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Ruling Party Calls for Resignation of Lawmaker Lee Jin-sook Over 5.18 Distortion 국회 과학기술정보방송통신위원회 소속 더불어민주당 의원들은 7일 5·18 민주화운동 왜곡 논란을 일으킨 이진숙 국민의힘 의원을 향해 "국민과 광주시민 앞에 사과하고 국회의원직에서 물러나라"고 촉구했다. 국민의힘을 향해선 이 의원을 과방위에서 즉시 사보임하라고 요구했다. 한준호 과방위 여당 간사와 민주당 소속 과방위원들은 이날 국회에서 기자회견을 열고 "5·18을 모욕하고 이해충돌을 외면한 이 의원은 과방위를 떠나라"며 이같이 말했다. 이들은 "이 의원은 5·18 민주화운동을 왜곡하고 폄훼한 책임을 져야 한다"며 "이 의원이 주최한 국회 토론회에서는 5·18을 '소요 사태'로 규정하고, 신군부와 전두환의 책임을 부정하는 주장이 쏟아졌다"고 지적했다. 이어 "'표현의 자유'가 역사 왜곡의 방패가 될 수는 없다"며 "이 의원은 국민의힘 지도부의 취소 요청에도 토론회를 강행했다. 이후에도 국가폭력의 피해자와 유가족에게 사과하지 않고 있다"고 꼬집었다. 이 의원이 과방위원으로서 이해충돌 우려도 해소해야 한다고 주장했다. 이들은 "이 의원은 방송통신위원장 재임 당시 자신이 관여한 결정과 업무를 과방위원으로서 직접 감사하고 평가하는 위치에 있다"며 "국정감사에서의 위증 혐의로 과방위가 직접 고발한 피고발인이기도 하다"고 주장했다. 그러면서 "자신의 업무와 의혹을 스스로 다룰 수 있는 구조에서는 과방위의 공정성과 국정감사에 대한 국민의 신뢰를 지키기 어렵다"며 "이 의원이 직접 관여했거나 자신과 관련된 안건에서 발언과 표결을 회피해야 한다"고 강조했다. 국민의힘을 향해서도 "더 이상 책임을 피하지 마라"며 "이 의원의 5·18 왜곡 토론회가 부적절했다고 인정하면서도 징계와 사보임 등 책임 있는 조치는 외면하고 있다"고 질타했다. 이들은 "이 의원에 대한 국회 제명 절차를 흔들림 없이 추진하겠다"며 "내일 전체회의에서도 정상적이고 공정한 과방위 운영을 위한 원칙을 세우고, 헌법과 국회법이 정한 절차에 따라 필요한 조치를 책임 있게 추진하겠다"고 덧붙였다. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-07 17:40:20 -
944 Stocks Experience Both Record Highs and Lows in South Korean Market This year, 944 stocks in the South Korean market have experienced both record highs and record lows. Among these, 599 stocks first reached record highs before falling to record lows. This indicates that one-third of listed companies on the KOSPI, KOSDAQ, and KONEX have faced extreme market volatility.According to monthly stock price data from the Korea Exchange, an analysis of stock price trends from January to September 4 revealed that a total of 944 stocks set both new 12-month closing highs and lows. This represents 33.5% of the 2,819 stocks analyzed that have recorded trades this year.Specifically, 1,611 stocks set new 12-month closing highs this year, while 2,067 stocks recorded new lows. The number of stocks that experienced record lows exceeded those that reached record highs by 456. Notably, among the 944 stocks that set both records, 599 (63.5%) first recorded highs before experiencing lows. Conversely, 322 stocks recorded lows before reaching highs, and 23 stocks set both records within the same month.In terms of market segments, the KOSDAQ showed significant fluctuations. A total of 639 stocks on the KOSDAQ and KOSDAQ Global experienced both record highs and lows, while 289 stocks on the KOSPI and 16 on KONEX did the same.Several stocks that reached record highs in the first half of the year have since fallen to record lows in the second half. HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, for instance, peaked at 745,000 won in May but recorded a low of 422,000 won by September, a drop of 43.4% from its May high.Similarly, Hyundai Rotem set new highs starting in March, reaching a peak closing price of 269,000 won in May, but fell to a low of 120,100 won in July, down 55.4% from its May peak. Other companies, including EcoPro BM, Doosan Robotics, and LG Display, also recorded highs in the first half of the year before hitting new lows in the second half.On the other hand, 322 stocks rebounded from record lows to reach new highs. LG Household & Health Care saw its lowest closing price drop to 215,000 won in June, but it rebounded to a high of 333,500 won in August, marking a 55.1% increase from its low.Cosmax experienced an even larger rebound. After hitting a low of 144,900 won in June, it set a new high of 303,000 won in August, representing a 109.1% increase from its low.Seojung Hoon, a researcher at Samsung Securities, noted, "The recent price declines of stocks that have garnered attention this year, including memory semiconductors, have been significant. Considering the current level of adjustments, it appears that the excessive leveraged positions have been sufficiently absorbed, and we may be entering a phase where we can expect inflows of bargain buying."He added, "The inherent volatility of semiconductor stocks remains high compared to historical averages, but they are currently declining rapidly from their peaks. Given the pace of volatility stabilization, we anticipate a recovery in buying interest starting in mid-September."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-07 17:40:10
