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Pro-Trump Companies Strengthen Ties with Democrats Ahead of Midterms Major U.S. corporations closely aligned with President Donald Trump are reportedly strengthening their ties with the Democratic Party in anticipation of the November midterm elections, amid concerns that they could face congressional investigations or scrutiny. These companies, which have made significant donations to the Trump administration or closely aligned themselves with its policies, are assessing potential vulnerabilities should Democrats gain control of the House.The Wall Street Journal reported on August 27, citing multiple corporate advisors and lobbyists, that key companies are evaluating how their actions might be scrutinized if Democrats take the House in the upcoming midterms. Some firms have formed internal task forces to prepare for congressional inquiries and are considering the implications of their financial support for Trump and Republican political activities.Companies have already begun practical preparations for potential congressional investigations. This summer, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce held a seminar on 'Managing Potential Congressional Oversight and Investigations,' attended by representatives from major corporations like Amazon, Chevron, Pfizer, and UnitedHealth. Additionally, the law firm Cahill hosted a seminar in June focused on responding to congressional inquiries. Notably, Meta and Palantir, which have maintained close ties with the Trump administration, discussed the possibility of facing document requests or congressional hearings if Democrats take power.The companies' efforts to 'insure' against a Democratic takeover are also evident in their political donations. Sources indicate that Meta recently donated $5 million each to House Majority Forward, a political group linked to the Democratic House, and to Majority Forward, associated with Senate Democratic leadership.Moreover, companies are actively building connections with Democrats. OpenAI organized a dinner this summer in Washington, D.C., attended by Democratic lawmakers and CEO Sam Altman, while Paramount SkyDance and Kalsey have recruited Democratic-affiliated figures as event coordinators.This strategic shift by corporations stems from concerns that businesses linked to Trump and his associates could become primary targets of investigations if Democrats regain control of the House in the midterms. Currently, Republicans hold a slight edge in the House, with 218 seats compared to the Democrats' 212. However, public sentiment toward Trump and the Republican Party has soured, increasing the likelihood of a Democratic takeover in the midterms.In this context, House Democratic leaders are already emphasizing accountability for corporations. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries stated, 'The era of unlimited corruption brought on by the Trump cartel is about to end.' Democratic strategist and Silicon Valley fundraising consultant Cooper Tebo urged companies that have maintained close ties with Trump while neglecting Democrats to rebuild their relationships with the latter.However, not all companies are pivoting toward the Democrats. With more than two years remaining in the Trump administration, the influence of the White House remains significant in key business decisions, such as regulatory rollbacks and government contracts. Some companies are instead focusing on wrapping up regulatory and policy-related deals during Trump's term.For instance, SpaceX and Tesla, led by Elon Musk, who served as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) during the Trump administration, have significantly funded Trump's reelection efforts and plan to expand their support for the Republican Party. Musk is reportedly set to spend over $100 million to help Republicans maintain control in the midterms.Ultimately, American companies appear to be adopting a strategy of maintaining influence with the Trump administration while also preparing for the possibility of a Democratic takeover, effectively hedging their political bets. As the midterm elections approach, the political maneuvering of these corporations is likely to become more pronounced.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-28 10:48:00 -
