Latest by
-
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 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
-
Gwangju City Management Corporation Begins Compensation Process for Gonjiam Station Area Development Gwangju City and the Gwangju City Management Corporation held a resident briefing on the compensation process for the second phase of the Gonjiam Station area urban development project, outlining the project timeline and compensation criteria.According to the corporation, over 150 residents, including land and property owners in the project area, attended the briefing held on August 31 at the Gonjiam Administrative Welfare Center.The meeting aimed to explain the current status of the project and the upcoming compensation procedures, while also allowing residents to voice their opinions directly.Particularly, there was a focus on key issues of interest to residents, including the compensation process, appraisal criteria, and relocation measures.Attendees expressed interest in the compensation process for their land and properties, as well as the timeline for future developments.A tax support consultation desk was also set up on-site to address individual inquiries regarding tax issues related to compensation and appraisals.Given the varying circumstances of residents, the consultation aimed to provide tailored support rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.The two agencies plan to review and consider the feedback from residents during the meeting to see how it can be incorporated into the project process.They also intend to continue gathering feedback to minimize any inconveniences residents may face during the compensation process and ensure smooth project execution.Residents have shown significant interest not only in the urban development project itself but also in the criteria and procedures applied during the compensation process, appraisal results, and measures related to relocation.Officials from Gwangju City and the corporation stated, “Effective communication and mutual understanding with residents are crucial for the smooth advancement of the project,” adding, “We will continue to listen to residents’ opinions and carry out related procedures without any disruptions.”As the compensation procedures for the second phase of the Gonjiam Station area urban development project progress, interest among affected residents, including land and property owners, is expected to increase.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-04 10:52:20
-
President Lee's Approval Rating Hits New Low at 40% President Lee Jae-myung's approval rating has dropped to 40%, marking a new low since taking office. His disapproval rating has reached 51%, the highest recorded, while support for the People Power Party has increased by 5 percentage points, narrowing the gap with the Democratic Party to single digits. According to a survey released by Gallup Korea on September 4, 40% of 1,001 eligible voters aged 18 and older responded positively to questions about President Lee's job performance during the polling period from September 1 to 3. This figure represents a 2 percentage point decline from the previous survey. The disapproval rating rose by 1 percentage point to 51%. The remaining 9% of respondents withheld their opinions. This marks the lowest approval and highest disapproval ratings since President Lee took office. The primary reason for disapproval was attributed to 'real estate policy,' cited by 23% of respondents for the fifth consecutive week. However, this percentage is a 4-point decrease from the previous week. Conversely, concerns regarding 'economy and livelihood' rose by 4 percentage points to 11%, while 'appointments' increased by 8 percentage points to 9%. This indicates a growing negative perception regarding economic conditions and appointments, in addition to real estate issues. In party support, the Democratic Party saw a 1 percentage point decline to 38%, while the People Power Party increased by 5 percentage points to 30%. The gap between the two parties has narrowed to 8 percentage points, the first time it has been within 10 points since the fourth week of May last year. Support for the Justice Innovation Party was recorded at 3%, while the Progressive Party and Reform Party each garnered 1%. The percentage of undecided voters stood at 25%. The survey was conducted through telephone interviews with randomly selected mobile phone numbers. The margin of error is ±3.1 percentage points at a 95% confidence level, with a response rate of 10.9%. Detailed results can be found on the website of the National Election Survey Deliberation Commission. 2026-09-04 10:48:00
-
Teacher rights violations remain high despite recent decline SEOUL, September 04 (AJP) - South Korean education authorities reviewed more than 4,000 cases of alleged violations of teachers' rights last year, more than triple the level recorded five years earlier, data showed Friday. Teacher Rights Protection Committees reviewed 4,034 cases during the 2025 school year, about 3.4 times the 1,197 cases recorded in 2020, according to data published by the Korean Educational Development Institute. The number rose to 2,269 in 2021, 3,035 in 2022 and a peak of 5,050 in 2023 before falling to 4,234 in 2024 and 4,034 last year. Despite the two consecutive annual declines, the figure remained more than three times the 2020 level. Detailed data for the 2024 school year showed that middle schools accounted for 2,503 cases, or 59.1 percent of the total, followed by high schools with 942 and elementary schools with 704. Students were responsible for most cases at middle and high schools. At elementary schools, however, parents or guardians were involved in 211 of the 704 cases, or 30 percent. All 23 cases reported at kindergartens involved parents or guardians. Among violations involving students, intentionally disrupting educational activities by refusing legitimate disciplinary guidance was the most common type at 32.4 percent, followed by insults or defamation at 26 percent and physical assault or injury at 13.3 percent. For parents and guardians, repeated or unjustified interference with legitimate educational activities was the largest category at 24.1 percent. The issue of teachers' rights became a major national concern after a young teacher at