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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 -
Krafton commits to G-Star for 10th straight year SEOUL, September 03 (AJP) - Krafton announced that it will exhibit at G-Star 2026, the country's largest gaming expo, extending its unbroken run of appearances to a decade and offering the beleaguered show a marquee domestic name. The Battlegrounds maker has taken part in the Busan event every year since 2017, using the fair to unveil marquee titles and let visitors sample upcoming releases through hands-on demos and interactive programs. The company announced Thursday that it will again set up a booth in the BTC hall of BEXCO's first exhibition center, though it said details of its slate, booth design and on-site events would follow. The commitment lands at a delicate moment for G-Star, which runs Nov. 19 to 22. When organizers unveiled a first roster of exhibitors in August, none of Korea's leading studios — among them Nexon, Netmarble, NC and Krafton — appeared, and Chinese publishers such as HoYoverse, NetEase Games and Bilibili filled much of the vacated floor. The main sponsor slot went to Crack, an AI-driven storytelling platform, the first time a non-gaming firm has held the position in the show's 22-year history. Krafton, whose participation was described as undecided as recently as mid-August, did not disclose which games it would bring. Industry observers expect it to draw on the five new titles it presented at Gamescom in Cologne in late August, including PUBG: Ded.Net, No Law, Project Zeta, Age Twisters and Tarae: The Unbound, alongside its flagship Battlegrounds franchise. Korean studios have leaned heavily on overseas showcases this year, with Krafton and NC confirming Gamescom appearances and Nexon Games heading to next month's Tokyo Game Show. AJP Takeaways • Krafton confirmed on Sept. 3, 2026, that it will exhibit at G-Star 2026 in Busan, running Nov. 19-22, extending its consecutive appearances at South Korea's largest gaming expo to a 10th year since 2017. The commitment gives the show a top-tier domestic exhibitor after none of Korea's leading studios appeared on the first roster organizers released in August. • When the G-Star organizing committee published its initial exhibitor list on Aug. 13, 2026, major Korean publishers including Nexon, Netmarble, NCSoft and Krafton were absent, and Chinese firms such as HoYoverse, NetEase and Bilibili filled much of the main hall, while the AI storytelling platform Krack became the first non-gaming main sponsor in the event's 22-year history. • Krafton did not disclose its Busan lineup, though industry observers expect it to feature the five titles it showed at Gamescom in Cologne in late August 2026 — PUBG: Ded.Net, No Law, Project Zeta, Age Twisters and Tarae: The Unbound — alongside Battlegrounds, as Korean studios continue prioritizing overseas showcases like Gamescom and the Tokyo Game Show. 2026-09-03 10:10:34 -
Hwacheon County to Live Stream Major Work Reports on YouTube Hwacheon County in Gangwon Province will live stream its major work report meetings on YouTube, allowing residents to directly observe key issues, policy progress, and the administrative decision-making process.According to Hwacheon County, starting with the September monthly work report held at 9 a.m. on the 3rd, all major work reports will be broadcast live on the county's YouTube channel.This initiative aims to enhance administrative transparency and expand residents' right to know. It seeks to go beyond merely announcing policy outcomes by also revealing how major projects are reported and monitored.As a result, residents can now view the work reports in real-time via their mobile phones or PCs without needing to visit the county office. They will be able to follow the progress of key issues and see how the county mayor and senior officials discuss and assess projects.The trend of publicly sharing work reports and executive meetings has been gaining traction among central and local governments. Following central ministries, local governments such as Busan and Jeonbuk have also begun to broadcast or live stream their executive meetings and major work sessions online.Hwacheon County's move is noteworthy as it applies this trend of open administration to the work reports of a basic local government. Notably, it is significant that the county plans to continuously stream all major work reports on YouTube rather than just a one-time event.Public access to these meetings is expected to enhance accountability and trust in the administration, as residents will be able to directly observe the policy decision-making and implementation processes. Additionally, as the work progress and report contents will be made public, it is anticipated that public officials will feel a greater sense of responsibility in preparing and explaining policies.However, ensuring that open discussions and internal issues are not stifled due to the public nature of the meetings remains a challenge. The effectiveness of this initiative will depend on whether it evolves into a practical form of open administration that allows residents to understand the county's key issues, rather than merely showcasing meetings.Hwacheon County Mayor Kim Se-hoon has expressed his commitment to increasing administrative transparency and making major decision-making processes available to residents since taking office in July.Mayor Kim stated, "By making work reports public, the right to know for residents will be significantly expanded. I also expect that the mindset of public officials when preparing work reports will change markedly from before."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-03 10:08:00
