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Blue House Emphasizes Future Response Fund as Financial Reservoir Ryu Deok-hyeon, the Blue House's financial planning advisor, explained on September 3 that the 162 trillion won Future Response Fund is intended to serve as a "financial reservoir" to be used steadily over the next two to three years, rather than depleting excess tax revenue all at once.During an appearance on KBS Radio's "Sasa Geon Geon," Ryu stated, "This year and next year, the tax revenue conditions are very favorable. Corporate taxes are significantly boosted by the semiconductor boom, and overall, we are seeing substantial excess tax revenue and additional income."He added, "Just because we have a lot of revenue, is it really wise to spend it all? If we do that, while monetary policy tightens, fiscal policy would expand significantly, which may not be desirable."Ryu also expressed caution regarding the proposal to use all excess tax revenue for national debt repayment. He noted, "The national bond market needs to maintain stability. If we pay off all the debt next year without issuing any bonds, we would have to issue the same amount or more in the following year, which could jeopardize fiscal health."He explained that the fund should be used adequately for necessary fiscal needs next year while being managed stably, allowing for temporary storage of resources to be used over two to three years.Addressing concerns that the Future Response Fund could bypass the National Assembly's budget review authority, Ryu dismissed this as a "complete misunderstanding." He emphasized, "All government budgets and funds must undergo National Assembly review. Projects funded by the Future Response Fund will also be subject to this budget review process."Ryu highlighted that the Future Response Fund could play a role in stabilizing finances if tax revenues decline due to a downturn in the semiconductor market. He remarked, "It would be great if the semiconductor cycle remains strong, but that is uncertain. At some point, tax revenues could decrease significantly."He added, "We have also established mechanisms to draw from the Future Response Fund to address any shortfalls in tax revenue."In response to criticisms that the proposed budget of 820.9 trillion won for next year represents excessive expansion, Ryu countered, "I believe next year is a crucial turning point for the South Korean economy. We need fiscal investment to address the lack of future investment over the past three years, reverse the decline in potential growth rates, and respond to polarization amid the semiconductor boom."He specifically noted, "Next year, the managed fiscal balance deficit is projected to be 0.1%, which is a very balanced policy not seen in the last 20 years." He added, "It is difficult to agree that this is entirely expansionary."Regarding the recent resignation of Kim Yong-beom, the former head of the Blue House Policy Office, Ryu indicated that there would not be significant changes in the fundamental direction of economic policy. He stated, "Government policies do not change drastically in a short time. We need to continue navigating in the direction set by our government."On the timing of appointing a successor to the Policy Office, Ryu said, "I believe the will of the appointing authority will be determined soon. It is an important schedule."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-03 19:24:00
Physical AI Set to Transform Manufacturing, Says CEO Choi Jae-sik The realm of artificial intelligence (AI) is expanding beyond online applications into actual manufacturing environments. Physical AI, which can perceive its surroundings and make autonomous decisions, is emerging as a new competitive edge in the manufacturing sector.Choi Jae-sik, CEO of Inijee and a distinguished professor at KAIST, emphasized the growth potential of physical AI in manufacturing during a keynote speech at the 18th Good Growth, Good Jobs Global Forum (2026 GGGF) held at The Plaza Hotel in Seoul on September 3.Choi identified two main pillars for implementing physical AI: robotics and manufacturing. He cited a recent comment by Jensen Huang, CEO of NVIDIA, who noted that South Korea is poised to lead the global physical AI era based on its software, AI, and manufacturing capabilities, highlighting the competitive strengths of the domestic manufacturing industry.“The system is evolving from generative AI, exemplified by ChatGPT, to physical AI that perceives, judges, and acts in the physical world,” Choi explained. “High-quality real-time data, which serves as a vital resource for AI learning, and the manufacturing infrastructure that can be immediately applied are South Korea's core assets.”Robots, a key component of physical AI, are undergoing continuous advancement. While past robots merely repeated actions taught by humans, recent developments have enabled them to perceive their environments and learn through experience. Choi stated that these robots must evolve into general-purpose robots that understand objectives and perform tasks independently. He emphasized that a general AI engine, large-scale learning data, and advanced physical bodies must operate as a closed loop.