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  • Body of Missing Woman Found in Freezer at Paju Cafe; Suspect Arrested
    Body of Missing Woman Found in Freezer at Paju Cafe; Suspect Arrested A body of a woman in her 60s was discovered in a freezer at a large cafe in Paju, Gyeonggi Province, prompting a police investigation. Authorities have arrested a man in his 30s, the cafe owner, as a suspect and are currently questioning him while he remains in custody.According to Yonhap News on September 7, a missing person report for the woman, identified as A, was filed around midnight on September 4 in Seoul.Police tracked A's cellphone location and found her body in the cafe's freezer in Munseong-eup, Paju, at approximately 2 p.m. on the same day.Authorities identified the cafe owner, a man named B, as a suspect after he was apprehended in Yeongdeungpo, Seoul, around the same time A's body was discovered.Following this, police applied for an arrest warrant for B on charges of murder, which was granted by the Uijeongbu District Court's Goyang branch on September 6.Reports indicate that A and B were strangers prior to their meeting at the cafe on September 3.A was reportedly meeting B to discuss the buying and selling of gift certificates, a practice known as 'gift certificate laundering.' Police are investigating claims that B lured A into the freezer, stating that the gift certificates were stored there.A's body was found frozen, suggesting it had been left in the freezer for a significant period.Authorities plan to conduct an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death and the circumstances surrounding the incident, including whether B killed A in the freezer or confined her there while she was still alive.Meanwhile, the cafe has gained popularity, attracting many customers from outside Paju, and B had instructed employees not to come to work and closed the cafe since September 3.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-08 07:12:00
  • Nepal Agrees to Assist Search for Nine Missing Koreans
    Nepal Agrees to Assist Search for Nine Missing Koreans The Nepalese government has agreed to assist the Korean overseas emergency rescue team (KDRT) in the search for nine missing Koreans in the area affected by severe flooding.According to a report by Yonhap News on September 7, a member of the government’s joint rapid response team stated in Kathmandu, "We have secured the position of the Nepalese authorities to cooperate in the search in areas of interest to the families of the missing Koreans."The official added, "We are coordinating with the Nepalese military regarding the search on-site, and we expect the search to proceed tomorrow, considering the conditions on the ground."Furthermore, he noted, "During the meeting between the foreign ministers of South Korea and Nepal, the Nepalese side agreed to fully accommodate the requests of the families of the missing Koreans and cooperate in the search. As specific implementation plans are discussed on-site, we hope that the search we anticipate will take place accordingly."Meanwhile, as of now, the death toll from the severe flooding that occurred in the Himalayan mountainous region on August 26 has reached 1,355 in Nepal alone. Including 43 fatalities from landslides related to the flooding in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, the total death toll stands at 1,398.The number of missing persons has reached 5,515, comprising 4,996 in Nepal and 519 in the Tibet region.Among the missing are nine Korean workers who were employed at the UT-1 hydropower plant, including six from Doosan Enerbility and three from Korea South-East Power. 2026-09-08 06:24:10
  • From Follower to Leader: Overcoming Outdated Frameworks in Bio Innovation
    From Follower to Leader: Overcoming Outdated Frameworks in Bio Innovation The South Korean biotechnology industry stands at a pivotal moment. While the media frequently highlights achievements such as 'technology exports reaching trillions of won' and 'founders from prestigious universities,' the K-Bio sector struggles to find new growth momentum on the global stage. To achieve results befitting a next-generation growth industry, it is essential to critically reassess the growth formulas and manufacturing-centered evaluation criteria that have supported the ecosystem thus far.The most urgent task is to redefine the evaluation criteria by which national policies, financial authorities, capital markets, and the general public view the biotechnology industry.There remains a perception that 'technology exports are an unconditional success' and 'companies must show strong short-term sales performance to be considered good.' However, biotechnology differs fundamentally from manufacturing. The commercialization of a new drug typically requires over ten years and substantial research and development (R&D) costs. Demanding short-term results from companies that require ongoing R&D does not adequately reflect the characteristics of the industry.Another concern is the lack of precision in the industry's 'subclassification system.' Biopharmaceuticals, synthetic drugs, formulation and delivery technologies, medical devices, and contract