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  • Nepal Police Warns of Flooding from Tibetan Lake, Rescue Operations Halted
    Nepal Police Warns of Flooding from Tibetan Lake, Rescue Operations Halted Authorities are increasingly concerned about a second flood after a glacial collapse and landslide on the border between Tibet and Nepal on August 26 created a lake that has begun to overflow. Both countries have suspended rescue operations and instructed rescue teams and residents to evacuate to higher ground.Nepal Police reported on social media on August 28 that a dam holding back water from the Tibetan side had collapsed, warning security personnel, rescue workers, and residents to move to safety immediately.The Nepalese military announced a 90-minute halt to helicopter rescue operations in the flood-affected Rasuwagadhi area. Reuters reported that residents were seen urgently evacuating to higher ground to escape rising water levels.Narendra Pariyar, the chief administrative officer of the Rasuwagadhi area, confirmed that the lake has overflowed its banks, stating, "We can see the water level rising." The risk of additional flooding has increased as the lake formed by debris from the glacial collapse in Tibet has begun to overflow.Earlier, China Central Television (CCTV) reported that the risk of a natural dam collapse, along with landslides and avalanches, has prompted the withdrawal of Chinese rescue personnel and vehicles from the area.The lake's current volume has surpassed 2.5 million cubic meters, significantly higher than the previous estimate of 1.5 to 2 million cubic meters made by a Chinese technical team the day before. This team, consisting of eight members, conducted aerial surveys and 3D modeling to assess the lake and the natural dam's condition, finding the lake to be approximately 150 meters long and 40 to 50 meters deep.Chen Hanxiao, a member of the technical team, told CCTV, "After the glacial collapse formed the lake, many isolated cliffs and steep slopes appeared along the lakeshore, making access to the site difficult."Additional rainfall is also exacerbating the situation. Recent rains near the Jirong border checkpoint have destabilized soil and rock in upstream areas, with forecasts indicating that rain will continue for the next week.Over the next three days, approximately 3 million cubic meters of water is expected to flow into the lake, enough to fill about 1,200 Olympic-sized swimming pools, with the inflow projected to peak around September 1.On August 26, a massive landslide and flooding occurred along the Nepal-China border. As of the morning of August 28, the death toll in Nepal had reached 469, with 977 people reported missing. In Tibet, three deaths and 558 missing persons have been confirmed, bringing the total fatalities to 472 and the missing to over 1,500. Nepalese authorities have rescued 1,545 individuals so far, but rescue efforts are hampered by the loss of several bridges and approximately 40 kilometers of road. 2026-08-28 15:44:00
  • Samsung Donates 3 Billion Won for Flood Recovery in Gyeongsang Region
    Samsung Donates 3 Billion Won for Flood Recovery in Gyeongsang Region Samsung has announced a donation of 3 billion won to support recovery efforts in areas affected by heavy rainfall in Geoje and Tongyeong in South Gyeongsang Province, as well as Andong and Uiseong in North Gyeongsang Province. Nine affiliates, including Samsung Electronics, participated in the fundraising and will also provide emergency supplies and disaster relief shelters.On August 28, Samsung stated that it would contribute 3 billion won to assist residents impacted by the recent heavy rains. The donation includes participation from Samsung Electronics, Samsung C&T, Samsung Life, Samsung Display, Samsung SDI, Samsung Electro-Mechanics, Samsung SDS, Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance, and Samsung Heavy Industries.Despite suffering some damage from the torrential rains, Samsung Heavy Industries joined the donation effort to support the local community.Through the Korean Red Cross, Samsung will provide 1,000 sets of emergency supplies and 300 disaster relief shelters to affected residents. The supplies will include blankets, sportswear, towels, and personal hygiene items.Financial support is also being offered. Samsung Card will defer credit card payments for customers affected by the heavy rains from August to October for up to six months. Customers can also opt for interest-free installment payments for the deferred amounts. Additionally, interest on card loans will be reduced by up to 30%, and customers with long-term card loans maturing by the end of October will be offered extensions.This support from Samsung continues its ongoing commitment to disaster response in South Korea. Last July, the company also donated 3 billion won during a similar heavy rainfall event. In March of the same year, Samsung contributed 3 billion won and 1 billion won worth of home appliances for recovery efforts following wildfires in North Gyeongsang, South Gyeongsang, and Ulsan.Since 1995, Samsung has donated over 130 billion won to assist in overcoming domestic disasters and emergencies, including this latest contribution.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-28 15:40:20
