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  • Aju Business Daily hosts 18th GGGF 2026 on KOREA, State of AI
    Aju Business Daily hosts 18th GGGF 2026 on 'KOREA, State of AI' Participants pose for a group photo during the 18th Good Growth Global Forum (GGGF 2026), hosted by Aju Business Daily under the theme "KOREA, State of AI," at The Plaza Seoul in Jung-gu, Seoul, Sept. 2, 2026. From left are Lee Keum-ryong, chairman of Koglo.com; Yoon Yong-keun, a lawmaker of the People Power Party (PPP); Jeong Jeom-sig, floor leader of the PPP; Cho Jung-sik, speaker of the National Assembly; Kwak Young-gil, chairman of Aju News Corporation; Kim Jang-kyum, a lawmaker of the PPP; and Lim Kyu-jin, president of Aju Business Daily. AJP Yoo Na-hyun 2026-09-02 16:48:02
  • Deputy Minister Kim Dae-hyun: FIFA Will Not Raise Issues with Football Innovation Committee
    Deputy Minister Kim Dae-hyun: FIFA Will Not Raise Issues with Football Innovation Committee Kim Dae-hyun, the Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, stated that there will be no issues raised by FIFA regarding the Korea Football Association's on-site inspection and the activities of the K-Football Innovation Committee, which could be perceived as political interference.During a pre-briefing for the National Sports Policy Committee held at the Government Seoul Complex on September 2, Kim addressed concerns about third-party interference with the Innovation Committee, saying, "We anticipated the possibility of political intervention controversies before the committee's launch and recognized that we should not provide any grounds for it."The Innovation Committee, launched in July under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, was established in response to calls for reform within the football community following the poor performance of the 2026 North and Central America World Cup. Co-chaired by Park Ji-sung, a FIFA committee member, and Yoo Seung-min, president of the Korean Sports Council, the committee is tasked with addressing issues such as restructuring K-football governance, developing youth systems, and introducing advanced technologies to enhance future competitiveness.However, as a government-led committee, there have been ongoing concerns that its activities could be seen as external interference in the administration of the Korea Football Association.In fact, FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) sent a letter to the Korea Football Association on August 21, requesting information regarding the formation and activities of the Innovation Committee. The letter reportedly stated that if a third party unjustly interferes with the independence of the Korea Football Association, it could face disciplinary action under FIFA regulations.Subsequently, a three-member investigation team, including the director of the FIFA member association secretariat, was scheduled to visit South Korea for a two-night, three-day on-site inspection in the second week of September. However, they informed the Korea Football Association that the visit would be postponed due to internal circumstances. Kim confirmed, "I understand that it has been postponed due to FIFA's internal circumstances."Regarding the controversy over potential infringement on autonomy led by the government, Kim emphasized the advisory nature of the Innovation Committee, clearly delineating its role. He explained that the decision for Park and Yoo to co-chair the committee, instead of the initially planned Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Choi Hwi-young, was a measure to avoid unnecessary external pressure.Kim stated, "The Innovation Committee is purely an advisory body. It has no authority to impose regulations or enforce compliance. Since it is a discussion body involving all relevant organizations, including the Korea Football Association, the Korean Sports Council, and the Korea Professional Football League, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism is participating as one of the stakeholders."He further highlighted the clear differences from past instances where FIFA imposed sanctions on member countries. Kim noted, "In the past, countries that faced FIFA sanctions experienced unimaginable situations, such as governments dismantling football associations. The mere participation of the Minister and Deputy Minister in the committee does not present a significant risk of FIFA raising issues or imposing sanctions."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-02 16:48:00
  • What makes Lotterias new Ria Bulgogi Red burgers a must-try?