development and manufacturing organizations (CDMOs) have different business structures and characteristics, yet they are still evaluated under the same 'biotech company' label. This leads to repeated inconsistencies in evaluation and regulatory operations due to the application of uniform manufacturing standards.According to a recent McKinsey report cited at the world's largest biotech event (BIO USA), South Korea has approximately 3,000 new drug pipelines. This is a high concentration globally, following the United States (over 11,000) and China (7,000).While the increase in pipelines indicates industry dynamism, it also presents challenges related to the dispersion of capital and specialized talent. Policy funding and private investments are spread across thousands of companies, making it difficult for individual firms to secure the large-scale funding necessary to complete late-stage clinical trials, such as Phase 2b and 3.At the same time, specialized talent has also become fragmented across various companies. It is now essential to shift from policies that encourage quantitative startups to a paradigm focused on qualitative enhancement through selection, concentration, and integration.Requiring early technology exports or specific sales levels from early-stage drug development companies may lead them to transfer core pipelines prematurely to achieve public listing. This can dilute their growth potential at the time of listing by relinquishing their most promising assets too early.Moreover, the reliance on initial public offerings (IPOs) for investment recovery presents limitations. As the focus shifts to meeting listing criteria, the ownership structure becomes complicated, making it challenging for global pharmaceutical companies or foreign investors to consider acquisitions due to the absence of core assets and dispersed shares. It is crucial to recognize that a short-term performance focus centered on technology exports can paradoxically hinder substantial corporate growth.For sustainable growth, the organic influx of foreign capital is essential. This requires not only an overhaul of the corporate valuation system but also advancements in governance and communication culture. Global venture capitalists place significant importance on 'horizontal communication centered around the board of directors and professional management systems' as much as on technological capabilities. They seek to participate in strategy formulation and risk management as board members rather than merely as fund providers.In contrast, domestic biotech ventures often exhibit researcher-centered decision-making or closed governance structures. There are instances of reluctance to adopt professional management (CEOs) or an inability to respond flexibly to market changes. Establishing 'software-like global standards' of horizontal communication and flexible governance is a key to attracting substantial foreign capital.The government's and local governments' establishment of biotech funds is a meaningful policy. However, the method of fund execution needs redesign. Global new drug development requires investments ranging from hundreds of millions to trillions of won. Distributing policy funds in small amounts across dozens of companies limits the potential for fundamental structural improvement.What is crucial is the division of roles between policy funding and private capital. Policy funding should act as a 'catalyst' that shares risks at the very early stages of technology validation, where private capital may find it difficult to engage. The government must absorb initial risks to encourage private investment. Conversely, if policy funding concentrates on late-stage or large companies, early-stage innovative firms may lose growth opportunities. Public funds should focus on high-risk innovation areas while facilitating connections between mature companies and private or foreign capital.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-08 06:08:00
  • Job Fair Connects Young Job Seekers with Mid-Sized Companies in Daejeon
    Job Fair Connects Young Job Seekers with Mid-Sized Companies in Daejeon A large job fair connecting local mid-sized companies with young job seekers was held in Daejeon. The event aims to address the labor shortages faced by regional mid-sized companies and promote local employment for youth, supporting the development of the '5극3특' growth engine.The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced that the 'Mid-Sized Company Job Fair' took place at the Daejeon Convention Center on September 8.This fair was organized to connect local mid-sized companies struggling to secure talented employees with young job seekers, fostering mutual growth and supporting mid-sized companies as a central pillar of the regional economy.Participating in the event were 66 notable mid-sized companies, including Y.C. and Nepes Arc in the semiconductor sector, Hanmi Pharmaceutical and Huons Group in the bio sector, and Simpack in the machinery sector. The number of job seekers who attended the fair reached over 2,000.Over the past 12 events, the Mid-Sized Company Job Fair has facilitated employment for more than 9,000 individuals. The ministry