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  • National Assembly Speaker Emphasizes Protecting Lives and Safety Amid Heavy Rain Forecast
    National Assembly Speaker Emphasizes Protecting Lives and Safety Amid Heavy Rain Forecast National Assembly Speaker Cho Jung-sik stated on August 30 that "protecting the lives and safety of the people is the nation's foremost duty," urging a comprehensive response to the anticipated heavy rainfall.In a post on Facebook, Cho noted, "Heavy rain is expected nationwide from today through Monday, with some areas in Chungcheong and Jeolla provinces anticipating up to 200mm of rainfall."He added, "While this is welcome news for the southern regions suffering from severe drought, the recent devastating flood damage in Geoje and Tongyeong underscores the critical importance of flood preparedness."Cho emphasized, "Recent climate disasters, such as the massive flooding in Nepal that resulted in significant loss of life, show that these events exceed our expectations."He also stated, "We must now prepare for unexpected climate crisis variables in addition to standard forecasts," urging the government and local authorities to conduct thorough inspections of flood-prone areas, including landslide risk zones, levee-adjacent areas, and semi-basement homes.Furthermore, he reiterated that "protecting the lives and property of the people is the most important and urgent responsibility."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-30 10:12:00
  • Kyobo Life Releases 16th Sustainability Report, Enhances Consumer Protection
    Kyobo Life Releases 16th Sustainability Report, Enhances Consumer Protection 교보생명이 금융소비자 보호와 금융 포용성 개선 노력 등을 담은 '2026 지속가능경영보고서'를 발간했다고 30일 밝혔다.올해로 16번째 발간된 이번 보고서에는 △금융소비자 보호 △금융 포용성 및 접근성 개선 △개인정보 보호 △기후변화 대응 등 교보생명이 지난해 중점적으로 추진한 환경·사회·지배구조(ESG) 분야의 주요 활동과 성과가 담겼다.교보생명은 상품 개발부터 판매, 사후 관리에 이르는 전 과정에서 소비자 권익 보호 체계를 강화하고 있다. 지난해에는 소비자보호지원과 내부통제, 민원 처리 등 관련 조직을 기능별로 세분화해 전문성을 높였다.금융 접근성을 높이기 위한 제도도 확대했다. 고객센터 내 디지털 고객창구와 야간 상담 서비스를 운영하고 실손보험 청구 간소화를 추진했다. 사회복지사 복지 지원과 금융취약계층을 위한 소비자보호 체계 강화에도 나섰다.이번 보고서는 이해관계자와의 소통에도 초점을 맞췄다. 고객과 재무설계사, 임직원, 투자자, 계열사 및 협력업체, 정부와 지역사회 등 주요 이해관계자별 약속과 원칙을 중심으로 내용을 구성했다.신창재 교보생명 대표이사 겸 이사회 의장은 "모든 이해관계자의 균형발전 추구라는 지속가능경영 철학을 바탕으로 이해관계자 중심 경영을 충실히 추진해 나가겠다"고 말했다.한편 교보생명은 2011년 국내 생명보험업계 최초로 지속가능경영보고서를 발간한 이후 매년 ESG 전 영역의 주요 활동과 성과를 공개하고 있다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-30 10:12:00
  • Koreas convenience stores sharpen food rivalry
    Korea's convenience stores sharpen food rivalry SEOUL, August 30 (AJP) - South Korea's three biggest convenience store chains are sharpening their food rivalry, rolling out products tuned to increasingly granular consumer tastes as shoppers weigh texture, drink preferences and health alongside the traditional draws of price and convenience. GS25, E-mart24 and 7-Eleven are each leaning on sales data to expand categories where demand has already proven itself, from chewy frozen treats to cafe-style tea drinks and seasonal rice bowls. GS25's two chewy ice cream bars sold about 4 million units in roughly three months, GS Retail said, while E-mart24's average daily tea beverage sales per store rose 17.4 percent in the first seven months of the year from a year earlier. 7-Eleven, whose bibimbap sales climbed 25 percent this year, is grooming rice bowls made with seasonal ingredients into a core strategic line. E-mart24, meanwhile, launched a 350-milliliter ready-to-drink royal milk tea on Aug. 28 under its in-house cafe brand Seongsu 310, priced at 1,600 won ($1.16) — well below the 4,000 to 6,000 won charged at typical cafes and cheaper than rival convenience store versions in the 2,000-won range. 7-Eleven is elevating bibimbap into a signature lunchbox category, betting that its blend of assorted vegetables and easy preparation will win over a widening base of customers. Sales among foreign tourists rose 40 percent last year and a further 15 percent this year, and the chain will roll out a seasonal series with singer Sung Si-kyung starting Wednesday. AJP Takeaways • South Korea's three largest convenience store operators — GS25, E-mart24 and 7-Eleven — are competing on food products tailored to more specific consumer tastes such as texture, tea drinks and seasonal ingredients, rather than price and convenience alone. • GS25's chewy ice cream bars sold about 4 million units in roughly three months, E-mart24's per-store daily tea beverage sales rose 17.4 percent in the first seven months of the year from a year earlier, and 7-Eleven's bibimbap sales climbed 25 percent this year. • E-mart24 launched a 1,600-won ($1.16) ready-to-drink royal milk tea under its Seongsu 310 brand, while 7-Eleven will introduce a seasonal bibimbap series with singer Sung Si-kyung to broaden its customer base. 2026-08-30 10:01:43
