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  • Norwegian King Harald V, Europes Oldest Monarch, Dies at 89
    Norwegian King Harald V, Europe's Oldest Monarch, Dies at 89 Norwegian King Harald V, the oldest monarch in Europe, has passed away at the age of 89.According to reports from AFP and other news outlets, the Norwegian royal family announced on the 28th (local time) that King Harald V had died.In a statement, the royal family expressed their sorrow, saying, "We are very sad to announce that King Harald V has passed away today," adding that he died peacefully at 6:35 a.m. at Oslo University Hospital. Following his death, his eldest son, Crown Prince Haakon, will ascend to the throne, taking the official title of Haakon VIII.King Harald V had been hospitalized since August 17 due to complications from treatment for aplastic anemia. His condition worsened significantly over the weekend due to a bacterial infection in his blood.As news of the king's critical condition spread, hundreds of Norwegians gathered outside the Royal Palace from the previous afternoon, laying flowers and wishing for his recovery. After the announcement of his death, crowds continued to gather in the palace square to pay their respects.King Harald V ascended to the throne in 1991 after the death of his father, King Olav V, and led Norway for 35 years. Although he had reduced his official engagements due to various health issues in recent years, he had remained on the throne, citing a 'lifetime pledge' to Crown Prince Haakon.While the Norwegian king does not hold political power, King Harald V modernized the monarchy and became a symbol of national unity, earning high support among the public for his approachable demeanor.During World War II, when Nazi Germany occupied Norway, he fled to the United States with his mother and two sisters, living in exile for several years. After the war, he returned to Norway, attended the Norwegian Military Academy, and studied at the University of Oxford in England.His grandfather, King Haakon VII, also fled to Britain during the Nazi occupation, refusing German demands, a choice that earned him deep respect from the Norwegian people.Like his father, King Olav V, Harald V was also an accomplished sailor, representing Norway in the Olympics multiple times and winning the World Sailing Championship in 1987.His marriage was also a departure from royal tradition. Despite pressure for the royal family to find a bride from European aristocracy, he resisted for nine years and ultimately married Sonja Haraldsen, the daughter of a businessman and his high school sweetheart.His father, King Olav V, expressed concerns that marrying a commoner could weaken the royal family's standing, but the Norwegian public warmly welcomed the wedding of Crown Prince Harald and Sonja Haraldsen in August 1968. Queen Sonja stood by King Harald V for nearly 60 years, remaining at his side until the end.In 2011, following a terrorist attack by far-right extremist Anders Behring Breivik that killed 77 people, King Harald V comforted the nation, emphasizing faith in democracy and Norwegian society in a speech aimed at overcoming fear, leaving a lasting impression on the public.In 2016, he made headlines again with a speech supporting equality for LGBTQ individuals, refugee acceptance, and religious tolerance, as reported by the Associated Press.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-28 18:56:00
  • SK Siltron Faces Labor Disputes Over Sale Amid Job Security Concerns
    SK Siltron Faces Labor Disputes Over Sale Amid Job Security Concerns Labor disputes surrounding the sale of SK Siltron continue as negotiations over job security, working conditions, and compensation remain unresolved. The union plans to escalate its response if the company does not present satisfactory proposals regarding its core demands.As of August 28, industry sources report that the SK Siltron labor union has been conducting protests in front of the SK Serin Building in Jongno, Seoul, since August 26, urging SK to make responsible decisions and implement protective measures for its employees.The central issue in this conflict is the employment and treatment of workers following the sale of SK Siltron. SK Group is pursuing the sale as part of efforts to improve its financial structure and reorganize its business portfolio. SK Siltron, which produces silicon wafers, a key material for semiconductors, has its main production facilities in Gumi.The union does not oppose the sale itself but insists on clear guarantees for employment and working conditions post-sale. They have outlined three core demands: formal job security, complete transfer of working