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  • Han River ferry marks 1st anniversary with more than 600,000 riders
    Han River ferry marks 1st anniversary with more than 600,000 riders SEOUL, September 17 (AJP) - Seoul's water ferry service along the Han River has carried more than 600,000 passengers in about a year after its launch last fall, the Seoul Metropolitan Government said on Thursday. According to the city government, the cumulative number of passengers stood at 603,293 as of early this week, with the service set to mark its first anniversary this Friday after beginning operations on Sept. 18 last year. The milestone comes after a rocky start, with technical glitches and safety concerns causing several service disruptions and temporary halts during the first few months before full-route service resumed in March this year. Most passengers were satisfied with the service. In a survey of about 3,500 riders conducted in June and July, 97.3 percent said they were happy with the service. Some 93.2 percent of them said they would ride it again, while 95.4 percent said they would definitely recommend the service to others. The service has also had an impact on nearby businesses and passenger traffic. According to the city government, average monthly passenger traffic around a pier in Yeouido increased by 20.9 percent in May compared with the same month before the service began. Card spending at restaurants in the area also rose 15.5 percent over the same period. The city government also plans to promote tourism by linking the service with scenic waterfront areas along the river as part of its long-term strategy. Meanwhile, a special event celebrating the service's first anniversary will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. in Yeouido on Friday. Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon said the service could become more than just a means of transportation by connecting the Han River with nearby neighborhoods. "Over the next five to 10 years, we will continue to improve safety, add more piers and make the service more convenient so that Seoul residents can use it as part of their daily lives," Oh said. AJP Takeaways - Seoul's Han River water ferry service carried 603,293 passengers by mid-September 2026, reaching more than 600,000 riders approximately one year after launching on Sept. 18, 2025. - Passenger satisfaction with the Han River water ferry service remains high: a Seoul Metropolitan Government survey of about 3,500 riders conducted in June and July 2026 found that 97.3 percent were satisfied, 93.2 percent said they would ride again, and 95.4% said they would recommend the service. - The Han River water ferry service has coincided with increased activity around Yeouido: average monthly passenger traffic near a Yeouido pier rose 20.9 percent in May 2026 compared with May before the service launched, while restaurant card spending in the area increased 15.5 percent. 2026-09-17 14:44:23
  • Gwangju City Advances Influenza Vaccination Amid Early Outbreak
    Gwangju City Advances Influenza Vaccination Amid Early Outbreak Gwangju City has decided to advance its national vaccination schedule due to an earlier-than-usual influenza outbreak this year.An influenza outbreak advisory was issued on September 11, more than a month earlier than last year.In response to the spread of influenza, which poses a significant risk of severe complications such as pneumonia for high-risk groups including the elderly and children, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency has urgently adjusted the national vaccination schedule.Vaccinations for children aged 6 months to 14 years and pregnant women will begin on September 21.Notably, children who were originally scheduled for a single dose starting on September 28 will now also be able to receive their vaccinations starting September 21, in line with those requiring two doses.To prevent initial crowding and ensure safe vaccinations, the schedule for seniors aged 65 and older will also be moved up by about a week.Seniors aged 75 and older (born on or before December 31, 1951) will begin vaccinations on October 6, those aged 70 to 74 (born between January 1, 1952, and December 31, 1956) on October 12, and those aged 65 to 69 (born between January 1, 1957, and December 31, 1961) on October 15.Vaccinations can be received at designated medical institutions regardless of the individual's residence.Individuals must bring identification for vaccination.Before visiting, it is advisable to check with the medical institution regarding vaccine availability and operating hours.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 14:44:00
  • K-LNG Technology Shines at Gastech as Samsung E&A and Hanwha Ocean Showcase Innovations
