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Savings Banks and Mutual Finance Report Increased Profits Amid Rising Corporate Loan Delinquency Rates 올해 상반기 저축은행이 7600억원이 넘는 순이익을 내며 4년 만에 최대 반기 실적을 기록했다. 민간 중금리대출과 기업대출 취급이 늘어난 가운데 유가증권 관련 이익 증가와 대손비용 감소가 실적 개선을 뒷받침했다. 다만 연체율은 기업대출을 중심으로 다시 상승하면서 건전성 관리에는 경고등이 켜졌다.금융감독원이 28일 발표한 ‘2026년 상반기 저축은행 및 상호금융조합 영업실적’에 따르면 저축은행의 상반기 순이익은 7658억원으로 전년 동기보다 198% 증가했다. 반기 기준으로는 2022년 상반기 이후 가장 많은 규모다.유가증권 관련 이익이 늘어난 데다 부실여신 감축 등의 영향으로 대손비용이 감소한 결과다.대출자산은 기업대출을 중심으로 늘었다. 저축은행의 총자산은 6월 말 기준 120조6000억원으로 지난해 말보다 2.2% 증가했다. 기업대출이 46조2000억원에서 48조5000억원으로 5% 늘면서 전체 대출자산도 95조8000억원으로 2.5% 증가했다. 가계대출은 39조6000억원으로 지난해 말과 비슷한 수준을 유지했다.수익성은 개선됐지만 건전성 지표는 악화됐다. 저축은행의 6월 말 연체율은 6.26%로 지난해 말보다 0.22%포인트 상승했다. 특히 기업대출 연체율이 8.00%에서 8.38%로 0.38%포인트 올랐다. 반면 가계대출 연체율은 4.67%에서 4.60%로 0.07%포인트 하락했다.신협·농협·수협·산림조합 등 상호금융조합도 수익성이 크게 개선됐다. 상반기 순이익은 7141억원으로 전년 동기보다 71.0% 증가했다. 이자이익 증가 등에 힘입어 신용사업부문 순이익이 13.8% 늘어난 영향이다. 경제사업부문 적자 규모도 1조6596억원에서 1조6490억원으로 소폭 줄었다.하지만 상호금융 역시 기업대출을 중심으로 연체율이 뛰었다. 6월 말 연체율은 5.39%로 지난해 말보다 0.77%포인트 상승했다. 가계대출 연체율은 1.93%에서 2.21%로 0.28%포인트 올랐고 기업대출 연체율은 6.83%에서 8.03%로 1.20%포인트 급등했다.업권별로는 신협의 연체율 상승 폭이 가장 컸다. 신협 연체율은 지난해 말 4.83%에서 6.10%로 1.27%포인트 상승했다. 수협은 5.72%에서 6.82%, 산림조합은 5.81%에서 6.73%, 농협은 4.44%에서 5.04%로 각각 올랐다. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-28 09:20:00 -
East Security Integrates Behavioral Ransomware Detection into Linux Server Antivirus Eastsoft announced that its security subsidiary, East Security, has integrated a 'behavioral ransomware detection feature' into its antivirus software for Linux servers to strengthen ransomware defenses in corporate server environments.This feature combines file damage detection with analysis of abnormal file system behavior, allowing effective responses to the Linux server environment, which has recently become a target for ransomware attacks due to its concentration of critical data and services, including web servers, databases, and internal business systems.By applying technology that analyzes and responds to abnormal behaviors in real time, the new feature enhances the ability to counter new ransomware or variant threats that bypass pattern-based detection. This overcomes the limitations of existing antivirus solutions that were primarily focused on Windows environments or only provided limited protection along specified paths.Recent ransomware attacks have evolved beyond using known malware patterns, increasingly employing new and variant forms that evade detection. Given that Linux servers house essential corporate data and services, the risk of data damage and service disruption necessitates technology capable of capturing abnormal behaviors in the file system in real time.The new feature comprehensively analyzes multiple signals of abnormal behavior, including: 'decoy damage detection' using bait files, continuous changes to multiple files, changes in names and extensions, abnormal deletions, and file changes across multiple directories.A 'monitoring mode' is also provided to ensure stable server operations. This safety mechanism helps prevent false positives and service disruptions that may occur when implementing security solutions. In this mode, suspicious processes are not immediately blocked, allowing administrators to assess the impact of detection results on operations.As a result, administrators can monitor for a set period, confirm normal operations, and then fine-tune protection paths, exceptions, and response methods. Since application and file access patterns differ across corporate servers, this allows for the safe application of optimized security policies tailored to each system environment.Lee Ji-han, head of product development at East Security, stated, "To effectively respond to evolving cyber threats, it is essential to not only adopt the latest security technologies but also to continuously update operating system (OS) and security patches, and to integrate security policies optimized for actual operating environments. We will continue to enhance security technologies that respond immediately to changing threats, ensuring our customers can maintain a stable business environment."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-28 09:20:00