conditions, and reasonable compensation, and are currently negotiating with the company.Negotiations between the union and the company are ongoing regarding job security, working conditions, and compensation following the sale. On August 27, the company presented a proposal, but it fell short of the union's expectations, preventing an agreement.The union argues that since the sale is driven by financial considerations at the group level rather than SK Siltron's operational struggles, protective measures for employees must be established during the sale process. They also emphasize the need to consider the impact of changes in investment and employment policies on local suppliers and the industrial ecosystem in Gumi, which is the main production base.The union plans to continue negotiations while also escalating protests, with a large-scale demonstration scheduled for September 3, involving SK Siltron executives, union members from SK Group affiliates, and the Metal Workers' Union solidarity organization. On August 28, they held a meeting with the Metal Workers' Union to discuss the current negotiation status and future strategies.The SK Siltron union stated, "Just because a proposal has been made does not mean that the rights and working conditions of our members are guaranteed. We will continue negotiations and protests until we achieve satisfactory results regarding job security, complete transfer of working conditions, and fair compensation that our members can accept." 2026-08-28 18:36:00
  • Kakao Partners with LG Uplus to Develop Nationwide AI Platform
    Kakao Partners with LG Uplus to Develop Nationwide AI Platform Kakao announced on August 28 that it has been selected as the lead organization for the Ministry of Science and ICT's "Everyone's AI" project, aimed at providing universal access to artificial intelligence services. The company plans to leverage the expertise of its consortium partners to build these services.The Kakao-led consortium includes key participants such as LG Uplus, LG AI Research, LG Electronics, LG CNS, Kakao Enterprise, Seoul National University Hospital, Shinhan Bank, Lunit, Wonderful Platform, Worksphere, Jarvis & Villains, Day One Company, Crowdworks, and Furiosa AI, totaling 14 companies and institutions.The consortium aims to integrate its own AI models, communication and device infrastructure, and public system capabilities with expertise in various fields, including healthcare, finance, taxation, education, employment, caregiving, data, and semiconductors, to deliver high-quality AI services.The "Everyone's AI" service will be built around KakaoTalk and voice AI, featuring a general-purpose AI chatbot, public AI agents, and specialized AI agents for different sectors. The goal is to create a seamless experience that lowers the barriers to AI utilization.The service will operate based on proprietary AI models developed by LG AI Research's K-Exa One and Kakao's Kanana. The company is conducting quality and safety verifications and ensuring accessibility for all users, including the elderly and digitally vulnerable populations.The consortium plans to launch a beta service in September. Following this, it will gather user feedback to refine the service before an official rollout later this year.Kakao has previously gained experience in developing public AI services using KakaoTalk. In March, it launched a pilot service called "AI National Secretary," which provides conversational services for issuing electronic certificates and booking public facilities, and has since enhanced the service with voice features. The "Everyone's AI" initiative is seen as an expansion of its AI agent experiments from the public sector into broader areas such as finance, healthcare, and education.Kim Se-woong, leader of Kakao's AI synergy performance, stated, "The core of this service is to make AI easily accessible through the familiar KakaoTalk platform, enabling users to seamlessly complete various tasks in their daily lives beyond simple information searches. We will collaborate with consortium partners to create a user-friendly national AI service platform."Go Jin-tae, head of enterprise strategy at LG Uplus, added, "Through Everyone's AI, we aim to provide an environment where users can access AI with just a phone call, without the need for app installations or separate subscriptions. We will leverage our nationwide offline stores and communication infrastructure to extend AI benefits to the elderly and digitally vulnerable populations, fulfilling our role and responsibility as a key participant in enhancing the domestic AI ecosystem alongside Kakao and the LG Group."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-28 18:20:00