    K-LNG Technology Shines at Gastech as Samsung E&A and Hanwha Ocean Showcase Innovations In response to the expanding global liquefied natural gas (LNG) market, South Korea's plant and shipbuilding industries are enhancing their LNG technology portfolios. Samsung E&A has unveiled a modular package designed to shorten construction periods for LNG liquefaction plants, while Hanwha Ocean showcased new technologies related to standard floating LNG production facilities (FLNG) and LNG-powered vessels.According to industry sources, Samsung E&A and Hanwha Ocean presented their latest LNG technologies and development achievements at Gastech 2026, the world's largest gas and energy exhibition, held in Bangkok, Thailand.Samsung E&A introduced its 'LNG Module Package,' specifically designed for LNG liquefaction plant construction. This solution combines Honeywell Technologies' AP-SMR liquefaction technology with Samsung E&A's modular design and execution capabilities, targeting small to medium-sized LNG liquefaction plants.The package features pre-designed and modularized key processes, which aim to reduce the duration of the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) phases from the initial development stage. Samsung E&A estimates that this approach could shorten overall project timelines by approximately 20%.This year, Samsung E&A has restructured its business portfolio to focus on chemical, advanced industries, and new energy, identifying LNG as a key growth area. The company has since secured contracts for the basic design of an LNG plant in Indonesia and conceptual design projects in North America.A Samsung E&A representative stated, "By combining proven process technologies with our modular execution capabilities, we aim to reduce project timelines and lower uncertainties in project execution. We will actively respond to the growing demand for modularization in LNG plants and strengthen collaboration with clients from the early stages of projects to expand our participation in the LNG sector."Hanwha Ocean also made significant announcements at Gastech regarding its technological advancements in FLNG and LNG-powered vessels. The company received concept approval (AIP) for its standard FLNG design from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and the Norwegian classification society DNV. The goal is to enhance project execution efficiency by utilizing a repeatable standard platform to reduce initial engineering timelines.Additionally, Hanwha Ocean's high-manganese steel cargo tank 'Mactive,' designed for 100,000 cubic meter very large ethane carriers (VLEC), has received AIP from Lloyd's Register (LR). The company also completed a joint development project with DNV for next-generation high-pressure LNG fuel tanks, increasing the allowable pressure for LNG-powered container ship fuel tanks from a maximum of 0.7 barg to 2.0 barg.Furthermore, Hanwha Ocean is pursuing new research and development initiatives related to LNG. The company is collaborating with LR to extend the internal inspection cycle for LNG carrier cargo tanks from the current five years to a maximum of 7.5 years, and has begun developing an 18,000 cubic meter LNG bunkering vessel with the Korean Register (KR).A Hanwha Ocean representative remarked, "We are continuously expanding our technology portfolio to respond to diverse market demands. Based on our differentiated research and development and engineering capabilities, we will provide optimal future marine solutions."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 14:44:00
  • Prosecutor Impersonator Arrested as Leader of Voice Phishing Ring that Stole $42 Million
    Prosecutor Impersonator Arrested as Leader of Voice Phishing Ring that Stole $42 Million Police have arrested members of a voice phishing organization that impersonated prosecutors and financial institutions to steal hundreds of millions of won.According to Yonhap News, the Busan Metropolitan Police Agency's Special Investigation Unit apprehended 67 individuals, including a 30-year-old Chinese national identified as A, on September 17 for violating the Telecommunications Fraud Act, with 17 of them being detained.Police stated that A is the leader of the group that previously impersonated 'Prosecutor Kim Min-soo' to commit voice phishing against job seekers in their 20s.From August 2015 to July 2021, A and his associates allegedly set up call centers overseas, including in China, and impersonated officials from the prosecution and the Financial Supervisory Service to defraud victims of approximately 5 billion won.The group attracted members through high-paying job advertisements on social media, dividing roles among call center operators, recruiters, and cash collectors.They deceived victims by claiming that their names were linked to illegal bank accounts and that they needed to transfer their funds, or by offering low-interest refinancing loans.During their impersonation, they presented forged official identification and false documents detailing case summaries to avoid raising suspicion among victims.Police believe this organization is also linked to a previous case involving the impersonation of 'Prosecutor Kim Min-soo.' In that incident, on January 20, 2020, they allegedly tricked a job seeker in their 20s into withdrawing 4.2 million won by claiming they were involved in a large-scale financial scam.It was later reported that the victim took their own life a few days after the incident.A police official noted that there was no specific reason for choosing the alias 'Kim Min-soo.'Regarding A, the official stated, 'He partially admitted to his involvement in the crimes but denied being the leader, showing little remorse.'Police are currently seeking 33 accomplices believed to have fled abroad, requesting Interpol red notices and extradition.Authorities plan to further investigate the specific roles of the arrested suspects and the scale of the criminal proceeds while continuing to track down the fugitives.