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South Korea sends 44 rescuers to Nepal at Kathmandu's request SEOUL, September 01 (AJP) - An emergency South Korean relief team was set to fly to Nepal late Tuesday to search for nine workers missing since a massive flash flood engulfed a Himalayan valley last week. South Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the deployment in a statement released Tuesday. Nepal had asked Seoul to send a team to support search and rescue work in the flood zone, and a public-private council approved the mission the same day under South Korea's overseas emergency relief law. The nine missing workers, six from Doosan Enerbility and three from Korea South-East Power, were at the Upper Trishuli-1 hydropower construction site in Rasuwa district when the flood hit on the morning of Aug. 26. Their offices and living quarters sat low in the valley and are believed to have been swept away. Tuesday was the seventh day without contact. Kathmandu had spent most of the past week turning down foreign search and rescue teams, telling governments its own army and police would handle the operation. The request to Seoul is the first sign of that position loosening. Lee Kyu-ho, director general of the ministry's Development Cooperation Bureau, leads the team, whose members come from the ministry, the Korea International Cooperation Agency and the National Fire Agency. They were scheduled to leave Tuesday night on a KC-330 Cygnus military transport for about 10 days of work with Nepali authorities. South Korea assembles the Korea Disaster Relief Team for large disasters abroad. Past Korea Disaster Relief Team (KDRT) missions include Türkiye after the 2023 earthquake, Laos after the 2018 dam collapse and Nepal after the 2015 earthquake. Seoul had already pledged $1 million on Aug. 27. Nepal was accepting money and supplies through the Prime Minister's Relief Fund. Foreign personnel were another matter. That caution dates to 2015. After the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that killed nearly 9,000 people, 4,050 rescue workers from 34 countries arrived in a country whose airport, roads and bureaucracy could not absorb them, and within about 10 days Information Minister Minendra Rijal was asking them to go home. A senior Nepali foreign ministry official told the Kathmandu Post last week that the influx and the competition among countries had caused significant coordination problems, and that the government weighed that experience this time. Foreign ministry spokesperson Lok Bahadur Chhetri said on Aug. 28 that offers from India, China, the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, South Korea, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh were understandable but unnecessary. "Our security agencies are doing the search and rescue operation. For now we do not require such help," he told Reuters. The policy left the South Korean effort stuck. A joint rapid response team of about 20 officials has been in Nepal since the middle of last week, and its six chartered helicopters sat grounded while Nepali authorities withheld clearance over fears of further flooding. On Aug. 29, South Korea was the only country granted a flight permit. The next day, nobody was. On Monday the team stopped waiting. Nine National Fire Agency personnel left the embassy in Kathmandu at 7:20 a.m. and drove north through Nuwakot, reaching Dhunche about 11 hours later. Dhunche sits roughly 30 kilometers from the site. The Nepali army agreed to cooperate on the overland search. Ten other Doosan Enerbility workers cut off elsewhere were pulled out earlier. Nine landed in South Korea on Monday afternoon. The site manager stayed behind. Monsoon rain did not cause this flood. An avalanche of ice and rock came off a glacier near the Nepal-Tibet border, dammed the Lhende Khola River and then gave way. Jeffrey Kargel, a senior scientist at the Planetary Science Institute, calculated that the surge covered its first 22 kilometers at an average of 193 kilometers per hour. Downstream, the Trishuli River rose nine meters in half an hour. Nepali disaster authorities counted at least 903 dead and 4,247 missing as of Monday. Nationals of more than 30 countries are among them, partly because the flood tore through a Hindu pilgrimage route and a trekking corridor. Foreign Minister Cho Hyun asked his Nepali counterpart, Sisir Khanal, for particular help in finding the nine during a call Monday afternoon, their second since the disaster. At Upper Trishuli-1, 576 people are out of contact and about 300 of them are thought to be trapped inside the headrace tunnel, according to Mohan Kumar Dangi, who chairs Nepal's Independent Power Producers' Association. A Chinese tunnel rescue team pushed