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  • Gwangju City Selected for KOICA ODA Project to Build Energy Self-Sufficiency Model in Senegal
    Gwangju City Selected for KOICA ODA Project to Build Energy Self-Sufficiency Model in Senegal Gwangju City is launching an official development assistance (ODA) project to apply its experience in operating energy self-sufficient villages to rural areas in Senegal. On September 4, Gwangju City announced that its project, titled 'Strengthening Energy Self-Sufficiency Capacity for Rural Development in Senegal,' has been selected as a main project in the ODA public cooperation initiative led by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA). The project will be overseen by Korea Electric Power Corporation KDN, with participation from Gwangju City, Dongshin University, Jeonnam Technopark, and IoT Plus. Spanning from 2026 to 2030, the project has a total budget of 6.9 billion won. It aims to establish a renewable energy-based power supply system in rural Senegal, integrating water supply, agricultural water, and storage facilities into a self-sufficient energy-water-agriculture model. Gwangju City plans to adapt its existing 'energy self-sufficient village' model to the local environment and living conditions in Senegal. The initiative will create a foundation for residents to produce and utilize renewable energy, linking energy production to income-generating activities such as agriculture, thereby establishing a sustainable self-sufficiency base in rural areas. The project will also focus on improving living conditions in the target areas. To reduce the burden of costs associated with unstable power supply and reliance on diesel generators, a renewable energy-based power supply system will be established, along with water supply facilities and agricultural water supply systems. Cold storage facilities will be built to minimize losses after agricultural harvests. The plan aims to enhance project effectiveness by connecting stable power supply to drinking water and agricultural production and distribution infrastructure. A key aspect of the project is to create a system that can be operated independently by local communities after the facilities are established. In collaboration with local universities, the project will train 60 technical professionals and establish a structure for community organizations to participate in the operation and maintenance of the facilities. The project aims to establish a local operational system centered around the Senegalese renewable energy agency, ANER, ensuring the facilities remain in use even after the project concludes. Gwangju City plans to develop this project into an international cooperation model that applies local energy technology and industrial capabilities abroad while expanding opportunities for local businesses to enter overseas markets. Shin Hyun-gon, the international cooperation officer of Gwangju City, stated, "This project localizes the experience and technology of energy self-sufficient villages accumulated in Gwangju to the rural conditions of Senegal. We will continue to discover ODA projects linked to local industries and technologies, strengthening our international cooperation capabilities while broadening opportunities for local businesses to expand overseas." Meanwhile, Gwangju City is expanding international development cooperation projects utilizing its industrial and technological foundations in energy, agriculture, and bio sectors, while also promoting strategies to link these efforts with local businesses' entry into overseas markets.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-04 08:40:00
  • Global Financial Markets React to Monetary Policies; U.S. and Europe Rise, Japan Declines
    Global Financial Markets React to Monetary Policies; U.S. and Europe Rise, Japan Declines Global financial markets exhibited mixed movements as they monitored monetary policies and economic trends in major countries. While U.S. and European stock markets rebounded amid easing global bond sell-offs, Japan's stock market experienced a slight decline.On September 3, the U.S. Standard & Poor's (S&P) 500 index rose by 1.06% to close at 7,747.7. The European Stoxx 600 index also increased by 0.49%. In contrast, Japan's Nikkei 225 index fell by 0.17%. The stabilization of global bond market volatility, coupled with reduced concerns over U.S. interest rate hikes, supported investor sentiment.In the bond market, long-term interest rates in major countries fell across the board. The yield on the U.S. 10-year Treasury note decreased by 1 basis point to 4.77%. Germany's 10-year yield dropped by 3 