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 14:44:00
  • Han Byeong-do Calls for Policy-Focused National Assembly Audit
    Han Byeong-do Calls for Policy-Focused National Assembly Audit Han Byeong-do, the floor leader of the Democratic Party, emphasized on September 17 that "it is time to accelerate efforts for the people's livelihood" and urged that next month's National Assembly audit be transformed into a 'policy audit.' He also expressed a firm stance against the opposition's political maneuvers aimed at obstruction.During a party meeting held at the National Assembly, Han stated, "As I have stressed since before the regular session began, we must tighten our legislative efforts with a wartime mindset."He noted, "Yesterday, the confirmation hearings for cabinet members concluded with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and the Ministry of National Defense. However, some members of the People Power Party and other opposition lawmakers have fixated on irresponsible allegations and personal attacks, dragging the confirmation hearings into a quagmire," expressing regret over the politicization of the hearings.Han urged for a focused and thorough operation of the standing committees to expedite legislation for the people's livelihood, stating, "This National Assembly audit must be a policy audit. We must respond firmly to the opposition's political maneuvers aimed at obstructing the audit and to any wasteful political disputes."He also mentioned that there are movements within some standing committees to summon several heads of large corporations as witnesses, asserting, "The Democratic Party cannot agree to witness summons aimed solely at shaming individuals. I ask the committee members to ensure that witness selections are handled appropriately and not in a way that seeks to embarrass anyone." He concluded by urging everyone to work together to ensure that the audit serves as a platform for policy alternatives focused on the people's livelihood.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 14:40:20
  • Reconstruction of Apgujeong Hyundai Apartments: Building a New Future
    Reconstruction of Apgujeong Hyundai Apartments: Building a New Future The reconstruction of Apgujeong is not a single project. The areas from Misung Apartments near the Han River Bridge to Hanyang Apartments in Cheongdam-dong are advancing with different associations and timelines for districts 1 through 6. This follows the Seoul city government's 2016 announcement of a district unit plan that grouped 24 apartment complexes in the Apgujeong area into six reconstruction project units. Apgujeong was designated as an apartment district in 1976. This designation aimed to quickly supply large-scale apartments by dividing a wide area into residential, central facility, school, road, and park zones. While it contributed to alleviating housing shortages, limitations became apparent over time. The separation of complexes and commercial areas, along with the massive apartment walls, disrupted the urban landscape. There was also a lack of pedestrian pathways connecting Apgujeong Road to the Han River. Reconstructing aging apartments individually could exacerbate these issues. If a single complex focuses solely on its own land for building and entrances, it may not connect well with surrounding roads and parks. This could lead to a chaotic skyline along the Han River and complicate the allocation of responsibilities for schools, transportation facilities, and access routes to the river. To address these challenges, the Seoul city government proposed transitioning the existing apartment district to a district unit plan in October 2016, grouping adjacent complexes into six special planning zones. The divisions were based on road and land boundaries, existing living areas, and the potential for integrated reconstruction, rather than the names of complexes or construction phases. However, the announcement in 2016 did not immediately lead to legal confirmation, as the plan underwent long-term adjustments through resident feedback, urban planning reviews, and policy changes. A turning point came in 2023 when the Seoul city government finalized the rapid integration plan for districts 2 to 5, presenting a vision to connect the areas as a single