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DDP Transforms into a Massive Performance Venue Inspired by Nam June Paik On the evening of September 3, as the electronic music band Idiotape performed, the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) resonated with cheers from the crowd. With the music intensifying, the massive silver exterior of DDP, adorned with Nam June Paik's media art, began to pulse in rhythm. People gathered in the plaza swayed to the beat.The night was a celebration of Paik's vision of communication through technology, as his work 'The More, The Better' came alive with light, sound, and audience movement.This year, Seoul Light DDP has evolved beyond a mere 'viewing screen' to transform the entire space into a 'performance venue.' Collaborating with the Nam June Paik Art Center and the Seoul Museum of Art, the event reinterprets the artistic worlds of Nam June Paik and Yoo Young-kuk through media art, integrating live music with lasers, AI visuals, and lighting.Nam June Paik's Groove... More Joyful Together in 'The More, The Better'At this year's Seoul Light DDP, standing still is not an option. As night falls, DDP transforms into a massive performance venue. When 'The Break Point' by Nam June Paik begins, the lights and visuals covering the DDP facade dance to the DJ's powerful beats. This marks the debut of a 'live media performance' at DDP.The media art label Burstdays, in collaboration with the Nam June Paik Art Center, has modernized Paik's iconic work 'Global Groove,' allowing the visuals on the DDP exterior to change in real-time to the music created by the DJ. The global groove danced across the curved facade of DDP.'Global Groove' is a video work that aired at 10:30 p.m. on Channel 13 of the American public broadcasting system in 1973, rapidly editing together dance and music from various cultures, including rock and roll, tap dance, and Korean fan dance. Paik aimed to transform television, a one-way medium, into an open space for audience and artist participation by freely altering the color, shape, and movement of images using a video synthesizer.Kim Yoon-seo, head of the curatorial research team at the Nam June Paik Art Center, stated, "Nam June Paik used television as a canvas and broadcast waves as a brush. The video experiments that could be seen at home through a cathode ray tube can now be experienced by a new generation of audiences at DDP, a cultural hub in Seoul, half a century later."This synergy between Paik's media art and Idiotape's performance became even more pronounced. For about 40 minutes, Idiotape's music, including 'Melodie,' surged as Paik's colors and images vibrated. DDP transformed into a colossal standing performance venue. Until September 13, media art will respond in real-time to the music and performances of various artists, including Zion, Hypnosis Therapy, and Soulscape.Jade-Colored Lasers and White CirclesThis year, the newly introduced laser art 'DDP 365 Light' by Yoon Je-ho awakened traces of the past in the historic exhibition hall. Jade-colored lasers sliced through the air, enveloping the plaza's sky like thin silk, blending traditional percussion, electronic sounds, AI visuals, lighting, and the movements of dancers. Foreign visitors were captivated by the white curves swirling in the wind as the dancers spun their hats.'In Search of the Mountain Within Me' by Yoo Young-kuk unfolded the 'mountain' he has contemplated throughout his life on the organic curves of DDP, while 'The Night When Words Shine' from Cheongguyoungwon presented natural landscapes from traditional poetry as digital landscapes.The event runs until September 13. 2026-09-07 00:04:00 -
Mayor Park Seung-won: Citizens Must Identify and Solve Local Issues for Real Solutions Gwangmyeong Mayor Park Seung-won emphasized on September 5 that realistic solutions can be created when citizens, who experience local issues firsthand, actively participate in identifying problems and the resolution process.During a workshop titled 'Citizen Participation AI Social Living Lab - Let's Work Together,' held at the city hall conference room with 100 citizens in attendance, Mayor Park expressed this viewpoint.This initiative marks a significant step in Mayor Park's efforts to position citizens not merely as subjects of administration but as key players in solving local issues.The project aims to connect citizens' experiences and ideas to policy-making and validate them in real-world settings through a 'citizen participation pilot project.' This aligns with Mayor Park's vision of enhancing civic engagement and social solidarity in governance.The workshop is notable as it represents the first step in translating Mayor Park's emphasis on 'community-driven local change' into actual policy processes.Notably, the approach shifts away from a top-down administrative model where problems and solutions are unilaterally determined, allowing citizens to identify local issues, contemplate solutions, and participate in implementation and validation.Mayor Park aims to develop a citizen participation model that transforms ideas into tangible