basis points to 3.34%, while Japan's fell by 7 basis points to 2.96%. The recent global bond sell-off, driven by concerns over fiscal burdens and monetary tightening in major economies, appears to have subsided somewhat.In the U.S., the likelihood of further interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve has diminished, contributing to the easing of Treasury yields. Christopher Waller, a member of the Fed, stated on September 3, "If upcoming economic indicators confirm a trend of declining inflation, I could support maintaining the current interest rate level."As a result, market expectations for a rate hike in September have decreased from around 60% to the low 50% range. However, the Institute for Supply Management's (ISM) services index for August reached 55.4, the highest in six months, and the price index hit a four-year high, keeping inflation concerns alive.In Asia, Japan's monetary policy normalization has emerged as a key variable. Officials from the Bank of Japan anticipate a potential 0.25 percentage point rate hike at the upcoming monetary policy meeting in September. Some market participants are speculating that the rate increase could occur in December this year or January next year. As Japan moves away from its prolonged ultra-low interest rate policy, the impact of bond yields and the yen's movements on global capital flows is expected to grow.In China and Europe, signs of economic recovery are emerging. China's services Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) for August stood at 51.4, surpassing both the previous month's 50.4 and the market expectation of 50.6. The Ifo Institute for Economic Research has raised its forecast for Germany's economic growth this year from 0.8% to 1.4%.In the commodities market, gold prices showed renewed strength, rising by 2.08% to $4,472.9 per ounce, while Brent crude oil fell by 0.12% to $95.52 per barrel. Analysts suggest that increased purchases by central banks and sovereign wealth funds, along with concerns over U.S. fiscal health, are supporting demand for gold.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-04 08:40:00
  • KyoWon Wells Launches Two Renewed Large Stand Water Purifiers to Strengthen B2B Market
    KyoWon Wells Launches Two Renewed Large Stand Water Purifiers to Strengthen B2B Market 교원 웰스가 중대형 스탠드 정수기 2종을 리뉴얼 출시하고 기업간거래(B2B) 시장 공략을 강화한다. 교원 웰스는 최근 이마트, 스타필드 등 국내 주요 유통 시설에 정수기와 공기청정기, 비데 등을 공급하며 B2B 사업을 확대하고 있다고 4일 밝혔다. 이번 리뉴얼은 기업과 공공기관 등 B2B 고객 수요에 대응하고 제품 경쟁력을 강화하기 위해 진행됐다. 선보인 제품 2종은 UF 필터를 적용한 '웰스 미네랄 중대형 스탠드 플러스(미네랄 모델)'와 RO 필터를 적용한 '웰스 RO 중대형 스탠드 플러스(RO 모델)'다. 고객은 사용 환경과 선호에 따라 필터 종류를 선택하면 된다. 먼저 두 제품 모두 물탱크 용량을 늘리면서 제품 크기를 줄였다. 저장용량은 기존 제품 대비 미네랄 모델이 약 3L, RO 모델이 약 1L 커졌다. 미네랄 모델은 냉수 7L, 정수 12.3L, 온수 4L 총 23.3L를, RO 모델은 냉수 7L, 정수 9.8L, 온수 4L로 총 20.8L의 연속 출수를 지원한다. 여기에 대용량 정수 성능을 갖추면서 가로 폭을 30cm로 줄여 설치 공간을 최소화하고 공간 활용도를 높였다. 사용성도 개선했다. 텀블러나 물병 사용이 잦은 환경을 고려해 출수구 높이를 27cm로 높여 대용량 용기도 수월하게 물을 받을 수 있도록 했다. 출수 레버도 기존 제품보다 3배 확대해 용기의 위치를 세밀하게 맞춰야 하는 번거로움을 줄였다. 이 외에도, 냉수와 정수를 간편하게 선택할 수 있는 전환 버튼과 연속 출수 기능을 새롭게 적용했다. 교원 웰스 관계자는 "이번 리뉴얼은 다수가 사용하는 시설의 특성을 반영해 출수 용량과 공간 효율성, 사용 편의성을 전반적으로 개선했다"라며 "앞으로도 법인 고객의 다양한 요구에 맞춘 제품과 관리 서비스를 확대해 B2B 시장에서 고객 접점을 넓혀 나갈 것"이라고 말했다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-04 08:36:00
  • Shinhan Investment Corp. Lowers Nomus Target Price Despite Expected Performance Improvement
    Shinhan Investment Corp. Lowers Nomus Target Price Despite Expected Performance Improvement Shinhan Investment Corp. announced on September 4 that it has lowered its target price for Nomus from 27,000 won to 16,500 won, reflecting a decline in market multiples despite expectations for improved performance in the second half of the year due to the resumption of overseas tours and increased platform revenue. The investment opinion remains a 'buy.'Heo Seong-kyu, a senior researcher at Shinhan Investment Corp., stated, "The absence of major performances in the second quarter and some one-time legal costs related to civil lawsuits were reflected in the results. However, the overseas tour schedule is set to resume in earnest from the third quarter, and we expect a continued upward trend in revenue compared to the previous quarter."Nomus reported second-quarter revenue of 16.1 billion won, a 0.7% increase from the same period last year, while operating profit fell 15.9% to 3.5 billion won, resulting in an operating profit margin of 22%. Despite a decrease in performance revenue, platform revenue rose to 5.8 billion won, a 19.9% increase year-on-year.The growth trend in the platform business is expected to continue. Heo noted, "With the entry of Seong Han-bin in the second quarter