President Lee's Approval Rating Hits Record Low Amid Housing Policy Criticism 이재명 대통령의 직무 수행 긍정 평가가 전주보다 3%포인트 하락한 42%를 기록하며 취임 후 최저치로 떨어졌다. 부정 평가는 취임 후 처음으로 50%를 기록했고, 부정 평가 이유로는 ‘부동산 정책’이 27%로 가장 많이 꼽혔다. 한국갤럽은 28일 이 대통령이 직무를 ‘잘하고 있다’는 응답이 42%로 집계됐다는 결과를 발표했다. 직전 조사인 8월 셋째 주 45%에서 3%포인트(p) 하락한 수치다. 이 조사는 지난 25일부터 27일까지 전국 만 18세 이상 유권자 1001명을 대상으로 조사한 결과다. ‘잘못하고 있다’는 부정 평가는 전주보다 5%p 상승한 50%로 나타났다. 의견을 유보한 응답자는 8%였다. 이 대통령의 직무 긍정률은 취임 후 가장 낮았고, 부정률은 가장 높았다. 부정 평가가 50%를 기록한 것도 취임 후 처음이다. 이 대통령의 직무 긍정률은 지난달 넷째 주 51%에서 이달 둘째 주 44%로 7%p 하락하며 당시 취임 후 최저치를 기록했다. 이어 이달 셋째 주 45%로 1%p 반등했지만, 이번 조사에서 다시 3%p 떨어지며 최저치를 경신했다. 취임 후 첫 조사에서 기록한 64%와 비교하면 22%p 낮고, 지난 3월과 4월 기록한 취임 후 최고치 67%보다는 25%p 하락했다. 긍정 평가 이유로는 ‘외교’가 16%로 가장 많이 꼽혔다. 이어 ‘경제·민생’ 11%, ‘소통’ 10%, ‘전반적으로 잘한다’와 ‘부동산 정책’ 각각 7%, ‘서민 정책·복지’와 ‘직무 능력·유능함’ 각각 6%, ‘열심히 한다·노력한다’ 4% 순이었다. 부정 평가 이유로는 ‘부동산 정책’이 27%로 가장 높은 비중을 차지했다. ‘검찰 권한 축소’와 ‘경제·민생’, ‘도덕성 문제·본인 재판 회피’가 각각 7%로 뒤를 이었다. ‘전반적으로 잘못한다’와 ‘국방·안보’, ‘독재·독단’은 각각 5%, ‘통합·협치 부족’은 4%였다. 부동산 정책은 지난 7월 넷째 주부터 연속해서 부정 평가 이유 1위에 올랐다. 정당 지지도는 더불어민주당이 직전 조사보다 2%p 하락한 39%를 기록했다. 국민의힘은 전주와 같은 25%였다. 양당 지지율 격차는 14%p로 줄었다. 조국혁신당은 4%, 개혁신당은 3%, 진보당은 1%였으며 무당층은 26%로 집계됐다. 이번 조사는 이동통신 3사가 제공한 무선전화 가상번호를 무작위로 추출해 전화조사원 인터뷰 방식으로 진행됐다. 표본오차는 95% 신뢰수준에서 ±3.1%포인트, 응답률은 10.5%다. 자세한 내용은 중앙선거여론조사심의위원회 홈페이지에서 확인할 수 있다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-28 10:44:00 -
Investigation Launched into 15 Medical Facilities for Fraudulent Practices Medical facilities that allegedly engaged in fraudulent practices, such as inducing patients to prepay high medical fees after confirming their health insurance status and offering cash or massage coupons as part of a 'payback' scheme, are now under investigation.On August 28, the Ministry of Health and Welfare's administrative investigation team announced that it has referred 15 medical institutions suspected of illegal reimbursements to the police for further investigation.This action marks the third referral following investigations conducted in July. The administrative team selected these 15 facilities based on cases reported to the 'Abnormal and Fake Treatment Reporting Center' by the end of July and the need to clarify specific legal violations among the institutions targeted in the second investigation. With this latest referral, the total number of medical facilities under police investigation has risen to 33 since the administrative team's establishment in June.Among the 15 facilities referred for investigation, eight are nursing hospitals, four are oriental medicine clinics, two are clinics, and one is a general hospital. Geographically, four are located in Gyeonggi Province, three in Seoul, and three in Gwangju and Jeonnam.The fraudulent practices identified at these medical institutions were bold and sophisticated. For instance, Hospital A allegedly induced a cancer patient to prepay approximately 10 million won for a package after confirming their health insurance enrollment during an admission consultation. They promised to provide 500,000 won in health insurance benefits each month, and when the patient declined, they reportedly refused to admit the patient's family member.Hospital B was found to have encouraged patients to pay for expensive package hospitalization fees regardless of their health status, offering reimbursements in the form of coupons for cafes, nail salons, and massages, as well as taxi fare support.Some facilities meticulously executed their schemes by creating 'discount management sheets' for each patient. Hospital C is accused of providing tailored discounts based on patients' insurance enrollment status and manipulating medical records and prescriptions to facilitate insurance claims.Hospital D allegedly concealed the payback scheme by conducting cash transactions for admission and discharge fees, scheduling treatments like high-frequency and skin beauty injections in advance, and providing cash paybacks based on a month's treatment fees. Reports also indicated that they allowed hospitalized patients to leave freely.The administrative investigation team plans to launch a third round of investigations in early September. Additionally, to fundamentally eradicate abnormal and fraudulent treatments, they will establish a cooperative framework with the Korean Medical Association and promote the 'Expert Evaluation System' to enhance self-regulatory efforts within the medical community.Kwack Soon-hun, head of the administrative investigation team for abnormal and fraudulent treatments, stated, "The government views abnormal and fraudulent treatments as a chronic practice that harms legitimate medical institutions and patients, leading to financial leaks in health insurance and health insurance. We will respond strictly and decisively. We will thoroughly verify the legality of reported cases through administrative investigations and referrals to law enforcement."Report abnormal and fraudulent treatments: Call 129 or email medi129@korea.kr (available to patients, guardians, and medical staff)* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-28 10:44:00 -
