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Savings Bank Association Supports Environmental Improvements for 100 Young Merchants in Traditional Markets The Savings Bank Association is supporting the introduction of eco-friendly and energy-saving facilities for young merchants in traditional markets. On September 1, the Savings Bank Association announced that it will launch the "Support Project for Environmental Improvements of Young Merchants in Traditional Markets" in collaboration with the Traditional Market Promotion Foundation, coinciding with the "Savings Bank Social Contribution Activity Day." This initiative aims to reduce the fixed costs for young entrepreneurs and enhance the competitiveness of their stores, based on a memorandum of understanding signed with the foundation last year. The support will target young merchants aged 39 and under operating in traditional markets and shopping districts across the country. A total of 100 businesses will be selected from six regions nationwide. Selected businesses will receive support for replacing energy-saving equipment, including high-efficiency heating and cooling systems, LED lighting, and cooking appliances. Costs for transitioning to reusable containers and eco-friendly packaging will also be covered. Detailed information can be found on the Traditional Market Promotion Foundation's website. Oh Hwa-gyeong, president of the Savings Bank Association, stated, "I hope this support will alleviate the operational burden on young merchants and help create competitive stores." The savings bank industry designates September each year as "Savings Bank Social Contribution Activity Day," during which it conducts community support activities for vulnerable groups nationwide.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-01 10:40:00 -
Over 600 Workers Trapped in Nepal Floods as Rescue Efforts Continue Rescue operations are underway for over 600 workers trapped in a hydropower plant tunnel due to severe flooding near the Nepal-Tibet border. Rescue teams are battling to access the blocked tunnel by blasting through mountainsides.According to the BBC on September 1, Nepalese rescue teams are using explosives to clear a path through the mountainside to reach the workers isolated at the Trishuli River hydropower plant. They are also injecting air into the tunnel, but concerns are growing that the 'golden time' for rescuing survivors is slipping away.Nepal's disaster management authorities report that the floods have resulted in 939 confirmed deaths and 3,925 people missing, including 592 foreigners. Among the missing, an estimated 639 workers are unaccounted for from the hydropower plant. Nepalese Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal stated that 279 individuals have been rescued from the facility so far.At the Trishuli-3A hydropower plant, rescue teams are working to supply air and drain water from the tunnel. Excavators and specialized personnel are also deployed at other plants, including Upper Trishuli-1 and Trishuli-3B, to remove debris and rocks blocking the tunnels.The site is obstructed by boulders larger than houses, hindering rescue efforts. An Australian tunnel expert supporting the search remotely told BBC Radio, "Everything is gone; it looks like the surface of the moon," adding that locating the tunnel itself is a significant challenge.Families of the missing are increasingly worried that the delay in rescue efforts diminishes the chances of survival. One family member told the BBC, "There is an oxygen supply system in the tunnel where my husband is missing. I still hold onto about 50% hope that he is alive."Meanwhile, in Chitwan, where the flood damage is concentrated, around 300 unidentified bodies have been washed downstream and are being temporarily buried. Local authorities report a lack of refrigeration facilities to store the bodies, so they are being buried in the forest until DNA testing can confirm identities.In Tibet, state media reported 16 confirmed deaths and 546 missing persons. Chinese authorities have ordered the removal of online posts spreading false information about the scale of the flood damage and have issued warnings and fines to those predicting higher casualty figures than the official count.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-01 10:36:20 -
