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Korea on track to achieve $1 trillion export milestone: customs chief SEOUL, September 05 (AJP) -South Korea is on track to achieve a $1 trillion annual export milestone, with the customs chief flagging that the country has already topped last year's full-year record with 117 days to spare. Cumulative exports reached $709.4 billion as of 1 p.m. Saturday, surpassing the previous annual record of $709.3 billion set in 2025, Korea Customs Service Commissioner Lee Jong-wook said in a post on his social media page. The country took just 248 days to exceed last year's full-year total. President Lee Jae Myung shared the posting to celebrate the feat. "Despite an uncertain trade environment marked by stronger protectionism, the restructuring of global supply chains and the situation in the Middle East, our exports are continuing their remarkable growth," the commissioner said. If the current pace is maintained, annual exports could reach $1 trillion around early December, he added. Crossing the threshold would put South Korea among a small group of major exporting economies. According to Lee, only the United States, China and Germany have previously recorded annual exports of more than $1 trillion. The latest milestone underscores the strength of Korea's export rebound, led by semiconductors but increasingly supported by a wider range of products. Semiconductor exports surged 169.6 percent from a year earlier in the January-August period, according to figures cited by Lee. Exports of computer peripherals jumped 262.2 percent over the same period, while petroleum products rose 40.7 percent and wireless communication devices gained 28.1 percent. Ship exports increased 12.4 percent. Lee said the simultaneous growth across several major export categories was significant as Korea navigates a more difficult global trading environment. The sharp expansion in semiconductor shipments has remained the biggest driver of Korea's export performance, benefiting from strong global demand for advanced memory and computing infrastructure. Other industries have also contributed as Korean manufacturers expand shipments despite trade barriers, geopolitical uncertainty and shifting global supply chains. Lee credited the performance to the efforts of Korean companies and workers and said the government would continue pushing toward the longer-term goals of $1 trillion in exports and per-capita national income of $50,000. AJP Takeaways - South Korea’s cumulative exports reached $709.4 billion by early Sept. 5, already topping the record $709.3 billion shipped in all of 2025 with 117 days left in the year. - Customs chief Lee Jong-wook said the current pace could lift annual exports above $1 trillion in early December, a threshold previously reached only by the United States, China and Germany. - Semiconductors are driving the boom, with January-August shipments up 169.6 percent, while computers, petroleum products, wireless devices and ships also posted strong gains. 2026-09-05 16:52:03 -
Gwangju City Council Chairwoman Hwang Seon-hee Opposes Housing Supply at Horse Racing Park Without Citizen Consent Hwang Seon-hee, chairwoman of the Gwangju City Council, declared on September 3 that she cannot support the housing supply at the horse racing park without citizen consent.During a press conference held at the Gwangju Citizens' Hall clock tower, Hwang expressed her complete refusal to cooperate with the government's unilateral housing supply policy.Hwang strongly opposed the government's push for housing supply around the Gwangju Horse Racing Park, stating that she would not cooperate with policies implemented without citizen consent and community consultation.At the event, Hwang emphasized, "I will fully boycott cooperation with the government's unilateral housing supply policy and firmly oppose the housing supply plan at the Gwangju Horse Racing Park."She further criticized, "Gwangju is already managing a significant housing supply due to large-scale development projects. To impose additional housing supply without the consent of the citizens and the city of Gwangju is a complete disregard for the citizens."Hwang pointed out that the development around the Gwangju Horse Racing Park is not merely about increasing housing numbers but must also consider the overall urban conditions, including transportation, education, environment, and living infrastructure.At the press conference, Gwangju Mayor Shin Gye-yong and 33 citizen representatives opposing the relocation of the horse racing park were present.The citizen representatives expressed their opposition to the relocation of the Gwangju Horse Racing Park and the unilateral development plans based on that relocation.They collectively stated, "The government should prioritize the living environment and local characteristics of Gwangju citizens over merely pursuing housing supply goals."Attendees urged the government to reconsider its policies, warning that proceeding with projects without sufficient citizen input and consultation could exacerbate local conflicts.Hwang, along with Mayor Shin and the 33 citizen representatives, participated in a symbolic gesture to confirm their opposition to the relocation of the horse racing park and their intent to withdraw support for the government's unilateral housing supply policy.Additionally, Hwang made it clear that she would continue to respond to the government's housing supply policies based on the opinions of the citizens.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-05 16:52:00 -
