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  • Naver Cloud wins cybersecurity AI model project
    Naver Cloud wins cybersecurity AI model project SEOUL, September 03 (AJP) - South Korea has selected a consortium led by Naver Cloud to develop an AI foundation model specialized for cybersecurity, the science ministry said Thursday. The Ministry of Science and ICT said the consortium was chosen following a presentation-based review of two bidders for the project. External experts in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity evaluated each consortium's business plan and presentation, covering technical capability, development experience, project strategy, feasibility, market potential and expected impact. The Naver Cloud-led consortium received strong marks for assembling a large industry-academia-research group with technical capability and development experience. The ministry also cited the consortium's development strategy, including its use of multiple agents and a harness-based structure. The ministry will provide the consortium with 256 Nvidia B200 GPUs for up to 10 months starting in September, subject to an interim review after the first five months. It plans to sign an agreement with the consortium this month and set up a working-level group to help speed up the project. AJP Takeaways · Naver Cloud’s consortium was selected for a government cyber-security AI foundation model project. · The project was chosen after a review of two bidding consortia. · The government will support the project with 256 Nvidia B200 GPUs for up to 10 months. · The support will be reviewed after five months. 2026-09-03 13:22:30
  • Seoul faces criticism over slow drug-pricing overhaul
    Seoul faces criticism over slow drug-pricing overhaul SEOUL, September 03 (AJP) -South Korea risks stalling its bid to become a global healthcare hub unless it expedites last year's drug-pricing overhaul with predictable and transparent execution, industry and government figures said at a seminar in Seoul. The warning ran through the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea's 17th Healthcare Innovation Seminar, held at the Shilla Hotel on Thursday and attended by about 150 government officials, industry executives and clinicians. Multinational drugmakers joined a chorus of concern that Korea often announces reform measures only to drag its feet on implementation. The delays have also become a source of friction in U.S.-Korea trade talks, where drug approvals and reimbursement rules increasingly influence where multinational pharmaceutical companies invest. Foreign drugmakers have long argued that Korea undervalues innovative medicines, discouraging investment and slowing patient access to new treatments. “Korea has made meaningful progress on healthcare reform. The priority now is to translate that progress into tangible results,” said James Kim, chairman and chief executive of AMCHAM, who cited drug pricing, vaccines and artificial intelligence as key areas that will shape the industry's direction. Speakers urged the government to set measurable targets rather than rely on broad policy pledges. “For the recent pricing reform to generate meaningful and sustainable impact, Korea should establish measurable policy objectives for innovative medicines,” said Lee Hye-young, general manager of BMS Pharmaceutical Korea, adding that visible outcomes could be achieved within two to three years. Bristol Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, Pfizer, MSD, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, Guardant Health and Eversight partnered on the seminar, an annual fixture in U.S.-Korea healthcare policy dialogue since its launch in the late 2010s. AJP Takeaways • The American Chamber of Commerce in Korea urged the South Korean government to fully implement the pharmaceutical pricing reforms announced in late 2025, warning at its 17th Healthcare Innovation Seminar that reform without execution could weaken Korea's standing as a global healthcare destination. • AMCHAM Chairman and CEO James Kim identified drug pricing, vaccines and AI as the three fields shaping Korea's healthcare future, while BMS Pharmaceutical Korea General Manager Lee Hye-young called for measurable policy targets deliverable within two to three years. • Held at Seoul's Shilla Hotel with about 150 government officials, executives and clinicians, the seminar was sponsored by eight multinational drugmakers including Bristol Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson. 2026-09-03 13:00:49
  • Yong Hye-in Responds to Calls for Resignation from Proportional Representation
    Yong Hye-in Responds to Calls for Resignation from Proportional Representation Yong Hye-in, the nominee for Minister of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, reiterated her stance on the ongoing calls from both ruling and opposition parties for her to resign from her proportional representation seat, stating, "I will explain in detail during the confirmation hearing."On her way to the confirmation hearing preparation office in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, on the morning of September 3, Yong made these remarks to reporters.She did not respond to questions regarding whether her decision to retain her parliamentary seat would burden the Lee Jae-myung administration or if it was motivated by the party's public funding.On the previous day, when she first arrived at the confirmation hearing preparation office, she