September Brings Exciting Releases and Concerts in the Trot Scene September is heating up in the trot music scene with new singles, album releases, and major concerts.Singer Jeon Yu-jin will release her digital single "To My Stars" at noon on September 1 across various music platforms. This song precedes her debut full-length album set to be released in October and is her first new track in about six months since "Gayo Gayo" in March."To My Stars" marks the first time Jeon Yu-jin has participated in writing lyrics since her debut. The song expresses her feelings and gratitude towards those who have supported her during her growth as an artist, having gained attention at a young age. She first performed the song at her solo fan concert "TWENTY-ONE" held at the Woori Financial Art Hall in Seoul on August 29-30, prior to its official release.Following Jeon Yu-jin, Lim Young-woong will continue the momentum with a stadium concert and a new album in early September. He is set to hold "IM HERO - THE STADIUM 2" at the Goyang Sports Complex in Goyang City from September 4 to 6. This concert is his second stadium-sized solo performance, following the "IM HERO - THE STADIUM" held at the Seoul World Cup Stadium in 2024.During this concert, Lim Young-woong will also preview ten tracks from his upcoming special digital album "IM HERO 10," which will be released on September 8. The album features six new songs, including "Moise," "Baila," "Tto Tto," "Please Be Happy," "To Us Who Have Lived," and "New York," along with new versions of his debut song "I Hate You" and others, totaling ten tracks.The album is a special release prepared to celebrate Lim Young-woong's 10th anniversary since his debut on August 8. The title track is "Tto Tto," which he co-wrote and composed. The music video for "Tto Tto" will be released a day earlier, on September 7 at 6:16 PM, while the full album will be available on music platforms on September 8 at 6 PM.On September 14, Young-tak will take the baton with the release of his third studio album "GOGO" at 6 PM. This marks his first regular album in about three years since his second album "FORM" released in August 2023."GOGO" includes the title track "Kkeokkeo" and features 12 songs, such as "Penguin," "Psycho World," "Dosi Rasol Pamiredo," "Vintage Love," "Heo Heo (虛虛)," "Old Radio," "The Weather is Nice," "Temporary Save," "I Can't Sleep Tonight," "VIDA LOCA," and "PACEMAKER." Notably, Young-tak participated in writing, composing, and arranging 11 of the tracks, excluding "I Can't Sleep Tonight."After the album activities, Young-tak will meet fans through concerts. He will hold his solo concert "TAK SHOW5" at Korea University’s Hwajeong Gymnasium in Seoul from October 3 to 5, followed by a nationwide tour to Jeonju, Daegu, Incheon, and Busan.At the end of September, Kim Yong-bin's first solo concert is on the horizon. He will hold his first solo concert titled "Serenade" at the Ticketlink Live Arena in Olympic Park, Songpa-gu, Seoul, on September 19-20. This concert marks the first time he will perform under his own name since his debut in 2004. The performances will start at 5 PM on both days.Interest in ticket sales has been high. Tickets went on sale on August 10 at 8 PM and sold out within about 60 seconds. Kim Yong-bin later shared on his social media that he attempted to buy tickets himself but was unsuccessful.September, opening with Jeon Yu-jin's new single, is set to be a busy month for fans of these artists, with a flurry of new songs, albums, and concert schedules lined up.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-01 10:36:10 -