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Seoul Sees 264 Applications for Voluntary Auctions of Multi-Unit Buildings in July The number of applications for ownership transfer registrations due to voluntary auctions of multi-unit buildings in Seoul reached 264 in July. Guro District had the highest number of applications at 51, followed by Gangseo District with 47.On September 3, real estate information app Jipum analyzed data from the Supreme Court's registration information portal, revealing that in July 2026, there were 264 applications for ownership transfer registrations for multi-unit buildings across Seoul's 25 districts. This marks an increase of 66 applications, or 33.3%, from the previous month’s total of 198. Compared to the same month last year, which had 230 applications, this represents an increase of 34 applications, or 14.8%.This analysis focused on the number of properties applied for ownership transfer registrations due to 'sales from voluntary auctions' in the 25 districts of Seoul. The comparison period included July 2025, June 2026, and July 2026.In July, Guro District led with 51 applications, followed by Gangseo District with 47, and Gwangjin, Songpa, and Yeongdeungpo districts each with 15 applications. The top five districts accounted for 143 applications, or 54.2% of the total 264 applications in Seoul.Guro District also saw the largest increase compared to the previous month, rising from 13 applications in June to 51 in July, an increase of 38. Gangseo District increased from 14 to 47 applications during the same period, a rise of 33. Dongjak District went from 0 to 11 applications, while Gwangjin District increased from 5 to 15, and Yeongdeungpo District rose from 6 to 15.Conversely, Songpa District experienced the largest decrease, dropping from 26 applications in June to 15 in July, a decline of 11. Gwanak District fell from 15 to 5 applications, a decrease of 10, and Yongsan District dropped from 7 to 0. Dongdaemun and Mapo districts also each saw a decrease of 7 applications.Compared to the same month last year, Guro District's increase was particularly notable, rising from 10 applications in July 2022 to 51 in July 2023, an increase of 41. Gangseo District also saw an increase from 19 to 47 applications, a rise of 28. In contrast, Seongbuk District fell from 17 to 1 application, a decrease of 16, and Nowon District dropped from 21 to 6, a decline of 15.As the overall number of applications for voluntary auction sales in Seoul increases, some districts are seeing a concentration of applications, highlighting the debt burden in the multi-unit building market and varying auction risks by region.A representative from Jipum stated, “In July 2026, there were 264 applications for ownership transfer registrations for multi-unit buildings in Seoul, with Guro District having the highest at 51. It is important to analyze the trends by district, especially with the overall increase in Seoul and the decreases in Songpa, Gwanak, and Yongsan districts.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-03 10:04:20
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Hanwha Life Develops AI Solution to Detect Dementia Signs Through Everyday Calls Hanwha Life is exploring ideas for dementia care, including an artificial intelligence (AI) solution that analyzes voice and language patterns during everyday phone calls to detect signs of dementia. On September 2, Hanwha Life held the awards ceremony for the 'Hanwha Life WE CARE MEMORY+' accelerating contest, announcing the selection of 15 winning teams on September 3. This contest, held for the first time this year, aimed to find dementia prevention and mitigation solutions that can support the daily lives of individuals with mild cognitive impairment and early-stage dementia, as well as their families. The contest featured five categories: digital & AI, work & social experience, community, programs, and others. A total of 92 teams from across the country participated. The contest was divided into two tracks: the 'Idea Track,' which evaluated planning ideas, and the 'Implementation Track,' which focused on the feasibility of real-world application. The Idea Track award went to the team 'Let's Be Friends,' which proposed a solution using AI to monitor cognitive changes in daily life. In the Implementation Track, the 'Green Memory, Connecting Through Roles' project from the Dobong-gu Dementia Safety Center was selected. Hanwha Life plans to provide a total of 170 million won in business support funds to implement the solutions selected in this contest. The Idea Track winners will receive two months of mentoring to enhance their business models, while the Implementation Track will benefit from one-on-one expert matching and infrastructure support for prototype testing over seven months. Lim Seok-hyun, head of Hanwha Life's planning division, stated, "We will support the discovered solutions to ensure they provide practical assistance in care settings."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-03 10:04:10
