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  • Ji Yea-eun and BATA to Marry on December 12
    Ji Yea-eun and BATA to Marry on December 12 Actress Ji Yea-eun (34) and dancer BATA (32, real name Kim Tae-hyun) will tie the knot on December 12.According to Yonhap News on September 2, Ji's agency, CP Entertainment, stated, "The two have promised to share their lives together based on deep trust." BATA's agency, Aira, added, "The couple is starting a new journey as husband and wife, promising to be each other's strongest support based on deep trust and love." The two, born in 1994, met at church and developed their friendship into a romantic relationship.Earlier, an entertainment industry insider revealed that the couple had been dating for about a year leading up to their wedding announcement. Despite their relatively short relationship, they decided to marry based on their mutual confidence in each other. They have recently shared the news with close friends and received congratulations.The couple's relationship became public in April, when they stated, "We have developed good feelings for each other after being colleagues. We ask for warm support." Known as a devout Christian, Ji Yea-eun has expressed her affection for BATA, mentioning in various broadcasts that they met at church and highlighting that he quit drinking and smoking after finding faith.BATA has also shown support for Ji, participating in choreography for their new song "Milkshake" when she performed with the project group 'Chungju G.C.' at the 'Waterbomb Seoul 2025' event last year.Additionally, it is reported that BATA stood by Ji during her battle with thyroid cancer, further strengthening their bond.Ji Yea-eun debuted in 2017 with the web drama 'How To' and gained recognition through the 'SNL Korea' series. She has since appeared on popular shows like 'Running Man,' 'Office Workers,' and 'Yoo Jae-suk Camp.'BATA is the leader of the dance crew We Dem Boyz and gained fame after finishing as a runner-up on Mnet's 'Street Man Fighter' in 2022. He has also contributed to choreography for K-pop performances, including BLACKPINK's 'Like JENNIE.'* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-02 09:52:00
  • Middle East Tensions Ignite Declines in Samsung and SK Hynix Stocks
    Middle East Tensions Ignite Declines in Samsung and SK Hynix Stocks As military tensions in the Middle East escalate, international oil prices and U.S. Treasury yields have surged, leading to a decline of over 2% in South Korea's semiconductor giants, Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, during early trading.According to the Korea Exchange, as of 9:38 a.m. on September 2, Samsung Electronics shares were trading at 254,000 won, down 7,000 won (2.68%) from the previous trading day. SK Hynix also saw a decline, with shares falling 42,000 won (2.48%) to 1,651,000 won.On the New York Stock Exchange, all three major U.S. indices closed lower. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell by 0.79%, while the S&P 500 dropped by 0.71%. The Nasdaq Composite Index decreased by 1.03%. Investor sentiment was dampened following the U.S. conducting additional airstrikes against Iran, which prompted retaliatory attacks from Iran.International oil prices also spiked, with November Brent crude futures rising 4.60% to $94.65 per barrel, and October West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude increasing by 5.20% to $90.22. The yield on the U.S. 10-year Treasury note continued to rise, reaching around 4.79%, the highest level since January 2025.In this environment of high oil prices and interest rates, the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index fell by 2.14%. Notable declines included Micron (-2.64%), SanDisk (-1.90%), and Seagate (-1.42%). SK Hynix's American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) also dropped by 2.31%, adding downward pressure on domestic semiconductor stocks.As a result of the weak U.S. market, South Korea's stock market is also experiencing declines. The KOSPI opened down 210.33 points (3.08%) at 6,625.47 but has slightly reduced its losses. The KOSDAQ index also opened lower, down 18.45 points (2.25%) at 802.80.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-02 09:52:00
  • Medipost Appoints Min Ho-sung as CEO, Establishes Co-CEO System
    Medipost Appoints Min Ho-sung as CEO, Establishes Co-CEO System Medipost announced on September 2 that it has appointed Min Ho-sung, a former vice president of Samsung Biologics and an expert in biopharmaceutical research and development (R&D) and contract development and manufacturing (CDMO), as its new CEO. The company plans to officially appoint Min as co-CEO following a temporary shareholders' meeting and board approval. This change will establish a co-CEO system with current CEO Oh Won-il. Oh will oversee domestic operations, including the Cartistem, GMP Center, umbilical cord blood, health supplements, and SCT divisions. Min will manage the global business division, U.S. and Japan subsidiaries, and the CDMO affiliate OmniaBio, focusing on overseas business development and global clinical and commercialization strategies in North America, Europe, and China. In addition to his role as co-CEO, Min will also serve as the chair of the board. Medipost aims to strengthen strategic ties between its executive management and board, establishing a responsible management system centered on the board and a long-term global growth strategy. Min is a specialist in global biopharmaceutical R&D, business development, and CDMO, holding a bachelor's degree in molecular biology from UC Berkeley and a Ph.D. in molecular biology from UCLA. He began his career at Amgen in the U.S. and has held positions as a senior researcher at Samsung Advanced Institute of Technology and as the head of Samsung Bioepis DS (raw materials). He later served as CEO of GenScript ProBio, a global biotechnology company, and as vice president of the CDMO Development Center at Samsung Biologics, accumulating over 20 years of experience in biopharmaceutical R&D and CDMO. With this appointment, Medipost plans to accelerate the global market entry of its key pipeline, the knee osteoarthritis stem cell therapy Cartistem. Min will lead the commercialization strategy following market entry in Japan and North America, while also expanding business operations into Europe and China as part of a long-term global strategy.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-02 09:52:00
