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  • Youth Employment Promotion Law Expands Definition of Youth from 29 to 34 Years
    Youth Employment Promotion Law Expands Definition of 'Youth' from 29 to 34 Years The age definition of 'youth' under the Youth Employment Promotion Law will be expanded from 29 years to 34 years. The government also established detailed operational standards for the Public Workers Committee, which discusses improvements for non-regular workers in the public sector.On September 8, the government reviewed and approved the enforcement decree for the 'Law on the Establishment and Operation of the Public Workers Committee' and the amendment to the 'Enforcement Decree of the Special Act on Youth Employment Promotion' during a Cabinet meeting. Both decrees will take effect on September 18.As a result of the amendment to the Special Act on Youth Employment Promotion, the age range for youth will be expanded from 15 years and older, up to 29 years, to 15 years and older, up to 34 years.Previously, the age of youth was defined in the enforcement decree, but the legal amendment now specifies the age criteria directly in the law. Consequently, the enforcement decree has been revised to remove the previous age definition for youth and to reorganize related provisions.The government aims to ensure consistency in policy targets and strengthen support for youth entering the labor market through the expanded age criteria.The specific operational methods for the Public Workers Committee, which will discuss improvements for public sector workers and non-regular employees, have also been finalized.With the enforcement of the 'Law on the Establishment and Operation of the Public Workers Committee' on September 18, a formal negotiation system will be established to discuss the treatment of public sector workers, including temporary, dispatched, and contracted workers.The enforcement decree includes procedures for convening meetings of the Public Workers Committee, as well as necessary details for the composition and operation of its subcommittees.The working committee will consist of up to 30 members, the development council will have up to 20 members, and the sectoral councils will have up to 15 members each. Detailed operational standards, including the appointment and commissioning procedures for committee members, have also been established.A Ministry of Employment and Labor official stated, 'We expect that the operation of the Public Workers Committee will help eliminate discrimination against public workers and improve the quality of employment and public service levels.'* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-08 13:08:00
  • Sapporo Beer Shifts Production to U.S. to Avoid Canadian Tariffs
    Sapporo Beer Shifts Production to U.S. to Avoid Canadian Tariffs Canada has begun imposing retaliatory tariffs of up to 50% on U.S. products starting September 8, escalating concerns over the North American trade war. Global companies are accelerating the restructuring of their North American supply chains to mitigate the impact of these tariffs.According to a report by Bloomberg, Japan's Sapporo Beer has decided to shift some of its production from Canada to the U.S. to avoid the 50% tariff imposed on Canadian beer by the U.S.Sapporo plans to relocate its non-alcoholic beer production, currently made in Canada for the U.S. market, to the U.S. by the first half of 2027. The company is considering acquiring or building a brewery in the western U.S. or outsourcing production to other firms.This move is seen as a strategy to reorganize its North American operations and expand its presence in the U.S. market. Sapporo has been promoting its 'Sapporo Premium' brand, the top-selling Asian beer in the U.S.Shofu Rieko, Sapporo's Chief Strategy Officer, told Bloomberg, "Tariffs are not something we can control. We will push for local production."As companies exporting from Canada face direct tariff impacts, global automotive manufacturers with supply chains spanning the U.S., Canada, and Mexico are also reassessing their production strategies.Under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), the U.S. and Canada had previously exempted most tariffs. However, with the U.S. reviewing the USMCA and the Trump administration indicating a potential 50% tariff on Canadian automobiles and parts starting next year, companies are on alert.The Asahi Shimbun reported that Japanese automakers believe the U.S. tariffs will not be a temporary measure and are planning to strengthen local production. For instance, Honda has decided to shift some production of its CR-V, previously made in Canada for export to the U.S., back to the U.S. and is considering adding a new assembly plant in North America this July. Toyota is also accelerating its local production efforts in the U.S.This trend of shifting production is spreading across Canadian manufacturing. A survey conducted by global consulting firm KPMG in July found that 40% of 275 Canadian manufacturers have already moved or plan to move some or all of their production to the U.S. due to trade uncertainties.Moreover, the Trump administration has hinted at the possibility of additional measures. As Canada imposes retaliatory tariffs of 15% to 50% on over 700 U.S. products, including steel, motorcycles, cosmetics, and cheese, the trade conflict between the two countries may worsen.Jameson Greer, a representative of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), indicated that further tariffs or a complete ban on imports of certain Canadian products could be considered, suggesting a potential escalation in trade tensions.On the same day, President Trump specifically targeted Canadian aircraft manufacturer Bombardier, warning that sales in the U.S. would be prohibited. He posted on social media platform Truth Social, stating, "Do not sell Bombardier in the U.S. anymore. Their products are not good."Approximately 5,100 Bombardier aircraft are currently in operation worldwide, with about half operating in the U.S., indicating a significant reliance on the U.S. market. A sales ban could have a substantial impact on the company. However, there are concerns that pressure on Bombardier could also create challenges for the U.S., as Bloomberg reports that Bombardier employs over 3,500 Americans and has more than 2,800 U.S. suppliers, with many parts produced locally.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-08 13:04:00
