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Kang Jin-won Visits Elderly and Welfare Facilities Ahead of Chuseok Kang Jin-won, the mayor of Kangjin County, has been visiting elderly individuals living alone and social welfare facilities to check on vulnerable groups ahead of the Chuseok holiday. On September 16, Kang visited homes of elderly individuals living alone, as well as three social welfare facilities: the Kangjin Senior Welfare Center, Kangjin Nursing Home, and Kangjin Charity Home, to assess their living conditions and deliver care packages. One of the homes visited by Kang was that of an elderly person with severe cerebral palsy who has difficulty moving. This individual has been living alone since the passing of their mother in July, who had been suffering from dementia. The elderly person, who had a stroke about 15 years ago, experiences paralysis on one side and struggles with daily activities and going out, spending most of their time at home. The county noted that due to the distance from siblings living in other areas, ongoing support and care are essential, especially around the holiday season. After checking on the elderly person's health and any difficulties they face in daily life, Kang provided care packages. He urged relevant departments to ensure that there are no gaps in care during the holiday period. Kang then visited the Kangjin Senior Welfare Center, Kangjin Nursing Home, and Kangjin Charity Home to check on the well-being of the facility users. He encouraged the staff working there and requested that they pay special attention to the safety and care of users during the holiday season. Kang Jin-won stated, “Chuseok is a precious time for sharing love with family and neighbors, and I will ensure that elderly individuals living alone and users of welfare facilities do not feel isolated. We will continue to practice warm care in collaboration with the community.” Meanwhile, Kangjin County has been conducting outreach activities from September 14 to 23, targeting 19 social welfare facilities and organizations for the disabled, as well as 537 households of national merit recipients and vulnerable groups. The county plans to continue monitoring the care of vulnerable groups during the holiday period.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 15:12:10 -
IKEA Opens First Store in Daegu, Attracts Large Crowds on Opening Day "It's great that I can see and buy IKEA products close to home instead of having to drive all the way to Busan," said a 40-year-old man, holding a shopping bag at the new IKEA store in Daegu on the morning of September 17.The long-awaited permanent IKEA store in Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province has finally opened. After testing the local demand with a pop-up store in 2023, IKEA established its first location in the Shinsegae Department Store in downtown Daegu. On the opening day, customers flocked to the store, creating a scene of 'open run' even before the official opening time. To manage crowd density, IKEA issued 150 waiting tickets and guided customers to enter in phases via KakaoTalk notifications.The Daegu store is the third urban store in the country and the largest among similar locations. A representative from the store noted, "As the first offline store serving the entire North Gyeongsang region, we are seeing significant traffic from nearby areas as well."Sales manager Lee Kyung-mi explained, "This urban store features the most showrooms, with six in total. We focused on 'organization and storage' solutions, considering the characteristics of Daegu customers who often live in apartments and are interested in space utilization." The store showcases living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and studies that reflect the actual living environments of Daegu residents, catering to single-person households, couples, and families with children.The store offers over 900 products, including 64 types of small furniture like tables and chairs that customers can purchase on-site. For larger items that are difficult to carry, customers can consult with staff and place orders online. Delivery and logistics are managed from the Busan Gijang hub.A 30-year-old woman visiting the store expressed satisfaction, saying, "It's great to see and buy products with good value and design right here in Daegu. I think the 2030 generation will respond very positively to this."The food areas, 'Swedish Bite' and 'Swedish Food Market,' were bustling with customers enjoying quick meals like ice cream and hot dogs. To celebrate the opening, IKEA is offering gifts to the first 1,000 customers and providing shopping bags and coupon books to IKEA Family members.The opening of the Daegu store also emphasizes collaboration with the local community. IKEA Korea has partnered with the Daegu Employment and Welfare Plus Center to hire about 20 employees from the local area.IKEA Korea CEO Isabel Puch stated, "The opening of the Daegu store marks a significant step in expanding our customer engagement. We aim to provide various ways for customers to experience IKEA, from large stores to urban locations and online services."Daegu Shinsegae Department Store manager Lee Do-hyun emphasized, "We will create a friendly space where Daegu customers can discover ideas to help them utilize their living spaces and find home furnishing solutions that suit them."