  • Nine South Koreans Missing in Nepal Floods; Families Urge Swift Helicopter Rescue
    Nine South Koreans Missing in Nepal Floods; Families Urge Swift Helicopter Rescue Nine South Koreans are missing following severe flooding in Nepal, and the government’s rapid response team is facing delays in reaching the site, raising concerns for the search efforts. Families of the missing individuals are urging the government to deploy helicopters quickly, stating that "today is the golden time" as 48 hours have passed since the incident.According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the joint rapid response team that arrived in Kathmandu the previous night has been preparing to use helicopters to access the site but has yet to receive permission from Nepalese military authorities.The Nepalese government is restricting private helicopter operations due to concerns about a potential second wave of flooding. A government official cited by Yonhap News reported that the Nepalese authorities had not granted helicopter permits in the morning but had temporarily allowed them in the afternoon the day before, and the team is currently requesting flight permissions.The South Korean government, along with Doosan Enerbility and Korea Southeast Power, has chartered a total of six helicopters for search and rescue operations. Currently, five members from the National Fire Agency and one from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are waiting at Kathmandu airport to board the chartered helicopters.Once the rapid response team arrives at the site, they will assess the search conditions and the status of the missing individuals. However, the risk of flooding and landslides in the border areas of Nepal has increased due to a dam collapse in Tibet, complicating access to the site.Anxiety among the families of the missing individuals is growing. Family members of Doosan Enerbility employees spoke to reporters at the Doosan Tower in Bundang, Seongnam, stating, "Our only request is for the Minister of Foreign Affairs or the President to send helicopters as soon as possible." They emphasized, "It has been 48 hours in local time, and we see today as the golden time. Please, we need helicopters to be deployed immediately."A total of 19 South Koreans were reported missing or temporarily isolated due to the flooding. Among them, nine, including six employees from Doosan Enerbility and three from Korea Southeast Power, remain uncontacted.Of the remaining ten, nine were evacuated to relatively safe areas using Nepalese military helicopters the day before. They are currently staying at accommodations and plan to travel to Kathmandu by land.One local manager from Doosan Enerbility is remaining behind with local staff to facilitate their exit. Two embassy staff members initially deployed to the isolated area have since left, while one consular officer has been sent to replace them and remains on-site.The government is also considering sending an overseas emergency relief team to provide additional search and rescue support. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has communicated its intention to send a relief team to Nepal and is discussing specific deployment plans.If the deployment is confirmed, military transport aircraft will be used to send relief personnel and equipment to the area. The Ministry of National Defense has decided to support the deployment with the Air Force's KC-330 'Cygnus' multi-role aerial refueling aircraft, and the specific schedule and method of deployment are being coordinated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.A Ministry of Foreign Affairs official stated, "If the overseas emergency relief team is dispatched, we can request military transport aircraft support according to relevant laws," adding that they are in communication with the Ministry of National Defense.Meanwhile, heavy rainfall in Nepal since August 26 has caused flooding and landslides, resulting in casualties. The collapse of a natural dam in Tibet has raised concerns about further flooding, increasing uncertainty for search and rescue operations in Nepal.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-28 18:08:00
  • Korean ESG Institute Supports Candidate for Korea Zinc Board Amid Proxy Battle
