AJU PRESS ASIA FIRST NEWS AGENCY

Journalist

&
""
Latest by
  • Labor Department to Conduct Safety Inspections at 1,000 Manufacturing Sites
    Labor Department to Conduct Safety Inspections at 1,000 Manufacturing Sites The Labor Department will conduct focused safety inspections at 1,000 manufacturing sites that use forklifts, cranes, and conveyors. Immediate fines will be imposed for any legal violations, and judicial action will be taken if corrective measures are not implemented.Starting from September 7 to 11, the Ministry of Employment and Labor will inspect workplaces that are major contributors to serious accidents in the manufacturing sector, specifically those using forklifts, cranes, and conveyors.In the first half of this year, the number of fatalities from workplace accidents investigated decreased by 34 (11.8%) compared to the same period last year, marking the lowest figure since statistics began being compiled. However, incidents involving entrapment, falls, and collisions continue to occur in manufacturing settings where high-risk machinery is used.Among the 92 fatalities in the manufacturing sector during the first half of the year, 23 (25%) were related to accidents involving forklifts, cranes, and conveyors. Specifically, there were 12 deaths from forklifts, 7 from cranes, and 4 from conveyors, indicating that one in four manufacturing fatalities is linked to these machines.In response, the government plans to focus on inspecting related risk factors to prevent accidents. A self-inspection period will be held from August 31 to September 4, during which businesses are expected to use the inspection checklist provided by the Labor Department to identify risks and improve safety measures.The focused inspections will assess risks associated with collisions, entrapment, and falls during forklift operations, as well as driver qualifications, seatbelt use, and the separation of worker and vehicle pathways. For cranes, checks will include overload protection, safety devices, and emergency stop functionality, along with the presence of a weight handling plan and a designated supervisor. Conveyor inspections will focus on safety covers, emergency stop devices, and ensuring power is turned off and locked out before maintenance or cleaning.The inspections will be conducted as unannounced visits by the heads of 49 local offices nationwide. The Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency will also verify safety measures during patrol inspections and technical guidance.If any legal violations are found, fines will be imposed, and corrective actions will be immediately enforced. Businesses that fail to comply with corrective orders will face judicial action. The Labor Department will also enhance ongoing inspections by deploying safety monitors to prevent forklift accidents.Minister of Employment and Labor Kim Young-hoon stated, "High-risk machinery is commonly used in industrial settings, but neglecting basic safety measures can lead to serious accidents. I urge businesses to identify risks during the self-inspection period and make immediate improvements."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-30 12:04:20
  • Public-Private Partnership to Address Compost Management Along Nakdong River
    Public-Private Partnership to Address Compost Management Along Nakdong River To prevent nitrogen and phosphorus, which contribute to algal blooms, from entering the Nakdong River, a joint public-private effort will collect compost that has been left unattended near the river and cover it to block rainwater.The Ministry of Climate, Energy, and Environment announced on August 30 that it will launch a "Compost Management Campaign for Water Quality Preservation of the Nakdong River" on August 31 in the Goepyeong-ri area of Gumi, North Gyeongsang Province. The campaign aims to stop leachate from compost that has been piled up or left for long periods from flowing into the river and to educate farmers on proper compost storage and management methods.The campaign will involve collaboration among the ministry, the Daegu Regional Environmental Agency, North Gyeongsang Province, Gumi City, the Livestock Environmental Management Agency, the Korea Environmental Conservation Agency, the National Agricultural Cooperative Federation, the Gumi Chilgok Livestock Cooperative, and local farmers. Participants will collect compost that has been left unattended or is not immediately needed by farmers and transport it to the Gumi Chilgok Livestock Cooperative's Natural Circulation Center, which can process up to 95 tons of livestock waste per day.To prevent rainwater from seeping into the compost left on-site, covers will be placed over it. Existing covers will also be inspected for tears or damage and repaired as needed. If compost is exposed to rainwater, nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus can leach into the surrounding soil and river. The ministry believes that collecting compost or installing covers before pollutants enter the river is effective in preventing algal blooms.A survey conducted by the ministry through April of last year found that approximately 1,500 sites of unmanaged compost were identified nationwide, a 60% increase from the previous year. The areas requiring compost management have also expanded from the main Nakdong River to include the Han, Geum, Yeongsan, and Seomjin Rivers, as well as some tributaries. This campaign is seen as a follow-up action to directly collect and manage the compost identified in the nationwide survey.Kim Eun-kyung, the ministry's Director of Water Environment Policy, stated, "Properly covering compost stored outdoors and timely collection of leftover compost are small actions that can significantly help prevent algal blooms. We will continue our efforts for water quality preservation in collaboration with local governments, relevant agencies, and farmers."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-30 12:04:20