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Han Byeong-do Dismisses Claims of 'Lame Duck' Status for President Lee Jae-myung Han Byeong-do, the floor leader of the Democratic Party, dismissed claims from the People Power Party regarding a 'lame duck' status for President Lee Jae-myung, calling it "an absurd assertion" and merely a wishful thinking from the opposition.During a policy coordination meeting at the National Assembly on September 3, Han stated, "The People Power Party is spouting nonsensical claims about the 'lame duck' phenomenon. This is a ridiculous assertion that ignores the dictionary definition of lame duck and seeks to undermine the government's momentum by any means necessary."He emphasized that, contrary to the opposition's misguided hopes, the ruling party and government are collaborating more effectively than ever, asserting that the alleged lame duck status of President Lee does not exist.Han further remarked, "The current administration, which relies solely on extreme right-wing politics and is mired in unprecedented disciplinary actions, is more fitting of the term 'lame duck.' The People Power Party continues to regress by dragging in former Presidents Lee Myung-bak and Park Geun-hye, who have been impeached and convicted, in an attempt to stabilize internal chaos."Additionally, Han praised the budget proposal for 2027, which was approved at the Cabinet meeting on September 1, describing it as "the largest investment ever aimed at restoring livelihoods."He explained, "This budget is designed to expand the foundation for economic growth and ensure that its benefits reach all citizens, representing the largest investment for the future of South Korea and the recovery of livelihoods."Han concluded by stating, "The Democratic Party will listen to the voices of the people and enhance the quality of the budget proposal, committing to responsibly process next year's budget by the legal deadline as the ruling party."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-03 10:04:10
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Tiger Woods Avoids Jail Time but Loses Driving Privileges for Five Years Tiger Woods has been banned from driving for five years following a vehicle rollover accident that occurred in March. He avoided a potential jail sentence related to drug driving charges after reaching a plea agreement with prosecutors.On September 3, in a Martin County, Florida, courtroom, Judge Darren Steele sentenced Woods to a five-year suspension of his driver's license and a $1,500 fine. This outcome resulted from Woods agreeing to plead to lesser charges of reckless and careless driving instead of the more serious charges of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. He concluded the case by accepting the penalties without contesting his guilt.Judge Steele warned Woods that if he is caught driving for any reason during the suspension, he will be immediately incarcerated.The incident took place on March 27 near Woods' home in Jupiter Island, Florida, when he attempted to overtake a trailer truck and collided, causing his SUV to overturn. At the time of the accident, Woods told responding officers that he was distracted by his phone while changing the radio station.No alcohol was detected in his system during testing. However, police noted that Woods exhibited signs of impaired driving, including dilated pupils and unsteadiness. Additionally, two pills of the narcotic painkiller hydrocodone were found in his pocket, and he refused to undergo a urine test, leading to his arrest. Woods, who has undergone multiple surgeries for chronic pain, reportedly sought treatment for drug dependency and pain management at a specialized rehabilitation clinic in Switzerland shortly after the accident.Woods' first court appearance since the March incident was attended by his girlfriend, Vanessa Trump, the ex-wife of Donald Trump Jr., the eldest son of President Donald Trump.President Trump commented to reporters at the White House, saying, "Woods is a really great friend, and this is a very fair ruling. I’ve always advised him to have someone else drive, and now it’s really time for him to take that advice."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-03 10:04:00
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Management and Support of Consumer Cooperatives Transferred to Ministry of SMEs 소비자생활협동조합(생협)의 관리·지원 업무가 공정거래위원회에서 중소벤처기업부로 이관됨에 따라 정부가 관련 하위법령 정비에 나선다.공정위는 소비자생활협동조합법 시행령·시행규칙과 소비자생활협동조합 표준정관례 개정안을 마련해 입법·행정예고한다고 3일 밝혔다.이번 개정은 지난 5월 공포된 개정 생협법에 따라 생협 사무의 주무부처가 공정위에서 중기부로 변경되는 데 따른 후속 조치다. 개정법 시행에 필요한 사항을 반영하고 관련 규정을 정비하는 것이 골자다.우선 생협과 관련한 각종 신청·신고의 제출·처리 기관이 공정위에서 중기부로 변경된다.현재 공정위가 처리하도록 규정된 생협 연합회와 전국연합회의 설립인가, 정관변경인가, 사업 승인 등의 사무는 앞으로 중기부에 제출해 처리하도록 관련 규정을 정비한다.총리령으로 정하도록 한 사항도 중소벤처기업부령으로 변경된다. 현행 법령은 각종 신청·신고 서식과 경영공시 대상인 중요 사항 등을 총리령으로 정하도록 하고 있으나 개정법에 맞춰 중기부령으로 정하도록 바꾼다.법령상 권리·의무 주체와 각종 서식도 정비한다. 법정 사무 수행 과정에서 주민등록번호나 외국인등록번호 등 고유식별정보를 처리할 수 있는 권한을 중기부 장관에게 부여한다. 각종 신청·신고 서식에 적힌 제출처와 처리기관도 중기부로 변경한다.공정위는 이번 하위법령 개정을 통해 개정 생협법을 차질 없이 시행한다는 계획이다.공정위 관계자는 "소비자생활협동조합이 중기부의 체계적인 관리와 지원을 통해 사회적 가치 실현과 공동체의 지속 가능한 발전을 추구하는 사회적 경제의 주체로 한 단계 더욱 성장하는 계기가 마련될 것으로 기대된다"고 밝혔다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-03 10:04:00