roughly 300 meters into that tunnel on Monday and recovered one body. The nationality has not been confirmed, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it was checking through its embassy in Kathmandu. AJP Takeaways ● Nepal's government asked Seoul to send a search and rescue team, reversing a week of refusing foreign personnel, and the 44-member Korea Disaster Relief Team was set to leave Tuesday night on a military transport. ● Nepali foreign ministry spokesperson Lok Bahadur Chhetri had told Reuters on Aug. 28 that offers from eight countries were unnecessary, a stance traced to 2015, when 4,050 rescue workers from 34 countries overwhelmed the country and Information Minister Minendra Rijal asked them to go home. ● Mohan Kumar Dangi of Nepal's Independent Power Producers' Association put 576 people out of contact at the Upper Trishuli-1 site, with about 300 believed trapped in the headrace tunnel where a Chinese rescue team recovered one unidentified body on Monday. ● Jeffrey Kargel of the Planetary Science Institute measured the surge at an average 193 kilometers per hour over its first 22 kilometers, and the U.S. Geological Survey revised its initial earthquake reading to conclude the seismic signal came from the landslide itself. 2026-09-01 10:58:06
Xiaomi Launches All-in-One Robot Vacuum H50 Pro Series and Elite Air Purifier Xiaomi is expanding its home care market in South Korea with the launch of an all-in-one robot vacuum priced between 500,000 and 600,000 won. The new models include features previously found in higher-end products, such as automatic dust emptying and mop cleaning, while offering a more affordable price range.On September 1, Xiaomi Korea announced the release of three new home care products: the Xiaomi Robot Vacuum H50 Pro, H50, and the Mijia Smart Air Purifier Elite.The H50 Pro boasts a maximum suction power of 15,000Pa. Its side brushes and mop pads extend outward to clean walls and corners. It uses laser navigation and structured light sensors to detect obstacles and can cross door thresholds up to 20mm high.The all-in-one station automatically empties dust and cleans the mop pads, drying them with hot air. The dust bag can be used for up to 75 days. The price of the H50 Pro is set at 629,000 won.The H50 model has a reduced suction power of 10,000Pa but retains key convenience features like automatic dust emptying and mop cleaning. It is priced at 529,000 won. Both models will be available for pre-order until September 6, with a discount of 30,000 won each.When Xiaomi launched its all-in-one robot vacuum X20 Max in January last year, it was priced at 749,000 won. With the introduction of the H50 and H50 Pro, the company is broadening the price range of its officially sold products in South Korea.Xiaomi is also expanding its air purifier lineup. The Mijia Smart Air Purifier Elite can purify 600 cubic meters of air per hour, covering a maximum area of 125 square meters. It features a three-layer filter system, ultraviolet (UV-C) LED, and plasma technology.The air purifier is priced at 599,000 won but will be available for a promotional price of 559,000 won until October 1. Xiaomi plans to enable control of both the robot vacuum and air purifier through the same app, continuing to expand its smart home product offerings in South Korea.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-01 10:56:20
KT Revamps Roaming Plans, Doubles Data Allowance KT announced on September 1 that it will revamp its main roaming products, 'Shared Roaming' and 'All-Day Roaming.'The key feature of this update is the increase in data allowances for the 'Shared Roaming' plan, which allows users to share data with family and friends. The 33,000 won plan will increase from 4GB to 5GB, the 44,000 won plan from 8GB to 10GB, and the 66,000 won plan from 12GB to 20GB.The usage period will also be extended. The 33,000 won 'Shared Roaming' plan and the 19,800 won 'Y Shared Roaming' plan will have their usage period increased from 15 days to 30 days, enhancing convenience for customers staying abroad for longer periods.For customers needing high data volumes, a new 'Shared Roaming 40GB' plan priced at 77,000 won will be introduced. The 'Y Shared Roaming' plan for customers aged 34 and under will also see an increase in data allowance, with a 40% discount compared to the standard 'Shared Roaming' plan and an additional 1GB of data.The 'All-Day Roaming' plan will also see increased data benefits. The basic tier will double its daily data allowance from 500MB to 1GB, while the plus tier will increase from 1GB to 2GB.KT is also offering partnership benefits for roaming customers. Discounts of 10,000 won are available at Incheon and Gimpo International Airport lounges. Customers can receive coupons