Sookmyung maps titanium nanomaterials for cancer treatment SEOUL, August 28 (AJP) - Porous crystals built around titanium can carry a cancer drug through the bloodstream, hold it shut until they reach a tumor, and then be switched on from outside the body to attack the cells around them. That range of jobs, long divided among separate materials, is converging on a single compound, according to a review article led by Sookmyung Women's University professor Lee Jung-bok. The paper appeared this month in Coordination Chemistry Reviews. Sookmyung said the journal carries an impact factor of 25.6 and ranks first in chemistry in the Journal Citation Reports, the citation database used to rank academic publications. The materials at the center of the review are metal-organic frameworks, crystalline solids assembled from metal ions and organic molecules that link them together. The result is a rigid scaffold shot through with pores, and those pores can be packed with drug molecules. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are already being tested as drug carriers and as probes for medical imaging. Titanium versions draw attention for a plain reason. The bond between titanium and oxygen is unusually strong, which makes the structure hold its shape in the body, keeps toxicity low and lets tissue tolerate it. Researchers also count titanium MOFs as environmentally benign to produce. Lee and his co-authors compared the methods used to build these materials, then sorted the medical research into three groups. The first is targeted drug delivery. Tumors sit in a chemical environment unlike healthy tissue, more acidic and loaded with reactive oxygen species, unstable oxygen molecules that damage cells from within. Carriers tuned to those conditions stay closed as they travel and open once they arrive, which concentrates a chemotherapy dose where it is needed and spares the rest of the body. The second is repair. Bone graft materials and wound dressings made with titanium MOFs release antibiotics and nitric oxide slowly over time, holding infection down while new tissue grows into the site. Nitric oxide is a gas the body produces itself to prompt blood vessels to form, which is why a dressing that supplies it can speed healing rather than merely protect a wound. The third is a family of treatments that turn the material into a weapon. In photodynamic, sonodynamic and microwave dynamic therapy, the framework works as a sensitizer, a substance that sits inert until light, ultrasound or microwaves reach it, at which point it floods the surrounding area with reactive oxygen and kills the cells there. Because the trigger arrives from outside the patient, clinicians can confine the damage to wherever the beam is aimed. Recent work surveyed in the review pushes that effect further by doping the crystals, meaning small amounts of silver or manganese are worked into the structure. The additions improve charge separation, the step in which energy from the trigger splits into the electrical charges that generate reactive oxygen. Cleaner separation produces a stronger kill. Taken together, the authors argue, the field is widening from delivery alone toward theranostics, platforms that diagnose and treat in the same operation. None of it has reached a patient. The review sets out three obstacles standing between the laboratory and the clinic. No one has developed a manufacturing process that is both clean enough to be called green and reliable enough at industrial scale to guarantee the material is safe in the body. The mechanisms by which titanium MOFs break down and leave the body remain unmapped. And regulators have no framework written for nanoscale medicines, which leaves approval pathways undefined. The authors expect artificial intelligence to shape what comes next, with data analysis used to design titanium MOF formulations matched to individual patients rather than to a general population. Lee served as co-corresponding author alongside Hanyang University's Kim Ki-su and Pusan National University's Han Dong-wook. Three Pusan National University researchers, Elif Beyza Demiray, Kang Moon-sung and Jang Hee-jeong, shared first authorship. The work was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea. Journal/Source: Coordination Chemistry Reviews (IF:12.5, JCR top 4.5%) Title: Ti-based metal-organic frameworks as versatile platforms primed for nanomedicine, a mini-review Link/DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ccr.2026.218397 2026-08-28 10:42:12 -
