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South Korea Celebrates World Cup Victory with Enthusiastic Street Support The South Korean national soccer team achieved a thrilling comeback victory in their opening match of Group A at the 2026 North and Central America World Cup, igniting a wave of red enthusiasm in Seoul's Gwanghwamun Square. On June 12, KT collaborated with the Korea Football Association (KFA) and the Red Devils to host a street cheering event. As the early summer sun shone down, soccer fans clad in red shirts began to gather in Gwanghwamun Square. However, disappointment filled the air when the team conceded an early goal to the Czech Republic as the second half began. But the atmosphere shifted dramatically when Hwang In-beom scored an equalizer, followed by Oh Hyun-kyu's exhilarating go-ahead goal, causing Gwanghwamun Square to erupt in celebration. With the national team defeating the Czech Republic 2-1, marking their first World Cup win in 12 years and their first opening match victory in 16 years, fans embraced each other and cheered joyously. One fan expressed, "Cheering together in Gwanghwamun brings back the romance and excitement of 2002," unable to contain their excitement. Since the 2006 World Cup in Germany, KT has led street cheering efforts with the Red Devils, and this year, they introduced more interactive content for fans. KT broadcast the match live on a massive media wall at their Gwanghwamun WEST headquarters. An AI system recognized the crowd in real-time, enhancing the experience with vibrant visual effects and personalized cheering messages displayed on the screen. Fan-created cheering reels and mobile messages filled the media wall, fostering an interactive cheering atmosphere. A pop-up exhibition at the Gwanghwamun KT Onmaru showcased the history of KT and Korean soccer support, attracting many visitors. According to on-site estimates, around 14,000 people attended. To prevent crowd-related incidents, KT strategically placed the main stage, cheering platform, large media wall, and delay screens across Gwanghwamun Square and Yukjo Square, ensuring clear sightlines and smooth movement for attendees. More than 250 safety personnel were deployed for crowd management, security, traffic control, and medical assistance. Facilities to combat the early summer heat and an emergency medical system were also activated. KT's integrated situation room monitored the event in real-time in coordination with relevant agencies. A KT representative stated, "We plan to continue supporting live broadcasts on the large media wall in Gwanghwamun Square and street viewing events in line with the national team's remaining group stage schedule, fully backing South Korea's journey toward the Round of 16."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-12 14:57:00
Card Loan Funding Rates Cross 4% Mark Amid Margin Pressures As funding costs for credit card companies continue to rise, interest rates for card loans aimed at low- and mid-credit borrowers have actually decreased. The ongoing inclusive finance policy from financial authorities has increased the profitability pressures on card companies, making it difficult for them to pass on rising funding costs to interest rates. According to the financial sector on June 12, the average funding rate for card loans among eight major credit card companies (Shinhan, Samsung, Hyundai, KB Kookmin, Lotte, Woori, Hana, and BC Card) rose to 4.04% in April, up 0.07 percentage points from the previous month’s 3.97%. The funding rate is based on the average yield of three-year card bonds calculated by private credit rating agencies such as Korea Asset Evaluation, KIS Asset Management, and NICE P&I, serving as a key indicator of the overall funding conditions in the card industry. Among the card companies, Lotte Card reported the highest funding rate at 4.33%. Woori Card and Hana Card both recorded rates of 4.02%, while BC Card and Hyundai Card reached 4.00%. Shinhan Card, Samsung Card, and KB Kookmin Card were close behind at 3.99%, nearly entering the 4% range. Card companies rely on issuing card bonds for funding, as they do not have deposits. An increase in funding rates directly leads to higher loan costs. Despite rising funding costs, interest rates for card loans targeting low- and mid-credit borrowers have actually fallen. The average interest rate for card loans for borrowers with credit scores below 700 among the eight major credit card companies was 17.18% in April, down 0.09 percentage points from 17.27% the previous month. Industry analysts attribute this trend to the financial authorities' push for inclusive finance. As policies aimed at improving access to finance for low- and mid-credit borrowers continue, card companies are finding it increasingly challenging to fully reflect rising funding costs in the interest rates for these borrowers. The concern is that loans to low- and mid-credit borrowers carry a relatively high risk of default, and if the trend of lowering interest rates continues, profitability pressures could intensify. Particularly, borrowers with low credit scores face a higher risk of delinquency, which could increase the burden of loan loss provisions for card companies, further complicating their soundness management. A source in the card industry stated, "Despite the rise in funding rates, we are in a situation where we must continue to support low- and mid-credit borrowers in line with the government's inclusive finance policy, which inevitably increases profitability pressures. It is becoming increasingly important to manage asset soundness stably in preparation for potential increases in delinquency rates and loan loss costs."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-12 14:54:00
