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Hanwha Ocean Secures Additional Order for Six LNG Container Ships from Yang Ming Hanwha Ocean has secured an additional order for six liquefied natural gas (LNG) dual-fuel container ships, each with a capacity of 13,650 TEU, from Taiwan's Yang Ming Marine Transport for 1.55 trillion won. This brings the total number of container ships ordered from Yang Ming to 13.According to industry sources on September 3, Hanwha Ocean recorded a total of 2.3 trillion won in orders over two days, following the acquisition of three ultra-large gas carriers on September 1.Amid the rapidly changing global shipping logistics landscape due to the conflict in the Middle East, Hanwha Ocean is expanding its order volume in response to the growing demand for eco-friendly and high-value-added vessels.A representative from Hanwha Ocean stated, "The large follow-up orders from major global shipping companies in a short period reflect our recognized design capabilities, production capacity, and stable process management. We believe our differentiated eco-friendly ship technology also played a role in securing these orders."The newly ordered vessels will feature Hanwha Ocean's independently developed 'high-manganese steel-based Type-B LNG fuel tanks.' High-manganese steel offers price competitiveness compared to traditional nickel alloy steel or aluminum while maintaining high toughness and strength in extremely low temperatures of minus 163 degrees Celsius. Hanwha Ocean explained that this will enhance both the safety and economic efficiency of LNG fuel tanks.Chuck F.M. Tsai, Chairman of Yang Ming Marine Transport, remarked, "This contract demonstrates the strong partnership between Yang Ming and Hanwha Ocean and our joint commitment to building a more competitive and sustainable fleet. We look forward to the successful delivery of the six vessels and to further solidifying our long-term cooperative relationship."Kim Hee-cheol, CEO of Hanwha Ocean, stated, "The trust established through our first project has led to this large follow-up order just a year later. We will continue to enhance our differentiated eco-friendly technology and quality competitiveness to develop our partnership with Yang Ming into a long-term collaboration."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-03 08:44:00 -
Ministry of Industry to Inspect Price Labels and Safety at Large Stores Ahead of Chuseok The government is set to inspect the implementation of price labeling for traditional holiday items ahead of Chuseok. In light of recent fires at logistics facilities, safety management will also be intensified at 1,148 large stores nationwide, focusing on their logistics spaces and fire, electrical, and gas facilities.On September 3, the Ministry of Industry announced that it will work with local governments and relevant agencies to check compliance with the price labeling system and the safety management status of large stores.The inspections will take place from today until September 23, targeting large and medium-sized stores, supermarkets, convenience stores, and neighborhood shops. The Ministry of SMEs and Startups, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, and the Korea Consumer Agency will also participate.Items under scrutiny include traditional holiday goods such as fruits and fish, which are expected to see increased demand and potential price hikes. Inspectors will verify compliance with regulations regarding the display of selling prices, unit prices, and the prohibition of recommended retail price displays. Stores with frequent complaints or violations related to price labeling will be prioritized for inspection.The Ministry plans to encourage compliance through guidance and publicity, but it will impose administrative penalties, including corrective recommendations and fines, on stores that repeatedly violate the price labeling system. Issues identified during inspections will be considered for system improvements.Safety management inspections at large stores will be conducted from September 7 to 18, covering all 1,148 stores. Local governments, the Fire Agency, the Korea Electrical Safety Corporation, and the Korea Gas Safety Corporation will conduct joint inspections alongside self-checks by the stores.The Ministry will examine safety measures for fire, electrical, and gas facilities, as well as strategies to prevent crowd-related accidents. Given the recent spate of fires and safety incidents at logistics facilities, particular attention will be paid to fire vulnerabilities in logistics spaces, including inventory storage areas within large stores.Inspectors will check the management of stored goods and the maintenance of evacuation and fire prevention facilities, taking immediate action to rectify any identified hazards.Lee Gyu-bong, Director of the Ministry of Industry's Small and Medium Enterprise Policy Bureau, stated, "We will thoroughly inspect compliance with the price labeling system to support price stability and enhance on-site inspections to address risks at large stores in advance."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-03 08:36:10
