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  • Free Tuition for Local National Universities Begins Next Year Amid Private College Backlash
    Free Tuition for Local National Universities Begins Next Year Amid Private College Backlash Starting next year, new students enrolling in local national universities will not have to pay any tuition, regardless of their income level or financial aid eligibility. This initiative aims to alleviate the growing concentration of students in the capital region and foster local talent. Additionally, a new large-scale project will provide university students with 2.3 million won per month to support their first career internships. However, private universities, which feel excluded from these benefits, have expressed their opposition, arguing that the policy promotes discrimination among students. Full Tuition Waiver for New Students at Local National Universities Starting Next Year On August 28, during the 'Youth Budget Unboxing 2027' event, the Education Ministry announced the '2027 Core Support Projects for Youth,' which includes this initiative. The centerpiece of the plan is the establishment of a 'Regional Balanced Development Scholarship' with a budget of 328 billion won. This scholarship will fully cover tuition for all new students (excluding medical, dental, pharmacy, and veterinary students) at 30 local national universities starting in the 2027 academic year. Any student who completes at least 12 credits in the previous semester with a grade of B or higher will be eligible, regardless of their income level. The Education Ministry plans to gradually expand this support to include second-year students in 2028, third-year students in 2029, and fourth-year students in 2030, starting with an investment of 213 billion won for first-year students next year. To prevent misuse of the full tuition support, known as 'reckless re-enrollment,' the ministry will require the full repayment of any additional support received if a student withdraws or drops out. Scholarships for local private university students will also be expanded. The number of recipients will increase from 4,000 to 10,000, with the budget raised to 115 billion won. Notably, the restriction on high school graduates from specific regions has been lifted, allowing students from the capital region to receive support if they enroll in local private universities. Monthly 2.3 Million Won Internship Support for 60,000 Students A new 'First Career Project' will also be launched, aimed at bridging the gap between youth unemployment and companies' preference for experienced workers, with a budget of 465 billion won. This initiative will provide approximately 60,000 university and college students with opportunities for internships lasting around five months, allowing them to earn academic credits while gaining practical experience. Each participating student will receive a monthly internship stipend of 2.3 million won, split equally between the government and the companies. Additionally, students will receive an extra 100,000 won per month for transportation and accommodation costs, while participating companies will receive 100,000 won per month for mentoring costs, and universities will receive about 900,000 won per student for safety management and monitoring expenses to ensure a quality internship environment. Education Minister Kim Kyung-jin stated, "What young people need amid concerns over tuition and employment is realistic support that can directly change their lives. We will fully support youth initiatives to help them achieve their dreams and confidently enter society, even in their local areas." Private University Presidents Protest, Calling for Fair Scholarship Redesign However, private universities have expressed strong dissatisfaction with the Education Ministry's focus on national universities in its support policies. The Korean Council for University Education (KCUE) issued a statement, acknowledging the intention to reduce the financial burden on local youth but criticizing the differential support based on the type of institution (national vs. private) as unfair. They are calling for a redesign of the policy. Referencing survey results, the KCUE noted that 64.5% of prospective high school seniors agree with providing full national scholarships without distinction between national and private universities. They warned that if benefits are concentrated solely on national universities, private institutions will face direct challenges in student recruitment ahead of the 2027 admissions cycle. They emphasized the need for new higher education funding to be distributed fairly among students and regions, rather than being concentrated on specific universities.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-28 17:28:00
  • Korean Industry Expands into Vietnam with Accelerated Economic Cooperation
