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  • Landslide in Hongcheon Forces Evacuation of 16 Residents
    Landslide in Hongcheon Forces Evacuation of 16 Residents A landslide occurred in Mogok-ri, Seomyeon, Hongcheon County, prompting the emergency evacuation of nearby residents.According to the fire department, reports of continuous rockfall sounds were received around 7:49 a.m. on September 4.In response, fire, police, and local government officials deployed 10 pieces of equipment and 22 personnel, successfully evacuating all 16 residents in the area. So far, there have been no reported injuries.The landslide caused rocks and soil to flow down, burying one storage facility used for agricultural machinery.To prevent further landslide damage, the fire department has installed a fire line at the site and notified the National Forest Management Office and the National Land Management Office of the situation.Authorities are currently monitoring the situation to assess the ongoing risk of additional landslides and to determine the cause of the incident.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-04 11:28:00
  • Hajun-kyung: Speculation on Additional Real Estate Tax Relief Misunderstood
    Hajun-kyung: Speculation on Additional Real Estate Tax Relief Misunderstood Hajun-kyung, the Chief Economic Growth Officer at the Blue House, dismissed speculation regarding additional relief for real estate taxes, stating it has been "misunderstood." However, he acknowledged that the final decision on tax legislation rests with the National Assembly, leaving open the possibility for adjustments during the legislative process.On September 4, during an appearance on SBS Radio's 'Kim Tae-hyun's Political Show,' Hajun-kyung responded to questions about discussions within the ruling party regarding further tax relief. He suggested that any subsequent proposals may have been misinterpreted from earlier party suggestions.He explained, "During the legislative notice period, we consulted with the party and made slight modifications to reflect those discussions in the announcement at the Cabinet meeting. At least, this is the extent of the discussions between the ruling party and the government."Hajun-kyung left room for potential adjustments during the National Assembly's review process, stating, "Ultimately, the law is decided by the National Assembly, so I cannot make definitive statements." He emphasized that while there may be some reduction in the comprehensive real estate tax burden for non-resident homeowners, the policy will continue to favor actual residents.Following the announcement of the tax reform plan last month, the government made some modifications to the comprehensive real estate tax for non-resident homeowners based on feedback received during the legislative notice period. Some members of the ruling party have suggested that discussions may arise in the National Assembly about unifying the basic deduction for resident and non-resident homeowners at 1.4 billion won.Regarding the utilization of the U.S. military return site in Yongsan, Hajun-kyung stated that while it is essential to adhere to the principles of park development, there is a need to discuss using some of the land for youth housing. He noted, "The area of the U.S. military return site is 910,000 pyeong, which is larger than Yeouido's 880,000 pyeong. We should consider how to use this land in the heart of Seoul for the benefit of future generations."He mentioned the need to discuss whether it is better to leave vacant low-rise accommodations, previously used by the military, to future generations or to convert them into public housing spaces for young people. He reiterated that the principle of keeping the returned land as public property remains unchanged.On the topic of U.S. semiconductor tariffs, Hajun-kyung assessed that there is no need to interpret the situation as a new shock. He stated, "There were agreements made during last year's tariff negotiations regarding semiconductors, and we are conducting practical discussions within the framework of those existing agreements." He added, "It is not the case that a new major shock has occurred."In response to opposition criticism regarding the 100 trillion won future response fund being likened to 'slush funds,' Hajun-kyung countered, "The money the government spends is subject to the National Assembly's oversight." He likened the future response fund to a 'dam' that will not release increased tax revenue all at once but will be utilized as needed, explaining that the design aims to lower the national debt ratio from around 51% to 48%, considering the size of the economy.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-04 11:24:00
  • Over 4,000 Housing Units Approved in Seouls Redevelopment Projects
