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Jining and Nonsan Explore the Value and Preservation of Confucian Architecture On August 28, Jining City in Shandong Province, China, and Nonsan City in South Chungcheong Province, South Korea, held an online exchange meeting to share the historical and cultural values embedded in traditional architecture from both countries.During the meeting, Kim Jeong-yeon, a researcher from the Korea Confucian Culture Promotion Institute, presented a systematic overview of the characteristics and preservation status of Korean Confucian architecture, focusing on the Nonsan Confucian Academy.Kim explained the 'front school, back shrine' layout of the Nonsan Confucian Academy, which utilizes the steep terrain by placing the educational space, Myeongnyundang, at the front and the ritual space, Daeseongjeon, at a higher elevation in the back. She emphasized that the academy continues to uphold Confucian values and traditional culture through its operation of the Chungyo Classroom and the spring and autumn rituals.The Jining representatives introduced Guxing Tower and Guangxian Pagoda from Jining's Jinxing County. Guxing Tower is a pavilion built during the Ming and Qing dynasties, symbolizing the flourishing of literary talent, while Guangxian Pagoda showcases the Buddhist culture and architectural techniques of its time and is recognized as a key cultural heritage site.Attendees from the Korea Confucian Culture Promotion Institute included Kim Sa-hyun, head of the Future Strategy Department, and researcher Kim Jeong-yeon, along with Ryu Hyung-seok, director of external cooperation at the Ajou Global Exchange Association. From the Chinese side, Chai Yunhua, head of the Jinxing County Cultural Heritage Protection Center, and Ren Liwei, general manager of the Jining Channel at China Shandong Network, participated. They agreed to continue expanding cooperation in the fields of traditional architecture research and cultural heritage preservation as a result of this exchange. 2026-09-03 10:24:10
Sejong Law Firm Strengthens Litigation Capabilities with New Hire Han Gi-soo Sejong Law Firm (CEO Oh Jong-han) announced on September 3 that it has recruited Han Gi-soo, a former judge at the Seoul High Court.Han has accumulated extensive experience and expertise over nearly 20 years, serving in various capacities at the Seoul High Court, Seoul Central District Court, Seoul Southern District Court, Suwon District Court Anyang Branch, and Gwangju District Court from 2004 to 2024.He also worked as a judicial administrative officer in the Criminal Court Division of the Supreme Court's Administrative Office and served as a public relations officer at the Seoul High Court, showcasing his expertise through a so-called 'elite course' within the judiciary. During his tenure, he was recognized as an outstanding judge by the Gyeonggi Central Bar Association.After concluding his judicial career as a judge specializing in criminal and election cases at the Seoul High Court in 2024, Han joined Kim & Chang, where he gained practical experience handling a variety of cases, including corporate criminal law, white-collar crime, serious accidents, industrial safety law violations, construction and real estate disputes, and family and inheritance litigation.Sejong plans to enhance its litigation capabilities in corporate criminal law and various civil and criminal litigation areas through this recruitment. Han's extensive judicial experience and diverse dispute resolution skills are expected to provide more comprehensive legal services in complex corporate and financial disputes, as well as criminal cases.CEO Oh Jong-han stated, "Han Gi-soo possesses a wealth of experience and deep expertise gained from his long judicial career, as well as being a litigation expert who has directly handled various types of disputes in a large law firm. His rich experience and expertise will synergize with Sejong's existing litigation capabilities, allowing us to offer even higher-quality legal services to our clients."Meanwhile, Sejong has strategically recruited experts in various fields, including Lee Hyun-bok, a former presiding judge at the Seoul Central District Court, Yoon Jun-seok, a former chief judge at Jeonju District Court, and Choi Chang-young, a star lawyer in criminal litigation, as well as Jo Chan-young, a labor law specialist and former judge at the Seoul High Court, and Kim Se-jong, a commercial and corporate law expert from the Supreme Court's Administrative Office. They have been recognized as leading experts in family and inheritance law.With these strategic hires, Sejong has been accumulating achievements in complex and challenging large civil and criminal cases, recently earning a Band 1 ranking in the litigation category in the Chambers Asia-Pacific Guide 2026.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-03 10:24:10
