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  • Controversy Arises Over Takeshima Rice Labeling in Japan
    Controversy Arises Over 'Takeshima Rice' Labeling in Japan Controversy has erupted over rice labeled as 'Takeshima'—the name Japan uses for the disputed island of Dokdo—being sold in Shimane Prefecture, with claims that it is Japanese territory.On August 29, Yonhap News reported that Professor Seo Kyung-duk of Sungshin Women's University shared a photo on his social media, received from an online user, stating, "Now 'Takeshima rice' has appeared in Japan." The photo shows a 2kg rice bag prominently labeled with 'Japanese Takeshima (日本國竹島)' and 'Shimane Prefecture rice.' Notably, it includes a claim that "Takeshima in Oki County, Shimane Prefecture is our (Japan's) inherent territory" alongside a note indicating it is 'special cultivated rice.'It remains unclear whether this rice is currently available in regular supermarkets, but it has been consistently sold at related events in Shimane Prefecture in the past.Professor Seo criticized this behavior from Japan, calling it "truly foolish." He questioned, "Does creating various goods make Dokdo Japanese land?" and urged Shimane Prefecture to face history and cease its unfounded claims regarding Dokdo.The tactic of promoting 'Takeshima goods' from Shimane Prefecture has been repeatedly observed. Earlier this year, ahead of the so-called 'Takeshima Day' on February 22, a cafeteria at the Shimane Prefectural Office sold 'Takeshima curry,' featuring rice shaped like the eastern and western islets of Dokdo, drawing public condemnation.Additionally, in April, it was reported that salt labeled as 'Takeshima' was being sold at Yonago Airport, the gateway to Shimane Prefecture, which also sparked outrage among the public.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-29 10:08:00
  • Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance Provides 1,700 Relief Kits to Flood-Affected Residents in Geoje and Tongyeong
    Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance Provides 1,700 Relief Kits to Flood-Affected Residents in Geoje and Tongyeong Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance announced it is providing relief supplies and emergency support for flooded vehicles to residents and customers affected by heavy rain in the Geoje and Tongyeong areas.The company is delivering 1,700 emergency relief kits to affected customers through dedicated agents. The kits include essential items such as toilet paper, wet wipes, instant noodles, ready-to-eat rice, and bottled water.Approximately 300 agents from five branches in the Geoje and Tongyeong regions will assist affected customers with insurance claims and compensation procedures.To manage flooded vehicles, over 20 specialized personnel have been deployed to the scene. The company has increased its towing and emergency response staff by about three times through the use of additional dispatch and towing channels.To quickly recover flooded vehicles, temporary storage facilities have been established at three locations: two in Geoje and one in Tongyeong. Vehicle maintenance experts and support staff will be on-site to manage vehicle inspections and logistics.Long-term insurance policyholders affected by the heavy rain will have their premium payments deferred for up to six months.A Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance representative stated, “We will continue to provide necessary support until recovery efforts in the affected areas are completed.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-29 10:04:00
  • NH Nonghyup Bank Leads in Mobile ID Service, Achieves ISMS-P Certification
    NH Nonghyup Bank Leads in Mobile ID Service, Achieves ISMS-P Certification NH Nonghyup Bank has strengthened its information security and personal data management system for its mobile ID service. On August 29, the bank announced that its mobile ID service on the NH All-in-One Bank platform has received ISMS-P certification. ISMS-P is a certification system that comprehensively assesses whether information security and personal data management systems are established and operated in accordance with relevant standards. The Financial Security Institute evaluates the adequacy based on criteria such as access control, authentication, authority management, encryption, system operation security, and personal data protection measures. Nonghyup Bank explained that this certification enhances the reliability of the security management system for its mobile ID service on NH All-in-One Bank. The bank is also improving the convenience of its mobile ID service. In March, it expanded support to all devices, including those from Samsung, Apple, Google, and Xiaomi. Earlier this month, it introduced a feature for issuing mobile IDs using QR codes from administrative welfare centers and driver’s license examination centers. Through NH All-in-One Bank, users can utilize mobile versions of their resident