    Over 4,000 Housing Units Approved in Seoul's Redevelopment Projects Major redevelopment projects in Gangnam, Songpa, and Jungnang districts of Seoul have received approval from the city’s integrated review committee, paving the way for the construction of over 4,000 housing units.On September 4, the Seoul city government announced that the 18th Integrated Review Committee for Redevelopment Projects conditionally approved four redevelopment projects, including Gaepo Woosung 7 in Gangnam, Garak Samik Mansion in Songpa, Myeonmok 7 in Jungnang, and Beomseo District in Eunpyeong.Gaepo Woosung 7 will be redeveloped from an existing apartment complex into a 39-story building with 1,134 units, including 140 public housing units. A small park of 1,450.5 square meters will be created along Gaepo Road, and a 10-meter-wide green corridor will be established on the west side of the complex to provide shaded walkways. Community facilities such as a playground, childcare center, and a small library will also be included for local residents.With the maximum height increased to 39 stories, the committee has requested enhancements to the site plan to ensure sunlight access. The project site is located at 615 Iwon-dong, covering an area of 48,983.6 square meters.In Songpa, Garak Samik Mansion will be redeveloped into a 29-story complex with 1,485 units, an increase of 549 from the current 936 units. This project will include 168 public rental housing units. A park will be developed on the west side of the complex, along with a senior welfare facility connected to the park. The design will incorporate open balconies to harmonize with the surrounding urban landscape, and the city has requested clarification on noise barriers along Yangjae-daero.The Myeonmok 7 project in Jungnang will consist of 1,515 housing units across 12 buildings, with 290 designated as public housing. Following the designation of the redevelopment area in January 2024 and the establishment of the association in September of the same year, the project has gained momentum with this recent approval.In addition to housing, the project will enhance local infrastructure, including children's parks, neighborhood parks, sports facilities, social welfare centers, and a police station. A public pedestrian pathway will be created to improve access to Myeonmok Station and nearby schools, with plans for pedestrian and vehicle separation on Sangbong-ro 1-gil and Gyeomjae-ro 54-gil. The committee has also requested improvements to the design of the lower building facades to activate the streetscape.In total, the three projects will provide 4,134 housing units, including 598 public housing units, contributing to the expansion of housing supply and local infrastructure such as parks, green spaces, and welfare facilities.Meanwhile, in Beomseo District, a mixed-use facility is planned for development at 308-20 Bulkwang-dong, featuring six underground and 29 above-ground floors. This facility will combine business, retail, cultural, and assembly spaces, aiming to establish a business and cultural hub in the northwest region, near the Yeonsinnae Station where Lines 3, 6, and GTX-A intersect.Public contributions will include a public wedding hall and multipurpose space for seminars and education on the sixth floor. The subway exit for Line 3 will be relocated into the project site, and additional right-turn lanes will be secured, along with the relocation of bus stops to improve pedestrian and traffic conditions.Myung No-jun, head of the Housing Policy Division at Seoul City, stated, “We will continue to provide administrative support to ensure that these projects proceed swiftly and smoothly.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-04 11:12:00
  • Hyundai Motor signs deal to boost Omans eco-friendly mobility
    Hyundai Motor signs deal to boost Oman's eco-friendly mobility SEOUL, September 4 (AJP) - Hyundai Motor Group has agreed with Oman's government and local companies to promote eco-friendly mobility, the automaker said on Friday. Hyundai said it signed memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with Oman's Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MTCIT) and Oman Oil Marketing Company (OOMCO) in Salalah the previous day as part of a partnership to support the country's goal of achieving carbon neutrality under its "Vision 2040" plan. The agreements cover cooperation on sustainable mobility, starting with public transportation and public services, before expanding into Oman's wider mobility market. A key part of the partnership is to bring hydrogen-powered city buses to Oman for the first time and build ultra-fast electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. Oman's state-run transport company Mwasalat plans to run an eco-friendly route on public transit lines in Muscat as a pilot passenger service using Hyundai Motor's Elec City hydrogen fuel cell buses. OOMCO will also operate 240-kilowatt ultra-fast EV chargers supplied by Hyundai at its gas station in the Halban area of northeastern Oman to evaluate charging performance and customer demand during a six-month trial before considering an expansion. Hyundai said the partnership aims to lay the foundation for expanding its eco-friendly mobility business in Oman beyond public transportation to commercial vehicles and passenger cars. "Building a strategic partnership with MTCIT is very meaningful," Jeong Ho-geun, a Hyundai executive, said. "We will work together to help turn Oman's bold vision for smart cities and future mobility into tangible outcomes." AJP Takeaways - Hyundai Motor Group has partnered with Oman's government and local companies to promote sustainable mobility and support the country's goal of carbon neutrality under its Vision 2040 plan. - Oman will introduce hydrogen-powered city buses for the first time, with state-run Mwasalat planning a pilot passenger service in Muscat using Hyundai Motor’s Elec City hydrogen fuel cell buses. - OOMCO will trial 240-kilowatt ultra-fast EV chargers supplied by Hyundai at a gas station in northeastern Oman for six months, with the partnership aimed at eventually expanding Hyundai's eco-friendly mobility business into commercial vehicles and passenger cars. 2026-09-04 11:11:36
  • When is the Deadline for Safe Chuseok Deliveries?