acknowledged the public's concerns and worries, expressing her intention to prepare thoroughly for the hearing to clarify her position.According to current National Assembly law, it is permissible for a government minister to also serve as a member of the National Assembly. However, it has been a political convention that a proportional representation member resigns from their seat upon being appointed as a minister, allowing the next candidate on the list to take over.Despite this convention, Yong has maintained her position of keeping her proportional representation seat after her ministerial appointment, leading to criticism from various political circles.Concerns about fairness have also emerged from within the ruling party. Kim Min-seok, the leader of the Democratic Party, stated during an appearance on "Democratic Party TV" that it is necessary to respect and consider the various voices and judgments of the public.The civic group Economic Justice Action also issued a statement the previous day, criticizing the dual role as a "breach of the minimum political ethics owed to voters."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-03 12:36:00
  • Child Abuse Reports Reach Record High of 63,000 in 2025, Infant Deaths Increase
    Child Abuse Reports Reach Record High of 63,000 in 2025, Infant Deaths Increase Reports of suspected child abuse exceeded 63,000 in 2025, marking a significant increase. This rise is attributed to heightened awareness in society regarding even minor forms of corporal punishment and neglect, which were previously dismissed as simple discipline.However, the majority of abusers remain parents, and the number of children who tragically lost their lives due to abuse has increased compared to the previous year. Nearly half of these fatalities involved infants under one year old, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced government measures.The Ministry of Health and Welfare announced on September 4 that it submitted the "2025 Child Abuse Annual Report," which compiles key statistics related to child abuse incidents that occurred throughout the year, to the National Assembly's Health and Welfare Committee.According to the report, a total of 63,166 child abuse reports were received in 2025, a rise of 12,924 cases (25.7%) from 2024, which had 50,242 reports. During the same period, the number of cases ultimately determined to be child abuse was 23,648, a decrease of 3.4% (844 cases) from the previous year. The determination rate for abuse cases was 41.0%, down 11 percentage points from the previous year.Lower Threshold for Reporting Minor Discipline; Determination Rate DeclinesThe surpassing of 60,000 child abuse reports last year is a significant increase compared to the 53,932 reports in 2021, which was marked by public outrage over the death of a 16-month-old adopted child. Over the past five years, there has been a clear upward trend following a temporary adjustment in 2022, which saw 46,103 reports.Notably, despite the substantial increase in reports, the actual rate of cases ultimately classified as child abuse has decreased. The number of confirmed abuse cases last year was 23,648, resulting in a determination rate of 41.0%.The Ministry of Health and Welfare explained, "Thanks to the government's ongoing prevention campaigns and efforts to improve public awareness, there has been an increase in proactive reporting of situations that were previously overlooked as mere discipline. The rise in cases not classified as final abuse during investigations by dedicated officials and police has naturally led to a stabilization of the determination rate."In fact, the proportion of reports made by non-mandated reporters, such as general citizens, increased from 55.1% in 2021 to 83.9% in 2025.85% of Abusers are Parents; Domestic Violence Remains HiddenWhile awareness of reporting has matured, the locations where abuse occurs and the connection to abusers remain strong. Among the types of abusers, parents accounted for 20,172 cases, making up 85.3% of the total. This percentage has increased by 1.2 percentage points from 84.1% in 2024. Other abusers included guardians (6.4%), others (4.8%), and relatives (2.4%).Most abuse cases occurred in the home, with 19,752 incidents (83.5%) taking place in the child's residence, reflecting the secretive nature of abuse in a confined space.Cases where children were separated from their abusers for protection totaled 2,043, including 1,343 instances of immediate separation (temporary protection).Additionally, there were 3,584 cases (15.2%) of "recidivism" where abuse occurred again in families that had previously been determined to have committed abuse. The recidivism rate has shown a gradual decline from 16.0% in 2022 to 15.2% in 2025.The Ministry of Health and Welfare assessed that strengthening case management by child protection agencies and the establishment of home recovery programs, such as "Knock, Knock! Heart Talk!" where professionals visit homes, have positively impacted the reduction of recidivism.Of 38 Children Who Died, 18 Were Infants Under One Year; Crisis Detection Systems Need StrengtheningA particularly heartbreaking aspect is the increase in children who died from abuse. In 2025, 38 children died due to abuse, an increase of eight from the previous year, which had 30 deaths.Notably, among the deceased children, 18 were infants under one year old, accounting for 47.4% of all fatalities. Expanding the scope to include children under