and a 168% increase in paid subscribers in the Chinese market, the annual revenue growth guidance for the platform has been raised from 20% to 40%. Discussions are also underway for the entry of major IPs, with platform revenue projected to reach 8.1 billion won in the third quarter and 10 billion won in the fourth quarter, nearly doubling compared to the first half of the year."He added, "The second half of the year will see a concentration of global performances, leading to expected growth. Upcoming events include the U.S. tour of Woos and JAY B, as well as domestic performances by Fromis_9, with projected performance revenue of about 22.1 billion won for the second half of the year."He also estimated that the total audience for performances will increase from 149,000 in 2024 to 206,000 in 2025, and reach 300,000 in 2026.Heo explained that the issuance of convertible bonds worth 40 billion won is intended not for the purpose of covering receivables but for raising capital to secure major IPs in the future. He noted that while annual revenue estimates are expected to trend upward, the target price has been lowered due to a general decline in market multiples, with potential for reevaluation depending on future market conditions.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-04 08:36:00
  • Grape Juice Se-yeon Claims She Took Sleeping Pills After Fight with BJ K
    Grape Juice Se-yeon Claims She Took Sleeping Pills After Fight with BJ K Grape Juice Se-yeon (26, real name In Se-yeon) is under police investigation for violating drug laws. Her representatives stated that the controversy arose from a conflict with her boyfriend, BJ K (36, real name Park Jung-kyu).On September 3, Grape Juice Se-yeon's legal representative, Myosu, issued a statement explaining, "This matter originated from Grape Juice Se-yeon taking sleeping pills possessed by her partner during an escalating conflict, which led to her being transported to the emergency room for treatment."Myosu clarified, "Grape Juice Se-yeon did not receive a proxy prescription for the sleeping pills nor was she involved in any illegal possession or use of drugs or marijuana."They added, "At the time, Grape Juice Se-yeon did not fully understand the legal implications and risks of taking someone else's sleeping pills. However, after consulting with legal advisors, she has come to realize her mistakes and is deeply remorseful."In response to suspicions that her recent hair bleaching was an attempt to evade drug testing, Myosu stated, "Grape Juice Se-yeon voluntarily provided her medical prescription and treatment history to the investigative authorities on August 4 and submitted her hair for testing without any alterations such as cutting or bleaching on that day."They further noted, "The day Grape Juice Se-yeon changed her hairstyle with cutting and bleaching was approximately three weeks after the hair submission, on August 25. Contrary to some allegations, this change in style is unrelated to the police investigation."Finally, Myosu requested that the public refrain from spreading unfounded rumors and malicious slander regarding Grape Juice Se-yeon’s alleged illegal acquisition or use of marijuana or drugs, and expressed sincere apologies for any distress caused.Previously, Grape Juice Se-yeon and her boyfriend BJ K were implicated in a drug law violation case in July. It was revealed that BJ K had received proxy prescriptions for sleeping pills through an acquaintance. This situation came to light when Grape Juice Se-yeon was taken to the emergency room, and both individuals are currently being investigated as suspects.BJ K has publicly acknowledged his charges. During a live broadcast on August 27, he stated, "I apologize for creating this issue," and added, "I am now receiving prescriptions properly."Born in 2000, Grape Juice Se-yeon began her broadcasting career in 2019 and gained recognition through appearances on Netflix's original variety show 'The Influencer.' She drew attention in 2024 when she was seen with Bang Si-hyuk, the chairman of HYBE, in Beverly Hills, USA.BJ K, born in 1989, is active as a streamer on SOOP (formerly AfreecaTV). In April, he publicly confirmed his relationship with Grape Juice Se-yeon, who is 11 years his junior.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-04 08:28:10
  • Key Employment Report to Be Released Tonight, Causing Anxiety Among Investors
