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  • Jung Jeom-sik Questions Ministerial Nominee Yong Hye-ins Alleged Underworld Ties
    Jung Jeom-sik Questions Ministerial Nominee Yong Hye-in's Alleged Underworld Ties Jung Jeom-sik, the floor leader of the People Power Party, criticized on September 6 the allegations surrounding Yong Hye-in, the nominee for Minister of Gender Equality and Family, regarding her supposed connections to an "underworld" organization. He stated that the upcoming confirmation hearing would not be about Yong Hye-in but rather a "hearing on the Kim Gil-o underworld organization." He urged Yong to resign from both her ministerial nomination and her position as a lawmaker.In a post on his Facebook page, Jung remarked, "Yong is merely a political product presented by the underworld organization. There are growing suspicions that an underworld organization centered around Kim is operating behind the scenes."He further questioned whether President Yoon Suk-yeol's past decision to grant Yong a second opportunity as a proportional representative and now a chance to serve as Minister of Gender Equality and Family was aimed at supporting the underworld organization.Jung also referenced allegations that Kim Hyun-ji, the chief of the presidential office's first secretariat and a close aide to the president, was involved in the appointments. He stated, "Kim, who is believed to have orchestrated all these appointments, remains shrouded in secrecy, creating a true triangle of mystery involving Yong Hye-in, Kim Gil-o, and Kim Hyun-ji."He concluded that the confirmation hearing, which he believes will focus on the underworld organization, should not take place. Instead, he suggested that nominating Kim, the actual head of the underworld, for the ministerial position would be a more transparent choice. He reiterated that Yong should resign from both her ministerial nomination and her parliamentary role.Jung emphasized, "The public did not vote for the Democratic Party to provide government subsidies to a cult-like underworld organization."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-06 13:44:00
  • The Forest Has Swallowed the Path: Memories of Life on Mount Hwaak
    The Forest Has Swallowed the Path: Memories of Life on Mount Hwaak "People used to walk here all the time," said 64-year-old Kil Bong-soon, pointing beyond the thicket on September 5 in the northern foothills of Mount Hwaak in Hwacheon County, Gangwon Province. Before her, there was no visible path; brush and weeds had overtaken the area, and old trees loomed overhead. Without Kil's guidance, it would be hard to recognize that this was once a well-trodden route.However, Kil's memories are not the only remnants of the past. According to the National Archives, the forest management project began in the mid-1960s in Gangwon Province, with a focus on relocating and settling forest dwellers in the 1970s.Records related to the Samil Branch School indicate that it was established in 1954 but closed in 1995 due to declining student numbers, which were attributed to the "eviction of forest dwellers in the 1970s." This intersection of local memories and historical records highlights the impact of these changes.As Kil led the way along the old logging road, she recalled, "It used to be a footpath where people gathered wild greens and herbs." The path I walked on was the same location she remembered, but it looked different now. Where people once walked, grass had grown, and trees had taken root in their absence.Deeper into the woods, birch trees appeared, their orderly planting evident, yet they were now intertwined with underbrush and weeds. Kil noted, "The birch trees line both sides of the road, providing good shade and keeping it cool even in summer."As the sound of vehicles faded, the sound of water flowing could be heard from beyond the thicket. Water cascaded down the sloped rocks. "The water flows over the rocks, looking like a dragon moving," Kil remarked.The flow was not substantial, and the dense foliage made it difficult to see the entire waterway. Kil recalled that there were more such streams deeper within Mount Hwaak, but precise locations and details would require further investigation.What captivated me during the interview was not just the waterway itself but the stories Kil shared each time she paused. In her memories, Mount Hwaak was once frequented by many more people.She recounted how residents would