  • Hong Kong Strengthens Consumer Protection for Non-Deposit Bank Products
    Hong Kong Strengthens Consumer Protection for Non-Deposit Bank Products The financial authorities are expanding the consumer protection framework for non-deposit products in the banking sector from the post-sale phase to the product selection and review stage. This initiative aims to prevent large-scale consumer losses caused by complex financial products by thoroughly examining risks and consumer suitability before the products are sold.The Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) announced on the 30th that it discussed the 'Improvement Plan for Non-Deposit Products in the Banking Sector' during the fourth Financial Consumer Protection Advisory Committee meeting, chaired by FSS Governor Lee Chan-jin, on the 27th.The core of this improvement plan is to enhance consumer protection from the product selection and review stage before banks sell non-deposit products. This change follows the incidents involving derivative-linked securities (DLF) and Hong Kong H-index linked securities (ELS), which previously focused on post-sale management.First, the responsibilities for consumer protection between the manufacturers and sellers of external products will be clarified. High-risk products, such as complex financial investment products and overseas alternative investment funds, will undergo reviews involving external experts and manufacturers. Additionally, the pre-review process by independent departments, including risk management, consumer protection, and compliance, will be strengthened.Post-sale management will also be enhanced. The explanations regarding losses related to ELS will be made more specific, and the frequency of updates for high-risk products will be reduced to at least once a month. Furthermore, information on fees and repayment conditions will be expanded to improve consumers' ability to compare and choose products. Employees selling non-deposit products will be required to complete pre-training provided by manufacturers.The FSS plans to incorporate these improvements into the 'Internal Control Best Practices for Non-Deposit Products in Banks' after soliciting public feedback in the second half of this year.Discussions also included measures to combat insurance fraud, respond to online fraudulent payments, and improve the marketing consent system for credit card companies. The FSS intends to conduct focused investigations into suspected hospitals and clinics involved in insurance fraud, deploying approximately 100 members from the Special Investigation Unit (SIU) of insurance companies to collaborate with relevant agencies.Regarding online fraudulent payments, the FSS is working on establishing minimum functional requirements for the abnormal transaction detection systems (FDS) of payment gateway companies and applying AI and machine learning-based detection models. The introduction of a risk-based authentication system, including mandatory multi-factor authentication for high-risk transactions, is also under consideration.The marketing consent system for credit card companies will be improved to distinguish between consent for services and benefits related to card products and non-card products and services. Consumers will be made more aware that they can withdraw consent or request the cessation of advertisements at any time after giving consent.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-30 12:04:10
  • Small Business Outlook Improves for Second Consecutive Month, Rising 4.8 Points in September
    Small Business Outlook Improves for Second Consecutive Month, Rising 4.8 Points in September The Small Business Health Index (SBHI) for September is projected to be 84.8, an increase of 4.8 points from the previous month.The Korea Federation of SMEs conducted a survey from August 12 to 19 involving 3,060 small businesses, revealing this improvement. Following a rise from 78.2 in July to 80.0 in August, the index has now increased for two consecutive months.The SBHI quantifies the economic trends and outlook perceived by small businesses. A score above 100 indicates that more companies view the economic outlook positively than negatively, while a score below 100 indicates the opposite.According to the survey, the manufacturing sector rose by 7.0 points to 87.1, while the non-manufacturing sector increased by 3.7 points to 83.7. In manufacturing, 19 out of 20 sectors improved