local changes.This approach goes beyond merely soliciting citizen opinions; it reinforces the philosophy of participatory governance where citizens are involved from the planning stage through execution and evaluation.The 100 participants were divided into 10 groups to identify local issues closely related to their daily lives, such as care, youth, culture, digital matters, and the environment.Each group shared the inconveniences they experience and discussed specific solutions that the community needs to address.Following group presentations, the issues were shared, and teams were formed to participate in future pilot projects through AI-assisted task matching.Mayor Park highlighted the importance of expanding participation from 'idea-generating citizens' to 'action-taking citizens.'He plans to develop the identified issues into a citizen participation social living lab pilot project by December.Citizens will implement solutions and assess the effects and limitations that arise during the process. Mayor Park will support necessary activities and share the progress and outcomes with citizens in December.Participants expressed optimism about this new form of citizen engagement.One citizen remarked, 'It was meaningful that instead of just reporting local issues that I found inconvenient, we could actively seek solutions ourselves.'A participant focused on youth issues stated, 'It was great to discuss youth problems from the perspective of those affected and to think about solutions. I hope this discussion leads to actual policy changes.'This social living lab is noteworthy as it experiments with expanding Gwangmyeong's citizen participation policies into practical problem-solving and local innovation.Most importantly, it differentiates itself from traditional methods of gathering citizen feedback by creating a structure where citizens discover problems, devise solutions, and implement them while verifying outcomes.Meanwhile, Mayor Park aims to connect citizens' ideas from their daily lives to actual local changes, establishing a Gwangmyeong model of regional innovation that combines citizen participation with social solidarity economics.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-06 21:48:00
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Declining Support for President Lee Raises Concerns Over Governance Declining Support for Lee Raises Concerns Over 'Structural Majority'President Lee Jae-myung's approval ratings continue to decline, putting his plan to expand support among moderates, youth, and the middle class under scrutiny. There is a noticeable weakening of support among key target groups, including moderates and young voters, rather than a loss of core supporters.Analysts suggest that the drop in approval ratings is influenced by a combination of issues, including real estate, the economy, and personnel matters. Concerns are growing that a prolonged decline could hinder the government's ability to pursue reform initiatives and maintain operational momentum. Experts emphasize that connecting macroeconomic achievements, such as exports and growth, to tangible improvements in people's lives, along with enhancing policy consistency and predictability, is crucial for restoring support.According to a survey conducted by Gallup Korea on September 1-3, 40% of respondents approved of President Lee's performance, while 51% disapproved. This marks a 2 percentage point drop in approval and a 1 percentage point increase in disapproval compared to a previous survey released on August 28. 168 Public Institutions in the Capital Region: Will Second Relocation Lead to Housing Supply?As the government accelerates the second relocation of public institutions to regional areas, there is growing interest in whether the remaining public institution buildings and land in the capital region can be repurposed for new housing. With 168 public institutions headquartered in the capital area, discussions may arise about utilizing vacant land in key locations in Seoul and Gyeonggi for housing once the relocation targets are confirmed. As of September 6, data from the Public Institution Management Information Disclosure System (ALIO) indicates that 168 out of 355 public institutions nationwide are based in the capital region, accounting for 47.3% of the total. Regionally, there are 130 institutions in Seoul, 29 in Gyeonggi, and 9 in Incheon, with institutions in Seoul making up 77.4% of the capital region's public institutions. Major entities located in Seoul include SR, Korea Airports Corporation, and the Korea Marine Environment Corporation, as well as numerous others such as the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), the Korea Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Korea Trade Insurance Corporation, the Korea Development Bank, and the Export-Import Bank of Korea. Korea Zinc's Extraordinary Shareholder Meeting Approaches Amid Management DisputeThe management dispute between Korea Zinc and MBK Partners and Youngpoong is ongoing, with both sides set to face off again at an extraordinary shareholder meeting on September 9 over the election