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  • Chip stocks drag KOSPI down despite Wall Street, Tokyo gains
    Chip stocks drag KOSPI down despite Wall Street, Tokyo gains SEOUL, August 28 (AJP) - Memory chip heavyweights dragged South Korea's main stock index down 1.8 percent on Friday, despite gains on Wall Street overnight and in Tokyo. Seoul's benchmark KOSPI fell 123.49 points or 1.8 percent to close at 6,788.88. The losses were concentrated among large-cap stocks. The KOSPI 200 fell 2.1 percent, while the tech-heavy KOSDAQ edged up 0.1 percent to close at 838.41. SK hynix took the heavier hit. The chipmaker fell 4.5 percent to 1,653,000 won (US$1,204). Samsung Electronics lost 3.4 percent to 257,000 won ($187). The split between the two ran the wrong way for the index, with the more expensive and more heavily owned of the pair falling faster. Tokyo told the same story in miniature. Kioxia, the Japanese flash-memory maker, dropped 8.8 percent. Advantest, which makes chip-testing equipment, gained 1.9 percent. Traders read that gap as selling aimed at memory pricing rather than at artificial intelligence spending broadly, a distinction that spares equipment makers and hits Korea directly. Foreign investors sold a net 1.76 trillion won ($1.28 billion) on the main board, with institutions selling a further 284.4 billion won ($207.2 million). Individuals bought 424.5 billion won ($309.3 million). Samsung Biologics fell 6.8 percent to 1,486,000 won ($1,083). Outside the index leaders the market held up. KB Financial Group added 2.1 percent to 171,600 won ($125). Gains also ran through autos, power equipment and electronic components. In Tokyo, the Nikkei 225 closed at 66,405.56, up 0.4 percent. The composite index in Shanghai was modestly higher. The won firmed to 1,372.50 per dollar, stronger by 9.50 from the previous sesson. The breadth is the bulls' argument and it is a thin one. A market where financials, autos and components all rise and the index still loses nearly 2 percent has not diversified away from memory. It has simply narrowed the bet. 2026-08-28 16:13:19
  • KOSPI Falls 1.79% Amid Foreign Selling and U.S. Tariff Concerns
    KOSPI Falls 1.79% Amid Foreign Selling and U.S. Tariff Concerns The KOSPI closed down 1.79% as foreign and institutional investors sold off shares. Despite a rally in U.S. tech stocks, led by Nvidia's strong performance, domestic semiconductor stocks weakened, putting downward pressure on the index. The KOSDAQ showed mixed trading but ended slightly higher.On August 28, the Korea Exchange reported that the KOSPI fell by 123.49 points to close at 6788.88. The index opened down 65.83 points at 6846.54 and widened its losses throughout the day.Individuals purchased a net 424.4 billion won worth of stocks, while foreign and institutional investors sold a net 1.7564 trillion won and 