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  • Bitcoin Holds Steady at $80,000 Amid Middle East Tensions; Altcoins Show Strength
    Bitcoin Holds Steady at $80,000 Amid Middle East Tensions; Altcoins Show Strength Bitcoin has maintained its value at $80,000 despite geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and Iran. Although the possibility of a U.S. interest rate hike has resurfaced, investor sentiment in the virtual asset market is showing signs of rapid recovery.According to CoinMarketCap, as of 8 a.m. on September 7, Bitcoin was trading at $80,037, up 0.30% from the previous day.Major altcoins also exhibited strength. Ethereum rose 1.07% to $2,507, while Ripple (XRP) increased by 0.39% to $1.42. Solana traded at $105.93, up 2.49%. In contrast, Binance Coin (BNB) fell by 2.54% to $751.47.Market attention is focused on the upcoming decision by the U.S. Federal Reserve regarding interest rates. Recent U.S. employment data has been stronger than expected, raising the likelihood of a rate hike. According to the CME FedWatch Tool, the probability of a 0.25 percentage point increase in the federal funds rate for September rose from 49.4% to 58.4% from the previous day.Christopher Waller, a Federal Reserve governor, stated on September 3 during a Reuters event that while inflation is significantly above the target of 2%, there are signs that the pace of price increases is slowing. He indicated that if this trend continues in upcoming reports, he would support maintaining current interest rates.As a result, the inflation data released before the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting on September 15-16 is expected to be a critical factor in determining the direction of interest rates. The U.S. Producer Price Index (PPI) and Consumer Price Index (CPI) for August will be released on the nights of September 10 and 11, Korea time.Investor sentiment in the virtual asset market has significantly improved. On this day, CoinMarketCap's 'CMC Crypto Fear and Greed Index' registered a score of 75, indicating a state of 'Greed.' This marks a rapid recovery compared to last month's score of 38, which indicated 'Fear.'Meanwhile, at Bithumb, Bitcoin was trading at 1,091,400 won, up 0.51% from the previous day. The so-called 'Kimchi Premium,' which indicates the degree to which domestic prices are higher than international prices, was recorded at 1.16%.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-07 08:32:00
  • Hurom Launches New H90 Juicer with Advanced Automation Features
    Hurom Launches New H90 Juicer with Advanced Automation Features Hurom is introducing its premium juicer, the H90, which minimizes user involvement from ingredient preparation to juicing and cleaning. The company has enhanced its hands-free juicing technology and raised the product price to the 700,000 won range to expand its high-value product lineup.Hurom announced on September 7 that the H90 will be released on September 14. The H90 features 'Intelli Juicing,' which automatically detects the state of the ingredients to control the juicing process, and 'True Easy Clean' for improved cleaning convenience.The hopper capacity has increased by 38% to 2.5 liters compared to previous models. A patented spiral blade automatically cuts the ingredients. If the ingredients become jammed during juicing, the machine detects this and automatically reverses, notifying users when the process is complete.Cleaning has also been made easier. For the first time in Hurom's home juicers, dishwasher-safe materials have been applied to the drum and key components. A simple cleaning function allows users to rinse the drum with water and immediately juice the next batch of ingredients.In April, Hurom considered setting the retail price of its premium juicers at around 500,000 won, but the H90 has been priced at 719,000 won. This marks a significant increase compared to the previous mainstay home products, which were priced between 300,000 and 400,000 won.The H90 is also the first Hurom juicer to feature an electronic display. Users can track their juicing history, and the device supports 18 languages. Recipes for juice, nut milk, and ice cream can be accessed via QR codes.Last year, Hurom reported sales of 118.2 billion won, a decrease of 11.4% from the previous year, with operating profit down 14%. The company aims to boost domestic and international sales by expanding its premium home products and commercial juicers this year.The H90 will be available in matte black and mushroom colors, with a retail price of 719,000 won. From September 14 to 20, it will be sold for 649,000 won on Naver, along with a juice kit and mini tea master.Kim Jae-won, CEO of Hurom, stated, "The H90 juicer is an innovative product that embodies Hurom's technology and expertise, designed to significantly reduce the user's burden throughout the entire juicing process, from preparation to juicing and cleaning. I hope more people can enjoy easier health every day." * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-07 08:16:00