expects to achieve a total of over 2,000 hiring connections through job fairs held in both the first and second halves of this year.The number of hiring connections has increased from 993 in 2022 to 1,139 in 2023, and is projected to reach 2,293 in 2024, with last year's figure standing at 2,178.The government is also expanding support to alleviate the labor shortages faced by excellent regional mid-sized companies and to promote local employment for youth.Starting this year, the 'Youth Job Leap Incentive' program has been expanded to include mid-sized companies outside the capital region, providing incentives for hiring and retaining young employees as regular staff.The allocation of industrial personnel to mid-sized companies has also increased from two to five per company. Additionally, through the 'Core Research Personnel Growth Support Project for Mid-Sized Companies,' the government will continue to support the hiring costs of young master's and doctoral graduates, as well as experienced researchers in technical fields.Lee Gyu-bong, Director of Mid-Sized Company Policy at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, stated, "Mid-sized companies account for only 1.5% of all companies in our country, yet they provide 13.9% of total employment, offering quality jobs. We expect them to continue to drive regional economic growth and job creation as key players in the 5극3특 growth engine regions."He added, "The ministry plans to announce the 'Mid-Sized Company Growth Ladder 2030' strategy within the year, aiming to establish and support a systematic growth foundation for mid-sized companies."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-08 06:04:10
  • 2027 AI Forecast: Human Drive - Humans Hold the Steering Wheel
    2027 AI Forecast: Human Drive - 'Humans Hold the Steering Wheel' When the world's first commercial central power and distribution system was established in New York in 1882, people viewed electricity merely as a 'lighting technology.' Factory owners replaced steam engines with electric motors but kept the factory structure unchanged. It wasn't until about 30 years later that the true power of electricity was realized, as factories began to install small motors on each machine, transforming entire production lines. The companies that succeeded were not those that simply used electricity well, but those that redesigned everything based on electricity.Artificial intelligence (AI) is now at a similar threshold. In the four years since the emergence of generative AI, we have focused on 'how to use AI effectively,' akin to the early days of electricity when it was only used for lighting. The year 2026 will mark the end of this phase. AI will transition from being a tool that is turned on when needed to an environment where it operates seamlessly in the background.By 2027, the questions we ask will change. Until now, discussions in boardrooms have centered on where to apply AI. In 2027, the focus will shift to what humans need to hold onto in a world where AI is already integrated into work. The former question concerns costs, while the latter addresses accountability. We will enter a full-fledged era of AI transformation.I am a futurist who has researched and taught AI for 42 years. I identified ten key trends to watch in 2027, and when I arranged the first letters of these trends, they unexpectedly formed the phrase 'HUMAN DRIVE.' This alignment is too coincidental to be mere chance, as all ten trends point in the same direction: humans will hold the steering wheel.The first trend, H, stands for Human-Copilot, the collaboration between humans and AI. In an airplane cockpit, the pilot (human) and co-pilot (AI) share the same instruments, but the pilot bears the responsibility. While AI can gather data and draft documents, it cannot guarantee their accuracy—only humans can do that. In 2027, the most valuable phrase in the workplace will be this assurance.The second trend, U, represents Ultra-Computing. Quantum computers will not replace traditional computers by 2027. Instead, the approach will involve breaking down complex problems into smaller pieces and assigning each piece to the most suitable computer. There is also an urgent need to address the fact that current encryption methods may eventually be compromised by quantum computers, prompting a major overhaul of encryption in finance and communications.The third trend, M, is Multimodal AI, which can see and hear. It will be able to detect subtle sounds, vibrations, and temperature changes in factory equipment and alert operators to check bearings. Until now, the benefits of AI have primarily been in office work involving documents, but it will now extend to factories, hospitals, and construction sites.The fourth trend, A, is Agentic AI, which can work independently. AI that previously answered questions will begin to complete tasks on its own. The key issue will be how much responsibility to delegate. If an answer is incorrect, a human can correct it, but if an execution is wrong, it can lead to financial losses and contractual obligations. The principle will be to delegate tasks that can be reversed. A team leader in a company starts Monday mornings by