  • Fujifilm Korea Launches Instax Popup Experience in Busan
    Fujifilm Korea Launches Instax Popup Experience in Busan Fujifilm Korea is showcasing a popup store in Busan where visitors can experience various products from its Instax instant camera brand. The popup, which runs from August 28 to September 17 at the second floor lifestyle popup zone of Samjeong Tower, allows consumers to engage with the products in a space designed to reflect different tastes.The popup features rooms that represent the characteristics of Instax products and user preferences. The space is divided into a 'Kitsch Room' and a 'Modern & Classic Room.'The Kitsch Room is centered around bright and unique products like the Mini 13, Pal, and Replay. In contrast, the Modern & Classic Room showcases more traditional and sophisticated products such as the Mini 99, Mini Evo, and Link Plus.Visitors can try out the cameras displayed in each room. They can take photos using their chosen products against the room's backdrop and decorate the film according to the concept.Additionally, there is a program that incorporates the photos taken by visitors into the popup's exhibition. This allows the photos created by attendees to become part of the display.Fujifilm has also organized events linked to product purchases. Customers who follow Instax's official social media accounts and provide proof will receive a free shooting opportunity. Those who purchase film will be eligible for a first-come, first-served rental of the entire series of Instax Link products.At the venue, Fujifilm will sell not only Instax cameras and film but also photo accessories. Customers spending over 100,000 won will be able to participate in a lucky draw.Fujifilm Korea is expanding the consumer touchpoints for instant photography by focusing on the entire experience of taking, decorating, and displaying photos, rather than just the products themselves. The Busan popup emphasizes user preferences and lifestyle over product features.On August 27, Fujifilm Korea won the 2026 Epica Awards Korea in the brand content category for its Instax Mini Evo Cinema campaign. The Mini Evo Cinema supports not only photo shooting and printing but also video recording. Since its launch in February, Fujifilm has been conducting related campaigns to engage with younger consumers.A representative from Fujifilm Korea stated, "As demonstrated by our Epica Award win, Instax continues to offer experiences that allow consumers to enjoy the charm of instant film photography and its diverse lineup. We hope that through the 'Instax ROOM TOUR,' visitors can discover products and shooting methods that suit their tastes and enjoy a unique experience with Instax in Busan."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-28 15:36:00
  • Internet Banks Exceed 30% Target for Low-Credit Loans in Q2
    Internet Banks Exceed 30% Target for Low-Credit Loans in Q2 인터넷전문은행들이 나란히 중·저신용자 대출을 확대했다. 고금리 비은행권 대출을 대환하도록 유도해 차주의 이자 부담과 신용도도 개선했다. 28일 금융권에 따르면 카카오뱅크는 올해 2분기 중·저신용자와 개인사업자에게 총 5200억원의 신용대출을 공급했다. 상반기 신규 공급액은 1조원에 달하며 2017년 출범 이후 누적 공급액은 16조원을 넘어섰다.2분기 중·저신용 대출 잔액 비중은 31.9%, 신규 취급액 비중은 38.4%로 집계됐다. 각각 목표치인 30%, 32%를 웃도는 수준이다. 중·저신용자 대출 비중을 30% 이상 유지하면서도 올해 1분기 연체율은 0.51%로 안정적으로 관리했다.카카오뱅크는 대출 이후 차주의 신용도 개선 효과도 나타났다고 설명했다. 2분기 중신용대출을 받은 고객 가운데 50%는 대출 실행 한 달 이내 신용점수가 상승했다. 평균 상승폭은 47점이었다.같은 기간 케이뱅크는 중·저신용자 신용대출 평균잔액 비중이 31.3%를 기록했다. 2분기 중·저신용자 신용대출 신규 공급액은 3663억원으로 지난해 같은 기간 2789억원보다 약 31% 증가했다. 2017년 출범 이후 누적 공급액은 9조268억원으로 9조원을 넘어섰다. 중금리대출 공급도 확대됐다. 올해 2분기 민간중금리대출 공급액은 2350억원으로 인터넷전문은행 가운데 가장 많았다.토스뱅크도 중·저신용자 대출 공급을 확대하고 있다. 2분기 중·저신용자 대출 비중은 3개월 평균 잔액 기준 34.2%, 신규 취급액 기준 32.7%를 기록해 모두 목표치를 웃돌았다. 누적 약 38만명의 중·저신용 고객에게 대출 기회를 제공했으며 상반기 서민금융 공급 규모는 약 1조원에 달한다.토스뱅크는 자체 신용평가모형인 TSS를 활용해 중·저신용자의 상환 능력을 평가하고 있다. 2분기 대출을 받은 중·저신용자 가운데 44%는 대출 실행 한 달 후 외부 신용평가사 신용점수가 평균 43점 상승했다.특히 대출 실행 전 비은행권의 상대적으로 높은 금리 신용대출을 보유했던 고객의 36%는 한 달 안에 기존 대출 잔액을 평균 350만원 상환했다. 이들의 외부 신용평가사 신용점수도 평균 11점 상승했다.서민금융으로 지원 범위도 넓혔다. 토스뱅크는 상반기 사잇돌대출을 포함한 중금리대출 5761억원, 햇살론 4099억원을 공급했다. 2023년 8월 출시한 햇살론의 누적 공급액은 1조6390억원으로 늘었다. 2026-08-28 15:36:00
  • Interview: Hong-tae Kim, CEO of THEWHHYLAB, on AX Transition as a Redesign of Work