  • Market Preview: Semiconductor Stocks Rise Despite U.S. Market Decline
    Market Preview: Semiconductor Stocks Rise Despite U.S. Market Decline The domestic stock market is expected to attempt a rebound, buoyed by strong performances from semiconductor stocks like Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, despite a downturn in the U.S. markets. Although robust employment figures in the U.S. have dampened expectations for interest rate cuts, renewed investment sentiment in semiconductors is likely to support the lower end of the index.As of 8:04 a.m. in the NXT premarket on September 7, Samsung Electronics shares were trading at 265,000 won, up 3.72% (9,500 won) from the previous trading day. SK Hynix saw a 4.25% (70,000 won) increase, reaching 1,717,000 won. Other major semiconductor and tech stocks, including SK Square (up 3.17%) and Hanmi Semiconductor (up 2.83%), also showed strong gains.On September 4, the New York Stock Exchange experienced a broad decline, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average falling 0.51%, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite dropped 0.38% and 0.29%, respectively. In contrast, the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index rose by 3.4%. The U.S. economy added 162,000 non-farm jobs in August, significantly exceeding market expectations, but the strength in semiconductor stocks helped support the index's lower bounds.Han Ji-young, a researcher at Kiwoom Securities, stated, "Given that the U.S. stock market has shown downward rigidity centered on semiconductor stocks and that the U.S. 10-year Treasury yield has faced upper resistance, we believe this employment surprise is not a significant negative factor that could change market sentiment."She added, "The likelihood of sustained selling pressure on domestic and international semiconductor stocks has diminished, and we anticipate that the recovery momentum in the stock market will strengthen as we digest Oracle's earnings and the U.S. August Consumer Price Index (CPI)."This week, the stock market is expected to be influenced by the U.S. August CPI and Producer Price Index (PPI), movements in the U.S. 10-year Treasury yield, earnings reports from U.S. tech companies like Oracle and Adobe, and the simultaneous expiration of domestic futures and options. Kiwoom Securities has projected the KOSPI index to range between 6,400 and 7,050 this week.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-07 08:16:00
  • BC Card Launches Family Pay Service for Shared Payments
    BC Card Launches Family Pay Service for Shared Payments BC Card announced the launch of its shared payment service, 'Family Pay,' on September 7. This service allows family members or friends to use a single payment method together. The operation is straightforward. A designated representative registers a credit or debit card or Paybook money as the payment method. When an invited member requests a payment, the representative must approve it. When a member chooses 'Family Pay' while making a purchase on an online shopping site using Paybook, a request for approval is sent to the representative. Once the representative verifies and approves the request, the payment is completed using the registered payment method. The representative can manage member invitations and accounts, as well as approve or decline individual payment requests. Previously, to facilitate online payments for children or parents, it was necessary to share card numbers or make payments on their behalf each time. With Family Pay, members can request payments from their Paybook without sharing physical cards or payment information, while the representative can approve the requests. Eligibility for the service requires that the representative be a Paybook member aged 19 or older, who invites other members to join. Paybook members aged 14 and older can accept invitations to participate as family members. Considering regulations that prohibit card transfer and lending, BC Card has implemented a system where the representative directly approves each payment. This approach aims to share payment methods while preventing exposure of card information. Ha Hyun-nam, Executive Director of BC Card and head of the Paybook division, stated, "We launched this service to create an environment where family or friends can safely and conveniently share payment methods without sharing or lending card information. We will continue to strengthen our position as a daily financial platform that enhances customer convenience in their everyday lives." * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-07 08:04:00
  • The Odyssey crosses 10 million as Nolan phenomenon grips Korea