compared to August, particularly non-metallic mineral products (64.0 to 81.2) and beverages (91.5 to 107.5). However, four sectors, including industrial machinery and equipment repair (91.0 to 76.2) and leather goods and footwear (82.6 to 75.0), saw declines.In the non-manufacturing sector, the service industry (81.8 to 87.3) improved from the previous month, while the construction industry (71.1 to 65.7) declined. Within the service sector, eight industries, including arts, sports, and leisure services (70.9 to 93.7) and wholesale and retail (78.9 to 86.1), showed improvement, but two sectors, transportation (85.4 to 82.7) and accommodation and food services (87.4 to 86.3), experienced decreases.By category, expectations for exports (87.3 to 94.2), domestic sales (79.7 to 83.8), operating profit (77.6 to 81.5), and financial conditions (79.9 to 81.8) all indicate improvement from the previous month. Employment, which has shown a downward trend (95.5 to 94.8), is also expected to improve.Meanwhile, the average operating rate for small manufacturers in July was 75.2%, a decrease of 0.7 percentage points from the previous month. Small enterprises saw a drop from 71.6% to 71.2%, while medium-sized enterprises fell from 78.4% to 77.6%, a decrease of 0.4 and 0.8 percentage points, respectively. By type, general manufacturing decreased from 76.0% to 75.2%, and innovative manufacturing dropped from 75.6% to 75.3%.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-30 12:04:10
  • Chinese RoboTaxi Company Pony.ai Enters South Korean Market
    Chinese RoboTaxi Company Pony.ai Enters South Korean Market Chinese robo-taxi company Pony.ai is officially entering the South Korean market. The company plans to introduce fully autonomous robo-taxis currently in operation in China to Seoul, aiming for commercial service by 2028. As global autonomous driving companies continue to enter the market, competition for dominance in South Korea's robo-taxi sector is expected to intensify, despite challenges related to domestic certification and existing taxi industry interests.Pony.ai held a press conference on August 28 at the Conrad Seoul in Yeouido, where it announced plans for its seventh-generation robo-taxi commercial service. The company aims to establish a joint venture with its local subsidiary, FutureLink, to secure domestic certification and introduce a total of 200 unmanned robo-taxis in Seoul by 2028.Next month, Pony.ai will bring 10 robo-taxis based on Beijing Automotive Group's Arcfox Alpha T5 to South Korea. The remaining 190 vehicles will be gradually introduced after completing domestic certification procedures by June next year. FutureLink will handle localization efforts, including data labeling and the development of high-precision maps tailored to the South Korean market.Pony.ai is recognized for its level 4 autonomous driving technology, which allows vehicles to operate without driver intervention. The company currently operates unmanned robo-taxis in major Chinese cities such as Beijing, Shenzhen, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. It plans to introduce a similar level of fully unmanned robo-taxis in South Korea.James Peng, co-founder and CEO of Pony.ai, stated, "In major markets like Shenzhen and Guangzhou, each vehicle operates more than 25 times a day, with users accessing the service around the clock."The seventh-generation robo-taxis will not be retrofitted with autonomous driving equipment but will be designed from the production line with autonomy in mind. The vehicles will feature a redundant structure for critical systems such as braking, steering, and power, ensuring they can safely stop even if a specific component fails. Pony.ai is pushing to deploy over 4,000 robo-taxis in international markets based on its strong technological capabilities.However, the biggest challenge for Pony.ai in commercializing its robo-taxis in South Korea is obtaining domestic certification. To operate a paid service with actual passengers, the company must navigate regulations related to autonomous vehicles and coordinate with passenger transport business regulations. Currently, unmanned taxis operating in Gangnam are doing so under temporary permits, with formal approval processes still pending.James Peng emphasized, "Certification for autonomous vehicles differs from that for conventional vehicles. It requires a complete redesign and modification of the vehicle rather than just adding sensors to existing models. Pony's autonomous vehicles will be manufactured from the production line to be suitable for autonomous driving."FutureLink is conducting technical validation for the domestic commercialization of Pony.ai's robo-taxis. Using modified Hyundai Kona Electric vehicles, the company has driven approximately 87,000 kilometers in the Gangnam area, collecting data to respond to various driving situations encountered in South Korean urban environments, such as construction zones with frequently changing lanes. This data will support the formal domestic certification process.How to navigate the interests of the existing taxi industry is also seen as a variable in the commercialization process. Concerns have been raised that the