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Mokpo National University Students Protest Medical School Selection Outcome The fallout from the decision to exclude Mokpo National University from the list of candidates for a new national medical school is spreading among university members and the local community. Following the university president's resignation and the resignation of other officials, students are demanding transparency in the selection process, calling for the release of evaluation materials and a review of the decision.On September 1, the student council issued a statement titled "Condemning Secret Evaluations and Political Irresponsibility," expressing strong regret over the selection results for the new national medical school in Gwangju, Jeonnam.The student council criticized the Gwangju city government's decision on August 30 to recommend Suncheon National University as the sole candidate, stating, "The mere 1.30-point difference has effectively dashed the hopes of residents in the southwest region and the members of Mokpo National University who have waited 36 years for this opportunity."Students emphasized the need to verify whether the evaluation process and procedures were sufficiently transparent, going beyond mere disappointment with the results.The council argued, "Presenting only the 1.30-point difference without disclosing detailed scoring criteria undermines procedural legitimacy. We must ascertain whether the local government's rapid evaluation process has the necessary objectivity and fairness to determine a 36-year-long regional aspiration."They demanded that the Gwangju city government fully disclose detailed scores for each evaluation criterion, the evaluation standards, the list of judges, and meeting minutes.Students are particularly concerned because the establishment of a national medical school is not just an academic issue but directly relates to addressing healthcare disparities in the southwest region of Jeonnam.One student remarked, "Considering the 36 years of waiting that has been passed down from previous generations, I feel a deep sense of disappointment as a student. We should not view this merely as a competition between universities but should reflect on why there has been a long-standing demand for a medical school in the southwest region."Another student added, "If the decision was made based on a 1.30-point difference, shouldn't there be a more detailed disclosure of which criteria were evaluated so that students and local residents can understand? Before asking us to accept the results, there needs to be a thorough explanation of the evaluation process."The student council also urged local politicians to respond responsibly.They stated, "Residents of the southwest region have been demanding the establishment of a national medical school for decades, but we must reflect on how actively the local political sphere has addressed the fundamental issue of healthcare disparities. There needs to be practical policy alternatives to mediate conflicts between local governments and protect healthcare access in the southwest region."In their statement, the student council outlined demands for: detailed disclosure of evaluation scores and criteria, the list of judges and meeting minutes, responsible explanations and review procedures for the selection process, and practical measures from local politicians to ensure healthcare access in the southwest region.The students' concerns are particularly focused on the significance of the 36-year timeline. The demand for a national medical school in Mokpo and the southwest region has been ongoing long before the current students were born, and this selection has placed it at a critical juncture.The student council asserted, "The establishment of a national medical school is an issue that transcends the interests of a specific university; it concerns the rights to life and healthcare for residents in the southwest region." They indicated that if their demands are not met, they will join forces with the local community to take action.A student from Mokpo National University stated, "What we want is not just to overturn the results, but at the very least, we need to understand the criteria and processes that led to this 36-year wait. Transparent explanations that students can accept and local residents can understand are necessary."The student council's statement highlights that the backlash against the medical school selection results is extending beyond the university administration and local politicians to the student body. The future of this controversy will depend on whether the detailed evaluation materials are released and how the Gwangju city government and local politicians respond.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-03 08:28:10