    Interview: Hong-tae Kim, CEO of THEWHHYLAB, on AX Transition as a Redesign of Work “The essence of AI transition (AX) is not about introducing tools or reducing work hours. It begins with asking the fundamental question, ‘Why were humans doing this work?’ and redesigning the ‘essence of work’ and ‘workflow’ to create value collaboratively with AI,” said Hong-tae Kim, CEO of THEWHHYLAB, a company focused on people-centered AI education and organizational transformation. Despite the rapid adoption of generative AI tools like ChatGPT, many companies struggle to achieve tangible business results. In response, THEWHHYLAB has positioned itself as a leader in AX organizational intelligence. Recently, the company published a practical workbook titled AX DISCOVERY and introduced a private qualification course registered with the Ministry of Science and ICT, focusing on field-oriented AX methodologies. On August 28, Aju Economy interviewed Kim, who has over 20 years of experience as an HR and organizational expert, to discuss the background and significance of his new book, the challenges of corporate AX transitions, and the future competitiveness of education consultants. 21-Year HR Expert Researching Human Essence: THEWHHYLAB's Decade Journey Kim has built his career in HR and talent development at major corporations such as Samsung Electronics, Samsung Engineering, and Daewoo Electronics. With a background in materials engineering and advanced degrees in entrepreneurship and technology management, he combines engineering processes, startup frameworks, and validated management theories. Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, THEWHHYLAB was founded to explore the essence of humanity and solve organizational issues, as reflected in its name, which emphasizes ‘WHY’ (essence) and ‘H’ (Human). The company promotes a unique organizational culture by using titles like ‘education member’ and ‘one team member’ instead of ‘instructor’ or ‘employee,’ fostering horizontal collaboration among all members from course development to execution. It has collaborated with major companies and institutions, completing over 1,250 training projects and developing more than 50,000 talents. Practical Workbook 'AX DISCOVERY' Addresses Field Deficiencies Recently, THEWHHYLAB released AX DISCOVERY: Designing the Transition from AI to AX, which differs from the plethora of simple prompt-writing guides and tool manuals available in the market. The book was conceived from the realization that, despite the widespread adoption of AI tools, only a small percentage translate into increased sales or business performance. This workbook is not merely theoretical; it allows practitioners to fill in their organizational contexts across ten canvases to derive actionable plans. It employs techniques such as Hierarchical Task Analysis (HTA), Importance-Frequency-Value (IFV) matrices, and Human-in-the-Loop (HITL) principles to identify bottlenecks and clarify the roles of AI and humans. Kim explained, “From defining AX in Chapter 1 to post-implementation feedback in Chapter 10, each chapter includes a ‘practical guide’ designed to produce specific outputs like job value chain maps, HTA task breakdowns, data readiness assessments, and agent specifications. The principle throughout the book is to transfer repetitive, rule-based tasks to AI while leaving high-level judgment tasks, such as problem definition and context understanding, to humans.” The book has received a rating of 9.8 based on reviews on Yes24, being praised as a practical guide that encourages teams to collaboratively derive actionable plans. Key Methodologies for Successful AX Transition Kim emphasizes the importance of validated execution methodologies for a successful AX transition, which is also the core process of THEWHHYLAB’s AX methodology. The first step in AX discovery training is to establish ‘AX definitions and goal alignment.’ Kim explains that aligning different AX goals and definitions among various organizational levels, from CEOs to frontline workers, is essential. Next, organizations must assess the ‘five key risks’ and identify ‘pain points.’ It is crucial to recognize that AI is not a replacement for humans but an ‘augmented AI’ that enhances potential, thereby reducing internal resistance. According to Kim, identifying pain points can be particularly challenging; thus, frontline workers should pinpoint the most troublesome bottlenecks and quickly accumulate small successes. Following this, the process should include ‘data readiness assessment → AX transition task identification and prioritization → AI collaboration workflow → performance quantification (ROI).’ Kim noted, “It is important to break down tacit knowledge into task units, redistributing areas for AI processing and human judgment. For sustainable ROI design, it should not be limited to hackathons or one-off events; instead, the time saved (Reduce) should be reallocated to high-value tasks (Reallocate) to create a virtuous cycle of tenfold value (Reinvent).” Once this stage is reached, the ‘prototype agent construction and application’ can take place. Notably, this book and training program are linked to the Ministry of Science and ICT’s registered private qualification ‘AX Strategic Planning Expert Level 1 and 2,’ allowing non-development practitioners to complete tangible outputs like their own problem definition documents and AI agent manuals through a two-day course. Challenges in Corporate AX Transition: Overcoming Leadership and Cultural Resistance One of the most common obstacles companies face during the AX transition is a lack of leadership and internal resistance. When organizations focus solely on top-down directives or tool implementation, employees may feel threatened about their job security. In response, Kim stated, “A top-down leadership approach, where the CEO understands and leads the purpose of AX, must work in tandem with bottom-up efforts to address the pain points of frontline workers.” The trend of major companies increasingly incorporating AX performance into executive evaluations suggests that management and leaders must engage in substantial business restructuring. As AX Gains Momentum, What Are the Core Competencies for Education Consultants? As corporate AI transitions accelerate, the paradigm of the existing HRD and education consulting market is undergoing a complete transformation. THEWHHYLAB has declared its shift from traditional knowledge delivery to becoming an ‘AX organizational intelligence specialist.’ Kim identifies ‘formalizing tacit knowledge’ and ‘intelligent engineering’ as key competencies for education consultants in the AI era. He explained, “While past education consultants focused on imparting knowledge and know-how to individuals, future consultants must become ‘intelligent engineers’ who extract the long-standing know-how of talented individuals within organizations—specifically their decision-making processes and criteria (tacit knowledge)—to train AI agents. The ability to design hybrid organizational structures where humans and AI work together will be the decisive factor in future consulting.” THEWHHYLAB's Vision for the Future: Implementing 'People-Centered AX Organizational Intelligence' Kim’s vision for THEWHHYLAB is clear. It aims to become the ‘AX standard model’ by not only being the first to adopt the latest AI tools but also by achieving a complete AX transition internally and sharing that experience and expertise with partner companies. In practice, THEWHHYLAB actively utilizes customized AI agents built by practitioners in various areas, including marketing, training program development, and report writing, to enhance operational efficiency. Kim concluded, “AX is not a grand declaration of innovation; it starts with redesigning small tasks on each person’s desk. THEWHHYLAB will promote ‘AX organizational intelligence’ that respects human value while collaborating with AI to achieve the best results, helping numerous companies and individuals find new growth amid technological changes.” * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-28 15:28:00
  • Motif Technologies Excluded from Government AI Project Despite High Performance
    Motif Technologies Excluded from Government AI Project Despite High Performance Despite achieving world-class results, the domestic artificial intelligence (AI) startup Motif Technologies has faced criticism regarding the government's evaluation system and AI policies after being excluded from a government-led project.Recently, discussions surrounding Motif's AI model, 'Motif 3,' have gained traction across various online communities.The controversy began with the second phase evaluation of the 'Independent AI Foundation Model (Dopamo)' initiated by the Ministry of Science and ICT.Motif's 'Motif 3' scored 47 points on the AAII, a global AI performance metric, the highest among domestic models submitted. This score ranks it first in the world, excluding the United States and China, and places it within the top ten globally. In comparison, other submissions included Upstage with 37 points, SK Telecom with 35 points, and LG AI Research with 31 points, all significantly lower than Motif's score.However, in the evaluation results announced on August 18, Motif received the highest technical score but ranked last overall, leading to its exclusion from the project. The government explained that the final decision was based on a combination of benchmark scores and evaluations from experts and users, indicating that Motif scored low in usability and applicability.On August 25, the Ministry of Science and ICT highlighted in a report to a Cabinet meeting chaired by President Lee Jae-myung that Korea has joined the ranks of the world's top three AI powers, citing Motif's AAII score of 47. Ironically, while Motif 3 achieved this score, it was