traverse the mountain to gather wild greens and herbs, and that logging activities also took place. Some locals even cultivated crops like potatoes.The backdrop to these memories is the forest management project initiated by the government in the 1960s and intensified in the 1970s. Records from the National Archives confirm that efforts were made to settle and relocate forest dwellers during this period.Local records regarding the Samil Branch School also indicate that the eviction of forest dwellers was a significant factor in the decline of student numbers, suggesting that the forest management project affected the lives of Samil residents. However, this investigation did not uncover specific administrative records detailing where forest dwellers lived in the northern foothills of Mount Hwaak or how and when they relocated.Listening to Kil's explanations, I looked around again. There were no houses or fields in sight, just trees. Without someone to tell me, it would be hard to guess that people once used this mountain as a living space.As we continued walking, Kil pointed out the directions where people used to travel. Yet, following her finger, I found mostly forest. As the paths disappeared, so too did the memories.The northern foothills of Mount Hwaak do not only hold the promise of new scenic views. They also preserve the history of where footpaths once existed, the routes people took, and what they cultivated and foraged from the mountain.Old place names, mountain paths, and the practices of gathering wild greens and herbs do not remain in visible forms like buildings. If we investigate the oral histories of residents who remember that time, along with administrative documents and old maps, we could reconstruct the living history of the northern foothills of Mount Hwaak more concretely.After concluding the interview, I headed back toward the Hwaak Tunnel. Looking back, the mountain I had just walked seemed like an ordinary forest again. But for Kil, it was not just a forest. There were paths once walked, fields once tended, and the lives of people who moved through the mountain in search of sustenance.Most of those traces are now hidden beneath trees and grass. Kil gazed at the mountain and said, "People used to walk here all the time." The path has nearly vanished, but those who remember it still remain.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-06 13:40:00
  • U.S. and Iran Engage in Retaliatory Attacks on Oil Tankers and Vessels
    U.S. and Iran Engage in Retaliatory Attacks on Oil Tankers and Vessels The United States and Iran escalated their retaliatory attacks on September 5, targeting each other's oil tankers and vessels near the Strait of Hormuz and in adjacent waters. Analysts suggest that the U.S. is specifically aiming at Iran's oil export network, intensifying economic pressure on the country. According to Reuters, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran announced it attacked three oil tankers passing through an 'unauthorized route' in the Strait of Hormuz, along with three U.S.-related vessels in other waters. This response followed an earlier incident where Iran launched ballistic missiles at two U.S. Navy ships, prompting the U.S. to strike three Iranian oil tankers. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that American forces successfully evaded the Iranian attacks and rendered Iranian oil tankers near Harg Island and other vessels inoperable. In a statement, CENTCOM Commander Brad Cooper warned, "If you attack our two ships, you will face a much greater economic cost. We will eliminate your three vessels." In response, the IRGC cautioned against suspicious movements through unauthorized waterways, threatening to attack vessels. Tensions are particularly high as U.S. attacks occur near Harg Island, a critical hub for Iran's oil exports. Further assaults on Harg Island could impose additional pressure on Iran's already struggling oil industry and economy, which has been hit hard by U.S. sanctions. Iranian authorities have warned of a strong response if Harg Island is attacked. As the blockade surrounding the Strait of Hormuz drags on, analysts predict that Iran's economic burdens will increase. The Wall Street Journal reported on September 4 that both Iran and the U.S. are attempting to outlast each other in the blockade, but recent trends appear to be unfavorable for Iran. Since July, Iran has been unable to export oil from the Persian Gulf