    Korean Industry Expands into Vietnam with Accelerated Economic Cooperation Korea and Vietnam are accelerating their economic cooperation, aiming for a trade target of $150 billion (approximately 207 trillion won) by 2030. Government-level discussions on trade, industry, and energy are coinciding with the K-Brand Expo in Ho Chi Minh City, expanding collaboration beyond mere trade to include technology, investment, supply chains, and talent development.On August 26, the 15th Korea-Vietnam Joint Committee on Trade, Industry, and Energy was co-chaired by Kim Jeong-kwan, South Korea's Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, and Le Minh Khai, Vietnam's Minister of Industry and Trade. Both sides agreed that the economic relationship between Korea and Vietnam is positively developing within the framework of a comprehensive strategic partnership, with Korea recognized as a key partner in investment, trade, industry, and technology transfer.The ministers committed to pursuing measures to increase bilateral trade to $150 billion by 2030 in a balanced and sustainable manner. They discussed ways to facilitate easier access for each country's products to the other's market and to help businesses connect with distribution networks. The meeting also addressed how to effectively utilize existing economic cooperation frameworks.Vietnam requested to expand the entry of its competitive products into the Korean market, particularly in agricultural products, seafood, and processed foods. The Vietnamese side proposed enhancing trade promotion, eliminating technical barriers, and strengthening connections between businesses. The Korean side acknowledged these requests and expressed readiness to cooperate for a more balanced development of bilateral trade.In the industrial sector, cooperation directions were proposed to enhance the capabilities of Vietnamese companies. Both sides agreed to expand collaboration in workforce training, support industry development, technological innovation, and strengthening the competitiveness of Vietnamese firms. They also committed to continuously promoting connections between Vietnamese and Korean companies to provide opportunities for Vietnamese firms to participate more deeply in global production and supply chains.Energy cooperation was discussed with a focus on reflecting both stability and transition needs. The two countries exchanged cooperation plans in energy security, clean energy development, gas power, smart grids, and workforce training. They also agreed to continue exploring new areas of cooperation in line with each country's demands, development strategies, and legal regulations.Supply chain cooperation was another key agenda item. Korea and Vietnam confirmed the importance of maintaining stable, diverse, and adaptable supply chains. They agreed to strengthen cooperation in basic industries, new materials, and promising technologies to contribute to the sustainable development of both economies. After the meeting, the two ministers signed the minutes of the 15th meeting, with the 16th meeting scheduled to be held in Vietnam in 2027.On the same day, Minister Le Minh Khai and the Vietnamese delegation held a working meeting at the Vietnamese Embassy in South Korea. The embassy reported on the status of economic relations, business support, trade promotion, and investment attraction between the two countries, and proposed directions for strengthening cooperation between the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Vietnamese representative office in South Korea. Minister Khai praised the embassy's efforts in economic diplomacy and business support, requesting that they actively identify local market policies and demands to ensure that trade, industry, and energy cooperation between the two countries becomes more practical and effective.Private Exchange Events Also UnderwayIn conjunction with government cooperation, private exchange events continued in Vietnam. The previous day, the Ho Chi Minh City K-Brand Expo 2026, a trade promotion event connecting the Korean and Vietnamese markets, opened with participation from South Korea's Ministry of SMEs and Startups, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Science and Technology, and the Jeonbuk Creative Economy Innovation Center.The event featured approximately 200 booths, with participation from institutions and companies from 18 major industrial cities in Korea. Notably, sectors such as artificial intelligence technology, data and smart security, healthcare, energy, smart transportation, and construction and industry accounted for over 40% of the total booths. Organizers noted that this was the highest proportion seen in the five-year history of the event.The nature of the K-Brand Expo is shifting from a focus on product sales to connecting high-value solutions. Tran Trong Tuyen, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Science and Technology, stated at the opening ceremony that this year's event holds special significance as it marks the fifth anniversary of building a platform for trade, investment, and innovation ecosystems between Ho Chi Minh City and Korean partners from 2022 to 2026.The event has established itself as a gateway connecting Korean startups with the Vietnamese market. According to organizers, over 700 Korean startups have participated in the program, resulting in more than 5,000 business consultations and hundreds of memorandums of understanding being signed. The K-Brand Expo has evolved beyond a simple exhibition to become a collaborative platform linking Ho Chi