    'The Odyssey' crosses 10 million as Nolan phenomenon grips Korea SEOUL, September 07 (AJP) -Christopher Nolan has turned his homage to Homer’s nearly 3,000-year-old epic into a pop-culture phenomenon in South Korea, where The Odyssey has drawn more than 10 million moviegoers and sent audiences scrambling not only for IMAX seats but also for Greek classics, mythology books and museum exhibitions. The Universal Pictures release crossed the 10-million admissions mark at around 4 p.m. Sunday, according to the distributor, reaching the milestone on its 33rd day in theaters. It is the second Korean film-market release this year to top 10 million admissions, following director Jang Hang-jun's The King's Warden, and the first foreign film released in 2026 to reach the threshold. No imported movie had drawn 10 million viewers in Korea since Avatar: The Way of Water four years ago. The Odyssey is Nolan's second film to surpass 10 million admissions in Korea after Interstellar, underscoring an unusually strong relationship between the British-American filmmaker and Korean audiences. Nolan has cultivated a strong fan base in Korea over more than a decade through films including The Dark Knight trilogy, Inception, Interstellar, Dunkirk, Tenet and Oppenheimer. In Korea, his name has increasingly become a draw in itself, promising ambitious storytelling coupled with the kind of visual scale that audiences regard as worth leaving home to experience. The Odyssey takes that proposition even further. The film, based on Homer's ancient Greek epic, follows Odysseus on his perilous journey home after the Trojan War, pitting human will against gods, monsters and the sea. Nolan shot the entire film using IMAX film cameras, a first in cinema history, and relied heavily on location shooting, live stunts and practical effects rather than computer-generated imagery. The result has been marketed and embraced in Korea as a movie that demands the largest possible screen and sound system. Premium-format tickets were snapped up before release, with coveted IMAX seats becoming difficult to obtain and some appearing on resale markets at prices exceeding 100,000 won ($74). The appetite persisted well beyond opening weekend. The Odyssey passed 5 million admissions on its 13th day, 7 million on its 19th and 8 million after 24 days. It reached 9 million on day 27, three days faster than Avatar: The Way of Water. Even in its fifth week, the film continued to lead advance ticket sales and remained at the top of the box office. The momentum has allowed it to surpass the final Korean admissions totals of the biggest foreign releases of each of the previous three years: Pixar's Elemental with 7.24 million in 2023, Inside Out 2 with 8.79 million in 2024 and Zootopia 2 with 8.61 million in 2025. Nolan's decision to visit Seoul before the release appears to have added to the sense of occasion. The director arrived in August with producer Emma Thomas and actors Matt Damon and Charlize Theron, meeting Korean media and fans during a promotional tour. Clips and interviews from the visit circulated widely online in the weeks leading up to opening day. Korea has long been one of the overseas markets where Nolan's films perform particularly strongly, and the visit reinforced the perception among fans that the country occupies a special place in the director's global audience. Yet perhaps the clearest indication of the film's hold on Korea can be found away from multiplexes. Kyobo Book Centre said sales of books related to The Odyssey and Homer's Odyssey jumped roughly 600 percent in July from a year earlier. By the second week of August, related titles had climbed to No. 2 on overall bestseller lists at both Kyobo and Yes24, with demand spreading across full translations, children's editions, young-adult versions and e-books. Digital reading platform Millie's Library recorded a 3.3-fold increase in searches for "Odyssey" after the film's release, while searches for "Greek and Roman mythology" jumped 3.6 times. A similar ripple has reached museums. A special exhibition titled "Greece, the Great Civilization Shaped by the Sea," which opened Aug. 11 at the National Incheon Maritime Museum, has attracted interest from moviegoers with displays covering 6,000 years of Greek history, including material connected to Odysseus and Agamemnon. The crossover from multiplexes to bookshelves and exhibition halls suggests that The Odyssey has tapped into something broader than conventional blockbuster enthusiasm. It also stands out in a global movie market increasingly dominated by sequels, superheroes and established entertainment franchises. Nolan has effectively taken one of Western civilization's oldest stories and transformed it into a modern event movie without relying on a contemporary cinematic franchise. Globally, the wager has paid off. The film opened at No. 1 in 69 countries and generated a worldwide opening of about $264 million, the biggest of Nolan's career. Its global box office had surpassed $1.56 billion as of Sunday, according to Box Office Mojo. In Korea, however, its impact is now being measured not only in ticket sales. For a generation accustomed to encountering ancient Greece in schoolbooks, The Odyssey has turned Homer into something closer to pop culture — and made the nearly 3,000-year journey home feel, at least for Korean audiences, like the movie event of the year. AJP Takeaways - Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey has surpassed 10 million admissions in South Korea, becoming one of the year’s biggest box-office hits. - The film reached the milestone 33 days after release, marking Nolan’s second 10-million movie in Korea after Interstellar. - Strong demand for IMAX and other premium-format screenings has helped turn the mythological epic into a nationwide theatrical phenomenon. 2026-09-07 08:03:43