284.2 billion won, respectively.Most of the top market capitalization stocks declined, including Samsung Electronics (-3.38%), SK Hynix (-4.45%), Samsung Electronics Preferred (-3.86%), SK Square (-3.75%), and Samsung Biologics (-6.78%). In contrast, Samsung Electro-Mechanics (2.60%), Hyundai Motor (0.38%), Samsung Life Insurance (0.98%), and KB Financial (2.08%) saw gains.Market analysts noted that while U.S. tech stocks were strong, expectations for domestic stocks had already been priced in, and the upcoming Jackson Hole meeting added to market caution.Concerns about additional tariffs on imported semiconductors and IT products, including servers and laptops, from the U.S. have dampened investor sentiment, particularly regarding semiconductor stocks.Samsung Biologics continued to decline following its announcement of a 3.9 trillion won rights offering to finance the acquisition of Polypeptide Group.On the same day, the KOSDAQ closed up 0.09%, gaining 0.76 points to finish at 838.41. The index opened down 2.42 points at 835.23 but reversed course during the trading session.Individuals bought a net 98.1 billion won worth of stocks, while foreign and institutional investors sold a net 93.8 billion won and 3.4 billion won, respectively.The top KOSDAQ stocks showed mixed results. Alteogen (2.73%), EcoPro BM (0.17%), Rino Industry (0.15%), HLB (1.55%), and Pharma Research (6.71%) rose, while EcoPro (-1.96%), Rainbow Robotics (-3.18%), Juseong Engineering (-1.28%), Wonik IPS (-1.42%), and IOTechniques (-1.97%) fell.Lim Jeong-eun, a researcher at KB Securities, stated, "The weakness of Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix has put downward pressure on the KOSPI, but a rotation into non-semiconductor sectors like food and beverage, banking, and refining has resulted in a rise in the proportion of gainers to over 68%." He added, "The KOSDAQ's pharmaceutical and biotech sectors remained strong, while the electronics sector lagged behind."Lim also noted that with Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's keynote speech at Jackson Hole scheduled for tonight, it is essential to monitor any messages regarding future monetary policy. Additionally, U.S. employment data and earnings reports from AI-related companies like Broadcom are expected next week.Meanwhile, in the Seoul foreign exchange market, the weekly closing exchange rate for the won against the dollar was recorded at 1372.5 won, down 8.4 won from the previous day.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-28 16:04:00
  • Construction of 3GW LNG Power Plant Planned for Yongin Semiconductor Complex