Daewoong Pharmaceutical Shares Drop 4% Amid Medytox Lawsuit Daewoong Pharmaceutical is experiencing a decline in its stock price as concerns about the ongoing trade secret infringement lawsuit with Medytox resurface. As of 10:10 a.m. on September 3, Daewoong's shares were trading at 118,300 won, down 5,800 won (4.67%) from the previous trading day, according to the Korea Exchange. On September 2, Daewoong announced that Medytox had significantly increased its damage claim in the ongoing appeal regarding the trade secret infringement lawsuit at the Seoul High Court. Medytox has raised its damage claim against Daewoong from 50 billion won to 500 billion won, a tenfold increase. The total amount claimed now stands at 501 billion won, which represents 44.08% of Daewoong's consolidated equity as of 2025. The legal battle between the two companies began in 2017 when Medytox accused Daewoong of misappropriating its botulinum strain and manufacturing processes. In 2023, the Seoul Central District Court ruled partially in favor of Medytox, ordering Daewoong to pay 40 billion won in damages. Both parties have since appealed, and the case is currently under review at the Seoul High Court. However, the 500 billion won figure is the amount Medytox has claimed in court, and the actual compensation amount has yet to be determined. Daewoong has stated that it will actively respond through its legal representatives.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-03 10:20:20
Chinese Companies Rapidly Transforming with AI Digital Employees Chinese companies are increasingly integrating artificial intelligence (AI) "digital employees" into their operations.Major appliance manufacturer Haier developed its own AI agent named Zhixiaoneng in May. The company has deployed Zhixiaoneng to assist employees in core functions such as research and development, manufacturing, supply chain, sales, and service. As of late July, over 60,000 employees had their own digital colleagues, with these AIs taking on roles that extend beyond simple Q&A to independently managing work processes.Haier has also enabled employees to create their own AI applications. When employees describe the tasks they need, Zhixiaoneng generates the necessary applications. A total of 262 personalized AI agents have been created this way. For instance, a purchasing employee developed an AI application that analyzes past sales, real-time orders, and market data to determine restocking needs, reducing the time required from about an hour to just five minutes. Similarly, a warehouse management employee created an AI application to monitor warehouse usage and anomalies, cutting inspection time from over four hours to ten minutes.Dairy company Mengniu selected 200 employees to identify tasks that could be addressed by AI. This initiative resulted in the creation of 45 AI digital employees, which were assigned to research and development, production, supply chain, and sales tasks. One farm management employee input two specialized books on cow diseases into the AI knowledge base and combined it with personal experience to create a precision diagnosis AI for cows. When health issues arise on the farm, the AI analyzes symptoms and suggests responses. Previously, it took an external expert 1.5 days to arrive on-site, but with AI, diagnosis and response strategies can be determined in just one hour.Shanghai Jahwa, which owns multiple cosmetics brands, has introduced AI agents across nine departments, including supply chain and brand marketing. The company operates stores on various online shopping platforms and has historically employed many staff for supply chain management. After implementing AI, the time required for monthly billing analysis decreased from two days to 15 minutes, while basic data preparation was reduced from one day to just two minutes. As a result, AI has effectively taken on the role of logistics accountant, analyzing seven types of invoices, including warehouse fees, labor costs, and shipping charges. Monthly analysis that previously took five days is now completed in 20 minutes. The company’s Chief Technology Officer stated, "AI is more than just a tool for efficiency; it is closer to a digital employee with clear data authority and job scope."Solar company JinkoSolar utilizes AI across finance, information technology, intellectual property, and production tasks. A finance employee noted that using AI can reduce the time spent organizing monthly financial data from three hours to just 15 minutes. He described AI as akin to a new employee who is knowledgeable but inexperienced, stating, "Once you teach it the rules and methods, it quickly becomes proficient."According to market research firm iResearch, the monthly visits to 17 major AI office agents in China increased from 20 million in March to 60 million in June this year. The China Communications Industry Association's Data Center Committee projects that the market for AI agents in Chinese enterprises will grow from 21.2 billion yuan in 2025 to 44.9 billion yuan in 2026, and exceed 332 billion yuan (approximately $68.1 billion) by 2029. The average annual growth rate from 2024 to 2029 is expected to reach 107%. 2026-09-03 10:20:10