registration card, driver’s license, veteran registration card, foreigner registration card, and disability registration card in the same way as physical ID cards at financial institutions, hospitals, and public agencies. Notably, this year, the bank became the first among commercial banks to introduce a mobile disability registration card service, further enhancing financial accessibility for digitally vulnerable groups. Jung Tae-young, Vice President of the Information Security Division at NH Nonghyup Bank, stated, "By obtaining the first ISMS-P certification in the financial sector, we have strengthened the safety and reliability of our mobile ID service. We will continue to expand services that lower barriers for customers, providing digital financial services that combine security and convenience." * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-29 10:04:00
  • South Korean rescuers struggle to reach flood site in Nepal
    South Korean rescuers struggle to reach flood site in Nepal SEOUL, August 29 (AJP) - South Korean government officials and rescue workers are struggling to reach a hydropower plant construction site in northern Nepal after devastating floods and landslides left hundreds of people dead or missing including nine South Korean workers earlier this week. The missing workers include six employees of Doosan Enerbility and three from Korea South-East Power (KOEN). A government-led rescue team along with those from the two companies arrived in Kathmandu shortly after Wednesday's disaster to help search for the missing workers. They have secured six helicopters, but Nepalese authorities have not yet allowed them to fly. The site of the massive flash flooding in Rasuwa, located in Nepal's north-central Himalayan region near the border with Tibet, is currently inaccessible by road after nearby roads and bridges were swept away. Officials said helicopters are the only way to reach the area. "With roads and bridges leading to the site washed away by the floods, air transport remains the only way to reach the area. But we have not been able to fly the helicopters because of unpredictable weather, the risk of further flooding and restrictions from local authorities," said a South Korean Foreign Ministry official on Saturday. As South Korean rescuers continue trying to get helicopters to the search site, Nepalese authorities have already conducted aerial searches of the area where the nine South Koreans are believed to have been swept away, but no progress has been made. Nepalese authorities said they would consider South Korea's request for help with the search and take appropriate measures. The Ministry of National Defense also said the previous day that it had been discussing with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs the dispatch of a KC-330 Cygnus multipurpose aerial refueling aircraft to carry relief equipment and supplies, once approved by Nepalese authorities. Meanwhile, 10 other South Koreans who were rescued from the affected area have been moved to a safe location, but their return to South Korea has not yet been decided. As countries around the world continue efforts to find and rescue their citizens in Nepal, the death toll from the catastrophic disaster has risen to nearly 600, with more than 2,000 people still missing as of Saturday. AJP Takeaways • Nine South Koreans remain missing after catastrophic floods and landslides struck a hydropower plant construction site in Rasuwa, northern Nepal, on Aug. 26, 2026. • South Korean rescuers have secured six helicopters to search for the missing workers, but Nepalese authorities have not yet approved their operation because of bad weather, the risk of further flooding and local restrictions. • The disaster has killed nearly 600 people and left more than 2,000 missing as of Aug. 29, 2026, while 10 other South Koreans rescued from the affected area have been moved to safety. 2026-08-29 10:02:10
  • China Delays Reporting of Refined Oil Supplies to North Korea, Approaching Annual Limit
    China Delays Reporting of Refined Oil Supplies to North Korea, Approaching Annual Limit China supplied approximately 113,000 barrels of refined oil to North Korea from March to May this year. In violation of the United Nations reporting principle of 'monthly notification,' China reported three months' worth of supplies at once, bringing the cumulative supply for the year close to 40% of the annual limit.According to the UN Security Council's North Korea sanctions committee on August 29, China reported supplying 20,848 barrels in March, 74,156 barrels in April, and 17,996 barrels in May. Under UN Security Council resolutions, countries supplying refined oil to North Korea are required to report their monthly deliveries by the 30th of each month, but China did not comply and submitted three months' worth of data at once.This brings the total refined oil supply reported by China to North Korea from January to May to 194,828 barrels, which is 38.97% of