AJU PRESS ASIA FIRST NEWS AGENCY

Journalist

&
""
Latest by
  • 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
  • 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.Mayor Kim announced that the Hope Narae Center will hold a 15th anniversary celebration on the morning of September 17.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 reflect on the center's growth over the past 15 years and reaffirm its commitment to the community.The event will gather disabled users, their families, volunteers, and supporters to celebrate achievements and look forward to 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-show at the Hope Narae Hall, where artworks 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 commemorative video screening, 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 'Suwon Jungsa Mo,' free jajangmyeon will be distributed, along with interactive activities such as photo booths, wish balloons, and new sports experiences.The event is expected to be more than just a ceremony; it aims to be a festival where disabled and non-disabled individuals can mingle naturally, reinforcing the sense of community.Director Baek Sang-hoon expressed hope that the event will serve as a stepping stone for the Hope Narae Center to continue accompanying disabled individuals in leading 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 with the community without feeling isolated."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 11:00:00
  • Hite Jinro Accelerates AI Transition by Training 30 AX Leaders
    Hite Jinro Accelerates AI Transition by Training 30 'AX Leaders' Hite Jinro is focusing on developing talent to lead its artificial intelligence (AI) business transformation. On September 3, Hite Jinro announced the launch of its 'AX Leader Training Program,' aimed at driving the company's overall AI transition (AX). AX refers to the use of AI technology to change existing work methods and organizational operations. The program will involve 30 employees participating in two phases. The focus is not just on learning how to use AI but also on identifying tasks where AI can be applied in their actual work and streamlining work processes. Participants will demonstrate their results at the 'AX Leader Innovation Project Presentation' scheduled for the second week of October. Outstanding projects will receive awards and recognition from the CEO, with plans for practical application in the workplace. Management is also directly engaging with AI. Some executives have completed training in 'vibe coding,' which involves using generative AI to command program creation instead of writing code manually. This initiative aims to encourage the use of AI in actual work processes, starting from the top. Hite Jinro plans to expand AI applications beyond product production to include demand forecasting, market trend analysis, production and inventory management, logistics, and consumer response analysis. The goal is to connect data from various departments to enhance responsiveness to market changes and reduce repetitive tasks, allowing employees to focus on decision-making. The introduction of AI has been gradual. In 2024, the company plans to establish an AI-based market analysis system, shifting from experience-based analysis to a data-driven approach. Since last year, it has implemented an in-house generative AI platform for tasks like document summarization and report drafting. This time, the emphasis is on spreading AI capabilities beyond a few departments to the entire organization. Employees selected as AX Leaders will receive support for AI development tool usage costs for one year, priority access to new in-house AI service features, and opportunities to participate in external AI conferences. They will also be prioritized as project leaders for AI initiatives. The beverage industry is rapidly moving to connect AI from simple document creation to actual sales and business processes. Lotte Chilsung Beverage recently introduced a generative AI-based system for identifying overseas buyers, reducing the time for related tasks from over 50 hours to about 3 hours. In April, it established an 'AX Project Team' and plans to expand AI use to global sales as well as domestic client and supplier identification. Hite Jinro intends to make this training program an ongoing initiative, operating regular 'AX Leader Innovation Meetings' to disseminate practical use cases across the organization. Based on the results of the first and second phases, the training target and program will also be expanded. A Hite Jinro representative stated, "Through this program, members will gain experience in connecting AI to actual work outcomes, and we will continue to identify and develop practical AI talent."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-03 10:56:00
  • SF9 Completes Activities for 10th Anniversary Album TENACITY and Prepares for Concert