Minh City's innovative startup ecosystem with Korean partners.This year's event focuses on integrating trade, investment, innovation, and talent development into a single space. Organizers believe that when these four elements converge within one ecosystem, the value of the event can extend beyond the three days of meetings to foster ongoing collaborative relationships.In this context, Ryu Seung-ho, the SME officer at the Korean Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City, emphasized that if Korea's technology and execution capabilities combine with Vietnam's development speed and potential, bilateral cooperation can advance beyond mere trade to create new markets and brands together. This event is expected to provide opportunities for innovative brands in K-beauty, K-food, artificial intelligence, and technology to meet key buyers and consumers in Vietnam.Meanwhile, the expo is being held from August 27 to 29 at the White Palace on Huang Phan Tu Street in District 7, Ho Chi Minh City.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-28 17:20:00
  • Petition for Two-Year Delay in Cryptocurrency Taxation Gains Support
    Petition for Two-Year Delay in Cryptocurrency Taxation Gains Support As the implementation of taxation on virtual asset income approaches, investor backlash is growing. Critics argue that while capital gains from domestic stocks remain tax-exempt, imposing taxes solely on virtual assets is inequitable.According to the National Assembly's petition website, a petition requesting a two-year delay in cryptocurrency taxation has received over 17,000 signatures.Investors are raising concerns about the disparity in tax treatment between domestic stocks and virtual assets. With the abolition of the financial investment income tax, general investors, excluding major shareholders, are not subject to capital gains tax on domestic stock transactions. In contrast, starting next year, cryptocurrency investors will face a 22% tax rate on annual capital gains exceeding a basic deduction of 2.5 million won, including local income tax.Many investors find it unreasonable to classify only virtual assets as a separate taxable category. According to the Financial Supervisory Service, as of the end of last year, there were 11.13 million individual cryptocurrency investors in South Korea, with those in their 20s and 30s making up 45.8% of that number. They argue that imposing a separate tax could hinder asset accumulation opportunities for younger investors.The timing of the tax implementation coincides with political events, adding to the controversy. If taxation begins next year, investors will be required to report and pay taxes on cryptocurrency income earned in 2027 by May 2028. Notably, the 22nd National Assembly elections are scheduled for April 2028, meaning the first cryptocurrency tax will take effect shortly after the general elections.Petitioners are highlighting this timeline, suggesting that backlash from younger voters could create political pressure. They warn that the issue of cryptocurrency taxation may evolve from a simple tax matter into a broader policy issue related to asset formation for the youth.Within the cryptocurrency industry, there are calls to consider the coherence of the tax system and its acceptability to investors rather than opposing taxation outright. An industry representative stated, “It is important to establish criteria that investors can accept rather than simply opposing taxation. We should also consider reviewing the establishment of a legal framework for the industry and investor protection through legislation like the Digital Asset Basic Act before refining the tax system.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-28 17:20:00
  • Jangheungs Happiness Sharing Center Becomes a Community Welfare Hub
    Jangheung's Happiness Sharing Center Becomes a Community Welfare Hub In Jangheung County's Gwanseon-eup, the 'Happiness Sharing Center' has evolved into a community welfare space that not only delivers essential items to those in need but also checks on their well-being.The Jangheung County Gwanseon-eup Community Service Council announced that it has been operating the 'Happiness Sharing Center,' a community-driven welfare space, on the first floor of the Gwanseon-eup Administrative Welfare Center since December of last year.The Happiness Sharing Center operates by distributing essential goods and food items donated by the community to residents in need, while also collaborating with private volunteer organizations to monitor the living conditions and well-being of vulnerable groups.In August, the Sunanilgu Hanwoo Agricultural Cooperative participated by donating goods worth 1 million won, including essentials and food items, to the Happiness Sharing Center. Representative Lee Gi-young expressed hope that the donation would help the local community.The distribution of donated items involved the Gwanseon-eup Saemaul Women's Association, village leaders, welfare mobile teams, and support workers.Volunteers collected necessary items from the Happiness Sharing Center and personally visited households to deliver the goods. During these visits, they also checked on residents' health, living conditions, and