Over 300 Gather in Front of the Blue House to Demand Review of Medical School Recommendations Residents of the southwestern region of Jeollanam-do gathered in front of the Blue House, carrying the hope of establishing a national medical school that has been pursued for 36 years. Twelve individuals, including lawmakers, local government officials, and university professors, shaved their heads to demand a comprehensive review of the government's recommendation process for the new national medical school in Jeollanam-do. On September 5, over 300 people, including officials from the Jeollanam-do and Gwangju metropolitan area, held a rally in front of the Blue House, questioning the fairness and legality of the recommendation process for the new national medical school. Among those who shaved their heads were Representative Kim Won-yi, Mokpo Mayor Kang Seong-hwi, Mokpo City Council Chairperson Lee Hyung-wan, and Park Yong-sik, chair of the special committee for establishing the medical school, along with other local council members and professors from Mokpo National University. As the head-shaving ceremony began, the atmosphere became solemn. Participants emphasized that the establishment of a national medical school is not merely a competition for university placement but a matter of life and health for residents in the southwestern region, who lack emergency and critical medical infrastructure. They called for a strict review based on law and principles. They argued that the results of the recommendation process are difficult for the residents, who have waited 36 years for a national medical school, to accept. They insisted that acceptance of the evaluation results must be predicated on a lawful and fair review. A key issue raised was the adequacy of land acquisition for the candidate university. Participants claimed that a thorough legal review is necessary to determine whether the land acquisition plan submitted by Suncheon National University meets the requirements for establishing a medical school, citing Article 2, Section 6 of the University Establishment and Operation Regulations and Article 13 of the Act on the Management of Public Property and Goods. They questioned whether the plan, based on a free lease agreement of city-owned land instead of state-owned land, was adequately verified during the evaluation process. They stated, "Acceptance of the evaluation results is only possible when a lawful and fair assessment has been conducted," and emphasized that the issues and suspicions raised during the evaluation process must be thoroughly investigated and corrected to ensure the legitimacy of establishing a national medical school in Jeollanam-do. Mokpo National University has also initiated legal action. On September 3, the university filed a lawsuit seeking the cancellation of the selection and recommendation of candidate universities for the new national medical school and requested a suspension of the decision. On September 4, it submitted an objection to the Ministry of Education regarding the recommendation for the national medical school in Jeollanam-do. The head-shaving event highlighted that the backlash against the selection results has escalated from a community response to a collective action involving politicians, universities, and residents. Participants urged the government to reconsider the entire recommendation process to ensure that the national medical school in Jeollanam-do can secure procedural legitimacy and community trust from the outset, rather than focusing on the advantages or disadvantages of specific universities. As the dream of a national medical school, long awaited for 36 years, stands at a crossroads, the act of shaving heads by 12 individuals in front of the Blue House symbolically reflects how seriously the residents of the southwestern region are taking the recommendation results. They are now watching closely how the government will address the legal and procedural issues raised and incorporate them into subsequent actions.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-05 16:48:00