urban entity. Key elements included a creative skyline along the Han River, waterfront leisure and cultural hubs, public pedestrian pathways, and connections to Seongsu and Seoul Forest. In November of the same year, the district unit plan for the Apgujeong apartment area was officially decided and announced. Currently, the pace of the projects varies by district. District 2, composed of Shin-Hyundai 9, 11, and 12, has selected Hyundai Construction as its contractor and became the first among districts 2 to 5 to conditionally pass the integrated review by the Seoul city government in July 2026. The plan includes a maximum of 66 floors and 2,381 housing units, and it is progressing through the project approval process. The largest project, District 3, has also selected Hyundai Construction, while District 4, consisting of Hyundai 8 and Hanyang 3, 4, and 6, has chosen Samsung C&T, and District 5, made up of Hanyang 1 and 2, has selected Hyundai Construction as well. Districts 1 and 6 are in the early stages of preparing for association establishment. The six-district framework is not intended to fragment Apgujeong into six pieces. While the projects will be pursued by district, the goal is to connect roads, green spaces, the Han River landscape, and pedestrian systems at the overall Apgujeong level. The challenge ahead will be how to coordinate the pace and interests of each district to create 'six projects, one city.'* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 14:32:20
  • Are Special Planning Zones Favorable Areas? Balancing Development and Public Contribution
    Are Special Planning Zones Favorable Areas? Balancing Development and Public Contribution The term 'special planning zone' can easily be misunderstood as a privileged area with relaxed regulations. However, in urban planning, a special planning zone is designated for areas that are large or of significant urban importance, making it difficult to develop them under standard building codes. The city of Seoul establishes the overarching framework for special planning zones. This includes zoning, floor area ratio, building height, parks and roads, public pedestrian pathways, schools, and landscape principles. Within this framework, development associations must create specific building plans and detailed development plans, which require approval from the city of Seoul and Gangnam District. Being designated as a special planning zone does not automatically permit reconstruction or the construction of high-rise buildings. Relaxed height and floor area ratios can enhance the feasibility of projects by allowing for more housing units. In return, development associations are required to provide roads, parks, public facilities, and access routes to the Han River. This is referred to as public contribution. Ultimately, special planning zones are a system that exchanges and manages development potential and public responsibility within a single plan. The key issue in Apgujeong is not simply whether it is a matter of 'privilege or regulation,' but whether the increased development benefits are actually returned to the citizens in the form of public contributions.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 14:32:10
  • Ministries Host Meeting to Support K-Pharmaceutical and Bio Startups
    Ministries Host Meeting to Support K-Pharmaceutical and Bio Startups The Ministry of SMEs and Startups and the Ministry of Health and Welfare announced on September 17 that they held a meeting with small and medium-sized pharmaceutical and bio companies.This meeting was organized to share key details of the 'K-Pharmaceutical and Bio Frontier Company Development Plan,' which both ministries are jointly preparing to respond to the rapidly changing global pharmaceutical and bio market and secure future growth drivers. It also aimed to listen to the challenges and policy needs faced by these companies in the field.During the meeting, officials from both ministries explained the main contents and future directions of the 'K-Pharmaceutical and Bio Frontier Company Development Plan' and engaged in in-depth discussions with companies about the support needed throughout their growth process, from technology development to commercialization and global expansion.Particularly in the area of new drug development, discussions focused on the long-term development process that includes candidate substance discovery and development, non-clinical testing, and clinical trial planning and approval, as well as phases 1, 2, and 3 of clinical trials, and product licensing and commercialization. The need for organic connections between research and development (R&D), clinical trials, investment, and commercialization support at each stage was emphasized.Participants noted that support is needed for technology development and testing during the candidate substance development and non-clinical stages, while large-scale funding, specialized personnel, and collaboration with hospitals and clinical institutions become increasingly