    Construction of 3GW LNG Power Plant Planned for Yongin Semiconductor Complex 용인 반도체 국가산업단지에 총 3GW 규모의 액화천연가스(LNG) 발전소 건설이 추진된다. 인근 안성 주민들이 발전소 건설·운영에 따른 환경영향을 우려하는 가운데 정부가 SK하이닉스 반도체 산단의 공정 처리수 방류 예정지까지 점검하고 지역 상생 방안을 모색한다.기후에너지환경부는 김성환 장관이 28일 경기 안성시 양성면과 고삼호수를 방문해 용인 반도체 산업단지의 전력공급 시설 및 공정 처리수 방류 계획을 점검하고 주민간담회를 개최한다고 밝혔다.용인 반도체 국가산단에는 한국동서발전과 한국남부발전, 한국서부발전이 각각 1GW 규모의 LNG 발전소를 건설해 총 3GW의 전력을 공급할 계획이다. 현재 발전소 건설을 위한 환경영향평가를 준비하고 있다.김 장관은 LNG 발전소 예정지와 인접한 안성시 양성면을 찾아 주민 의견을 듣는다. 지역 주민들은 발전소 건설·운영에 따른 환경영향을 우려하며 피해를 최소화할 대책을 요구하고 있다.김 장관은 SK하이닉스 용인 반도체 산단의 공정 처리수가 유입될 예정인 고삼호수도 점검한다. SK하이닉스는 2027년 상반기 첫 번째 팹 가동을 목표로 산단 조성사업을 진행하고 있다.산단에서 발생한 폐수는 처리 과정을 거쳐 산업단지 내에서 재이용하거나 생태하천과 인공습지를 거쳐 방류할 예정이다. 방류 지점은 고삼저수지 유입부에서 상류로 10.5㎞ 떨어진 한천이다.김 장관은 현장 점검을 마친 뒤 안성 지역 주민과 농·어업인 등을 만나 발전소 건설과 처리수 방류에 대한 우려와 요구사항을 청취한다. 정부는 주민에게 관련 정보를 충분히 제공하고 객관적인 자료를 바탕으로 사업의 환경영향을 설명하는 등 소통을 강화할 방침이다.김 장관은 "반도체 산업은 국가 핵심 전략산업으로 정부가 적극적으로 지원하되 그 과정에서 발생하는 환경적 부담과 지역의 목소리도 면밀히 살피겠다"며 "국가첨단산업의 발전과 지역 주민의 삶이 함께 나아갈 수 있도록 합리적인 상생 방안을 찾겠다"고 밝혔다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-28 16:04:00
  • Mayor Kim Sung-je of Uiwang Promotes Phone-Free School Initiative for Healthy Education
    Mayor Kim Sung-je of Uiwang Promotes 'Phone-Free School' Initiative for Healthy Education Kim Sung-je, the mayor of Uiwang, expressed on August 27 his commitment to creating a healthy educational environment for children through participation in the 'Phone-Free School' initiative.During the '2026 Gunpo-Uiwang Phone-Free School Education Community Declaration Ceremony' held at the Gunpo City Hall, Mayor Kim stated, "Schools, families, and the community must work together to cultivate proper smartphone usage habits among students." The 'Phone-Free School' initiative aims to provide students with time away from smartphones, allowing them to engage in various educational activities such as reading, arts, and sports. It is a community-driven movement that seeks to foster healthy smartphone habits and a supportive educational environment.Mayor Kim emphasized the importance of creating an educational environment that encourages students to fill their time away from smartphones with healthy and productive activities like reading and the arts, rather than merely restricting smartphone use.He noted, "The issue of smartphone usage among students cannot be resolved by schools alone; the role of the education community, which includes schools, families, local communities, and municipal governments, is crucial." The declaration ceremony was organized by the Gunpo-Uiwang Education Support Office and attended by approximately 370 participants, including Ahn Min-seok, the Gyeonggi Province Superintendent of Education, Mayor Kim Sung-je, Gunpo Mayor Han Dae-hee, students, parents, and community members.Attendees committed to supporting students' healthy growth and the formation of proper lifestyle habits through various activities beyond just reducing smartphone use.Mayor Kim remarked, "As smartphones have become essential tools in our lives, schools, families, and communities must work harder to help children develop