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Insurance Association Establishes Jeonju Branch to Enhance Consumer Protection in Jeollabuk-do The Insurance Association has established a new branch in Jeonju to enhance consumer rights protection and strengthen collaboration with relevant organizations in the Jeollabuk-do region.On September 7, the association announced that it has officially opened the Jeonju branch at the Kyobo Life Jeonju office in Deokjin-gu, Jeonju, and has begun its operations.Previously, the association operated through five main regional offices: the Central Regional Headquarters in Suwon, the Daejeon branch, the Western Regional Headquarters in Gwangju, the Eastern Regional Headquarters in Busan, and the Daegu branch. The establishment of the Jeonju branch provides a dedicated base in the Jeollabuk-do area, allowing for enhanced on-site support for local consumers.The Jeonju branch will offer consumer protection services, including insurance policy inquiries, face-to-face consultations, and guidance on voluntary consumer complaint resolution for residents in the region.Additionally, it will promote local safety initiatives in collaboration with local governments, including Jeollabuk-do and Jeonju, as well as law enforcement agencies. Plans are in place to develop cooperative projects aimed at preventing insurance fraud and fostering advanced traffic culture.Lee Byung-rae, president of the Insurance Association, stated, "We will strive to establish ourselves as a key local hub that protects the rights of insurance consumers in Jeollabuk-do and facilitates effective communication among local governments, relevant organizations, and the insurance industry."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-07 17:40:00
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KDB Life Launches New Sales Support System with Enhanced AI Infrastructure KDB Life has completely revamped its sales support system and introduced artificial intelligence (AI) into its insurance claim review and marketing operations.On September 7, KDB Life announced the official launch of its next-generation sales support system, 'Smart K-Link,' which has been in development for approximately 11 months. The new system is designed to handle the entire process from insurance application design to submission in one go. It features a user interface and experience (UI/UX) tailored for both PC and mobile environments, integrating pre-review models and automated review infrastructure to reduce waiting times during the application process. A 'remote screen guidance' feature has also been introduced, allowing customers and agents to view the same screen during mobile applications.An AI platform has also been established to support exclusive channels. The AI algorithms analyze customer characteristics to provide tailored information and assist agents in their sales activities.For insurance claim reviews, KDB Life has implemented AI optical character recognition (OCR) technology. This technology automatically reads and classifies insurance claim documents, matching details such as hospitalization days and specific treatment records to facilitate the review process. Additionally, a feature has been added to automatically send notification messages to customers when document supplementation is required.A KDB Life representative stated, "We have precisely integrated AI technology throughout the entire process, from the application stage in the field to insurance payouts. This will enhance our on-site sales capabilities while strengthening consumer protection."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-07 17:40:00
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Basketball player Lee Hyun-jung signs one-year deal with Portland Trail Blazers SEOUL, September 7 (AJP) - South Korean basketball player Lee Hyun-jung has moved closer to his NBA dream by signing a deal with the Portland Trail Blazers, his agency Epic Sports said on Monday. The one-year Exhibit 10 deal is non-guaranteed, pays the NBA's minimum salary, but gives Lee a chance to compete for a spot on the Trail Blazers' regular-season roster, allowing him to participate in the team's training camp. Even if Lee doesn't make the Trail Blazers' final roster, he could still pursue his NBA dream with the team's lower-league affiliate, the Rip City Remix, where strong performances could open the door to a bigger contract. The 25-year-old has continued to pursue an NBA opportunity. Earlier this offseason, he played for the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Summer League and participated in mini camps with several teams including the Boston Celtics. Epic Sports said Lee received offers from several teams including the