introduction of robo-taxis could lead to conflicts similar to those experienced during Uber's entry into the South Korean market, which involved issues of survival for traditional taxi operators.In response, Cha Du-won, CEO of FutureLink, stated, "We do not intend to create an adversarial relationship with the existing taxi industry. We are exploring business structures that allow for collaboration and considering providing autonomous driving services in areas where traditional taxi services are insufficient."Some have expressed concerns that the entry of Chinese autonomous driving companies could weaken domestic industrial competitiveness. If companies with extensive operational experience in China enter the South Korean market, the gap with domestic firms, which are still in the testing phase, could widen.In this context, Nam Kyung-pil, chairman of FutureLink, likened the situation to the early smartphone market, stating, "It is not about protecting the industry but rather securing competitiveness through competition. Samsung smartphones gained competitiveness by competing with Apple and now lead the foldable phone market."With Pony.ai's entry, the competition among global companies in South Korea's autonomous driving market is expected to intensify. The government plans to expand the number of autonomous driving test vehicles to a maximum of 3,000 in the long term, which is likely to attract more companies seeking to enter the market.The Seoul city government is preparing for the expansion of the robo-taxi market by recruiting operators for autonomous driving platforms as of August 24. In Gwangju, designated as an autonomous driving test city, the goal is to deploy 200 test vehicles by the end of the year.While domestic companies like Hyundai are also aiming to secure a foothold in the robo-taxi market, they face challenges in competing with foreign companies that already possess vast driving data and commercialization experience. The industry assesses that South Korea's autonomous driving technology lags behind that of the U.S. and China by approximately two and a half years.Following Pony.ai, Google Waymo established a South Korean subsidiary last month to expand its presence in the domestic autonomous driving market. Meanwhile, Tesla has introduced a robo-taxi-specific vehicle, the Cybertruck, in the U.S. as part of its global expansion efforts.As South Korea's autonomous driving market transitions from testing to commercialization, concerns have emerged that foreign companies could seize control and lead to dependency on key technologies.Kim Pil-soo, a professor at Daelim University’s Department of Future Automotive Engineering, remarked, "The entry of foreign autonomous driving companies, including those from China and Waymo in the U.S., was anticipated. Given that South Korea's technology and data competitiveness are lagging and regulatory barriers are high, there is a risk of foreign companies encroaching on the market and leading to dependency on core technologies."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-30 12:04:10
  • Rising Demand Pressure Could Increase Core Inflation by Up to 0.6%, Bank of Korea Says
    Rising Demand Pressure Could Increase Core Inflation by Up to 0.6%, Bank of Korea Says As strong semiconductor exports spread to domestic markets, the Bank of Korea has analyzed that demand-side price pressures could lead to an increase in core inflation. Specifically, if the core inflation rate exceeds the mid-2% range, there is a possibility of widespread price increases across individual items.In a report titled 'Impact of Demand-Driven Price Pressures on Core Inflation' released on August 30, the Bank of Korea's Price Trends Team projected that domestic core inflation would continue to rise significantly as demand pressures increase.The Bank noted that since 2000, there have been four instances of 'demand-driven high core inflation' occurring simultaneously with demand-side pressures: before the credit card crisis in 2002, just before the global financial crisis in 2007-2008, during the recovery from the financial crisis in 2011, and during the recovery from the pandemic shock from 2022 to 2024.During these periods, improvements in household purchasing power led to increased consumption and rising prices. As demand recovered, companies were observed passing on rising costs to prices. Notably, when the core inflation rate exceeds the mid-2% range, the correlation in price increases among individual items becomes significantly stronger.The effect of demand pressure on raising core inflation is also estimated to be substantial. In a high-demand phase, if the GDP gap increases by one percentage point, the core inflation rate is expected to rise by approximately 0.1 to 0.4 percentage points. The cumulative impact on core inflation following a demand shock could reach up to 0.6 percentage points in a high-demand phase.Improved trade conditions due to strong semiconductor exports also play a role. The Bank of Korea analyzed that if increased purchasing power from rising real gross domestic income (GDI) leads to expanded consumption, it could create an additional upward pressure of 0.05 to 0.2 percentage points on