any inconveniences they might be facing.This approach, which goes beyond simply distributing items at the Administrative Welfare Center, allows local residents and volunteers who are familiar with the community to identify neighbors who may be in need of assistance.Lee Gi-young, representative of the Sunanilgu Hanwoo Agricultural Cooperative, stated, "I hope this donation can provide some help to our neighbors in the community. I wish for the Happiness Sharing Center to become a warm welfare space where residents share kindness with one another."Jang Chan-seok, the head of Gwanseon-eup, expressed gratitude to the Sunanilgu Hanwoo Agricultural Cooperative for their generous donation and to the local volunteers who visited homes to deliver goods and check on residents' well-being.He added, "We will continue to work with the community to build a robust welfare safety net and ensure that no neighbor is left behind."Meanwhile, the Gwanseon-eup Community Service Council continues its public-private partnership activities to identify local welfare resources and connect them with residents in need. The Happiness Sharing Center aims to strengthen its role as a community welfare safety net by encouraging participation from residents and local organizations, ensuring that it goes beyond one-time support to also check on the well-being of vulnerable households.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-28 17:12:00
  • DB Insurance Raises Shareholder Return Goals, Plans 10% Annual Dividend Increase
    DB Insurance Raises Shareholder Return Goals, Plans 10% Annual Dividend Increase DB Insurance aims to increase its consolidated shareholder return rate to 40% and standalone rate to 50% by 2030. The company plans to raise its dividend per share (DPS) by more than 10% annually. This shift marks a transition in its growth and capital management strategy, focusing on securing stable dividend resources rather than merely expanding accounting profits.On August 28, DB Insurance announced its corporate value enhancement plan and held a conference call. The previous target of a 35% standalone return by 2028 has been raised to 50% by 2030, extending the achievement timeline by two years.Nam Seung-hyung, Chief Financial Officer of DB Insurance, stated during the call, "Achieving both 40% consolidated and 50% standalone rates means we will accomplish both, not just one. After 2030, we will also consider whether to increase the consolidated shareholder return rate to 50%." The distinction between consolidated and standalone targets is due to the acquisition of the U.S. specialty insurer Fortegra in May. While Fortegra's profits will be reflected in consolidated results, it will take time for DB Insurance to utilize dividends from its subsidiary as a source for its own dividends.The shareholder return strategy will focus on cash dividends. Over the past five years, DB Insurance has increased its DPS by an average of 21.4%. The company will not include its current repurchased shares in this target. If it has sufficient capital or determines that its stock price is significantly low, it will consider additional returns through share buybacks and cancellations.This plan reflects the assessment that the gap between accounting profits and actual dividend resources has widened since the introduction of new accounting standards. A combined analysis of ten non-life insurance companies showed that last year, accounting profits under IFRS 17 exceeded 9 trillion won, while dividend resources dropped to 700 billion won, creating a gap of 8.7 trillion won.To address this, DB Insurance will introduce a new management indicator called the dividend coverage ratio (DCR), calculated by dividing distributable profits by expected dividends. It will set safety lines at a K-ICS (Korean Insurance Capital Standard) ratio of 180% and a DCR of 200%. If both exceed a K-ICS of 220% and a DCR of 400%, the company will assess its capacity for additional shareholder returns.DB Insurance will also refrain from aggressive expansion. According to the company's simulations, excessive growth could reduce distributable profits to 400 billion won by 2030, while balanced growth that manages loss ratios and business expenses could increase profits to 2.9 trillion won.Nam emphasized, "Shareholder value is not a leftover from management results but the starting point for growth and capital allocation decisions. We will implement this plan for sustainable performance rather than short-term expansion."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-28 17:08:00
  • Ulsan Ulju World Mountain Film Festival to Explore Human Records in the AI Era with Bernadette McDonald