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 15:12:10
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Ruling Party Plans Tailored Housing for Young and Newlyweds Amid Housing Crisis 더불어민주당은 17일 부동산 민심 악화에 대응하기 위해 청년·신혼부부, 고령층 등 주거 취약계층을 위한 맞춤형 주택을 공급하겠다는 계획을 밝혔다. 지방자치단체의 주거복지 재원을 마련하기 위해 올해 말 일몰되는 담배소비세분 지방교육세를 '지방주거복지세'로 전환하는 방안도 추진하기로 했다. 김남근 당 주거복지특별위원회 위원장은 이날 국회에서 열린 주거복지특별위원회 회의에서 "(부동산) 세제 개편부터 발표되다 보니 세제 정책으로 부동산에 대응하는 것 아니냐는 오해를 산 측면이 있다"며 "청년·신혼부부 등을 위한 주거복지 정책이 먼저 발표됐으면 좋았을 것"이라고 말했다. 이어 "정부가 주거복지 로드맵을 따로 발표할 것으로 예상된다"며 "주거복지특위도 로드맵을 같이 점검하고 다양한 주거복지 단체와 의견을 수렴할 예정"이라고 밝혔다.오기형 의원은 "주거 정책에 필요한 재원을 어떻게 배정할 지가 이번 정기국회의 주요 논점"이라며 공공임대 물량 확보를 위한 재원이 예산에 반영돼야 한다고 주장했다. 그러면서 "미래대응기금과 관련해 청년 주택과 신혼 주택을 얼마나 공급할 수 있는지 재정적인 배정 문제를 논의해야 한다"고 덧붙였다. 아울러 '주거복지 기준'에 대한 사회적 논의를 통해 주거복지 로드맵을 만들어야 한다고 강조했다. 1인당 어느 정도의 공간이 확보돼야 하는지, 중산층이든 서민층이든 누구나 만족한다는 수준의 품질은 무엇인지 등 기본적인 주거복지 기준에 대한 논의가 이뤄져야 한다는 것이다.김 위원장은 특위 회의를 마치고 기자들과 만나 공공임대 주택 정책을 공급자 중심에서 수요자 중심으로 전환하겠다는 방침을 밝혔다. 그는 "입지와 품질이 좋은 공공임대 주택을 설계해 청년과 고령층에 맞춤형 서비스를 제공하겠다"며 기존의 임대주택을 리모델링 또는 재건축 해 품질을 높이고, 공공주택 비율을 전체 주택의 10% 수준으로 높여 양적 공급도 늘리겠다고 약속했다.이날 회의에서는 지방 중심의 주거복지 전달 체계를 확립하자는 의견도 제시됐다. 김 위원장은 "지방 정부도 주거 복지에 큰 역할을 할 수 있도록 하겠다"며 "(담배소비세분 지방교육세를) 주거복지세로 전환해 지방 정부가 주거복지에 재정을 투입할 수 있도록 지원하자는 논의가 나왔다"고 전했다. 올해 말 일몰되는 담배소비세분 지방교육세를 주거복지 재원으로 전환하겠다는 구상이다.한편 민주당 주거복지특별위원회는 앞으로 매달 정기회의를 열고 주거 현장을 방문해 현장의 의견을 수렴할 계획이다. 2026-09-17 15:12:10
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Binance Expands Media Outreach in South Korea Amid Controversy Over Unregistered Operations Global cryptocurrency exchange Binance is expanding its promotional activities targeting South Korean media, raising concerns about the scope of unregistered foreign cryptocurrency operators in the country. While it has not directly attracted customers or provided trading services, critics argue that its indirect marketing appears aimed at domestic investors.According to the financial investment industry on September 17, Binance has been holding press conferences in South Korea this year and has been distributing materials showcasing its services and technology. Previously focused on stabilizing its management as the largest shareholder of local exchange Gopax, Binance is now increasing efforts to promote its own brand and services.The key issue is whether these activities can be classified as domestic operations under the Act on Reporting and Use of Specific Financial Transaction Information. Current law requires that any entity engaging in cryptocurrency business in South Korea must register with the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU). Foreign operators are also subject to the same registration obligations if they target domestic customers.The FIU has determined the domestic operations of foreign businesses based on criteria such as operating a Korean-language website, conducting events for Koreans, and supporting transactions in Korean won. If unregistered operations are confirmed, the FIU notifies law enforcement and takes measures to block access to domestic websites and applications.As of now, Binance has not registered as a cryptocurrency operator in South Korea. However, it is difficult to definitively conclude that merely holding press conferences and distributing press releases constitutes domestic business activities under the law. A comprehensive assessment is needed to determine whether it has encouraged service sign-ups or trading, and whether its promotional content specifically targets domestic investors.Within the South Korean cryptocurrency industry, there are concerns that Binance's recent actions blur the line between direct sales and corporate promotion. Even if it is not engaging in direct customer sales, continuous exposure of its services and products through local media could ultimately attract domestic users.The financial authorities have yet to make a determination. They plan to review whether Binance's activities fall under domestic operations as defined by the law.Local exchanges are raising issues of regulatory