  • South Korean Man Abducted in Manila Released After Four Days
    South Korean Man Abducted in Manila Released After Four Days A South Korean man in his 40s, who was abducted in Manila, was safely released on September 8.The Foreign Ministry stated, "The South Korean man, who was kidnapped by unidentified individuals in Manila on September 4, has been released today," adding, "His health status is good." It further noted, "Immediately after receiving a report from the South Korean Embassy in the Philippines on September 4, we established a task force for the protection of overseas citizens and held a joint situation assessment meeting with the police and the embassy to discuss response measures." The ministry emphasized, "We have been closely cooperating with the local embassy and the Philippine police to ensure the safety of the abductee and to expedite his release." Additionally, it reported, "Our National Police Agency has been actively collaborating with the Foreign Ministry since the incident occurred to resolve the situation promptly." In a related incident, another South Korean man in his 40s was kidnapped in Manila on August 16 and was released five days later. 2026-09-08 13:04:00
  • Hong Ik-pyo Expresses Regret Over Re-election Controversy, Says President Lee Will Clarify Stance
    Hong Ik-pyo Expresses Regret Over Re-election Controversy, Says President Lee Will Clarify Stance Hong Ik-pyo, the Chief of Staff to the President, expressed regret on September 8 over the political controversy surrounding President Lee Jae-myung's potential re-election, stating that the president will clarify his position soon. During an appearance on the YouTube program 'Kim Eo-jun's Humility is Difficult News Factory,' Hong said, "It is regrettable that the controversy has intensified despite clear statements made previously," adding that the president will express his views more clearly when given the opportunity. Hong noted that during a meeting in April with then-Democratic Party leader Jeong Cheong-rae and People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyuk, President Lee indicated he had no intention of seeking re-election. Hong explained that the president remarked, "What does it mean to say I won't do something I have no intention of doing?" Regarding the controversy over the 'dismissal of charges' raised by the ruling party, Hong emphasized that the president is more focused on clarifying whether the charges were fabricated rather than on the dismissal itself. "The president's perspective places more emphasis on the issue of fabricated charges than on the dismissal of charges," Hong said. "If it is clearly established that the charges were fabricated, then the issue of dismissal can be considered naturally afterward." He added, "Maintaining charges based on wrongful accusations is also wrong." On the issue of deploying troops to the Hormuz Strait, Hong stated that the government's policy has not yet been finalized. He said, "Initially, it appeared as if we were almost entering combat, but that may not be the case," and reassured that the situation is not one that should cause concern for the public, the Democratic Party, or supporters of the Lee Jae-myung administration. He explained that within the government, there are differing opinions on whether to take an active role considering U.S.-South Korea relations and to proceed with caution, stating, "We will need to discuss this further after the president returns from his trip." When asked if the U.S. is pressuring South Korea to deploy troops under the guise of economic and security leverage, Hong acknowledged that "it is true that there is some influence," but emphasized that "as a sovereign nation, South Korea will not simply follow pressure and will make its own judgments." 2026-09-08 13:00:20
  • Korea, Thailand deepen police cooperation against K-content piracy
    Korea, Thailand deepen police cooperation against K-content piracy SEOUL, September 08 (AJP) - South Korea's culture ministry signed an agreement with Thailand's police agency Tuesday to strengthen joint investigations into cross-border copyright crimes involving Korean content. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Central Investigation Bureau of the Royal Thai Police signed the memorandum of understanding at JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul in Jongno District, the ministry said. The agreement covers cooperation on law-enforcement operations against copyright infringement, information sharing on copyright crimes and investigations, and joint policy work on copyright protection and public awareness. The agreement builds on a February multinational operation against an illegal IPTV network based in Thailand and Malaysia. South Korea's culture ministry joined the National Police Agency, Interpol, the Royal Thai Police, the Royal Malaysia Police and U.S. Homeland Security Investigations in the crackdown. Officials said the group had illegally distributed Korean and other global broadcast content since 2015, mainly across Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia. Its service carried 426 live channels worldwide, including eight South Korean broadcasters such as tvN, KBS World and SPOTV, along with more than 8,000 video-on-demand titles. Industry estimates put losses for Korean content owners at about 35 billion won ($25 million). Investigators raided homes and offices in Chiang Mai, Thailand, and Selangor, Malaysia, taking four suspects into custody: one Thai national and three Malaysian nationals. After evidence reviews and questioning, local investigators verified charges against two Malaysian suspects in April and one Thai suspect in May, sending them to trial. The operation was supported by a cooperation network built under the second phase of the Interpol Stop Online Piracy project, known as I-SOP. South Korea's culture ministry, National Police Agency and Interpol signed the I-SOP agreement in January 2025. A copyright enforcement meeting hosted by the ministry last June with Thai investigators and Interpol officials also helped build trust before the joint operation, officials said. Kim Jae-hyun, the ministry's director general for culture and media industry policy, said South Korea will keep working with Interpol and foreign law-enforcement agencies to strengthen its response to transnational copyright crimes. AJP Takeaways - South Korea's culture ministry and Thailand's Central Investigation Bureau will sign a copyright protection MOU in Seoul. - The agreement focuses on joint enforcement operations, investigation information sharing and copyright policy exchanges. - The move follows a February multinational crackdown on an illegal IPTV network based in Thailand and Malaysia. 2026-09-08 13:00:19
  • Experience Life in Injes Mountain Villages from the 1960s and 70s
    Experience Life in Inje's Mountain Villages from the 1960s and 70s A new exhibition allows visitors to experience the life and community culture of Inje's mountain villages during the 1960s and 70s.The Inje Mountain Folk Museum, operated by the Inje Cultural Foundation, will host the exhibition titled 'Letters from the Mountain House: Inje in the 1960s and 70s' from September 9 to May 31, 2027, on the second floor of the museum.According to Inje County, this exhibition is part of the '2026 Barrier-Free Cultural Enjoyment Activation Support Project.' It highlights the daily lives and community aspects of mountain village residents through recorded videos, oral histories, and daily tools.The 1960s and 70s were a time of rapid change in education, transportation, industry, and living conditions, while traditional lifestyles in mountain villages continued.Visitors will encounter the lives of children who walked mountain paths to school and residents who crafted daily tools from natural materials. Stories of neighbors and community life will be shared through local records and residents' voices.The exhibition is organized around the theme of 'letters' connecting the past of Inje with today's visitors, divided into four sections.The first section, 'First Letter: A Letter from the Dume Mountain School,' features a cultural film titled 'Dume School,' showcasing school life and village scenery from the Wondae-ri Wahyeon Branch School in 1972. Related local materials will also illustrate the educational environment of that time.The second section, 'Second Letter: A Day from the Mountain House,' displays farming and daily tools such as a juru-mak, samtaegi, seolpi, hamji, and jongdaraekki. Some materials will be available for visitors to touch and experience.Crafts and tools made by Lee Jong-kwan from Gwidun will also be featured, showcasing the skills and wisdom of mountain village residents who adapted their tools to the natural environment.The third section, 'Third Letter: People Who Connect Memories,' will present recorded videos capturing schools, rural life, markets, and transportation in Inje and Gangwon Province from the 1950s to the 1980s.Visitors will also see footage of the transportation of timber from Inje used in the reconstruction of Jinju's Chokseokru in 1959 and the rebuilding of Inje High School. Interviews with Choi Byeong-heon and Park Su-hong, who have documented local history, will share stories about changes in mountain villages after the Korean War and the culture surrounding Naekgang Village and its rafts.The final section, 'Fourth Letter: An Invitation from the Mountain Village,' will allow visitors to experience traditional games such as stamp making, chilgo, and ttakji. There will also be a program to smell the scent of Inje herbs.A 'Naekgang Village Symphony' will capture the sounds of water, wind, birds, and daily life in Naekgang Village, allowing visitors to experience the mountain village landscape through sight, sound, touch, and smell.Accessibility has been a key principle from the planning stage of this exhibition. Braille, large print, and easy-to-read materials will be provided, along with sign language, subtitles, and audio description videos. Some daily materials will be designed for tactile exhibition, ensuring accessibility for all visitors, regardless of age or ability.This exhibition is significant as it expands the scope of Inje County's efforts to promote local culture. Inje County also hosts the Park In-hwan Literary Festival, which highlights the literary legacy of poet Park In-hwan, and the National Woodcraft Competition, which preserves the region's woodworking traditions. The 2026 Park In-hwan