Celtics and the Nagasaki Velca, but chose the Trail Blazers because of the role available to him and the team's long-term vision and support for their players. Meanwhile, Lee, who is set to represent the country's national basketball team at the upcoming Asian Games, left for Nagoya, Japan, later in the day ahead of the team's qualifier against Saudi Arabia on Thursday. AJP Takeaways - Lee Hyun-jung signed a non-guaranteed, one-year Exhibit 10 deal with the Portland Trail Blazers, giving him a shot at the regular-season roster via training camp. - He turned down other offers including from the Celtics and Japan's Nagasaki Velca for Portland's role and long-term development approach, with the G League's Rip City Remix as a fallback path. - He's now headed to Nagoya, Japan, to join South Korea's national team ahead of an Asian Games qualifier against Saudi Arabia on Thursday. 2026-09-07 17:36:44 -
Food Industry Evolves with AI in Product Development and Operations The food industry is increasingly utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) in various aspects of its operations. Moving beyond simple document creation and data searches, companies are now employing AI for product planning based on consumer trend analysis, identifying overseas buyers, and even directly controlling production equipment.According to industry reports, CJ CheilJedang is using its specialized AI platform, 'Food AI 360', for product planning and development. This platform analyzes market and consumer trends to refine new product ideas and suggests product direction and packaging designs. It also assesses expected consumer reactions before launch, identifying strengths and areas for improvement.An example of AI's impact is the 'Matcha Hetbahn' product, launched in June. AI analyzed the sustained interest in matcha and the consumer trend towards health and convenience, leading to the development of this product concept. Similarly, the 'Bibigo Salmon Steak' was created in response to the diversification of protein consumption towards seafood, achieving sales of 1.4 million units within six months of its release.AI is not only determining what products to create but also when to purchase raw materials. CJ CheilJedang has established a 'Global MI Room' to analyze market information in real-time, including raw material prices, exchange rates, oil prices, and weather conditions. For instance, during the 2023 El Niño concerns, the company used simulations to delay the purchase of certain raw materials, avoiding high prices.In international sales, AI has begun to replace the extensive market research that previously took hours. Lotte Chilsung Beverage has implemented a generative AI-based system for identifying new overseas buyers. The AI agent investigates market conditions and regulations in target countries, finds potential clients and contacts, and even compiles reports. This process, which used to take over 50 hours, has been reduced to about three hours with AI.AI in production has evolved from making judgments to directly controlling equipment. Paldo is currently establishing an AI-based autonomous manufacturing system at its Naju plant, which produces bibim-myeon, Wang Topokki, and lunch boxes. The AI analyzes production data in real-time to predict noodle thickness and set optimal production conditions, continuously managing key components like moisture and fat content.Notably, when production changes, AI automatically adjusts the equipment settings based on product-specific conditions, eliminating the need for manual input by workers. This 'Physical AI' assesses the production environment and applies appropriate conditions, marking a shift from merely assisting human judgment to directly intervening in the manufacturing process.In the food service sector, AI's role has expanded to include hygiene, safety, and ingredient management. Ourhome has piloted AI technology from Hanwha Vision in some of its food service locations. AI cameras in kitchens monitor compliance with hygiene protocols and detect unusual noises or temperatures to prevent safety incidents like fires.For ingredient management, the company plans to implement a customized supply chain management (SCM) system that uses camera-based barcode and image recognition technology to automatically register incoming stock and predict future needs for automatic ordering. AI cameras will analyze user-preferred menus to improve meal planning, and Ourhome is also considering automation in cooking in collaboration with Hanwha Robotics.AI