  • NH Nonghyup Financial Expands Coexistence and Growth Fund 2 to 400 Billion Won
    NH Nonghyup Financial Expands 'Coexistence and Growth Fund 2' to 400 Billion Won NH Nonghyup Financial is expanding the size of its 'NH Coexistence and Growth Fund 2' to 400 billion won to enhance venture capital supply.The company announced on August 30 that it will increase the fund from the initial 100 billion won to 400 billion won.NH Nonghyup Financial plans to secure investment resources from the main fund and create sub-funds that align with its investment strategy. This approach will allow for quicker capital deployment when promising investment opportunities arise.Of the total 400 billion won, 60% will be allocated for venture capital supply, while the remaining 40% will be used for direct and indirect investments linked to the National Growth Fund.In the venture capital sector, the fund will provide direct loans to small and medium-sized enterprises, venture startups, and local businesses with high growth potential, while also investing in convertible bonds (CB) and bonds with warrants (BW).Direct investments linked to the National Growth Fund will involve co-investing in equity with the National Growth Fund in companies related to advanced strategic industries, as approved by the fund management review committee.Following the establishment of its first infrastructure investment fund worth 500 billion won in the first half of this year, NH Nonghyup Financial has now completed the formation of a total of 900 billion won in funds with this second fund. The company aims to further increase its annual fund formation size to 1 trillion won by establishing additional private venture main funds by the end of the year.Lee Chan-woo, Chairman of NH Nonghyup Financial, stated, "Through the Coexistence and Growth Fund 2, we will supply venture capital to small and medium-sized enterprises that find it difficult to secure market-based loans or low-interest loans, and we will also expand investments in advanced strategic industries linked to the National Growth Fund." 2026-08-30 09:56:00
  • Hyundai Department Store Transforms 10th Floor into Culinary Destination
    Hyundai Department Store Transforms 10th Floor into Culinary Destination Hyundai Department Store has completely revamped the 10th floor of its Trade Center location into a space that combines dining and relaxation. On August 30, Hyundai Department Store announced the grand reopening of the 10th floor, themed "Everything You Dream of in the City." At the center of the 10th floor is 'EP.1,' a 813-square-meter (approximately 246 pyeong) area designed as a relaxation space connecting various restaurants, featuring lighting inspired by the aurora and a signature scent. EP.1 connects to the 11th-floor outdoor garden, 'Novas Park,' which operates from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. and offers a different atmosphere at night with lighting and music. The food offerings have also been significantly revamped. A highlight is 'Itali,' a 690-square-meter (approximately 209 pyeong) Italian restaurant, marking its first appearance in the Gangnam area after locations in Pangyo and The Hyundai Seoul. Itali serves wood-fired pizza, aged steak, pasta, and café and bakery items, utilizing a Spanish 'Josper charcoal oven' for some dishes. The Trade Center's Itali is the first location to feature wood-fired menu items, offering around 20 types of pizza and steak. Hyundai Department Store's own café brand, 'Till White,' has also been reintroduced as an all-day brunch spot. Chef Yoo Gi-young from 'Pommo' contributed to the menu, which includes 15 items such as tomato chicken soup, kimchi fried rice, and salads. The store has also attracted international chefs and renowned local eateries. Notable additions include 'Nishimura Ramen,' a ramen shop by Michelin-starred chef Takahito Nishimura from Fukuoka, 'JS Garden Sanghwa,' which reinterprets Hunan home cooking, and 'Bando Katsu,' a popular tonkatsu restaurant from Busan. Lee Seung-won, the executive director of Hyundai Department Store's Trade Center location, stated, "Through this renovation, the 10th floor has transformed into a sensory space where luxury lifestyle and culinary experiences can be enjoyed in one place. We aim to establish it as a luxury lifestyle space in the city where people can shop, enjoy, experience, and find inspiration."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-30 09:56:00