Literary Festival will focus on specific individuals and literature, while the Inje Traditional Woodcraft National Competition will center on local skills and creative activities.In contrast, this exhibition emphasizes the daily lives and memories of mountain village residents who lived without recognition, presenting them as cultural assets of Inje. It combines video, sound, daily tools, and experiences to convey the region's history to visitors. The introduction of a barrier-free exhibition distinguishes it from previous events.The exhibition is supported by the Korea Arts and Culture Education Service. The museum plans to continuously gather visitor feedback to enhance cultural accessibility in future exhibitions and educational programs.Kim O-jeong, head of the cultural policy team at the Inje Cultural Foundation, stated, 'I hope visitors can see, hear, and touch the lives and stories of Inje's mountain villages in their own way. I expect this will be a time where the lives of Inje's people from that era and our present connect naturally through these letters.'* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-08 13:00:00
  • U.S. court seizes crypto linked to North Korean IT workers
    U.S. court seizes crypto linked to North Korean IT workers SEOUL, September 08 (AJP) - A U.S. federal judge has ordered the forfeiture of cryptocurrency tied to a North Korean overseas IT worker scheme, granting the Justice Department a partial victory in its effort to seize nearly 8 million dollars in virtual assets allegedly linked to Pyongyang’s sanctions-evasion network, according to NK News. The ruling comes as U.S. authorities intensify efforts to disrupt North Korea’s overseas IT workforce, which Washington says numbers in the thousands worldwide. The U.S. Treasury Department has estimated that such workers generated nearly 800 million dollars in revenue for the North Korean regime in 2024. NK News reported Monday that Judge Rudolph Contreras of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia ruled on Sept. 3 that funds held in a cryptocurrency wallet whose address begins with “0x81c4” should be forfeited to the U.S. government. The ruling was part of a civil forfeiture case brought by the Justice Department in June 2025. According to the court ruling, the wallet received approximately 158,123 USDC from at least 10 addresses used to receive payments for North Korean IT workers, as well as 54,574 USDT from at least four other worker payment addresses. Both USDC and USDT are stablecoins designed to maintain a value close to the U.S. dollar, putting the face value of those transfers at roughly $212,700. The Justice Department had sought forfeiture of a much larger pool of assets worth more than 7.74 million dollars, including cryptocurrency, nonfungible tokens and Ethereum Name Service domains allegedly connected to North Korean money laundering and sanctions-evasion operations. Contreras, however, granted the government's request only for assets linked to the 0x81c4 wallet. He denied the request for the remaining property without prejudice, finding that the government had failed to adequately identify those assets in its public forfeiture notice. The decision leaves prosecutors able to seek forfeiture of the remaining assets again after addressing the procedural deficiencies. The Justice Department said when it filed the case last year that the assets had been frozen or seized as part of an investigation into North Korean IT workers who obtained jobs at foreign companies using fraudulent or fraudulently obtained identification documents. The workers concealed their identities and locations from employers and in some cases received salaries in cryptocurrencies such as USDC and USDT, according to the department. They then allegedly moved the funds through multiple cryptocurrency addresses and other transactions designed to obscure their origin before sending the proceeds back to North Korea. Court documents say the proceeds were ultimately transferred in some cases to Kim Sang Man, the head of an organization subordinate to North Korea's Ministry of National Defense, or to Sim Hyon Sop, an official of North Korea's Foreign Trade Bank. Both are on the U.S. Treasury Department's list of Specially Designated Nationals. The FBI investigation found that the workers used designated payment addresses to receive earnings before transferring the funds to consolidation wallets, where revenue from multiple workers was commingled. The funds were then sent to cryptocurrency accounts connected to Kim and Sim, according to the ruling. The case highlights the growing importance of overseas IT work as a source of foreign currency for the heavily sanctioned North Korean government. The U.S. Treasury Department has said Pyongyang maintains a global workforce of thousands of highly skilled IT workers, with many operating from China and Russia. They frequently use stolen identities, forged documents, false online personas and proxy accounts to pose as workers of other nationalities and obtain remote employment at companies in wealthier countries. The workers can hold legitimate positions as software developers and other technology specialists while concealing their North Korean nationality and location. U.S. authorities say the North Korean government takes a large share of their earnings and uses the revenue to support its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs. In March, the Treasury Department said North Korean government-orchestrated IT worker schemes generated nearly 800 million dollars in 2024. It also sanctioned six individuals and two entities accused of facilitating networks that helped North