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LH Introduces Electronic Braille Service to Enhance Accessibility for Visually Impaired Applicants The Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH) has announced the introduction of a real-time electronic braille service for its LH Application Plus platform to improve accessibility for visually impaired applicants. On September 8, LH revealed that it will provide the 'real-time electronic braille service' on its public application platform, LH Application Plus. Previously, visually impaired individuals primarily relied on screen readers, which convert text to speech, to access application information. However, the complexity of the recruitment announcement documents, which include various numerical data and tables related to income and asset criteria, application points, and supply quantities by housing type, made it challenging to fully understand the content through audio alone. The newly introduced electronic braille service converts various application information posted on the LH Application Plus website into braille and audio formats. Users can click the 'Braille Viewer' button at the top of the announcement page, which instantly translates the text and table data into the Korean braille standard. They can then download the material to send to their personal braille information devices or print it using a braille printer for review. LH expects that this service will enhance the independence of visually impaired individuals in applying for housing and protect their personal information. This is because they will no longer need to ask others to read sensitive application conditions, such as financial assets or family relationships, allowing them to assess and apply on their own. As accessibility to information improves during the public housing application process, it is anticipated that opportunities for participation will also increase for vulnerable groups, including individuals with disabilities. An LH official stated, “We will continue to carefully monitor information blind spots to ensure that everyone can access application information without difficulty and will continuously improve the system.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-08 10:40:00 -
Yoo Jae-hoon Takes Office as New Head of the Korea Insurance Development Institute 유재훈 전 금융위원회 금융소비자국장이 제14대 보험개발원장에 취임했다. 보험개발원은 유재훈 제14대 보험개발원장이 취임했다고 8일 밝혔다. 유 원장은 별도 취임식 없이 곧바로 업무에 착수한다. 현장 목소리를 듣고 올해 사업 추진 과제와 현안 파악에 집중할 예정이다. 그는 "기후변화와 자연재해, 국제분쟁과 공급망 불안, 인공지능(AI) 기술 확산 등 급변하는 환경 속에서 보험산업이 새로운 전환점에 직면해 있다"며 "보험개발원이 보험산업의 미래 방향을 주도적으로 모색하고 필요한 데이터와 기술, 서비스를 선제적으로 제시하는 '페이스세터(pacesetter)'가 돼야 한다"고 강조했다. 유 원장은 이를 위한 4대 경영 방향으로 △첨단기술을 활용한 시장 개척 및 AI 기반 위험평가 역량 강화 △전문성과 데이터에 기반한 중재자 역할 강화 △실손24 등 국민생활 밀접 보험서비스 고도화 △국내 보험산업의 해외시장 진출 지원을 제시했다. 유 원장은 행정고시 39회로 공직에 입문해 금융위원회 기업구조개선과장과 자본시장조사단장, 기획조정관, 금융소비자국장 등을 역임했다. 이후 2023년부터는 주유럽연합(EU)·북대서양조약기구(NATO) 대한민국대사관 경제공사를 지냈다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-08 10:36:00
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Ha Young-bok of Edison Electric Receives Silver Tower Industrial Medal for Electrical Safety Ha Young-bok, CEO of Edison Electric, has been awarded the Silver Tower Industrial Medal for his contributions to preventing electrical accidents and managing electrical safety. Noh Jeong-kyu, CEO of Hyundai Rotem, and Kim Seong-joo, Technical Director of the Korea Electrical Safety Corporation, received Industrial Medals.The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment announced on the morning of September 8 that the 29th Korea Electrical Safety Awards were held at the The May Hotel in Jeonju, North Jeolla Province.The Korea Electrical Safety Awards have been held since 1995 to honor individuals who have contributed to the prevention of electrical accidents and the promotion of electrical safety, as well as to pledge the spread and practice of a safety culture.This year, a total of 49 awards were presented, including one Silver Tower Industrial Medal, two Industrial Medals, five Presidential Citations, six Prime Minister's Citations, and 35 Ministerial Citations from the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment.The event was held in conjunction with the 2nd Korea Electrical Safety Conference, which runs from September 8 to 11. Approximately 210 attendees, including Lee Ho-hyun, Second Vice Minister of the Climate Ministry, and Lee Won-taek, Governor of North Jeolla Province, participated.The Electrical Safety Conference features eight events, including seminars on renewable energy and secondary battery inspection technology, as well as accident investigation.Vice Minister Lee stated, "Electricity is a key foundation that drives not only the daily lives of citizens but also industries and the national economy. Electrical safety is the most fundamental safety net that protects the lives and property of the public."He added, "The government will do its utmost to expand a smart safety management foundation using advanced technology, strengthen preventive safety management focused on the field, and create an environment where electrical safety workers can work safely."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-08 10:32:10