  • Striker Hwang Hee-chan returns to Bundesliga on loan with Schalke
    Striker Hwang Hee-chan returns to Bundesliga on loan with Schalke SEOUL, September 2 (AJP) - Striker Hwang Hee-chan has left Wolverhampton Wanderers and joined Bundesliga side FC Schalke 04 on loan, the German club said on Tuesday. According to local media, Hwang's deal with Schalke runs through June 30 next year and includes an option for the Miners to sign him permanently for a reported transfer fee of 3 million euros (about 4.78 billion South Korean won). Despite Hwang's contract with Wolverhampton running through June 2028, he decided to leave the club after struggling last season with just three goals in 31 appearances as the Wanderers were relegated to England's second tier. Several clubs including Leeds United FC reportedly showed interest in Hwang during the summer transfer window, but he opted to join the Bundesliga club, marking his return to German football for the first time since leaving RB Leipzig in 2021. The Miners had been in the second division since 2023 before finally winning the title last season to secure promotion to the top tier. Schalke's manager Yuri Mulder expressed expectations for Hwang, saying the striker would give the team "more options in attack," given his years of experience across different leagues. Hwang could make his Schalke debut as early as this Saturday, when the Miners are scheduled to have a home match against FC Bayern Munich. If Hwang makes an appearance, he would face Bayern's South Korean defender Kim Min-jae in a matchup between two compatriots. AJP Takeaways • Hwang Hee-chan has joined FC Schalke 04 on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers through June 30, 2027, with an option for a permanent transfer for a reported fee of 3 million euros. • The move marks Hwang Hee-chan's return to German football for the first time since leaving RB Leipzig in 2021, following a season in which he scored three goals in 31 appearances for Wolverhampton Wanderers. • Hwang Hee-chan could make his FC Schalke 04 debut on September 5, 2026, against FC Bayern Munich and potentially face South Korean defender Kim Min-jae. 2026-09-02 09:50:10
  • Chosun Hotel & Resort to Operate Concord Club by Chosun at Mokdong Yunsuljayi
    Chosun Hotel & Resort to Operate 'Concord Club by Chosun' at Mokdong Yunsuljayi Chosun Hotel & Resort will provide premium wellness services at the high-end residential complex 'Mokdong Yunsuljayi' in Yangcheon District, Seoul. On September 2, Chosun Hotel & Resort announced that it has signed a management contract with the developer of Mokdong Yunsuljayi to operate wellness facilities within the complex, introducing the premium fitness brand 'Concord Club by Chosun.' This agreement aims to present a premium wellness community that integrates the service expertise of a hotel and resort management company, going beyond just high-end exercise facilities. The wellness facilities will cover approximately 3,000 pyeong and will include fitness, golf, a swimming pool, sauna, and spa, offering personalized services such as personal training and swimming programs led by professional trainers. Additionally, relaxation spaces such as a café lounge and a members-only lounge will be available. On the 47th floor of Building 102, a sky community called 'Club Cloud' will be established, featuring a wine reserve, cafeteria, party-style guesthouse, and work and meeting spaces. Mokdong Yunsuljayi will consist of three buildings with 651 officetel units, ranging from 114 to 203 square meters, spanning six underground floors to 48 above-ground floors in the Mokdong area of Yangcheon District, Seoul. A model house will open on the 3rd for sales. Meanwhile, the competitiveness of high-end residential products is increasingly shifting from the scale of community facilities to partnerships with professional operators and service quality.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-02 09:48:00
  • U.S. Treasury Market Performs Well, But Long-Term Rates Rise Again