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LG Electronics Unveils Next-Generation AI Home Ecosystem at IFA 2026 LG Electronics is set to showcase its AI Home ecosystem, which connects spaces, products, and services through artificial intelligence, at the IFA 2026 in Berlin, Germany, starting on September 4.The company will present over 150 core home appliance products at Europe’s largest electronics exhibition. Approximately 46% of its 3,745 square meters of exhibition space will be dedicated to private consultation areas for business-to-business (B2B) clients, focusing on local distribution channels.Visitors will experience optimized solutions for various living spaces, including the next-generation AI Home hub, LG ThinQ On, and the AI platform, LG ThinQ. The AI agent, ThinQ Cloi, will also be unveiled, demonstrating natural conversation-based control of appliances and service integration.Additionally, LG will introduce its commercial space management solution, LG ThinQ Pro, and a home energy management system (HEMS) utilizing At Home's Homi.The new product lineup, Fit & Max, designed to maximize space and energy efficiency, will also debut. This lineup expands from refrigerators to include washing machines, dryers, and dishwashers, featuring built-in designs and AI-based high-efficiency functions.LG will showcase a range of high-efficiency products that exceed the top energy rating standards in Europe (A grade), applying advanced technologies previously reserved for premium models.Attendees can experience the 83-inch wireless wallpaper TV, LG Signature OLED W, and the 2026 model of LG OLED Evo AI, equipped with the third-generation Alpha 11 AI processor. Demonstrations will also include an AI voice recognition refrigerator and a wall oven featuring Gourmet AI.At the entrance of the exhibition, a home robot, LG Cloi, will present the LG AI Orchestra, illustrating a future living environment where products and spaces are organically connected.Baek Seung-tae, Vice President of LG Electronics' Home Appliance Business Unit, stated, "We will strengthen our leadership in the global premium home appliance market through the AI Home ecosystem, composed of AI appliances, hubs, and platforms."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-03 10:04:00
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Samsung C&T Partners with SMDP for Mokdong 13 Redevelopment Project Samsung C&T's construction division is collaborating with the American architectural firm SMDP to secure the redevelopment project for the Mokdong 13 complex in Yangcheon District, Seoul. This partnership aims to establish the first Raemian project in Mokdong.On September 3, Samsung C&T announced its collaboration with the global architectural firm SMDP for the Mokdong 13 redevelopment project.The Mokdong 13 redevelopment involves transforming the existing 2,280-unit apartment complex on a 178,919 square meter site in Sinjeong-dong, Yangcheon District, into a new development with 3,852 units, rising from four underground floors to 49 stories. The estimated construction cost is approximately 2.3763 trillion won.Headquartered in Chicago, SMDP is known for its competitive edge in urban mixed-use developments and luxury residential designs. The firm has previously participated in the design of high-end residential complexes in South Korea, including Raemian One Bailey, Nine One Hannam, and Acro Seoul Forest.Samsung C&T and SMDP are currently collaborating on the Shinbanpo 4th redevelopment project, for which Samsung C&T secured construction rights last year. Recently, they were also selected as the construction company for the Shinbanpo 19 and 25 redevelopment projects after proposing design and project conditions.For the Mokdong 13 project, Samsung C&T plans to showcase a landmark design representing Mokdong, leveraging their experience with SMDP. The redevelopment is planned to reach a maximum height of 156 meters and 49 stories.The two companies will focus on creating a skyline that considers structural safety, natural light, views, and privacy. They will propose a distinctive facade design and high-end community features to enhance the project's symbolism.Particularly, they aim to capitalize on the site's southern exposure, ensuring that all residents can enjoy views of the surrounding natural scenery, including Anyangcheon and Maebongsan.As the Mokdong redevelopment bidding becomes a key battleground for major construction firms, collaboration with global design firms and high-end branding strategies are emerging as significant factors influencing the preferences of project stakeholders.Im Cheol-jin, head of Samsung C&T's housing sales division, stated, "Mokdong 13 is a strategically important site with high symbolic value for the entire Mokdong redevelopment, and we will mobilize our company-wide capabilities to create a landmark representing the entire Mokdong area."Meanwhile, Samsung C&T plans to use Mokdong 13 as a foothold for securing future redevelopment projects in the vicinity, branding it as the 'first Raemian in Mokdong.'* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-03 09:56:20