due to U.S. sanctions, while the U.S. has been supporting Gulf Arab nations in transporting significant amounts of oil through the Strait of Hormuz despite Iranian attacks. According to maritime data firm TankerTrackers.com, approximately 5 million barrels of oil have exited the Persian Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz daily over the past 28 days, with almost no Iranian oil included. About 2.5 million barrels are also being exported daily through oil ports in Oman, such as Fujairah in the UAE. Samir Madani, co-founder of TankerTrackers.com, noted to the WSJ, "Iran's blockade has more holes than the U.S. blockade." While oil transport through the Strait of Hormuz has not been completely halted, the U.S. blockade has specifically targeted Iranian oil exports, causing a relatively greater impact on Iran's economy. The WSJ also pointed out that while the U.S. faces political and economic burdens due to the conflict, "time is not solely on Iran's side." As economic pressures on Iran mount, there are concerns that the country may either seek negotiations or escalate military actions to enhance its bargaining power. Vali Nasr, a professor of Middle Eastern studies at Johns Hopkins University, told the WSJ, "One option is to capitulate, and the other is to escalate significantly to fight their way out of a corner. The latter may be the more likely choice." He explained that increasing military pressure could lead Iran to return to the negotiating table while minimizing concessions. 2026-09-06 12:20:00
  • Bond-Mixed ETFs Surge Amid Stock Market Volatility, Assets Jump 59% This Year
    Bond-Mixed ETFs Surge Amid Stock Market Volatility, Assets Jump 59% This Year As stock market volatility increases, funds are flowing into bond-mixed exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that combine stocks and bonds. The total assets of related ETFs have surged nearly 60% this year, surpassing 24 trillion won.According to financial information provider FnGuide, as of September 3, the total net assets of domestic bond-mixed ETFs were recorded at 24.3725 trillion won. This figure excludes target date fund (TDF) ETFs and includes both domestic and foreign bonds. Compared to 15.3208 trillion won at the end of January, this represents a 59.1% increase.The growth of domestic bond-mixed ETFs, excluding foreign bonds, has been even more pronounced. During the same period, total net assets rose from 9.4766 trillion won to 15.6017 trillion won, marking a 64.6% increase.Bond-mixed ETFs operate by combining stocks and bonds within a single product. They aim to provide stability through bonds while seeking additional returns from rising stock markets.Notably, bond-mixed ETFs with less than 50% stock allocation are classified as safe assets under retirement pension regulations, allowing for up to 100% inclusion in accounts. This has led to increased utilization by investors looking to raise their effective stock investment ratio within retirement accounts.In fact, the total net assets of domestic and foreign bond-mixed ETFs swelled to 25.6227 trillion won during a period of strong stock market performance in June. Although this figure has since decreased to the 24 trillion won range due to increased market volatility, it still represents approximately 1.6 times the amount compared to the beginning of the year.With retirement pension reserves exceeding 500 trillion won, the demand for stock investments through pension accounts continues to grow, contributing to market expansion. Investors are drawn to the potential for stock price increases while benefiting from relatively lower volatility compared to pure stock ETFs.Asset management firms are also accelerating the launch of related products. From January to August this year, a total of 18 new bond-mixed ETFs were listed, including 12 domestic bond ETFs and 6 foreign bond ETFs.Notably, products combining semiconductors and bonds have stood out. Among the 18 newly listed bond-mixed ETFs this year, 11 include domestic and foreign semiconductor stocks such as Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix. All four products launched last month also incorporated semiconductor stocks in their equity components.Han Soo-jin, a senior researcher at Samsung Securities, stated, "The demand for retirement pensions seeking to maintain stock investment ratios while reducing volatility is driving the growth of bond-mixed ETFs. The products are expanding from combining existing representative indices with bonds to incorporating individual stocks or themes along with bonds."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-06 12:16:00