    When is the Deadline for Safe Chuseok Deliveries? If you plan to send Chuseok gifts via courier, it's advisable to act sooner than usual. The volume of deliveries is expected to surge ahead of the holiday, and major courier companies will impose collection restrictions just before the holiday.According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, a 'special management period for Chuseok deliveries' will be in effect from September 7 to October 2. This initiative aims to manage the anticipated increase in delivery volume while preventing overwork among delivery personnel.The ministry projects that daily delivery volumes during this peak season will rise to approximately 19.3 million boxes, a 4.9% increase from the average of 18.4 million boxes in July.In response, major courier companies will deploy about 5,500 additional workers, including 1,600 drivers for trunk vehicles, 1,200 delivery drivers, and 2,700 personnel for loading, unloading, and sorting.Consumers should pay close attention to the days leading up to the Chuseok holiday. The ministry has indicated that major courier companies plan to restrict collections 1-2 days before the holiday to ensure their workers can take time off. This year, Chuseok falls on Friday, September 25, with the official holiday period from September 24 to 26.However, the 'collection restrictions 1-2 days before the holiday' do not mean that all courier services will cease collections on the same date. Actual collection schedules may vary depending on the courier company, service used, and delivery area. It is advisable to check the delivery schedules announced by the courier companies or retailers directly.Extra caution is necessary when sending perishable items such as fruits, meat, and seafood. Some courier services may restrict the acceptance of refrigerated or frozen goods and perishable agricultural products, so simply checking the delivery deadline is not sufficient. It is safer to confirm the types of items accepted and the collection schedules for your chosen service before sending.The ministry has also requested cooperation from large shippers, such as online shopping malls, to help distribute delivery volumes and adhere to collection restrictions. Local governments and public institutions have been urged to stagger orders for Chuseok seasonal goods to avoid a surge in demand at specific times.Measures to protect delivery personnel will also be implemented. Health managers at each service point will check the health status of workers daily, and those showing any signs of health issues will be required to take immediate breaks.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-04 11:08:00
  • President Yoon Suk Yeol to Visit France for Summit with Macron
    President Yoon Suk Yeol to Visit France for Summit with Macron President Yoon Suk Yeol will visit France from September 6 to 9 at the invitation of President Emmanuel Macron. During the visit, President Yoon will co-chair the 'Lumière Summit' with President Macron and participate in a series of state visit events, including a summit meeting and a dinner in Paris. National Security Office Director Wi Sung-lak announced the itinerary and expected outcomes of the visit during a briefing on September 4. Wi stated, "This visit to France follows President Macron's invitation for President Yoon to co-chair the 'Lumière Summit' during his visit to Korea in April, which led to the proposal for this state visit to France." President Yoon will arrive in France on the evening of September 6. The following day, he will attend the international film and video summit, the 'Lumière Summit,' in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, co-chairing the event with President Macron. At the summit, President Yoon will discuss the future of the global film and video industry with France, a country that has played a pivotal role in the growth of the film industry. The government aims to expand the foundation for 'K-content' and the entry of domestic companies into European and global markets through this meeting. From September 8, President Yoon will engage in bilateral activities in Paris as part of his state visit for two days. His first schedule includes laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Arc de Triomphe, followed by an official welcome ceremony hosted by the French government. Next, he will have a private lunch with President Macron at the Élysée Palace, with no other attendees present. Following the private lunch, the two leaders will hold an expanded summit meeting with their respective delegations. They are expected to discuss responses to the rapidly changing international order and cooperation in security, economy, science and technology, culture, and human exchanges. President Yoon will also