    SF9 Completes Activities for 10th Anniversary Album 'TENACITY' and Prepares for Concert Group SF9 has concluded the official activities for their second studio album, released to celebrate their 10th anniversary.According to their agency, FNC Entertainment, SF9 wrapped up their promotional activities for the album 'TENACITY' after performing on the MBC M·MBC every1 'Show Champion' on September 2. Following the release of their new album on August 26, the group showcased their title track 'Without Wings' with choreography that embodies the song's message and their signature restrained performance.In addition to music broadcasts, SF9 engaged in various online and offline promotions. Before their comeback, they launched a website featuring a new shape called 'Wakpubal' (Wax Pushing Ball) and released their own content series 'Sseokguhangsa.' They also held guerrilla events in the Seongsu-dong area of Seoul, distributing cards and business cards with lucky messages to citizens. Furthermore, they expanded their connection with fans through short-form song challenges.The album achieved significant success on global charts. Shortly after its release, it entered the top 10 of the iTunes K-pop album charts in nine regions, including Canada, the United States, and Australia. In three regions, including Indonesia and Malaysia, it reached the top five of the overall album charts, while in Macau, it secured top three positions in the overall, pop, and K-pop album charts, with 'Without Wings' reaching number one on the K-pop digital chart.The album 'TENACITY' captures the journey of facing limitations and moving forward in pursuit of dreams. The title track's message, 'We can rise again even without wings,' reflects the group's new aspirations as they celebrate their 10th anniversary.Meanwhile, after concluding their album activities, SF9 will hold a two-day solo concert titled '2026 SF9 LIVE FANTASY #6 十年逐夢' on October 10 and 11 at the KBS Arena in Gangseo-gu, Seoul, where they will look back on their musical journey over the past decade.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-03 10:56:00
  • Tesla takes 1 in 3 Korea import-car sales in August
    Tesla takes 1 in 3 Korea import-car sales in August SEOUL, September 03 (AJP) - Tesla, this year's standout performer among imported car brands in South Korea, widened its lead in August by selling more vehicles than BMW and Mercedes-Benz combined. Tesla registered 10,400 vehicles in August, exceeding the combined 10,217 units sold by second-ranked BMW and third-ranked Mercedes-Benz, according to the Korea Automobile Importers & Distributors Association (KAIDA). BMW registered 6,180 vehicles and Mercedes-Benz 4,037. Tesla's sales rose 1.6 percent from July and 30.4 percent from a year earlier. Itsshare of Korea's imported passenger vehicle market reached 34.88 percent, up from 33.05 percent in July, meaning more than one in three imported cars registered in Korea last month was a Tesla. Tesla ranked third in January with 1,966 vehicles before moving into first place in February with 7,868 units. It has remained the top-selling imported brand every month since and has surpassed 10,000 monthly registrations for six consecutive months. The Model Y accounted for most of the volume, with 9,638 units registered in August, representing 32.3 percent of all imported passenger vehicle registrations on its own. BMW's August sales fell 5.4 percent from July and 4.3 percent from a year earlier. Mercedes-Benz sales rose 2.0 percent from July but declined 6.8 percent year on year. Tesla registered 76,776 vehicles in Korea from January through August, up 122.3 percent from 34,543 during the same period last year. BMW's cumulative sales edged up 1.2 percent to 51,863 units, while Mercedes-Benz registrations fell 8.7 percent to 37,772. Chinese electric vehicle maker BYD ranked fourth in August with 3,002 vehicles, up 5.5 percent from July. The Dolphin led BYD's lineup, followed by the Sealion 7 and the plug-in hybrid Sealion 6 DM-i. Overall imported passenger vehicle registrations totaled 29,817 units in August, up 9.2 percent from a year earlier but down 3.7 percent from July. AJP Takeaways · Tesla sold 10,400 vehicles in Korea in August, more than BMW and Mercedes-Benz combined. · The Model Y alone accounted for 9,638 registrations, or 32.3 percent of the import market. · Tesla's January-August sales jumped 122.3 percent from a year earlier. 2026-09-03 10:52:57
  • Yanggu County Expands Customized Support for Dementia Prevention and Care