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CATL Projects 50% of Heavy Truck Sales to Be New Energy Vehicles by 2028 China's CATL, the world's largest battery manufacturer, anticipates rapid electrification in the heavy truck market. According to Yonhap News on September 5, Wu Kai, chief scientist at CATL, projected during the World Power Battery Conference that by 2028, new energy vehicles (NEVs) will account for 50% of heavy truck sales.Wu analyzed that, similar to passenger cars, the transition to NEVs in trucks will accelerate once the adoption rate surpasses a certain threshold. He noted that the penetration rate of NEVs in heavy trucks reached 10% in 2024, indicating that the market has entered a significant growth phase.In fact, sales of new energy heavy trucks in China are increasing rapidly. According to the China Commercial Vehicle Network, from January to July this year, sales of new energy heavy trucks, excluding exports, reached 166,500 units, a 74% increase compared to the same period last year. The penetration rate stood at 35.3%, peaking at 47.3% in July, marking a record high.Government support has also played a crucial role in expanding the market. In May, 11 ministries, including the Ministry of Transport, announced policies to promote the adoption of new energy heavy trucks. The goal is to achieve a 40% penetration rate and increase the number of such vehicles to 1.6 million by 2030.CATL maintains its position as the leading supplier in China's commercial vehicle battery market. From January to July this year, the battery capacity for commercial vehicles reached 46.2 GWh, accounting for 43.4% of the total market. Heavy trucks are one of the key areas where CATL is expanding its battery business.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-05 16:36:00
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Mayor Park Kwan-yeol: 'The Sacrifices of Gwangju Citizens Can No Longer Be Justified' Mayor Park Kwan-yeol emphasized on September 4 that "the sacrifices of Gwangju citizens are not a given, and if they are unreasonable, they cannot be justified."On that day, Mayor Park visited the Presidential Regulatory Reform Committee to propose improvements to overlapping regulations affecting Gwangju City.During a meeting in Seoul with Vice Chairman Park Yong-jin of the Regulatory Reform Committee, Mayor Park highlighted key regulations hindering Gwangju's future growth, including the need to improve regulations under the Capital Region Management Act concerning natural conservation areas and to establish special provisions in the Public Housing Special Act.Mayor Park stated, "For the past 50 years, Gwangju has had to watch the dazzling growth of the metropolitan area while its living space was submerged in Lake Paldang. Now, Gwangju citizens deserve fair compensation for their sacrifices and opportunities for future growth."He expressed his determination to eliminate unreasonable regulatory chains to ensure that citizens can enjoy equal rights to happiness and growth.He also asserted that Gwangju has the geographical and locational advantages to become a central hub for metropolitan transportation and a key city for balanced national development.Mayor Park aims to establish a self-sufficient city where housing and jobs grow together through large-scale land development and the creation of advanced industrial complexes, positioning Gwangju as a supporting city for the nation's advanced industries.He envisions linking the development of advanced industries with large residential complexes to create a foundation for a self-sufficient city where jobs and housing grow in tandem.He stressed the need for the central government to rationalize regulations and ensure fair distribution of opportunities for national projects so that Gwangju can fulfill its role as a supporting city for advanced industries.Vice Chairman Park Yong-jin expressed understanding of Gwangju's unique situation and the necessity for regulatory improvements. He stated, "I will actively consider Gwangju's proposals in connection with the government's ongoing comprehensive reform of the regulatory system."Local residents are viewing Mayor Park's efforts positively. One resident remarked, "It is time for the central government to properly address the sacrifices Gwangju has endured for decades due to various regulations," adding, "Protecting the environment and blocking regional development are two different issues." Another resident expressed hope that if regulations are eased, Gwangju can develop into a city that can solve both housing and job issues, noting, "The reality of commuting to other regions due to a lack of jobs while living in Gwangju needs to be improved."Meanwhile, Mayor Park plans to continue discussions with the central government to focus administrative efforts on resolving overlapping regulations and securing a foundation for future growth in Gwangju. 2026-09-05 16:32:00
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Explosions Reported Near Iran's Kharg Island Oil Export Terminal Explosions were reported near Iran's largest oil export terminal, Kharg Island, according to local media. On September 5, Yonhap News reported that multiple explosions occurred at 11:04 a.m. local time in the Persian Gulf near Kharg Island. However, no smoke or flames were observed in the air or at sea. Fars News Agency added that there has been no official confirmation regarding the exact cause or location of the explosions. Earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump posted an AI-generated video on Truth Social showing Kharg Island in flames, claiming it was "being blown to pieces." Iran dismissed this assertion as "ridiculous." * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-05 16:20:00