approving tasks that AI handled over the weekend, with only about twenty out of four hundred tasks requiring his direct attention. The role of managers will shift from directing to designing rules and making exceptions.The fifth trend, N, is Neuromorphic computing, which mimics the human brain. The human brain operates on less electricity than a single light bulb, while training a large AI model consumes as much electricity as an entire city. Neuromorphic technology aims to bridge this significant gap, presenting an opportunity for countries like ours, which excel in memory semiconductors.The sixth trend, D, is Open Weight, which refers to the democratization of AI models. Until now, companies have rented AI services, paying monthly fees and sending their data to external servers. Now, they can download open AI models and run them internally. This shift from renting to owning AI is particularly crucial for hospitals, banks, and public institutions that cannot share data externally. A representative from a pharmaceutical company reportedly asked during a board meeting, 'What are we actually purchasing? After paying three years' worth of fees, we have no assets left in the company.'The seventh trend, R, is Reliable & Verifiable AI. In 2027, the bottleneck for companies will not be performance but proof. If they cannot provide documentation on what the AI has learned, why it made certain decisions, and who is responsible in case of an incident, they will be unable to use it at all. In a bank's review meeting, the discussion stalled not on performance but on these questions. If a customer is denied a loan, how will the bank explain the reason?The eighth trend, I, is Industry-Specific AI. The era of the largest AI winning is over. The AI that most accurately solves the problems of our factory, hospital, or industry will prevail. An AI trained on the insights of a quality inspector with 27 years of experience in a shipyard will be more accurate than any large model, as it is the only AI that understands the unique materials, welding methods, and failure history of that shipyard.The ninth trend, V, is Vibe Coding. Instead of learning programming syntax, users will be able to describe their needs in words, and AI will create the program. It will no longer be newsworthy when a seafood wholesaler in Busan creates a price tracking program for his store in just three days. Within companies, marketing teams will create their own dashboards, and HR teams will develop their own recruitment management tools, eliminating the need to submit requests to the IT department and wait months for a response.The tenth trend, E, is Eco-Intelligence, which emphasizes sustainable AI. Unsustainable intelligence will ultimately not endure. Efforts to reduce the electricity consumed by AI must go hand in hand with using AI to solve environmental issues. Currently, the biggest obstacle to building new data centers is not land or money, but electricity.So, what are our challenges? The obstacles are not technological but threefold. First is data. Our industrial sites have decades of accumulated data, but it is unorganized and unusable. Raw materials piled in a warehouse do not yet constitute capital. Second is electricity. While AI models can be developed in months, building transmission lines takes years. If AI planning and energy planning are not aligned, this gap will not close. Third is regulation. Companies struggle not with strict regulations but with ambiguous ones. If it is clear what they need to comply with, they will do so and move forward.South Korea does not need to compete to create the largest AI. Instead, it can find its winning position by deeply integrating AI into global industries such as manufacturing, semiconductors, shipbuilding, batteries, biotechnology, and content. This means transforming the semiconductor industry to consume less electricity and developing a trust industry for inspecting and certifying AI. Success in all these areas will depend not on the size of the investment but on accumulation and regulation.For individuals, I recommend three questions: What can I guarantee? What will I not delegate to AI? What will I continue to learn? Tools may change every six months, but the ability to define problems, verify results, and recognize risks remains valuable regardless of the tools used.The year 2027 will not be the year AI begins to replace humans. Instead, it will be a year to test how far humans can expand their capabilities and the potential of their industries through AI. The future will be determined not by the speed of AI but by our choices about which direction to steer that speed. The steering wheel is held by humans.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-08 06:04:00
  • Choi In-wook, CEO of Joonggonara, Declares War on Fraud with AI and Secure Transactions