core inflation. However, if income increases lead to savings or asset acquisition, the price pass-through effect may be limited.Song Byeong-ho, head of the Price Trends Team at the Bank of Korea, stated, "The current situation shares many similarities with past instances of demand-driven high core inflation." He added, "There were some signs of cost shock transmission in the first half of the year, and we are now seeing demand pressures gradually expanding." When assessing whether increased income from improved trade conditions translates into consumption, employment and private sector sentiment are crucial, according to Song. He emphasized, "It is important for the warmth of economic improvement to spread across households. For that to happen, employment needs to improve, and the sentiment of private entities must remain positive." Regarding the phenomenon of strengthened correlation among items when the core inflation rate exceeds the mid-2% range, Jeong Won-seok, deputy head of the Price Trends Team, explained that no specific threshold was predetermined. He noted, "When we plotted the actual data, we observed that the slope of the trend line changed once a certain level was surpassed. As the core inflation rate exceeds a certain level, individual items tend to show similar rates of increase, indicating a stronger correlation in price rises among them." The Bank of Korea emphasized the need to closely monitor not only the pace and intensity of income growth from improved trade conditions but also the overall economic recovery when assessing future inflation trends. It cautioned against allowing rising core inflation to become entrenched across a wide range of items.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-30 12:04:10
  • (Update) Lee reshuffles cabinet, names new finance and justice ministers
    (Update) Lee reshuffles cabinet, names new finance and justice ministers SEOUL, August 30 (AJP) - South Korean President Lee Jae Myung nominated a new finance minister and five other cabinet members on Sunday, in a second-year reshuffle that also replaced the ministers of justice and defense. Lee named Lee Hyoung-il, the first vice finance minister, to succeed Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol, presidential chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik told a briefing. Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Seung-won was tapped as justice minister. The president also nominated former South Korea-U.S. Combined Forces Command deputy commander Kang Shin-chul as defense minister and land ministry vice minister Hong Jee-sun to lead the land, infrastructure and transport portfolio. Democratic Party lawmaker Lee So-young was named minister of SMEs and startups, a post left vacant for more than a month, while Basic Income Party lawmaker Yong Hye-in was tapped for gender equality and family. The shake-up was brought forward after Justice Minister Jeong Seong-ho resigned citing ill health, accelerating a reshuffle originally expected after October's parliamentary audit. The incoming justice minister faces the Oct. 2 launch of new investigative and prosecution bodies that strip the prosecution of its investigative powers. Meanwhile, Koo initially abandoned a trip to a Group of 20 finance ministers' meeting in Asheville, North Carolina, turning back at Incheon International Airport on Sunday morning before reversing course and departing as scheduled. A deputy prime minister stays in office until a successor clears a parliamentary confirmation hearing and is formally appointed. Skipping the trip — including a planned bilateral with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and other counterparts — was seen as counter to the national interest, according to officials. AJP Takeaways • South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on Aug. 30, 2026, nominated six cabinet members, including first vice finance minister Lee Hyoung-il to succeed Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol and Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Seung-won as justice minister. • The reshuffle, accelerated by Justice Minister Jeong Seong-ho's resignation on health grounds, also named former South Korea-U.S. Combined Forces Command deputy commander Kang Shin-chul as defense minister and filled long-vacant posts including the SMEs and startups ministry, empty for more than a month. • The finance change came the same day Koo Yun-cheol turned back at Incheon International Airport, then reversed course and left as scheduled for the G20 finance ministers' meeting in Asheville, North Carolina, keeping a planned bilateral with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. 2026-08-30 11:58:32
  • CXMT Reports Tenfold Revenue Growth and 16 Trillion Won Profit in First Half