Shinhan and Woori Banks to Provide 300 Billion Won in 'Safe Accounts' for Seoul Small Businesses 신한은행과 우리은행이 서울시·서울신용보증재단과 손잡고 서울 소상공인에게 총 3000억원 규모의 운영자금을 공급한다. 신한은행은 오는 3일부터 서울지역 소상공인을 대상으로 ‘서울형 소상공인 안심통장 4호’ 대출을 시작한다고 1일 밝혔다. 우리은행도 같은 사업에 참여하는 업무협약을 체결했다. 지원 대상은 서울에 사업장을 둔 개인사업자 가운데 개업 후 1년 이상, 대표자 NICE 신용평점 600점 이상 등의 요건을 충족한 소상공인이다. 최근 3개월 매출 합계가 200만원 이상이거나 최근 1년 신고매출이 1000만원 이상이어야 한다. 이번 4호부터 대출 한도가 최대 2000만원으로 확대됐다. 대출 만기는 1년이며 연장 심사를 거쳐 최대 5년까지 이용할 수 있다. 신한은행은 기존 안심통장 이용자도 기존 한도를 뺀 범위에서 추가 신청할 수 있도록 했다. 대출은 비대면으로 진행된다. 신한은행 고객은 서울신용보증재단 모바일 앱에서 신청하고 보증 승인을 받은 뒤 신한은행 앱 ‘신한 슈퍼SOL’을 통해 영업점 방문 없이 대출받을 수 있다. 신한은행은 최초 보증료의 50%를 지원하고 한도약정수수료도 전액 면제한다. 우리은행 역시 최초 보증료의 50%를 지원하고 한도미사용수수료를 면제한다. 우리은행은 앞서 안심통장 2·3호에 이어 이번 4호 사업에도 참여한다. 두 은행은 이번 사업을 통해 소상공인의 자금 운용 부담을 낮추고 지역경제 활성화를 지원한다는 계획이다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-01 10:36:00 -
President Yoon Calls 2027 Budget a Stepping Stone for South Korea's Growth 이재명 대통령은 2027년도 예산안과 관련해 "대한민국을 초격차 선도 국가로 도약시키는 든든한 디딤돌이자 국민 삶 전반에 가시적인 변화를 이끄는 마중물이 돼야 한다"고 밝혔다. 이 대통령은 1일 청와대에서 국무회의를 주재하고 "지금 우리는 저성장 고착화냐, 잠재성장률 반등이냐의 갈림길에 서 있다"며 이같이 말했다. 정부는 이날 국무회의에서 2027년도 예산안과 기금운용계획안, 2026~2030년 국가재정운용계획을 심의했다. 내년도 일반회계 지출은 700조1000억원으로 올해 본예산보다 37.9% 늘었고, 22개 특별회계 지출은 131조4000억원으로 12.1% 증가했다. 이 대통령은 내년도 예산안의 핵심 목표로 미래 성장동력 창출과 청년의 미래 희망 사다리 구축, 양극화의 실질적 완화, 민생 안전망 강화를 제시했다. 이 대통령은 "이를 통해 3대 메가 프로젝트와 7대 시드 정책의 빠른 진척, 청년 1인당 최대 2억원 지원, 10대 창업도시 조성, 공공주택 20만호 공급, 농어촌 기본소득 확대 같은 국민이 체감하는 성과를 만들어낼 것"이라고 강조했다. 특히 이 대통령은 재정의 역할도 단순한 지출 확대가 아니라 성장잠재력을 높이는 방향으로 전환해야 한다고 주문했다. 이 대통령은 "늘어난 미래 재원으로 경제의 파이를 키우고 산업 역량을 고도화해 다시 재정 여력을 확대하는 생산적 선순환 재정 전략이 꼭 필요하다"고 말했다. 이어 "지금 금리 상승은 피할 수 없다"며 "금리 상승에 따른 취약계층의 고통을 최소화하고 그로 인해 성장잠재력이 훼손되지 않도록 재정이 정교한 역할 분담에 나서야 한다"고 당부했다. 정부는 경기 호전으로 장기 세입 추세를 웃도는 조세 수입이나 일시적인 초과 세수를 활용하는 미래대응기금도 신설한다. 재정의 경기 대응 기능을 강화하는 동시에 인공지능(AI) 등 미래 전략 분야에 장기적으로 투자한다는 구상이다. 이 대통령은 이날부터 시작된 정기국회를 향해 협조를 요청했다. 이 대통령은 "국회가 예산안 심의 과정에서 국민의 의견을 폭넓게 수렴해 필요한 부분을 보완한다면 정부도 이를 적극 존중해 달라"고 각 부처에 주문했다. 그러면서 "국민 모두에게 '내일은 오늘보다 더 나을 것'이라는 희망을 만드는 예산안이 될 수 있도록 정치권의 대승적인 협력을 기대한다"고 말했다. 이 대통령은 정부가 제출한 정책과 예산안도 국회 논의 과정에서 적극적으로 수정·보완할 수 있다는 입장을 밝혔다. 이 대통령은 "정부안이 언제나 옳은 것도 아니고 완벽할 수도 없다는 것을 인정해야 한다"며 "각 부처는 국민과 국회의 지적, 대안을 대승적으로 검토하고 합당한 제안이 있다면 망설임 없이 입법과 예산에 반영해달라"고 지시했다. 추석을 앞두고 밥상물가를 안정시키기 위한 선제적인 대책 마련도 주문했다. 이 대통령은 수출 호조로 올해 경제성장률이 3%를 웃돌 가능성이 커졌지만 육류와 채소 등 생활물가 상승으로 국민의 체감경기는 여전히 어렵다고 진단했다. 이 가운데 이상기후에 따른 농작물·가축 피해와 예년보다 이른 추석이 겹치면서 성수품 가격 불안이 확대될 가능성이 있다고 지적했다. 이 대통령은 "장바구니 물가 부담을 실질적으로 완화하기 위해 농축수산물 할인과 비축 물량 공급 확대 같은 대책을 적극 추진해달라"며 소상공인과 중소기업에 대한 금융 지원도 빈틈없이 시행하라고 했다. 환율 안정으로 원자재 수입 부담이 줄었는데도 제품 가격을 올리는 이른바 '꼼수 인상'에 대해서는 정부의 적극적인 점검과 대응을 요구했다. 또한 네팔 홍수로 실종된 우리 국민의 수색에 가용 자원을 추가로 투입하라고 주문했다. 이 대통령은 "실종된 우리 국민 아홉 분에 대한 수색 작업이 어려운 상황에서도 계속되고 있다"며 네팔 정부와 해당 기업의 협조를 토대로 수색에 만전을 기해달라고 말했다. 가능하다면 구조 인력과 헬기 등 장비를 추가로 투입하고, 2차 홍수와 악천후에 대비해 현지 수색 인력의 안전도 각별히 살피라고 당부했다. 네팔의 피해 복구를 돕기 위한 인도적 지원도 서둘러 추진하라고 지시했다. 2026-09-01 10:36:00 -
South Korea to impose antidumping duties on Chinese butyl acrylate SEOUL, September 1 (AJP) - South Korea will impose antidumping duties on butyl acrylate imported from China for five years starting later this month, the Ministry of Finance and Economy said on Tuesday. The duties, which will take effect on Sept. 28, will range from 8.32 percent to 19.17 percent and remain in place through Sept. 27, 2031. The measure follows an investigation by the Korea Trade Commission that began in September last year after LG Chem filed a complaint. The commission found that Chinese butyl acrylate was being dumped here, hurting the domestic industry. Butyl acrylate is a chemical