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  • KDRT to Meet with Nepal Army Commander in Batar Region
    KDRT to Meet with Nepal Army Commander in Batar Region The Korea Disaster Relief Team (KDRT), dispatched to assist in the search and rescue of flood victims in Nepal, will meet with the Nepal Army commander in the Batar region on September 3. This meeting aims to determine the direction of the search efforts.A Foreign Ministry official stated, "KDRT leader Lee Gyu-ho and the Nepal Army commander plan to clarify the search direction through their meeting." The official added, "Starting from noon the previous day, the rapid response team will operate as one unit with KDRT." Newly dispatched KDRT members are expected to begin search operations as soon as the discussions conclude.The official also noted, "The rapid response team conducted a foot search yesterday but did not find any significant leads. The situation remains that nine of our citizens are still unaccounted for." KDRT has moved to Batar, where a base camp has been established, after arriving in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal.The official explained the decision to set up the base camp in Batar, stating, "Batar was evaluated as the optimal location for the base camp, and it was deemed best to move there as quickly as possible." Most KDRT members moved to the base camp the previous day, while the remaining personnel are expected to relocate today, considering vehicle arrangements and equipment transport.The official emphasized, "The base camp must accommodate all KDRT personnel. Over 60 individuals, including 44 KDRT members and some local rapid response team members, as well as administrative staff from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), will need lodging at the base camp." Additionally, it is crucial that road access for vehicle transport is possible. The official added, "I understand that road access is not feasible in the Dunche area, making it unsuitable for a base camp." 2026-09-03 11:12:00
  • CJ Logistics Introduces AI Humanoid Robots in Logistics Operations
    CJ Logistics Introduces AI Humanoid Robots in Logistics Operations CJ Logistics is accelerating logistics automation based on physical AI by deploying artificial intelligence (AI) humanoid robots in actual logistics operations. This marks the first instance in the logistics industry where humanoids are applied beyond the testing phase to handle customer logistics.On September 3, CJ Logistics announced that it has introduced two humanoid dual-arm robots at the Yangji Olive Young logistics center in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, to assist in the product packaging process. The humanoid robots perform tasks such as placing cushioning materials inside boxes on the packaging line.This deployment goes beyond the field tests conducted last year at the Gunpo Fulfillment Center, representing the first real-world application of humanoids in logistics operations. The company plans to utilize the work data accumulated on-site to continuously enhance the robots' accuracy and responsiveness through AI learning.Humanoids are gaining attention as a technology that can complement the limitations of existing automation equipment in logistics environments that handle a variety of products with different shapes, sizes, and materials. Their human-like form allows them to operate within existing workspaces while performing various tasks, providing flexibility and scalability in process changes.CJ Logistics is expanding the use of humanoids by combining real-world logistics data with AI technology. The company has advanced its foundation model (RFM), which acts as the robot's brain, by training it with both actual logistics data and virtual data generated through simulations, enhancing its ability to adapt to various work environments.Starting with this on-site operation, the company plans to gradually expand the application processes to include product picking, sorting, inspection, and packaging. Ultimately, CJ Logistics aims to develop a versatile logistics humanoid capable of performing multiple logistics processes consecutively.To achieve this, the company is collaborating with Robotechs (hardware), Aiden Robotics (robot hands), and Real World AI (RFM) to build an AI humanoid ecosystem. CJ Logistics is also participating in government-led projects, including the development of human-like robot hands, to promote the transition to an AI autonomous operation system in logistics.Kim Jeong-hee, head of the TES Logistics Technology Research Institute at CJ Logistics, stated, "The deployment of humanoids in actual logistics operations is significant as it marks the entry into a phase where they can perform roles in real logistics processes. We will combine logistics data and AI technology to realize a future-oriented fulfillment system where humans and robots work together."Meanwhile, CJ Logistics is also accelerating its expansion in North America, having begun operations at the Elwood logistics center in Illinois in collaboration with the Korea Ocean Business Corporation (KOBC).* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-03 11:08:00
  • Hansem Launches System Paris Pop-Up at Harrods to Expand European Market