    Choi In-wook, CEO of Joonggonara, Declares War on Fraud with AI and Secure Transactions Joonggonara, a major re-commerce platform founded in 2003, boasts over 20 million registered users. The platform has transformed dormant household items into valuable resources, establishing a foundation for the domestic asset liquidity market.Recently, Joonggonara has significantly enhanced its 'AI data-based trust technology' and 'customer protection measures,' marking another major leap forward. At the forefront of this initiative is CEO Choi In-wook, whose management philosophy prioritizes customer trust.Since taking office in April 2024, Choi has focused on creating an environment where anyone can trade safely, easily, and quickly. He stated, "Joonggonara's core competitiveness lies in the trust system that allows users to trade with confidence. The platform must proactively ensure customer safety and enhance transaction convenience."To achieve this, Joonggonara unified its transaction system into a 'Secure Payment (Escrow)' system centered on its app and website last September. Choi explained that the full implementation of secure payments has established an environment where users can concentrate on trading with peace of mind. Additionally, the company operates a 'Secure Compensation System' that guarantees up to 2 million won in case of losses, providing a dual safety measure for customer protection.Innovation in user convenience through technology is also accelerating. The introduction of the AI-based 'AI Self-Inspection' service allows users to automatically analyze and register the specifications and condition of products simply by taking photos. This has nearly doubled the purchase conversion rate, and following a complete app overhaul at the end of July, the time required for settlements has been reduced by 35%, while the automatic purchase confirmation period has been shortened to three days, creating the 'fastest cash conversion environment.' The company is working towards its declared mission for 2026: to be the platform where anyone can convert assets into cash quickly and safely.These improvements in trust technology and secure services have garnered a strong positive response from users. The number of transactions involving high-value assets, such as luxury watches, bicycles, MacBooks, and professional equipment priced over 4 million won, has more than doubled compared to the previous year. Thanks to these achievements, Joonggonara reached a significant milestone in August, recording its first-ever operating profit in the first half of the year since its establishment.Choi remarked, "The achievement of profitability is thanks to customers who trust and use Joonggonara's secure trading environment. We will continue to innovate in ways that customers can feel, including enhancing AI-based fraud pattern detection and launching the 'Doorstep Delivery' service next month." Below is a Q&A with Choi.- What is the core of the AI-based fraud pattern detection technology you are developing, and what is its current status?"It is not just about judging individual products or isolated keywords. The key is to comprehensively analyze unusual signs and repetitive behavior patterns that emerge throughout the product registration and transaction process to preemptively filter out transactions with a high risk of fraud. We are currently working on enhancing the detection model and applying the service based on accumulated transaction data. Our goal is to strengthen preventive capabilities to eliminate the occurrence of fraud rather than relying on post-incident compensation."- What is the actual implementation status and significance of the Secure Compensation System, which guarantees up to 2 million won?"Since July, we have increased the compensation limit from the previous 1 million won to 2 million won. However, the fraud occurrence rate for secure payments is very low at 0.09% (9 out of 10,000 transactions). If the secure payment process is followed correctly, it is difficult for fraud to occur, so the number of actual compensation claims or executions is not high. The essence of the Secure Compensation System is to guarantee a preventive system that reduces the likelihood of reaching the point of needing compensation, rather than focusing on how much compensation one can receive."- How does the 'AI Self-Inspection' service work, and what are its results?"When a seller uploads a product photo, AI machine learning automatically assesses exterior scratches, damage, and LCD condition, displaying the results on the detail screen. There is no need to input specifications manually, and the burden of responding to buyer inquiries has decreased. Internal analysis shows that products that have undergone self-inspection have a purchase conversion rate nearly 1.5 times higher than those that have not, and the cancellation rate for transactions is significantly lower."- I hear that high-value asset transactions have significantly increased recently."Yes, the number of transactions involving high-value items over 4 million won has more than doubled compared to last year. Users are beginning to see Joonggonara not just as a channel for disposing of second-hand goods but as an 'asset liquidity platform' for quickly and safely converting high-value items into cash."- What differentiated features are you preparing to strengthen high-value face-to-face transaction categories?"We are preparing tailored services for products that require physical verification, such as watches, luxury goods, recreational equipment, and professional gear. Starting this year and continuing into next year, we will sequentially introduce specialized features unique to Joonggonara, such as providing secure transaction maps, supporting freight delivery, and preventing no-shows."