is also being utilized for creating and verifying food labeling information. Ourhome has introduced its own 'Integrated Food Label Management Solution' to digitize product ingredient names, allergy information, and nutritional content, automating related tasks. Using optical character recognition (OCR) technology, the company reads labeling images from market products to build a database, which generative AI then uses to draft labeling information for each product. The system also automatically compares product information posted online with standard data to identify any changes or omissions.Internally, companies are shifting from generic AI services to specialized applications tailored to their specific operations. Seoul Milk plans to use its proprietary generative AI platform, 'Seoul Milk GPT', for tasks such as data summarization, internal knowledge searches, accounting system integration, data analysis, and research support. Dining Brands Group has also implemented its own enterprise AI platform, 'DynaI', for all employees, supporting inquiries, document summarization, internal document searches, and various HR and IT functions.An industry insider noted, "Initially, the focus was on reducing time spent on simple tasks like document creation and data searches. Recently, however, there has been a trend towards developing tailored AI applications that meet the specific needs of operational environments. The adoption of AI is expected to accelerate in key areas that directly impact business competitiveness, including product development, production, sales, and supply chain management."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-07 17:36:00
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K-Bio Shifts Strategy in Obesity Treatment Amid GLP-1 Market Dominance The global obesity treatment market is increasingly dominated by glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) drugs, leading to a fierce competition among major players. In response, South Korean biotech companies are opting for a different approach, focusing on localized fat reduction treatments targeting specific areas such as the chin, abdomen, and arms.GLP-1 Duopoly Solidifies, Creating a Virtual MonopolyAccording to industry reports, Eli Lilly's Mounjaro and Novo Nordisk's Wegovy have effectively divided the obesity drug market, leaving little room for other competitors. In the past year alone, the combined sales of these two GLP-1 drugs reached $67.7 billion, establishing a monopoly in the overall obesity treatment sector.The market is experiencing rapid growth. Eli Lilly reported second-quarter sales of $22.97 billion, a 48% increase from the previous year. Novo Nordisk's sales during the same period reached $12.13 billion, marking a 7% rise year-over-year.For Novo Nordisk, the combined sales of Wegovy and Ozempic amounted to $7.86 billion. Eli Lilly's Mounjaro alone generated $9.94 billion in sales during the second quarter, while its other product, Zepbound, saw a 46% increase to $4.93 billion. The total sales of these two products reached $4.87 billion.K-Bio Targets the Follow-Up Market with Localized Fat DissolutionWith two industry giants armed with massive capital and overwhelming clinical data dominating the market, experts believe it is nearly impossible for latecomers to compete directly. Instead, South Korean biotech firms are focusing on the localized fat dissolution market, which aims to reduce fat in specific areas rather than promoting overall weight loss.According to market research firm Veripride Market Research, the global market for fat-dissolving injections is expected to grow from $3.8 billion in 2024 to $8 billion by 2032. While this market is smaller than the anticipated $48.8 billion growth in the GLP-1 sector by 2030, it presents a lower barrier to entry and increasing demand for body contouring post-weight loss.Some companies have already demonstrated success through sales. Medytox reported second-quarter sales of 68.7 billion won from its fat improvement injection, Newbeau, an 11.4% increase from the previous year. Newbeau is the world's first injection containing cholic acid (CA) and has been approved as South Korea's 40th new drug.GC Green Cross Wellbeing announced that its next-generation fat-dissolving drug, RZL-012, developed in collaboration with Israel's Raziel Therapeutics, met key endpoints in a Phase 3 clinical trial for adults with double chins in China. RZL-012 is designed to irreversibly destroy targeted fat cells, requiring only 1-2 injections to induce fat reduction in localized areas.Daewoong Pharmaceutical is conducting investigator-led clinical trials with 365mc to expand the indications for its fat-dissolving injection, Violet, to include areas such as the front armpit fat. Violet was the first chin fat improvement injection approved by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety in 2021 and operates by irreversibly destroying fat cells.Industry insiders note, "While global giants are pouring trillions into the overall weight loss market, the South Korean biotech sector is making its move in the localized fat dissolution market." 2026-09-07 17:36:00