    Key Employment Report to Be Released Tonight, Causing Anxiety Among Investors The U.S. is set to release a key employment report that could influence the direction of interest rates. As the final monthly employment report before the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting on September 15-16, it has garnered significant attention from financial markets.The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) will publish the August employment report at 8:30 a.m. local time on September 4, which is 9:30 p.m. in South Korea. The report will include key indicators of the U.S. labor market, such as the number of non-farm employees, the unemployment rate, and average hourly wages.Market analysts are particularly focused on the non-farm payroll figures. According to a recent Reuters survey of economists, non-farm employment is expected to increase by 56,000 in August. The unemployment rate is projected to remain steady at 4.1%.In July, non-farm employment in the U.S. decreased by 23,000. If the market predictions hold true, August will mark a return to job growth after a decline the previous month.However, recent private employment data has not shown strong signs of recovery. ADP reported on September 2 that private sector employment increased by only 38,000 in August, falling short of the market expectation of 48,000 jobs. The manufacturing sector saw a decline of 17,000 jobs, while professional and business services lost 16,000 jobs.There are currently no clear signs of widespread layoffs. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the number of new unemployment claims for the week ending August 29 was 206,000, an increase of 2,000 from the previous week, which aligns closely with the market estimate of 205,000 claims.The heightened interest in today's employment report is linked to the upcoming FOMC meeting. The Federal Reserve currently maintains its benchmark interest rate at 3.50% to 3.75%, and market expectations are mixed regarding whether rates will be raised further at the September meeting.Recently, inflation pressures have resurfaced. The Institute for Supply Management (ISM) reported that the price index for the August services purchasing managers' index (PMI) rose to 72.6, up from 70.3 in July, marking the highest level since August 2022.Christopher Waller, a member of the Federal Reserve Board, stated on September 3 that he could support keeping rates steady at the September meeting if the trend of easing inflation continues. However, he also indicated that if upcoming data shows renewed inflation pressures, a rate hike could be warranted.As a result, the August employment report is expected to be a crucial indicator for the Fed's decision-making. A stronger-than-expected job growth could signal resilience in the U.S. economy, while a significantly lower or negative job growth could raise concerns about a slowdown in the labor market.In addition to employment data, other key economic indicators will be released in the coming days. The U.S. will announce the August Producer Price Index (PPI) on September 10 and the Consumer Price Index (CPI) on September 11. Waller has expressed his intention to assess whether the recent trend of easing inflation continues based on these upcoming price indicators.The Federal Reserve will make its interest rate decision on September 16 after reviewing a comprehensive set of economic indicators, including employment and inflation data.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-04 08:28:00
  • Samsung Showcases AI Escape Room at IFA 2026 to Engage Gen Z Creators
    Samsung Showcases 'AI Escape Room' at IFA 2026 to Engage Gen Z Creators Samsung Electronics is set to promote its artificial intelligence (AI) ecosystem at IFA 2026, Europe’s largest electronics exhibition, by featuring global influencers and content creators. Moving away from traditional product specifications, the company will showcase AI experiences through games and content that connect smartphones, home appliances, and TVs. In a market where AI functionalities are becoming increasingly similar, Samsung aims to differentiate itself by emphasizing tangible user experiences.On September 4, Samsung announced the launch of the 'Samsung Creator Hub' at the IFA Palais in Messe Berlin, a dedicated space for global creators. The hub, themed 'A Home That Knows Me,' combines an experiential area, a streaming studio, and a lounge. It features neon signs and a vibe reminiscent of Korean street food stalls, targeting young visitors and creators for content production.The centerpiece of the hub is the 'Samsung AI Escape Room.' Participants will use the Galaxy Z Fold8, guided by Google Gemini, to complete four missions. They will solve problems using various products, including the Bespoke AI washing machine, Micro RGB TV, The Frame Pro, and Smart Monitor, experiencing how these devices connect and automate through