Financial and Construction Support Center Launched to Address Housing Funding Issues The government is enhancing support for the financial and construction sectors to normalize real estate project financing (PF) and increase housing supply. Starting next month, a dedicated support center will be established to address financial difficulties faced by PF and construction companies, and the government has requested that financial institutions expand funding for new construction projects. On August 28, the Financial Services Commission (FSC) and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT) held a regular meeting with the financial and construction industries to discuss follow-up measures from the August 13 real estate finance policy and ways to stimulate private housing supply. The government plans to add over 230,000 housing units by utilizing new sites in the metropolitan area. To support this, it will suspend the application of PF regulations on residential projects and expand the target for PF guarantees. Additionally, the method for assessing collateral value for relocation loans will be improved. The FSC aims to implement 11 of the 20 follow-up tasks within this month. This includes securing a budget for the Korea Asset Management Corporation (KAMCO) fund and revising relevant laws, such as the Korea Housing Finance Corporation Act. The financial sector has also been asked to reform the syndication loan system and create additional sector-specific funds. Efforts to normalize troubled PF projects will continue. The Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) will assess the self-normalization plans of distressed residential projects in the metropolitan area and analyze the causes of project delays to encourage normalization. A dedicated support center will be established to directly address financial difficulties. Starting September 1, the existing real estate PF comprehensive support center will be expanded into a 'PF Financial Difficulty Resolution Center.' This center will include teams for evaluation management, syndication loans, and system improvements, handling issues directly or referring them to relevant agencies for resolution. On the same day, the Korea Development Bank will operate a 'Construction Company Financial Difficulty Resolution Center.' This center will collect financial inquiries and issues from construction firms and either address them internally or request reviews from financial associations. The MOLIT has urged the financial sector to actively supply funds not only for simple real estate PF but also for new construction projects that significantly contribute to economic growth and job creation. The financial sector has expressed its commitment to support housing supply in line with the government's policy intentions. FSC Vice Chairman Kwon Dae-young stated, “The financial sector must ensure a reliable supply of funds for housing, and the government and related agencies must swiftly implement follow-up measures. I also encourage the construction industry to actively raise financial issues on-site.” MOLIT First Vice Minister Kim I-tak emphasized, “Smooth funding support is essential for expanding housing supply,” adding, “This meeting will serve as an opportunity for the MOLIT, FSC, construction industry, and financial sector to collaborate in achieving supply targets.” * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-28 10:40:20 -
Samsung Biologics Shares Drop 3% Following $2.3 Billion Capital Increase for Acquisition Samsung Biologics is experiencing a decline in its stock price after announcing a capital increase of approximately 3 trillion won (about $2.3 billion) to acquire a Swiss peptide contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO). Concerns over the dilution of existing shareholders' equity due to the large issuance of new shares are weighing on investor sentiment.As of 9:59 a.m. on the Korea Exchange, Samsung Biologics shares were trading at 1,535,000 won, down 59,000 won (3.70%) from the previous trading day. At one point during the session, the stock fell to 1,480,000 won, dipping below the 1.5 million won mark.On the same day, Samsung Biologics announced before the market opened that it would proceed with the capital increase. The company plans to issue 2.27 million common shares through a rights offering followed by a public offering of any unsubscribed shares. This issuance represents about 4.9% of the total shares outstanding, which is 46,299,951 shares.The funds raised through this capital increase will be used primarily for the acquisition of securities from another company, totaling approximately 2.7 trillion won, along with 294.8 billion won for facility investments, bringing the total to around 3 trillion won.The main focus of this capital increase is the acquisition of the Swiss peptide CDMO company, Polypeptide Group. Samsung Biologics plans to allocate most of the funds raised to this acquisition, which involves purchasing 33,016,411 shares for 2.7 trillion won. Following the acquisition, Samsung Biologics will hold a 100% stake in Polypeptide Group.The acquisition will be conducted through a public tender offer. Samsung Biologics intends to establish a subsidiary in Switzerland before initiating the tender offer to acquire the registered shares of Polypeptide Group, which is listed on the Swiss stock exchange.Dr. Draupnir Holding, the largest shareholder