    What makes Lotteria's new 'Ria Bulgogi Red' burgers a must-try? Models showcase Lotte GRS's two new "Ria Bulgogi Red" burgers during a launch event at a Lotteria restaurant near Sookmyung Women's University Station in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Sept. 2, 2026. The "Ria Bulgogi Red" features a bulgogi patty topped with spicy-sweet red bulgogi sauce and crispy fried potato strips, while the "Ria Bulgogi Double Red" adds a second patty and cheese for a heartier option. Both burgers add a spicy twist to Lotteria's signature "Ria Bulgogi," offering a sweet and spicy flavor. AJP Yoo Na-hyun 2026-09-02 16:45:11
  • Former Gyeongbuk Provincial Council Member Park Chang-wook Sentenced to One Year in Prison
    Former Gyeongbuk Provincial Council Member Park Chang-wook Sentenced to One Year in Prison Former Gyeongbuk Provincial Council member Park Chang-wook has been sentenced to one year in prison for using a borrowed name account to secure funds for a nomination request to Jeon Seong-bae, known as 'Geun-jin Beopsa,' ahead of the 2022 local elections. While it was confirmed that Park delivered 100 million won in cash as a bribe, the court ruled that Jeon could not be considered a 'person engaged in political activities' under the Political Fund Law, leading to a not guilty verdict on those charges. On September 2, the Supreme Court's third division, led by Justice Oh Seok-jun, upheld the lower court's one-year prison sentence for Park, who was charged with violations of the Political Fund Law and the Financial Real Name Act. In April 2022, while a candidate for the Gyeongbuk Provincial Council, Park allegedly solicited a nomination from Jeon through broker Kim, stating, "If you help me get the council nomination, I will pay you 100 million won." Following the confirmation of his nomination in May, Park presented Jeon with an expensive gift set of Hanwoo beef and the cash. Park, along with his spouse, is also accused of concealing the source of funds by distributing 100 million won borrowed from an acquaintance across five residents' accounts and then withdrawing the cash. The first trial found that Park's use of borrowed name accounts constituted a violation of the Financial Real Name Act, resulting in the one-year prison sentence. The court determined that Park had divided the funds among multiple accounts to evade criminal penalties related to the solicitation and payment of the bribe. However, the court dismissed the charges under the Political Fund Law. While it was acknowledged that Park delivered 100 million won in cash to Jeon as a bribe for the nomination, the court ruled that there was insufficient evidence to classify Jeon as a 'person engaged in political activities' or to consider the funds as 'political funds.' The special prosecutor's team argued that Jeon had engaged in political activities by using the title of 'Advisor to the Network Headquarters' during Yoon Suk-yeol's presidential campaign. However, the court found insufficient evidence to support claims that Jeon had participated in official or unofficial election campaigning for any specific candidate during the 2022 local elections. The appellate court upheld the same findings. Both Park and the special prosecutor filed appeals, but the Supreme Court rejected them, stating there was no misunderstanding of the legal principles regarding 'other persons engaged in political activities' and political funds in the lower court's ruling. Park's spouse, Seol, received a six-month prison sentence with a two-year suspension for violations of the Financial Real Name Act. Broker Kim was acquitted of charges related to violations of the Political Fund Law concerning the nomination request. However, he was sentenced to one year and four months in prison for receiving money from a company in exchange for securing a contract through Jeon, which violated attorney regulations. Initially sentenced to one year and six months and ordered to forfeit 82 million won, Kim's sentence was reduced on appeal due to the unlawful collection of some evidence and difficulties in specifying the amount received.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-02 16:44:10
  • LH Increases Compensation Staff to Accelerate Construction of 3rd New Towns
    LH Increases Compensation Staff to Accelerate Construction of 3rd New Towns The Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH) is significantly increasing its compensation workforce to accelerate housing supply in the metropolitan area, including the 3rd New Towns. The goal is to reduce the compensation period for newly initiated compensation districts from 44 months to 24 months.On September 2, LH announced plans to expand its organization and personnel and improve procedures to expedite compensation and advance housing construction.LH will deploy a total of 344 personnel to handle compensation tasks at major housing supply sites in the metropolitan area. This includes skilled staff from its headquarters and non-metropolitan regions, newly hired employees from the first half of this year, and specialized temporary workers. Additionally, LH plans to hire 250 compensation specialists by the end of this month.The aim is to swiftly complete compensation and land acquisition for the 3rd New Towns, which are nearing the final stages of relocation, and to ensure that compensation procedures for key project areas, such as Gwangmyeong-Siheung and Seoul's Seoripul, proceed without delays.To implement the fastest possible construction model for public land, LH has also established a new 'Compensation Acceleration Support Task Force' within its headquarters. This team will address bottlenecks such as delays in the review of public land and business compensation and expedite the resolution of complex civil complaints.The compensation period for newly initiated districts will be reduced from 44 months to 24 months, from the designation of the district to the start of construction. By commencing basic investigations early and conducting basic investigations and appraisals concurrently, the time from the start of the basic investigation to the commencement of negotiated compensation will be shortened from 21 months to 9 months.LH will also introduce an incentive system to encourage cooperation. Property owners who assist with the