    CXMT Reports Tenfold Revenue Growth and 16 Trillion Won Profit in First Half China's largest DRAM manufacturer, Changxin Memory Technologies (CXMT), reported nearly a tenfold increase in revenue for the first half of the year, returning to a profit of 16 trillion won. This surge is attributed to a spike in memory demand driven by the artificial intelligence (AI) industry, coupled with a global shortage of DRAM and soaring prices.Since its listing on the Shanghai Stock Exchange last month, CXMT's market capitalization has soared to 815 trillion won, making it the top AI stock in China. Morgan Stanley predicts that the company's annual revenue could approach 80 trillion won this year. In response to the U.S. Department of Defense's designation of it as a 'Chinese military enterprise,' CXMT has launched a legal challenge. Just a few years ago, the Chinese memory firm was a latecomer in the industry, but it is now making its presence felt in both the capital markets and international politics.However, the technology gap remains pronounced. Goldman Sachs and UBS estimate that CXMT lags 2 to 3 generations behind Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, with production efficiency per wafer reportedly at only a quarter of Micron's level.While Samsung and SK Hynix focus on 1b (12-13 nanometer) processes and prepare to transition to 1c processes by the end of 2027, CXMT is expected to remain at the 1x process level during that time, indicating a potential lag of nearly five generations. Omdia forecasts that CXMT's market share based on shipments will struggle to exceed 7% by 2027. Such figures might suggest a sense of relief, indicating that 'things are still manageable.'However, the real threat posed by CXMT's recent performance lies not in cutting-edge technology but in volume. As demand for memory driven by AI surges and supply remains constrained, China is aggressively increasing its market share in the general DRAM sector. The fact that CXMT is several generations behind in advanced processes does not shield it from the low-cost, high-volume onslaught occurring in the legacy semiconductor market.Moreover, considering the explosive popularity of AI developed in China within cost-sensitive corporate markets, this threat feels even more pronounced.History tends to repeat itself. The paradox of a significant gap may delay the recognition of impending crises. South Korea, too, built its capabilities when the U.S. and Japan dominated the semiconductor market. Currently, there is no competitor that surpasses our companies in memory semiconductors.However, there is no such thing as an eternal technological gap. Pursuers have always gained strength by encroaching on lagging areas of the market, a long-standing trend in the semiconductor industry.In this context, the recent controversy over performance bonuses and demands for profit-sharing within the domestic semiconductor industry feels particularly bitter. As the semiconductor boom continues, negotiations between labor and management over the size of bonuses and the introduction of profit-sharing systems are recurring annually. While it is natural to reward efforts during prosperous times, now is not the time to focus solely on sharing the fruits of labor.With a powerful pursuer like China, backed by the strength of capital markets, closing in, the gap can narrow rapidly if our companies become complacent and open their coffers.Ultimately, there is only one answer. The only survival strategy is to maintain a technological edge. We must advance beyond 1b to 1c processes and continue to expand our technological superiority in high-value areas such as advanced fine processes and high-bandwidth memory (HBM). It is inevitable to choose and concentrate on widening the gap in advanced areas, even if it means conceding some ground in legacy sectors.The profits earned now should not be used for distribution but should serve as reinvestment capital for next-generation processes and research and development. Before engaging in debates over profit distribution, all stakeholders—businesses, government, and labor unions—must reflect on how critical the current period is. 2026-08-30 11:40:00
  • Lotte Mart Revamps Klapa Gading Store in Indonesia, Expands K-Grocery Offerings
    Lotte Mart Revamps Klapa Gading Store in Indonesia, Expands K-Grocery Offerings Lotte Mart is accelerating its market penetration in Indonesia by restructuring its retail and wholesale stores around 'K-grocery' (food products). On August 30, Lotte Mart announced the reopening of its Klapa Gading store after a complete renovation, the first in 15 years. This marks the third store renewal in just two months, following updates at the Pramuka and Serang locations in July. The wholesale section has been transformed into a 'Wholesale Food Market' that combines K-food content, including the ready-to-eat section 'Cooking Kitchen,' while the retail area has been reconfigured as a grocery-focused store. Of the total 7,600 square meters (2,300 pyeong) of the store, 90% of the retail space is dedicated to fresh food and groceries. A 843-square-meter (255-pyeong) K-food area called 'K-Mil Solution' has been placed at the center, adjacent to the wholesale section. The Cooking Kitchen features over 100 types of Korean dishes, including gimbap, tteokbokki, and chicken gangjeong. The retail area has expanded its fresh food section by 30% compared to before. The wholesale section has strengthened its 'Horeca Zone' for large-volume food supplies aimed at food service operators. The effects of the store renovations are already evident. Since January 