the annual refined oil import limit for North Korea set by UN Security Council Resolution 2397, adopted in 2017.The three-month refined oil figures reported to the UN match the total of various oil-related products recorded in China's customs monthly trade data with North Korea.According to Voice of America (VOA), only 4.4% of the refined oil supplied to North Korea from March to May was used for actual fueling or energy purposes, such as aviation fuel and heavy oil. The remaining 95.6% consisted of non-fuel products, including asphalt for manufacturing and lubricants.However, the international community believes that the actual amount of refined oil flowing into North Korea is likely much larger than the officially reported figures. Since Russia completely halted its reporting of refined oil supplies to North Korea in January 2024, China is currently the only country continuing to provide official reports. Amid increasing military cooperation and closer ties between North Korea and Russia, there are concerns that the actual refined oil imports by North Korea may have already exceeded the annual limit set by the Security Council when considering the quantities secretly supported by Russia and illegal maritime transshipments.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-29 10:00:20
  • Fed Chair Kashkaris Hawkish Stance Leads to Decline in U.S. Markets
    Fed Chair Kashkari's Hawkish Stance Leads to Decline in U.S. Markets The U.S. stock market closed lower across the board on the heels of hawkish comments from Federal Reserve Chair Neel Kashkari. His remarks at the Jackson Hole Economic Symposium heightened concerns over inflation and raised the likelihood of a rate hike in September.On August 29, according to Yonhap News (as of August 28 local time), the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell by 9.45 points (0.02%) to close at 53,559.99. The S&P 500 index dropped 19.28 points (0.25%) to finish at 7,711.76, while the Nasdaq Composite Index decreased by 138.93 points (0.52%) to end at 26,402.42.The decline in the indices was driven by Kashkari's keynote address. Speaking at the symposium in Wyoming, he stated, "One of our responsibilities is to ensure price stability, and the relevant indicators are increasingly concerning."He added, "We must have confidence that the underlying inflation rate is moving toward our target at a clear and sufficient pace; otherwise, we have work to do," leaving the door open for further rate hikes.The market reacted immediately to the possibility of additional tightening from the Fed. According to the CME FedWatch Tool, the futures market for the federal funds rate reflected a 57.5% probability of a 0.25 percentage point increase in the benchmark rate from the current range of 3.50-3.75% to 3.75-4.00% at the upcoming Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting in September. This marks a significant rise from the previous day's 35.4% probability, well above the 42.5% chance of no change.As expectations for a rate hike grew, U.S. Treasury yields and the dollar surged. Near the market close, the yield on the two-year Treasury note rose by 11.8 basis points to 4.348%, marking the largest single-day increase since March. The yield on the ten-year note also increased by 5.0 basis points to 4.72%. The dollar index, which measures the value of the dollar against six major currencies, climbed to 99.727 during the session, reaching its highest level since August 14.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-29 09:04:10
  • Vietnams Resorts Offer Diverse Activities as Summer Winds Down
    Vietnam's Resorts Offer Diverse Activities as Summer Winds Down As late summer approaches, Vietnam's diverse resorts, featuring top-notch leisure facilities and activities, are attracting domestic travelers. With a growing array of experiential content that caters to various tastes, these resorts offer more than just relaxation, including championship golf courses, cutting-edge entertainment, and culturally tailored experiences.Authentic Links Courses and Sensory EntertainmentLocated on Vietnam's central coast, Hoiana Resort & Golf is a large complex that includes four hotels, an 18-hole championship golf course, and over 25 food and beverage facilities. Recently, the resort has enhanced its infrastructure by opening a large entertainment hub that meets both leisure and recreational demands.The centerpiece of this resort is the Hoiana Shore Golf Club, an 18-hole (par 71) course designed by renowned architect Robert Trent Jones Jr. Spanning 4 kilometers along the coastline, it has been recognized as one of Asia's top 100 golf courses. The course uniquely captures the charm of traditional Scottish links by utilizing only sand dune terrain and avoiding trees. Its natural fairway connections and strategically designed holes enhance the challenge for players.The newly opened entertainment hub features a golf simulator, a four-lane bowling alley, billiards, mini-golf, and