proper smartphone usage habits." He added, "The city will closely collaborate with the education support office and schools to create an educational environment where children can grow healthier and happier." Looking ahead, Mayor Kim plans to establish a close cooperation system with the education support office, schools, parents, and the community to foster an educational environment that enables students to grow healthier and happier.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-28 15:56:10
  • President Lee Calls Youth the True Vulnerable Generation, Emphasizes Governments Role in Creating Opportunities
    President Lee Calls Youth the True Vulnerable Generation, Emphasizes Government's Role in Creating Opportunities 이재명 대통령은 28일 청년 세대를 “기회가 가장 좁고 힘들고 괴로우면서도 잘 이해받지 못하는 진정한 의미의 취약세대”라고 말했다. 이 대통령은 이날 청와대에서 열린 ‘청년 예산 언박싱 2027’ 행사에서 “청년들에게 더 노력하라고 말하기에 앞서 노력한 만큼의 기회를 얻을 수 있는 사회를 만들어야 한다”며 이같이 밝혔다. 이번 행사는 정부가 2027년도 예산안 발표에 앞서 청년 예산의 전체적인 투자 방향과 주요 사업을 청년들에게 직접 설명하고 현장 의견을 듣기 위해 마련됐다. 정부가 예산안 발표 전에 주요 예산과 사업을 국민에게 설명하는 것은 역대 처음이다. 행사 방식도 기존의 장관 중심 업무보고에서 벗어났다. 각 사업의 설계 과정에 직접 참여한 부처 실무자들이 청년의 관점에서 정책 내용을 설명하고, 청년과 전문가들이 의견을 제시하면 장관과 실무자들이 답하는 방식으로 진행됐다. 이 대통령은 저성장과 사회구조의 고착화로 청년들이 실패를 감수하기 어려운 상황에 놓였다고 진단했다. 이 대통령은 “‘젊어서 고생은 사서도 한다’, ‘실패는 성공의 어머니’라는 말이 과거에는 상당한 설득력이 있었지만 요즘 실패는 성공의 어머니가 아니라 나락의 지름길로 생각될 수 있다”고 지적했다. 이어 “한 번 넘어지면 다시는 못 일어나거나 빚쟁이가 돼 평생 살아야 할지도 모른다는 불안감이 있다”며 “기회가 적어진 저성장 사회와 역동적인 사회가 안정적인 사회로 바뀐 것이 큰 원인일 것”이라고 설명했다. 기회의 축소로 청년층의 경쟁이 도전을 넘어 생존의 문제로 변했다는 점도 짚었다. 이 대통령은 “기회가 적어 경쟁이 너무 격렬하고 경쟁 자체가 고통이 됐다”며 “친구는 경쟁의 대상이 아니라 전쟁의 대상이 되고, 친구부터 밟고 넘어가야 내가 산다는 세상을 살게 됐다”고 말했다. 그러면서 “과거에는 청년이 가장 역동적이고 희망과 활력이 넘치는 계층이었지만 지금은 기회가 가장 좁고 힘들고 괴로우면서도 잘 이해받지 못하는 취약세대가 됐다”고 평가했다. 이 대통령은 청년 문제를 해결하기 위해서는 경제성장을 통해 기회 자체를 확대해야 한다고 강조했다. 이 대통령은 “경제적 기회가 가장 중요하다”며 “현 단계에서 정부가 해야 할 가장 중요한 일은 파이를 키우는 일이고, 그래서 성장에 주력하고 있다”고 밝혔다. 이어 “경제의 하향 그래프를 상향 그래프로 전환하는 데 국가 역량을 총집중하고 있다”며 “최근 성장률이 조금씩 올라가고 있는데 이를 지속시키는 것이 정부가 해야 할 일”이라고 말했다. 경제의 파이를 키워 기회를 늘린 뒤 이를 합리적이고 공정하게 배분하는 방안을 고민해야 한다는 설명이다. 정부 정책이 청년의 실제 필요보다 공급자인 정부의 편의에 맞춰 설계되지 않았는지도 점검하라고 주문했다. 이 대통령은 “정책 하나를 만들더라도 내 아들딸의 일이라고 생각하고 수백 번 고민해야 한다”며 “좋은 정책을 만드는 것도 중요하지만 청년들이 쉽게 이해하고 필요할 때 찾아서 쓰면서 정책이 삶에 도움이 된다고 체감할 수 있게 해야 한다”고 말했다. 이어 “정부와 부처도 청년들이 가장 필요로 하는 세계 최고의 정책을 만들어야 한다”며 “청년들이 먼저 찾고 기꺼이 선택할 수 있는 ‘베스트셀링 정책’을 만들어 달라”고 당부했다. 특히 이 대통령은 청년 정책 수립 과정에서 젊은 공직자와 정책 수요자의 참여를 강조했다. 이 대통령은 “저나 총리 같은 사람들이 하면 의욕은 있지만 코드가 잘 맞지 않는다”며 “청년들의 목소리가 국가 정책의 변화로 이어질 수 있도록 젊은 공직자들이 현장의 목소리를 더 많이, 더 가까이서 들어야 한다”고 말했다. 행사에서는 기획예산처가 2027년도 청년 예산의 전체 규모와 투자 방향, 청년의 성장 단계에 따른 지원 사업을 종합적으로 설명했다. 이어 금융·주거와 교육·일자리·문화·복지 분야로 나눠 관계부처가 주요 사업을 소개하고 청년 참석자들의 의견을 들었다. 이날 행사에는 한성숙 국무총리와 구윤철 경제부총리 겸 재정경제부 장관을 비롯한 9개 관계기관의 장·차관, 부처별 청년보좌역과 청년자문단, 일자리·주거·복지 분야 전문가 등 60여명이 참석했다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-28 15:56:00
  • Population Decline in Cheongdo: Can 300,000 Residents Lead to Settlement?