basic investigation, negotiated contracts, and voluntary relocation will receive incentives based on the duration of their cooperation. Conversely, penalties will be imposed on those who refuse to transfer land or property after receiving compensation.LH President Lee Seong-hoon visited the compensation site for the Gwangmyeong-Siheung public housing district on the same day to assess the progress. The Gwangmyeong-Siheung district, covering approximately 12.71 million square meters, is the largest project in the 3rd New Towns, aiming to supply a total of 67,000 housing units, with compensation procedures having begun in July with a target construction start in 2027.Currently, the contract signing rate for the Gwangmyeong-Siheung district is about 27% based on the number of landowners, with the total compensation amount estimated at around 2.4 trillion won.If the compensation process, identified as a key bottleneck in the schedule for the 3rd New Towns, is expedited, the government's housing supply measures in the metropolitan area could transition more quickly into the construction phase.Lee stated, “We have undertaken a comprehensive reform from a field support perspective to enhance the speed of compensation work, which is the starting point for housing supply and a critical phase that influences the pace of project execution. I urge everyone to do their utmost in fulfilling the significant responsibility of expanding housing supply.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-02 16:36:00
  • KPL Offers 1% Rate Discount on Personal Loans for Low to Mid-Credit Borrowers
    KPL Offers 1% Rate Discount on Personal Loans for Low to Mid-Credit Borrowers On September 2, PFCT, which operates the online financial platform KPL, announced a promotion offering a 1% point reduction in personal loan interest rates for low to mid-credit borrowers. The initiative aims to alleviate the interest burden on these borrowers and lower the barriers to accessing mid-interest loans.PFCT stated that customers who take out new personal loans through KPL will receive a '1% interest rate discount coupon' until the end of the month.Most users of KPL's personal loans are low to mid-credit borrowers. In the first quarter of this year, 96.7% of loans were issued to borrowers in the bottom 50% of credit scores, with 41.5% of those loans going to borrowers in the bottom 10% of credit scores.PFCT explained that the ability to offer such significant rate discounts stems from 'structural fee reductions.' Unlike typical loan comparison and recommendation services that incur intermediary fees between financial institutions and platforms, KPL operates its own online financial services, allowing it to reduce related costs. The savings from these distribution and intermediary costs are redirected to lower loan interest rates instead of being used for one-time marketing expenses.A KPL representative stated, "This promotion aims to return cost savings to customers who execute loans directly through KPL, while also attempting to enhance the platform's structural efficiency. We will continue to introduce services that provide tangible financial benefits to customers through various partnerships."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-02 16:36:00
  • i-dles Shuhua to Attend Busan International Film Festival for Film Debut
    i-dle's Shuhua to Attend Busan International Film Festival for Film Debut Group i-dle's Shuhua will make her film debut at the Busan International Film Festival. Shuhua's debut film, 'Happily Ever After,' has been officially invited to the 'A Window on Asian Cinema' section of the 31st Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), which will take place from October 6 to 15. This will be the film's first screening in Asia.The 'A Window on Asian Cinema' section of the Busan International Film Festival showcases notable works from established and emerging Asian directors, offering a glimpse into their diverse perspectives and styles.With her debut film, Shuhua will participate in major film festivals, including the 51st Toronto International Film Festival and the Busan International Film Festival.In a statement through her agency, Shuhua expressed, "I never expected to participate in such a significant film festival with my first film. It’s a familiar yet unfamiliar experience. I am truly grateful to the director and the production team for believing in me. It feels like a dream to stand at film festivals around the world through this movie and my character."'Happily Ever After' tells the story of two sisters with completely different personalities whose seemingly peaceful lives are disrupted by the arrival of a stray cat. The film is directed by Fiona Wong (阮鳳儀), a prominent director recognized at major Chinese-language film festivals.Shuhua plays the role of the youngest sister, Lin Jiaqi (林家琪), a lively and innocent character whose perspective on life gradually changes, showcasing her acting skills with subtlety.Shuhua's first leading role in 'Happily Ever After' is set to be released in 2027.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-02 16:32:00
  • Gwacheon City Council Opens 302nd Regular Session to Address Budget and Administrative Issues
    Gwacheon City Council Opens 302nd Regular Session to Address Budget and Administrative Issues The Gwacheon City Council convened its 302nd regular session on September 2, marking the start of a 16-day agenda. According to the council, the regular session will run from September 2 to 17, during which it will review the 2025 fiscal year settlement, the third supplementary budget for 2026, ordinance proposals, and conduct administrative audits. From September 2 to 8, a special committee will meet to examine a total of 13 agenda items. Key items include the 'Approval of the 2025 Fiscal Year Consolidated Settlement and Contingency Expenditure' and the 'Third Supplementary Budget for 2026.' Ordinance proposals include the 'Gwacheon City Lifelong Education Support Ordinance for Slow Learners' introduced by Council Member Lee Ju-yeon and the 'Gwacheon City Integrity Improvement and Anti-Corruption Ordinance' proposed by Council Member Ji Tae-hoon. From September 9 to 17, a special committee will conduct administrative audits, chaired by Council Member Kim Dong-hyun, targeting