an arcade game zone. Notably, the karaoke facilities, themed into five different rooms, offer a unique leisure experience with full LED walls and surround sound systems, creating a dreamlike atmosphere.Diverse Activities Amidst NatureAngsana Lang Co, set against the stunning natural backdrop of Lang Co Bay, combines high-end golf with various outdoor activities for a staycation experience. The integrated Laguna Golf Lang Co, designed by Nick Faldo, features an 18-hole (par 71) championship course that takes full advantage of the surrounding mountains and sea. This is Faldo's second design completed in Vietnam.The resort has also improved accessibility for international golf travelers by offering an all-in-one golf package that includes green fees, caddy fees, and golf cart rentals, lowering the barriers for participation.Beyond golfing, guests can enjoy a nature exploration program aboard a resort shuttle boat that tours the forest ecosystem. Until September 30, the resort is running a 'Summer Activities' promotion, allowing guests to experience various leisure sports such as kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, bocce, and croquet for free. Additionally, vibrant foam parties are held every Friday and Saturday, adding to the lively atmosphere.Four Unique Stay Experiences Tailored to PreferencesLocated on the northwest coast of Phu Quoc, the Crowne Plaza Phu Quoc Starbay harmoniously blends beach relaxation with experiential programs.Recently, the resort introduced four types of activities under the theme 'More Fun Together,' allowing travelers to choose based on their interests. For food enthusiasts, the Horizon Restaurant offers a nightly buffet called 'World Culinary Journey,' featuring different themes each evening, or guests can participate in a cooking class called 'Cook, Taste, Laugh Together,' where they learn to prepare traditional Vietnamese dishes under the guidance of the resort's chefs.For those who prefer a more tranquil experience, the resort offers tailored programs such as an art class where participants complete a piece while enjoying wine and canapés, and a body scrub experience designed for couples. To escape the midday heat, the indoor game room is equipped with PlayStation 4, chess, darts, and board games like Uno and Monopoly, providing a comfortable indoor leisure option.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-29 09:04:10
  • Beyond Filling Numbers: Education for Coexistence in Multiculturalism
    Beyond Filling Numbers: Education for Coexistence in Multiculturalism <Education & Perspective> examines the issues in primary, secondary, and higher education amid the decline of public education, decreasing school-age population, and fluctuating college admission systems. It also seeks sustainable alternatives while providing a critical yet warm perspective on our society.In South Korea, the sound of children's laughter has faded, leaving behind empty desks in classrooms that are now painted with diverse languages and nationalities, creating a phenomenon known as the 'mosaic classroom.' The Ministry of Education's recent release of the '2026 Basic Education Statistics' on August 26 clearly illustrates this significant transformation in the South Korean educational ecosystem.The total number of students in elementary, middle, and high schools has sharply decreased by nearly 190,000 from the previous year, dropping to approximately 5.36 million due to low birth rates. In contrast, the number of migrant background students in these schools has surpassed 210,000, reaching an all-time high. Similarly, the number of foreign students enrolled in domestic universities has increased by over 20% in just one year, exceeding 300,000 for the first time in history.This stark contrast in statistics raises a critical question for our society: Is the phenomenon of filling empty desks with 'new populations' of migrant background students and foreign students a qualitative advancement, or merely a temporary fix to fill vacancies? If current educational policies remain a passive response focused solely on filling numbers, the future of education appears bleak.Limitations of International Student Recruitment for University EnrollmentFirst and foremost, the policy for attracting foreign students in higher education needs a fundamental redesign. Many universities and government policies have treated foreign students as a 'short-term recruitment card' to supplement finances and fill seats in schools facing enrollment crises due to declining school-age populations. However, recruiting foreign students without adequate verification of their Korean language proficiency has led to disruptions in classes, student dropouts, and illegal stays.The foreign student policy should no longer be limited to a 'survival strategy' for universities. It must transition into a core component of a 'regional, labor, and immigration policy' aimed at preventing regional decline and maintaining national dynamism. Foreign