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7-Year-Old Dies After Being Struck by Falling Ladder Truck in Apartment Complex A 7-year-old boy died after being struck by a falling ladder truck in an apartment complex in Cheonan, South Korea.According to police, the boy, identified as A, was injured on the morning of August 26 at around 8:38 a.m. while heading to school. He was trapped under the ladder truck, which had tipped over while parked to transport items from the 11th floor of a 28-story building.Residents who heard the loud crash rushed to the scene and lifted the ladder to free A, who was then taken to the hospital for treatment but ultimately did not survive.Police investigations revealed that the workers operating the ladder truck had only secured the stabilizing supports on one side, which led to the accident.Authorities have arrested two individuals, including the 50-year-old driver of the ladder truck, identified as B, and a 20-year-old foreign worker, C, on charges of negligent homicide. C is reportedly in the country illegally, and B initially misled police during questioning by claiming he had performed all the work, leading to additional charges of concealing a crime.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-28 09:16:00
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Venezuela Considers Leaving OPEC Amid U.S. Oil Alliance Plans Venezuela is considering withdrawing from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), according to a report by Bloomberg on August 27, citing sources. This development comes as the Trump administration seeks to restore relations with Venezuela following the ousting of former President Nicolás Maduro in January. The interests of the Trump administration, which favors low oil prices, align with Venezuela's desire to increase oil revenue for national reconstruction.Reports indicate that the Venezuelan government has discussed the possibility of leaving OPEC with U.S. officials, but no final decision has been made. Some U.S. officials are reportedly exploring ways to weaken OPEC's influence while building an oil alliance with Venezuela. The Trump administration is working with interim President Delcy Rodríguez, who is pro-U.S., to strengthen control over Venezuela's oil industry. As part of this effort, negotiations are underway for the U.S. to acquire significant stakes in Venezuelan oil fields.If Venezuela withdraws from OPEC, major energy companies from the U.S. and other Western nations could enter the Venezuelan market, potentially revitalizing the oil sector that has been stagnant due to sanctions, Bloomberg noted. This move could also be a significant achievement for President Trump, who has consistently pursued low oil and low inflation policies since taking office.OPEC, led by Saudi Arabia, has proposed production cuts, increases, and output allocations to regulate international oil prices, but some member countries have expressed dissatisfaction with these policies. Following Qatar's exit from OPEC in 2018, the UAE announced its withdrawal in April, and Iraq has warned of the possibility of leaving OPEC as well. Should Venezuela also exit, it could significantly weaken OPEC's cohesion and influence in the oil market, leading to increased downward pressure on oil prices.Venezuela is one of the five founding members of OPEC, established in 1960, and has also played a significant role in OPEC+, which includes Russia. According to last year's OPEC annual report, Venezuela is estimated to have the largest oil reserves in the world, totaling 303.2 billion barrels. However, Bloomberg explains that due to long-standing U.S. sanctions, Venezuela's oil production has significantly declined, meaning that even if it withdraws from OPEC, the immediate impact may be limited.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-28 09:12:10
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Massive Landslide Erases Tibetan Village, Leaving 558 Missing A massive landslide in Jirong County, located in the Tibet Autonomous Region of southwestern China, has completely obliterated a village, shocking the nation.According to two satellite images released by the state-run Xinhua News Agency, a border village in Jirong County was buried under debris. One image was taken in January of this year, while the other was captured on August 26.The January image clearly shows the border crossing between China and Nepal, a bridge named Wuyiqiao, a stream, a border police station, residential homes, and customs facilities. However, the post-disaster image reveals that the village has been entirely covered by mud and debris, with no signs of the bridge or stream visible.As the devastating images circulated online, Chinese netizens expressed their shock. Comments included, "This is truly shocking and unexpected," "I hope someone survives and can be rescued," and "I can hardly bear to look at the