excluded from the project, yet the government used its performance as a benchmark for national competitiveness. In response, Motif officially raised concerns on August 27, requesting a reassessment of the evaluation criteria and methods to ensure they align with global competitiveness.On August 28, the Ministry of Science and ICT drew attention again by announcing the results of the 'Everyone's AI' service project, selecting a consortium of SK Telecom, Kakao, and KT as the executing agency. Notably, the SK Telecom consortium plans to utilize 'Motif 3' as a core AI model for the service.In reaction, netizens expressed disappointment, stating, 'Achieving global-level results but failing to secure project rights highlights flaws in the evaluation method,' and 'If domestic talent and technology do not receive fair assessments, it will inevitably lead to outflow abroad or dependency on large corporations.' 2026-08-28 15:24:00
  • Gwangmyeong City Council Rejects Data Center Regulation Proposal Again
    Gwangmyeong City Council Rejects Data Center Regulation Proposal Again Gwangmyeong City Council rejected a proposal to amend urban planning regulations regarding the construction of data centers near residential areas during a session on the 27th.According to the council, the proposal was voted down during the 301st extraordinary session. Amid conflicting opinions from civic groups and stakeholders regarding the construction of large-scale data centers, the council emphasized the need for a comprehensive review of safety, environmental protection, living rights, and legal validity.The proposal, recently introduced by Council Member Kim Dong-jin, aimed to supplement regulatory standards for data centers that could be built close to residential areas. A key aspect of the proposal was to establish a new requirement for a distance of 200 to 300 meters between residential areas and data centers.After in-depth discussions in a special committee, the proposal was put to a vote but was ultimately rejected. Following a request from three or more council members, the proposal was brought back for a vote in the main session, where it was again rejected.This proposal garnered significant community interest, with approximately 1,700 opinions submitted during the legislative notice process.Opinions were sharply divided, with some emphasizing the economic benefits and industrial necessity of data center construction, while others expressed concerns about its impact on residential environments, safety, and the environment. In an unusual move, the city council held a session to hear directly from stakeholders during the review process.The special committee listened to stakeholders for about two hours, broadly examining the necessity of the ordinance amendment, its anticipated impacts, and its legal validity.Some citizens expressed disappointment over the lack of clear standards for large facilities adjacent to residential areas, while others cautioned against introducing new regulations without thorough review.Chairperson Hwang Sun-hee emphasized, "This decision does not mean we do not value citizen safety, living rights, and environmental rights." She stated, "The rejection reflects the council's judgment that this is an important issue requiring careful consideration of citizen safety, environmental factors, and legal validity, necessitating more thorough review and in-depth discussions before amending the ordinance."She added, "The Gwangmyeong City Council will not compromise on the values of protecting citizen safety and quality of life, and we will fulfill that responsibility to the end."Following the rejection of this proposal, discussions regarding the location of data centers and other large information and communication facilities in Gwangmyeong City, as well as their distance from residential areas and safety and environmental standards, are expected to continue. 2026-08-28 15:20:00
  • China Halts Rescue Efforts Amid Concerns Over Natural Dam Collapse in Tibet
    China Halts Rescue Efforts Amid Concerns Over Natural Dam Collapse in Tibet Search efforts for missing persons following a massive landslide in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China have been temporarily halted due to fears of a natural dam collapse upstream. The lake formed by the dam continues to swell, increasing the risk of further flooding or landslides.China Central Television (CCTV) reported on August 28 that the lake, created by landslides and glacier collapses blocking rivers upstream in the Jirong Customs area, has been overflowing continuously, prompting rescue teams to suspend their operations.CNN also cited the state media, noting that the lake's water level has been rising for the past 48 hours and is currently overflowing. As a result, authorities determined that rescue teams approaching