Seoul's Seoi Elementary School died in July 2023, prompting large-scale demonstrations by teachers and calls for stronger protections against excessive parental complaints and interference in classroom activities. In response, South Korea strengthened legal and administrative protections for teachers, including revisions to education-related laws and new guidelines giving teachers clearer authority to discipline students and respond to disruptive behavior. The government has since expanded measures aimed at protecting legitimate educational activities from unfounded child-abuse complaints and other forms of interference. AJP Takeaways South Korea reviewed 4,034 cases of alleged violations of teachers’ rights in 2025, more than triple the 1,197 cases recorded in 2020. Middle schools accounted for nearly 60 percent of reported cases in 2024, while parents and guardians were involved in 30 percent of elementary school cases. Teachers’ rights became a major national issue after the 2023 death of a Seoul elementary school teacher, prompting stronger legal protections against excessive complaints, classroom disruption and unfounded child-abuse accusations. 2026-09-04 10:44:42 -
Seongsu District 3 Submits Integrated Review Application, Samsung C&T to Reflect Alternative Design The Seongsu District 3 redevelopment project has submitted an integrated review application to the Seoul city government based on its existing design plan. The union plans to expedite the project by preparing a final plan that incorporates Samsung C&T's alternative design while concurrently proceeding with the review process and contractor selection.According to the construction industry on September 4, the Seongsu District 3 redevelopment union submitted the integrated review application to the Seongdong District Office. Once the relevant departments complete their review and discussions, the application will be forwarded to the Seoul city government for consideration.This application follows a decision made during the 39th general assembly held on August 27. To avoid delays in the project schedule, the union initially applied for the review based on the design from Haean Comprehensive Architectural Firm.Subsequently, the plan will be finalized to reflect Samsung C&T's alternative design. A union official stated, “We plan to proceed with the project without any disruptions according to the established procedures and principles while incorporating Samsung C&T's alternative design.”Previously, Samsung C&T was the sole participant in two rounds of bidding for the construction contractor selection, both of which failed. In July, the union selected Samsung C&T as the preferred negotiation partner for a private contract, and last month, Samsung C&T submitted its bid proposal along with the alternative design.The alternative design from Samsung C&T is set to be unveiled at an explanatory meeting for union members on September 5. The final decision on the contractor selection will be made through a vote by union members at a general meeting scheduled for September 19.The integrated review process consolidates evaluations related to architecture, landscape, traffic, education, and environmental aspects of the project implementation plan. After completing the integrated review, the union plans to pursue project implementation approval.Seongsu District 3 encompasses an area of 114,193 square meters in Seongdong-gu, Seoul, and aims to redevelop the site into a complex featuring up to 72 stories, 10 buildings, and 2,213 housing units, with an estimated construction cost of approximately 1.8275 trillion won.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-04 10:44:00
-
Byun Yo-han Reveals Why He Married Tiffany Young: 'She Protected Me First' Actor Byun Yo-han has drawn attention by sharing the reasons behind his decision to marry Tiffany Young, a former member of Girls' Generation.On September 3, Byun appeared on the YouTube channel 'Choo Sung-hoon' and discussed his marriage to Tiffany, from the reasons for their union to their newlywed life.Byun stated, "This is the first time I’m sharing this. I always dated to protect my partner. But I met a woman who protects me, gives me courage, and helps me overcome challenges for the first time."He continued, "I haven’t traveled for about ten years due to health issues. I was afraid of flying, so I started with short trips to Japan, which is just a two-hour flight, and gradually worked my way up to Southeast Asia, which takes over five hours. I never thought I could go beyond that, but Tiffany was the first to book a flight for me and said, 'Trust me. Just follow me.'"Upon landing, he recalled feeling a new emotion, saying, "As soon as I got off the plane, I thought, 'What is this feeling?' I’ve been acting for a long time and I’m not young, but I felt something new."Regarding his current married life, he expressed, "I’m really happy right now. However, I always try to maintain my composure. I want to love for a long time, so I’m managing my energy."When asked by Choo Sung-hoon about what he enjoys doing with his wife, Byun replied, "After my schedule, I enjoy walking with our dogs and talking. Traveling is also wonderful."He acknowledged that sometimes they feel their differences, saying, "I enjoy listening to my wife, but I realize, 'Wow, she’s a completely different person. Our rhythms are different.' Sometimes I get scolded during our conversations, but I find that the most fun part of our newlywed life."Byun Yo-han and Tiffany Young developed their relationship after co-starring in the Disney+ series 'Uncle Sam-sik' and registered their marriage in February.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-04 10:44:00
-