fairness. Domestic operators invest resources and costs to maintain their status as cryptocurrency operators, including obtaining Information Security Management System (ISMS) certification, establishing anti-money laundering systems, verifying customers, and complying with travel rule requirements. They also face restrictions on transferring cryptocurrencies with unregistered foreign operators and must verify trading partners.A representative from a domestic exchange stated, “While domestic operators bear legal obligations and related costs, foreign operators can enhance brand recognition without registration. Clear criteria are needed to determine what constitutes corporate promotion and at what point it is considered targeting domestic customers.” In response, a Binance representative argued, “This should be viewed not as marketing or service promotion, but as efforts to inform users about protection and technology.”Domestic exchanges primarily offer spot trading, while foreign exchanges, including Binance, operate a variety of products such as derivatives. With the implementation of cryptocurrency taxation next year, there are predictions that domestic investors may increasingly turn to foreign exchanges.Another industry representative noted, “While it is not appropriate to automatically classify the promotional activities of unregistered foreign operators as illegal, the potential for attracting domestic users should be examined. The financial authorities need to establish criteria that distinguish the activities of major shareholders from the domestic operations of foreign exchanges.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 15:12:00
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KT Enhances Specialized 5G Services for Businesses and Public Institutions As the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and flexible work arrangements expands, concerns about security are growing. KT is enhancing its specialized 5G wireless services to ensure safe access for businesses and public institutions.On September 17, KT held an online briefing on its 'B2B and B2G 5G' initiatives, announcing plans to establish a dedicated 5G network separate from commercial mobile networks to securely protect internal systems.Myung Yoo-jae, Senior Vice President of KT's Enterprise Service Division, stated, "Using a dedicated enterprise gateway can enhance security while reducing costs. Based on our experience in commercializing the first standalone 5G in the country, we are continuously expanding the application of dedicated 5G services across industries such as manufacturing and logistics."KT plans to implement 'app slicing' technology in its dedicated 5G services, allowing different networks to be used based on the type of data. Personal apps will operate on the general internet, while work-related apps will be separated on the enterprise network, enhancing security and reducing costs for businesses.To address challenges in accessing company networks from remote locations, KT introduced a dedicated 5G work device called 'Egg.' This device allows users to connect to the company network simply by linking it to a laptop.In response to the era of AI and quantum computing, KT is researching hybrid security that combines post-quantum cryptography (PQC) with existing encryption systems, as well as 'SIM PQC' technology for storing key generation information.KT is also developing AI-RAN technology necessary for the physical AI era. This technology integrates AI into mobile networks to operate network support efficiently and reliably manage AI workloads and traffic generated by robots and on-device AI. The company is also working on AI autonomous security technology to detect abnormal behaviors in networks and devices.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 15:12:00
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Saemaul Geumgo Offers 15 Billion Won Special Guarantee Loans for Jeju Small Businesses 새마을금고가 제주지역 소상공인과 중소기업을 대상으로 150억원 규모의 특별보증대출을 지원한다. 새마을금고중앙회는 제주특별자치도, 제주신용보증재단과 '제주 소상공인 희망전환 특별보증' 사업을 추진한다고 17일 밝혔다. 이번 사업은 제주지역 소상공인과 자영업자 등의 금융 부담을 낮추고 경영 안정을 지원하기 위해 마련됐다. 새마을금고중앙회가 10억원을 특별출연하면 제주신용보증재단이 출연금의 15배인 150억원 규모의 특례보증을 공급하는 방식이다. 제주지역 41개 새마을금고가 보증서를 발급받은 소상공인과 중소기업을 대상으로 대출을 실행한다. 지원 대상은 제주도에 소재한 중소기업과 소상공인으로 업체(인)당 최대 7000만원까지 대출받을 수 있다. 보증료율은 연 0.9%로 고정된다. 제주도의 이차보전도 연계된다. 대출 이용자는 이차보전을 통해 최대 연 4.25%까지 지원받을 수 있다. 제주도는 이번 사업에 연간 최대 6억3700만원의 예산을 투입할 계획이다. 김인 새마을금고중앙회장은 "이번 특별보증이 제주지역 소상공인과 소기업 등의 금융 부담 완화에 도움이 되길 기대한다"며 "앞으로도 지역 금융 수요를 고려한 다양한 지원을 이어가겠다"고 말했다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 15:08:20