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Elementary Student Assaults Teacher in Cheongju, Suspended from School An incident involving a fifth-grade student assaulting a teacher occurred at an elementary school in Cheongju.According to Yonhap News and education authorities, at around 8:40 a.m. on September 2, the fifth-grade student, identified as A, suddenly charged at teacher B, who was standing at the front of the classroom, and kicked her.Video footage of the incident shows A grabbing B's arms, pulling her toward the back of the classroom, and then kicking and punching her in the head and face. A also pulled B's hair during the altercation.Prior to the incident, A had reportedly cursed at B over a test paper she deemed dirty. The following day, when B instructed A to retake the test, A reacted violently.It was also reported that A continued her assault by cursing at the vice principal and another teacher who intervened.As a result of the incident, B left school early and sought medical attention.A is known to be experiencing emotional instability and has a history of using abusive language and exhibiting aggressive behavior toward multiple teachers and students.Due to these issues, A had been prescribed medication for bipolar disorder, but it was recently discovered that her parents had unilaterally stopped the treatment.Education authorities have implemented immediate measures, including the suspension of the student involved and support for counseling to protect the affected teacher and ensure the psychological stability of the students in the class.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-03 08:28:10
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Korea Export-Import Bank President Visits Semiconductor Firms in Honam Region Hwang Gi-yeon, president of the Korea Export-Import Bank, has embarked on a series of visits to semiconductor companies in the Gwangju and Jeonnam regions to support the establishment of a semiconductor cluster in Honam.The Export-Import Bank announced on September 3 that Hwang visited Amkor Technology Korea, a semiconductor packaging and testing company in Gwangju, and Jaewon Industry, a semiconductor chemical materials firm in Yeosu, on September 1 and 2.This visit is part of ongoing regional outreach following the launch of the 'AX Special Program,' which aims to invest 22 trillion won in artificial intelligence (AI) transformation this year.During his visits, Hwang expressed his commitment to expanding financial support for small and medium-sized enterprises in the AI and semiconductor sectors to enhance their global competitiveness. He emphasized the Export-Import Bank's proactive role in spreading the advanced industrial ecosystem beyond the capital region.Hwang's first stop was Amkor Technology Korea, a company specializing in back-end semiconductor processes, including packaging and testing. With the rising demand for AI semiconductors, the company is considering additional investments in facilities, including the construction of new plants. Lee Jin-an, president of Amkor Technology Korea, explained the company's plans for facility investments in response to the growing demand for AI semiconductor packaging and testing, and requested financial support from the Export-Import Bank to foster the semiconductor ecosystem.In response, Hwang stated, "We will strengthen essential customized financial support to ensure that the semiconductor ecosystem can achieve global competitiveness."Next, Hwang visited Jaewon Industry, which produces advanced chemical materials, including high-purity solvents used in semiconductor extreme ultraviolet (EUV) processes and dispersions for secondary battery conductive materials. The company counts major clients such as Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix, and Samsung SDI.Shim Seong-won, president of Jaewon Industry, emphasized the necessity of large-scale preemptive investments in advanced strategic industries like semiconductors and secondary batteries, and requested strategic financial support from the Export-Import Bank. Hwang responded, "We will actively support preemptive investments to strengthen the competitiveness of the semiconductor ecosystem."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-03 08:28:00