    Korean ESG Institute Supports Candidate for Korea Zinc Board Amid Proxy Battle As Korea Zinc prepares for its extraordinary shareholders' meeting, major proxy advisory firms are rallying behind Chairman Choi Yoon-bum. Following recommendations from ISS, Glass Lewis, and Sustainvest, the Korea ESG Institute has also advised support for Baek In-kyu, the candidate recommended by the Korea Zinc board, ahead of the upcoming vote on September 9.On August 28, the Korea ESG Institute released a report recommending approval of Baek's appointment while opposing the nomination of Park Yoo-kyung, who was put forward by MBK Partners and Youngpoong.The Korea ESG Institute determined that Baek's expertise aligns more closely with the responsibilities of an audit committee member. Baek has extensive experience in external auditing, accounting reviews, and financial due diligence from his long tenure at an accounting firm.While the institute acknowledged that Park also possesses the necessary expertise in financial analysis and corporate governance, it concluded that Baek's practical experience in external auditing and internal controls makes him a better fit to enhance the current audit committee's expertise.Given the significant representation of MBK and Youngpoong on the board, the institute emphasized that the selection of audit committee members should prioritize expertise that can effectively strengthen the committee's functions over maintaining a balance of power between the two sides.The recommendation also considered Korea Zinc's ongoing large-scale investments, including the 'Project Crucible' for a new integrated smelting facility in the U.S. As the scale of business and investments expands, the role of the audit committee in ensuring the reliability of financial reporting and internal controls becomes increasingly critical.The Korea ESG Institute stated, "The appointment of Baek In-kyu is not merely a replacement of existing accounting and finance experts but an addition of practical expertise in external auditing, accounting, and internal controls, which will enhance the audit committee's capabilities. In the long term, this can contribute to improving the reliability of financial reporting and the effectiveness of internal controls, thereby protecting corporate and shareholder value."Previously, global proxy advisory firms such as ISS and Glass Lewis, along with domestic firms like Sustainvest, PIRC, and Lee Gun-Jones Proxy Services, have expressed support for Baek's appointment, citing his expertise in accounting, auditing, and internal controls as key reasons.Meanwhile, Chairman Choi's side has been engaged in a management dispute with the largest shareholders, Youngpoong and MBK Partners, for the past two years. As the extraordinary shareholders' meeting on September 9 approaches, tensions between the two sides are escalating once again.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-28 18:04:00
  • Korea-China Association Declares New Initiatives Ahead of 35th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations
    Korea-China Association Declares New Initiatives Ahead of 35th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations The Korea-China Association, led by President Park Seung-chan, held its '2026 Annual General Meeting' on August 26 at the Korea International Trade Association Trade Center in Seoul. The association announced plans to significantly enhance its role as a private diplomatic and economic cooperation channel in anticipation of the 35th anniversary of Korea-China diplomatic relations next year.During the meeting, chaired by Park Seung-chan, who is also the head of the International Exchange Education Institute at Yongin University, attendees reviewed the major achievements of the past year. To elevate the organization’s scalability and expertise, new leaders from various sectors, including diplomacy, industrial promotion, finance, investment, edutech, and robotics, were appointed as new executives.New vice presidents include former Bulgarian Ambassador Lee Ho-sik, Han Il-hwan, CEO of Han Edutech, Lee Gyu-yeop, CEO of Daesung Asset Management, and Han Sang-beom, head of the Siheung Industrial Promotion Agency. Park Jin-man, CEO of RoboCure, and Kim Yong-gyeong, CEO of The Kael Global, were appointed as deputy directors of the China Management Research Institute. Additionally, Kim Geum-wol was appointed as the chief representative of the Beijing office, and Nam Hae-young was appointed as the chief representative for Hainan Province.Since its inception in 2013, the Korea-China Association has held 138 specialized seminars related to China without interruption, meeting monthly for 13 years. This has established the association as a leading private network in South Korea focused on China, analyzing the rapidly changing political and economic environment in China and supporting domestic companies in formulating their business strategies.Park Seung-chan stated, “The 138 seminars held over 13 years, even during the COVID-19 pandemic, have laid a solid foundation for deep understanding and cooperation between Korea and China. As we approach the significant milestone of the 35th anniversary of Korea-China diplomatic relations in 2027, it is meaningful to welcome top experts from various fields as vice presidents and deputy directors. We will lead the qualitative development of Korea-China relations based on the rich field experience and expertise of the new executives.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-28 18:00:10