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Shinhan Bank Joins Kakao Consortium as Financial Partner for 'Everyone's AI' Project Shinhan Bank announced on September 17 that it will participate as a financial partner in the Kakao consortium for the 'Everyone's AI' project, organized by the Ministry of Science and ICT.The 'Everyone's AI' initiative aims to connect various industries and services with artificial intelligence (AI) to help citizens experience its benefits in their daily lives. The ministry has selected three leading consortiums to carry out the project.As part of the Kakao consortium, Shinhan Bank will focus on developing AI services in the financial sector. The plan is to combine KakaoTalk's customer engagement capabilities and LG Uplus's AI models and communication infrastructure with Shinhan Bank's financial expertise and customer service experience.The bank intends to utilize AI to enhance customer understanding of complex financial products and regulations. It will explore ways to explain financial concepts and systems clearly based on customer inquiries and situations, as well as guide them to necessary financial information and services.A Shinhan Bank representative stated, "Given the complexity and expertise required in financial products and regulations, it is crucial to assist customers in accurately understanding and making informed decisions about the information they need. We aim to discover new service possibilities that will make financial transactions easier and more convenient."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 15:08:20
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KIST Transitions to Mission-Centric Research Institute, Tackles Seven R&D Challenges The Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) has officially transitioned to a mission-centric research institute, taking on challenges in seven areas, including semiconductor and humanoid technology development.On September 17, KIST announced that it held a public report conference at its headquarters in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, themed "Our Mission, Your Future." The event aimed to share the changes and innovations KIST has pursued over the past two years in its mission-centric research.In his welcoming remarks, KIST President Oh Sang-rok stated, "This is an opportunity to discuss why we needed to change, how we have changed, and how we will continue to evolve. KIST has been attempting to transition to mission-oriented research and development (R&D) for the past two years, and we want to share this experience."Approximately 100 attendees were present, including officials from the Ministry of Science and ICT, the National Science and Technology Council's K-Moonshot Promotion Team, venture capitalists, and key stakeholders from academia and industry.KIST introduced its mission-oriented research system in 2024, implementing changes across its research framework, including the introduction of a project manager (PM) system.During the event, KIST presented its major achievements over the past two years and announced its commitment to tackle seven missions.First, the Next-Generation Semiconductor Research Institute aims to develop a reasoning processing unit (RPU) with 1,000 times the computational performance of existing computers while reducing power consumption to one-hundredth of current levels.The AI and Robotics Institute plans to accelerate the advancement and demonstration of humanoid technology by 2030, leveraging LG Electronics' KAPEX technology transfer.The Climate and Environmental Research Institute has developed an AI-based climate prediction model to enhance South Korea's capacity to respond to climate disasters. It also aims to secure mass production technology for its self-developed carbon absorption materials by 2030, moving into the industrialization phase.The Clean Hydrogen Fusion Research Institute seeks to reduce hydrogen production costs to around $5 per kilogram and implement the world's first ammonia-based hydrogen and electricity co-production system. It also aims to achieve $1 per kilogram hydrogen production by 2033.The Brain Science Institute is working towards the final approval of a new drug for dementia, based on successful global technology transfers worth 500 billion won.The Natural Product Drug Business Unit has successfully transferred technology for the world's first eye drop formulation candidate for treating age-related macular degeneration, aiming to accelerate entry into the global market for treatments of age-related diseases.The Space Composite Materials Research Group plans to develop ultra-lightweight, high-shielding, and high-insulation composite materials.President Oh expressed hope that KIST's proactive approach and changes will contribute to shaping the future direction of national science and technology policy innovation.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 15:08:10