    Ulsan Ulju World Mountain Film Festival to Explore 'Human Records' in the AI Era with Bernadette McDonald In an era where generative artificial intelligence (AI) can produce sentences in seconds, how does an author who has spent years researching and meeting people to document a single life view the value of writing?The 11th Ulsan Ulju World Mountain Film Festival will present a program highlighting 'Human Records' featuring Bernadette McDonald, the Canadian mountain writer and this year's Ulsan Ulju Mountain Culture Award (UMCA) recipient.The festival announced that on September 19 at 10 a.m. in Theater 2 of the Alps Cinema, McDonald will participate in a special talk titled 'The Courage of the First Sentence: A Mountain Writer Discusses the Beginning and Completion of Writing in the AI Era.'This program aims to attract not only audiences familiar with mountain culture but also those interested in writing, travel, and documentation.McDonald is regarded as more than just a writer in the global mountain culture.She previously served as the director of the Banff Mountain Film Festival and was the inaugural vice president of the Banff Centre's mountain culture department. Under her leadership, the Banff Mountain Film Festival expanded its focus from film to include literature, photography, and environmental and cultural issues, evolving into a global mountain culture program that now tours over 45 countries across seven continents.As an author, she has documented the stories of people often overshadowed by climbing successes.In her notable work 'Freedom Climbers' and other publications, she has chronicled the climbing histories of Polish and Slovenian mountaineers. Her recent book, 'Alpine Rising,' highlights local climbers such as Sherpas and Baltis, who have been relatively overlooked in the early history of Himalayan climbing. The Ulsan Ulju World Mountain Film Festival cites this expansion of documentation as a key reason for her selection as this year's UMCA awardee.McDonald has received multiple accolades, including the Boardman Tasker Award for Mountain Literature and the Banff Mountain Book Festival Award. In 2011, she was honored with the highest distinction in mountain literature by the American Alpine Club.During the special talk on the 19th, she will connect her experiences to writing in the AI era.She plans to share insights on the lengthy process of researching materials and interviewing subjects for a book, her approach to starting her sentences, and the significance of human documentation that technology cannot replicate.Additional programs for mountain enthusiasts will follow.On September 20 at 10 a.m. in Theater 2 of the Alps Cinema, McDonald will join world-renowned alpinist Silvo Karo, who is a judge for this year's international competition. They will screen a documentary based on McDonald's book 'Warriors of the Mountain' and engage in a discussion about Slovenian mountain history.An exhibition showcasing McDonald's life and works will be held at the Coa Gallery from September 1 to 22. A book talk centered on her recent work 'Heroes of the Rising Himalayas' is also scheduled for September 20 at 2 p.m.A festival representative stated, "This year's UMCA program is designed to allow not only mountain experts but also modern individuals living in the AI era to experience the power of 'human analog challenges and records.' We hope that through Bernadette McDonald's shared experiences and wisdom, attendees will reflect on overlooked moments in life and take time to document them in a single sentence."The 11th Ulsan Ulju World Mountain Film Festival will take place from September 18 to 22 at the Yeongnam Alps Complex Welcome Center in Ulju County.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-28 17:08:00
  • Is KOSPI party over, or moving to Wall Street?
    Is KOSPI party over, or moving to Wall Street? SEOUL, August 28 (AJP) — South Korea's stock-market party is thinning fast. Average daily trading across the country's two equity platforms has nearly halved from June's 99.39 trillion won ($72.2 billion), cash parked in brokerage accounts has retreated sharply from its peak and the KOSPI's share turnover has sunk to the lowest level this year. Yet the missing activity does not look like a wholesale flight from Korean equities. Foreign investors still own nearly 40 percent of the KOSPI by market value, only modestly below their share near the June peak. Korean investors, meanwhile, were already deeply invested abroad before the latest slowdown and now hold more than $185 billion in U.S. stocks alone. An analyst at a South Korean brokerage said the recent increase in overseas investment does not necessarily indicate a structural shift away from the domestic market. “We have continued to see money move back and forth between Korean and overseas stocks,” he said. “At this point, it looks more like rotation within the market. Retail investors are very sensitive to returns, and recent volatility in the Korean market has also played a role.” The emerging picture, then, is less one of a party abruptly ending than of the KOSPI moving from a speculative frenzy into a plateau around 7,000, while Korean investors spread more of their money between Seoul and Wall Street. The change in market velocity is unmistakable. With investors able to trade Korean stocks on both the Korea Exchange (KRX) and alternative trading platform Nextrade (NXT), combined average daily trading value fell from 99.39 trillion won in June to 66.25 trillion won in July and 50.74 trillion won from Aug. 3 through Thursday. That represents a 48.9 percent decline from red-hot June. The fall cannot be explained by investors simply shifting trades from the KRX to NXT. Average daily turnover on the KRX dropped 46.5 percent