    U.S. Treasury Market Performs Well, But Long-Term Rates Rise Again U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Beckett emphasized on September 1 that the U.S. Treasury market has outperformed those of other major countries, but long-term U.S. Treasury yields are rising again. Following Beckett's announcement last month to expand Treasury purchases, long-term rates, which had temporarily stabilized, have returned to previous levels in less than a month, raising questions about whether bond purchases alone can curb rising interest rates.Beckett claims strong performance since Trump's inauguration, CNBC countersAccording to U.S. media including CNBC, Beckett stated during a G20 finance ministers and central bank governors meeting in Asheville, North Carolina, that "since the inauguration of the Trump administration, the U.S. has had the best-performing bond market among major countries." However, on the same day, long-term U.S. Treasury yields rose again. The yield on 30-year bonds climbed to 5.27%, returning to the level seen just before Beckett announced the expansion of Treasury purchases on August 19. The benchmark 10-year Treasury yield also increased to about 4.8%, marking the highest level in approximately 20 months since January 2025.Beckett remains unconcerned about the recent rise in interest rates. He stated, "What happens in a month is not important." In a previous interview with CNBC, he emphasized that if there were issues in the U.S. Treasury market, investors would sell U.S. bonds and buy bonds from other countries, indicating that the U.S. bond market is relatively performing well.However, CNBC noted that Beckett's assessment of the U.S. Treasury market's performance is based on the inauguration date of President Trump, January 20, 2025, as bond markets often reflect anticipated changes before actual policies are implemented.Investors have anticipated inflation and increased Treasury issuance due to tax cuts, tariffs, and expanded fiscal spending ahead of the 2024 presidential election, where Trump's chances of re-election have increased. Consequently, they have sold U.S. Treasuries, leading to a significant rise in bond yields.In fact, the yield on 10-year U.S. Treasuries rose by about 1 percentage point from a low in mid-September 2024 to the time of Trump's inauguration. Therefore, CNBC pointed out that focusing solely on interest rate movements after Trump's inauguration could overlook concerns about Trump’s policies that were already reflected in the market prior to his inauguration. Considering this, the performance of the U.S. Treasury market over the past two years is analyzed to be average among major countries.Purchases alone won't suffice; 'structural issues' must be addressedIn reality, the rise in U.S. interest rates is not solely a problem of the Trump administration. Recently, concerns about rising oil prices and increased government spending have spread to the global bond market.On the same day, the yield on German 30-year bonds reached its highest level since 2011, while the yield on British 30-year bonds hit its highest since 1998. The global Treasury yield index compiled by Bloomberg also rose to its highest level in about 20 years. With Treasury yields surging worldwide, there are fears that a situation similar to the 1997 Asian financial crisis could be repeated.In the U.S., uncertainties surrounding the Federal Reserve's monetary policy, coupled with geopolitical tensions from Iran, add to the complexity. If military operations resume around the Strait of Hormuz, rising oil prices could exacerbate inflation concerns, making it difficult for the Fed to lower interest rates and putting upward pressure on Treasury yields.Beckett stated that the Treasury has a "big toolkit" of policy measures to stabilize Treasury yields and announced plans to at least double the scale of Treasury purchases. The expanded purchases are set to begin on September 9, so it is too early to assess the policy's effectiveness based solely on current interest rate movements.However, there are concerns that the Trump administration's policies, including large-scale fiscal spending, increased Treasury issuance, tariffs, and rising oil prices, could actually heighten upward pressure on interest rates.Dan Morehead, founder and co-CEO of Pantera Capital, commented on Beckett's market intervention during an interview with Bloomberg TV, stating, "For bluffing to work, no one at the poker table should know you are bluffing," adding, "I think it ultimately backfired." This suggests that simply purchasing Treasuries will not resolve the structural factors contributing to rising long-term interest rates, such as fiscal deficits and national debt.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-02 09:48:00
  • Commercial Building Transactions Decline in Volume but Increase in Value
    Commercial Building Transactions Decline in Volume but Increase in Value In July, the volume of commercial building transactions nationwide decreased compared to the previous month, but the total transaction value saw a slight increase. The rise in transactions of mid-sized buildings valued between 10 billion and 30 billion won contributed to the overall increase in transaction value.According to a big data report released by Real Estate Planet on September 2, the total number of commercial building transactions in July was 1,025, a 3.4% decrease from 1,061 in June. This marks the second-lowest monthly transaction volume of the year, following February's 913 transactions, and represents a decline for four consecutive months.In contrast, the total transaction value rose to 4.545 trillion won, up 0.5% from 4.432 trillion won in the previous month. However, compared to the same period last year, transaction volume decreased by 13.1% and transaction value fell by 3.7%.By price range, transactions of buildings valued between 10 billion and 30 billion won increased significantly, with 44 transactions, a 76.0% rise from the previous month. Conversely, transactions exceeding 30 billion won dropped to 12, a 40.0% decrease. Transactions of buildings valued over 5 billion won were concentrated in Seoul.In terms of district-level transactions, Jung-gu in Seoul recorded the highest volume with 40 transactions. In terms of transaction value, Gangnam-gu in Seoul led with 6.547 trillion won. The highest transaction in July was the sale of the 'Gangnam 358 Tower' in Yeoksam-dong, Gangnam-gu, which sold for 445 billion won.Despite high interest rates and economic slowdown limiting recovery in transactions, there is a selective buying trend for mid-sized buildings with strong location and asset competitiveness.Jung Soo-min, CEO of Real Estate Planet, stated, “In July, while the volume of commercial building transactions nationwide decreased for four consecutive months, the transaction value increased for the second month in a row, showing different trends by transaction size. The significant increase in transactions between 10 billion and 30 billion won, along with the concentration of transactions over 5 billion won in Seoul, indicates that major assets such as offices and large supermarkets in key business districts continue to transact selectively based on location and asset characteristics.