raw material used to make adhesives and specialty plastics. Its domestic market was estimated to be worth about 100 billion won (US$73 million) in 2024, with Chinese products accounting for roughly 47 percent. The ministry expects the imposition of the duties to help protect domestic producers from low priced imports. AJP Takeaways • South Korea will impose antidumping duties of 8.32 percent to 19.17 percent on butyl acrylate imports from China for five years starting Sept. 28, 2026. • The Korea Trade Commission launched an investigation in September 2025 after LG Chem filed a complaint and found that Chinese butyl acrylate was being dumped in Korea, hurting domestic producers. • Butyl acrylate is a key chemical raw material used in adhesives and specialty plastics, with Chinese products accounting for about 47 percent of South Korea’s 100 billion won domestic market in 2024. 2026-09-01 10:32:46 -
SK Hynix Bonuses Fuel Purchases of Apartments and Teslas The Bank of Korea's analysis indicating that bonuses from semiconductor companies have led to increased spending on high-end items like apartments and cars has sparked varied reactions online.Many users expressed sentiments such as, "Isn't it natural to buy a house or a car when you earn money?" Others noted, "It feels like they are building a narrative that 'rising housing prices are due to large company bonuses.'" In a report released on August 31, the Bank of Korea examined the spending habits of employees at large companies who received significant bonuses due to the strong performance of the semiconductor sector.According to the analysis, employees at SK Hynix, who received record-high bonuses, focused their real estate purchases in the southern Gyeonggi region, particularly in Dongtan, Suwon Yeongtong, and Yongin Giheung. Their increased income also led to purchases of high-end durable goods like homes and cars.Online discussions highlighted instances of employees from semiconductor firms, including SK Hynix, buying apartments or cars like Teslas, drawing significant attention.Comments from netizens included, "It's normal to buy a house or a car when you earn money," and "If you have a lump sum, why wouldn't you use it to buy a house or a car?" Some questioned the Bank of Korea's analysis, asking, "Are they suggesting that people should spend their money at traditional markets instead?"Others echoed similar sentiments, asking, "If you have money, why not buy a house or a car?" Some users criticized the Bank of Korea for overly linking the increase in bonuses to rising real estate prices.One user remarked, "Is the purchase of a single house by someone who received a bonus really the cause of rising housing prices? It seems like they are attributing the increase in housing prices to the fact that large company employees are earning more. We should view the increase in housing purchases in certain areas due to bonuses and the overall rise in housing prices in Seoul and the metropolitan area as separate issues."Young People Struggle to Afford Housing Despite BonusesConversely, online discussions pointed out that while some benefit from bonuses to purchase homes, young people and non-homeowners still face significant barriers to housing costs in Seoul.The perception that "if apartments are expensive, you can just live in a villa" was challenged, as villa prices in Seoul are also quite high.According to data from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the average price of villas in Seoul with a floor area of 60 square meters or less is approximately 385.36 million won, while those between 60 and 85 square meters average around 542.01 million won.Even when young people attempt to secure housing through policy financing, they may be excluded from support based on housing prices, narrowing their options for housing in Seoul.Online reactions included comments like, "If I rent, I can't save money, and if I try to find a jeonse, there are many scams that ruin lives, and buying is blocked by the government."The phenomenon of increased spending by workers benefiting from bonuses in the semiconductor boom, coupled with the high housing costs in Seoul, has led to discussions about the growing divide between those who can afford to buy homes and those who cannot, raising concerns about housing polarization.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-01 10:32:00 -