    Hansem Launches System Paris Pop-Up at Harrods to Expand European Market Hansem is accelerating its entry into the European market with its casual brand, System Paris. Following the opening of a regular store at Galeries Lafayette in France, the company will launch a pop-up store at Harrods in the UK.Starting September 7 and running through November, Hansem will operate a System Paris pop-up store in the men's contemporary collection section on the second floor of Harrods in London.Since 2019, System and System Homme have showcased their global collection at Paris Fashion Week, expanding into the independent brand System Paris last year to broaden their global distribution network.Harrods, with a 177-year history, is the world's top department store by single-store global sales and represents the UK with its luxury and high-end brands.The pop-up store was made possible through an invitation from Harrods. Since last fall and winter, Hansem has been selling System Paris products through Harrods' own curated shop, receiving positive feedback, including sold-out items like coats and trousers.The pop-up will feature 64 items, including clothing, bags, and shoes, from over 300 new products. These items incorporate materials and designs that reflect European consumer preferences and received acclaim at the 2026 Fall/Winter Paris Fashion Week earlier this year.During the pop-up's operation, Hansem plans to implement marketing that incorporates Korean elements. On September 12, they will collaborate with the Korean tea café 'Look Left' in London to offer beverages to visitors, and in November, they will launch a holiday gift promotion themed around traditional Korean colors and norigae.Hansem is the only domestic fashion company participating in Paris Fashion Week annually since 2019. They operate a flagship store in the Marais district of Paris and a regular store at Galeries Lafayette, which has ranked among the top three in contemporary category sales since its opening earlier this year.Lee Jung-hyup, head of Hansem's global business strategy team, stated, "We expect to expand our network with local fashion industry stakeholders as the pop-up coincides with London Fashion Week. We will continue to expand our global distribution network based on differentiated design and quality."Meanwhile, Hansem reported a cumulative revenue of 773.6 billion won and an operating profit of 41.1 billion won for the first half of this year, marking increases of 7.7% and 82.7%, respectively, compared to the same period last year.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-03 11:08:00
  • One in Five Correctional Officers Faces Mental Health Risks Amid Overcrowding Stress
    One in Five Correctional Officers Faces Mental Health Risks Amid Overcrowding Stress A recent survey revealed that one in five correctional officers in South Korea is exposed to mental health risks.On September 3, the Ministry of Justice announced the results of the "2026 Mental Health Analysis of Correctional Officers," conducted from May 11 over four weeks with 9,122 participants nationwide. The analysis found that 20.1% of all participants were classified as at-risk in at least one mental health factor.The primary risk factor was alcoholism at 7.7%, followed by depression at 6.4%, suicidal thoughts at 5.9%, and post-traumatic stress at 5.8%. Notably, the rate of suicidal planning among those with suicidal experiences was about 2.4 times higher than that of the general adult population, while the rate of suicide attempts was approximately 1.7 times higher. Age-wise, mental health issues were most pronounced among those in their 40s, while addiction tendencies were more common in those in their 30s, and post-traumatic stress was relatively higher in those in their 50s.Job stress factors included "increased workload due to overcrowding and staff shortages," which accounted for 55.0%, maintaining its position as the top concern since the 2024 survey. Other significant causes included a focus on inmate rights (37.8%) and a closed working environment (27.8%).Based on these findings, the Ministry of Justice plans to enhance mental health screenings and expand programs for mental and physical care, as well as job stress management.Lee Hong-yeon, head of the Correctional Headquarters, stated, "The mental health of correctional officers is not just about managing individual psychological well-being; it is a crucial factor that influences the safe operation of correctional facilities and the quality of job performance. We will continuously monitor the mental health status of correctional officers through regular surveys and develop effective support policies, while also striving to improve the treatment of correctional officers and address overcrowding in facilities."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-03 11:08:00
  • Budget carrier Eastar Jet to increase routes to China
    Budget carrier Eastar Jet to increase routes to China SEOUL, September 3 (AJP) - South Korean low-cost carrier Eastar Jet is expanding its routes to more cities in China, offering more travel options between the two countries. The airline said Thursday it will launch flights from Incheon and Busan to Xiamen in October, followed by routes from Cheongju to Xiamen and from Busan to Hangzhou in December. It will offer four flights a week from Incheon to Xiamen on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, starting from Oct. 28. Flights from Busan to Xiamen will begin the following day, with three flights a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. Eastar Jet will add two more routes in December. Flights from Cheongju to Xiamen will begin on Dec. 2, with two flights a week on Thursdays and Sundays, while flights from Busan to Hangzhou will start on Dec. 3, with four flights a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Its