students should not only learn academically at universities but also engage in tailored settlement programs linked to local industries, pathways to professional residency after graduation, and support for community integration. Instead of lowering admission standards to fill seats, universities should evolve into hubs for integrated immigration and labor policies that combine sophisticated Korean language and major education with regional settlement visa policies.This restructuring of foreign student policies in higher education is closely tied to the transformation of education for migrant background students in elementary, middle, and high schools. For multicultural acceptance to function in higher education, students must experience diversity as a natural condition of life from an early age in public education.However, current policies for migrant background students in elementary, middle, and high schools remain trapped in a sympathetic framework that merely addresses deficiencies through Korean language support or cultural adaptation assistance. As long as migrant background students are defined solely as individuals in need of help, it will be difficult to resolve subtle discrimination and exclusion within classrooms.Shift from Sympathy-Based Education to Diversity and Coexistence EducationEducation for migrant background students must transition from 'special adaptation support' to 'intercultural education for all.' Equally important as teaching Korean language and culture to migrant background students is the need for all students, including non-migrant background students, to learn how to respect and coexist with different cultural backgrounds. Multicultural education should not be a separate program for specific student groups but rather an essential component of the curriculum for all students living in a global era. Students should experience diversity as an asset that fosters creativity and dynamism in the classroom, rather than as an obstacle.Ultimately, the policies for foreign students in higher education and the education of migrant background students in elementary, middle, and high schools converge into a national task: how to embrace multicultural populations as equal members of society and grow together. In higher education, this should connect to a national immigration strategy that establishes a systematic settlement framework to address regional decline and labor shortages, while in primary and secondary education, it should lay the groundwork for all students to learn about diversity and coexistence, thereby completing a virtuous cycle.At the higher education level, an increasing number of foreign students are seeking beneficial learning experiences in South Korea through various pathways. Not only universities but also various nonprofit organizations in the international education sector are running programs to develop multicultural communication skills and competencies for learners. Ultimately, the collaborative efforts of diverse stakeholders in universities, the private sector, and public institutions must continue to create a more inclusive society from elementary to higher education and beyond, as a value-oriented activity of 'practicing coexistence' for future generations.The changes shown in the Basic Education Statistics represent an unstoppable trend. The superficial measures taken to meet enrollment numbers must come to an end. South Korea must break away from 'number-filling' administration and fundamentally improve its educational system. Only through bold policy connections that position foreign students as partners in local communities and educational reforms that teach all children the value of coexistence can South Korea's education system move forward in this multicultural era.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-29 09:04:00
  • Government Works to Resolve Dispute Over Early Morning Deliveries at Large Supermarkets
    Government Works to Resolve Dispute Over Early Morning Deliveries at Large Supermarkets The government has initiated behind-the-scenes mediation focused on establishing a 'cooperative fund' to resolve conflicts surrounding early morning deliveries at large supermarkets.According to sources in the government and retail industry on the 29th, the Ministry of SMEs and Startups and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy are developing detailed cooperative adjustment plans to appease small business owners who oppose the easing of regulations on early morning deliveries. Since the beginning of the year, the Ministry of SMEs has been gathering feedback from small business owners and sharing it with the Ministry of Trade, which is now probing the opinions of large retailers to finalize the conditions.The government's proposed cooperative adjustment plan currently includes: restrictions on the sale of single items of agricultural, livestock, and fishery products priced below 10,000 won during early morning hours; the establishment of