the heavily affected Jirong Customs area could be swept away by sudden floods or landslides.According to Yonhap News Agency, as of the morning of the previous day, approximately 2 million cubic meters of water had accumulated in the lake, located about 10 kilometers upstream from Jirong Customs. Chinese authorities anticipate an additional 3 million cubic meters of water will flow into the lake over the next three days.Concerns are particularly high as the water has already begun to overflow the natural dam made of sediment and rocks, raising fears of a dam failure. If the dam collapses, it could lead to sudden flooding and additional landslides in downstream areas.In light of the situation, Chinese authorities have decided to temporarily suspend search and rescue operations to prioritize assessing the risk of the dam's collapse. They are deploying satellite communication equipment, reconnaissance drones, and 3D laser scanners to analyze the dam and surrounding terrain.However, the site is characterized by cliffs and steep slopes, making it difficult for rescue personnel and heavy machinery to access the area near the dam. Additionally, forecasts indicate that rain will continue for the next week, maintaining a high risk of secondary disasters such as landslides, according to authorities.This disaster occurred on August 26 at around 10:30 a.m. near the Jirong Customs area in the Tibet Autonomous Region, close to the border with Nepal. The collapse of glaciers and rocks triggered a large-scale debris flow, disrupting roads and communication networks.As of 8 a.m. on August 27, Chinese authorities reported three fatalities and 558 individuals missing. Yonhap News Agency noted that all 555 tourists who had been in the area have evacuated to other regions, and no tourists remain in the vicinity.Meanwhile, this disaster was triggered by a large-scale glacier and landslide event in the Himalayan region connecting China and Nepal. According to CNN's report on August 28, the death toll in Nepal has reached 469, with at least 1,300 individuals, including foreigners, reported missing. 2026-08-28 15:20:00
  • Police Reform Task Force Promises to Address Issues Exposed by Recent Cases
    Police Reform Task Force Promises to Address Issues Exposed by Recent Cases To address public distrust in the police following recent missing person cases in Jeju, the Police Reform Task Force established under Democratic Party leader Kim Min-seok visited the Jeju Police Agency on August 28 to discuss solutions to issues such as inadequate investigations.Task force co-chairs Kim Nam-hee and Lee Hae-sik, along with members Lee Joo-hee, Kim Dong-a, National Assembly Administrative Safety Committee Chairman Kim Young-jin, and lawmakers Moon Dae-rim and Kim Young-bae, met with the Jeju Police Chief to receive updates on the missing person cases.After the meeting, Kim Nam-hee told reporters, "There are concerns among the public about whether their lives and safety can be protected due to the police's mishandling of cases and inadequate investigations. Starting next week, when the task force officially launches, we will engage in thorough discussions and communication to address these issues."Chairman Kim Young-jin reiterated the need for significant reforms in the police force, emphasizing the importance of accountability and transparency in the wake of the Jeju missing person cases. He stated, "The police must fulfill their fundamental role of protecting the safety and lives of the public. They must acknowledge their responsibilities regarding this incident and clarify the truth for the bereaved families."Earlier, on August 25, the Democratic Party announced the formation of the task force at the direction of Kim Min-seok, signaling a commitment to comprehensive police reform.In a public announcement, the party indicated that the task force would consist of around ten members and would aim to develop reform proposals that are not bound by vested interests, focusing on balancing system safety from the perspective of the public.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-28 15:16:00
  • Concerns Rise Over COVID-19 Resurgence Amid Increased Cases in China