  • Shinhan Financial Revises Independent Director Appointment Principles to Increase Financial Expertise
    Shinhan Financial Revises Independent Director Appointment Principles to Increase Financial Expertise Shinhan Financial Group has revised its principles for appointing independent directors to actively recruit individuals with substantial experience in the financial sector. The group is also strengthening its internal control system by establishing an AI-based platform.On August 27, Shinhan Financial hosted a 'Board of Directors Roundtable' inviting around 50 domestic and international institutional investors to share its governance improvement direction. Approximately 50 institutional investors participated both online and offline, engaging with six board members, including Kwak Soo-geun, the chair of the board, and Jin Ok-dong, the group’s CEO.During the event, investors focused their inquiries on long-term strategies for enhancing corporate value, shareholder return plans, and the evaluation and compensation systems for the board and management.Shinhan Financial explained that it has newly revised its principles for appointing independent directors this year. The criteria have been adjusted to expand the recruitment of individuals with practical experience in the financial industry, aiming to enhance the board's expertise.The company also shared its plans for strengthening internal controls. In June, Shinhan Financial established a group-wide AI-based internal control platform to support compliance with management obligations. The group intends to enhance the effectiveness of its control system by requiring improvements in areas identified as lacking through its internal control committee.Jin Ok-dong emphasized, "Based on active communication with various stakeholders, we announced our corporate value enhancement plan in April. We will do our utmost to turn the diverse opinions and advice from investors into a foundation for sustainable growth."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-30 09:44:00
  • CJ Logistics CEO Shin Young-soo Emphasizes Global Growth for Future Success
    CJ Logistics CEO Shin Young-soo Emphasizes Global Growth for Future Success Shin Young-soo, CEO of CJ Logistics, stated that "achieving results in the global market is crucial for greater growth."According to CJ Logistics, during the '2026 Second Half Town Hall Meeting' held on August 27 at the company's headquarters in Jongno, Seoul, Shin emphasized, "It is time to enhance the quality of growth beyond mere expansion."At the event, Shin and employees participated both online and offline to review key management achievements and share insights on future growth directions.Shin highlighted the significance of the double-digit growth in parcel volume and fulfillment revenue in the first half of the year, indicating continued expansion.However, he noted that external factors, such as the conflict in the Middle East, have led to a decrease in operating profit, making it essential to connect growth in scale with profitability moving forward.CJ Logistics reported a consolidated revenue of 3.38 trillion won for the second quarter of this year, a 10.9% increase compared to the same period last year. In contrast, operating profit fell by 11.9% to 101.6 billion won.The O-NE (parcel delivery) segment saw a 12.1% increase in volume, while early morning and same-day delivery volumes surged by 65%. However, investments in service enhancement and deteriorating external conditions have put pressure on profitability.Shin pointed out the need to expand new volumes based on differentiated delivery, fulfillment, and digital middle-mile competitiveness in South Korea, while also enhancing market position and profitability through operational efficiency.He further stressed the importance of expanding business areas and customer bases globally, where larger markets and growth opportunities exist, to secure new growth drivers.To this end, CJ Logistics plans to designate the U.S. and India as strategic markets, broadening its logistics network and customer base while continuing investments.The company will also strengthen its end-to-end (E2E) logistics capabilities, connecting global forwarding with local contract logistics (CL) to cover everything from cargo transportation to storage and distribution.To achieve both growth and profitability, the company will continue to refine its business portfolio through selective focus.In Vietnam, CJ Logistics secured 100% ownership of CJ Gemadep Logistics in April and separated its non-core shipping business. This restructuring aims to concentrate resources on the high-growth contract logistics sector.Shin remarked, "To achieve a quantum leap, we must ultimately find new growth solutions in the larger global market," adding, "While realizing the growth potential of our global business, we must also secure overwhelming competitiveness and profitability domestically to lead CJ Logistics into a new phase of development."Meanwhile, at the event, the FT Division's 16th branch received the Best Organizational Award for its achievements in designing customer-tailored logistics services and stable site relocations. The Global 2 Division's India team was awarded the Excellent Organizational Award for contributing to the expansion of contracts with Indian Group affiliates.