    Yanggu County Expands Customized Support for Dementia Prevention and Care Yanggu County is expanding its customized support services that range from dementia prevention and awareness to daily care for patients and their families.According to Yanggu County on September 3, the Yanggu Dementia Safety Center will hold the 19th Dementia Day commemorative event on September 4 at 2 p.m. at the Budanamu Art Warehouse, ahead of Dementia Day on the 21st. Dementia Day is a legally designated commemorative day established under the Dementia Management Act to raise awareness about the importance of dementia care and to foster social consensus on overcoming dementia.The event will feature an exhibition of works created by participants in the Dementia Safety Center's programs, allowing residents to share in the achievements of these activities. A professor of psychiatry will also present on the topic of 'A Guide to Brain Health from Science,' introducing practical brain health management methods and dementia prevention tips that can be implemented in daily life.Following the commemorative event, Yanggu County will launch a community-based care project aimed at alleviating the daily inconveniences faced by dementia patients and residents. On September 9, in collaboration with the Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province's Regional Dementia Center and the Korean Red Cross, the county will operate a mobile laundry service called 'Miracle, Sunshine-filled Cozy Laundry' for dementia-safe villages.The mobile laundry service is designed to improve the living hygiene of dementia patients and local residents who struggle with laundry. The service will provide a one-stop solution, collecting laundry from participating households, washing and drying it, and then returning it.The Korean Red Cross will handle the collection, washing, and delivery of laundry. The Yanggu Dementia Safety Center plans to conduct dementia partner training for participating volunteers to enhance understanding of dementia and promote community care awareness.Yanggu County continues to maintain a community-centered dementia management system that connects prevention and early management with support for the daily lives of patients and their families. The county aims to strengthen community-based support, particularly around dementia-safe villages, involving residents, volunteers, and related organizations.Lee Hee-jung, head of the Yanggu County Health Center, stated, “In addition to dementia prevention and awareness, it is important to provide daily support that dementia patients and their families can feel in their everyday lives. We will continue to offer various dementia prevention and management services that reflect the needs of local residents, dementia patients, and their families.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-03 10:52:00
  • Dongil Steel Lux Rises 22% Following President Trumps LNG Project Mention
    Dongil Steel Lux Rises 22% Following President Trump's LNG Project Mention President Donald Trump’s mention of the Alaska liquefied natural gas (LNG) project has led to a significant rise in shares of Dongil Steel Lux. As of 10:17 a.m. on September 3, Dongil Steel Lux shares were trading at 1,559 won, up 279 won (21.8%) from the previous day. Dongil Steel Lux is a steel manufacturer. Following Trump’s comments, shares of steel companies have surged, with other firms like Geumgang Steel rising by 17.9% and TCC Steel by 10.2%. On September 2, Trump stated to reporters at the White House, "Japan and South Korea are going to Alaska to load fuel and oil and build a pipeline." The surge in steel stocks reflects expectations that domestic steel companies will benefit from the pipeline construction. The Alaska LNG project is one of Trump’s key policy initiatives, with the Trump administration mentioning the potential for investments from Japan and South Korea. The project involves extracting natural gas from the North Slope of Alaska and transporting it approximately 1,300 kilometers through a new pipeline to Nikiski, a deep-water port near Anchorage, where it will be liquefied and supplied to demand centers.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-03 10:52:00
  • P1Harmonys Intak Collaborates with Rain for Hip Song Challenge
    P1Harmony's Intak Collaborates with Rain for 'Hip Song' Challenge Group P1Harmony member Intak and singer-actor Rain have teamed up for the 'Hip Song' challenge.FNC Entertainment released a video on September 2 through its official social media channels, showcasing Intak and Rain performing the key choreography of the song together.This challenge was initiated following Intak's solo cover performance. Previously, during a fan meeting titled 'P1uspace H: Horror Haven' held in July, Intak had performed a cover of Rain's 'Hip Song.' The video footage captured by fans, along with live clips shared by the agency, garnered over 10 million views, attracting significant attention.Meanwhile, Intak's group P1Harmony is currently on their Asia tour 'BE UNIQUE,' fulfilling their overseas performance schedule.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-03 10:52:00