expansion to more flights to Chinese cities comes after Eastar Jet was allocated international traffic rights for 11 routes by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport in April. Since then, Eastar Jet has begun flights to Hohhot in August and launched flights from Daegu to Zhangjiajie on Sept. 1, with plans to add more routes by next spring to give passengers more travel options. "Through these new routes, we want to give domestic travelers more travel options to China while attracting more Chinese tourists to South Korea," an Eastar Jet spokesman said. AJP Takeaways • Eastar Jet will launch four new routes to China in late 2026, including flights from Incheon and Busan to Xiamen in October and from Cheongju to Xiamen and Busan to Hangzhou in December. • The expansion follows Eastar Jet's allocation of international traffic rights for 11 China routes in April 2026 by South Korea's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. The airline has already launched flights to Hohhot and from Daegu to Zhangjiajie. • Eastar Jet plans to add more China routes by spring 2027, aiming to give South Korean travelers more options while attracting more Chinese tourists to South Korea. 2026-09-03 11:06:36
  • Defense nominee: OPCON transfer will strengthen alliance
    Defense nominee: OPCON transfer will strengthen alliance SEOUL, September 03 (AJP) - South Korea's defense minister nominee Kang Shin-chul said Thursday that the transfer of wartime operational control would be pursued in a way that strengthens the alliance with the United States. Kang made the remarks to reporters as he arrived Thursday at the Defense Convention in Seoul's Yongsan district, where he will prepare for his parliamentary confirmation hearing. Asked whether the government could complete the Full Operational Capability (FOC) assessment for the future Combined Forces Command within this year as planned, Kang stressed the importance of the alliance in the OPCON transition process. "The OPCON transfer is possible because the South Korea-U.S. alliance exists," Kang told reporters. "Without the alliance, the very concept of transferring OPCON would not exist." Seoul and Washington have been pursuing a conditions-based transfer of wartime operational control from the U.S.-led Combined Forces Command to a future command led by a South Korean four-star general. FOC verification is one of the key steps in assessing South Korea's readiness to lead combined wartime operations. Kang was more cautious when asked about the government's controversial proposal to integrate the Army, Navy and Air Force academies. "I understand that there are various opinions and concerns," Kang said. "I believe they all come from a desire to serve the military, and we will work to foster outstanding personnel." Pressed on whether the proposed integration could be withdrawn, Kang stopped short of giving a direct answer. "Whatever form the service academies took in the past, wherever they were located or whatever they were called, they were the academies of the Republic of Korea," he said. "The academies of the future will likewise belong to no one else but the Republic of Korea." Asked how he would respond if his views conflicted with those of the president, the commander-in-chief, Kang said, "For change to happen, there are things that must not change, and for things not to change, there are things that must change." "I will distinguish clearly between the two and move forward in a way that brings about genuine change," he added. Kang also faced questions over whether he had any involvement in former President Yoon Suk Yeol's Dec. 3, 2024, martial law declaration. "I understand that the presidential chief of staff has already given a clear answer to that question," Kang said. When announcing the Cabinet reshuffle last month, Presidential Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik said last month that a constitutional order task force and a Defense Ministry audit had found no evidence linking Kang Shin-chul to the Dec. 3 martial law attempt. Kang, a retired Army general and graduate of the Korea Military Academy's 46th class, has held several senior military posts, including director of strategic planning and chief director of operations at the Joint Chiefs of Staff and deputy commander of the South Korea-U.S. Combined Forces Command. Kang, who was nominated for defense minister on Aug. 30 and recently returned from Saudi Arabia, after he retired from ambassador to Saudi Arabia in January this year. "I feel a burden that is difficult to put into words," he said. "I know how heavy the responsibility of serving as defense minister is, which makes it feel even greater. But I will fulfill the mission entrusted to me." AJP Takeaways · Kang Shin-chul vowed to pursue OPCON transfer in a way that strengthens the South Korea-U.S. alliance. · The defense minister nominee avoided a direct answer on the proposed integration of the Army, Navy and Air Force academies. · Kang denied involvement in the Dec. 3 martial law attempt, citing earlier government findings clearing him of links. 2026-09-03 11:04:35
  • Minister Kim Yoon-deok: Relocation of Public Institutions Outside Seoul to Begin Next Year