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Gunpo Mayor Han Dae-hee Emphasizes Importance of Civil Defense Leaders in Community Safety Gunpo Mayor Han Dae-hee emphasized the increasing importance of civil defense leaders in ensuring community safety as various disasters and emergencies become more diverse.During the '2026 Local Civil Defense Leader Training' held on September 3 at the Gunpo Veterans Hall, Mayor Han addressed over 320 local civil defense leaders.He is actively working to enhance the disaster response capabilities of these leaders, who operate closest to citizens, and to strengthen safety policies that prioritize citizen safety.This training was designed to improve the initial response capabilities and on-site command skills of leaders who must direct and manage local civil defense teams during emergencies.The program included theoretical education on relevant laws such as the Civil Defense Basic Act and the role of civil defense leaders, along with practical training on the use of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), CPR, and first aid.Particularly, this training focused on enabling local leaders, who are well-acquainted with community circumstances and communicate closely with residents, to serve as effective safety leaders amid unpredictable disaster types and occurrences due to recent climate changes and social disasters.Mayor Han noted the importance of not only responding to disasters after they occur but also establishing a safety network that can proactively identify risks and respond swiftly to crises within the community. He plans to continue enhancing the effectiveness of civil defense training and to strengthen on-site response education.He expressed hope that through this training, local civil defense leaders would be able to quickly evacuate residents and take necessary initial actions during emergencies, fulfilling their role as 'frontline leaders of community safety.'Residents have also voiced the need for a disaster response system that operates effectively in their daily lives. One citizen remarked, 'In the event of a disaster, the first people who can help are often those nearby. If our local leaders learn CPR and how to use AEDs, residents will feel much safer in emergencies.'Another citizen added, 'Disasters can happen anytime and anywhere, so regular training and education are crucial. I hope policies continue to develop safety personnel who can work alongside residents in our neighborhoods, not just rely on administrative responses.'Mayor Han urged, 'I ask that we continue to work together with local residents to create a safe Gunpo that protects the precious lives and property of our citizens.'He further stated, 'Gunpo City will continue to strengthen its on-site disaster response system and build a robust local safety network to ensure that citizens can live without worry.'* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-05 15:52:00
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President Lee Jae-myung Announces Record Export Growth President Lee Jae-myung shared on social media that South Korea's cumulative exports this year have surpassed last year's record annual export figures, according to a report from the Customs Service.On September 5, President Lee posted on X (formerly Twitter) with the title, 'Report from Customs Service Commissioner Lee Jong-wook.'Commissioner Lee stated in his report, "This year's cumulative exports have reached $709.4 billion, exceeding last year's total annual exports of $709.3 billion. This milestone was achieved 117 days earlier than last year, in just 248 days."He added, "Despite uncertainties in the trade environment, including rising protectionism, global supply chain restructuring, and the situation in the Middle East, our exports continue to show remarkable growth. If the current strong trend continues, we expect to achieve $1 trillion in annual exports by early December."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-05 15:12:00
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Seoul fireworks festival gets bigger, global as millions crowd Han River SEOUL, September 05 (AJP) - Seoul's biggest annual fireworks festival is getting bigger and more international this year, expanding to two days for the first time and bringing U.S. and British teams alongside host Hanwha for a three-country show expected to draw around 1 million people to the banks of the Han River. Hours before the first fireworks were due to illuminate the river Saturday night, the spectacle was already visible on the ground. Picnic mats covered coveted stretches of Yeouido and Ichon Hangang parks, with spectators arriving as early as Friday to stake out unobstructed views. Some areas were so densely claimed that little open grass remained by Saturday morning. The scramble