Jang Dong-hyuk: Young People Calling for Election Integrity Shouldn't Be Boxed In by Conspiracy Theories Jang Dong-hyuk, leader of the People Power Party, asserted that young people who are raising concerns about election fraud should not be confined to conspiracy theories. On June 12, Jang posted on his Facebook, stating, "Our youth and citizens are fighting for the freedom and democracy of South Korea. Meanwhile, some are preoccupied with semantic disputes." He emphasized, "Regardless of how one labels the shortage of ballots, the core issue is the deprivation of voting rights. When it is called election fraud, it is dismissed as far-right. If one claims election fraud, they are labeled as a conspiracy theorist. They are trying to strip away the freedom of citizens to call it election fraud." Jang criticized those who fear the truth being revealed, saying, "They attempt to dismiss the passionate claims of youth as conspiracy theories and undermine the momentum of citizens' voluntary resistance by labeling it as far-right." He added, "If you want to call it a flawed election, you can do so. Whatever you call it is your freedom. However, we must not confine the pure voices of youth calling it election fraud to a conspiracy theory framework." Jang concluded, "Just as anyone has the freedom to enjoy a Starbucks, anyone has the freedom to shout about election fraud. That is the democracy our youth are trying to protect. Forty-four percent of the public supports a complete re-election, with 67% of those in their 20s and 62% in their 30s in favor. Do not stifle the freedom to shout. Do not obstruct the resistance in the public square. Ultimately, the truth will be revealed, and justice will prevail."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-12 14:48:00
Calls for Resignations Emerge in Political Fallout from Local Elections Amid the political fallout from the June 3 local elections and by-elections, calls for the resignation of party leaders have emerged within both major parties. Jung Cheong-rae, leader of the Democratic Party, is actively engaging with the public, while Jang Dong-hyuk, leader of the People Power Party, is countering resignation demands primarily through social media. On June 12, Jung visited the May 18 Democratic Cemetery and held a party meeting at the Kim Dae-jung Convention Center in Gwangju, a key area for the upcoming party convention in August. He stated, "Honam is like a parent to the Democratic Party, always nurturing and caring for us, whether we are successful or not." This comment reflects his attempt to unify the divided sentiments in the region following the election results that have led to calls for his resignation. Negative sentiment towards Jung is palpable in Honam. Recently, former South Jeolla Province Governor Kim Young-rok expressed on Facebook, "I will dedicate everything to bring down Jung. He has completely ignored the people of Honam." Additionally, Jung defended his proposed one-person, one-vote system against internal party criticism, asserting on Facebook, "One person, one vote is democracy itself, and democracy must be upheld." While Jung balances on-the-ground engagement with social media, Jang is focusing more on online activities. On the same day, he posted a survey on Facebook evaluating the local election results, stating, "Jang Dong-hyuk's mental victory? Their mental defeat!" The survey indicated that more respondents felt the People Power Party performed better than the Democratic Party. He also commented the previous day, "The Democratic Party is demanding Jung's resignation after claiming defeat, while our party is calling for my resignation." Jang dismissed the significance of the so-called 'golden cross' in party support ratings, stating, "The survey results showing the People Power Party performed better are being ignored." This response came as younger party members called for his resignation, prompting him to directly address the issue on Facebook. Opinions on the election results vary, with some asserting that the Democratic Party won decisively by securing 12 out of 16 gubernatorial seats, while others argue that the People Power Party effectively maintained control of the capital, Seoul, and gained four seats in the by-elections. This divergence in perspectives suggests that competition for party leadership may intensify within both the Democratic Party and the People Power Party.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-12 14:33:00