Korean Minister Kim Jong-kwan Visits U.S. to Discuss G20 AI Cooperation and Bilateral Investment Korean Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Kim Jong-kwan is visiting the United States to attend the G20 Innovation Ministers' Meeting and to discuss expanding economic cooperation between South Korea and the U.S. The visit aims to attract U.S. investments in South Korea while also exploring investment opportunities for Korean companies in the U.S., thereby strengthening reciprocal investment cooperation between the two nations.The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced that Minister Kim will visit North Carolina, Washington D.C., and Louisiana from September 1 to 4.On September 2, Minister Kim will participate in the G20 Innovation Ministers' Meeting in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The meeting will focus on global cooperation in innovation, particularly in the areas of artificial intelligence (AI) intellectual property rights, AI standards, and AI supply chains.On September 3, he will hold an investment declaration ceremony and a roundtable in Washington D.C. in collaboration with the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA). Minister Kim plans to attract investments from U.S. companies in sectors such as semiconductors, advanced materials, and offshore wind power, while also listening to local companies' investment status and concerns regarding investments in South Korea.On September 4, he will attend the groundbreaking ceremony for the Hyundai-Posco Louisiana Steel Mill (HPLS) in Donaldsonville, Louisiana. HPLS is part of a $26 billion investment plan by Hyundai Motor Group in the U.S., with Hyundai Steel investing $5.8 billion in the project. The ministry believes that the construction of the steel mill will contribute to establishing a stable supply chain in North America.Before the groundbreaking ceremony, Minister Kim will meet with Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry to discuss mutually beneficial and strategic cooperation between South Korea and the U.S., particularly in the energy sector.This visit emphasizes the simultaneous promotion of expanding Korean investments in the U.S. and attracting U.S. investments in South Korea. The goal is to broaden the scope of industrial and supply chain cooperation between the two countries through mutual investments.Minister Kim stated, "We aim to confirm our commitment to supply chain cooperation through Korean investments in the U.S. while attracting U.S. investments in South Korea. This will serve as an opportunity to solidify active reciprocal investment cooperation between the two countries."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-01 10:32:00 -
