroyer "Ganggeonho."The official stated, "There are various analyses, but ultimately, it is currently unknown," while mentioning North Korea's previously unveiled tactical nuclear attack submarine, an 8,700-ton strategic nuclear submarine, a 10,000-ton cruiser, and new naval bases. The official added, "Considering that there could be various options, we will monitor related developments."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-08 13:20:00
KS Certification Standards Lowered for High-Tech Companies Without Factories 내년부터 공장을 직접 보유하지 않고 제품을 설계·개발하는 첨단산업 기업도 KS 인증을 받을 수 있게 된다. 중소기업과 소상공인의 인증 비용 부담은 낮추는 대신 인증제품에 대한 사후관리는 강화된다. 산업통상부 국가기술표준원은 8일 이 같은 내용의 '산업표준화법' 일부개정법률 공포안이 국무회의에서 의결됐다고 밝혔다. 개정 법률은 공포 후 6개월의 준비기간을 거쳐 내년 3월 시행된다. 이번 개정은 지난 2월 경제관계장관회의에서 발표한 'KS 인증제도 개편방안'을 법제화한 것이다. 기업의 인증 취득 관련 규제를 완화하고 중소기업·소상공인의 인증 취득을 지원하는 한편 인증제품에 대한 사후관리를 강화하는 것이 골자다. 우선 첨단산업 분야의 KS 인증 문턱을 낮춘다. 기존에는 공장을 보유한 기업을 중심으로 KS 인증을 받을 수 있어 주문자상표부착생산(OEM) 방식으로 제품을 생산하는 로봇업계 등의 설계·개발기업은 인증을 받는 데 제약이 있었다. 개정법 시행에 따라 앞으로는 첨단산업 분야 설계·개발기업도 KS 인증을 받을 수 있도록 인증 취득 주체가 확대된다. 기업의 생산 방식 등을 고려해 인증심사 유형도 다양화한다. 중소기업과 소상공인에 대한 지원도 확대된다. KS 인증 취득에 필요한 비용을 지원하고 시험·검사 장비 이용을 돕는다. 우수 기업에는 포상과 함께 정기심사 면제 등의 혜택을 제공한다. 인증제품에 대한 사후관리는 강화된다. 인증표시 도용·위조 등 불법행위에 대한 정부의 조사 권한을 신설하고, 필요한 경우 행정기관이 직권으로 시판품 조사를 실시할 수 있도록 했다. 위해 우려가 높은 인증제품은 리콜 명령에 그치지 않고 실제 이행 여부까지 관리한다. KS 인증제도 개편에 따른 업무를 전문적으로 수행할 전담기관을 지정·운영할 수 있는 법적 근거도 마련됐다. 김대자 국표원장은 "KS 인증은 지난 60여 년간 국내 산업의 경쟁력을 높이는 동시에 품질 향상에 기여해 온 대한민국 대표 인증제도"라며 "이번 법 개정에 따른 후속조치를 철저히 준비해 KS가 AI 등 첨단산업 환경에서 우리 산업의 재도약을 지원하도록 할 것"이라고 밝혔다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-08 13:08:10
Major Overhaul of Measurement Law Introduces Average Content Standards for Snacks and Milk The South Korean government has established a support system for precise measurements in advanced industries such as semiconductors and secondary batteries. New standards will ensure that the actual average content of packaged goods, including snacks and milk, must not be less than the amount indicated on the packaging.The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced on September 8 that a partial amendment to the Measurement Law was approved at a Cabinet meeting. The amendment passed the National Assembly on August 20 and will take effect one year after its promulgation.This is the first major revision of the Measurement Law in 25 years, following a comprehensive overhaul in 2000. The changes aim to expand the existing measurement system, which focused on commerce, to support the quality and productivity of advanced industries and to adapt to the evolving consumer environment.The amendment redefines activities related to accurate measurements in manufacturing, processing, testing, and quality control as 'industrial measurement.' It also provides a legal basis for the government to support companies in establishing measurement management systems and disseminating measurement technologies and training.The government will designate 'Industrial Measurement Support Centers' to specialize in research and development and support for various industries. This initiative aims to enhance measurement reliability in advanced sectors such as semiconductors, secondary batteries, and aerospace and defense, which require ultra-precise measurements, while assisting small and medium-sized enterprises that struggle to develop their own measurement technologies and infrastructure.Consumer goods that display volume or weight on their packaging, such as milk and snacks, will see strengthened content management. A new 'average content standard' will be introduced, requiring that the average content of products must be equal to or greater than the amount stated on the packaging. The amendment also establishes grounds for publicizing products that violate these regulations.The management of legal measuring instruments will become more flexible. For automatic scales over 10 tons or tanks with visual markings, which may not fit the existing approval, verification, and re-verification procedures due to their technical characteristics or installation and usage environments, some procedures may be exempted. It will also be possible to replace re-verification with calibration.Measuring instruments that do not fall under legal categories, such as those for home or educational use, must clearly indicate that they are not for commercial or certification purposes. This is to help consumers easily distinguish between legal measuring instruments and others.Local governments will be allowed to outsource regular inspections of commercial scales conducted every two years to private specialized organizations. Legal training grounds for local measurement inspection officials will also be established.Kim Dae-ja, head of the Korea Agency for Technology and Standards, stated, "This law amendment is significant as it expands the commerce-centered measurement system to support the quality reliability of advanced industries and reorganizes the measurement system to fit the changed industrial and consumer environment."He added, "We will make policy efforts to strengthen the foundation of industrial measurement that enhances the competitiveness of advanced industries and to increase the measurement reliability that the public experiences in their daily lives."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-08 13:08:10