Kang Shin-cheol: Transition of Wartime Operational Control to Strengthen ROK-U.S. Alliance Kang Shin-cheol, the nominee for Minister of National Defense, stated on September 3 that the planned transition of wartime operational control by the end of this year will be pursued in a manner that strengthens the ROK-U.S. alliance. Speaking to reporters on his way to the confirmation hearing preparation office at the National Defense Convention in Seoul, Kang emphasized, "The transition of wartime operational control is possible because of the ROK-U.S. alliance. Without the alliance, the concept of transitioning wartime operational control would not exist." Regarding his nomination as minister, he remarked, "I am well aware of the heavy responsibilities that come with the position of Minister of National Defense," adding, "I feel a weight that is beyond words. I will fulfill the mission entrusted to me." Kang also addressed concerns about the consolidation of the Army, Navy, and Air Force academies, stating, "I understand there are various opinions and concerns," and refrained from giving a direct answer. He noted, "I believe these concerns stem from a love for the military," and pledged to ensure the cultivation of excellent talent. As a four-star general and graduate of the Army Academy, Kang responded to expectations that he might slow down or retract the consolidation by stating that the military academies are assets of the Republic of Korea, not of any specific branch or group. He emphasized, "Both our past and present, as well as our future, are all ours," and remarked that the Army, Navy, and Air Force academies have been part of the history of the Republic of Korea. Kang added, "Regardless of how the military academies looked in the past, where they were located, or what names they had, they were all military academies of the Republic of Korea. The future military academy will also belong to no one but the Republic of Korea." When asked how he would handle a conflict between the Commander-in-Chief and his defense philosophy, he replied, "To change, there are things that must remain unchanged, and to remain unchanged, there are things that must change. I will distinguish between the two and move in a direction that can truly bring about change." Kang expressed his hope for a policy-centered verification during the National Assembly confirmation hearing scheduled for September 16. He stated, "There are defense policies we must pursue," and expressed a desire for the hearing to be a forum for discussing and deliberating the direction these policies should take in the future. 2026-09-03 10:20:10
U.S. Considers South Korean Chungnam-Class Frigate Among New Naval Orders The Trump administration is pushing for new orders of frigates for the U.S. Navy, considering options from South Korea, Japan, and Turkey, according to multiple sources cited by USNI News on September 1. Notably, the latest Chungnam-class frigate from South Korea is among the potential candidates, drawing attention to whether the U.S. Navy will proceed with its acquisition.According to reports, Acting Navy Secretary Hong Kao has directed William Mahan, the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development, and Acquisition, to investigate international combat ships, Ro-Ro cargo vessels, and integrated cargo supply ships (CONSOL) for the Military Sealift Command. The findings are expected to be submitted by November 12 of this year.Among the foreign frigates under consideration for procurement by the U.S. Navy are South Korea's Chungnam-class guided missile frigate, Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries' Mogami-class guided missile frigate, and Turkey's Istanbul-class guided missile frigate, sources reported.The Chungnam-class frigate is being constructed as part of South Korea's new FFX Batch-III program, with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, SK Oceanplant, and Hanwha Ocean involved in the project. Six vessels are expected to be built by 2028. The Chungnam-class frigate is noted for its enhanced multi-target tracking