  • Lotte Group Donates 1 Billion Won for Flood Recovery in Gyeongsang Region
    Lotte Group Donates 1 Billion Won for Flood Recovery in Gyeongsang Region Lotte Group has initiated efforts to support the rapid recovery and assistance for victims in the Gyeongsang region affected by heavy rainfall.On August 28, Lotte Group announced a donation of 1 billion won to aid areas impacted by the flooding, including Geoje and Tongyeong in South Gyeongsang Province, as well as Andong and Uiseong in North Gyeongsang Province.The donation will be delivered to the National Disaster Relief Association through the Community Chest of Korea. It will be used for recovery efforts in the affected areas and to provide relief supplies for the victims.Lotte Group's subsidiaries also contributed to the support efforts. Lotte Mart delivered over 1,500 emergency relief items, including instant noodles, beverages, and energy bars, to the affected areas through its Geoje store on August 18.The Gyeongsang region has recently experienced record rainfall, leading to significant damage. From August 15 to 18, cumulative rainfall reached 956.1 mm in Geoje and 766.9 mm in Tongyeong.Additionally, Lotte Group had previously donated 1 billion won last year to support victims of wildfires in the Yeongnam region and also contributed 1 billion won for recovery efforts following nationwide heavy rainfall.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-28 18:00:00
  • Comedian Lee Sun-mins Views on Marriage Spark Controversy
    Comedian Lee Sun-min's Views on Marriage Spark Controversy Comedian Lee Sun-min's comments about his ideal wife and views on marriage have sparked controversy in some online communities.On August 28, a women-dominated online community revisited Lee's remarks made during his appearance on the YouTube content 'Yeouido Working Mom Club.'During the show, Lee discussed his ideal woman, referencing his sisters. He stated, "Seeing my sisters who juggle parenting, factory work, and part-time jobs, I thought it would be great to have a woman like that. If parenting is required, I would dedicate myself to it. I actually think it's a good thing."In response, fellow comedian Kwak Beom expressed concern, saying, "A woman who is family-oriented, manages her own work, earns money outside, and handles everything at home..." to which Sam Hammington reacted, "Oh, that's too greedy."Lee then elaborated on his sisters, saying, "My third and second sisters raised two children while also working part-time and in factories to contribute financially..." This prompted Kwak Beom to joke, "Now I understand why you broke up."Later, Lee remarked, "It doesn't matter if she doesn't earn money, but I find it attractive when someone is trying hard to live," to which Song Ha-bin asked, "Is willpower important?" Lee confirmed, saying, "Willpower." Kwak Beom reiterated his earlier point about Lee's sisters, saying, "What shocked me the most was that whether they work or not, my sisters are raising two kids while working in factories..."Lee gestured to the production team, seemingly asking them to edit that part out. He then commented, "I guess that's what happens when you become a mother. There's a saying about the strength of a head of the family," to which Kwak Beom countered, "Not all mothers are like that," and Lee agreed, saying, "That's true. Not all mothers are like that."However, Lee added, "But they must invest all that affection in their children," prompting Song Ha-bin to respond, "Wow, are you imposing maternal love?"Sleepy also chimed in, saying, "If I call my aunt, it would be a disaster. If my mother-in-law comes to take care of the baby, it would be a big deal."The conversation then shifted to ancestral rites and holidays. Lee explained, "Ancestral rites are a Korean tradition..." and noted, "Chuseok has actually been gone for a few years, but we still perform rites during Seollal." He then questioned, "But is that wrong of me?"As the video circulated, criticism of Lee's comments intensified in women's online communities.Netizens reacted, saying, "Typically, when people see their family struggling, they don't wish for their wives to live the same way; they think, 'I don't want my wife to suffer,'" and "It feels strange to