of Polypeptide Group, has committed to tendering all of its 18,375,000 shares, which represents 55.65% of the company.The acquisition is scheduled to be completed by November 30. The record date for the new shares from the capital increase is October 6, with subscription for employee stock options set for November 9 and for existing shareholders on November 9-10. Payment is due on November 17, and the new shares are expected to be listed on November 30. The subscription rights certificates will also be listed.Samsung Biologics stated that the purpose of acquiring Polypeptide Group is to enhance its business competitiveness through the acquisition of a peptide CDMO company.Kim Jun-young, a researcher at Meritz Securities, noted in a report prior to the announcement of the capital increase plan on July 24 that the acquisition of Polypeptide is strategically significant for expanding the company's focus from antibodies to peptides and entering high-growth markets like GLP-1. However, he cautioned that considering the acquisition cost of approximately 2.7 trillion won along with future investments in six factories and a third campus, the burden of capital allocation may increase, necessitating a clear funding strategy.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-28 10:36:10 -
KB Kookmin Bank Launches Service to Prevent Jeonse Fraud KB Kookmin Bank is introducing a service designed to help customers assess potential risks in the jeonse transaction process. On August 28, KB Kookmin Bank announced the launch of the 'Jeonse Safety Check' service, which guides users through a step-by-step checklist of essential items to verify throughout the entire jeonse transaction process. This service is structured to help customers identify potential risks that may arise during the jeonse contract process. Legal and contractual information is made easily accessible through card news and YouTube videos. The service also includes information previously provided by KB Real Estate, such as public housing details, notifications of real estate registration changes, and information on jeonse deposit return guarantee insurance. It consolidates resources for customers to find guidance on how to respond to jeonse fraud incidents and information on support organizations. KB Kookmin Bank continues to support victims of jeonse fraud. In collaboration with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and the Housing and Urban Guarantee Corporation (HUG), the bank operates specialized financial counseling branches near the HUG Jeonse Damage Support Center, having assisted in the recovery of approximately 7,600 cases of jeonse fraud to date. Additionally, the bank is engaged in preventive activities, including creating educational content on jeonse fraud prevention and conducting outreach counseling and training programs. A representative from KB Kookmin Bank stated, "We hope this service helps customers verify the information they need for jeonse transactions and prevent potential losses. We will continue to expand related services and content that contribute to housing stability for the public." * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-28 10:36:00 -
SSG.com to Split Again, Focusing on Premium E-Commerce SSG.com, formed from the merger of E-Mart Mall and Shinsegae Mall, will split into two companies after seven years. SSG.com will focus on online grocery shopping, while the newly established Shinsegae Mall (tentative name) will handle premium e-commerce centered on fashion, beauty, and lifestyle products.On August 27, SSG.com held a board meeting and approved the spin-off of its lifestyle business division. Following the split, the existing company will retain the name SSG.com, while the new entity will be called Shinsegae Mall (tentative name).The spin-off will be executed as a human division, where shares of the new company will be distributed based on the existing shareholders' ownership ratios. Currently, E-Mart holds a 65% stake in SSG.com, while Shinsegae owns 35%. After the split, both E-Mart and Shinsegae will maintain their shares in SSG.com and the new Shinsegae Mall at the same ratios.SSG.com aims to enhance the expertise and operational efficiency of each division by separating its business areas. By independently managing the distinct grocery and lifestyle sectors, the company intends to respond more swiftly to market changes and accelerate growth.An SSG.com representative stated, "We are pursuing the spin-off of the lifestyle business division to enhance business specialization and efficiency. This will allow us to establish a specialized business structure that can respond flexibly and quickly to the rapidly changing market environment and lay the groundwork for significant growth."After the split, the existing SSG.com will concentrate on strengthening its