six years old, the total rises to 21 (55.3%), underscoring the urgent need for early detection systems for at-risk infants.Kim Hyun-sook, Director of Population and Child Policy at the Ministry of Health and Welfare, stated, "With the publication of this annual report, we plan to closely examine the achievements and progress of our child abuse prevention and response policies, identify areas for improvement, and develop necessary measures for ongoing implementation. To detect child abuse early and prevent serious incidents, we will continue to utilize key crisis indicators for monitoring children and conduct home recovery programs. Starting in September, we will establish and operate a special committee for in-depth analysis of suspected child abuse deaths to thoroughly analyze these cases and build a systemic foundation to prevent similar incidents from recurring."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-03 12:32:20
  • KAIST Develops New Catalyst to Reduce Greenhouse Gases in Semiconductor Production
    KAIST Develops New Catalyst to Reduce Greenhouse Gases in Semiconductor Production A new catalyst has been developed to reduce powerful greenhouse gases used in semiconductor manufacturing.A research team led by Professor Choi Min-ki from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) announced on September 3 that they have created a catalyst capable of efficiently and sustainably removing the greenhouse gas carbon tetrafluoride (CF₄) emitted during semiconductor microcircuit processes, in collaboration with Samsung Electronics.CF₄ is used in the production of semiconductor wafers, but small amounts remain after the process. It is difficult to decompose due to the strong bond between carbon and fluorine, and once released into the atmosphere, it can persist for about 50,000 years. Its impact on global warming is over 6,000 times greater than that of carbon dioxide.CF₄ is decomposed using a catalyst that facilitates rapid and easy chemical reactions with steam at high temperatures. However, the hydrofluoric acid (HF) produced during CF₄ decomposition creates a highly corrosive environment when it interacts with moisture, causing the catalyst's fine particles to agglomerate or change structure. As a result, the performance of existing catalysts deteriorated over time.The research team utilized the 'power of disorder.' By incorporating different types of atoms into a single structure, the arrangement becomes complex, making it less likely to agglomerate or change. The team evenly mixed several metals, including aluminum (Al), zinc (Zn), and gallium (Ga), within a single aluminate crystal structure, which remained stable even in high-temperature, humid, and fluorine-rich environments.The new catalyst demonstrated a CF₄ decomposition rate approximately 2.3 times higher than that of existing catalysts. In experiments conducted at around 800°C for 150 hours, the CF₄ conversion rate of the existing catalyst dropped from 93% to 48%, while the new catalyst maintained a high level, decreasing from 98% to 92%. The research team stated that this technology could lead to the development of catalysts for processing various semiconductor process gases by altering the types and combinations of metals.Professor Choi stated, "By applying the principle that disorder in nature can actually stabilize structures to catalyst design, we achieved both high CF₄ decomposition performance and long-term stability. This represents a new material design method that can be expanded to develop catalysts for processing various semiconductor process gases by changing the types and combinations of metals."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-03 12:32:00
  • SOOP Expands Collaborations with External Partners to Broaden Streamer Activities
    SOOP Expands Collaborations with External Partners to Broaden Streamer Activities SOOP is expanding its collaborations with external partners to broaden the activities of streamers. The company is not only producing new content with figures from the broadcasting and entertainment industry but also utilizing spaces from businesses and local governments as broadcasting stages, and introducing live commerce linked with brands to extend the reach of streamers.On September 3, SOOP announced that it is enhancing collaborations with external partners beyond simple affiliations or one-time content, connecting streamers with various figures, spaces, and brands to create new content and experiences, while also broadening the scope of collaboration to turn content activities into new revenue opportunities.Initially, SOOP is connecting streamers with various figures from the broadcasting and entertainment sectors, including comedians and singers, to introduce new content.In the comedy sector, SOOP is supporting comedians' platform activities in collaboration with the Korea Broadcasting Comedians Association. Comedians such as Park Sung-ho, Park Jun-hyung, and Lee Kwang-seob have begun their activities on SOOP, presenting various live comedy content like 'Story Episode,' 'Rising Star,' and 'Peach Academy' alongside streamers. In August, SOOP participated as an official partner in the Busan International Comedy Festival, showcasing on-site content featuring both comedians and streamers, further expanding the scope of collaboration.In the music sector, SOOP is also expanding collaborations between external artists and music streamers. In May, the company launched a music audition program 