to 32.28 trillion won this month from 60.36 trillion won in June, while NXT turnover fell 52.7 percent to 18.46 trillion won from 39.03 trillion won. The contrast becomes even starker against individual days near the height of the rally. The KOSPI closed at 9,052.42 on June 19 after touching an intraday record of 9,385.59. Trading value reached about 67.26 trillion won that day. By Thursday, when the index closed at 6,912.37, KOSPI turnover was just 22.5 trillion won — roughly one-third of the June 19 level. Market participation indicators tell much the same story. The average daily turnover ratio of KOSPI-listed shares fell to 0.54 percent from Aug. 1 through Aug. 26, the lowest this year. The ratio had risen from 0.86 percent in January to 1.74 percent in March before retreating to 1.13 percent in May, 0.81 percent in June and 0.72 percent in July. Retail trading has cooled almost as quickly. Average daily trading value by individual investors on KRX markets fell to 24.05 trillion won through Thursday from 46.77 trillion won in June, a 48.6 percent drop. Cash waiting for the next trade is also disappearing. Investor deposits at brokerage firms, a widely followed gauge of money available to buy stocks, approached 140 trillion won on June 4 as the KOSPI raced through successive milestones. The balance had fallen to 98.92 trillion won as of Aug. 26, nearly 30 percent below the June peak. Comparable data put the balance at about 102.5 trillion won on Aug. 25, after dipping into the 97 trillion won range earlier in August. The shrinking pool of trading cash is important because it suggests the slowdown is broader than investors merely waiting for a better entry point while keeping their money inside securities accounts. Still, Wall Street cannot account for all the missing money. Korean investors' U.S. stock holdings reached $185.6 billion as of Aug. 24, up 8.3 percent from $163.6 billion a month earlier, according to Korea Securities Depository (KSD) data. Net buying has also revived. Korean investors returned to net purchases of U.S. equities worth about $633 million in June after selling in April and May, before purchases surged to $4.64 billion in July. Recent buying has remained aggressive, particularly in technology and semiconductor-related assets. Leveraged semiconductor exchange-traded funds, memory-chip investments and major U.S. technology companies have ranked among the most heavily purchased securities. The analyst also pointed to the exchange rate as another factor supporting overseas investment. “Investors who had been concerned about the exchange rate are feeling less burdened about investing overseas as the won has strengthened,” he said. The currency has appreciated into the 1,370-per-dollar range from above 1,400 earlier this month, reducing the amount of won Korean investors need to acquire the dollars required for U.S. investments. The scale of Korea's overseas portfolio is already far larger than the latest monthly flows suggest. Bank of Korea data show Korean residents held a record $3.08 trillion in external financial assets at the end of June. Securities investments alone amounted to $1.38 trillion, up $142.7 billion during the second quarter as overseas equity markets rallied. The BOK's June balance-of-payments financial account also captured the two-way movement of capital. Net financial assets increased by a record $46.71 billion during the month. Korean residents increased overseas portfolio assets by $3.56 billion overall, with overseas equity investment rising $7.53 billion. Foreign portfolio investment in Korea, by contrast, decreased by $26.32 billion, including a record $31.61 billion decline in foreign investment in Korean stocks. Large foreign selling flows, however, have not translated into anything resembling foreign abandonment of the Korean market. Foreign investors' share of KOSPI market capitalization stood at about 39.49 percent in the latest reading, compared with a peak of 41.58 percent in late June. Foreigners therefore remain enormous owners of Korean stocks even after months of net selling. Earlier in August, their market-cap share was still around 39 percent despite cumulative selling that had exceeded 160 trillion won during the year. The distinction between flow and stock helps explain what is happening. Foreign investors have taken profits and reduced positions, but they have not deserted the KOSPI. Korean retail investors are trading far less at home and buying more U.S. stocks, but the increase in Wall Street purchases is nowhere near large enough to explain the entire collapse in Seoul turnover or brokerage deposits. The investor who appears to be leaving fastest is therefore the marginal trader — the investor who chased momentum, traded frequently or kept large sums immediately available during the extraordinary climb toward 9,000. The underlying pool of capital remains much larger and more patient. The KOSPI itself reflects the transition. Thursday's 6,912.37 close was 23.6 percent below its June 19 close and more than 26 percent below the record intraday high, but it was also about 22 percent above the July 29 close of 5,663.24. Instead of continuing either the June melt-up or July collapse, the index