and response capabilities, featuring a four-sided fixed multi-function AESA radar, improving its air defense and anti-submarine capabilities.U.S. Navy spokesperson Ron Flanders stated, "(President Trump) has directed the Navy to actively enhance domestic shipbuilding capabilities," adding that this includes leveraging the proven technologies and industrial expertise of allied nations.Additionally, Rear Admiral Brian Metcalf, who oversees the Navy's combat ship procurement program, mentioned on social media in July, "The Navy cannot operate with just one size of vessel. The (new) frigates will fill that gap." He explained that these frigates can operate in areas with relatively low conflict potential, allowing them to undertake various missions while enabling destroyers to focus on high-intensity tasks.The consideration of foreign frigates by the U.S. Navy follows the Trump administration's announcement last month of a memorandum allowing the import of warships built overseas for 'national security interests.' Current U.S. regulations prohibit the import of warships constructed abroad, but the Trump administration has decided to allow exceptions for the construction of up to two vessels at foreign shipyards as part of efforts to rapidly enhance naval fleet capabilities.However, Congress is attempting to block such exceptions, leaving the actual prospects for the U.S. Navy's acquisition of foreign frigates uncertain. The Senate Armed Services Committee has removed the White House's provision for importing foreign-built warships from the draft of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2027, while the House Armed Services Committee has included measures to cut funding for U.S. warships built at foreign shipyards. The NDAA for fiscal year 2027 passed the House in July and is awaiting a Senate vote.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-03 10:20:10
Celltrion's Stekima Achieves 16.2% Prescription Share in U.S. Market Celltrion's autoimmune disease treatment, Stekima, has surpassed a 16% prescription share in the U.S. market just over a year after its launch. The company is experiencing rapid growth in the U.S. as it expands prescriptions for its existing flagship products, Truxima and Inflectra, as well as new offerings like Uplima. According to IQVIA, a pharmaceutical market research firm, Stekima (active ingredient: ustekinumab) recorded a 16.2% prescription share in the U.S. ustekinumab biosimilar market as of July. This marks a 6 percentage point increase from 10.2% in February, just five months prior. The U.S. ustekinumab market is estimated to be worth around 20 trillion won. From its initial launch, Stekima has been listed as a preferred medication by major pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and public and private insurance formularies, quickly establishing a foundation for insurance reimbursement. Celltrion's U.S. subsidiary has been strengthening its localized sales efforts targeting autoimmune disease specialists and insurance companies. Uplima (active ingredient: adalimumab) also achieved a 9.4% prescription share during the same period. Analysts suggest that its inclusion in the formularies of two of the top three U.S. PBMs at the end of last year has significantly contributed to its prescription growth. Celltrion's existing products continue to maintain a strong position in the U.S. market. The blood cancer treatment Truxima (active ingredient: rituximab) has held the top prescription spot for six consecutive months with a 38.6% share. Last month, Truxima became the first rituximab biosimilar to receive 'interchangeability' status from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), allowing it to be substituted for the original product. Inflectra (active ingredient: infliximab, marketed as Remsima in the U.S.) also retained its lead in the infliximab biosimilar market with a 30.7% prescription share. Celltrion plans to enhance sales synergies across its product lines based on its direct sales network in the U.S. The company aims to increase prescriptions for Stekima and Uplima by leveraging its existing sales network focused on autoimmune disease treatments and strengthen its portfolio competitiveness through the launch of subsequent products. Notably, the company is set to launch high-margin follow-up products, such as the chronic spontaneous urticaria treatment Omniclo (active ingredient: omalizumab), in the U.S. Celltrion expects that adding new products to its existing sales network will bolster revenue growth and improve profitability in the U.S. market. A Celltrion representative stated, "Both new and existing product lines, including Stekima, are achieving significant results in the U.S. and expanding their influence. We will maximize the sales effects of our direct sales network to accelerate prescription growth and successfully launch high-margin follow-up products like Omniclo to achieve revenue growth." Meanwhile, after achieving record results in the first half of the year, Celltrion is expected to continue its growth in the second half, driven by the expansion of new product sales and European bidding volumes. The company's annual revenue target is set at 5.3 trillion won, with an operating profit goal of 1.8 trillion won.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-03 10:20:00