'AmusoX' in partnership with singer Noel and released collaborative music, providing music streamers with opportunities to engage in various music activities beyond broadcasting.Through these efforts, SOOP is offering new live activity stages for figures in broadcasting and entertainment while providing streamers with opportunities to experiment with new content alongside professionals from various fields. This support enables streamers to challenge themselves in diverse areas such as comedy and music, expanding their own content domains.SOOP is also utilizing spaces and regions owned by businesses and local governments as new content stages for streamers, thereby broadening their activity range from online broadcasting to offline events.SOOP has signed a business agreement with Seoul Land, allowing streamers to visit the theme park and introduce various on-site programs such as busking, treasure hunts, and mini-car competitions through travel and exploration content. Notably, the 'Horror Radio' program launched in collaboration with Seoul Land sold out in just 10 minutes, combining tickets for unlimited access to the park with on-site viewing experiences, showcasing a new way of integrating content with real-life experiences.Efforts to expand streamers' activities into commerce through collaborations with external brands are also ongoing. SOOP is introducing live commerce that connects brands with streamers through the Forest Store, allowing streamers to directly showcase various products and interact with users in real-time.In August, the live commerce promotion 'Please Take Care of Commerce' matched streamers with six brands, including Saboten, Afternoon Tea, Ganggojip, Grocery Seoul, Gwangcheon Byeolmat Gim, and Mini Melts. Selected streamers introduced each brand's products and engaged with users in real-time during sales. This model connects streamers' content activities to new revenue opportunities based on sales performance.Looking ahead, SOOP plans to continue expanding opportunities for streamers to engage in content creation, performances, on-site activities, and commerce through collaborations with various external partners. The goal is to create an environment where streamers' content activities can lead to new growth and revenue opportunities.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-03 12:24:00
  • Korea Eximbank President Meets Indian Ambassador to Discuss Strategic Partnerships
    Korea Eximbank President Meets Indian Ambassador to Discuss Strategic Partnerships Hwang Gi-yeon, President of the Korea Export-Import Bank, is working to expand cooperation with India in strategic industries such as shipbuilding, marine, and critical minerals.The Export-Import Bank announced that Hwang met with Gauranglal Das, the Indian Ambassador to South Korea, on September 3 at the bank's headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, to discuss economic issues and collaboration in strategic industries between the two countries.Both sides focused on establishing a local industrial ecosystem in advanced manufacturing sectors, particularly in connection with India's 'Make in India' initiative aimed at boosting the manufacturing sector.As South Korean companies are currently exploring opportunities in India's shipbuilding and integrated steel mill construction, the two parties reviewed the status of cooperation and discussed support measures for the successful entry and stable operation of South Korean businesses in India.Discussions also included expanding cooperation beyond shipbuilding and marine to encompass critical minerals, digital technology, artificial intelligence (AI), and clean energy transition. Both sides acknowledged the need to strengthen supply chain collaboration between India, which possesses key minerals like lithium, and South Korea, known for its technological capabilities.Hwang stated, "India is a key economic cooperation partner for South Korea, with significant synergy potential in manufacturing and advanced industries. We will continue to serve as a financial bridge to support the expansion of our companies into various strategic industries in India."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-03 12:24:00
  • LG Uplus Signs MOU with Korea Healthy Family Promotion Institute to Enhance Digital Skills
    LG Uplus Signs MOU with Korea Healthy Family Promotion Institute to Enhance Digital Skills LG Uplus has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Korea Healthy Family Promotion Institute to enhance the digital skills of multicultural families and single-person households.The agreement, announced on September 3, aims to bridge the digital divide for vulnerable groups, including multicultural families and single-person households, by leveraging a network of 244 family centers across the country to create a safe digital environment.The Korea Healthy Family Promotion Institute will implement programs that include smartphone and AI training, as well as education on preventing voice phishing and smishing. LG Uplus will provide IT educational materials such as smart TVs and laptops to support these training initiatives. The educational resources will be used to operate digital education programs at family centers and to build educational infrastructure.This year, LG Uplus has conducted smartphone training for multicultural families and marriage immigrants at family centers in Ansan, Gwangmyeong, and Hwaseong, achieving high satisfaction rates. Based on the