Seoul pushes back tougher delisting rules to July '27 SEOUL, September 04 (AJP) -South Korea will push back tougher delisting rules for the KOSPI and KOSDAQ to July 2027 from the scheduled January, delaying a planned increase in minimum market-capitalization thresholds as authorities seek to give the market more time to recover. The decision was made at a joint market review meeting chaired by Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol on Friday, where officials also assessed rising bond yields, vulnerable borrowers and risks in the mutual finance sector. The market-capitalization threshold for delisting at the junior market was raised to 20 billion won ($14.4 million) from 15 billion won on July 1 and had been scheduled to rise again to 30 billion won in January 2027. The second increase will instead take effect in July 2027 as authorities said listed companies and the market needed more time to adjust. The same six-month delay will apply to the Kospi, where the threshold was raised to 30 billion won from 20 billion won in July and had been scheduled to increase to 50 billion won in January. Authorities will also allow companies that meet certain financial requirements to transfer to the Konex market without undergoing a liquidation trading period, reducing the disruption caused by delisting. Eligible companies must have been designated for administrative issues since July 1 after falling below the market-capitalization threshold. They must have posted operating profits in at least two of the past three years, or recorded a profit in one of those years while holding equity of at least 20 billion won. Companies with impaired capital will be excluded. The government said the same KONEX transfer rules will apply to eligible KOSPI-listed companies. Officials separately reviewed rising interest-rate pressure stemming from increased sovereign debt issuance, corporate bond sales by global artificial intelligence companies, expectations for policy rate hikes in major economies and renewed tensions in the Middle East. West Texas Intermediate crude rose to $91.30 per barrel on Sept. 3 from $69.50 at the end of June, adding to upward pressure on market rates. Authorities agreed to closely monitor South Korea's bond market and act to prevent an excessive increase in volatility. They said the financial health of vulnerable borrowers and the mutual finance sector remained broadly sound, but warned that a further sharp rise in interest rates could add to strains. The government will also proceed with support measures for vulnerable borrowers announced on Aug. 28. AJP Takeaways • South Korea will delay tougher Kospi and Kosdaq delisting thresholds by six months to July 2027 from January. The government said the postponement is intended to give listed companies and the broader market more time to recover. • Authorities also unveiled easier Konex transfer rules for some delisting candidates while stepping up monitoring of bond-market volatility and vulnerable borrowers. 2026-09-04 10:43:23 -
Kim Seung-won Apologizes for Past DUI Fine, Calls It Unacceptable Kim Seung-won, the nominee for Minister of Justice, has issued an apology regarding a past drunk driving conviction. On September 4, Kim's confirmation hearing preparation team released a statement conveying his position. Kim stated, "I deeply reflect on my actions and sincerely apologize to the public," adding, "Drunk driving is a wrongdoing that cannot be excused for any reason." He further remarked, "As a lawyer at that time, I should have acted with greater responsibility." The office of People Power Party lawmaker Park Soo-min raised concerns the previous day about Kim's history of being penalized for drunk driving. According to documents released by Park's office, Kim, a former judge, served at the Suwon District Court from February 2006 to February 2008. After retiring, he was caught driving under the influence in July 2008 and was fined 700,000 won by the Suwon District Court. Kim, who has been nominated as the second Minister of Justice under the Lee Jae-myung administration, is currently embroiled in various controversies ahead of his confirmation hearing. Upon arriving at the confirmation hearing preparation office in Jongno-gu, Seoul, Kim addressed his past involvement in a group advocating for the dismissal of charges against President Lee, stating, "The Minister of Justice does not have direct authority to dismiss charges, nor do I intend to direct the Prosecutor General in that regard." Additionally, regarding allegations that he solicited clinical trials from the head of the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety in 2021 at the request of an acquaintance, Kim asserted, "The prosecution conducted a thorough investigation over three years with more than ten prosecutors involved, but ultimately decided not to indict, so there is nothing to be concerned about." * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-04 10:36:10
-
Worker Falls 13 Meters to Death at Ulsan Shahin Project Site A serious accident occurred at the Ulsan Shahin Project site, where a worker in his 50s fell 13 meters to his death. Hyundai Construction announced on September 4 that the fatal incident took place on September 3 at the "Shahin Ethylene Facility Construction PKG1" site in Onsan-eup, Ulju-gun, Ulsan. The accident happened around 2:50 PM when the worker lost his balance while pulling a spray hose from inside a safety railing and fell approximately 13 meters. He was transported to a hospital in cardiac arrest but ultimately succumbed to his injuries. Hyundai Construction stated that both the police and the Ministry of Employment and Labor inspected the site immediately after the accident and that they plan to establish measures to prevent a recurrence. The Busan Regional Employment and Labor Office has issued a partial work stoppage order for all fireproofing tasks. This incident marks the second fatality at the same PKG1 section of the Shahin Project in about two months. On June 26, another worker in his 50s died after being buried under about one ton of soil while dismantling formwork in an area for the installation of underground electrical protection structures. At that time, the Ministry of Employment issued a work stoppage order for all utility structure installation work at the PKG1 site and began an investigation into potential violations of the Industrial Safety and Health Act and the Serious Accident Punishment Act. Fatal accidents have continued at the Shahin Project, including the deaths of subcontracted workers and safety managers in May at the DL E&C construction section. The Shahin Project is a large-scale petrochemical facility being constructed in the Ulsan Onsan National Industrial Complex, with an investment of 9.258 trillion won from S-Oil. Construction began in March 2023, with Hyundai Construction, Hyundai Engineering, and DL E&C participating in the project. 2026-09-04 10:36:10