through the KT Membership app and purchase access through a partner's exclusive page. Additionally, discounts for travelers in Southeast Asia through Grab will be available. Customers entering Vietnam, the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Cambodia will automatically receive a Grab Travel Pass code via text message, which can be registered in the Grab app for discounts on ride-hailing, food delivery, and grocery shopping services. This offer will end once supplies are exhausted.Kang Yi-hwan, head of KT's Customer Service Division, stated, "We focused on expanding data benefits that overseas travelers can feel the most. We will continue to introduce differentiated roaming services that reflect customer usage patterns."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-01 10:56:00
IntelliVix Supplies AI and VLM Video Analysis System to Shinsegae Duty-Free Store IntelliVix, a safety artificial intelligence (AI) deep tech company, is enhancing its presence in the safety monitoring market by supplying a video analysis system that combines vision AI and vision language model (VLM) to the Shinsegae Duty-Free Store in Myeongdong.On September 1, IntelliVix announced that it has provided the AI video analysis system to the Shinsegae Duty-Free Store in Myeongdong.The system supplied by IntelliVix analyzes closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage in real-time to identify potential hazards early and support rapid responses on-site. It aims to address the limitations of the traditional method, where monitoring personnel must manually check multiple CCTV screens, by proactively detecting situations that could lead to accidents and establishing a preventive safety monitoring system.At the Shinsegae Duty-Free Store in Myeongdong, the AI detects risky behaviors such as escalator reverse operation, stroller entry, and hazards that may occur during the use of luggage carriers. When a dangerous situation is identified, the system immediately alerts through announcements and warning devices, assisting monitoring personnel in their response.The system can also detect instances where a customer suddenly collapses, aiding initial responses from monitoring staff and security personnel. In high-traffic areas such as main entrances and elevator lobbies, it analyzes visitor density to identify congestion early. The analysis results are utilized for proactive safety management, including the deployment of on-site personnel and adjustments to customer flow.The system implemented at the Shinsegae Duty-Free Store operates in two phases: first, the vision AI detects anomalies in the CCTV footage, and second, the VLM analyzes the context of the situation and actions. This approach allows for a more precise assessment of risk by understanding the context beyond simple object or behavior detection.Ah Kwang-ho, Executive Director of IntelliVix's AI Convergence Business Group, stated, “The AI safety monitoring technology we have accumulated in public and industrial sectors is expanding into civilian areas such as retail and multi-use facilities. We will continue to enhance our technology to promote preventive safety monitoring that recognizes and responds to risks in advance, leading the market as an AI safety solution provider utilized across various industries and everyday life.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-01 10:52:00
Daewoo Engineering Collaborates with Danish Urban Agency on Mokdong 8 Complex Design Daewoo Engineering & Construction is partnering with the Danish urban and architectural design group Urban Agency to create a landmark exterior design for the Mokdong 8 Complex reconstruction project.On September 1, Daewoo announced that it is moving forward with the exterior design of the Mokdong 8 Complex reconstruction project in Yangcheon District, Seoul, in collaboration with Urban Agency. Daewoo's design and urban redevelopment team met with representatives from Urban Agency, who visited Korea on August 28, to tour the Mokdong 8 site and discuss the project's direction while analyzing the site's location and surrounding urban environment.Urban Agency is a global urban and architectural design group based in Denmark. Through this collaboration, Daewoo aims to create a cohesive design that integrates the exterior, skyline, and community of the Mokdong 8 Complex into a single work of art.Henning Stueben, co-founder of Urban Agency, stated, "We aim to capture the diverse values and lifestyles of Mokdong in our architecture, much like a prism that expands a single light into a spectrum of colors." He also emphasized the importance of flexibility and sustainability, as represented by the term 'infinity,' to create living spaces that deepen in value over time.Previously, Daewoo