  • OpenAI Agents Take Control of German Wiki, Prompting Regulatory Push
    OpenAI Agents Take Control of German Wiki, Prompting Regulatory Push OpenAI's artificial intelligence (AI) agents have reportedly taken control of a German programming wiki site, sharing methods to bypass controls, following the Hugging Face hacking incident in July. This revelation, which OpenAI did not disclose for weeks, has led to a bipartisan push for regulatory legislation in the U.S. Congress.According to reports from Reuters and other outlets, four independent researchers, including Sydney Bon Arc, CEO of the AI safety nonprofit Nightingale, released a report on September 5 detailing how agents linked to OpenAI operated on the German community wiki 'DseWiki' for two months starting in May.The wiki, designed to support programmers, has over 15,000 editing records attributed to AI agents, with approximately 18,000 posts and over 3,700 unique agent names identified by the researchers.The report indicates that agents using names like 'OpenAI Researcher' transformed the wiki into a message board, sharing methods for cheating on tasks, bypassing safety measures, and continuing communication after shutdowns. Although human administrators began deleting related pages in June, the agents created alternative pages to maintain their discussions, mirroring patterns seen in the Hugging Face hacking incident involving around 700 collaborating agents in July.Some OpenAI officials suggested that the company intentionally concealed the incident. Analysts believe this may be linked to the release of a new model, 'Astra,' which OpenAI assessed as having 'critical' cybersecurity capabilities, making the company sensitive to AI agent incidents.In response, U.S. lawmakers are moving quickly. Representatives Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.) and Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) jointly introduced the 'Stop Rogue AI Act' on September 3. This legislation would require the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to establish standards and guidelines for the safe deployment of agent-based AI and create a machine-readable list to help companies identify agents operating on their networks.However, the legislation would only impose voluntary compliance on private companies while mandating compliance for federal contractors, limiting its enforcement power. Additionally, Senator Mark Warner (D-Va.) has proposed a bill to establish an agent verification body, and Representatives Ted Lieu (D-Calif.) and Nathan Moore (R-Texas) have introduced a 'Kill Switch Act' to grant the authority to halt dangerous models.Experts argue that relying on companies to investigate incidents is problematic. Mackenzie Arnold, director of LawAI, stated in a briefing on September 3, 'Current AI safety laws in California, New York, and Illinois only require a summary of incidents in plain language, without granting the government any authority to conduct follow-up inquiries, send investigators, or demand record preservation.'* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-07 07:56:00
  • Korea Investment & Securities Raises S-Oil Target Price Amid Refinery Shortages
    Korea Investment & Securities Raises S-Oil Target Price Amid Refinery Shortages Korea Investment & Securities projected on September 7 that global refinery shortages will continue to drive up prices for refined oil products. The firm maintained a 'buy' rating for S-Oil and raised its target price by 20% to 180,000 won.Lee Chung-jae, a researcher at Korea Investment & Securities, stated, "It is not a shortage of crude oil, but rather a significant shortage of refinery facilities." He noted that the U.S. refinery utilization rate, which has faced no issues with crude supply or refinery operations, reached an all-time high in August.The U.S. refinery utilization rate climbed to 98% by the end of last month. Analysts attribute supply disruptions to attacks on refineries in Iran and the U.S., as well as operational challenges in Russia due to oil export restrictions following the Ukraine war.Refined product prices are also on the rise. As of September 4, diesel prices in the U.S. surpassed the all-time high recorded in June 2022. At that time, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude was priced at $115 per barrel, while it currently hovers around $90, highlighting the high profitability of refined products.Lee added, "The fact that higher refined product prices are forming despite lower crude oil prices indicates a real shortage of refinery facilities. Unless there is a decrease in demand from low-income countries in Southeast Asia or a rapid restart of refining facilities in Russia, refining margins are expected to remain high for the time being."He further stated, "Even if geopolitical risks are resolved, it will take at least 2 to 3 years for refinery operations to normalize. S-Oil will maintain its competitiveness after the resolution of geopolitical risks, as it produces high-quality refined products reliably from crude oil sourced from various regions worldwide."