“One of the most important factors for robots to think and gather experiences to act is collecting data for physical actions,” he said. “While lower levels of intelligence in physical AI are already being applied in the field, high-level intelligence that considers the entire organization remains in the research and development stage.”Choi predicted that the transition to AI in manufacturing will follow a structure similar to the development stages of autonomous driving in vehicles. Just as driving assistance progresses from Level 1 to full automation, manufacturing AI is expected to evolve from monitoring and diagnostics to decision-making and automated execution, ultimately achieving closed-loop autonomous operations.He mentioned that sectors such as steel, cement, and petrochemicals are suitable for applying manufacturing AI. “In the manufacturing process, we achieved a 95% accuracy in predicting temperature and environmental conditions, resulting in a 5% reduction in energy consumption,” Choi noted, adding that it is essential to gradually expand the areas of application.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-03 19:24:00
Physical AI Startups Call for Government Support to Compete Globally Domestic physical artificial intelligence (AI) companies identified "inter-company ecosystem cooperation" and "national-level infrastructure and standardization support" as key tasks to secure competitiveness in the global AI market. As competition for leadership in physical AI intensifies, particularly between the United States and China, there is an urgent need for private coalitions and tailored government policy support. "We must respond to the global race, including China"... Calls for inter-company value chain cooperation and government support On September 3, the 2026 Global Good Growth Forum (GGGF), hosted by Aju Economy, featured a panel discussion among key representatives from domestic physical AI companies and startups on the topic of "The Success of Integrating Manufacturing and Physical AI." They unanimously agreed that comprehensive collaboration among data providers, simulation specialists, and AI model developers is essential to accelerate the commercialization of physical AI. Instead of focusing on individual survival, they are seeking pathways through "data alliances" and the establishment of "global standards." For instance, BrainCommerce, which has infrastructure in over 900 manufacturing sites, provides on-site data that startups like Endlight, RealWorld, and CarbonSix process and simulate, creating a virtuous cycle in the private sector. "We are creating a collaborative structure that provides real-world data collected from various manufacturing sites to robotics and AI companies, and then deploying the developed models back to the field for validation (Proof of Concept)," said Hwang Hee-seung, CEO of BrainCommerce, emphasizing the importance of a privately-led ecosystem. Choi Soo-hwan, Executive Director of RealWorld, cited collaborations with companies like NVIDIA and Endlight, stating, "Global companies and domestic startups are jointly creating a global benchmark to evaluate action data, such as precise hand movements of robots. To be competitive in the global market, we need to establish a consortium-type cooperation system that allows excellent domestic technology companies to work together." The panelists agreed that systematic government policy support is necessary to respond to rapidly growing overseas markets, including China. "China is already quickly seizing the market by prioritizing standardization and modularization," Hwang noted, adding that he hopes for the establishment of a national-level "standardization policy" to enable the organic connection of outstanding domestic startup technologies. Kim Seon-tae, CTO of Endlight, also mentioned the need for "data standard guidelines" to systematically collect and utilize high-quality data, as data formats vary across sectors like manufacturing and logistics. The key to physical AI is 'data'... Overcoming regulatory barriers and infrastructure shortages The panelists also focused on the essential role of data in physical AI. Kim Seon-tae emphasized the importance of converting static data, such as CAD files held by manufacturers, into a format that robots can learn from, incorporating material properties and joint information, and transitioning to a standard format for simulation. Although vast amounts of data already exist in manufacturing sites, utilizing it directly for physical AI training remains challenging. Choi Soo-hwan pointed out that various regulations hinder the data acquisition process. He stated, "When collecting human work data, privacy issues arise, and in key industrial sites, we must also consider restrictions on industrial technology protection," highlighting the need for institutional improvements. There were also opinions that simply accumulating large amounts of data is insufficient for advancing physical AI. Hwang Hee-seung remarked, "Robots must go beyond merely mimicking human actions; they need to understand the process itself and why a task needs to be performed." He noted that South Korea could leverage its strengths in precision manufacturing process data as a competitive advantage. Additionally, building infrastructure to effectively utilize data for AI training was identified as a challenge. Seo Hyung-joo, CTO of CarbonSix, stated, "Since video and manufacturing process data are significantly larger in size than language data, developing physical AI foundation models requires substantial costs, and government support for high-performance computing infrastructure is essential." * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-03 19:20:20