- What notable achievements have you made since taking office in 2024?"At the end of July this year, we overhauled the app, improving product search and recommendations, reducing settlement time by 35%, and shortening the automatic purchase confirmation period to three days, facilitating 'fast cash conversion.' Attempts at advance payment fraud have decreased by about 54%, ensuring 'safety' and yielding visible results."- How would you evaluate the achievements of the 'Secure Guarantee Project' announced last year after one year?"By fully implementing secure payments, we achieved the highest transaction volume in secure payments in the first half of this year, and the number of users has nearly doubled. We have laid the foundation for sustainable growth, which is the first phase of our achievements. In the next phase, we plan to enhance the payment, delivery, and settlement experience and maximize our technological competitiveness with AI-based fraud detection and self-inspection systems."- What are the features and target customer base of the 'Doorstep Delivery' service launching in September?"This service allows sellers and buyers in C2C transactions to collect and deliver items at their homes or offices without exposing their personal addresses to each other. We expect it to provide differentiated logistical convenience for female users who are sensitive to personal information exposure and busy professionals."- What is the current status of app conversion and transaction structure reorganization for Naver Cafe users?"As of September 2025, product registration and transaction functions have been unified into the app and web, making direct transactions within the cafe impossible. Currently, the cafe functions as a channel for new user influx, product exploration, and community interaction, while actual transactions and payments are completely separated and centered on the app, establishing a complementary structure."- What are your plans for investment and funding measures following the achievement of profitability in the first half of the year?"We achieved profitability in the first half of the year through consecutive profits in the first and second quarters. As transaction volumes expand, revenue increases, creating a cycle where this funding leads to further technological investment. With the newly appointed CTO and CFO in June, we aim to refine our AI transition and financial strategies to enhance organizational productivity and establish a foundation for our first annual profit."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-08 06:04:00
  • Korean Economys Odyssey Begins Now
    Korean Economy's 'Odyssey' Begins Now Christopher Nolan's film 'Odyssey' surpassed 10 million viewers in South Korea on September 6, just 33 days after its release. This marks the director's second film to reach this milestone following 'Interstellar' and makes it the 10th foreign film in South Korea's history to achieve over 10 million admissions.The film's 172-minute runtime captivated audiences, perhaps due to its narrative that extends beyond the victory of the Trojan War. Odysseus wins a decade-long war, becoming a hero by devising the Trojan Horse to breach an impenetrable fortress. However, his true journey begins upon returning to his hometown of Ithaca, which takes another 10 years. He encounters the one-eyed giant Cyclops, the sorceress Circe, and must resist the temptations of the Sirens. While he triumphed in war, the journey home proved just as perilous.Recently, South Korea's economy has also been receiving positive news. The most notable is the surge in exports. As of 1 p.m. on September 5, the cumulative export figure for this year reached $709.4 billion, surpassing last year's record of $709.3 billion by early September. This achievement was reached 117 days earlier than last year's total.The momentum is strong. From January to August this year, exports totaled $693.3 billion, a 52.8% increase compared to the same period last year. In June, monthly exports exceeded $100 billion for the first time, followed by $99 billion in July and $98.25 billion in August, marking three consecutive months above $90 billion. If this trend continues, South Korea is likely to join the ranks of countries with annual exports exceeding $1 trillion, alongside the United States, China, and Germany.Improved exports and corporate performance are driving growth, leading to a rapid increase in tax revenue. Based on these economic conditions, the government has proposed a total expenditure of 820.9 trillion won for next year, a 12.8% increase from this year's budget, marking the largest budget in history.The government plans to allocate an additional 162.3 trillion won from next year's national tax revenue, which exceeds the trend line of domestic tax revenue over the past decade, to a future response fund. Of this, 45.4 trillion won will be invested in youth, growth drivers, local development, education, and talent, while 