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Jang Dong-hyuk Intensifies Efforts Against Military Academy Consolidation Jang Dong-hyuk, leader of the People Power Party, has intensified efforts to prevent the government's consolidation of military academies. After attending a National Assembly discussion, he visited the Air Force Academy, where he criticized the government's consolidation plan as 'defense mismanagement.'On the morning of September 7, Jang, along with 24 members of the People Power Party, expressed the party's commitment to opposing the consolidation of military academies. During a seminar on alternatives to the consolidation, hosted by National Assembly Defense Committee member Lim Jong-deuk, Jang stated, "While they claim it is for justification, the real goal is to weaken the military's strength. The Ministry of National Defense is not doing this willingly."He also raised concerns about the consolidation process, noting, "Former Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-baek did not even show up at the public hearing. The second public hearing has no scheduled date, yet they say they will proceed with the detailed plan in October as planned." He added, "This consolidation is something that must not happen, and even if it were to proceed, it would take at least ten years to complete, yet they aim to finish it within President Lee Jae-myung's term."The consolidation of military academies is part of President Lee's campaign promise and national agenda. The Ministry of National Defense announced on July 16 plans to establish a four-year 'National Military Academy' in Daejeon, merging the Army, Navy, and Air Force academies. A public hearing was held on August 26 to gather opinions, and a detailed plan is expected to be prepared in October.In the afternoon, Jang visited the Air Force Academy in Cheongju, reiterating his commitment to preventing the consolidation. He remarked, "It is impossible to fully express how reckless the ongoing discussions about consolidating military academies are and how much they threaten the future of our nation. I apologize and feel ashamed as a politician to the cadets and military personnel."He added, "I will fight to ensure that the consolidation of the three military academies does not happen and that our national security and defense can proceed properly."The People Power Party plans to focus on the issue of military academy consolidation during the upcoming regular National Assembly session. Jang stated, "We will thoroughly examine the issues in the upcoming regular session and will use all means to prevent this defense mismanagement."In related news, Jang's on-site efforts are expected to continue. On the 11th, he plans to visit the Naval Academy in Changwon to hear concerns regarding the consolidation. Chief Spokesperson Park Seong-hoon mentioned after the morning's Supreme Council meeting that there are plans to visit all three military academies in the future.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-07 17:32:00
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Lotte Super Launches Quick Commerce Service in Partnership with Coupang Eats Lotte Super has partnered with the delivery platform Coupang Eats to launch a quick commerce service that promises delivery within one hour. The service will utilize over 170 stores nationwide to cater to the demand for nearby shopping, offering a range of products from fresh food to deli items and household goods.As of September 7, Lotte Super has begun operating the quick commerce service through Coupang Eats at more than 170 locations across the country. This initiative combines Lotte Super's strategically located stores with Coupang Eats' delivery infrastructure.Customers can order Lotte Super products via the Coupang Eats app, where store employees will select and package the items for delivery. The goal is to prepare