  • Financial Supervisory Service to Focus on Incomplete Sales of Insurance and Funds
    Financial Supervisory Service to Focus on Incomplete Sales of Insurance and Funds 금융감독원이 목표전환형 펀드와 보험상품 불완전판매를 집중 점검한다. 은행의 대출 취급 중단·조건 변경에 대한 사전 안내도 강화하기로 했다. 이찬진 금융감독원장은 4일 제4차 소비자위험대응협의회를 열고 업권별 소비자 위험요인과 대응 방안을 논의했다.금감원은 최근 국내 증시에 대한 관심이 높아지면서 목표전환형 펀드 판매가 크게 늘어난 만큼 불완전판매 가능성을 점검하기로 했다. 특히 펀드판매사가 실적을 위해 수수료 구조에 대한 충분한 설명 없이 환매와 신규 상품 재가입을 유도할 가능성을 우려했다. 보험상품 브리핑·박람회 영업 과정의 불건전 영업행위도 점검한다. 금감원은 보험설계사가 종신보험을 저축 목적으로 설명하거나 중요사항을 제대로 알리지 않는 등 설명의무를 지키지 않는 사례가 발생하고 있다고 지적했다. 손해사정 제도도 정비한다. 독립손해사정 활성화 등 제도 개선 이후에도 세부 운영기준이 마련되지 않았거나 손해사정서 내용을 확인하기 어려워 발생하는 민원이 증가하고 있다는 판단에서다. 손해사정 관련 민원은 2024년 122건에서 2025년 441건, 올해 상반기 271건으로 증가했다.금감원은 손해사정제도 정비 태스크포스(TF)를 운영해 독립손해사정 관련 세부 운영방안을 마련하고 손해사정서 작성 실태도 점검하기로 했다.은행의 예금·대출 등 금융상품 취급 중단이나 조건 변경에 대한 사전 안내도 강화한다. 금감원은 예금·대출·투자상품의 취급 중단이나 주요 조건 변경 때 소비자에게 안내하는 방안을 마련하도록 했다.이 원장은 "대내외 불확실성이 지속되는 만큼 업권별 주요 위험요인을 예의주시하고 소비자 피해가 우려되는 경우 즉각적이고 단호하게 대응해야 한다"고 말했다. 이어 "금융회사들이 소비자의 투자성향과 거래 목적에 맞는 상품을 권유하고 수수료와 숨은 비용 등을 충분히 설명해야 한다"며 "추석 연휴를 앞두고 보이스피싱 등 민생범죄와 금융사고 예방에도 만전을 기해달라"고 주문했다. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-06 12:00:20
  • Financial Supervisory Service Transitions Licensing and Insurance Registration Online
    Financial Supervisory Service Transitions Licensing and Insurance Registration Online 금융감독원이 금융회사 인허가와 등록 절차를 온라인으로 처리할 수 있도록 시스템을 개편한다. 금감원은 오는 7일부터 ‘온라인 인허가등록 사전협의’ 시스템을 운영한다고 6일 밝혔다.이 시스템은 주요 인허가·등록 8종의 사전협의를 온라인으로 처리하는 것이다. 대상은 △금융투자업 본인가 △금융투자업 전부폐지 승인 △금융산업의 구조개선에 관한 법률상 출자승인(금융투자) △업무집행사원 △신기술금융업 △할부금융업 △시설대여업 △전자금융업 등록 등이다.기존에는 사전협의가 끝난 뒤 인허가·등록 심사를 위한 서류를 다시 서면으로 제출해야 했다. 이번 개편으로 사전협의 때 제출한 자료를 본심사에도 활용할 수 있게 됐다.신청 단계에서 제출서류를 항목별로 관리해 누락 여부를 확인할 수 있으며 보완이 필요한 서류만 온라인으로 다시 제출할 수 있다. 심사 체크리스트를 바탕으로 신청인이 오류를 미리 확인하는 자가점검 기능도 도입된다.사전협의가 완료되면 기존에 작성한 내용과 첨부서류를 반영해 인허가·등록 신청서가 자동으로 작성된다. 신청 접수와 보완 요청, 처리 결과 등 주요 진행상황은 카카오 알림톡으로 안내하고 홈페이지에서도 직접 확인할 수 있다.보험전문인과 보험중개사 등록 절차도 온라인으로 전환된다. 금감원은 보험계리사(업)·손해사정사(업)·보험중개사 등록 등 3종을 온라인으로 신청할 수 있는 ‘보험전문인(업)/보험중개사 등록’ 시스템도 같은 날부터 운영한다.보험전문인 등록 및 변경 신청 과정에서 서류 제출과 진행상황 확인 등을 모두 온라인으로 처리할 수 있게 된다. 2023~2025년 연평균 약 1900건에 달했던 보험전문인 등록 관련 신청도 종이 서류 없이 처리할 수 있게 되는 셈이다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-06 12:00:20
  • Dementia to affect more than 1 in 10 elderly Koreans by 2040
    Dementia to affect more than 1 in 10 elderly Koreans by 2040 SEOUL, September 06 (AJP) - More than one in 10 South Koreans aged 65 or older are projected to have dementia by 2040 as the country’s population ages rapidly, government estimates showed Sunday. The dementia prevalence rate among people aged 65 and older is expected to reach 10.34 percent in 2040, according to projections by the Ministry of Health and Welfare based on national population forecasts and a nationwide epidemiological survey on dementia. The rate fell slightly from 9.17 percent in 2020 to 9.09 percent last year, but is expected to rise again over the coming years. By 2050, the prevalence rate is projected to climb to 11.81 percent, with about 2.23 million dementia patients among an elderly population of 18.91 million. Medical spending on dementia has also been rising. According to the Health Insurance Research Institute under the National Health Insurance Service, medical expenses for dementia patients aged 40 and older surpassed 1 trillion won ($741 million) for the first time in 2012 and rose above 2 trillion won in 2016 and 3 trillion won in 2020. The figure reached 3.34 trillion won in 2023, up 141.4 percent from a decade earlier. The increase was particularly pronounced among elderly women. In 2023, men aged 80 and older accounted for 52 percent of total dementia-related medical spending among male patients. For women, those aged 80 and older accounted for 82 percent of the total. Women in their 80s alone accounted for 1.3 trillion won in medical expenses, while those aged 90 and older accounted for 683.9 billion won. Dementia-related medical costs are expected to continue rising as South Korea’s population ages. Depending on the projection model, total medical expenses are forecast to reach between about 3.7 trillion won and 4.4 trillion won by 2030. “The number of people with dementia is expected to continue increasing and reach 1.3 to 1.5 times the 2023 level by 2030,” the researchers said. People aged 80 and older are expected to account for more than half of all dementia patients, while women are projected to make up about 65 percent of the total, they added. AJP Takeaways - More than 1 in 10 South Koreans aged 65 or older are projected to have dementia by 2040. - Dementia-related medical spending reached 3.34 trillion won in 2023, up 141.4 percent from a decade earlier. - People aged 80 and older and women are expected to account for most dementia cases as South Korea ages. 2026-09-06 11:25:11