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-02 09:44:00
  • Korail Distribution Launches Apple Popup Store at Seoul Station
    Korail Distribution Launches Apple Popup Store at Seoul Station Korail Distribution is operating a popup store at Seoul Station featuring products made from local specialties. From September 3 to 6, Korail Distribution will host a 'Local Collaboration Product Popup Store' on the third floor of Seoul Station, showcasing products made from apples, a specialty of Gunwi County in Daegu. This popup store aims to introduce collaborative products developed using local specialties to consumers and to support new sales channels through the railway station. The Ministry of the Interior and Safety oversees the policy, while Korail Distribution manages sales support. Gunwi County supplies apples produced in the region, and Lotte Wellfood manufactures products using Gunwi apples. The popup store will sell 15 types of confectionery products, including snacks, yokan, and jelly made from Gunwi apples. There will also be tasting events and a roulette game for visitors to participate in. As more railway stations are utilized as sales channels for local specialties, the role of public distribution platforms in fostering collaboration is growing. Ahm Sang-deok, head of the Distribution Business Division at Korail Distribution, stated, 'Railway stations serve as public distribution platforms that connect regions and consumers nationwide. We will continue to expand collaborative projects that promote local specialties and foster growth for both regions and businesses.'* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-02 09:44:00
  • Hanwhas Foreena Cozy Curve Elevator Wins Good Design Award
    Hanwha's Foreena Cozy Curve Elevator Wins Good Design Award Hanwha Construction has announced that its newly developed 'Foreena Cozy Curve Elevator' has been selected for the 2026 Good Design Award.The elevator, co-developed with Hyundai Elevator, was recognized by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and the Korea Design Promotion Agency, which host the domestic design awards.This design aims to enhance the brand experience of Hanwha Foreena through the elevator, a common space in apartment buildings. It features a curved design, lighting, and materials that evoke the comfort and elegance of a hotel lounge.Soft curved elements on the walls and ceiling increase psychological comfort, while indirect lighting and wood and metal materials create a warm yet sophisticated atmosphere. The design also incorporates lightweight construction and damage-resistant materials to improve operational efficiency and maintenance practicality.Hanwha Construction plans to gradually implement this design in future Foreena developments.Kim Min-seok, head of the architectural division at Hanwha Construction, stated, “The elevator is a representative common space that residents use most frequently in their daily lives. We will continue to develop differentiated products that customers can directly experience, thereby enhancing the brand value of Hanwha Foreena.”Meanwhile, the competition to differentiate apartment products is expanding beyond the interiors to include common spaces such as elevators, entrance gates, and landscaping.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-02 09:40:10
  • Peppertones Lee Jang-won Announces Grandfathers Passing After Broadcast
    Peppertones' Lee Jang-won Announces Grandfather's Passing After Broadcast Lee Hyun-seob, the grandfather of Lee Jang-won from the band Peppertones, has passed away.On September 1, SBS aired an episode of 'Same Bed, Different Dreams 2,' featuring Lee Jang-won and his wife Bae Da-hae alongside his grandfather.However, towards the end of the broadcast, news of Lee Hyun-seob's death was announced.The production team shared the news with a caption stating, "A few days after the second story, Mr. Lee Hyun-seob has passed away." On the same day, Lee Jang-won took to his social media to express, "My grandfather, who lived with us, passed away recently. We held a family funeral for him." He added, "I lived with my grandfather for a few years at the start of my career, and he prepared breakfast for me every morning. I moved in with Da-hae to repay him, but it was shorter than I expected, which is regrettable. I am very grateful that we created many good memories thanks to 'Same Bed, Different Dreams.'" In a shared photo, the two are seen sitting together at a table, enjoying a meal.Netizens have responded with comments such as, "Rest in peace," "My condolences to the deceased," and "He looked very healthy on the show..."Lee Hyun-seob was born in 1926 in Anju, South Pyongan Province, and was a graduate of the 9th class of the Army Academy, serving as a veteran of the Korean War.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-02 09:40:00