participate in a Korea-France business roundtable with over 20 companies from both nations. In the evening, the Macron couple will host a state dinner at the Élysée Palace. On the final day of the visit, September 9, President Yoon will meet with François de Rugy, President of the French National Assembly. He will also hold a luncheon meeting with the Korean community in France and meet with the Secretary-General of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The government envisions this visit as a way to solidify the 'global strategic partnership' between Korea and France, which was elevated in April. The two countries plan to expand cooperation in advanced technology fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), space, nuclear energy, and biotechnology, as well as promote joint research and development, corporate collaboration, and market entry. They will also discuss institutional support measures to enhance exchanges in youth and science and technology and to steadily expand interactions between the citizens of both countries. Wi emphasized, "Completing mutual state visits with France after five months will help build close relationships with major countries and further strengthen Korea's strategic diplomatic foundation." France is the second-largest economy in the European Union and the seventh-largest in the world. It holds a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council and is the chair of the Group of Seven (G7) this year. Approximately 800,000 Koreans visit France annually, and about 28,000 Koreans reside there, including over 10,000 adoptees. Wi concluded, "We will prepare for this state visit to ensure it serves as a starting point for solidifying the trust and friendship built over the past 140 years between Korea and France, laying a foundation for the next 140 years." * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-04 11:04:00
  • Pearl Abyss Shares Rise 10% Following Crimson Desert DLC Announcement
    Pearl Abyss Shares Rise 10% Following 'Crimson Desert' DLC Announcement Game developer Pearl Abyss is seeing a strong early performance in the market following the announcement of the release schedule for the downloadable content (DLC) of its new title, 'Crimson Desert Enhanced.'As of 10:40 a.m. on September 4, shares of Pearl Abyss were trading at 34,100 won, up 3,300 won (10.18%) from the previous trading day, according to the Korea Exchange.The surge in Pearl Abyss's stock price is attributed to the announcement that the first DLC, titled 'Journey into the Unknown,' will be officially released on October 16. The DLC will be available exclusively for digital download at a price of 27,800 won.Users who already own 'Crimson Desert Enhanced' on PlayStation 5 (PS5) and Xbox Series X|S will receive a 10% discount. Pre-orders are available on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, as well as on PC platforms Steam and Epic Games Store.A key feature of 'Journey into the Unknown' is the expansion of the exploration area from land to sea. Players will be able to navigate their own ships to explore unknown islands and underwater environments, facing new enemies along the way. Housing content, including the creation of living spaces and facility rentals, will also see significant enhancements.Market analysts suggest that the expansion of content through the DLC for the enhanced version of 'Crimson Desert' is laying the groundwork for the long-term success of the intellectual property (IP). There is growing optimism that the initial momentum will be strengthened with simultaneous service across major global console and PC platforms.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-04 11:04:00
  • Opposition Party Calls for National Investigation into Leverage ETF Controversy
    Opposition Party Calls for National Investigation into Leverage ETF Controversy 국민의힘은 정부의 '단일종목 레버리지 ETF(상장지수펀드) 사태' 진상 규명을 위한 국정조사 요구서를 4일 국회에 제출했다. 레버리지 ETF 도입을 밀어붙인 김용범 전 청와대 정책실장의 사퇴를 두고 "꼬리자르기"라고 비판하며 더불어민주당에 국정조사 협조를 촉구했다. 서일준 정무위 간사 및 원내부대표단은 이날 국회 의원과에 '특정 단일종목 레버리지 ETF 상품에 의한 시장 왜곡과 개인투자자 손실에 대한 책임 소재 규명 및 재발방지대책 마련을 위한 국정조사 요구서'를 당론으로 제출했다. 임의자 정책위의장은 이날 국회에서 열린 원내대책회의에서 "이번 사태의 본질은 명확하다. 도대체 누가 이토록 위험한 상품을 졸속으로 도입해 개인투자자들에게 막대한 손실을 떠넘겼느냐는 것"이라고 강조했다. 이어 "김용범 청와대 정책실장이 밀어붙이고 금융당국이 일사천리로 승인하더니, 사태가 터지자 이찬진 금융감독원장은 '드러누워서라도 막아야 했다'며 비겁한 뒷북과 책임 회피로 일관하고 있다"고 질타했다. 아울러 "이재명 대통령은 김 실장을 납득할 만한 설명도 없이 1박 2일만에 초스피드로 경질했다"며 "공교롭게도 상품 도입을 압박한 김 실장의 아들과 감독 책임자인 이 원장의 아들 모두가 해당 상품으로 막대한 수수료를 챙긴 미래에셋자산운용에 근무하고 있다"고 지적했다. 임 정책위의장은 "이 대통령의 전격 경질로 정치권력과 금융업계 간 검은 커넥션을 감추기 위한 황급한 꼬리 자르기가 아니냐는 의혹이 더욱 커지고 있다"며 "국민의힘은 국정조사를 통해 어떤 추악한 검은 커넥션이 숨어있는지 명명백백히 밝혀내겠다. 민주당도 진상조사를 위한 국정조사에 즉각 협조하라"고 주장했다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-04 11:04:00
  • GIST-Arm School Opens to Train 1,400 Semiconductor Design Professionals