Korean workers obtain jobs, move money and convert their earnings into funds usable by the regime. U.S. authorities have increasingly targeted not only the North Korean workers but also overseas facilitators who provide stolen identities, financial accounts or computers that allow them to appear to be working from the United States. In April, two U.S. nationals were sentenced for operating so-called “laptop farms” that enabled North Korean workers using stolen American identities to obtain jobs at more than 100 U.S. companies. The Justice Department said the scheme generated more than 5 million dollars for North Korea and involved the stolen identities of at least 80 Americans. Washington says the operations present a threat beyond sanctions evasion because workers who successfully obtain remote jobs can gain legitimate access to corporate networks and sensitive information, creating opportunities for data theft, extortion and other malicious cyber activity. 2026-09-08 12:59:43
  • Damyang County Mayor Park Jong-won Advocates for National Funding in National Assembly
    Damyang County Mayor Park Jong-won Advocates for National Funding in National Assembly Damyang County Mayor Park Jong-won visited the National Assembly to discuss local issues and advocate for national funding. Following a visit in July, he returned to the Assembly to request funding for local projects and the expedited construction of the 'Dalbit Railroad.' On September 7, according to Damyang County, Mayor Park met with the Minister of the Planning and Budget Office at the office of Assemblyman Park Hong-geun to seek government support and attention for key local projects and the prompt advancement of the Dalbit Railroad construction. During the National Assembly's review of next year's budget, Mayor Park emphasized the necessity and urgency of including Damyang's key projects in the budget. The main proposed projects include: the Seongtae Village Rural Sewage Maintenance Project (total cost of 11.5 billion won) aimed at improving residents' living and sanitary conditions; the Dalbit Railroad Cultural Space Development Project (total cost of 3.5 billion won) to expand tourism based on local cultural resources; and the Dalbit Railroad Construction Project (total cost of 4.5158 trillion won) connecting Gwangju and Daegu. Mayor Park requested that the government and the National Assembly work together to ensure these projects proceed without delays. Later in the afternoon, he met with Assembly members An Do-geol, Hwang Myeong-seon, and Jeong Jun-ho to advocate for the swift advancement of the Dalbit Railroad construction and support for key local projects at the Assembly level. He particularly highlighted that the Dalbit Railroad would not only facilitate inter-regional travel but also serve as a high-speed logistics artery connecting major industrial hubs across Honam, Gyeonggi, Chungcheong, and Yeongnam regions, which he described as the 'high-speed railway logistics backbone of Korea's AI and semiconductor industry.' He called for the National Assembly's attention and support for balanced national development and enhancing future industrial competitiveness. Mayor Park Jong-won stated, “It is crucial to steadily advance projects directly related to residents' lives and to expand the foundation for future growth in the region. I will continue to visit the government and the National Assembly to explain the necessity of these projects and do my utmost to secure the national funding and support needed for our region.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-08 12:56:00
  • Labor Minister: Samsung Electronics Profit-Based Bonus Demand Could Be Illegal
    Labor Minister: Samsung Electronics' Profit-Based Bonus Demand Could Be Illegal Kim Young-hoon, the Minister of Employment and Labor, stated that the recent strike by the Samsung Electronics labor union, which demands a bonus based on a percentage of operating profit, would be considered illegal under the newly announced labor dispute guidelines. However, he noted that since Samsung and its labor union have already established a method for bonus payments, the new guidelines will not be applied retroactively.During an interview on SBS Radio's 'Kim Tae-hyun's Political Show' on September 8, Minister Kim responded affirmatively when asked if the union's strike would be illegal under the new guidelines, saying, "Yes," and added, "I think it is difficult to start by deducting N% from operating profit."The Ministry of Employment and Labor specified in the implementation guidelines released on September 3 that demands for performance bonuses linked to corporate profits are not considered mandatory negotiation subjects. This is due to concerns that such demands could infringe on the rights of third parties, such as the state and shareholders, and excessively restrict corporate management decisions and execution.Minister Kim clarified that not all performance bonus demands are excluded from disputes. He expressed concern about whether it is appropriate to deduct bonuses before paying taxes when a company generates operating profit, stating, "There was a question about whether it is right to take out performance bonuses first before paying taxes on operating profit."He also pointed out that demanding a percentage of operating profit as a bonus could lead to misunderstandings among foreign investors, potentially resulting in reduced investment and weakened corporate competitiveness.However, the new guidelines will not be applied retroactively to past labor relations, as Samsung Electronics and its labor union have already established a method for bonus payments through collective