2026 GGGF: Kim Soo-yeon of EY Han Young Discusses China's Rapid AI and Robotics Evolution As China's artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics industries accelerate commercialization, South Korean companies are urged to focus on 'learning-based site design' rather than merely adopting robots. Kim Soo-yeon, head of the EY Han Young AI Center, stated during a special lecture at the 18th Good Growth, Good Jobs Forum (2026 GGGF) held at The Plaza Hotel in Seoul on September 3, "The core competitiveness of China's AI and robotics industry lies not in the large models themselves but in the 'flywheel' structure that capitalizes on on-site data and know-how." This virtuous cycle of accumulating data and experience continuously enhances AI, which is considered a key factor in China's rapid application of AI technology in the field. Kim shared insights from her recent observations at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) and the World Robot Conference (WRC 2026), highlighting the vibrant trends in China's AI agents and physical AI ecosystem. "China is quickly pushing to apply and monetize AI agents in industrial settings," Kim noted, adding, "It is evolving into a robot-centric economy beyond simple software AI." She explained that the massive investments and numerous companies involved are driving the rapid pace of technological advancement. According to Kim, the Chinese AI agent market is experiencing explosive growth. Investment in this market is expected to surge from 55.9 billion yuan (approximately $8.5 billion) in 2025 to 815.1 billion yuan (about $123.5 billion) by 2030, with an average annual growth rate of 70.9%. Amid this quantitative growth, there is a strong focus on reducing reliance on foreign technology and strengthening domestic capabilities. Approximately 80-85% of AI agent projects are being developed in-house by companies. In fact, 93% of Chinese firms are utilizing domestic models, with 68% adopting a 'multi-model' approach that combines optimal AIs for different tasks. This two-track strategy employs high-performance models for complex tasks and cost-effective models for simpler ones, while critical tasks are managed through independent internal networks to enhance control. The growth of agent AI is also rapidly expanding into the physical AI sector. In the first half of this year, China's investment in physical AI reached approximately 93.5 billion yuan (around $14 billion), a fivefold increase compared to the same period last year. The annual production of humanoid robots is expected to exceed 100,000 units, driven by significant investments from major Chinese companies, including state-owned enterprises, Ant Group, and JD.com, into the robotics AI ecosystem. However, Kim pointed out that there are still limitations in the actual commercialization level in industrial settings. Most robots deployed in the field are traditional industrial robots, such as wheeled or quadrupedal models, rather than bipedal humanoids. The development of sophisticated human-like robotic hands (general-purpose hands) remains in the early stages. Kim explained, "In practice, specialized end-effectors, such as suction or claw-type tools tailored for specific tasks, are primarily used. There is still a need for technological advancement and validation before humanoids can effectively complete tasks in manufacturing settings." Kim urged South Korea to accelerate its strategic response, moving beyond being a passive consumer of technology to developing its own strategies in light of China's rapid AI and robotics advancements. "The opportunity for South Korean companies lies not in passively acquiring completed AI models or robotic products, but in strategically systematizing and designing the workplace to ensure that actual work processes and the experiences of on-site workers are continuously accumulated as data and learned automatically," she emphasized. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-03 19:20:20
South Korea to Establish 'Manufacturing Data Library' for AI Training The South Korean government is set to establish a 'Manufacturing Data Library' to utilize core manufacturing data for artificial intelligence (AI) training without disclosing it externally. This initiative aims to address the reluctance of companies to share valuable data, such as information on defects and accidents, due to concerns over trade secret leaks. The government plans to invest 115.8 billion won next year to collect non-public data and develop industry-specific AI foundation models.Lim Kyung-seop, Director of the Manufacturing AI Transition Cooperation Division at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, stated on September 3 during the second day of the 18th Good Growth, Good Jobs Global Forum (2026 GGGF) held at The Plaza Hotel in Seoul, "Existing manufacturing data initiatives have struggled because companies were hesitant to share valuable data under public disclosure requirements." He added, "This time, we will fundamentally collect data on a non-public basis, allowing for learning in a clean room, but the data cannot be taken out; only the trained AI models can be exported."The biggest barrier to AI adoption in