important as companies enter the clinical stage. There were also calls to strengthen policy linkages to ensure that companies can continue to grow through product licensing, technology transfer, follow-up investment, and entry into global markets after clinical trials.Based on the feedback from the field, the ministries plan to identify promising small and medium-sized enterprises with growth potential and technological capabilities, establishing a system to connect and support necessary policy measures tailored to each company's growth stage and needs.They aim to go beyond supporting individual R&D projects and to concretely develop the 'K-Pharmaceutical and Bio Frontier Company Development Plan' by considering the growth pathways of companies that encompass technology development, clinical trials, commercialization, investment guarantees, and global expansion.Recognizing the unique characteristics of the pharmaceutical and bio industry, both ministries agreed on the importance of organically linking their respective policy measures and expertise.In March, the two ministries jointly announced a 'Comprehensive Collaboration Plan for Pharmaceutical and Bio Ventures' to address the challenges faced by these companies at various stages of growth.They plan to establish a collaborative support system that connects the Ministry of SMEs and Startups' capabilities in discovering and nurturing promising small and medium-sized enterprises with the Ministry of Health and Welfare's expertise in the pharmaceutical and bio sector and its support infrastructure related to clinical trials and commercialization.Yoon Yong-seok, First Vice Minister of the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, stated, "We will faithfully reflect the opinions shared today in the 'K-Pharmaceutical and Bio Frontier Company Development Plan' and actively support promising companies in their growth from technology development to clinical trials, commercialization, and global market entry by combining the R&D, investment, and commercialization capabilities of the Ministry of SMEs and Startups with the pharmaceutical and bio expertise of the Ministry of Health and Welfare."Lee Hyung-hoon, Second Vice Minister of the Ministry of Health and Welfare, added, "Based on the voices from the field, we will work closely with the Ministry of SMEs and Startups to establish an effective support system that can alleviate the difficulties faced by promising companies during their growth process."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 14:32:10
  • Tokyo Game Show 2026 Kicks Off with Expanded K-Games Targeting Global Markets
    Tokyo Game Show 2026 Kicks Off with Expanded K-Games Targeting Global Markets Japan's largest gaming exhibition, the Tokyo Game Show 2026 (TGS 2026), opened on September 17. Major Korean game companies are showcasing a variety of new subculture titles in Japan, a rapidly emerging market.As the domestic gaming industry broadens its focus beyond mobile MMORPGs to capture global users, this year's TGS serves as a platform to assess the competitiveness and market potential of new releases from Korean companies in the world's third-largest gaming market.TGS 2026 is being held from September 17 to 21 at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan. Celebrating its 30th anniversary, the event has expanded to five days, featuring a record 1,138 companies with 3,999 booths, including 540 from Japan and 598 from overseas.Korean game companies are heavily participating in the Tokyo Game Show. Major firms such as Nexon, NC, Netmarble, Smilegate, NHN, and Shift Up are presenting new titles. Mid-sized and indie developers are also attending to expand their reach in Japan and other global markets.According to the '2025 Korea Game White Paper' published by the Korea Creative Content Agency, Japan accounts for 10.0% of the global gaming market, ranking third after China (24.2%) and the United States (20.9%). The representation of subculture games, which have a strong user base in Japan, has significantly increased among the titles presented by Korean companies.Nexon Games and NC are debuting their new subculture titles, 'Paralydia' and 'Astraea Oratio,' respectively, at TGS. Nexon Games' 'Paralydia' is the next project from the team behind 'Blue Archive,' emphasizing interaction between characters and players.NC's 'Astraea Oratio,' developed by Dynamis One, is set in a fictional Tokyo in 1989, featuring retro-style analog art. The game will showcase its artistic elements alongside gameplay features like turn-based combat.Netmarble is presenting its collectible RPG 'Pearl in Blue,' which is its first self-produced subculture game. Smilegate is showcasing the subculture collectible RPG 'Future City: The Invisible Future.'Platform expansion is also notable, with developers moving beyond mobile to PC, console, and multi-platform releases. Shift Up will demonstrate the Nintendo Switch 2 version of 'Stella Blade Complete Edition' at the Sega/Atlus booth for the