the products within approximately 15 minutes and complete delivery within one hour.The service operates from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., although actual order availability may vary by store.Approximately 3,000 items are available for sale, including fresh produce, processed foods, and household goods. Customers can also order ready-to-eat items such as chicken, kimbap, and sandwiches. The minimum order amount is set at 15,000 won.Lee Gyu-hwan, head of the quick commerce operations team at Lotte Mart & Super, stated, "We expect to provide a convenient shopping experience by combining Lotte Super's proximity store network with Coupang Eats' delivery infrastructure. We plan to operate the quick commerce service stably by monitoring operational performance and customer feedback in the future."With Lotte Super's entry, all four major SSMs in South Korea are now offering quick commerce services through Coupang Eats. Following GS The Fresh, E-Mart Everyday, and Homeplus Express, Lotte Super's partnership is expected to intensify competition in the instant delivery market among SSMs utilizing delivery platforms.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-07 17:32:00
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Won gains sharply, Korean bonds end broadly steady SEOUL, September 07 (AJP) - The South Korean won strengthened sharply Monday but gave back part of an early rally, while Korean government bond yields ended broadly steady despite higher global rate expectations. The won strengthened 9.9 won from the previous session to close daytime trading at 1,340.5 per dollar, compared with Friday's 1,350.4. The currency strengthened as far as 1,334.7 earlier in the session. It was its strongest level since Oct. 4, 2024, and the dollar-won rate later rebounded to around 1,346 following a report on National Pension Service (NPS) hedging. Reuters reported, citing a market source, that the NPS had suspended foreign-exchange hedging operations as the won approached a two-year high. NPS officials told AJP that, as a matter of policy, the fund does not disclose whether it executes foreign-exchange operations and therefore could not confirm the report. The pension fund's strategic hedging effectively adds dollar supply to the domestic foreign-exchange market, meaning a suspension could remove one source of downward pressure on the dollar-won rate. The won nevertheless held most of its advance through the close. U.S. nonfarm payrolls increased by 162,000 in August, well above market expectations, while the unemployment rate held at 4.1 percent. The data revived expectations for another Federal Reserve rate increase, with markets assigning about a 57 percent probability to a September hike in Asian trading Monday. Korean government bond yields ended with limited moves after investors absorbed the U.S. jobs report and higher overseas yields. The three-year Korean government bond yield rose 1.6 basis points to 3.900 percent, while the 10-year yield climbed 2.5 basis points to 4.385 percent, according to final quotations. The 30-year yield moved in the opposite direction, edging down 0.5 basis point to 4.631 percent. Friday's stronger-than-expected U.S. employment report had pushed Treasury yields higher and raised expectations for further Federal Reserve tightening. U.S. financial markets were closed Monday for the Labor Day holiday, leaving the Seoul market to reflect Friday's repricing without fresh Treasury trading. A 3.2 trillion won ($2.4 billion) auction of three-year Korean government bonds also provided a test of domestic demand at the start of the week. Pressure from Japan remained in focus. The benchmark 10-year Japanese government bond yield reached 3 percent last week for the first time since 1996, with markets nearly fully pricing a 25-basis-point Bank of Japan rate increase at its Sept. 17-18 meeting. Investors will next look to U.S. inflation data later this week for further clues on whether stronger employment and persistent price pressures will lead the Federal Reserve to raise rates this month. AJP Takeaways - The South Korean won strengthened 9.9 won to 1,340.5 per dollar after briefly reaching its strongest level in nearly two years. - National Pension Service officials told AJP that the fund could not confirm a report that it had suspended foreign-exchange hedging operations. - Korean government bond yields ended broadly steady, with three- and 10-year yields rising modestly while the 30-year yield edged lower. 2026-09-07 17:28:47