has increasingly gravitated toward the high-6,000 range, repeatedly approaching 7,000 without decisively breaking through it. The next test may therefore be less about whether Korean investors have fallen out of love with stocks than whether the KOSPI can attract enough fresh money to escape its new plateau. A sustained move above 7,000 accompanied by recovering turnover, rising investor deposits and broader foreign buying would suggest the party has merely taken an intermission. Another run at 7,000 on thin volume would tell a different story. The music may still be playing in Seoul, but many of the partygoers are no longer dancing — and a growing number are keeping Wall Street within walking distance. AJP Takeaways • KOSPI trading activity has nearly halved from June, with combined average daily turnover on the KRX and Nextrade falling 48.9 percent as South Korea's stock-market frenzy cools. • Korean investors are increasing U.S. equity exposure, with U.S. stock holdings reaching $185.6 billion in August and July net purchases surging to $4.64 billion. • Foreign investors have sold heavily but have not abandoned South Korea, retaining about 39.5 percent of KOSPI market capitalization compared with roughly 41.6 percent near the June peak. • The KOSPI increasingly looks to be forming a plateau around 7,000, leaving trading volume, brokerage deposits and foreign inflows as key signals for whether Seoul's rally can restart. 2026-08-28 17:04:46
  • High School Students Participate in Mock Trial Program at Gwangju District Court
    High School Students Participate in Mock Trial Program at Gwangju District Court High school students in Gwangju took on the roles of judges, prosecutors, and defense attorneys, experiencing courtroom procedures firsthand while exploring careers in law. The Jeonnam Gwangju Integrated Special City Office of Education announced that on August 28, it held a completion ceremony for the '2026 High School Mock Trial Career Mentoring' program, which involved 31 students from the Gwangju area at the Gwangju District Court. This program was designed to allow students to experience the concepts of law and human rights learned in the classroom through a process similar to an actual trial, enabling them to explore legal careers in detail. After recruiting participants in July, the education office selected teams from four schools—Gwangju Dongseong High School, Gwangju Jinhung High School, Daegwang Girls' High School, and Munjeong Girls' High School—through a review by current judges. The selected students prepared for the mock trial under the guidance of assigned mentor judges. They wrote trial scenarios and refined them, organizing the issues of the case and learning about the trial process and the roles of each participant. The culmination of their preparation was showcased in an actual courtroom. Before the completion ceremony, students performed the mock trial at the Gwangju District Court, taking on roles such as judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and witnesses. The focus was on moving beyond simply reading a script to examining the facts of the case and applying relevant legal principles, allowing students to experience how logical reasoning and legal thinking are conducted in a trial. Current judges also participated as expert advisors. They observed the students' logical structuring, trial progression, and legal reasoning, providing feedback to each team and individual student. After the mock trial, students were awarded certificates of completion for the program. Yang Seung-woo, a student from Gwangju Dongseong High School, said, “By writing the scenario and performing the trial in an actual courtroom, I gained a better understanding of the concerns and judgments that legal professionals face. Collaborating with my friends to complete a trial made me think more concretely about a career in law.” The Jeonnam Gwangju Integrated Special City Office of Education plans to continue its collaboration with the Gwangju District Court to expand career experience programs that allow students to explore various professional fields outside of school. Hyung Ji-young, head of the Career Guidance Division, stated, “I hope students experience the values of law, justice, and human rights through the mock trial career mentoring and explore their aptitudes and career paths in detail. We will actively support experiential career education that allows students to learn on-site and design their career paths in collaboration with professional institutions.” Meanwhile, the mock trial career mentoring program is significant for providing students with opportunities to experience real job environments through collaboration between educational and judicial institutions. The Jeonnam Gwangju Integrated Special City Office of Education plans to continue utilizing various professional institutions and community resources, including the legal field, to broaden opportunities for students to directly experience job environments and clarify their career paths.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-28 17:04:00
  • Labor Minister Calls for Swift Response to Fire at Paint Manufacturing Plant in Cheonan