manufacturing is data availability. Lim noted, "If we can resolve the data issue, we can consider 80 to 90 percent of the problem solved." According to the ministry, over 90 percent of domestic manufacturing companies are still not utilizing AI. There is also a need for standardization, as companies use different equipment names and measurement units. Lim pointed out, "Without standards, the more data we collect, the more foolish the AI model becomes."The policy goal has shifted from improving individual processes to developing general-purpose AI. Lim explained, "Previously, we focused on improving a single process within individual factories, but now our goal is to collect more data to create foundation models that can be used across entire processes." The aim is to digitize the tacit knowledge that has relied on skilled workers' experiences in areas like casting and welding, applying it to AI and robotics.The ministry plans to expand its initiatives centered around the 'M.AX (Manufacturing AI Transition) Alliance,' which was launched last year. Currently, about 1,500 companies and institutions are participating across 11 sectors, including AI factories, robotics, future vehicles, semiconductors, and autonomous ships. The number of AI factories has increased from 102 at the end of last year to approximately 170 processes now. Lim reported that in 38 measurable projects, defect rates have decreased by about 15.5 percent, and productivity has increased by around 30 percent.Physical AI demonstrations are also set to expand. Humanoids are currently being tested in 10 industrial sites, with plans to increase that number to 30. The development of on-device AI semiconductors is also underway. Lim emphasized, "Autonomous vehicles cannot stop just because communication is lost. We need semiconductors that consume less power, have low latency, and are durable."The ministry is also working on establishing a legal and institutional framework. It is pushing for the enactment of the so-called 'M.AX Act,' which includes provisions for utilizing manufacturing data and training AI professionals. Additionally, the ministry is working on establishing standards related to manufacturing AI and providing GPU support. Lim noted that the ministry's AI-related budget has increased from approximately 1.2 trillion won this year to 1.7 trillion won next year, stating, "We will actively promote budget and funding support centered on key projects."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-03 19:20:10
Hyundai's K-Physical AI to Transform Industries, Says Robotics Chief "Simply creating an outstanding humanoid robot will not enhance Korea's physical artificial intelligence (AI) competitiveness. We aim to build an industrial ecosystem where robots can work across various sectors, including logistics, services, and communications, through a 'Robotics Intelligence Society' that contributes to society," said Joo Si-hyun, head of robotics intelligence development at Hyundai Motor Group.Joo made these remarks during a presentation titled 'K-Physical AI Heading for the Global Market' at the 18th Good Growth, Good Jobs Global Forum (2026 GGGF) held at The Plaza Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul, on September 3.He noted that both Korea and the world face various social issues, including aging populations, labor shortages, care gaps, and rising healthcare costs. "Physical AI and robotics technology are essential for addressing these challenges and enhancing social value," he stated. He emphasized the need to advance technology development to ensure that physical AI can thrive through the completion of infrastructure that allows robots to operate in real-world settings.Hyundai's robotics division is actively deploying robots in the field to identify issues, which are then addressed in the lab. A notable example is the 'X-ble Shoulder,' an assistive robot designed to reduce physical strain on workers. Joo explained, "This product began as a preliminary study in 2019 and has undergone three phases of validation, expanding its application range. It addresses social costs related to worker fatigue from repetitive tasks, prevents industrial accidents, and aids in rehabilitation for overcoming disabilities. After numerous trials in various settings, we have broadened its use beyond manufacturing to sectors like aviation, construction, shipbuilding, and agriculture."He also highlighted the electric vehicle charging robot and irrigation robot as key examples of proof-of-concept (PoC) development. Joo pointed out that while testing the electric vehicle charging robot, several issues emerged, such as the weight of the fast-charging cable (5-7 kg), the non-barrier-free locations of charging stations, and consumer concerns about electric shock during rain. To address these, they conducted trials with 70 electric vehicles at Incheon International Airport, leading to improvements for mass production.Furthermore, he described the irrigation robot and security robot, which operate in offices and hotels, as simpler services compared to industrial robots. However, he noted that these robots serve as test beds for coexistence with humans in everyday life. The irrigation robot, for instance, prioritizes plant survival while avoiding interference with human movement, showcasing its potential to create new service areas.The robotics lab focuses on seven