look for a family member willing to sacrifice for the family. I wonder if he does the same amount of work." Others commented, "My mother did it, and my sister did it, so I guess that's all he learned."Negative reactions also flooded the YouTube comments section.Users wrote, "Hasn't he ever felt sorry for his hardworking sisters?" and "Just hearing that his sisters raise two kids while working in factories is heartbreaking; I can't understand how he thinks his wife should be like that." Some remarked, "Isn't that asking for someone to sacrifice themselves?" and "It's like he's planning his own wedding funeral."Some pointed out that Lee's comments reflect traditional gender roles that demand women to simultaneously manage work, parenting, and household chores.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-28 18:00:00
  • Heavy Rain Expected Across Most of the Country Tomorrow
    Heavy Rain Expected Across Most of the Country Tomorrow On Saturday, August 29, heavy rain is expected across most regions of the country.In the Seoul metropolitan area, the five western islands, and northern inland and mountainous regions of Gangwon, rainfall is forecasted to be between 20 to 60 mm. Central and southern inland and mountainous areas of Gangwon, as well as the eastern coast of Gangwon, are expected to receive 5 to 40 mm. The Chungcheong region, including Daejeon, Sejong, South Chungcheong, and North Chungcheong, is also predicted to see 20 to 60 mm of rain.In other areas, the expected rainfall includes 30 to 80 mm in North Jeolla, 20 to 60 mm in Gwangju and South Jeolla, 20 to 60 mm in Daegu and North Gyeongsang, 5 to 40 mm in Busan, Ulsan, and South Gyeongsang, and 5 to 40 mm in Jeju.Some regions may experience a lull in rainfall by late afternoon.This nationwide downpour is expected to be accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms, so safety precautions are advised.The morning low temperatures are forecasted to range from 21 to 26 degrees Celsius, while daytime highs are expected to be between 25 and 33 degrees Celsius.Specific low temperatures for major areas include: Seoul 24°C, Incheon 25°C, Suwon 24°C, Chuncheon 22°C, Gangneung 22°C, Cheongju 24°C, Daejeon 24°C, Jeonju 25°C, Gwangju 25°C, Daegu 24°C, Busan 26°C, Ulsan 24°C, and Jeju 27°C.High temperatures are forecasted as follows: Seoul 30°C, Incheon 30°C, Suwon 30°C, Chuncheon 29°C, Gangneung 27°C, Cheongju 30°C, Daejeon 29°C, Jeonju 31°C, Gwangju 32°C, Daegu 31°C, Busan 31°C, Ulsan 31°C, and Jeju 32°C.Wave heights are expected to be 0.5 to 2.0 meters in the East Sea, 0.5 to 1.0 meters in the West Sea, and 0.5 to 1.5 meters in the South Sea.In the offshore waters, wave heights are predicted to be 0.5 to 2.5 meters in the East Sea and 0.5 to 2.0 meters in the West and South Seas.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-28 17:56:10
  • Supreme Court Reviews Presidential Request for New Chief Justice Nominee
    Supreme Court Reviews Presidential Request for New Chief Justice Nominee The Supreme Court has begun reviewing the presidential request for a new nominee for chief justice. A key issue is whether to reconstitute the Supreme Court Nomination Committee to restart the nomination process.According to legal sources on August 28, the Court Administration Office is examining responses to the request from the Blue House to nominate a different candidate instead of Son Bong-ki, a senior judge at the Daegu District Court.The Supreme Court is expected to consider whether it can reactivate the committee formed in January or if it must establish a new committee to start the process from scratch. Article 41-2, Section 8 of the Court Organization Act states that the committee is considered dissolved once it recommends a nominee for chief justice.This raises questions about whether one of the three candidates previously recommended by the committee can be immediately resubmitted. The Supreme Court has not yet made an official statement regarding the acceptance of the request or the specific follow-up procedures.On the same day, the Blue House decided not to submit the confirmation vote for Son Bong-ki, who was nominated to succeed former Chief Justice Noh Tae-ack. The reason cited was that Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae did not complete the procedural integrity by submitting Son's nomination without substantial consultation with the Blue House.However, the nomination for Kim Seong-su, a senior judge at the Seoul High Court, who was also nominated to succeed Justice Lee Heung-gu, will proceed as planned with the submission of the confirmation vote to the National Assembly.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-28 17:52:10