of four independent directors and one independent auditor.According to industry sources on September 6, the extraordinary meeting will take place at 10 a.m. at the Mondrian Hotel in Yongsan, Seoul.The agenda includes amendments to the articles of incorporation to expand the separate election of auditors, the appointment of four independent directors under a cumulative voting system, and the election of one independent director based on a 3% voting limit for major shareholders.Currently, Korea Zinc's board consists of 9 members aligned with Chairman Choi Yoon-bum and 5 members from MBK and Youngpoong. Following a court decision in June that suspended the duties of independent directors, former outside directors Lee Sang-hoon, Lee Hyung-kyu, Kim Kyung-won, and Lee Jae-yong resigned, necessitating the election of new independent directors. Extension of Financial Contributions for Low-Income Support Raises ConcernsThe obligation for financial institutions to contribute to low-income financial support has been extended by 10 years, leading to concerns about the long-term cost burden on the financial sector. The demand for debt restructuring and the increasing number of vulnerable borrowers utilizing policy-based low-income financial services may further escalate the financial sector's support obligations.On September 6, financial authorities and the National Assembly reported that a revised bill extending the contribution obligation for financial companies to the Korea Financial Services Agency for 10 years was passed during a full meeting of the Political Affairs Committee on September 3. If the bill passes the National Assembly, the obligation will be extended until October 8, 2036.As a result, the financial sector's contribution burden will continue for the foreseeable future. Financial institutions are already shouldering significant contributions to fund policy-based low-income financial resources. According to data submitted by the Korea Financial Services Agency to Park Seong-hoon, a member of the National Assembly's Political Affairs Committee, financial companies contributed a total of 1.4797 trillion won to the Korea Financial Services Agency from 2022 to June of this year.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-06 21:40:00
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U.S. Deploys F-35s for Maritime Blockade Against Iran, Allies Secure Hormuz 미군이 이란을 겨냥한 해상 봉쇄 작전을 강화하고 있다. 미국의 주요 동맹국들은 호르무즈해협의 안전 확보를 위해 군함과 기뢰 제거 전력을 중동에 배치해 둔 상태다. 6일 연합뉴스에 따르면 미군 중부사령부는 이날 엑스(X)를 통해 “중부사령부 소속 부대들이 대이란 해상 봉쇄 조치를 계속 집행하고 있다”며 “미 공군 F-35A 스텔스 전투기가 해당 해역 상공을 순찰하고 있다”고 밝혔다. 미군은 해상 봉쇄를 강화하면서 이날까지 상선 92척에 항로 변경을 요구했다. 이 과정에서 선박 3척을 무력화해 운항을 중단시켰으며 2척에는 직접 승선해 검색을 실시했다고 중부사령부는 설명했다. 미국의 봉쇄 작전이 이어지는 가운데 프랑스와 영국 등 미국 주요 동맹국들은 호르무즈해협 안전 확보를 위해 인근 해역에 군사력을 배치하고 있다. 다만 이들 국가는 현재 해협 내부로 본격 진입하거나 미국과 이란의 교전에 직접 참여하지는 않고 있다. 프랑스는 영국과 함께 15개국 이상이 참여하는 다국적 기뢰 제거·해상 안보 임무를 주도하고 있다. 전쟁 참전에 대해서는 선을 그으면서도 기뢰탐색·제거함과 호위함, 해상초계기 등을 중동 지역에 배치했다. 영국군 역시 지난 6월 상륙지원함을 기뢰 제거 작전 지원함으로 개조한 ‘RFA 라임베이함’과 방공 구축함 ‘HMS 드래건’을 오만만 인근에 배치했다. 독일과 네덜란드, 벨기에, 이탈리아, 그리스 등도 기뢰 제거함과 관련 인력을 현지에 보내 기뢰 제거와 상선 호위 등 해상 경비 활동을 지원하고 있다. 이들 국가는 미국-이란 간 교전이 확실히 중단돼야 기뢰 제거 작업 등을 할 수 있다는 입장을 유지하고 있다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-06 21:36:00
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Lee Chang-dong's 'Possible Love' Premieres at Venice Film Festival, Eyes Golden Lion Lee Chang-dong's latest film, 'Possible Love,' has premiered at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival, competing for the prestigious Golden Lion award.On September 6, a press conference for 'Possible Love' was held on the Lido in Venice, attended by director Lee Chang-dong and lead actors Seol Kyung-gu, Jeon Do-yeon, Cho Yeo-jeong, and Jo In-sung, drawing significant media attention.The film tells the story of a couple, Ho-seok (played by Seol Kyung-gu) and Mi-ok (played by Jeon Do-yeon), who, after being laid off, encounter a wealthy documentary filmmaker, Ye-ji (played by Cho Yeo-jeong), and her husband, Sang-woo (played by Jo In-sung), leading them to confront their different lives and hidden desires.Lee explained the role of the documentary filmmaker, stating, "This character must constantly question what mindset is necessary when capturing the lives of others. This connects to the fundamental questions posed by all creators and workers who convey the lives of others."He added, "I hoped my actors would not deceive themselves, and surprisingly, they enjoyed the process of acting while doubting themselves."Seol Kyung-gu and Jeon Do-yeon, who have a long-standing collaboration with Lee, expressed their unique feelings about the project. Seol, reuniting with Lee after 24 years since 'Oasis' (2002), shared, "At that time, I wanted to escape due to the tension and pressure, but looking back, I missed that moment. I unconsciously promised myself to return to my original intentions."Jeon recalled a moment when Seol filmed an emotionally intense scene, saying, "When I asked if he was okay, he replied, 'Where else can we find a set that makes us feel this much pain and contemplation? I love this