photos. Let us pay our respects to the comrades who lost their lives while stationed at the border."The landslide has resulted in three confirmed deaths and left 558 people missing in the Tibet Autonomous Region. Among the missing, 260 are foreign nationals. Lin Jian, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, stated during a briefing on August 27 that they are verifying the nationalities of the missing foreigners, noting that some are tourists and pilgrims. The status of any South Korean victims has not yet been confirmed.The Chinese government is mobilizing all available resources for rescue operations. On August 27, Li Qiang, the Premier of the State Council, arrived at the scene to oversee emergency rescue and disaster relief efforts, following an order from President Xi Jinping. The Ministry of Water Resources activated a Level 4 emergency response for flood defense at 1 p.m. on August 27, monitoring rainfall and water levels.The landslide occurred at approximately 10:30 a.m. on August 26, originating from the Nepal side and affecting the border area of Jirong County in the Tibet Autonomous Region.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-28 09:12:00
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Toss Bank Sees Surge in Foreign Currency Savings 토스뱅크는 외화 모으기 서비스를 통해 최근 한 달간 분당 119건꼴로 외화가 적립됐다고 28일 밝혔다. 정기적으로 모으기, 이자 달러로 모으기, 외화 저금통 등 외화 모으기 서비스 전체 이용자를 대상으로 최근 한 달간 적립 건수를 분석한 결과다. 특히 지난달 30일 출시한 자동환전 외화보통예금 상품 ‘외화 저금통’의 이용 증가세가 두드러졌다. 일평균 저금 건수는 출시 첫 주보다 4주차에 6배 이상 증가했다. 통상 신상품 출시 직후 이용이 집중되는 것과 달리 시간이 지나면서 적립 건수가 늘어난 셈이다. 정해진 주기에 외화를 자동으로 매수하는 ‘정기적으로 모으기’도 출시 이후 매달 이용률이 80%를 웃돌았다. 한 번 서비스를 설정한 고객들이 중도에 해지하기보다 외화 적립을 지속하는 경향을 보인 것이다. 원화로 받는 이자를 달러로 자동환전해 적립하는 ‘이자 달러로 모으기’의 활성 이용자도 약 35만명에 달했다. 소액을 꾸준히 적립하는 외화 관리 수요가 수십만명 규모로 확대된 것으로 풀이된다. 토스뱅크는 고객 이용 흐름을 지속적으로 분석해 외화 모으기 서비스를 고도화하고 외환 관리를 일상적인 자산관리 습관으로 정착시킨다는 계획이다. 토스뱅크 관계자는 “환율 변동에 일희일비하지 않고 매일, 자동으로 외화를 모으는 고객이 늘고 있다는 것을 여러 지표를 통해 확인했다”며 “외화를 생활 속에서 쉽고 편리하게 관리할 수 있도록 모으기 서비스 전반을 계속 확장해 나갈 것”이라고 말했다. 2026-08-28 09:12:00
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The Journey of Judaism: From Abraham to Moses Throughout the history of human religion, the concept of a single God did not exist from the beginning. The heavens were filled with the sun, moon, and stars, while the earth was home to mountains, rivers, and seas. In the face of nature's vastness, humans perceived multiple deities: gods of rain, war, fertility, love, and death. Ancient Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Canaan were no different. Each city had its own god, and kings believed they were protected by divine guardians. Powerful nations were thought to be under the protection of powerful gods, intertwining religion and power. Amidst this world, a small yet profound question emerged: Could there truly be so many gods? Might there be a single source that created all of existence? This question marks the beginning of Judaism. Today, the proportion of Jewish believers in the global population is relatively small. However, the impact of Judaism on world civilization cannot be measured by the number of its adherents. Christianity was born from the soil of Judaism, and Islam also embraced the traditions of Abraham and Moses within its faith. Tracing the roots of these two major religions that shape the modern world leads back to a small land in Southwest Asia and the ancient faith of one people. Thus, understanding Judaism goes beyond comprehending a single religion. It is the first step in understanding Christianity and Islam, as well as examining the significant roots of religion, philosophy, ethics, and politics that have influenced the world for thousands of years. At the forefront of this journey stands one individual: Abraham. Abraham Leaves His Homeland According to the Hebrew Bible, Abraham's original name was Abram. He was called by God to leave his homeland, kin, and father's house to journey to Canaan. The historical existence of Abraham cannot be independently verified through archaeological evidence. Therefore, his story should primarily be understood as a narrative of religious memory and faith passed down by the ancient Israelite community. The Bible itself cannot be read solely through the lens of modern historical standards; it is a vast religious text that encompasses history, law, poetry, prayer, confessions of faith, and theological interpretations. Regardless of the challenges of historical verification, it is clear that the story of Abraham has become a foundational archetype that shaped the spirit of Judaism. The first key