12.5 trillion won will be used to reduce new bond issuance. This strategy aims to utilize the surplus generated during the economic boom for future growth and fiscal stability.As the fund's name suggests, what is needed now is to 'respond to the future.' No one can guarantee how long the current economic boom will last.Examining the record exports reveals the reasons behind this surge. From January to August, semiconductor exports reached $281.2 billion, a staggering 169.6% increase compared to the same period last year, accounting for 40.6% of total exports. In August alone, semiconductor exports were $46.65 billion, nearly half of all exports. Much of the impressive export figures are built on the global investment in artificial intelligence (AI) and the semiconductor supercycle.However, the larger the boom, the more prepared we must be for the adjustments that follow. If semiconductor prices decline and global AI investments slow, corporate profits may decrease, impacting both exports and tax revenue. If we treat the current surplus as a permanent income and increase long-term expenditures, the fiscal burden will grow when the economy slows.Odysseus faced the temptation of the Sirens on his journey home. The sailors enchanted by their song lost their way. Knowing he would be unable to resist the temptation, Odysseus bound himself to the mast of the ship.Similarly, the economy faces its own Siren's song. During prosperous times, mechanisms to restrain ourselves are necessary. We must distinguish between temporarily increased tax revenue and structurally increased revenue, ensuring we retain fiscal capacity to draw upon during downturns.We must use the profits generated by semiconductors to create new growth drivers. This includes enhancing the competitiveness of AI and advanced industries while boosting productivity in the service sector, increasing youth employment, supporting local industries, and developing new export opportunities.If the victory in the Trojan War marked the end of Odysseus's story, the epic 'Odyssey' would not exist. What proved more challenging than victory was the journey home without losing one's way.A boom is not the destination. The semiconductor cycle will eventually decline, and the growth in tax revenue will also plateau. The key to turning the current boom into a true victory lies in how resilient our economy is and what new growth drivers we possess when that time comes.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-08 06:04:00
  • Choi In-wook, CEO of Joongonara, Discusses Decision to End Direct Cafe Transactions
    Choi In-wook, CEO of Joongonara, Discusses Decision to End Direct Cafe Transactions Choi In-wook, CEO of Joongonara, announced plans to eliminate direct transactions within Naver cafes to enhance safety in secondhand trading. "We are pushing for a system overhaul using AI to eradicate fraud in secondhand transactions. We have made the decision to unify our safe payment system across apps and websites," he stated.Meeting in a shared office near Seolleung Station in Gangnam, Choi expressed confidence in the company's direction. Since his appointment in 2024, Joongonara has focused on developing technology and establishing a secure trading system to build customer trust. As a result, the company achieved profitability in the first half of this year, as of August.Joongonara is prioritizing the establishment of a proactive prevention system to stop fraud before it occurs, rather than relying on post-incident compensation. The company is working on an AI-based fraud pattern detection system that analyzes unusual signs and repetitive behavior patterns throughout the entire transaction process, from product registration to completion.The compensation system has also been strengthened. Since July, Joongonara has increased the limit of its 'Safe Compensation System' from a maximum of 1 million won to 2 million won. The incidence of fraud in safe payment transactions is extremely low, at just 9 out of 10,000 transactions (0.09%). The proportion of advance payment fraud attempts has decreased by approximately 54% compared to before the app transition in May 2026.Technological enhancements have also improved transaction convenience. The introduction of an 'AI Image Auto-Inspection' feature allows sellers to input details about exterior scratches, damage, and battery life, which AI analyzes from photos. As a result, products that underwent self-inspection saw nearly double the purchase conversion rate compared to those that did not, significantly reducing cancellation rates.As platform trust increases, the number of high-value transactions, including bicycles, MacBooks, and luxury watches priced over 4 million won, has more than doubled compared to the previous year. Joongonara plans to gradually introduce specialized services, such as a safe transaction map, customized delivery support, and no-show prevention features, focusing on categories like watches, leisure goods, luxury items, and professional equipment by the end of this year or next year.Logistics and payment convenience have also seen significant improvements. The app redesign has reduced average settlement time by 35%, and the automatic purchase confirmation period has been shortened from five days to three. Next month, the company will officially launch a 'Doorstep Delivery' service that connects product sales, pickup, delivery, and settlement in one seamless process.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-08 06:04:00