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Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam Unite for Employment and Talent Retention Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam are working together to establish a unified employment and living zone that transcends administrative boundaries. The initiative aims to support long-term employment for local youth and attract external talent while enhancing job connectivity across the region through integrated commuting and employment services.On September 8, the Ministry of Employment and Labor announced the launch of the 'Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam Regional Connection Project' at BEXCO in Busan, in collaboration with the cities of Busan and Ulsan and Gyeongnam Province.The Regional Connection Project is designed to prevent population outflow and promote the influx of new residents by creating a job ecosystem that spans administrative districts. Regional governments will jointly utilize resources to support job initiatives centered around strategic industries over several years.This year, the project will focus on three regions, including Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam, Daegu-Gyeongbuk, and the Chungcheong area.The Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam Regional Connection Project will be implemented through three main pillars: 'Talent Connection,' 'Residential Connection,' and 'Future Connection.''Talent Connection' focuses on supporting the influx of external youth and the long-term employment of local youth. 'Residential Connection' aims to facilitate commuting across regions and provide integrated employment services, linking Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam into a single employment and living area.'Future Connection' will support the competitiveness of local businesses and talent development. It will promote a '3T Cooperation Partnership' for joint research and development and supply chain collaboration among companies, as well as train key talent for the manufacturing sector's transition to artificial intelligence (AI) through the 'MEGA-AX' initiative.On the same day at BEXCO, the 'Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam Job Fair' was held, connecting job seekers with companies in the region's key industries, including shipbuilding, automotive, and machinery parts, providing employment opportunities for local youth and regional commuters.Coinciding with the relocation of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries to Busan, the '2026 Marine and Fisheries Job Fair' also opened at the same venue. Local manufacturing companies and marine and fisheries enterprises participated to recruit job seekers.Vice Minister of Labor Kwon Chang-jun stated, 'The port of Busan, the industry of Ulsan, and the manufacturing base of Gyeongnam have long supported each other as an economic community in the southeastern region. Through the Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam Regional Connection Project, we hope to overcome administrative and geographical limitations, consolidate regional resources into a single living and employment zone, and create quality jobs.'He added, 'We will spare no effort to continuously create quality jobs for youth in the region's key industries, including shipbuilding, automotive, machinery parts manufacturing, and emerging marine and fisheries sectors.'* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-08 10:32:00
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Pakistan Deploys Chinese HQ-17AE Short-Range Air Defense System The Pakistan Air Force has announced the operational deployment of the Chinese-made HQ-17AE short-range air defense system.On September 7, the Pakistan Air Force showcased the HQ-17AE for the first time in a promotional video posted on social media platform X, as reported by the Chinese state-run Global Times on September 8.The HQ-17AE is an export variant of China's HQ-17 short-range air defense system. It was first unveiled at the 13th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province, in 2021. Developed by the state-owned China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC), the system integrates radar, launchers, and command equipment into a single vehicle, enhancing mobility. It can launch missiles while on the move and can operate as part of a networked combat system with other vehicles.The HQ-17AE is designed to counter low-altitude threats such as drones, cruise missiles, helicopters, and precision-guided munitions. It aims to intercept threats that may be overlooked by long-range air defense systems, providing close support to ground and armored units.Previously, Pakistan has acquired long-range air defense systems from China, including variants of the HQ-9, such as the HQ-9P and HQ-9BE. Additionally, it has imported the HQ-16 series, which includes the HQ-16FE and HQ-16AE, to bolster its medium- to long-range air defense capabilities. The acquisition of the HQ-17AE fills a gap in Pakistan's short-range air defense and enhances its ability to respond to low-altitude threats, including drones, according to the Global Times.The HQ-17AE has already been exported to countries such as Saudi Arabia, Serbia, and Tajikistan, making Pakistan the fourth nation to adopt this system. Saudi Arabia showcased the HQ-17AE during a military parade in 2021, while Serbia introduced it in 2024. Tajikistan also revealed the system in 2025.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-08 10:28:10