Another fire breaks out at SK hynix's plant in Cheongju SEOUL, June 12 (AJP) - A fire broke out at SK hynix's chip plant in Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province on Friday, injuring one worker and forcing about 4,000 employees to evacuate. The fire came less than two weeks after a similar incident at the same plant on June 1. According to workers and fire officials, flames started at around 9:55 a.m. in a gas room on the second floor of its M15X facility at the plant. The fire was fully extinguished within about 10 minutes after the automatic sprinkler system was activated. The fire is believed to have occurred while six workers were mixing fluorine and nitrogen inside the room. Fluorine is toxic to humans. All employees were immediately evacuated due to concerns over a possible gas leak. Fire authorities said no gas leak was detected, but about 13 workers who complained of symptoms such as dizziness were taken to an on-site hospital. One worker at the scene suffered a first-degree burn to his ankle, while the rest were apparently found to have no health issues. With authorities reportedly still unable to determine the cause of the fire earlier this month, SK hynix had launched a companywide campaign from June 4 to June 10 in response to a series of recent incidents. The M15X facility is one of SK hynix's key production bases for manufacturing next-generation high-bandwidth memory (HBM) chips, a critical component used in artificial intelligence (AI)-related applications. 2026-06-12 14:29:24
[[North and Central America World Cup]] New Soccer Rules: '8-Second Rule' and More As the 2026 North and Central America World Cup kicks off, attention is focused on new game regulations introduced by FIFA and the International Football Association Board (IFAB). The main goal of these regulatory changes is to reduce time-wasting and increase actual playing time. Changes have been made in various areas, including player substitutions, goalkeeper ball handling, injury treatment, and communication between players. The most notable change is the player substitution rule. Players leaving the field must exit within 10 seconds after the referee's signal. They can leave through the nearest touchline or goal line, and failure to comply means the incoming substitute cannot enter immediately. The substituted player may only return to the field after at least one minute has passed following the resumption of play and during the next stoppage. An '8-second rule' has also been introduced to prevent goalkeepers from wasting time. If a goalkeeper holds the ball for more than 8 seconds after gaining possession, a corner kick will be awarded to the opposing team. Previously, a goalkeeper holding the ball for over 6 seconds would result in an indirect free kick, but this was rarely enforced in actual matches, prompting the change. The rules regarding goal kicks and throw-ins have also been strengthened. However, contrary to what some fans might think, the rule stating that a goal kick must be taken within 8 seconds to avoid a corner kick is not accurate. This is a separate rule from the goalkeeper's 8-second possession rule. If the referee determines that there is intentional time-wasting, they will publicly count down, and if the game is not resumed within the time limit, possession will be awarded to the opposing team. In the case of a goal kick, this could lead to a corner kick for the opposing team, while a throw-in situation could result in a throw-in for the other side. Injury treatment regulations have also changed. If a field player is injured and requires medical attention, they cannot return to the field for one minute after play resumes. However, exceptions are made for serious injuries such as goalkeeper injuries, head collisions, and penalty kick situations. This aims to reduce unnecessary delays and time-wasting. Player conduct regulations have been tightened as well. FIFA is focusing on preventing unsportsmanlike behavior, such as racist remarks or insults, particularly in situations where players confront or engage with each other while covering their mouths. Additionally, the scope of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) intervention has been expanded. VAR will now be involved in cases of mistaken warnings, missed second yellow cards, and some clear errors in judgment, which is expected to enhance the accuracy of game management. Soccer fans have reacted positively, stating, "Time-wasting tactics will likely become more difficult now," "The goalkeeper's 8-second rule will be noticeable," "There will be fewer players delaying substitutions," and "Actual playing time will increase, making the game more enjoyable."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-12 14:27:00