SmartThings.Additionally, a game using the Family Hub refrigerator's 'AI Vision' will challenge participants to guess the quantity of ingredients inside. Outside the escape room, Samsung OLED TVs will display the game progress in real-time, creating a structure that allows the experience to be shared as video content.Samsung's decision to create a dedicated space for creators reflects a shift in the AI appliance competition, focusing on how these features are communicated to consumers rather than just the functionalities themselves. The strategy aims to allow consumers to experience features like AI washing and content recommendations firsthand, while also leveraging creators to amplify this experience.This year, Samsung has also diversified its exhibition approach at IFA. While operating the Creator Hub at Messe Berlin, the company opened a separate exhibition hall at the Humboldt Carré convention center in downtown Berlin on September 2. This venue highlights 'AI Living,' showcasing the integration of home appliances, TVs, mobile devices, and wearables. By separating product displays from experiential content areas, Samsung targets both distribution and media as well as general consumers and creators.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-04 08:28:00
  • IFA 2026: LG Electronics Showcases AI-Connected Daily Life
    IFA 2026: LG Electronics Showcases AI-Connected Daily Life On September 3, a day before the official opening of IFA 2026 in Berlin, foreign journalists and industry representatives toured the LG Electronics exhibition. LG is set to unveil its AI Home concept, which connects spaces, products, and services to enhance the convenience of daily life for customers.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-04 08:24:00
  • South Koreas Ministry of Science and ICT Advances AI Foundation Models to Compete with US and China
    South Korea's Ministry of Science and ICT Advances AI Foundation Models to Compete with US and China The Ministry of Science and ICT is mobilizing efforts to develop South Korean foundation models in artificial intelligence (AI) technology, closely following the advancements of the United States and China.On September 3, the ministry selected the Naver Cloud consortium as the contractor for a security-focused AI foundation model. A total of 33 industry, academic, research, and public institutions are participating in the initiative. The goal is to build an AI model optimized for the South Korean environment to protect critical national infrastructure and key industrial sites.Before the official start of the project, Naver Cloud had already begun preliminary training using 4,000 graphics processing units (GPUs) it possessed. With the selection of the contractor, the government will also provide an additional 256 B200 GPUs and 256 H200 GPUs from LG, enabling further model enhancement and real-world testing.The consortium plans to develop a super-large security-focused model with a final expert mixture (MoE) structure of 700 billion parameters, creating two distinct models: one enhanced for defense capabilities and another for attack capabilities. This approach aims to ensure readiness for all phases of cyber security, including both offensive and defensive operations.Meanwhile, the development of a medical and bio-specialized model is nearing completion, with the support for the consortium led by Lunit and the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) set to end on September 9. Lunit is working on a comprehensive medical science AI foundation model that connects basic scientific research, drug development, and clinical knowledge, while KAIST is developing the 'Next-Generation Bio Foundation Model K-Fold' for protein structure prediction.Prior to this, the universal foundation model development project was undergoing a second-stage evaluation, with only the final third verification remaining. The competition has narrowed to three contenders: SK Telecom (SKT), LG AI Research, and Upstage. These elite teams plan to enhance model performance while validating usability and agent performance in real-world industrial, service, and environmental contexts.The Ministry of Science and ICT requires that all three projects achieve performance levels competitive with major models from the US and China in the global market. There are concerns that key national resources, such as GPUs and data, are concentrated among a few large corporations.The government emphasizes that the goal of the foundation model development project is to catch up with the frontier models of the US and China. It believes that all resources should be focused on the companies