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Korea P&G Participates in Upcycling Bench Project for Resource Recycling Day Korea P&G participated in the 'Upcycling Bench Project' on September 6, coinciding with Resource Recycling Day, where it collaborated with customers to create public amenities from collected waste plastic.Korea P&G announced on September 8 that it installed 30 upcycled benches made from approximately 1.3 tons of waste plastic at KTX Yongsan Station in partnership with Korea Railroad Corporation (Korail), E-Mart, and TerraCycle Korea. This project aims to promote the value of resource recycling by repurposing waste plastic generated in daily life into public facilities for citizens.The waste plastic used for the benches was collected through the resource recycling campaign 'Bring Back Plastic, Protect Our Oceans (Gafljiwu).' For nearly nine years, Korea P&G has participated in a campaign to recover and recycle its product packaging through collection bins located in E-Mart stores.Notably, the benches feature informational plaques detailing the resource recycling process of the Gafljiwu campaign, allowing citizens to directly observe the recycling journey.A representative from Korea P&G stated, "It is essential for both companies and consumers to work together to create a sustainable resource recycling society. We will continue to engage in activities that resonate with consumers and the local community."Meanwhile, Gafljiwu is a resource recycling campaign operated by E-Mart, TerraCycle Korea, and Korea P&G since 2018, focusing on waste plastic collection, recycling, and coastal cleanup activities.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-08 10:28:10
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NH Nonghyup Bank Discusses AI Data Center Investment with Blackstone NH Nonghyup Bank has shared insights on the artificial intelligence (AI) data center market with global alternative investment firm Blackstone and explored ways to expand overseas digital infrastructure investments. On September 7, NH Nonghyup Bank hosted a forum titled 'Answering the Future of AI Data Centers' at the Nonghyup Tower in Jung-gu, Seoul, inviting Blackstone to participate. The forum began with a report on the bank's overseas data center assets, followed by a presentation from Kim Hyo-jin, Managing Director of Blackstone Korea, on the 'Current Status and Outlook of the Global AI Data Center Market,' which included a Q&A session. Blackstone is a global alternative investment firm managing approximately 195 trillion won in assets, including about 24.8 trillion won in the hyperscaler data center sector. NH Nonghyup Bank continues to collaborate with global alternative investment firms, including Blackstone, in the digital infrastructure investment sector. This year, the bank has participated as a priority investor in a project financing initiative for a data center in Iowa, USA, as part of its efforts to expand its global investment portfolio. Min Byung-do, Deputy Head of the GIB Division at NH Nonghyup Bank, stated, “We will continuously review the demand for funding and investment opportunities arising from the spread of AI and will make every effort to expand into overseas markets as a global Nonghyup Bank.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-08 10:28:10
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Mokpo Coast Guard Enhances Safety Measures for Fall Fishing Season The Mokpo Coast Guard is strengthening on-site safety management to prevent marine accidents in anticipation of an increase in fishing vessel and recreational boat users during the fall season.On September 8, Chief Choi Won-sik conducted an inspection of key fishing areas in the region to assess marine safety management as the fall octopus fishing season begins.This inspection was prompted by recent incidents of vessel capsizing that resulted in casualties, alongside the expected rise in fishing vessels and recreational boat users during the fall, which could increase the risk of marine accidents.The Mokpo Coast Guard has designated a 'special marine safety period' from September 5 to September 30, enhancing safety management for multi-use vessels, including fishing boats, in major waters.After checking marine safety issues at the North Port Police Station, Chief Choi used a coastal rescue boat to survey the main fishing areas around