    Minister Kim Yoon-deok: Relocation of Public Institutions Outside Seoul to Begin Next Year Kim Yoon-deok, Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, stated that unless a public institution is essential to remain in the Seoul metropolitan area, it will be included in the relocation plan. He also announced a comprehensive review of the criteria used during the first relocation of public institutions.During a press conference on administrative and public institution relocation held at the Government Seoul Building on September 3, Minister Kim emphasized, "Relocating public institutions is the most effective means to alleviate concentration in the Seoul metropolitan area and create new growth engines and quality jobs in the regions." He acknowledged both the achievements and limitations of the first relocation, which saw 150 institutions and over 50,000 employees move to the Sejong City and ten innovation cities. While this led to growth in key regional industries, increased local employment, and expanded local tax revenues, it did not reverse the trend of concentration in the Seoul area.Minister Kim noted that the dispersion of institutions across various regions resulted in insufficient agglomeration effects, and the living conditions in the innovation cities fell short of expectations.To address these issues, he proposed the principle of minimizing the remaining institutions in the Seoul metropolitan area for the second relocation.He stated, "I will conduct a comprehensive review of the remaining criteria applied during the first relocation and include institutions in the relocation plan unless they are absolutely necessary to remain." This approach will move away from merely distributing the number of institutions across regions. Instead, it aims to cluster functionally related institutions together and enhance relocation benefits by linking them with local industries and universities.The plan is to promote relocations centered around existing innovation cities while considering the government's 'five poles and three special growth engines' and the functions of current innovation cities. The relocated public institutions will be expected to create jobs and serve as anchors for regional growth through collaboration with local universities and industries.Minister Kim also stressed the importance of the relocation speed. Unlike the first relocation, which required the completion of new buildings before moving, the government will utilize leased private buildings to begin relocating leading institutions starting next year.He added, "We will significantly enhance support levels compared to the first relocation while providing robust assistance to institutions that relocate further and faster." A detailed plan for the second public institution relocation is expected to be announced in the fourth quarter of this year.Minister Kim concluded, "Balanced national development is an urgent task that cannot be postponed and a critical strategy for national survival. I will do my utmost to ensure that the second public institution relocation becomes a new growth engine for the regions and leads to tangible results in national balanced development."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-03 11:04:00
  • Uiwang Mayor Kim Seong-je urges Hope Narae Center to support disabled individuals and families
    Uiwang Mayor Kim Seong-je urges Hope Narae Center to support disabled individuals and families Uiwang Mayor Kim Seong-je on September 3 urged the Hope Narae Center to continue growing with the community and to be a strong support for disabled individuals and their families.On this day, Mayor Kim announced that the Hope Narae Center will hold a 15th anniversary celebration on the morning of the 17th.As part of his efforts to strengthen the welfare foundation for disabled individuals and their families, Mayor Kim emphasized the importance of the upcoming event, which will commemorate the center's significant milestone while fostering community engagement.The event will bring together disabled users, their families, volunteers, and supporters who have contributed to the center's growth over the past 15 years, allowing them to reflect on past achievements and pledge for future advancements.Mayor Kim plans to highlight the need for creating an environment where disabled individuals can live as equal members of the community, rather than just beneficiaries of welfare.The ceremony will begin with a pre-performance in the Hope Narae Hall, where artworks created by disabled users will be displayed.Following the opening, there will be awards for individuals who have contributed to the advancement of disability welfare, a screening of a commemorative video, and a group photo session. Nine individuals who have dedicated themselves to improving disability welfare will receive recognition.On the day of the event, various programs will be available for citizens and users to enjoy together.Supported by the Suwon Jungsa Association, free jajangmyeon (black bean noodles) will be distributed, along with interactive activities such as photo booths, wish balloons, and new sports experiences that encourage community participation.The event is expected to transcend a simple ceremony, becoming a festival where disabled and non-disabled individuals can mingle and reflect on the meaning of community.Director Baek Sang-hoon expressed hope that the event would serve as a commitment to ensuring that disabled individuals can lead happier lives within the community.Local citizens are also welcoming the 15th anniversary of the Hope Narae Center, anticipating further improvements in disability welfare.One citizen remarked, "The center has played a crucial role for local disabled individuals and their families over the past 15 years, which is significant. I hope there will be more programs that allow disabled individuals to engage naturally with the community."Another citizen stated, "Disability welfare is not just a policy for a specific group; it is the foundation for all of us to live together in our community. I hope this 15th anniversary event encourages citizens to take an interest in disability welfare."Mayor Kim added, "I ask for the active interest and participation of citizens in this event to bring greater hope to disabled individuals."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-03 11:00:10