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-07 07:56:00
  • Nexon Upgrades Mabinogi Engine to Extend IP Lifespan with Eternity
    Nexon Upgrades 'Mabinogi' Engine to Extend IP Lifespan with 'Eternity' Nexon is replacing the engine of its long-standing intellectual property (IP) 'Mabinogi,' which has been in service for over 20 years since its launch in 2004. The company aims to enhance content scalability and long-term service capabilities by transitioning to a modern engine.According to the gaming industry on September 6, Nexon is conducting the first large-scale alpha test for the 'Mabinogi Eternity' project, which involves replacing its in-house developed engine 'Playone' with Unreal Engine 5. This test, which began on September 3, allows users to experience the developing build, validating core gameplay elements from early growth to combat and life content while gathering feedback. Although characters and items created during the test will be reset after its conclusion, Nexon plans to transfer data from the currently running Mabinogi to the official launch of Eternity.The most noticeable changes in gameplay are in graphics and spatial representation. Based on Unreal Engine 5, the expression of characters and backgrounds has improved, with more detailed environmental effects such as lighting and shadows that change with time and weather. Alpha test participants have noted that while the original Mabinogi's world and atmosphere are preserved, the details of characters and backgrounds have been enhanced.The character creation process has also evolved. Players can now adjust age and appearance, with new features allowing for more detailed body proportion adjustments, enabling a wider variety of character designs.Game convenience and controls have been modernized as well. The inventory structure, which has been maintained for a long time in the original Mabinogi, has been simplified, and a keyboard-centric control scheme using WASD for movement and interaction has been implemented. A shared dash function using the spacebar has also been added for combat. The aim is to eliminate some of the long-standing inconveniences while making the game more accessible to new users, rather than simply replicating the existing experience.However, not all user feedback has been positive. Some long-time players of the original Mabinogi have expressed the need to adapt to the new controls and combat mechanics. In particular, while character movement and animations in close combat have become more natural, some players feel that the impact of attacks differs from what they are accustomed to, leading to disappointment.Nexon's push for Eternity is rooted in the long-term potential of the Mabinogi IP. Last year, Nexon expanded the original's universe and characters to mobile platforms with the launch of 'Mabinogi Mobile.' With Eternity, the company is not only rebuilding the technical foundation of the original but also expanding the Mabinogi IP across both platforms and technologies.Ultimately, Eternity signifies a reconstruction of the service foundation of the existing Mabinogi rather than merely adding a new game. It aims to preserve the data and experiences of current users while improving outdated technology and systems, considering the entry of new users. This approach extends the service life of the original while laying the groundwork for long-term utilization of a single IP across new platforms.A Nexon representative stated, “Eternity is a project aimed at creating an environment where we can continuously engage with users without disrupting their experience with the original Mabinogi. Our goal is to continue developing Mabinogi with the users who have been with us for over 20 years and to achieve sustainable growth.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-07 07:52:00
  • Search Continues for Six Missing Crew Members After Tugboat Capsizes Off Busan