core research areas, including wearable robots, mobility platforms, manipulation, robot autonomy (SLAM), mission and physical AI, and on-device AI. This approach aims to secure a common technological foundation applicable to various robots, which is crucial for providing high-quality robots at lower costs.Joo explained that the competition in physical AI is shifting from creating 'robots that are just like humans' to finding ways to perform tasks at lower costs. He stated, "The humanoid technology that excites the public involves high-performance robots that mimic human 'hands,' requiring more than 15 motors and complex drive structures. In contrast, the same objectives can be achieved with just two motors in a 'gripper.'"He emphasized that for the robot market to expand significantly, there is a need for platforms that can be produced repeatedly and applied in various settings, rather than expensive custom robots. He advocated for a 'common platform' that can implement diverse services such as guidance, delivery, and transportation based on a single mobility platform, while standardizing parts and systems to enhance production scale and price competitiveness in the global market.This approach carries significant implications for Korea's physical AI industry. Joo concluded, "For physical AI to grow beyond a single robot product into an industry, the services and infrastructure surrounding robots must also evolve. We will build a healthy physical AI ecosystem through partnerships in components, transportation, services, insurance, and communications."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-03 19:20:10
[[2026 GGGF]] 'K-Manufacturing 3.0' Through the Physical AI Revolution As South Korea seeks to combine its manufacturing capabilities with physical artificial intelligence (AI) robotics technology, experts gathered for a lively discussion on how the country can surpass the United States and China to become a leader in physical AI.The '18th Good Growth, Good Jobs Global Forum (2026 GGGF)', hosted by Aju Economy, continued successfully on September 3 at The Plaza Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul, attracting over 300 attendees who listened to insights from industry experts.Among the participants were Ju Si-hyun, head of robotics intelligence development at Hyundai Motor and Kia, Lim Kyung-seop, director of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy's AI Manufacturing Transition Cooperation Division, and Choi Jae-sik, CEO of InEasy and a distinguished professor at KAIST. They presented various agendas for the advancement of South Korea's robotics industry and engaged in passionate discussions.Experts agreed that physical AI will play a crucial role in addressing the challenges of an aging population and labor shortages in South Korea. Ju emphasized, "For physical AI to grow beyond a single robotic product into an industry, services and infrastructure surrounding the robots must also evolve. Partnerships with various industry players, including parts suppliers, transportation, services, insurance, and telecommunications, are essential."He added, "Focusing solely on the humanoid's appearance and demonstration videos will not accelerate industrialization. We need to solve industrial challenges such as automation in manufacturing, aging, labor shortages, and the efficiency of logistics and services through robotics, connecting these solutions to new markets."The government plans to invest 115.8 billion won next year to establish a 'Manufacturing Data Library' aimed at securing quality data for the development of the physical AI industry. To address past limitations where companies did not submit critical data on defects and accidents under the premise of public disclosure, the approach will shift to a principle of confidentiality.Data will only be learned by AI models within a physically separated 'clean room,' and original data will not be allowed to leave the facility. Lim explained, "We will collect data on a non-disclosure basis, allowing learning within the clean room, but the data cannot be taken out. We are designing it so that only the AI model can be trained."There was also interest in benchmarking China's physical AI competitiveness, which surpasses South Korea's manufacturing capabilities. Kim Soo-yeon, head of the AI Center at EY Han Young, noted the rapid expansion of China's robotics ecosystem, stating, "Currently, 80-85% of the AI agent market in China consists of in-house projects, with budgets ranging from 300,000 to 3 million yuan accounting for 78% of the total market growth."Kim urged the South Korean industry to focus on how to create learning environments rather than just how to purchase and use robots, emphasizing the need for a 'structural strategy' that systematizes independent on-site data and work processes to design self-learning environments.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-03 19:20:10