element is 'departure.' Abraham leaves the familiar world for an unfamiliar one. He departs from his land, transcends familial boundaries, and moves away from the world of gods he once knew. Religion here does not merely provide comfort; it demands that humans abandon the familiar and walk toward the unseen. The history of faith may well be the history of human 'departure.' What was given to Abraham was not a completed nation, an army, or a temple, but a promise—promises of descendants, land, and blessings. The Book of Genesis expresses this relationship as a 'covenant.' The spirit of the covenant that began between Abraham and God becomes a central theme that permeates the entirety of Israelite faith, especially through the subsequent covenant with Moses at Sinai. This is where the uniqueness of Judaism begins. God is not merely a force of nature to be appeased through sacrifices. Instead, God establishes a relationship with humanity, demanding responsibility, and humans become beings bound by promises and obligations within that relationship. Faith has become a covenant. The story that began with Abraham continues through his son Isaac and then to his grandson Jacob. Jacob is given the name 'Israel' in the Bible, and his twelve sons are remembered as the ancestors of the twelve tribes of Israel. It is difficult to confirm whether the twelve tribes historically diverged from a single lineage. The formation of the ancient Israelite community was likely much more complex than the genealogies presented in the Bible. However, in religion, memory can sometimes be more powerful than lineage. “We are descendants of Abraham. We are the children of Jacob, that is, Israel.” This shared memory binds various families and tribes into a single community. While a nation binds its citizens through territory, religion can bind a community through memory. At the heart of this memory lies one of the most intense events in Jewish history: the Exodus. God Hears the Cries of the Oppressed The Book of Exodus recounts how the Israelites lived as slaves in Egypt and how Moses, called by God, led them out of Egypt. The stories of the ten plagues, crossing the Red Sea, wandering in the wilderness, and receiving the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai have deeply permeated not only Judaism but also Christianity and Western culture. However, there is insufficient archaeological evidence to fully substantiate the scale and manner in which the Bible describes the Exodus. This does not mean that history negates faith. It suggests that when reading ancient religious texts, one must distinguish between the truths expressed by faith and the facts that history can verify. In fact, making this distinction clarifies the intellectual significance of the Exodus. The God of Judaism does not first appear in royal palaces; rather, He is the God who hears the cries of the oppressed. He enters history to liberate those who are oppressed. At that time, the gods of empires generally sided with kings and victors. When a powerful nation triumphed in war, its god was thought to be strong. However, the God of the Hebrew Bible appears differently. He listens to the cries of slaves rather than the voices of imperial kings. He sees human suffering over power. Thus, the Exodus is not merely a story of national migration; it is a story of liberation. The Jewish Passover continually brings this event into the present. It does not merely commemorate the fact that someone left Egypt long ago; it revives the community's memory that they and their families stand within that history of liberation. Yet Judaism takes a step further. It does not view liberation as an immediate transition to freedom. The law is given to those who have escaped slavery. After liberation comes the commandments. After freedom comes responsibility. This is the unique spirit of Judaism. Moses and Sinai: Adding Responsibility to Freedom If Abraham is the 'father of faith' in Judaism, Moses is the greatest prophet and the central figure of the law tradition. The Bible states that he was raised in the Egyptian royal court but ultimately chose to share the fate of his Hebrew kin. Called by God in the wilderness, he stands before Pharaoh. “Let my people go.” This brief cry has endured for thousands of years. Those advocating for the abolition of slavery, fighting against racism, and resisting dictatorship and colonial rule have invoked the language of the Exodus in their times. This is because it declares that no one is born as an eternal slave. However, Moses's more significant role