various departments. After completing the audits, the council will vote on the adoption of the audit report during the third plenary session, concluding the regular session. During the first plenary session, a resolution jointly proposed by seven members, including Kim Dong-hyun, was adopted, urging the confirmation of the Juham District route and Juham Station line. The council plans to send the resolution to the National Assembly and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. Local residents believe it is crucial for the council and the administration to focus on practical outcomes related to everyday issues such as budget, transportation, education, and administrative services, rather than getting caught up in political disputes or formal procedures. In particular, residents hope this regular session will lead to tangible improvements in administration and solutions to local issues that citizens can feel. Meanwhile, Chairperson Hwang Sun-hee stated, “This regular session is an important opportunity to thoroughly review the financial operations and overall administration of the past year and to check whether the planned projects for this year are being properly implemented.” She added, “I hope this will be a time for the council and the administration to pool their wisdom toward the common goal of Gwacheon's development and the happiness of its citizens.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-02 16:28:00
  • Over 213,000 Ride High-Speed Rail on First Day of KTX-SRT Integration
    Over 213,000 Ride High-Speed Rail on First Day of KTX-SRT Integration On the first day of integrated KTX and SRT operations, over 213,000 passengers used the high-speed rail service. The number of seats available from the Suseo line increased by more than 30% compared to last year, improving booking convenience.The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and Korea Railroad Corporation reported on September 2 that 213,000 passengers utilized the high-speed rail on September 1, marking a 7.9% increase from the same day last year. The total number of available seats was 253,000, a 6.3% rise from the previous year.For the Suseo line, which previously faced significant seat shortages, passenger numbers reached 64,000, an 11.3% increase from last year. The number of available seats rose to 65,000, a 30.5% increase, indicating improved booking conditions, according to the ministry.No accidents or disruptions occurred on the first day of integrated operations. The ministry and Korail are focusing on stabilizing initial operations by maintaining a 24-hour emergency response team and deploying safety experts on-site.To minimize confusion caused by changes in train schedules and types, Korail has increased the number of staff at major stations. They are also enhancing guidance and notifications through the integrated app.With the integration already showing some benefits in seat supply, the upcoming Chuseok holiday period will be a critical test for booking stability and crowd management.Kim Tae-byeong, head of the Railway Bureau at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, stated, “We will continue to prioritize safety and closely monitor operational conditions to ensure that the benefits of high-speed rail integration translate into tangible advantages for the public.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-02 16:28:00
  • Samsung showcases AI-powered TVs, appliances at IFA 2026
    Samsung showcases AI-powered TVs, appliances at IFA 2026 SEOUL, September 02 (AJP) - Samsung Electronics is showcasing its latest AI-powered TVs, home appliances and mobile devices at IFA 2026 in Berlin, as the South Korean tech giant expands artificial intelligence across its consumer electronics lineup. Samsung said Wednesday it will operate a standalone exhibition at Humboldt Carré in central Berlin from Sept. 2 to 6 under the theme "Your companion to AI Living." The exhibition is divided into entertainment, home and self-care sections. The entertainment section features Samsung's Micro RGB display technology, which uses microscopic red, green and blue LEDs to improve color, contrast and image clarity. Its 2026 TV lineup also incorporates Vision AI Companion, a conversational AI system designed to provide personalized content recommendations and contextual information while users watch TV. Samsung is also displaying two new Odyssey gaming monitors. The 42-inch curved OLED Odyssey G7 features a 4K display, while the 27-inch Odyssey G6 supports a refresh rate of up to 1,100 hertz, which Samsung describes as an industry first. In home appliances, Samsung is focusing on energy efficiency and connected-device management. Its Bespoke AI Family Hub refrigerator uses camera-based AI Vision technology to recognize food ingredients and suggest recipes, while its touchscreen can monitor and control electricity consumption across connected appliances. The company is also exhibiting an induction cooktop with an integrated ventilation system and a built-in dishwasher that consumes 20 percent less energy than Europe's highest A-grade efficiency standard. The dishwasher uses an AI-powered wash cycle to detect the level of contamination on dishes and adjust water and energy consumption accordingly. Samsung's new Bespoke AI washing machine, meanwhile, consumes 70 percent less energy than the European A-grade threshold, according to the company. The model uses a high-efficiency inverter motor and automatically adjusts operation based on the laundry load. The exhibition also includes Samsung's latest Galaxy devices, including the Galaxy S26 FE, Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold8, Galaxy Watch Ultra2 and Galaxy Watch9. The S26 FE, scheduled for release on Sept. 4, runs One UI 9 and includes new camera and editing features. Samsung will separately operate a Creator Hub at Messe Berlin's IFA Palais during the trade show, offering demonstrations of its AI ecosystem. AJP Takeaways Samsung is showcasing AI-enabled TVs, appliances and Galaxy devices at IFA 2026 in Berlin. New products include a 1,100Hz Odyssey G6 gaming monitor and appliances designed to cut energy consumption. Samsung is expanding AI functions across TVs, connected homes and mobile devices rather than limiting them to individual products. 2026-09-02 16:24:14