IFA 2026 Kicks Off in Berlin with AI Innovations from Samsung and LG The world's largest consumer electronics and technology exhibition, IFA 2026, is set to begin in Berlin, Germany. Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics are expected to unveil advanced 'everyday AI' technologies, while Chinese companies will also introduce AI appliances and robots. As the competition expands from traditional home appliances and TVs to AI ecosystems and robotics, the rivalry for market dominance in Europe between South Korean and Chinese firms is intensifying.According to industry sources, IFA 2026 will take place from September 4 to 8 at Messe Berlin. This year, over 1,900 brands from 49 countries are participating, with key topics including AI, robotics, smart homes, and digital health.Korean companies are also making their presence felt. Life Lintner, CEO of IFA Management, anticipates that 120 to 140 Korean firms will participate this year. Currently, more than 90 Korean companies and organizations are registered on the official IFA participant list. In addition to Samsung and LG, companies like Cuckoo Electronics, AI semiconductor firm Rebellion, and AI and robotics company NotaAI and Neuromeka will showcase their technologies in the European market.Samsung has shifted the focus of its IFA exhibition to the heart of Berlin. From September 2 to 6, the company has set up a dedicated experience space at the 'Humboldt Carré' convention center, themed 'Your AI Daily Companion.' At Messe Berlin, Samsung will also operate a separate 'Samsung Creator Hub.'The centerpiece of Samsung's exhibition is 'AI Living,' which expands the existing 'AI Home' concept to encompass daily life. The exhibition will be divided into entertainment, home, and self-care companion sections, connecting appliances and TVs to mobile and wearable devices. Highlights include a micro RGB TV, a vision AI companion, a Bespoke AI Family Hub refrigerator that recognizes ingredients, and a washing machine that reduces energy consumption by up to 70% compared to European A-rated models. Galaxy smartphones and watches will also be integrated into health management experiences. Benjamin Brown, Samsung's Chief Marketing Officer for Europe, emphasized, "AI must provide meaningful benefits that people can see and feel in their daily lives."LG Electronics will showcase a 3,745-square-meter exhibition space in Hall 18 at Messe Berlin, themed 'Innovation Tailored for You,' featuring over 150 key products. A record 46% of the total exhibition area is allocated for B2B customer consultation spaces, enhancing outreach to European retailers and corporate clients.At the center of LG's display is an expanded AI Home that integrates appliances with AI home hubs and platforms. The 'ThinQ On' platform features an operational AI agent, 'ThinQ Claw,' which learns user habits and prioritizes appliance control. The smart home platform 'Homi' connects appliances with heating, cooling, solar energy, and energy storage systems to manage overall home energy use. The 'Fit & Max' concept emphasizes space utilization and energy efficiency, extending from refrigerators to washing machines, dryers, and dishwashers.At the entrance of the exhibition, LG will present an 'AI Orchestra' conducted by the home robot 'LG Claw.' This display features a 16-meter wide and 4-meter tall kinetic LED installation that connects home appliances, TVs, and air conditioning products to illustrate a 'Zero Labor Home' where AI reduces household chores. LG will also showcase premium products like OLED Evo AI and micro RGB TVs. Baek Seung-tae, Vice President of LG's Home Appliance Business Division, stated, "We will solidify our leadership in the global premium appliance market through an expanded AI home ecosystem with AI appliances, AI home hubs, and AI home platforms."Chinese companies are also making a strong push this year, with 932 firms registered, an increase of about 200 from last year, nearly half of all participants. Hisense and TCL are leading with AI and smart home technologies, while Roborock, Ecovacs, and Dreamy are launching new products in the robotics sector.Xiaomi is participating in IFA for the first time, showcasing an ecosystem that connects smartphones and appliances. As Chinese companies expand from price competitiveness to premium appliances and AI robotics, Samsung and LG will face increased competition in demonstrating the uniqueness of their AI ecosystems in the European market.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-03 19:20:00
Lottery Winner Reflects on Over a Decade of Ticket Purchases "I have been buying lottery tickets after work for over 10 years, but due to a tight schedule, I had to buy my ticket in the morning this time."As interest grows in the winning numbers for the 331st Pension Lottery 720+ on September 3, the story of a winner from the 228th draw, who won 1st prize (1 ticket) and 2nd prize (4 tickets), is gaining attention.In a post on the Dohang Lottery winners' board, the winner shared, "Buying lottery tickets makes me feel good, so I have been consistently purchasing them. For over 10 years, I bought tickets after work, but due to urgent work commitments, I had to buy my ticket in the morning. After purchasing, I checked the numbers and saw some duplicates, which made me think, 'How could I possibly win?'"A few days after the draw, I checked the pension lottery and found out I had won 1st and 2nd prizes. I couldn't believe it, and I didn't feel joy at first, perhaps because it didn't seem real. Instead, I was very nervous and excited about the trip to Seoul to claim my prize," he recalled.He added, "I have always worried about my retirement, so I have been diligently preparing with national and private pensions, but I still felt it was insufficient. Winning the 1st and 2nd prizes in the pension lottery has relieved all my worries, and I am incredibly grateful to have won a stable income for my retirement."The winner, who purchased the ticket at a lottery shop in Nam-gu, Busan, responded to a question about any memorable dreams, saying, "I haven't had any recent dreams."When asked what types of lottery tickets he usually buys, he said, "I occasionally buy Lotto and pension lottery tickets."Regarding plans for the prize money, he stated, "I plan to use it for retirement funds and to support my parents."Meanwhile, the winning numbers for the 331st Pension Lottery 720+ will be available after 7:05 PM today (September 3).* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-03 18:52:00