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-30 09:36:00
  • Nepal Search Team Reports No Progress in Finding Missing Koreans
    Nepal Search Team Reports No Progress in Finding Missing Koreans On August 29, a government joint response team in Nepal conducted two aerial searches using a chartered helicopter for nine missing South Koreans following severe flooding, but reported no significant results.According to Yonhap News, a representative from the response team spoke with reporters at a hotel in Kathmandu, stating, "We operated the same helicopter twice, but unfortunately, we did not find any survivors."The representative added, "We flew over the area where the nine missing individuals are presumed to be, but the dense trees and steep terrain made it difficult to search visually."The first search took place around 11:45 a.m. with four personnel from the fire department on board, followed by a second flight at 12:38 p.m. with four members from the fire department, police, and foreign ministry.He noted, "Each helicopter flight lasted between 40 to 50 minutes, with about 20 to 25 minutes spent hovering over the accident site. While it is conceivable to drop or land near the accident site for rescue operations, the terrain is challenging. The ground needs to be stable, and landing carelessly could lead to accidents."Despite analyzing video footage obtained during the flights, the representative stated, "The assessment did not reveal anything significantly different from what we observed visually. It has been confirmed that Nepalese military assets were deployed for search and rescue operations, but unfortunately, there were no findings of survivors."Meanwhile, ten South Koreans who were previously rescued have been transported to Kathmandu for rest.However, the response team representative remarked, "We are not fully aware of their condition, but I understand that the company is taking appropriate measures," without providing further details.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-30 06:08:00
  • Irans Supreme Leader Urges Reduction of Dollar Dependence Amid Trade Decline
    Iran's Supreme Leader Urges Reduction of Dollar Dependence Amid Trade Decline As the conflict between U.S. and Israeli forces and Iran surpasses six months, Iran is experiencing a decline in trade volume due to American economic pressure. However, Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has directed efforts to reduce dependence on the dollar and strengthen domestic products, demonstrating a commitment to resistance.According to a report by CNBC on August 29, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated in an interview with state television that "(Iran's) exports and imports have decreased by 25 to 35 percent," adding that "imports have dropped even more." He remarked, "Some people say the (U.S.) sanctions have no effect at all; I don't know what to say to them," a comment interpreted as targeting hardliners who emphasize war over reconciliation with the U.S.Earlier, on August 24, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bensent announced an 'economic isolation operation' aimed at severing global economic ties with Iran. The Treasury proposed cutting off transactions with the UAE branch of the Egyptian bank Bank Misr due to alleged financial dealings with Iran. According to Politico, Bensent emphasized, "Those who assist Iran cannot enjoy U.S. dollars and the international financial system," stating that this marks the first step in holding accountable those who provide persistent and severe support to the Iranian regime.Iran's crude oil exports have also plummeted in August. CNBC reported, citing trade data firm Kpler, that Iran shipped 260,000 barrels of oil per day, a decrease of over 80 percent from 1.7 million barrels per day during the same period last year. However, Iran's oil ministry claims it has enough reserves to meet its budget requirements for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, stating