  • Jin Jong-o to File for Injunction Against Disciplinary Action
    Jin Jong-o to File for Injunction Against Disciplinary Action Jin Jong-o, a lawmaker from the People Power Party who recently received a two-year suspension of party rights from the party's Central Ethics Committee, announced on September 3 that he will submit an application for an injunction to suspend the disciplinary action this week.In a post on his Facebook page, Jin stated, "This matter is not a political interpretation or an issue of internal party judgment." He emphasized, "I will seek a legal determination on whether the grounds for the disciplinary action were sufficiently proven by objective facts and evidence, whether the actions constituted grounds for disciplinary action under party rules, whether the disciplinary process was conducted lawfully and fairly, and whether the two-year suspension of party rights is proportional and reasonable."He added, "The more serious the disciplinary action that restricts fundamental rights, the more rigorously the grounds, procedures, and appropriateness of the action must be examined. I will seek judgment based on facts, evidence, procedures, and in accordance with law and principles."Jin was referred to the Ethics Committee for supporting independent candidate Han Dong-hoon during the June 3 local elections. He also faced backlash for making inappropriate jokes in public settings.Kwon Young-jin and Seo Beom-soo, who received similar disciplinary actions at the same time as Jin, have decided to seek a re-examination of their cases by the Ethics Committee. Seo, who received a 10-month suspension for exchanging inappropriate jokes with Jin, stated the previous day, "I have requested a re-examination from the Ethics Committee, asking for a review of the procedural legitimacy and appropriateness of the disciplinary action."Kwon, who was given a 1.5-year suspension for grabbing the collar of floor leader Jeong Jeom-sik in dissatisfaction with the assignment of standing committee positions, expressed his intention to seek a re-examination, stating, "Considering that the application for candidacy for the general election will take place during the suspension period, this is an extremely harsh disciplinary action that deprives me of the opportunity to apply for candidacy."Meanwhile, Jo Kyung-tae, who was also disciplined at the same time, has accepted a two-and-a-half-year suspension of party rights and decided not to request a re-examination.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-03 11:00:00
  • Hancom With Establishes Gold RWA Joint Venture in Dubai
    Hancom With Establishes Gold RWA Joint Venture in Dubai Hancom With is set to advance its global gold real asset tokenization (Gold RWA) business in Dubai.On September 3, Hancom announced that Hancom With has established a joint venture with gold trading company Al Dafra Al Gharbia Gold Trading (ADGT) and global business development firm Cast Holdings in Dubai.Hancom With signed a joint venture agreement with ADGT and Cast Holdings and held a ceremony to mark the occasion. The joint venture will be based in Dubai, with a total capital of $800,000. Hancom With and ADGT will each hold 40% of the shares, while Cast Holdings will own 20%.ADGT will be responsible for sourcing, refining, and storing physical gold based on its Tanzanian gold mine project and local distribution network in the UAE. Hancom With will establish and operate a system for issuing and redeeming on-chain assets from the secured physical gold. Cast Holdings will support the establishment of operational systems and collaboration with local institutions and businesses, leveraging its business development capabilities connecting Korea, China, and the UAE.The Al Mazrouei family, which leads ADGT, is a prominent family in the UAE known for producing high-ranking officials, including a former Minister of Energy, and for its royal connections. The joint venture plans to accelerate the establishment of a local physical gold supply chain based on the network built by the Al Mazrouei family in the UAE gold distribution sector.With the establishment of this joint venture, Hancom With will secure a stable source of physical gold for its already operational gold token business.In April, Hancom With launched the Ontorium blockchain platform for real assets, co-developed with its affiliate AB Labs, in the global market.Ontorium issues gold tokens 'OXAU' based on 99.99% purity physical gold certified by the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA), linking each token to the unique serial number of the gold bars to allow tracking of which physical gold corresponds to each token.Song Sang-yeop, CEO of Hancom With, stated, "If the agreement in July set the direction, the establishment of this joint venture completes the organization and system to execute the business. We will solidify our position in the Middle East market and expand our business globally based on a stable technology and business structure connecting physical assets and blockchain."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-03 11:00:00