spilled online, where posts offered prime viewing spots, for prices ranging from less than 100,000 won ($72) to around 300,000 won. Some residents of Han River-view apartments advertised access to their homes for people wanting to watch the show indoors, while others offered parking spaces near the festival grounds. Restaurants and cafes overlooking the river were also cashing in on the annual surge in demand. One restaurant reportedly offered a pair of VIP seats for 6 million won, including unlimited barbecue and other services. The rush prompted Seoul authorities to warn that unattended mats laid down before noon Saturday would be removed. Mats left without anyone present were subject to collection as the city sought to prevent individuals from monopolizing public space. The unusually intense competition for space comes as the Seoul International Fireworks Festival marks its 22nd edition with a larger format. For the first time, the festival opened with a separate eve program Friday, extending what had traditionally centered on a single day into a two-day event. Seoul has deployed about 6,800 safety personnel across the festival period and increased safety fencing and related equipment by 20 percent from last year. The main fireworks show begins at 8 p.m. Saturday in Yeouido, with teams from South Korea, the United States and Britain taking turns above the Han River. Seoul estimates the wider festival will attract about 1 million spectators, including 400,000 to 500,000 in Yeouido and Ichon Hangang parks alone. The festival, held under the theme "Your Infinite Colors," was moved roughly three weeks earlier than usual this year in consideration of the Chuseok holiday calendar and growing foreign tourist demand. Britain will open the international competition with fireworks set to music including "Soda Pop" from Netflix's animated hit KPop Demon Hunters. The U.S. team follows with a display built around music including "O Fortuna" from Carmina Burana, while Hanwha will close the show with a performance inspired by Vincent van Gogh's The Starry Night. The Korean finale will also feature a sequence synchronized to singer Lee So-ra's "The Wind Is Blowing." One of this year's main visual features will be an expanded use of Wonhyo Bridge. "Tower fireworks" and additional bridge patterns will be incorporated into the show, while fireworks launched symmetrically over the river on either side of the bridge will form the festival's signature decalcomania-style display, designed to give spectators farther away a wider view. The official program runs from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m., with the fireworks scheduled from 8 p.m. The main Yeouido and Ichon viewing areas are free, while Nodeul Island is being operated entirely as a ticketed zone this year. The scale of the crowd is also turning central Seoul into a vast crowd-management operation. The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency has concentrated officers around major entrances, subway stations and other areas where spectators are expected to converge. Police special forces accompanied by detection dogs swept the festival grounds before the event for suspicious objects, amid concern over a recent spate of false bomb threats targeting crowded locations. Police are also preparing for vehicle attacks or sudden acceleration accidents by installing barricades around vulnerable roads. Detective teams and mobile investigation units have been positioned in congested areas and CCTV blind spots to respond to knife attacks and other crimes. A high-elevation observation vehicle, allowing officers to monitor crowd density from about seven meters above ground, has also been deployed. On the Han River, five police patrol boats will restrict vessel access between Mapo Bridge and Hangang Bridge during the festival. Police said officers would crack down on unauthorized ticket sales and attempts to charge spectators for access to public viewing spaces. A dedicated investigation team is also monitoring the use of automated programs for fraudulent ticket reservations. Transport restrictions are extensive. Yeouidong-ro between the southern end of Mapo Bridge and the 63 Building will be closed to vehicles from 3 p.m. until midnight Saturday. Wonhyo Bridge will also be fully closed during the main festival period, while 24 bus routes are being temporarily diverted. Yeouinaru Station, the subway stop closest to the main festival grounds and traditionally one of the most congested points of the night, is scheduled to be bypassed by trains from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Police patrol cars and motorcycles have also been deployed along Olympic-daero, Gangbyeonbuk-ro and major Han River bridges to prevent motorists from stopping in traffic lanes to watch the fireworks. Seoul urged spectators to use surrounding subway stations including Yeouido, Mapo and Saetgang rather than concentrating on Yeouinaru. The crowd-control preparations reflect the sheer scale the festival has reached since its launch more than two decades ago. Seoul describes the event as one of the city's largest annual gatherings, regularly attracting more than 1 million people to official and unofficial viewing points along the river. For spectators unable to secure a patch of Han River grass — or unwilling to pay someone else for one — Hanwha will livestream the show through its official online channels. AJP Takeaways: - Seoul's biggest annual fireworks festival expands to two days for first time, with U.S. and British teams joining Hanwha Group. - Seoul deploys 6,800 safety personnel, closes roads and restricts subway access around Yeouido 2026-09-05 15:04:09 -