    Population Decline in Cheongdo: Can 300,000 Residents Lead to Settlement? The registered population of Cheongdo County in Gyeongbuk has fallen below 40,000.As of the end of July, the registered population stood at 39,989, a decrease of 32 from the previous month’s 40,021. Compared to a year ago, when the population was 40,287, this marks a decline of 298, and it is down 1,520 from 41,509 in July 2023.More notable than the population size is its structure. The population aged 65 and older has reached 19,070, accounting for 47.7% of the total.In contrast, the number of external visitors and residents in Cheongdo far exceeds the registered population. In March 2024, the temporary population was 328,000, which is 7.8 times the registered population at that time. This figure ranks seventh among 89 areas experiencing population decline nationwide and is the highest in Gyeongbuk.The simultaneous decrease in the resident population and the large number of temporary residents is a defining characteristic of Cheongdo's population issues. Natural Decline Outpaces Population InfluxThe decline in Cheongdo's population is significantly influenced by the gap between births and deaths.In July, when Cheongdo County prioritized maintaining a population of 40,000, there were only 50 births and 347 deaths this year, resulting in a natural decrease of 297.During the same period, 1,559 people moved into the area while 1,373 left, leading to a net increase of 186 in the social population.Although more people moved into Cheongdo than left, this influx could not offset the much higher number of deaths compared to births.This trend has not emerged recently. In 2021, there were only 93 births compared to 650 deaths in Cheongdo County.The simultaneous aging population and decline in the youth demographic could place additional burdens on maintaining local infrastructure such as schools, businesses, healthcare, transportation, and caregiving services.This context has prompted Cheongdo County to expand its population policies beyond simple relocation support to include improvements in caregiving, housing, and job opportunities. While Residents Decrease, Temporary Population Remains Around 300,000Unlike the resident population, the indicators for the temporary population reveal different possibilities for Cheongdo.In the first quarter of 2024, the average monthly temporary population in Cheongdo was about 300,000, peaking at 328,000 in March.The county's proximity to cities like Daegu and Gyeongsan, as well as relatively good access from Busan and Ulsan, along with its tourism, leisure, cultural, and agricultural resources, have contributed to this influx of external residents.A Cheongdo County official stated, "Visitors do not only concentrate during specific events like festivals; there is a steady flow of people coming to Cheongdo throughout the year," adding that they view the temporary population as a crucial foundation for regional vitality.Experts emphasize that policies regarding the temporary population should focus on analyzing the characteristics of stays rather than merely increasing visitor numbers.A study conducted by the Korea Local Administration Institute in 2025 on the characteristics of the temporary population in areas experiencing population decline suggested that since the characteristics of the temporary population vary across regions, strategies should be developed based on stay size, duration, origin, and consumption activities.Furthermore, research on responses to population decline using temporary population data highlights the need to analyze both registered and temporary populations' characteristics and consumption activities to devise tailored regional policies.For regions like Cheongdo, where the temporary population is already substantial, it is essential to consider not only how to attract more external residents but also how frequently they visit, how long they stay, and their spending in the area. 37 Initiatives to Transform Temporary Population into Regional VitalityOn the 25th, Cheongdo County reviewed a basic plan to address population decline, which includes three strategies, nine practical tasks, 37 initiatives, and 52 detailed projects.The detailed projects outlined in the plan focus on improving caregiving and living environments, supporting settlement through rural community initiatives, fostering youth entrepreneurship, and promoting smart farming and rural convergence industries.The direction aims to simultaneously expand the temporary population and improve living conditions.The Korea Local Administration Institute's research on revitalizing the temporary population in areas facing population decline also suggests that the concept of relational population should be introduced, evolving from mere stays to establishing ongoing relationships with the region.Given that Cheongdo already has a foundation of a temporary population around 300,000, it is crucial to examine not only the size of the temporary population but also the frequency of return visits, local spending, youth entrepreneurship, and the influx of new residents.As the decline in registered residents continues, how effectively Cheongdo County can leverage its strength in the temporary population to stimulate the local economy and establish a long-term settlement foundation will be a key challenge in addressing population decline moving forward. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-28 15:56:00
  • Ruling Party Urges Chief Justice to Expedite Supreme Court Nomination Process