    Labor Minister Calls for Swift Response to Fire at Paint Manufacturing Plant in Cheonan Labor Minister Kim Young-hoon has dispatched the head of the Industrial Safety and Health Policy Office to the site of a fire at a manufacturing plant in Cheonan, South Chungcheong Province, where three workers died and one was seriously injured. He has ordered a prompt and thorough response to the incident.According to the Ministry of Employment and Labor, the fire broke out at 11:44 a.m. at the Daewon Industrial plant, a manufacturer of fatty acids, for reasons that are still unknown. The incident resulted in the deaths of three workers and left one with serious injuries.Upon receiving the report of the incident, Minister Kim ordered swift action to manage the situation and prevent further damage. In response, the ministry established a Central Industrial Accident Response Headquarters and a Regional Industrial Accident Response Headquarters at both the headquarters and the Cheonan branch.The head of the Industrial Safety and Health Policy Office and the Director of the Daejeon Regional Employment and Labor Office were also sent to the scene. They will coordinate with relevant agencies to share information about the incident and assist in the response and investigation.Immediately after the incident, the Cheonan branch director and labor inspectors arrived on-site to halt operations at the facility. They are working to mitigate the risk of further accidents while verifying compliance with safety measures and the working conditions at the time of the incident.The ministry is committed to thoroughly investigating not only the direct cause of the accident but also any underlying structural issues that may have contributed. The Cheonan branch has formed a dedicated investigation team of 15 members to examine the circumstances of the accident and any potential violations of industrial safety and health laws.Minister Kim expressed condolences to the families of the deceased workers, stating, "We will do everything possible for a swift and thorough response to the incident and to prevent secondary accidents."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-28 17:00:00
  • Mokpo City Councils Yehyang Mokpo Research Group Begins Cultural Arts Activities
    Mokpo City Council's 'Yehyang Mokpo Research Group' Begins Cultural Arts Activities The Yehyang Mokpo Research Group of the Mokpo City Council has commenced its research activities by visiting local cultural arts sites to assess facility operations and identify areas for improvement. On August 28, the group conducted its first field activity at the Nohjeokbong Art Park Museum, where they viewed exhibitions and gathered feedback from museum officials. Formed after a launch ceremony on August 13, the research group aims to re-evaluate Mokpo's cultural arts assets and explore sustainable development strategies for local cultural arts. The Nohjeokbong Art Park Museum, which is directly operated and managed by the city, was chosen as the first site for their visit. Members of the research group viewed the 2026 Youth Artist Invitational Exhibition titled 'Gestures of Loving Life' in the museum's first-floor exhibition hall. Through the works of young artists, they examined the contemporary perspectives and diverse expressions of young creators, discussing the importance of fostering a cultural arts environment that expands opportunities for local youth artists. The group then visited the second floor to view works by the late artist Kim Am-ki. They reflected on the historical depictions of Mokpo's past, including the old Mokpo ferry terminal and Yudal Mountain, and discussed strategies for preserving and utilizing local artistic assets. In addition to viewing the exhibitions, the group also addressed current issues in museum operations. They received explanations from museum officials regarding problems related to facility aging and the need for repairs, exploring ways to enhance convenience for cultural facility users. All seven members of the research group, including Chairperson Park Soo-kyung, participated in the day's activities. Chairperson Park stated, "It is significant that all members attended the first field activity together," adding, "The Nohjeokbong Art Park Museum has been a cultural space in Mokpo that attracts both locals and tourists since its opening in 2009." Park specifically highlighted the need for facility improvements to enhance accessibility for disabled visitors and the installation of sunshades at the outdoor performance area. She emphasized, "We will continue to visit local cultural arts sites, listen to stakeholders' opinions, and discuss development directions with our members." Meanwhile, the Yehyang Mokpo Research Group was established as a council research group to re-evaluate the value of Mokpo's cultural arts resources and seek policy directions that can connect these resources to the region's cultural and tourism competitiveness. The group plans to visit various cultural arts facilities in the area to assess operational conditions and improvement tasks, aiming to develop policy alternatives to promote cultural arts in Mokpo based on feedback from these visits.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-28 16:56:00