Korea's foreign min heads to Nepal as 9 Koreans still missing SEOUL, September 05 (AJP) -Foreign Minister Cho Hyun is heading to flood-ravaged Nepal as the search for nine missing South Koreans stretches into a second week, taking Seoul's diplomatic and emergency response directly to a disaster zone where thousands remain unaccounted for. Cho will visit Nepal from Saturday through Monday and hold talks with Nepalese Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal, the foreign ministry said. A central focus of the talks will be securing continued Nepalese support for efforts to locate the nine South Koreans who disappeared after catastrophic floods and landslides struck the Himalayan country on Aug. 26. The Koreans — six employees of Doosan Enerbility and three from state-run Korea South-East Power — were working at the Upper Trishuli-1 hydropower project in Rasuwa District near the Nepal-Tibet border when the disaster struck. Cho is expected to request the Nepalese government to concentrate search operations around locations where the workers are believed to have lost contact and to provide military and logistical support where necessary. The two foreign ministers have already spoken twice since the disaster. During their Aug. 31 call, Cho thanked Nepal for rescuing 10 South Koreans who had been stranded in the affected area and urged Khanal to provide "special cooperation" for the swift search and rescue of the nine still missing. He also specifically sought support from the Nepalese military for concentrated searches around their last known locations. Cho said before departing from Incheon International Airport that he would meet relatives of the missing workers and discuss the ongoing response with them. "I will meet the families of our workers from whom we still have no news and discuss response measures together," Cho told reporters. "I will also hold discussions with our relief team on the ground." Cho is also scheduled to meet representatives of South Korean companies operating in Nepal and visit members of the Korea Disaster Relief Team, or KDRT, involved in search-and-rescue operations. Seoul dispatched a 44-member KDRT to Nepal earlier this week, combining personnel from the foreign ministry, Korea International Cooperation Agency and fire authorities. The team established a base in Batar in neighboring Nuwakot District to support operations in hard-hit Rasuwa. Search teams have been using helicopters, drones and ground crews, but difficult terrain, damaged roads and poor weather have complicated operations. As of Friday, searches around Ramche and other areas had produced no meaningful signs of the missing Koreans, according to the foreign ministry. The Aug. 26 disaster was triggered by a massive collapse of rock and ice that sent water, mud and debris surging through the Trishuli River valley, devastating communities and hydropower facilities. More than 1,200 people have been confirmed dead and thousands remain missing across Nepal, while damage to housing and infrastructure has been estimated at about $2.56 billion. The scale of the destruction is also shifting Seoul's response from an emergency search for its nationals toward a broader humanitarian and reconstruction effort. South Korea announced $1 million in humanitarian assistance immediately after the flooding, to be channeled through the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies for drinking water, emergency and hygiene kits and basic health supplies. The government has since added 130 million won ($93,000) worth of emergency relief supplies, including 36,000 emergency thermal blankets and 2,320 heavier blankets, scheduled to arrive in Nepal on Saturday aboard a commercial flight. It added it would continue consulting the Nepalese government on additional assistance needed in affected areas. Cho is expected to travel directly to France after completing his Nepal visit to accompany President Lee Jae Myung in his state visit. AJP Takeaways - Foreign Minister Cho Hyun is visiting flood-hit Nepal from Sept. 5-7 as the search continues for nine missing South Koreans. - Cho will meet Nepalese Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal and families of the missing workers, while also visiting Korea’s disaster relief team on the ground. - President Lee Jae Myung chaired an emergency meeting on Aug. 28 to review the government-wide search, rescue and support response. 2026-09-05 14:45:14