T'way Air gears up for Trinity Airways debut with new livery SEOUL, September 3 (AJP) - Low-cost carrier T'way Air is in its final preparations for its transition into the new Trinity Airways, unveiling its first aircraft to feature the new livery ahead of the launch next week. The carrier said Thursday that it held an event at Gimpo International Airport on Monday to mark the delivery of a Boeing 737-8 featuring its new logo and design. Crew members wearing the airline's new uniforms also attended the event ahead of the aircraft's first flight from Gimpo to Jeju on Sept. 10 under its new name, marking the official launch of Trinity Airways. The Boeing 737-8 is a next-generation aircraft powered by LEAP-1B engines, offering better fuel efficiency and lower carbon emissions than existing aircraft in the same class. T'way Air plans to keep introducing aircraft with the new livery while gradually repainting its existing fleet. It also plans to add next-generation midsize and large aircraft, including the Airbus A330-900neo and Boeing 737-8, by the end of this year to expand its long-haul routes. "Preparations for the transition to our new brand are progressing smoothly," a T'way Air spokesman said. "With the upcoming launch, we will do our best to meet the diverse needs of our customers." This week's event follows a similar one last month, where T'way Air unveiled a strategy of offering different service options by route, aiming to keep fares competitive on domestic and short-haul routes while improving service on long-haul flights to Europe and North America. AJP Takeaways • T'way Air will officially launch its new Trinity Airways brand on Sept. 10, 2026, beginning with a Boeing 737-8 operating on the Gimpo-Jeju route. • The airline plans to gradually transition its fleet to the new Trinity Airways identity, while adding next-generation aircraft such as the Airbus A330-900neo and Boeing 737-8 by the end of 2026 to support its long-haul expansion. • T'way Air's new service strategy will offer different service options depending on the route, with competitive fares on domestic and short-haul routes and improved service on long-haul flights to Europe and North America. 2026-09-03 10:16:46
Department Stores Launch Premium Chuseok Gift Sales with High-End Options The department store industry is gearing up for the main sales of Chuseok gift sets. This year, retailers are expanding their offerings of high-end products, including beef priced in the hundreds of thousands of won and wines worth millions, while also enhancing convenience with small packaging, ready-to-eat meals, collaborations with renowned chefs, and AI recommendations. The strategy focuses on rarity, convenience, and personal taste to entice consumers. According to the retail industry on September 3, Lotte Department Store and Hyundai Department Store will begin their main sales of Chuseok gift sets on September 4, while Shinsegae Department Store and Galleria Department Store will start on September 7. Lotte Department Store plans to increase the number of gift items by about 20% compared to last year, preparing the largest quantity in its history. The offerings will be categorized into 'ultra-rare, ultra-convenient, and ultra-fresh' across various categories, including meat, produce, seafood, and groceries. Among the highlights are the 'Ulleung Premium Beef' (660,000 won), selected from the top 1++ grade of the approximately 200 cattle raised annually on Ulleung Island, and 'Almas Gold Caviar' (30g, 1.3 million won). Convenience items include 'Traditional Jang Geunbi,' which features boneless dried yellow corvina with gochujang and doenjang, and 'Yeonggwang Steamed Barley Geunbi,' which can be heated in the microwave after being pre-steamed. Lotte is also differentiating its services. It has introduced a 3 million won package that includes Spanish ham and a professional carver for on-site carving and catering, along with a mobile thank-you card service that uses AI to suggest holiday greetings based on the recipient's relationship, such as family, friends, or colleagues. Shinsegae Department Store is prominently