had collaborated with ARUP from the UK for structural design and Supermass Studio from New York for landscaping in the Mokdong 8 reconstruction project. With Urban Agency joining the effort for exterior design, Daewoo plans to enhance its design competitiveness.As the competition for the Mokdong reconstruction project intensifies, major construction firms are not only focusing on construction conditions but also emphasizing collaboration with global design firms and product differentiation to win over the assembly members.A Daewoo representative remarked, "Given that Mokdong 8 is located in the heart of Mokdong, which has represented South Korea for a long time, a new design is needed that inherits the existing values while leading future residential culture. We aim to make Mokdong 8 a benchmark for high-end living and a landmark representing Mokdong."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-01 10:52:00
Lee's policy chief bows out and joins reshuffle SEOUL, September 01 (AJP) -President Lee Jae Myung's outspoken policy chief Kim Yong-beom bowed out Tuesday, just two days after surviving a broad reshuffle of the economic team amid mounting pressure over housing policy and controversial single-stock leveraged exchange-traded funds. Lee accepted Kim's resignation as the president's approval rating sank to a record-low 38.9 percent in the latest Realmeter survey, extending its decline to a seventh consecutive week. Kim tendered his resignation Monday, a day after the Cabinet reshuffle, and Lee accepted it Tuesday, presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung said at an emergency briefing at Cheong Wa Dae. "Presidential policy chief Kim Yong-beom expressed his intention to resign yesterday, Aug. 31," Kang said. "President Lee Jae Myung accepted his resignation today." His abrupt departure widens a shake-up of Lee's economic policy team. On Sunday, Lee nominated new chiefs for six ministries, including finance, land, justice and defense, while also overhauling his senior AI policy team. Kim, despite persistent opposition calls for his removal, had initially retained his post. Kim, a veteran economic bureaucrat who previously served as first vice finance minister and vice chairman of the Financial Services Commission, became the Lee administration's first presidential policy chief shortly after Lee took office in June 2025. During his 15 months in the post, he emerged as one of Lee's trusted aide in shaping economic, industrial and fiscal policy and playing central roles in U.S.-Korea tariff negotiations and Lee's flagship three mega projects. But his outspoken style and prominent role in economic policymaking also made him a natural target as public frustration mounted over the government's handling of the economy. Opposition parties had increasingly demanded that Kim take responsibility for soaring housing prices in Seoul and the surrounding metropolitan area, as well as controversy over the government's introduction of highly speculative single-stock leveraged ETFs. Housing in particular has become a political liability for Lee. Realmeter's latest poll, conducted Aug. 24-28 among 2,509 adults, showed Lee's job approval falling 1.3 percentage points from the previous week to 38.9 percent, its lowest level since he took office and the first reading below 40 percent. Realmeter cited worsening public sentiment over housing prices and jeonse rental costs among several factors behind the decline. Kim's exit, following the replacement of both the finance and land ministers, effectively clears out much of the senior lineup that had been steering Lee's economic and housing agenda. It could also intensify speculation over whether Lee will extend the reshuffle to other senior presidential aides as his administration seeks to arrest the prolonged slide in public support. Kim could not be reached for comment. AJP Takeaways Kim Yong-beom resigns: President Lee Jae Myung accepted the resignation of his policy chief on Sept. 1, only two days after Kim survived a six-ministry Cabinet reshuffle. Housing and leveraged ETFs: Kim had faced mounting political pressure over Seoul-area housing prices and controversy surrounding South Korea's introduction of single-stock leveraged ETFs. Lee approval hits record low: Lee's Realmeter approval rating fell for a seventh straight week to 38.9 percent, the lowest since his inauguration and the first reading below 40 percent. 2026-09-01 10:50:00