    Concerns Rise Over COVID-19 Resurgence Amid Increased Cases in China As COVID-19 cases rise in China and hospitalizations and virus detection rates increase domestically, concerns about a summer resurgence are growing. Online communities and social media are reporting that "more people around me are getting COVID-19 again," prompting calls for heightened personal health precautions. According to Yonhap News on the 24th, health authorities noted that while COVID-19 indicators in South Korea have shown a gradual increase, they remain at lower levels compared to last year, indicating that the current situation does not pose a significant threat to the public health system. They predict that this summer's peak will be less than half of last year's. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) provided an update during a regular briefing on the 24th, discussing the COVID-19 situation in nearby Asian countries like China and domestic trends. According to the KDCA, 56 COVID-19 patients were hospitalized in South Korean medical institutions during the week of August 9 to 15, which is the 33rd week of the year. In the past four weeks, the number of hospitalized patients has increased from 23 in week 30 to 27 in week 31, 48 in week 32, and 56 in week 33. This continuous rise in hospitalizations has raised concerns about a potential resurgence of COVID-19. The detection rate of the COVID-19 virus among patients suspected of respiratory infections visiting outpatient clinics has also shown an upward trend. In the last four weeks, the detection rates were recorded at 3.2%, 5.9%, 5.7%, and 9.1%. Although there was a slight dip in the middle, the recent increase to over 9% has led to growing worries among citizens about the risk of infection in daily life. Online reactions include reports such as, "An employee at my company tested positive for COVID-19," and "I thought it was just a cold, but someone around me tested positive for COVID-19." Some users expressed, "There are many people coughing on the subway, so I’m wearing a mask again," and "I think we need to be cautious in crowded indoor spaces for a while," suggesting a need to strengthen personal health measures due to increased travel and gatherings during the vacation season. Conversely, some responses indicated that there is no need to heighten anxiety excessively. Users noted, "While the increase in hospitalizations should be monitored, we should also consider that it is still lower than last year," and "Instead of focusing solely on the rise in confirmed cases, we should assess the actual number of severe cases and the capacity of medical responses comprehensively." The KDCA also stated, "While the number of COVID-19 hospitalizations and detection rates have gradually increased since July, they remain lower than last year," emphasizing that the current situation does not pose a significant threat to the public health system. The agency predicts that the peak of COVID-19 this summer will be between 11% and 48% of last year's levels, estimating a range of 52 to 223 hospitalizations. The most pronounced peak is expected to occur between the fourth week of this month and the fourth week of next month. While there is a possibility that the current upward trend will continue, it is believed that it will not reach the scale of last summer's outbreak. In light of these projections, users have commented, "It’s not a situation to be overly scared about, but we should monitor it for the next month," and "Even if the scale of the outbreak is small, it’s better to be cautious since one infection can significantly disrupt daily life," adding that a culture of not forcing oneself to go to work when feeling unwell should be established. Many expressed concern about going to work or school despite having COVID-19 symptoms. Some users remarked, "Even if one feels fine, they could transmit it to colleagues or family," and "There may be elderly or chronically ill individuals at work, so at least wearing a mask is necessary." There were also calls for heightened awareness among households with elderly or immunocompromised individuals. Comments included, "While young people may experience it like a cold, I worry about passing it to my parents," and "I need to remember to bring a mask when visiting nursing homes or hospitals." Health authorities have urged special caution for high-risk groups, such as the elderly and immunocompromised, as they are at a relatively higher risk of severe illness or death if infected with COVID-19. Individuals aged 65 and older, those with chronic illnesses, and immunocompromised persons should wear masks in enclosed spaces and seek medical attention promptly if respiratory symptoms appear. To prevent COVID-19 infection, it is essential to adhere to basic personal hygiene practices, such as handwashing and cough etiquette, similar to other respiratory infections like the flu. In crowded or poorly ventilated spaces, wearing masks and reducing contact with others when experiencing symptoms like coughing or fever are effective methods to prevent the spread of infection. Health authorities plan to continue monitoring the trends of COVID-19 as the number of hospitalizations and detection rates increase. Citizens have also expressed the importance of adhering to basic preventive measures, particularly for high-risk groups, rather than succumbing to excessive anxiety or complacency.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-28 15:04:00