competitiveness in online grocery shopping and existing commerce operations. The new Shinsegae Mall will develop into a premium e-commerce platform focused on fashion, beauty, and lifestyle products.Although the companies will be separate, customer interactions and business connections will be maintained. After the split, customers will still be able to purchase fashion, beauty, and lifestyle products from Shinsegae Mall through the SSG.com app, which will integrate with the Shinsegae Mall platform.Shinsegae Mall plans to enhance its platform competitiveness while expanding customer touchpoints by connecting with various sales channels, including SSG.com. The goal is to strengthen business specialization for each company while ensuring that customers continue to have a similar shopping experience.SSG.com will hold an extraordinary shareholders' meeting at the end of October to approve the spin-off plan, with the split scheduled to be finalized on December 1.An SSG.com representative remarked, "Even after the split, we will maintain customer interactions and necessary business connections while continuously enhancing the competitiveness of each company."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-28 10:36:00 -
Another Fall from Incheon Bridge Leaves Woman Missing A woman in her 50s has gone missing after falling from the Incheon Bridge.According to the Coast Guard, a report of the fall was received at approximately 12:53 a.m. on the Incheon Bridge in Yeongjong-gu, Unnam-dong.The Coast Guard and military are conducting a search in the nearby waters, but they have not yet located the woman, identified as A. Two Coast Guard vessels and two naval ships are currently involved in the search efforts.Meanwhile, according to the office of Democratic Party lawmaker Heo Jong-sik, a total of 104 people have fallen into the sea from the Incheon Bridge since its opening in 2009. Of those, 78 have died, 15 are missing, and 11 survived.In response, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport has aimed to begin construction of fall prevention facilities on the Incheon Bridge next year. The planned facilities will include 2.5-meter-high wire railings along a 4-kilometer stretch from the west access bridge to the main bridge and the east access bridge.For those experiencing feelings of depression or struggling with difficult issues, or if you know someone who is, you can receive 24-hour expert counseling through the suicide prevention hotline at 109 or via the SNS counseling service 'Madelan' (a friend who listens to your heart).* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-28 10:36:00 -
CU convenience stores to offer quick respite for delivery riders in Seoul SEOUL, August 28 (AJP) - Delivery riders in Seoul will be able to use nearby CU convenience stores as places to take short breaks, the Seoul Metropolitan Government said on Friday. The city government said it will designate about 3,000 CU stores across the city as temporary shelters for delivery riders under a program starting next month, allowing them to rest without having to make extra trips away from their delivery routes. About 3,000 delivery riders working in Seoul will be eligible if they completed at least one order through the city-run delivery app Ttaenggyeoyo in the previous month using one of three delivery agencies such as Barogo, Vroong or Beyond Delivery. Each eligible rider will receive a mobile voucher worth 10,000 won (US$7.25), which can be used at CU stores in the capital to purchase items such as bottled water and snacks. Riders will also be able to use in-store seating areas as rest spaces where available. The program will run on a trial basis throughout September, with regular operations scheduled for the coldest months of January and February and the hottest months of July and August next year. Separately, about 30 rest areas are currently available in Seoul for on-demand drivers, delivery riders and other courier workers. "We hope delivery riders can take safe and comfortable breaks, even short ones, along their delivery routes," said Park Kyung-hwan, a city official, adding that the city plans to come up with more programs for them. AJP Takeaways • Seoul will designate about 3,000 CU convenience stores as temporary rest areas for delivery riders starting in September, allowing them to take breaks without leaving their delivery routes. • About 3,000 Seoul delivery riders will be eligible for 10,000-won mobile vouchers if they completed at least one order through the city-run Ttaenggyeoyo app in the previous month using Barogo, Vroong or Beyond Delivery. • The program will run as a trial throughout September, with regular operations planned for January-February and July-August next year to provide rest options during Seoul’s coldest and hottest months. 2026-08-28 10:34:05