results of this pilot program, the company plans to expand the training to family centers nationwide, aiming to improve information accessibility for digital vulnerable groups, including multicultural families and single-person households.Park Gu-yeon, director of the Korea Healthy Family Promotion Institute, stated, "A foundation has been established to expand education and support for digital vulnerable groups centered around the national family center network. We will continue to collaborate with LG Uplus to help diverse families adapt to the digital society and enhance their capabilities."Joo Yong-han, head of consumer affairs at LG Uplus, remarked, "As AI technology rapidly spreads, the importance of safely and effectively utilizing digital skills is growing. We will work with the Korea Healthy Family Promotion Institute to enhance information accessibility for digital vulnerable groups, ensuring that everyone can benefit from digital technology."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-03 12:20:00
  • LG Uplus to Operate Special Venue at 2026 Jecheon International Music and Film Festival
    LG Uplus to Operate Special Venue at 2026 Jecheon International Music and Film Festival LG Uplus announced on September 3 that it will participate as a media partner in the 22nd Jecheon International Music and Film Festival, supporting the festival's promotion and operating the '2026 Jecheon International Music and Film Festival Special Venue' on U+tv.The festival will take place from September 3 to 8 in Jecheon, North Chungcheong Province, featuring 189 films from 51 countries and performances by 37 teams. The main screening venue, Jecheon Culture Center, will expand from four to seven screening rooms.LG Uplus will introduce festival programs and films, support the expansion of cultural and artistic content, and host customer invitation events to enhance the audience's experience of the festival.For customers unable to attend in person, the '2026 Jecheon International Music and Film Festival Special Venue' will be available on U+tv, allowing viewers to feel the atmosphere of the event. This special venue will curate music films and performance-related content available on U+tv to align with the festival's theme.LG Uplus has been providing cultural and public interest content through initiatives such as 'U+STAGE,' which offers free access to classical music, opera, ballet, and art exhibition videos, as well as partnerships with the Jarasum Jazz Festival and a dedicated VOD section for Korean independent films.On the festival's opening day, a special broadcast of the U+tv content curation program 'U+tv Magazine' will feature highlights from the Jecheon International Music and Film Festival. Director Jang Hang-jun, the festival's executive chairman, along with announcer Park Sun-young and Cine21 editor Song Kyung-won, will discuss this year's major films, programs, and behind-the-scenes stories.The special broadcast will cover key programs of this year's festival, including the opening film 'Congo Boy,' the newly established international competition section 'Divine Comedy,' and a special exhibition of Chinese film composer Zhao Jiping. It will also introduce programs that allow filmmakers and audiences to interact, such as 'Talk to You,' the outdoor performance 'One Summer Dream,' and the overnight screening program 'Nocturne Special,' where film and music can be enjoyed together.Oh In-ho, head of media business at LG Uplus, stated, "Through our partnership with the Jecheon International Music and Film Festival, we aim to make it easier for more customers to access cultural and artistic content that combines music and film. We will continue to expand our collaboration with domestic and international cultural institutions to provide differentiated content experiences to our customers." * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-03 12:20:00
  • KB Kookmin Bank Offers Support for Nepal Flood Victims by Waiving Remittance Fees
    KB Kookmin Bank Offers Support for Nepal Flood Victims by Waiving Remittance Fees KB Kookmin Bank is waiving remittance fees to support recovery efforts in Nepal following severe flooding.On September 3, KB Kookmin Bank announced the launch of its "Nepal Remittance Support Program" for individual and corporate customers sending money to Nepal.Under this program, customers can remit funds to Nepal without incurring any remittance fees, regardless of the purpose.For donations aimed at recovery efforts, the support is even greater. KB Kookmin Bank will waive both remittance fees and telegraphic transfer fees, while also offering a 100% exchange rate benefit for donations.The support program will be available at all KB Kookmin Bank branches until October 30. Starting from September 11, it will also be accessible through non-face-to-face channels such as KB Star Banking.A KB Kookmin Bank official expressed condolences to the people of Nepal, stating, "We extend our deepest sympathies to the citizens of Nepal who have suffered greatly due to the sudden flooding. We hope the affected areas recover swiftly so that the people of Nepal can return to their daily lives as soon as possible."Meanwhile, a massive flood that struck the Nepal-China Himalayan region on August 26 has resulted in at least 1,114 fatalities and left 3,916 people missing in Nepal. Reports indicate that 583 of the missing individuals are foreign nationals.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-03 12:12:00