Gimhae Expands Sewage Treatment Capacity at Hanlim and Sammi Facilities Gimhae's Hanlim and Sammi villages will see an expansion in sewage treatment capacity by the end of the year.As the inflow of sewage at existing facilities has reached 70-80% of their capacity, construction work is nearing completion, and both facilities have entered the comprehensive testing phase.According to the Gimhae Urban Development Corporation, as of the end of August, the progress rate is 85.2% for the Hanlim public sewage treatment facility and 74.2% for the Sammi public sewage treatment facility.Since August 24, comprehensive testing has been underway to verify the normal operation of mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation equipment, as well as the water treatment processes.The Hanlim facility will increase its daily treatment capacity from 1,300㎥ to 1,800㎥, an increase of 500㎥. The Sammi facility will expand from 175㎥ to 265㎥, adding 90㎥.The expansion is being undertaken to accommodate the growing population and increased sewage generation.A facility operator stated, "Currently, Hanlim is processing sewage at about 85-90% of its existing capacity, while Sammi is handling 75-80% of its capacity."Actual inflow levels vary depending on the season and rainfall.The scale of the expansion also considers future increases in sewage generation. The construction team projects sewage treatment demand every five to ten years, and this expansion is being implemented with the necessary capacity for 2030 in mind.The initiation of testing while the progress rate is still in the 70-80% range is due to the fact that testing is included in the overall construction schedule. Major mechanical and electrical installations have been completed, and remaining construction and testing are proceeding simultaneously.A construction official explained, "Testing begins in a no-load state, followed by the introduction of clean water, and then actual sewage is gradually introduced to create a manageable processing state. This process will continue for about four months alongside the final construction work."The comprehensive testing will continue until December 24. After checking the overall operation of mechanical, electrical, and water treatment processes, the facilities are expected to be completed by the end of the year.Currently, the quality of the discharged water is being managed at levels lower than the standards provided in the data.According to discharge quality data obtained from the Gimhae Urban Development Corporation, the standards are BOD 5, TOC 15, SS 10, total nitrogen (T-N) 20, and total phosphorus (T-P) 0.3. The actual measured values are BOD 1.2, TOC 3.9, SS 2.1, T-N 6.037, and T-P 0.043, all of which fall below the specified standards.The construction team noted that the current discharge is being managed at levels lower than the legal discharge quality standards, and with the increase in treatment capacity, they expect to have greater flexibility to respond to fluctuations in inflow.This project was commissioned by the city of Gimhae, and after completion, the operation of the facilities will be managed by the Gimhae Urban Development Corporation. The construction team is also participating in the comprehensive testing to assess the overall operational status of the facilities.A construction official stated, "With the increase in sewage treatment capacity from this expansion, we expect the burden of sewage treatment to decrease and the level of discharge quality management to improve. We will closely monitor the normal operation of the equipment through comprehensive testing and ensure stable operation after completion."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-01 10:28:00 -
Hana Bank Launches First Fully Online Loan Service in South Korea 하나은행이 은행권 최초로 보증 신청부터 대출 실행까지 비대면으로 처리할 수 있는 원스톱 서비스를 선보인다.하나은행은 신용보증재단중앙회와 '비대면 보증부 대출 활성화를 위한 업무협약'을 체결하고 비대면 대출 원스톱 서비스를 도입한다고 1일 밝혔다.이번 서비스에는 하나은행의 서비스형 뱅킹이 활용된다. 대출이 필요한 개인사업자는 별도로 은행 영업점을 방문하지 않고도 보증드림 앱을 통해 보증과 대출을 함께 신청할 수 있다. 은행권에서 이 같은 방식의 서비스를 도입하는 것은 처음이다. 서비스는 오는 9월 도입될 예정이다.하나은행은 이번 서비스 도입을 통해 보증부 대출에 걸리는 시간을 줄이고 절차도 간소화할 수 있을 것으로 보고 있다. 특히 영업시간 중 은행 방문이 어려운 소상공인과 개인사업자의 금융 편의성이 높아질 것으로 기대하고 있다.서유석 하나은행 기업그룹 부행장은 "바쁜 개인사업자들이 보다 쉽고 편리하게 금융서비스를 이용할 수 있을 것으로 기대한다"며 "신용보증재단중앙회와 협력을 통해 소상공인의 금융 접근성을 높이고 현장에서 체감할 수 있는 포용금융을 확대하겠다"고 말했다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-01 10:24:10