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Bitcoin Holds Steady Around $77,000 Amid U.S.-Iran Tensions 비트코인이 7만7000달러대에서 횡보하고 있다. 미국 국채금리 상승세가 진정되는 모습을 보였으나 미국과 이란의 충돌에 따른 국제유가 상승이 이어지며 투자 심리가 회복되지 못하는 모습이다. 3일 글로벌 가상자산 시황 사이트 코인마켓캡에 따르면 이날 오전 8시 기준 비트코인은 전날 대비 1.73% 하락한 7만7702달러에 거래됐다. 지난주 8만1000달러대까지 올랐으나 일주일 만에 2% 하락하며 7만8000달러 부근에 움직이고 있다. 주요 알트코인도 약세를 보이고 있다. 이더리움은 전날보다 1.37% 내린 2379.89달러에 거래됐고 리플(XRP)은 0.07% 하락한 1.34달러를 기록했다. 솔라나는 0.14% 내린 99.61달러에 거래됐다. 바이낸스코인(BNB)은 0.82% 오른 686달러를 기록했다. 시장에서는 미국과 이란의 군사 충돌로 인해 국제유가가 급등한 점이 투자 심리를 위축시킨 것으로 보고 있다. 이날 서부텍사스산원유(WTI) 선물은 약 1% 오른 배럴당 91.01달러에 마감했다. 브렌트유 선물도 약 1% 상승한 배럴당 95.63달러를 기록했다. 인플레이션 우려가 확대되면서 연방준비제도(Fed·연준)의 추가 금리 인상 가능성이 부각되는 점도 가상자산 시장을 압박하는 요인으로 꼽힌다. 금리가 올라가면 시중 유동성이 축소되고 위험자산에 대한 투자 매력이 급감하기 때문이다. 시카고상품거래소 페드워치에 따르면 시장에서는 미국의 9월 금리 인상 가능성을 60% 이상으로 전망하고 있다. 한편 같은 시각 국내 원화 거래소 빗썸에서 비트코인은 약 1억608만원(7만7982달러)에 거래됐다. 국내 가상자산 가격이 해외보다 얼마나 높게 형성됐는지를 나타내는 '김치 프리미엄'은 1.14%로 나타났다. 국내 가격이 해외보다 소폭 높은 수준이다. 2026-09-03 08:24:00
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BC Card Partners with Seoul to Boost Local Businesses BC Card is launching a discount program to support small businesses in key neighborhoods across Seoul.On September 3, BC Card announced its 'Seoul Local Brand District' discount promotion.The Seoul Local Brand District initiative aims to identify competitive local markets and support their organic growth. Since 2023, BC Card has collaborated with the Seoul Metropolitan Government and the Seoul Credit Guarantee Foundation to conduct market promotions using its tailored discount service, 'My Tag,' through Paybook.This year's promotion will take place in 10 districts, an increase of two from last year, including areas like Sharosu-gil, Chemistreet, Gangnam Station, and Sillim-ro, with a total of 3,000 participating merchants.Discounts will apply to personal credit and debit cards issued by BC Card member companies, including Woori Card, Hana Card, NH Nonghyup Card, IBK Industrial Bank, KB Kookmin Card, iM Bank, BNK Busan Bank, Gyeongnam Bank, Shinhan Card, Sh Suhyup Bank, Gwangju Bank, and BC Baro Card.Customers can tag the 'Local Brand District' benefits in Paybook and receive a 7,000 won discount on purchases of 20,000 won or more at participating merchants until December 20. This discount can be claimed up to three times per month.Kim Ho-jung, Executive Director of BC Card, stated, "The goal of this promotion is to provide tangible consumer benefits to customers visiting local markets while offering small businesses an opportunity to increase their sales. We will continue to expand collaborative projects that benefit the local economy by leveraging our payment infrastructure and marketing capabilities." 2026-09-03 08:16:20
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BC Card Launches Discount Promotion to Support Small Businesses in Seoul BC Card is offering discounts in key alleyway commercial districts in Seoul to support small business sales. On September 3, BC Card announced that it will conduct a discount promotion for the 'Seoul Local Brand Commercial District' in collaboration with the Seoul Metropolitan Government and the Seoul Credit Guarantee Foundation until December 20. Since 2023, BC Card has been working with these organizations to promote local commercial marketing using its customized discount service, 'My Tag,' available on the Paybook app. This year's promotion targets 10 commercial districts, an increase of two from last year. The districts include: △Sharosu-gil △Chemist Street Gangnam Station △Sailgu-ro △Hoegi-rang-gil △Seongbuk-dong-gil △Sangbong Food Alley △Magok Art Street △Konkuk University Youth Street △Noryangjin Mannaro △Gwanghui Road. Approximately 3,000 merchants in these areas will offer discounts. BC Card customers can tag the relevant benefits in the Paybook app and receive a discount of 7,000 won when they make a purchase of 20,000 won or more at participating merchants using BC personal credit or debit cards. Customers can receive a maximum discount of 21,000 won by utilizing all available benefits in each district. Discounts are available once per day, up to three times a month, and the promotion may end early if the budget is exhausted. Kim Ho-jung, Executive Director of BC Card, stated, "The purpose of this promotion is to provide tangible consumer benefits to customers visiting local commercial districts and to offer small businesses opportunities to increase sales. We will continue to expand collaborative projects that benefit the local economy by leveraging our payment infrastructure and marketing capabilities." * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-03 08:16:10