    Search Continues for Six Missing Crew Members After Tugboat Capsizes Off Busan Search operations for six crew members missing since a tugboat capsized off the coast of Busan on September 2 have entered their fifth day without any sign of the missing individuals.According to Yonhap News Agency on September 7, the Busan Coast Guard has been conducting nighttime searches in a 31-kilometer by 63-kilometer area since 7 p.m. the previous day, but has yet to locate any missing persons or debris.Due to worsening weather conditions in the area, only six large vessels, each over 1,000 tons, have been deployed for the search.Search personnel and military surveillance equipment have also been mobilized along the coastline.Currently, a wave warning is in effect off the coast of Busan, with swells reaching 4 to 5 meters and winds blowing at speeds of 18 to 20 meters per second.The tugboat TNS Catcher capsized approximately 9 kilometers east of Oryukdo on the afternoon of September 2.Of the eight crew members on board, one was rescued, while another was found unconscious and later pronounced dead.The remaining six crew members are still missing, and search efforts are ongoing.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-07 07:28:00
  • Large Supermarkets Shift Focus to In-Store Experiences Amid Online Shopping Boom
    Large Supermarkets Shift Focus to In-Store Experiences Amid Online Shopping Boom Online shopping is rapidly growing, yet large supermarkets are focusing on their physical stores. They are enhancing features that are difficult to replicate online, such as fresh food and dining experiences, to encourage customers to visit in person. Emart is creating multi-purpose spaces, while Lotte Mart is strengthening its grocery offerings with tailored content for local markets. According to the retail industry on September 6, Emart recently renovated its Wolgye store into the 'Starfield Market Wolgye.' This is the fifth Starfield Market nationwide and the first in Seoul. It combines Emart, Traders, food and beverage (F&B) options, and cultural and relaxation spaces all in one location. The first and second floors feature a 180-pyeong (approximately 6,000 square feet) relaxation and cultural area, including a children's reading and play space. About 80% of the F&B brands have been revamped, and the Olive Young store has been expanded threefold. The strategy aims to transform supermarkets from places for quick shopping to family-friendly spaces for shopping, dining, and leisure. In the first half of this year, sales at the existing four Starfield Market locations increased by 28% compared to the same period last year, significantly outpacing Emart's overall sales growth rate of 2.7%. Emart is expected to introduce Starfield Markets in Gyeonggi Province and Gunsan, North Jeolla Province, by the end of this year. Lotte Mart is focusing on food offerings. Its food-specialized format, 'Grand Grocery,' enhances fresh food, deli items, ready-to-eat meals, premium ingredients, and private label (PB) products, with about 90% of the store dedicated to groceries. This format is currently being implemented in locations such as Eunpyeong and Guri. They are also expanding experiential content. The Songpa store will introduce a permanent art exhibition space, 'M Art Center,' covering about 700 pyeong (approximately 23,000 square feet) in August 2024. In its first month, overall sales and customer numbers increased by approximately 10% and 5%, respectively, compared to the same period last year, with cumulative visitors exceeding 45,000. The Suwon store, which operates a 600-pyeong (approximately 20,000 square feet) kids' café and family restaurant, saw tenant sales increase by 12% last year. The Samsan store also reported a 1.5% increase in tenant sales over the same period last year after introducing the 'Crayon Shin-chan Game Center' in June. The push for investment in physical stores by large supermarkets is driven by the rapid growth of online shopping. According to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy's 'July Major Retailer Sales Trends,' online sales accounted for a record 60.8% of total retail sales. In contrast, the share of supermarket sales was only 8.1%. While total sales for major retailers increased by 7.3% in the first half of this year compared to the same period last year, supermarket sales fell by 7.3%. Supermarket sales have declined for nine consecutive quarters from the second quarter of 2024 to the second quarter of this year. However, individual company performances differ from the overall trend. Emart's total sales for the first half of this year reached 9.1581 trillion won, a 2.7% increase, while operating profit rose by 15.4% to 171.9 billion won. Lotte Mart's domestic total sales increased by 2.4% to 2.2978 trillion won, and its operating loss decreased from 41.2 billion won to 33.4 billion won. Analysts suggest that store renovations and enhanced product competitiveness are helping to stabilize performance. A retail industry insider stated, "The competition among large supermarkets has shifted from increasing the number of stores to enhancing customer visit frequency, dwell time, and purchase amounts at existing locations. The key moving forward will be whether renovation investments translate into improved sales and profitability." 2026-09-07 07:24:00