  • Supreme Court Justice Lee Heung-gu to Retire, Raising Concerns Over Vacancies
    Supreme Court Justice Lee Heung-gu to Retire, Raising Concerns Over Vacancies Supreme Court Justice Lee Heung-gu will retire on the 7th, increasing the number of vacant Supreme Court seats to two. The nomination process for Lee's successor has begun in the National Assembly, but the vacancy left by former Justice Noh Tae-ak has been mired in a re-nomination conflict between the Blue House and the judiciary for over six months. If this conflict is not resolved soon, it could disrupt the operations of both the Supreme Court's divisions and the full court.According to legal sources on the 6th, Justice Lee will complete his six-year term and retire on the 7th. He was appointed in September 2020 during the Moon Jae-in administration upon the recommendation of former Chief Justice Kim Myung-soo. A native of Tongyeong, Gyeongnam, Lee graduated from Seoul National University’s Department of Public Law and began his judicial career in 1993 at the Southern District Court in Seoul, later serving in various regional courts including Busan, Changwon, and Daegu.The nominee to succeed Justice Lee, Kim Sung-soo, is currently undergoing the National Assembly's confirmation process. President Yoon Suk-yeol submitted Kim's appointment proposal to the Assembly. The National Assembly's Special Committee on Personnel Hearings will hold a confirmation hearing on the 14th and discuss the adoption of the report on the 16th.Following this, a vote in the National Assembly and the presidential appointment process will remain. Even with expedited procedures, it appears unavoidable that there will be a simultaneous vacancy of two justices for at least ten days.The Supreme Court's division operations are also facing challenges. Justice Lee is part of the Supreme Court's third division, which has been without a full complement since Justice Noh Kyung-pil was appointed as the head of the Court Administration Office on July 14. With Justice Lee's retirement, the number of justices available to participate in the third division's hearings will be reduced to two, half of the four-member requirement.The Supreme Court's divisions are composed of four justices, and a majority of three must agree to issue a ruling. Given the current composition, normal hearings in the third division are likely to be difficult, prompting the Supreme Court to consider adjusting its internal assignments to reorganize the divisions.A more significant issue is the appointment of a successor to former Justice Noh, who retired on March 3. The Supreme Court's Nomination Committee recommended four candidates in January: Judges Kim Min-ki and Park Soon-young from the Seoul High Court, Judge Yoon Sung-sik from the Seoul High Court, and Judge Son Bong-ki from the Daegu District Court.Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae delayed the re-nomination for nearly seven months after the recommendations, finally nominating Judge Son as Noh's successor on the 18th of last month. For Justice Lee's successor, he nominated Kim. Unlike the usual practice of meeting the president in person to present nominees, Cho submitted both nominations in writing.The Blue House submitted the appointment proposal for only Kim to the National Assembly. Regarding Judge Son, it requested a re-nomination from Chief Justice Cho on the 28th of last month, citing a "lack of procedural completeness" in the nomination. This is the first instance under the current constitutional system where a Supreme Court nominee was submitted in writing, and the Blue House demanded a re-nomination.Chief Justice Cho was expected to announce an official stance on the Blue House's re-nomination request but postponed the announcement after experiencing a family bereavement on the 30th of last month. The Supreme Court is anticipated to release its position following internal