    GIST-Arm School Opens to Train 1,400 Semiconductor Design Professionals 광주과학기술원(GIST)과 글로벌 반도체 컴퓨팅 플랫폼 기업 Arm이 반도체 설계 전문인력 양성에 나선다.The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced the opening ceremony of the GIST-Arm School, a specialized training institution for semiconductor design, held at GIST in Gwangju.The GIST-Arm School was initiated following a meeting in December between President Yoon Suk Yeol, SoftBank Chairman Masayoshi Son, and Arm CEO Rene Haas to discuss collaboration in the semiconductor sector. Subsequently, the Ministry and Arm signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to cultivate domestic semiconductor talent, and in March and April, GIST was designated as a specialized graduate school and an academy for semiconductors, respectively.The curriculum will include a 'Specialized Graduate School' for GIST master's and doctoral students, and a 'Semiconductor Academy' for undergraduates, job seekers, and current employees. The graduate program will feature ten regular courses utilizing Arm technology and industry-academia projects. The academy will offer nine non-degree courses focused on semiconductor design based on Arm IP and AI semiconductor design and performance analysis using AI accelerators.Arm will provide students with access to learning materials, including Arm IP and software. The Ministry will support faculty recruitment and the establishment of practical training equipment, while Synopsys and Cadence will supply semiconductor design automation software. Samsung Electronics also plans to provide a semiconductor process design kit (PDK) necessary for the training.The GIST-Arm School aims to train a total of 1,400 semiconductor professionals over five years, starting in the second half of this year and continuing until 2030, including 400 master's and doctoral students and 1,000 current employees and job seekers. The government expects that the talent produced here will contribute to the revitalization of the semiconductor industry in the southwestern region.Lee Min-woo, head of the Ministry's Industrial Growth Office, stated, "We will develop the GIST-Arm School into a successful model for nurturing semiconductor talent and establish a regional talent development ecosystem."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-04 11:00:20
  • Surge in Tantalum Prices Signals Chinas Push for Supply Chain Control
    Surge in Tantalum Prices Signals China's Push for Supply Chain Control The price of tantalum (element symbol Ta, atomic number 73), a rare metal essential for building AI servers and data centers, has soared to record levels in the first half of this year. China is gearing up to dominate the tantalum supply chain.According to the Shanghai Securities Journal, citing statistics from the China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association, prices for key metals in the AI industry, including tin, tantalum, and indium, have surged in the first half of this year. Tin prices rose by 40%, tantalum by 158%, and indium by 60%. Among these, tantalum saw the highest increase. The spot price of tantalum ore jumped from about 2,600 yuan per kilogram at the end of last year to approximately 6,900 yuan by the end of June. In March, it peaked at 7,300 yuan per kilogram (about $1,410).Tantalum is primarily used in three sectors: tantalum capacitors, semiconductor target materials, and high-temperature alloys. While a typical server contains 30 to 50 tantalum capacitors, NVIDIA's AI server, the 'GB200,' uses between 3,000 and 5,000, marking a nearly 100-fold increase in usage. Despite the surge in demand, supply remains limited. Tantalum is found in very small quantities, with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Nigeria accounting for over 80% of global production. In March, a mine in Congo halted operations due to heavy rains and landslides, exacerbating supply shortages.China is securing long-term supply contracts with tantalum mines and is working to acquire technology for high-purity refining. Dongfang Tantalum, a leading player in China's tantalum industry, signed a long-term purchase agreement for 3,600 tons of tantalum-niobium alloy with Brazil's Taboca Mining this year. Additionally, Dongfang Tantalum recently raised 1.2 billion yuan through a capital increase, which will be invested in wet and dry refining and high-end product production lines.A representative from the Chinese industry stated, 'China is a global leader in tantalum processing, but the self-sufficiency rate for raw materials is low, and the technology for ultra-high-cost tantalum powder and semiconductor-grade high-purity tantalum refining has not yet reached global top levels.'* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-04 11:00:00