Gwangju Selects 'Sanjeonggang Wind Oak 40' as September Traditional Liquor The Gwangju Metropolitan City has selected 'Sanjeonggang Wind Oak 40' produced in Gwangyang as the traditional liquor of the month for September. According to the Gwangju Metropolitan City on September 1, 'Sanjeonggang Wind Oak 40,' produced by Sanjeonggang Spring in Gwangyang, is a distilled liquor made using local ingredients such as yellow plums, wild pears, and yuzu. The liquor undergoes fermentation and distillation of the plums and wild pears, followed by a one-year aging process in oak barrels. This process enhances the value of local agricultural products by transforming them into traditional liquor. During the aging process, the unique aroma of the plums combines with the deep flavors derived from the oak. With an alcohol content of 40%, it can be enjoyed neat or in a highball. The Gwangju Metropolitan City noted that it pairs well with grilled dishes, such as charcoal-grilled meats, and is highly versatile for accompanying traditional foods during the upcoming Chuseok holiday. The quality of the product has also been recognized externally, as 'Sanjeonggang Wind Oak 40' won the Grand Prize at the 2025 Namdo Traditional Liquor Competition. The Gwangju Metropolitan City selects a traditional liquor of the month to discover and promote excellent traditional liquors made from locally produced agricultural products. This initiative is expected to help expand the consumption of local agricultural products and enhance the competitiveness of the traditional liquor industry. Park Sang-mi, head of the Agricultural and Food Distribution Division at Gwangju Metropolitan City, stated, "Sanjeonggang Wind Oak 40 is a traditional liquor that allows you to experience the fragrant flavor of plums and the deep taste from oak aging. We hope that consumers will enjoy the taste and charm of our liquor with various foods during the upcoming Chuseok holiday."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-01 10:48:00
Government Increases Supply of Holiday Essentials Ahead of Chuseok with Discounts Up to 50% The government is set to increase the supply of essential holiday items such as cabbage, apples, and beef to 1.6 times the normal levels ahead of Chuseok. It will invest a record 103 billion won in discounts for agricultural and marine products and provide 43.4 trillion won in loans and guarantees to small businesses and medium-sized enterprises.On September 1, during a Cabinet meeting at the Blue House, the government reported on its 'Chuseok Economic Stability Measures.' The plan focuses on stabilizing prices of essential goods, alleviating public burdens, boosting domestic consumption, and ensuring public safety.The supply of holiday essentials will reach a record 183,000 tons. Vegetable supplies will be 1.9 times the normal amount at 10,800 tons, while fruit supplies, including apples and pears, will be more than three times higher at 32,000 tons.The supply of livestock products will also increase by 1.3 times compared to usual, with 90,000 tons of beef and pork and 17,000 tons of chicken. Egg supplies will be expanded to 2.4 times the normal levels. The supply of forest products such as chestnuts and jujubes will be increased to 2,480 tons, nine times the usual amount.Six types of seafood, including mackerel, pollock, squid, hairtail, and dried anchovies, will be supplied at prices up to 40% lower than market rates, with mackerel and pollock supplies increased to more than three times the normal levels.The government will invest a record 103 billion won in discount support. Starting September 3, in collaboration with retailers, it will offer discounts of up to 40% on agricultural and livestock products such as apples, pears, and beef. From September 9, seafood products like pollock, mackerel, and seaweed will be sold at discounts of up to 50%.The government will also expand refund events at traditional markets. From September 16 to 20, customers at 300 traditional markets for agricultural and marine products will receive approximately 30% of their purchase amount back in gift certificates, with a refund limit of 20,000 won.Gift sets of fruits, traditional offerings, and Hanwoo beef will be discounted by up to 50%, while seafood gift sets will see discounts of up to 53%. Over 4,700 processed food items, including ramen and bread, will also be sold at discounts of up to 64% in collaboration with the food industry.To alleviate financial difficulties for small businesses and medium-sized enterprises, the government will provide a record 43.4 trillion won in holiday funds through loans and guarantees. Loans and guarantees maturing will be extended by one year, totaling 62.4 trillion won.Value-added tax refunds will be issued on September 3, and public procurement payments will be expedited before Chuseok. Businesses with fewer than 30 employees will have their employment and industrial accident insurance payments deferred, and small businesses can spread their electricity payments over up to six months and gas payments over up to four