that it has sent $7.5 billion (approximately 10.35 trillion won) in oil sales to the central bank over the past four months.In this context, Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei emphasized in a message on August 28 that increasing domestic production is key to solving economic issues and that Iran must gradually reduce its dependence on the dollar. According to Turkey's Anadolu Agency, Khamenei urged the government to seriously address issues such as inflation, unemployment, price control, and regulation of goods and services, placing 'resistance economy' policies at the center of its economic agenda.Meanwhile, the value of the Iranian rial has hit an all-time low, with the market exchange rate reaching over 2 million rials per dollar.Amid these developments, the possibility of the Iranian government re-engaging in dialogue with the U.S. has emerged. According to Fox News, Majid Nili, Iran's ambassador to Germany, stated in an interview with the state-run IRNA news agency that "despite the current political climate and pressures, the path to dialogue with the U.S. based on mutual respect is still being pursued." Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi also noted on August 28 that "restoring diplomacy to its proper course is not impossible," emphasizing that the U.S. must build trust and engage in respectful dialogue while honoring commitments.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-30 05:04:00
  • Democratic Candidates Weigh Ties to Kamala Harris Ahead of Midterms
    Democratic Candidates Weigh Ties to Kamala Harris Ahead of Midterms As the midterm elections approach in November, Democratic candidates are divided on how much to showcase their political ties to former Vice President Kamala Harris. The political calculus surrounding Harris, who served as the second-in-command during the Biden administration and is considered a strong contender for the next presidential election, is influencing candidates' strategies.On August 29, The Hill reported that Josh Turek, an Iowa state representative, expressed in a recent meeting with reporters that he does not want Harris to campaign on his behalf. Similarly, Rob Sand, who is running for governor in the same region, has distanced himself from both Harris and former President Joe Biden.Mary Peltola, a centrist candidate from Alaska, also voiced her dissatisfaction with the 'Fight for the People PAC' associated with Harris, which issued a fundraising appeal on her behalf. Peltola's campaign stated, "We do not want support from anyone in the 48 contiguous states," emphasizing that "Peltola's focus is always on Alaska," according to The New York Times.Conversely, some candidates are strengthening their ties to Harris as part of their campaign strategies. Senator Jon Ossoff from Georgia has a support group called 'Women for Ossoff,' which Harris has joined, and she has also campaigned for Ossoff on his Facebook page. A spokesperson for Ossoff's campaign told The Hill, "Senator Ossoff appreciates the support and assistance of former Vice President Harris during the campaign." Abdul El-Sayed, a candidate for the Michigan state senate, publicly thanked Harris for her support during the primary.The differing strategies among candidates regarding their association with Harris stem from the realities of running in Republican-leaning or competitive states, as well as questions about Harris's viability for a second presidential run. Jamal Simmons, who served as communications director in Harris's office, noted, "The former vice president has had very good results in some areas, but not in others," adding that for candidates in states where Harris did not perform well in the last election, campaigning alongside her might not be beneficial. Anthony Cole, also from the Biden administration, stated that candidates in Republican strongholds need to distance themselves from the unpopular Democratic brand, with Harris being a prominent representative of that brand. Democratic strategist James Carville remarked, "The Democratic Party needs to move on from the 2024 election loss," in comments to ABC News.In response, Democratic strategist Maria Cardona said, "It is too early to speculate on what this means for the 2028 election based on minor issues right now," adding, "What we want is for Democratic candidates to win, no matter where they are." Election strategist Fred Hicks noted that candidates are concerned that receiving Harris's support could be perceived as an endorsement for her in the 2028 presidential election.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-30 01:16:00