    Ruling Party Urges Chief Justice to Expedite Supreme Court Nomination Process The Democratic Party has pressured Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae to promptly initiate the re-nomination process after the Blue House officially requested a re-nomination regarding the Supreme Court justice candidate.During a press conference on the afternoon of August 28 at the National Assembly, Park Sung-jun, the party's spokesperson, stated, "Today, the Blue House revealed that it has requested a re-nomination for the candidate Son Bong-ki, nominated by Chief Justice Cho. Chief Justice Cho has delayed the re-nomination for seven months without any reason, discarding the value of mutual respect among constitutional institutions with a unilateral written notification."He further pointed out during a parliamentary inquiry that there had been attempts by the court administration to contact already nominated candidates to invalidate the recommendations of the nomination committee, stating, "This not only undermines the fairness and trust of the personnel process but also constitutes a violation of the Court Organization Act."Park urged Chief Justice Cho to proceed with the re-nomination process without delay, emphasizing that this is the first Supreme Court nomination under a government of popular sovereignty.He added, "We must quickly nominate individuals who align with the public's demands for diversity in the Supreme Court, protection of the socially vulnerable, and the guarantee of the right to seek judicial relief, and exercise the nomination authority correctly in accordance with the principles of popular sovereignty and due process."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-28 15:52:10
  • Toyota to Produce Next-Generation EVs in China, Breaking Tradition
    Toyota to Produce Next-Generation EVs in China, Breaking Tradition Japan's Toyota Motor Corporation has chosen China as the first production site for its next-generation electric vehicles (EVs), marking a departure from its traditional practice of developing and manufacturing new cars in Japan before launching them globally. This shift comes as China, which accounts for 60% of global EV sales, has emerged as a key player in electric vehicle technology and new car development.According to the Nihon Keizai Shimbun (Nikkei) on August 28, Toyota plans to start production of its next-generation electric SUV under the luxury Lexus brand at a new plant in Shanghai in the fall of 2027. In the first year, the plant is expected to produce around 1,000 units per month, with plans to ramp up to tens of thousands annually after 2028.The new model will be the first Toyota vehicle to incorporate 'gigacast' components, a technology that allows multiple body parts to be cast in aluminum in a single process. This innovation is expected to reduce the weight of certain body parts by up to 20% and increase the driving range by several percentage points on a single charge. Additionally, the rigidity of the body will improve, and the reduction in assembly processes will enhance production speed.It is unusual for Toyota to mass-produce a new car with advanced technology overseas from the outset. Historically, the company has developed and manufactured hybrid vehicles like the Prius and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles like the Mirai in Japan before expanding sales in Japan and the United States to penetrate global markets.This change in strategy is driven by the shift of the EV competition center to China. According to the market research firm GlobalData, China's EV sales reached 8.57 million units last year, accounting for 60% of global sales, which is nearly three times that of Europe and over 100 times that of Japan. China's EV sales are projected to rise to 11.41 million units by 2030. While the EV markets in Japan, Europe, and the United States face headwinds, Nikkei forecasts that the global market will expand in the medium to long term, indicating that China has become a pivotal region in determining the future of the global automotive market.Vehicle designs are also being tailored to meet Chinese consumer demand. Initially, Toyota was developing a low-slung, streamlined coupe-style next-generation EV in Japan but halted that project this spring due to strong demand for SUV-style EVs in China. BYD, China's largest electric vehicle manufacturer, also launched a new large SUV in June, intensifying competition in the SUV market.Toyota is implementing a 'multi-pathway' strategy that adapts vehicle types to regional demands. In Japan and the United States, the focus remains on hybrid and gasoline vehicles, while in China, the emphasis is on electric vehicles. The company has already introduced budget-friendly SUVs and models equipped with Huawei's vehicle display technology in the Chinese market. The addition of the next-generation Lexus EV aims to broaden its product range from budget to premium offerings.Furthermore, the vehicle development approach is evolving to match the speed of Chinese manufacturers. While traditional automakers typically take four to five years to develop a new model, emerging Chinese EV companies are launching new vehicles in about two years. Nissan has decided to cut its new car development period to 26 months, half of the usual time, while Volkswagen plans to collaborate with Chinese EV firms to launch up to 50 new energy vehicles, including EVs, by 2030. Nikkei points out that the rapid adoption of advanced technology and the acceleration of development speed characteristic of the Chinese model are becoming essential. Toyota's decision to produce its next-generation EVs in China first appears to stem from this assessment.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-28 15:52:00