Muan County Council Proposes Policies for Tourism, Childbirth, and Advanced Industries Muan County Council members presented policy alternatives addressing local issues, including the year-round tourism promotion of Hoesan Baekryeonji, the establishment of a public postpartum care center, and responses to the southwestern semiconductor mega-project during a five-minute free speech session.During the first session of the 311th regular meeting held on September 2, Council members Park Chang-seok, Jung Eun-kyung, and Jeong So-hye proposed policy directions related to tourism, childbirth, and advanced industries.First, Park Chang-seok suggested the establishment of a dedicated office and the designation of a local garden to transform Hoesan Baekryeonji from a summer tourist destination into a year-round stay tourism site.He called for the creation of seasonal gardens, management of ecological resources, and the expansion of nighttime scenery, performances, and experiential programs. He also argued for the need to manage tourism facilities in the Hoesan Baekryeonji area, including accommodations, campgrounds, and swimming pools, in an integrated manner.Park emphasized that designating a local garden would secure a stable business foundation and brand competitiveness, laying the groundwork for its long-term development into a national garden.Park Chang-seok stated, "The year-round tourism promotion of Hoesan Baekryeonji is an essential task for Muan County's tourism industry that can no longer be postponed. A concrete roadmap for establishing a dedicated office and designating a local garden must be prepared promptly."Jung Eun-kyung proposed the establishment of a public postpartum care center to improve the childbirth and childcare environment.She noted that while births are concentrated in the Namak and Oryong districts, there is no public postpartum care center in the area, causing burdens for mothers in terms of travel and costs. She raised the necessity for establishing public facilities.Jung called for an examination of the feasibility of installing a public postpartum care center centered around the Namak and Oryong living areas, along with conducting demand surveys. She also suggested utilizing national and municipal funding programs to reduce the county's financial burden and establishing an integrated support system linked to maternal and child health services at health centers.Jung Eun-kyung remarked, "A public postpartum care center is not just a welfare facility but an investment in Muan's future. I urge the administration to actively consider creating a healthy and happy childbirth-friendly city for mothers and children."Jeong So-hye argued that Muan County should proactively develop an advanced industry strategy in response to the government's southwestern semiconductor mega-project.She emphasized the need to leverage local renewable energy resources and Muan International Airport as competitive advantages to identify specific industries that Muan can undertake in the fields of semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), and materials, parts, and equipment.To this end, she proposed establishing an advanced industry strategy linked to renewable energy, fostering Muan International Airport as a hub for advanced air logistics, and developing a mid- to long-term industrial strategy transitioning from renewable energy to clean hydrogen.Jeong also pointed out the necessity for preliminary analyses of corporate demand, renewable energy supply capacity, power and water conditions, and air logistics demand. She suggested that attracting advanced industries should create a structure that leads to job creation for local youth and participation of local businesses in the supply chain.Jeong So-hye stated, "Muan's role can grow as much as it prepares. We must thoroughly prepare a dedicated promotion system and phased execution plan so that Muan's sunlight and wind can create businesses and jobs, and the results can benefit the residents."Lim Yoon-taek, chair of the Muan County Council, expressed hope that the policy alternatives proposed by the council members in tourism, childbirth, and advanced industries would be practically reflected in the county's administration, leading to sustainable development that residents can feel.The five-minute free speeches presented during the 311th regular meeting focused on issues related to the revitalization of Hoesan Baekryeonji tourism, expansion of childbirth support, and responses to future advanced industries. Attention is now on how Muan County will evaluate the feasibility and funding strategies for the proposed projects.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-03 18:40:00