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Gwangju Education Office Enhances Early Childhood and Elementary Education for the AI Era The Gwangju Metropolitan Office of Education is enhancing the integration of early childhood and elementary education curricula to align with the era of artificial intelligence (AI) and to strengthen teachers' capabilities in utilizing digital tools and AI. On September 16, the office announced that it would hold a workshop for kindergarten and elementary school teachers at the Suncheon Bay Ecological Culture Education Center. The workshop, themed 'Wise Coexistence in the AI Era: Awakening Learner Autonomy through Digital and AI Utilization,' aims to improve teachers' understanding of using digital devices in play and lessons while reinforcing the continuity of the curriculum from kindergarten to elementary school. Particularly, the workshop will share educational directions for digital and AI utilization that consider the developmental stages of young children and lower elementary students, and explore practical teaching methods that can be applied in educational settings. The program includes special lectures on connecting and expanding digital and AI-based play and lessons, discussions on teacher professionalism and ethics, and sharing examples of digital play support and lesson cases in kindergartens. Participating teachers will examine cases of digital and AI education in kindergartens and elementary schools and discuss ways to ensure a seamless learning experience for children as they transition between school levels. The education office plans to support the application of digital and AI education in a way that enhances learner autonomy, encouraging young children and students to explore and engage actively rather than merely using digital devices. Kim Bo-kyung, head of the Early Childhood and Elementary Education Division at the Gwangju Metropolitan Office of Education, stated, "The integration of early childhood and elementary education is a crucial educational task that maintains the continuity of children's growth and learning. I hope this workshop will broaden early childhood and elementary teachers' understanding of digital and AI education in the AI era and help disseminate practical integration strategies in the field." Meanwhile, the workshop will be conducted regionally. Following the eastern region workshop on the 16th, training for teachers in the central and western regions will take place on the 29th, focusing on sharing examples of curriculum integration and digital and AI education.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 15:08:10
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Gunpo City Corporation to Open 33 Public Parking Lots for Free During Chuseok Holiday The Gunpo City Corporation is implementing special transportation measures to assist citizens and travelers during the Chuseok holiday. According to the corporation on September 17, from midnight on September 24 to midnight on September 27, 33 paid public parking lots and the city hall's auxiliary (civil service) parking lot will be opened for free. This initiative is expected to enhance parking convenience for visitors and residents in Gunpo during the Chuseok holiday. In particular, it aims to reduce parking burdens for citizens visiting traditional markets and local businesses, contributing to the revitalization of the local economy during the holiday period. Residents have generally welcomed the free parking initiative during the holiday. As parking demand increases due to family visits and traditional market usage during the holiday, the free parking will alleviate some of the parking pressures for citizens. One resident stated, “Finding a parking spot during the holiday is a burden, but if I can use the public parking for free, it will be much more convenient for outings with my family.” Additionally, the Gunpo City Mobility Support Center for the Disabled will operate special transportation measures from September 24 to 27 during the Chuseok holiday. To facilitate the movement of the mobility impaired, a total of 43 vehicles, including special and alternative transportation, will be in operation to support their travel during the holiday. Meanwhile, President Bae Jae-guk stated, “We have prepared transportation measures to ensure that citizens can move more conveniently and safely during the Chuseok holiday, and we will continue to do our best to provide transportation services that assist citizens in their daily lives.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 15:08:10