  • Climate Crisis Hits the Himalayas: A Global Concern
    Climate Crisis Hits the Himalayas: A Global Concern The Himalayan foothills have been devastated. On August 26, a glacier collapse in the border area between Nepal and Tibet triggered landslides and floods, claiming hundreds of lives and leaving over 1,400 people missing. The collapse of a massive glacier in the Himalayas caused landslides, and the resulting debris led to rivers overflowing, quickly inundating villages.As global warming weakens the permafrost that has held rocks and glaciers together for thousands of years, a new type of disaster is emerging where entire glaciers collapse. The term 'permanent' has become misleading. The recent repeated occurrences of similar glacier collapses in this border area indicate that climate change has shifted from a variable to a constant factor.This incident has also revealed the limitations of early warning systems. Nepal has operated a sensor network to monitor glacial lake water levels, but it was ineffective against the rapid onset of debris flow disasters caused by the combination of landslides and glacier collapses. The system designed to predict and prepare for risks failed to keep pace with the emergence of new disaster types. Nepal has paid a heavy price to confirm that even sophisticated systems can be rendered useless in the face of unforeseen disasters.This climate crisis is not limited to the Himalayas; it also affects countries like South Korea. According to a 2021 analysis by Greenpeace, if greenhouse gas emissions continue at the current rate, more than 5% of the Korean Peninsula could be submerged by 2030, affecting 3.32 million people. Areas with high population density along the western coast, such as Gyeonggi Province and Incheon, are expected to suffer significant damage, with the possibility of Incheon International Airport being completely submerged. Low-lying areas along the western coast, such as Dangjin in South Chungcheong Province and Gunsan and Gimje in North Jeolla Province, are particularly vulnerable to storm surges due to their elevation.Economic losses in just seven Asian cities are projected to reach $724 billion by 2030, with damages in Seoul estimated in the trillions of won. Recent years have seen repeated localized heavy rainfall, basement flooding, urban river overflow, and heatwaves, demonstrating that this climate crisis is not a distant scenario but a current reality. Just two weeks ago, the Gyeongnam region experienced 'once-in-200-years' rainfall. The climate crisis is no longer just a problem for Pacific island nations or remote Himalayan villages; it has infiltrated the streets of Seoul and Incheon.Therefore, the natural disaster that occurred in Nepal and Tibet should not be dismissed as a distant issue. Natural disasters resulting from weather anomalies do not selectively target only the risks we have chosen to monitor. This calls for a detailed investigation of landslide-prone areas, the expansion of real-time measurement networks, and a reassessment of design standards for national infrastructure such as airports, ports, and power plants to respond to rising sea levels. Additionally, an alert system that encompasses complex disaster scenarios beyond existing manuals is necessary.In the era of climate change, disasters are likely to manifest in ways that exceed past experiences and are not accounted for in existing manuals. What is needed is not just better preparation for past disasters but the ability to imagine disasters that have never occurred before. The collapse of the Himalayan foothills is a matter for Nepal, but it is we who must dismantle the assumption of 'it won't happen to us.' 2026-08-28 15:52:00
  • LG Donates 1 Billion Won for Flood Recovery in Southern Regions
    LG Donates 1 Billion Won for Flood Recovery in Southern Regions LG has announced a donation of 1 billion won to support recovery efforts in Busan, Gyeongnam, Jeonnam, and Gwangju, which have been affected by recent heavy rains. LG Electronics and LG Uplus will also assist with appliance repairs and communication support. The company will combine its financial contribution with on-the-ground support utilizing the capabilities of its subsidiaries.On August 28, LG stated that it would donate 1 billion won to the National Disaster Relief Association. The funds will be used for recovery efforts in flood-affected areas and to support disaster victims.LG will also provide emergency relief kits containing blankets, clothing, and daily necessities to those staying in temporary shelters through the Korean Red Cross. Since 2022, LG has collaborated with the Red Cross to produce 2,000 emergency relief kits annually for support during natural disasters.Subsidiaries are also stepping up to provide on-site assistance. LG Electronics is operating a 'visiting service' to directly support households affected by the flooding. Response vehicles will be deployed to clean and repair flooded appliances and replace parts.LG Uplus is offering Wi-Fi services at temporary shelters and providing battery charging support for disaster victims' mobile phones.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-28 15:44:10