Keiko Fujimori Wins Peru Presidential Election Amidst Rising Conservative Trend in Latin America Keiko Fujimori, leader of the Popular Force party and daughter of former Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori, has won the presidential election. Her conservative platform, emphasizing a strong response to violent crime, aligns Peru with the growing trend of conservative and right-wing governments in Latin America. The Wall Street Journal reported on June 11 that Fujimori has effectively secured victory in the runoff election, leading leftist candidate Roberto Sanchez by a narrow margin. With over 98% of votes counted, Fujimori received 50.002% of the votes, with the gap between the candidates amounting to just a few hundred votes out of approximately 20 million cast. Sanchez has not yet conceded defeat, and some of his supporters have raised unfounded allegations of electoral fraud. Sanchez stated, "We will protect the victory of the people." Given the slim margin, there is potential for ongoing opposition challenges even after the new government takes office. The key issue in this election was public safety. Peru has seen a rise in violent crime, extortion, illegal mining, and cocaine trafficking, leading to increased social unrest. Fujimori promised to build high-security prisons, deport illegal immigrants, and allow masked trials to protect judges. The new president is the eldest daughter of Alberto Fujimori, who ruled Peru from 1990 to 2000. While he is credited with suppressing Maoist insurgents and hyperinflation, his presidency ended amid controversies over congressional dissolution, political repression, corruption, and human rights abuses, leading to his imprisonment for extrajudicial killings. Keiko Fujimori entered politics at age 19 when her father appointed her as First Lady in 1994. After winning a seat in Congress in 2006, she made three unsuccessful bids for the presidency before finally winning in her fourth attempt. Her father's political legacy has been both an asset and a burden throughout her career. However, her presidency will face challenges. She becomes the tenth president of Peru in the last decade. The political landscape has been marked by extreme instability, with Congress frequently using a "moral incapacity" clause to swiftly impeach presidents. Concerns about a return to authoritarianism also linger. Critics argue that the conservative coalition led by Fujimori has weakened investigative bodies and the judiciary, undermining democracy. In response, Fujimori's camp insists they will adhere to constitutional term limits and deny any intent to govern in a dictatorial manner. This election result reflects a shift in the political landscape of Latin America. The Wall Street Journal noted that the only remaining center-left governments in South America are in Uruguay, Colombia, and Brazil, with the possibility of conservative victories in upcoming elections in Colombia and Brazil. Frustrated by rising crime and economic stagnation, voters are increasingly opting for messages of order and stability, tilting the regional political landscape toward conservatism.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-12 14:24:00
Partial Remains Found in Incheon Raise Concerns for Local Schools Incheon authorities are on high alert after partial human remains, believed to belong to a student or a woman, were discovered at a public recycling facility. According to Yonhap News on June 12, the Incheon Police Agency sent an emergency notice to all elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as special education institutions in the area, requesting their cooperation in the investigation. The notice asked schools to provide lists of students who were absent or had been absent for an extended period from June 10 to 11, to assist in identifying the victim. On June 10, a leg, presumed to be human, was found at the Southern Incheon Resource Recovery Center in Songdo-dong. The remains measured over 40 centimeters from just below the left knee to the heel and were reportedly wrapped in bandages. Police are considering the possibility that the victim may be a young student or a woman based on the foot size, which is estimated to be between 210 and 220 millimeters. Following the news, schools have shown heightened concern. Some institutions have begun contacting parents directly to verify the whereabouts of absent students. The Incheon Metropolitan Office of Education also distributed a notice and response manual to educational support offices and schools, emphasizing the need to strengthen monitoring of unexcused absences. An official from the Incheon Metropolitan Office of Education stated, "So far, there have been no unusual reports among students with unexcused absences, and we plan to cooperate fully with the police investigation."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-12 14:21:00