Yuldo and Mujigae.During the inspection, the focus was on the operational status of fishing vessels, the distribution of operations by area, the safety management of departing vessels, and identifying potential hazards that could lead to accidents.Chief Choi specifically instructed on-site personnel to increase patrols in areas where fishing vessels are concentrated and to maintain readiness for swift initial responses and rescues in the event of an accident.As the fall season marks a peak time for fishing, including octopus, the Mokpo Coast Guard plans to enhance preventive activities and accident response systems centered on field operations.Choi Won-sik, Chief of the Mokpo Coast Guard, stated, “We expect many anglers to visit the sea during the fall fishing season. We will strengthen on-site safety management to ensure that the public can use the sea with peace of mind.”Meanwhile, during the special marine safety period ending on September 30, the Mokpo Coast Guard will continue to enhance safety management and patrols for vessels, including fishing boats and recreational boats, which are expected to increase in usage, while also regularly checking the readiness for on-site rescue responses to potential accidents.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-08 10:28:00
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Kim Seung-won Under Investigation for Alleged Improper Requests in New Drug Trials The Seoul Yeongdeungpo Police Station is investigating allegations against Kim Seung-won, the nominee for Minister of Justice, who is accused of making improper requests during the approval process for a COVID-19 new drug clinical trial.On the morning of September 8, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency announced that it had assigned the case against Kim to the Yeongdeungpo Police Station.The Yeongdeungpo Police are expected to conduct a legal review based on the complaint and summon the complainants for questioning.On September 4, former Seoul City Council member Lee Jong-bae and the civic group Citizens' Livelihood Countermeasures Committee submitted a complaint to the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, requesting an investigation into Kim for abuse of power and violations of the anti-corruption law.Analysts suggest that the assignment of the investigation team indicates a consideration for reopening the case. On September 7, Seoul Metropolitan Police Chief Ko Beom-seok stated at a press conference that the police are reviewing whether they can reopen the investigation into the allegations, which the prosecution had previously decided not to pursue in December 2024.Kim is accused of requesting approval for a clinical trial of the new drug from the bio company Genensel to then-Commissioner Kim Kang-rip of the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety at the request of a broker he was close with in 2021. The complainants argue that Kim's request to ensure the clinical approval was handled properly constitutes abuse of power.In response to the allegations, Kim stated the previous day, "I have never made any improper requests to the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, nor has the review process been conducted unfairly. The prosecution also acknowledged that there were no improper requests or distortions in the review process."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-08 10:28:00
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Kona Mobility Expands Taxi Service Linked to Local Currency with 8% Rewards Kona Mobility is expanding its services that connect taxi usage with local businesses through local currency.On September 8, Kona Mobility announced it is operating a taxi-hailing promotion linked to local currency.Customers who pay for taxi fares using local currency will receive mileage rewards, and those who shop at local partner stores will receive benefits for hailing taxis.In Cheonan, the program is linked to 348 local businesses, including restaurants and pharmacies. Customers who pay for taxi fares with local currency will earn 8% of the fare as rewards, and those who use local currency at partner stores will receive coupons for taxi hailing.In Busan, the company is also offering payment-related benefits in collaboration with Busan Bank. It provides free app meters to individual and corporate taxi drivers and has extended the maintenance support period.Alongside the local currency initiative, Kona Mobility aims to enhance taxi hailing by utilizing app meter data. The company plans to identify times and areas where hailing is unsuccessful and focus benefits on drivers and passengers during those periods. The related promotions will be funded with approximately 150 million won from the company's own budget, without support from local government funds.Jo Jae-hyun, Executive Director of Kona Mobility, stated, "Our ultimate goal is to improve both citizens' taxi usage and drivers' earnings without relying on budget support."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-08 10:28:00