and institutions that can achieve this goal most quickly.On August 31, Ha Jung-woo, the executive vice chairman of the National AI Strategy Committee, stated, "While it is important to effectively utilize AI, our ability to create powerful AI ourselves remains crucial. We need to establish a system where capable groups can collaborate, and the government should significantly support research and development with GPUs and data." Looking ahead, the Ministry of Science and ICT plans to begin developing science and technology specialized foundation models in fields such as bio, mathematics, earth science, and secondary batteries next year. A budget of 13 billion won has been allocated for this initiative. A ministry official noted, "An announcement regarding this will be made early next year, and while we are not excluding corporate participation, the focus will be on universities and government-funded research institutions to develop the models." * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-04 08:24:00
  • Gimhae Offers 5% Cashback for Payments at Affordable Price Businesses
    Gimhae Offers 5% Cashback for Payments at Affordable Price Businesses The city of Gimhae is offering a 5% cashback on payments made with the Gimhae Love Gift Certificate at affordable price businesses. To alleviate the financial burden on citizens due to rising prices and to encourage the use of affordable price businesses, Gimhae announced a cashback initiative that will run until the end of the year. When citizens pay at affordable price businesses in Gimhae using the Gimhae Love Gift Certificate, they will receive an additional 5% cashback on top of existing discount benefits. This initiative will utilize a total of 20 million won in additional national funding for local love gift certificates. The total amount eligible for cashback is set at 400 million won, and the program will end once the budget is exhausted. Notably, under the conditions of national funding, the cashback will be retroactively applied to payments made starting in August. The cashback will be distributed around the 20th of the following month after the payment is made.Currently, there are 128 affordable price businesses in Gimhae, with 109 of them registered as Zero Pay merchants. A list of participating businesses can be found on the Gimhae city website or through smartphone map applications.Additionally, the Gimhae Future Talent Scholarship Foundation is accepting applications until the 18th for 20 scholarships aimed at local youths employed by regional companies and medical students. This scholarship program for the second half of the year will select 20 recipients across two categories: employment-linked scholarships and scholarships donated by the Gimhae Medical Association, with a total of 56 million won in funding. The scholarships can be used for living expenses rather than just tuition.The employment-linked scholarship is aimed at young individuals who have graduated from universities in Gimhae and are employed by local companies.Eligible candidates must have graduated from one of four universities in the Gimhae area—Inje University, Gimhae University, Kaya University, or Busan Presbyterian University—in 2024 or 2025, and must have been employed at a small or medium-sized enterprise in Gimhae for at least one month. They must also have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.5 scale.The foundation will select 10 recipients in this category, providing each with 3.6 million won annually, distributed in quarterly payments of 900,000 won. The scholarship from the Gimhae Medical Association is available to students who have graduated from high schools in Gimhae and are currently enrolled in medical schools nationwide.First-year students and those on leave are excluded, and applicants must have achieved a GPA of 3.5 or higher in their last two semesters and belong to the bottom 80% of income brackets. A total of 10 recipients will be selected, with each receiving 2 million won. Both scholarships require that the applicant or their guardian has been a resident of Gimhae for at least one year as of the announcement date, which was the 1st of this month.Application documents can be submitted directly to the Gimhae City Hall's Talent Development Division or sent by registered mail. The foundation will conduct a document review and select the final scholarship recipients in October, with funds to be disbursed by the end of the month.Detailed eligibility requirements and submission documents can be found on the Gimhae Future Talent Scholarship Foundation's website.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-04 08:20:00