discussions, possibly as early as this week.The key issue is whether Chief Justice Cho will re-nominate a different candidate from the existing recommendations or reconstitute the nomination committee. The Court Organization Act stipulates that the Chief Justice must form a nomination committee each time a Supreme Court nominee is proposed. Legal circles interpret that since the nomination of Judge Son was not accepted, the committee should be reconstituted to follow the proper procedures.Conversely, there are indications from the Blue House and ruling party that one of the other three candidates recommended by the nomination committee in January should be re-nominated. If Chief Justice Cho opts to reconstitute the committee, the nomination process and negotiations with the Blue House would have to start anew, potentially prolonging the vacancy and escalating tensions between the Blue House and the judiciary.Historically, there have been several instances of Supreme Court vacancies. In July 2012, delays in the National Assembly's approval of successors for Justices Park Il-hwan, Kim Neung-hwan, Jeon Soo-an, and Ahn Dae-hee resulted in four simultaneous vacancies for about 23 days. At that time, the Supreme Court activated an emergency duty system allowing Justice Yang Chang-soo to participate in hearings for other divisions.The vacancy left by the resignation of nominee Kim Byeong-hwa for Justice Ahn's successor remained unfilled for about four months after going through reconstitution and re-nomination. There were also vacancies of about three months before the appointments of Justice Park Sang-ok in 2015 and about two months before Justice Kim Sang-hwan's appointment. Additionally, there was a vacancy of about two months before the appointments of Justices Eom Sang-pil and Shin Suk-hee in 2024.However, past vacancies primarily occurred due to delays in the National Assembly's approval or confirmation processes. It is rare to find a case like this, where a conflict between the president and the Chief Justice has led to a Supreme Court vacancy lasting over six months from the nomination stage.If the vacancy continues for an extended period, it could strain not only the divisions but also the operations of the full court. The full court can conduct hearings even with Supreme Court vacancies as long as the quorum is met, but there are concerns about the implications of reaching decisions on significant cases without a full complement of justices.The full court is currently deliberating on cases related to the "three major allegations" against Kim Geon-hee and the charges against former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo and former Minister of the Interior and Safety Lee Sang-min for their roles in a coup. If the Blue House and the Supreme Court fail to resolve their nomination conflict, there are fears that the hearings and rulings on major appeals could be delayed.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-06 11:20:10
  • Short Chuseok Holiday Boosts Popularity of Budget Travel to Japan
    Short Chuseok Holiday Boosts Popularity of Budget Travel to Japan This year's Chuseok holiday (September 24-27) is relatively shorter than last year's, prompting a shift in travel trends. Instead of family trips, there is a growing preference for solo or small group 'nearby overseas travel.' Japan, known for its accessibility and affordability, has emerged as a top choice.According to an analysis of travel data from HotelsCombined and the travel search engine Kayak, the share of overseas hotel searches by Korean travelers during this Chuseok holiday has surged to 60%, up significantly from 37% last year.More travelers are also planning solo trips. The proportion of solo travelers among overseas hotel searches has increased by over 6 percentage points compared to the previous year. The relatively short four-day holiday has likely contributed to the rise in demand for 'nearby solo travel.'Japan stands out as the most popular destination, accounting for 46% of all flight searches, making it the clear leader. The ongoing depreciation of the yen has significantly influenced this trend. Major Japanese cities such as Osaka, Fukuoka, and Tokyo dominate the top three spots for flight searches.The appeal of Japan is largely attributed to favorable exchange rates. On September 1, the exchange rate in the Seoul foreign exchange market closed at 856.77 won per 100 yen. The buying rate announced by Seoul