a cooperative fund exceeding 10 billion won annually; wholesale supply of large supermarket products to traditional markets and small businesses; and restrictions on new corporate supermarket openings near traditional markets.Under the Distribution Industry Development Act, revised in 2012 to revitalize traditional markets and small businesses, large supermarkets are prohibited from operating during early morning hours (midnight to 10 a.m.) and must close for business two days a month. The current push to ease regulations centers on allowing 'delivery' during early morning hours, even if stores are not open.However, the related amendment to the Distribution Industry Development Act has been pending since it was submitted to the National Assembly's subcommittee on industry, trade, and small and medium enterprises on May 19. Notable proposals include one from Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Dong-a, which maintains the restrictions on operating hours and mandatory closure days for large supermarkets but allows exceptions for 'online delivery.' In contrast, a proposal from People Power Party lawmaker Kim Seong-won seeks to completely abolish the regulations on mandatory closures and operating hours for large supermarkets.The delay in processing the bill stems from deep-seated conflicts between large and small retailers. In 2022, the government launched a cooperative council for large and small retailers and signed cooperation agreements with organizations such as the National Association of Merchants, the Korean Supermarket Cooperative Federation, and the Korean Chain Store Association. At that time, they agreed to work together to allow online deliveries during the restricted hours and assist small retailers in their digital transformation. However, despite nearly nine rounds of discussions, they have failed to reach a consensus on cooperative measures.As the government's adjustment plan becomes clearer, there are expectations for expedited processing of the bill before the National Assembly's audit in October. However, with the upcoming Chuseok holiday, lawmakers are exercising caution due to potential backlash from small business owners and labor groups, making it unlikely that the bill will be processed before the holiday.On the other hand, small business owners and traditional market representatives are firmly opposing the amendment itself, despite the government's cooperative adjustment plan. They argue that restrictions on the sale of agricultural, livestock, and fishery products priced below 10,000 won during early morning hours and the establishment of a cooperative fund will not be sufficient to prevent large supermarkets from encroaching on late-night neighborhood markets.A representative from the Ministry of SMEs stated, 'We are carefully coordinating a compromise plan that is acceptable to the Ministry of Trade and large retailers based on feedback from small business owners.' 2026-08-29 09:04:00
  • Gas Prices Drop for 15th Consecutive Week, Average Gasoline at 1861 Won
    Gas Prices Drop for 15th Consecutive Week, Average Gasoline at 1861 Won Gasoline and diesel prices at nationwide gas stations have slightly decreased compared to the previous week, marking the 15th consecutive week of decline.According to the Korea National Oil Corporation's Opinet, the average gasoline price at gas stations nationwide for the fourth week of August (August 23-27) was recorded at 1861.3 won per liter, down 1.2 won from the previous week.Regionally, Seoul, which has the highest prices, saw a decrease of 1.1 won to 1907.8 won, while Daegu, the area with the lowest prices, recorded a drop of 1.4 won to 1834.2 won.By brand, GS Caltex stations had the highest price at 1864.7 won, while discount stations offered the lowest price at 1852.5 won. The average diesel price also fell by 0.5 won to 1845.2 won.This week, international oil prices were influenced by expectations of reopening the Strait of Hormuz, leading to a decline earlier in the week. However, negotiations between the U.S. and Iran stalled towards the end of the week, limiting the overall drop.The price of Dubai crude, a benchmark for South Korea's imported crude oil, fell by $0.9 to $92.1 per barrel compared to last week. International gasoline prices decreased by $2.4 to $111.5, while international diesel prices dropped by $9.2 to $154.5. Typically, fluctuations in international oil prices are reflected in domestic gas station prices with a delay of about two to three weeks.Meanwhile, the government is maintaining the maximum oil price system to minimize the impact of international oil price volatility on domestic prices and consumer costs. On August 21, the government announced the ninth maximum oil price, which remains the same as the previous eighth price. The maximum prices set for each fuel type are 1784 won per liter for gasoline, 1773 won for diesel, and 1380 won for kerosene.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-29 08:40:00