first time. Last year, 'Stella Blade' expanded from PlayStation 5 to PC, and now it is targeting the current generation console market with the Switch 2 version. Gravity will also unveil its 'Ragnarok Console Project,' expanding its flagship IP 'Ragnarok' to consoles for the first time at TGS.Some companies are leveraging existing successful titles and intellectual properties (IPs) to penetrate the Japanese market. Nexon is showcasing 'Mabinogi Mobile,' while Netmarble and Smilegate are presenting 'Shangri-La Frontier: The Seven Strongest' and 'Dead Account: Two Blue Flames,' respectively, both based on popular Japanese manga. NHN PlayArt is participating in TGS for the first time in eight years, presenting seven titles, including three new releases.The government is also using TGS to assess the overseas expansion status of Korean game companies. Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Choi Hwi-young plans to visit the TGS on the 20th to tour domestic company booths and review key exhibits while gathering feedback from the industry.This marks the first visit by a sitting culture minister to TGS. It is reported that he will also visit the Korean Pavilion, established by the Korea Creative Content Agency to support the overseas expansion of small and medium-sized game companies. As Korean companies increasingly enter the Japanese market, the government aims to directly understand the industry's overseas expansion status and challenges while exploring support measures.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 14:28:10
  • International Oil Prices Surpass $100, Pressuring Food Industry Costs
    International Oil Prices Surpass $100, Pressuring Food Industry Costs International oil prices have once again surpassed $100 per barrel, intensifying cost pressures on the domestic food industry, which had already been grappling with high inflation and exchange rates in the first half of the year. While the recent decline in the won-dollar exchange rate has eased some burden on imported raw materials, the ongoing high oil prices are raising logistics, packaging, and energy costs for factory operations, becoming a significant factor for profitability in the second half of the year.According to the Korea National Oil Corporation, the spot price of Dubai crude rose by $0.30 to $128.00 per barrel on September 16. Brent crude futures closed at $105.83 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) finished at $102.43 per barrel. Although these prices fell by $2.92 (2.69%) and $3.40 (3.21%) respectively from the previous trading day, they remain at elevated levels. International oil prices have exceeded the $100 mark for the first time in four months since May.The rise in oil prices is particularly concerning as it leads to increased costs across food manufacturing and distribution. The logistics sector is the first to feel the impact, as shipping costs for importing raw materials like grains are compounded by fuel surcharges. Additionally, domestic costs for operating refrigerated and frozen transport vehicles and freight services are also rising.Pressure on packaging material costs is also mounting. The price of naphtha, a key raw material for PET bottles, vinyl, and plastic containers, soared to $1,063.10 per ton in April, dropped to an average of $708.40 per ton in June, but has since climbed back to the $800 range this month. The increase in naphtha prices directly raises the cost of auxiliary materials. Furthermore, production facilities are closely monitoring the potential rise in energy costs, including gas and electricity, necessary for factory operations.Major food companies typically secure advance contracts and stockpiles of raw materials for three to six months to absorb short-term shocks. However, they express concerns about the sustainability of this approach if high oil prices persist. A representative from the food industry stated, "If the trend of high oil prices continues, the increase in production costs will inevitably begin once existing stockpiles are depleted."The food industry has already raised the prices of key products earlier this year due to cost pressures. CJ CheilJedang increased the prices of 27 major items, including cooked rice and dumplings, by an average of 8%. Nongshim raised the prices of its cup noodles and other key products by an average of 5.8%. Ottogi adjusted the prices of some products, including instant rice and convenience meals, by as much as 29.4%. Lotte Chilsung Beverage also raised the prices of 44 items across 12 brands, including Chilsung Cider, Pepsi Cola, and Milkis, by an average of 5.3% in June.Seong Yong-gu, a professor of business administration at Sookmyung Women's University, noted, "The food industry has accumulated pressures from high exchange rates and rising raw material prices, but has not been able to fully reflect these in prices due to government price management. If international oil prices remain above $100, it could trigger further price increases." 2026-09-17 14:28:10