Government Disburses 5.7 Trillion Won in Support for 32.38 Million Amid High Oil Prices The government is accelerating its financial execution efforts to meet its budget goals for the first half of the year. The rapid execution in the public sector has surpassed 348 trillion won, and support payments for those affected by high oil prices have reached a total of 5.7 trillion won for 32.38 million recipients. On June 12, Im Gi-geun, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Economy and Finance, chaired the 11th joint financial execution review meeting at the Government Sejong Center, where he assessed the status of rapid execution of the main budget and supplementary budget for the first half of the year. As of June 5, the rapid execution in the public sector (including finance, public institutions, and private investment) was recorded at 348.4 trillion won, achieving an execution rate of 53.0%. This marks an increase of 16.8 trillion won compared to the same period last year. Among the key projects under close management, 22.2 trillion won out of a total of 34.5 trillion won has been executed, with an execution rate of 64.4%, on track to meet the first-half target of 70%. For the supplementary budget, 7.4 trillion won has been executed out of a management target of 10.5 trillion won, resulting in an execution rate of 71%. The government is enhancing execution management across departments to ensure that the effects of supplementary budget projects, including those addressing high oil prices, are realized promptly. By the end of May, 4.7 trillion won had been disbursed from the national budget of 4.8 trillion won for the high oil price support program, achieving a remarkable execution rate of 99%. As of May 28, a total of 32.38 million applicants had been recorded, with total payments, including local funding, amounting to 5.7 trillion won. The government has assessed that this support is contributing to alleviating the burden of high oil prices and revitalizing local economies. Vice Minister Im stated, "Thanks to the efforts of each department to achieve the first-half execution goals, the overall execution performance is showing a positive trend. I urge everyone to ensure that the execution plans are implemented without any setbacks in the remaining period." He added, "We must not only focus on increasing the execution rate but also ensure that the effects of financial support are felt in the lives of the people by continuously monitoring project-specific challenges and resolving procedural bottlenecks."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-12 14:18:00
Increased Awareness of Cybersecurity Risks Among SMEs Following Data Breaches Amid rising concerns over cybersecurity following a series of data breaches at major platforms, the South Korean government is taking steps to protect small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that hold critical technologies. According to the Korea Internet & Security Agency (KISA), 89.4% of ransomware attack reports in the country last year were concentrated among SMEs and mid-sized companies. Notably, the manufacturing sector accounted for 47.4% of these incidents, surpassing traditionally security-focused industries like information services (15.8%) and finance (10.5%). In response to the threats facing the backbone of the national supply chain, the Ministry of SMEs and Startups has allocated 2.2 billion won this year to significantly enhance the 'Technology Guardian Service' under Article 18 of the Technology Protection Act. This initiative aims to prevent both external cyberattacks and insider technology leaks. The core of this strategy is to establish a 24/7 defense system to support SMEs that lack dedicated cybersecurity personnel. The ministry will implement a '365-day, 24-hour security monitoring' system to detect unusual signs of technology leaks from online hacking in real-time, effectively blocking cyberattacks and preventing technology theft. Additionally, the ministry will bolster its capabilities in detecting malicious software and ransomware. It plans to provide companies with malware detection and blocking programs, while central monitoring will proactively defend against illegal data leaks and file encryption due to ransomware infections. The initiative also includes measures to prevent internal information leaks, which can be just as damaging as external breaches. Solutions will be provided to detect and respond to illegal technology leaks by employees using USB drives or email. Through the Technology Guardian Service, selected SMEs will receive free cybersecurity monitoring and software support for three years. After this period, the ministry plans to offer up to 8.8 million won per company for ongoing online and offline security activities. Special provisions will be made for defense companies and SMEs in critical national industries, extending support periods and adding benefits to minimize risks to the national supply chain. A ministry official stated, "The Technology Guardian Service will serve as a strong defense for small manufacturers that have become targets for hackers, even without a dedicated security staff."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-12 14:12:00