  • President Yoon Nominates Kim Ji-yong as First Chief of Major Crimes Investigation Agency
    President Yoon Nominates Kim Ji-yong as First Chief of Major Crimes Investigation Agency President Yoon Suk Yeol has nominated attorney Kim Ji-yong as the first chief of the Major Crimes Investigation Agency and plans to request a confirmation hearing from the National Assembly.Kang Yoo-jung, the chief spokesperson for the Blue House, stated during a briefing in Paris on September 7 that "Kim Ji-yong is deemed the right person to quickly establish the Major Crimes Investigation Agency, which is set to launch on October 1, as a legal expert in investigations."She added, "Under the new criminal justice system that separates investigation and prosecution, we expect Kim to successfully lead the agency based on his investigative experience and organizational management skills."The Blue House also confirmed its intention to proceed with the confirmation hearings for Minister of Justice Kim Seung-won and Minister of Gender Equality and Family nominee Yong Hye-in, stating that it is a public verification process for the candidates.A Blue House official responded to questions about the confirmation hearings, saying, "The confirmation hearing system itself is understood as a public verification process for candidates. Since the nominees have gone through the appointment system under the responsibility of the appointment committee chair, they should undergo confirmation hearings."The official noted that while they could not provide specific details about the verification process, they would ensure that the system meets public expectations and strengthen it as needed.In response to reports that the leadership of the Democratic Party conveyed concerns about Yong to the Blue House, the official dismissed the claims, stating, "There is nothing specifically confirmed." 2026-09-08 05:44:00
  • Iran Warns of Retaliation Against U.S. Energy Companies
    Iran Warns of Retaliation Against U.S. Energy Companies The Iranian government has declared its intention to retaliate against U.S. energy companies operating in the Middle East. This response comes as the U.S. seeks to rally its allies, including South Korea, to counter Iran.On September 7, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, stated on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), "The oil and gas production networks in this region are extensive, accessible, and exposed. U.S. oil and gas companies operating in this area also share this exposure."Mohsen Rezaei, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC), further escalated the rhetoric by announcing plans to establish new restricted navigation zones in the Strait of Hormuz. Rezaei emphasized, "They (the U.S.) will only make efforts to open the Strait of Hormuz when they stop their sabotage, threats, and attacks against Iran."Iran's threats are not limited to the U.S. Ismail Baghaei, a spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, warned South Korea about its potential involvement in the conflict with Iran. The Iranian news agency IRNA reported Baghaei stating, "Iran and South Korea have a relationship that spans over 64 years. No sovereign nation should succumb to U.S. pressure and threats, participating in acts of aggression and heinous crimes against the great Iranian people."Iran also issued sharp remarks regarding nuclear inspections, targeting the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and European nations. According to Reuters, on September 7, Baghaei asserted that it is irrational to push for a resolution against Iran at the IAEA level while the country is engaged in a war and access to its nuclear facilities is impossible, vowing retaliation. Al Jazeera reported that a draft resolution concerning Iran is currently under review by the United Nations Security Council.This controversy arose after IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi stated on September 7 that the agency has been completely unable to access Iran's nuclear facilities since June of the previous year. Grossi noted, "The IAEA has not received any information regarding declared nuclear materials or facilities, nor has it been able to conduct on-site verification activities. Therefore, we cannot report on whether Iran is complying with the provisions of the Security Council resolution."Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which has suffered significant damage from attacks in the conflict with Iran, has declared it will no longer be held hostage. According to Fox News and the Associated Press, Anwar Gargash, diplomatic advisor to the UAE President, stated, "Our energy exports, as well as trade and economic activities, should no longer be held hostage." He added that using international straits as a means of coercion is unacceptable.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-08 05:04:00