2024, Lotte Mart has renovated seven retail and wholesale locations in Indonesia, resulting in an 18% increase in overall sales and a 64% rise in customer visits compared to the same period last year. The wholesale store has seen a 23% increase in sales and a threefold increase in visitors since the transition. Currently, Lotte Mart operates 36 wholesale and 11 retail stores in Indonesia. The company plans to sequentially convert areas with high demand from small business owners into Wholesale Food Markets, while residential areas will be transformed into grocery-focused stores. Chau Cheol, CEO of Lotte Mart Super, stated, "We will solidify our retail competitiveness in Indonesia by emphasizing differentiated K-food and a customer-oriented shopping environment, accelerating our growth in Southeast Asia." 2026-08-30 11:36:10
  • Changes in Hwacheons Humanities Program: A Shift to Regular Listening Lectures
    Changes in Hwacheon's Humanities Program: A Shift to Regular Listening Lectures The humanities program in Hwacheon County, Gangwon Province, is undergoing changes in its operational methods under the current administration. This year marks the first time the program has shifted from its previous format, which included special lectures featuring renowned speakers during the eighth term. A comparison of the last three years reveals that the changes are more about how the program is run than the fame of the speakers or the topics discussed.In 2024, during the eighth term, the program featured special lectures with speakers like Choi Tae-sung and Jang Dong-seon, focusing on history and happiness, in conjunction with the Lifelong Learning Festival. In 2025, Professor Yoo Seong-ho from Seoul National University delivered a lecture titled 'Learning Life Through Death' at the same festival. While these events provided local residents with access to high-quality humanities lectures, they were primarily tied to specific events.This year, under the ninth term, the operational structure has changed. Since July, Hwacheon County has been running a humanities program themed 'New Start Hwacheon! We Are One' until December. Instead of concentrating lectures around specific events, the program has been extended over several months and is being conducted in a touring format that includes not only Hwacheon-eup but also Sannae-myeon.The role of residents has also evolved. In July, a program featuring composer Lee Ho-seop included performances by lifelong learning clubs, followed by a lecture where Hwacheon County Mayor Kim Se-hoon explained the direction of county governance and directly addressed residents' questions on post-it notes. A program where residents sang together was also organized.On August 24, a talk program followed Professor Choi Chang-ryeol's lecture on 'Coexistence in Hwacheon' at the Hwacheon Community Center, where Mayor Kim participated alongside residents. Another lecture is scheduled for August 31 at 6:30 PM at the Sannae Comprehensive Cultural Center.Over the past three years, the distinction lies not in the number of lectures but in how and where residents are engaged. The shift from special lectures tied to the Lifelong Learning Festival to a regular program that spans several months, along with a touring format that reaches Sannae-myeon, emphasizes a participatory approach that combines listening to lectures with opportunities for residents to ask questions and engage in discussions and performances.Particularly in Hwacheon, where distances between towns are significant and access to cultural facilities is relatively limited compared to urban areas, the administration's approach of bringing services directly to residents' living areas enhances accessibility to cultural and educational services. This focus on communication and unity among residents, as emphasized by Mayor Kim, is a notable change in the ninth term.However, it is important to be cautious in evaluating these changes as mere 'expansion of projects' or 'increased budgets.' Current publicly available data does not allow for a direct comparison of the budgets for the special lecture programs in 2024 and 2025 with this year's humanities program. At this stage, it is more accurate to assess the changes as an 'expansion and restructuring of operational methods' rather than an increase in budget.Looking ahead, sustainability and resident participation will be crucial. Simply inviting renowned speakers does not create local culture. The process of residents attending lectures, asking questions, and sharing diverse perspectives must be repeated for it to become a cultural asset of the community.Hwacheon County plans to continue its programs until the end of the year, focusing on themes related to health, well-being, healing, and reflection, while also promoting local humanities that utilize regional resources related to peace, security, and ecology. As the humanities program transitions from special lectures in 2024 and 2025 to a regular, touring, and participatory format this year, it remains to be seen whether it will establish itself as a cultural staple that residents eagerly anticipate and seek out.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-30 11:32:00