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Daishin Securities Reassesses Value of Alteogen's ALT-B4, Raises Target Price 대신증권은 3일 알테오젠에 대해 글로벌 제약사와의 연이은 기술수출 계약으로 ALT-B4 플랫폼의 가치가 재평가되고 있다며 투자의견 ‘매수(BUY)’를 유지하고 목표주가를 기존보다 9.8% 높은 45만원으로 상향했다. 홍가혜 대신증권 연구원은 최근 노바티스와 체결한 ALT-B4 신규 기술이전 계약을 목표주가 산정에 반영했다. 목표주가는 파이프라인별 위험조정순현재가치(rNPV)를 반영한 DCF 방식으로 산출했으며, 적정 기업가치는 기존 28조5000억원에서 31조4000억원으로 높였다. 알테오젠은 지난 2일 노바티스와 ALT-B4를 활용한 바이오의약품 피하주사(SC) 제형 개발 및 상업화를 위한 라이선스 계약을 체결했다. 모든 옵션이 행사되고 개발·상업화 마일스톤이 달성될 경우 최대 32억달러를 수취할 수 있으며, 판매 로열티는 별도다. 이번 계약은 복수 제품을 대상으로 하는 옵션 구조로 구성됐다. 구체적인 타깃과 제품 수는 공개되지 않았지만, 향후 개별 타깃 선정과 옵션 행사에 따라 계약 가치가 단계적으로 구체화될 전망이다. 대신증권은 복수 제품을 포괄하는 계약 구조라는 점에서 향후 개발 프로그램 확대 가능성에도 주목했다. 홍 연구원은 올해 들어 GSK와 바이오젠, 노바티스 등 글로벌 제약사와 신규 계약이 이어지면서 ALT-B4에 대한 수요가 반복적으로 확인되고 있다고 평가했다. 특히 적용 범위도 기존 항체의약품 중심에서 항체약물접합체(ADC), 핵산치료제 등으로 확대되고 있다는 점을 긍정적으로 봤다. 그는 “적용 의약품군이 확대될수록 신규 기술수출 기회와 잠재 시장도 커질 수 있다”며 “이는 ALT-B4 플랫폼의 기술가치 재평가로 이어질 것”이라고 말했다. 하반기에는 기존 기술이전 파이프라인의 임상 진전과 판매 확대도 주요 촉매로 꼽았다. 키트루다 큐렉스(Qlex)의 처방 확대에 따라 판매 마일스톤의 실적 기여도가 높아지고, 사노피의 듀피젠트 SC는 3분기 임상 1상 완료와 4분기 임상 3상 진입이 예상된다. GSK의 젬펄리와 바이오젠의 펠자타맙 역시 하반기 SC 제형 임상 1상 진입이 기대된다. 홍 연구원은 “최근 체결된 기술이전 계약들이 빠르게 임상 개발 단계로 이어지면서 ALT-B4 적용 파이프라인의 개발 가시성도 높아지고 있다”고 설명했다. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-03 08:16:00
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Tax on Cryptocurrency Gains Over 2.5 Million Won to Begin Next Year Starting next year, individuals who earn a certain level of income from cryptocurrency investments will be subject to taxation. Ahead of the implementation of the long-delayed virtual asset tax, a discussion on the tax system is set to take place in the National Assembly.On September 3, the National Assembly announced that Democratic Party lawmaker Moon Jin-seok will host a "2027 Virtual Asset Tax System Review Forum" at 10 a.m. in the National Assembly's member office building in Yeouido, Seoul. The forum is organized by the Digital Asset Exchange Alliance (DAXA) and the Korean Tax Law Association.According to the current income tax law, the taxation of virtual assets will take effect on January 1, 2027. Income generated from the transfer or lending of virtual assets will be classified as other income and taxed separately.Taxes will not be levied on the total amount received from selling virtual assets. Instead, the taxable income will be calculated by subtracting the acquisition cost and transaction fees from the proceeds of the transfer or lending. After summing the annual profits and losses, a basic deduction of 2.5 million won will be applied. The remaining amount will be taxed at a rate of 20%, resulting in an effective tax rate of 22% when local income tax is included.For instance, if an individual generates 10 million won in income from virtual asset transactions after deducting necessary expenses, 7.5 million won will be subject to tax after the 2.5 million won deduction. This would result in a tax of 1.5 million won, plus an additional 150,000 won in local income tax, totaling 1.65 million won.Conversely, if annual income from virtual assets is below 2.5 million won, it falls within the basic deduction range, and no tax will be incurred. If multiple transactions occur, they will not be taxed individually; instead, the annual profits and losses will be aggregated. Tax filings must be completed during the comprehensive income tax reporting period in May of the following year. Therefore, the first tax filing for virtual asset income generated in 2027 will be due in May 2028.For virtual assets held before the end of this year, special provisions for determining acquisition costs will apply. For assets held before January 1, 2027, the greater of the actual acquisition cost or the market value as of December 31, 2026, will be recognized as the acquisition cost. This measure aims to prevent taxation on unrealized gains that occurred before the tax implementation.The government currently maintains its position to proceed with the tax as scheduled next year. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Ko Yoon-cheol stated during a National Assembly meeting on July 29, "As of now, we are pushing forward with the tax implementation as planned for next year." He added, "We will implement it next year and make adjustments as necessary based on the experience gained."However, there are also proposals in the National Assembly to abolish or further delay the virtual asset tax. Lawmaker Song Eon-seok of the People Power Party introduced a bill in March to remove the taxation provisions on virtual asset income, which was submitted to the National Assembly's Finance and Economy Planning Committee in July. Additionally, lawmaker Jeong Seong-guk proposed a bill last month to postpone the tax implementation date from January 2027 to January 2030. As a result, whether the tax will be implemented as currently planned next year or adjusted during the National Assembly discussions remains a key issue.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-03 08:16:00