Foreign Exchange Brokerage on September 4 was also stable at 864.62 won per 100 yen.This trend of favoring Japan is not limited to the upcoming holiday. According to the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), 5.675 million Koreans visited Japan in the first half of this year, an 18.6% increase compared to the same period last year, making them the largest group of foreign visitors. Last year, the total number of Korean visitors reached 9.459 million, maintaining Japan's top position.There is also notable growth in interest in destinations in the Greater China region. China ranks third in flight searches, following Japan and Vietnam. The share of searches has increased by about 2 percentage points year-on-year, with nearby cities like Shanghai and Qingdao gaining steady popularity. Taiwan, which ranked seventh in search volume last year, has jumped to fourth place, surpassing Thailand and the Philippines.The tourism industry is quickly adapting to this demand. HotelsCombined has partnered with T'way Air to launch a special promotion for flights to Japan called 'Airfare and Combine.' Until September 9, customers who purchase tickets for T'way Air routes to Japan for over 300,000 won will receive a 30,000 won discount coupon. Additionally, a maximum discount of 10% is available. The travel period extends until March 27, 2027. Other offers include discounts of up to 25% on local hotels in Japan and up to 82% on rental cars, providing comprehensive benefits for travelers.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-06 11:20:00
  • LG Uplus Launches PMDC Alliance to Shorten AI Data Center Construction Time
    LG Uplus Launches PMDC Alliance to Shorten AI Data Center Construction Time LG Uplus is partnering with GS Construction, Xi C&A, and others to secure a standard model for prefabricated modular data centers (PMDC).On September 4, LG Uplus announced that it signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with GS Construction, Xi C&A, Gansam Architects, and D&O CM at the Pyeongchon Mega Center in Anyang, Gyeonggi Province, to establish the PMDC Alliance.The signing ceremony was attended by Hong Beom-sik, CEO of LG Uplus, along with representatives from the partner companies, including Heo Yoon-hong of GS Construction, Kim Wook-soo of Xi C&A, Park Moo-chan of Gansam Architects, and Lee Young-ho of D&O CM, who discussed the direction for building and operating the PMDC standard model.With the recent surge in demand for data centers driven by the expansion of AI, PMDC is gaining attention as a next-generation data center construction model. PMDC standardizes building structures and power and cooling systems, allowing for factory prefabrication and on-site assembly, which can significantly reduce construction time and enhance quality consistency compared to traditional on-site construction methods.Since April, LG Uplus and the PMDC Alliance members have been collaboratively developing a standard model for PMDC to apply it to the AIDC business, leveraging their expertise in design, construction, operation, and project management.Through this MOU, the participants formalized their collaboration framework and committed to creating a PMDC model that is competitive not only domestically but also on a global scale.LG Uplus will define operational standards and technical requirements for PMDC based on its experience in building and operating data centers nationwide and the AIDC in Paju.GS Construction, a specialized construction company, will provide feasibility assessments and process optimization for the new PMDC model based on its extensive experience in large-scale data center construction.Xi C&A will focus on developing retrofit models applicable to existing buildings and optimizing power and cooling systems, drawing on its expertise in mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) areas.Gansam Architects will build the PMDC standard design model based on its specialization in data center design, while D&O CM will contribute project management and construction management capabilities.Hong Beom-sik, CEO of LG Uplus, stated, "This PMDC Alliance brings together specialized companies in AIDC design, construction, and operation to focus on practical business applications. We aim to create a PMDC model with global competitiveness and continuously enhance our capabilities in next-generation AIDC construction."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-06 11:16:00