featuring its own premium food brand. The 'The Signature Premium Beef,' selected from the top 3% of 1++ grade beef, is priced at 3.2 million won, while the 'Premium Jeonggeunbi Special' is priced at 3.5 million won. Beyond food, the gift range has expanded to include traditional crafts and travel experiences. Through 'Local Shinsegae,' artisan works such as white porcelain moon jars and mother-of-pearl crafts are available, and the travel platform 'Via Shinsegae' offers experience-based products like European New Year concerts, gourmet trips to Hong Kong, historical tours in Egypt, and Serengeti safaris. Hyundai Department Store is enhancing both 'small packaging' and 'high-end' offerings. It has prepared a record 120,000 sets of beef gift sets, increasing the number by 10% from last year, and is expanding its 'Sodam Set,' which contains 200g portions. It also features the 'Hyundai Premium Beef Number Nine' (3 million won), made from the highest marbling grade. Notable high-end alcoholic beverages include the 'Petrus 18-Bottle Vertical Collection' priced at 360 million won, the 'Leroy Two Types + Riedel Glass Set' at 120 million won, and the 'Balvenie 50-Year' at 85 million won. The AI shopping assistant 'Heidi' can recommend personalized gifts based on budget and the recipient's age group. Galleria Department Store is also emphasizing rarity. It is offering the '1++ No.9 BLACK,' composed of the highest marbling grade BMS 9 beef, for 3.5 million won. The highest grade Manuka honey is priced at 2.5 million won, and the 'Premium Five-Color Delicacy Set,' which includes sea urchin, beef, and caviar, is available for 1.6 million won. In the dessert category, Galleria has introduced unique items such as macarons from France's 'Pierre Hermé Paris' and kim-bu-gak created in collaboration with Chef Jong-won Son and Jeonggwan Sunim. An industry insider noted, "Holiday gifts are now determined more by how rare and personalized they are rather than just price. The strategy aims to capture VIP demand with high-end products while also attracting new customers through small packaging, ready-to-eat meals, and AI recommendation services." 2026-09-03 10:12:00
Free Flu Shots Now Available for Children Up to Age 14 This winter, the age range for children eligible for free flu vaccinations will expand. Children aged 14, who were excluded from the national vaccination program last year, will now be included starting this year.According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) on September 3, the "2026-2027 Influenza National Vaccination Program" will begin sequentially on September 21. The program targets children, pregnant women, and seniors aged 65 and older.The most significant change this year is the expanded age range for children. Previously, the national vaccination program covered children from 6 months to 13 years old. This year, the age limit will increase to 14 years, specifically for children born between January 1, 2012, and August 31, 2026. The KDCA stated that the expansion aims to prevent the spread of influenza among school-aged children and enhance community protection.The start date for vaccinations varies based on the number of doses required. Children aged 6 months to under 9 years who have never received a flu shot or have only received one dose in the past will be eligible for two doses starting September 21. Other children who require only one dose can begin receiving free vaccinations on September 28. Vaccinations for children will continue until April 30 of next year.Pregnant women will also be able to receive free vaccinations from September 21 until April 30 of next year.For seniors aged 65 and older, the start dates for vaccinations will vary by age group: those aged 75 and older can begin on October 12, those aged 70 to 74 on October 15, and those aged 65 to 69 on October 19. A COVID-19 vaccination will also be offered to seniors on the same schedule, and the KDCA recommends simultaneous vaccination for both flu and COVID-19.The national vaccination program will utilize a trivalent influenza vaccine that includes strains recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). Eligible individuals can receive free vaccinations at approximately 23,000 designated medical institutions and public health centers nationwide, regardless of their residence. Information on nearby vaccination sites can be found on the KDCA's vaccination assistance website.The KDCA emphasized that flu vaccinations are an effective means to reduce hospitalizations and deaths from influenza among children, pregnant women, and seniors, and urged eligible individuals to get vaccinated according to the schedule.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-03 10:12:00