agreements.Minister Kim emphasized, "The law is difficult to judge in black and white, and precedents need to be accumulated. What we lack is not the system, but trust."He expressed caution regarding the introduction of a 'white-collar exemption' in the special law for mega-special zones being promoted by the government and ruling party. The white-collar exemption would exclude high-income professionals from labor hour regulations.Minister Kim stated, "It is correct to row the boat when the tide comes in, but unlimited exemptions need to be viewed differently," adding that a solution must be found to ensure flexibility while protecting workers' health.Regarding the exclusion of unemployment benefits for voluntarily resigning individuals under 35 from next year's budget, he explained that the decision was made due to concerns about potential negative effects. He noted, "Many young people leave their jobs voluntarily in form but involuntarily in substance due to difficulties in adapting early in their careers, so the intention was to give them another chance. However, due to some criticism, it was not included in next year's budget."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-08 12:44:00
  • Cool Arisu Water to Refresh Visitors at Seouls Fall Festivals
    Cool Arisu Water to Refresh Visitors at Seoul's Fall Festivals This fall, visitors to Seoul's festivals will be able to quench their thirst with cool Arisu water without needing to purchase bottled water. The city is deploying mobile water stations and promotional vehicles at festival and school events, allowing citizens to experience the taste and quality of Arisu firsthand.The Seoul Arisu Headquarters announced on September 8 that it will install mobile "Arisu Companion Water Stations" at major fall events, including the Sinchon Global University Cultural Festival, the Seoripul Music Festival, and the Seoul Eulalia Festival, starting this month.The Companion Water Station is a mobile water facility that supplies Arisu directly connected to nearby water pipes, eliminating the need for separate water tanks. It provides cool water at temperatures between 36 and 48 degrees Fahrenheit through an internal cooling system. Its easy setup and takedown allow for flexible operation at various festival schedules and locations.Notably, a dedicated water dispensing area will allow the use of personal cups and tumblers. This means attendees can enjoy clean and refreshing Arisu without purchasing bottled water, promoting both adequate hydration and a reduction in single-use plastic.Last year, the city first introduced two Companion Water Stations at the Seoul International Garden Expo, which attracted 10.44 million visitors. The stations proved to be a reliable source of drinking water at large outdoor events.This year, the city is significantly expanding its support. Three Companion Water Stations were operated at the Seoul International Garden Expo, which opened in May, and a total of 13 stations will be deployed across six major events this fall. Approximately 2.4 million people are expected to visit the events where these stations will be set up. The city plans to inform citizens of the installation locations through social media to enhance usage.In addition to the Companion Water Stations at large festivals, the mobile Arisu promotional vehicle, "Wowka," will be dispatched to local festivals and school events.Wowka is a mobile promotional vehicle that transports Arisu produced at purification centers to event sites for public distribution. It serves cool Arisu and various beverages made from Arisu in reusable cups. Through interactive programs such as quizzes, games, and campaigns, it educates the public about the production and management processes of tap water and offers a free water quality testing service via QR codes.So far this year, Wowka has visited 42 event sites, providing Arisu drinking and tasting opportunities to about 23,000 people. The city aims to operate Wowka at 100 events annually, with plans to visit an additional 58 locations for fall local festivals and school events.This initiative goes beyond simply providing free water at festivals. The goal is to reduce the perceived distance citizens feel toward tap water by allowing them to taste Arisu directly, encouraging them to incorporate it into their daily drinking habits at home and work.There is also a growing consensus among citizens that drinking tap water helps protect the environment. A survey on drinking water consumption patterns among Seoul residents last year found that 64.8% of respondents believed drinking tap water is more environmentally friendly than bottled spring water. Utilizing Arisu, which is produced at purification plants and supplied through water pipes, helps reduce the environmental burden associated with the production, transportation, and disposal of bottled water.Seoul plans to continue expanding opportunities for citizens to drink Arisu, not only through Companion Water Stations and Wowka but also through outdoor pop-up events. The city aims to convey the message that "tap water can be safely and deliciously consumed" through actual drinking experiences rather than just explanations."The experience of tasting Arisu is the starting point for narrowing the gap with tap water and fostering an eco-friendly drinking culture," said Kwon Min, head of the Seoul Arisu Headquarters. "We will continue to expand citizen engagement by providing opportunities to naturally encounter Arisu in spaces that citizens frequently visit, such as festivals and events, and ensure that this experience translates into their daily drinking habits." 2026-09-08 12:40:10