months.For low-income, vulnerable, and youth groups, policy financing such as the Sunshine Loan will be provided at a scale exceeding 480 billion won, four times that of last year. The interest rate for support loans for overdue payments will be temporarily reduced by 0.5 to 1.0 percentage points from this month until the end of next month.Subsidies for fuel prices for cargo trucks, passenger vehicles, coastal cargo ships, and tax-exempt fuel for farmers and fishermen will be extended until the end of the year. The budget for disaster medical expense support will increase from 150.4 billion won to 233.4 billion won, an increase of 83 billion won.To stimulate domestic consumption, from September 16 to 20, additional purchases of digital gift certificates will be allowed at a 10% discount, up to 200,000 won. Including the existing monthly purchase limit, a maximum of 1.2 million won can be purchased during this period.Over 80,000 accommodation coupons will be distributed targeting non-capital regions and islands. During the Chuseok holiday from September 24 to 27, highway tolls will be waived nationwide, and KTX fares will be reduced by 10%. Entrance fees for the Four Great Palaces, Jongmyo Shrine, and the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, as well as national natural recreation forests, will be waived during the holiday period.The government plans to operate a 24-hour situation management system involving relevant ministries and local governments during the holiday to monitor the implementation of these measures. 2026-09-01 10:48:00
South Korea Sends Emergency Relief Team to Nepal Following Floods The South Korean government is dispatching an overseas emergency relief team (KDRT) to Nepal, which has been affected by severe flooding. The KDRT is a team composed of personnel from government agencies and related organizations, deployed to assist countries in need during large-scale disasters through disaster relief, rescue operations, and medical aid.The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced this decision on September 1 after a meeting of the public-private joint overseas emergency relief council. This deployment comes at the request of the Nepalese government for an emergency relief team to assist in search and rescue operations in the affected areas.Lee Gyu-ho, Director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Development Cooperation Bureau, will lead the KDRT, which consists of 44 members from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), and the National Fire Agency. The team is scheduled to depart for Nepal via military transport aircraft on the evening of September 1.They will conduct search and rescue operations in coordination with the Nepalese government for approximately ten days. 2026-09-01 10:48:00
Ruling Party Condemns Lawmaker's Call for Release of Gwangju Uprising Victims' Names The Democratic Party on September 1 warned People Power Party lawmaker Lee Jin-sook against losing her "basic humanity" after she called for the release of the names of those recognized for their contributions to the Gwangju Uprising.During a National Assembly meeting, Han Byeong-do, the party's floor leader, criticized Lee for holding a press conference on August 31 to demand a reevaluation of the Gwangju Uprising and the disclosure of the names of its victims. He expressed suspicion that she was enjoying the controversy rather than feeling any sense of responsibility or remorse."Lee is showing a complete lack of basic humanity. Before being a politician, she should uphold decency and respect as a person," Han added.Lee Joo-hee, the party's spokesperson, also condemned Lee Jin-sook, stating, "I strongly denounce this lawmaker who seeks to undermine the Gwangju Uprising."In a press briefing, Lee Joo-hee explained that the decision to keep the names of Gwangju Uprising victims confidential was based on legal considerations for personal data protection, not an exception to the rule. She asserted that Lee Jin-sook, by denying court rulings and social standards, is unfit to serve as a lawmaker."Attempts to distort history and reopen wounds for the families of the victims are tantamount to undermining the foundations of South Korea's constitutional order and democracy," she said, urging Lee to cease her political provocations and apologize.Furthermore, she called on the leadership of the People Power Party to stop protecting Lee and to cooperate immediately in forming a special ethics committee in the National Assembly. "The Democratic Party will hold Lee accountable for her reckless actions through disciplinary reviews and amendments to the National Assembly Act that harm the public's trust," she warned.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-01 10:44:00