set.' I felt the same way."Jeon, who won the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival for 'Secret Sunshine' (2007), also reflected on her evolved acting philosophy, stating, "In the past, I struggled to follow the director's methods, but now I approach the set with a clearer understanding. I naturally accepted Mi-ok's anxieties without any pretense. Above all, I learned that believing in oneself on set is the most important thing."Cho Yeo-jeong and Jo In-sung also reminisced about their strong teamwork and camaraderie. Cho shared, "When I first read the script, I was overwhelmed by the intensity of the role and took three days to decide. After committing, I texted Jeon, saying, 'I will follow your eyes.' I felt truly supported by Jeon and Jo whenever they were on set, and I was genuinely happy to be an actor."Jo In-sung added, "In front of the director and legendary seniors, everyone becomes equal. We all share the same doubts and desire to do well, which fostered a sense of camaraderie. Just the other day, I said, 'Our chemistry was really good,' and I still miss that set."As the press conference concluded, the actors expressed strong hopes for winning the Golden Lion. Jeon confidently stated, "There is not a shred of doubt. I hope this award becomes the driving force for the director's next film." Cho humorously added, "I sold a good dream to the production company, hoping we would win the Golden Lion."Netflix's 'Possible Love' will have a limited release in some theaters in South Korea on September 23, followed by a global release on November 6.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-06 21:32:00
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Recruitment Open for 32nd Class of Track Cycling Athletes The Korea Sports Promotion Foundation's Track Cycling Headquarters is recruiting candidates for the 32nd class of track cycling athletes. According to the headquarters on September 6, the recruitment will take place from September 14 until 6 p.m. on October 2. Eligibility requires that applicants be South Korean men who have completed or are exempt from military service, and they must meet certain physical standards, including vision, hearing, and blood pressure. The selection process includes document screening, a written test, personality assessment, practical cycling skills, physical fitness evaluation, drug testing, and a second interview. Final results will be announced on December 4. Successful candidates will enter the training center in Yeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do, in February of next year, where they will undergo approximately 10 months of training until December, after which they can debut as professional track cyclists. Notably, this recruitment allows individuals without a professional cycling background to apply. Among current track cyclists, there are athletes who have previously competed in judo, boxing, athletics, luge, and speed skating. There are also examples of non-athletes achieving good results in major track cycling competitions, and currently, there are 574 active track cyclists. Last year, the average annual prize money was about 75 million won, with the top athlete earning over 390 million won. The ability to maintain a long career through consistent physical conditioning and performance is also a characteristic of track cyclists. A program is in place to waive part or all of the training fees for international cycling competition medalists, low-income individuals, and children of national merit holders. Interest from the public in the recruitment of track cycling candidates continues to grow. The opportunity to apply without prior cycling experience has attracted attention from not only former athletes but also those seeking new career paths. Given that track cycling has unique characteristics compared to typical career choices, individuals considering applying should thoroughly assess the physical fitness, self-management, and training processes required for an athlete's life. Meanwhile, the recruitment of track cycling candidates is noteworthy not just for selecting athletes but also for presenting an alternative career option in the sports field.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-06 21:16:10
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Recruitment Open for 32nd Class of Track Cycling Athletes The Korea Sports Promotion Foundation's Track Cycling Headquarters is recruiting candidates for the 32nd class of track cycling athletes. According to the headquarters on September 6, the recruitment will take place from September 14 until 6 p.m. on October 2. Eligibility requires male applicants from South Korea who have completed or are exempt from military service, and they must meet certain physical standards, including vision, hearing, and blood pressure. The selection process includes document screening, a written test, personality assessment, practical cycling skills, physical fitness evaluation, drug testing, and a second interview. Final results will be announced on December 4. Successful candidates will enter the training center in Yeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do, in February of next year, where they will undergo approximately 10 months of training until December, after which they can debut as professional track cyclists. Notably, applicants do not need to have a background as professional cyclists to apply. Among current track cyclists, there are athletes who have previously competed in judo, boxing, athletics, luge, and speed skating. There are also examples of non-athletes achieving good results in major track cycling competitions, and currently, there are 574 active track cyclists. Last year, the average annual prize money was about 75 million won, with the top athlete earning over 390 million won. Track cyclists are known for their ability to maintain a long career through consistent physical conditioning and performance management. A program is also in place to waive part or all of the training fees for international cycling medalists, low-income individuals, and children of national merit holders. Citizens have shown interest in the recruitment of track cycling candidates. The opportunity to apply without prior cycling experience has attracted attention from not only former athletes but also those seeking new career paths. Given that track cycling has unique characteristics compared to typical career choices, individuals considering applying should thoroughly assess the physical fitness, self-management, and training processes required for an athlete's life. Meanwhile, the recruitment of track cycling candidates is noteworthy not just for selecting athletes but also for offering an alternative career path in the sports field. 2026-09-06 21:16:00
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Typhoon 'Saudel' Hits Southern China, Causing Landslides and Fatalities Typhoon 'Saudel' has brought heavy rainfall to southern China, resulting in landslides that have claimed at least five lives and left nine people missing.According to Yonhap News Agency, a landslide occurred around 4 a.m. on September 5 in a village in Suichuan County, Jiangxi Province, damaging 12 homes. Three people were confirmed dead, and nine others are unaccounted for as rescue teams continue their search.Immediately following the landslide, roads in the area were cut off, and water, electricity, and communication services were temporarily disrupted. Most access roads have since been restored, and emergency communication networks have been established. Authorities evacuated over 5,300 residents to safety to prevent further casualties.In nearby regions, heavy rainfall has also resulted in fatalities. CCTV reported that two people died in Hunan Province due to the intense downpour brought by the typhoon. The specific causes of death have not been disclosed, but various disasters, including landslides, have been reported locally.Saudel has made landfall in China three times over the past week, following an unusual path, and has been dumping rain on Jiangxi Province for about seven days.This typhoon is noted to be the strongest to hit Jiangxi Province this year, with approximately 161,500 people displaced so far.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-06 21:12:00
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Israel Launches Major Airstrikes in Southern Lebanon, 4 Dead, 20 Injured 이스라엘군이 레바논 남부를 대규모 공습해 24명의 사상자가 발생했다. 6일 연합뉴스에 따르면 이날 공습으로 남부 나바티에 알포카와 아랍 살림 지역에서 여성 2명을 포함해 4명이 사망했다. 나바티에 시내 등에서도 어린이 3명과 여성을 포함해 최소 20명이 부상을 입었다. 공공시설과 의료시설 피해도 발생했다. 나바티에 시내에서는 역사적 건물인 재무·농업 당국 사무실이 파손됐고 나바티에 알포카에 있는 간두르 병원은 공습으로 파괴됐다. 이스라엘군은 이번 공격이 자국 군인을 겨냥한 헤즈볼라의 무인기 공격에 대응한 것이라고 설명했다. 특히 파괴된 간두르 병원에 대해 헤즈볼라의 공격 작전을 주도하는 요원들의 지휘소로 활용돼 왔다며 군사적 위협을 제거하기 위한 정밀 타격이었다고 주장했다. 휴전이 불안정한 상황에서 공습 규모가 커지자 레바논 정부도 강하게 반발했다. 조셉 아운 레바논 대통령은 긴급 성명을 통해 휴전 합의에도 불구하고 국가기관과 의료시설까지 피해를 입는 위험한 긴장 고조가 발생하고 있다며 미국을 비롯한 국제사회에 이스라엘의 휴전 위반을 막기 위한 즉각적인 대응을 촉구했다. 아바스 파흐레딘 나바티에 시장은 “레바논 정부가 나서 최소한 국가기관을 방어해야 한다”고 요구했다. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-06 20:56:00
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Himalayan Floods Claim 43 Lives in Tibet, 519 Missing 네팔과 중국 국경의 히말라야 산악지대에서 발생한 대규모 홍수와 토석류로 중국 티베트(시짱) 지역의 인명 피해가 커지고 있다. According to Yonhap News Agency, as of 6 p.m. local time on September 6, authorities in Tibet's Jilong County reported 43 confirmed deaths and 519 individuals missing. Chinese officials previously announced that among the missing are foreigners from 23 countries, including Nepal, India, Latvia, the United States, and the United Kingdom. However, specific identities or nationalities of the foreign missing persons have not yet been disclosed. The disaster was triggered by a glacier collapse in Nepal's Langtang region on August 26, which led to massive landslides and debris flows. The debris flow struck Jilong County, located at an elevation of approximately 1,800 meters, exacerbating the situation on the Chinese side. On September 2, Chinese authorities began restoring the road connecting Jilong County to the Jilong Customs, deploying heavy machinery to clear obstacles and facilitate rescue operations.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-06 20:08:00