emerges after liberation. At Sinai, according to the Bible, Moses receives the Ten Commandments, and Israel enters into a covenant with God. The Ten Commandments begin with the relationship between God and humanity but extend to relationships among humans, covering parents, life, marriage, property, testimony, and desire. Do not murder. Do not steal. Do not bear false witness. Do not covet. Religion does not only look to the heavens; the religion of the heavens becomes the ethics of the earth. In Judaism, believing in God does not end with acknowledging His existence in one’s heart. Life must change. The powerful must not treat the weak unjustly. Orphans, widows, and strangers must not be ignored. Unjust wealth and power face severe criticism from the prophets. The spiritual roots that allowed later prophets like Amos, Isaiah, and Micah to denounce social injustices lie within this tradition of covenant and justice. In this sense, the Ten Commandments are not merely a list of prohibitions; they establish the minimum order for how free individuals should live. If the Exodus granted freedom, Sinai taught the responsibility of that freedom. Monotheism Did Not Emerge Overnight To understand Judaism, it is essential to address a critical issue. It is historically overly simplistic to claim that Abraham suddenly established a complete philosophical monotheism, leading all Israelites to believe in only one God from that moment onward. Even a reading of the Bible reveals that ancient Israelite society constantly clashed with the religions of surrounding nations and repeatedly fell into idolatry. The command to “serve only Yahweh” implies the existence of a reality where other gods were worshipped. Monotheistic faith became clearer through a long and intense intellectual and historical process. It evolved from the belief in 'our God' to the assertion that 'our God is the greatest,' ultimately deepening into the universal belief that 'there is only one God, the God of the entire universe.' Particularly, historical disasters such as the destruction of the kingdom and the Babylonian exile posed fundamental questions to the Israelites. Did God also fail when the nation fell? Did God disappear when the temple was destroyed? They sought the opposite answer: God is not confined to the territory of a single nation or a single temple; He is the God of heaven and earth, of all nations and history. From a tribal god to the God of the universe, the concept of 'one' in Judaism deepens. “Hear, O Israel,” One of the most significant confessions of faith in Judaism is the 'Shema.' Beginning in Deuteronomy 6, this confession starts with the call to “Hear, O Israel” and teaches to love God with all one’s heart, soul, and might. A particularly striking word here is “hear.” It instructs to listen before seeing. Humans tend to see only what they want to see. However, to listen, one must humble oneself. One must be ready to accept other voices. The beginning of religion may lie not in speaking but in listening. Listening to the sounds of nature, the voice of conscience, the suffering of neighbors, and the fundamental questions resonating deep within oneself. The God of Judaism warns against humans creating images to confine Him. He is the invisible God. Therefore, the center of faith shifts from visible idols to listening to the Word. The Word is recorded, and the record becomes the Torah. From here, a significant seed emerges that allows the Jewish people to survive even after losing their land and temple. Territory can be taken away. The temple can be destroyed. Dynasties can vanish. However, the Word can be carried. Books transcend borders. Memory cannot be easily taken away. The stories of the Torah and Talmud, synagogues, and the Sabbath, as well as family and education, all begin here. Is Election a Privilege or a Responsibility? When discussing Judaism, the term 'chosen people' is unavoidable. It refers to the belief that God chose Israel. Misunderstanding this can easily lead to a sense of ethnic superiority, thinking, “We are better than other nations.” However, within the Jewish tradition, there is a strong current that understands election not as privilege but as obligation and responsibility stemming from a covenant. Being chosen does not mean one can live freely; it means one must bear greater responsibility because they are chosen. This ancient religious concept can also be applied to today’s leaders and powers. A high position is not a privilege but a responsibility. Those who have much bear greater social responsibility. Those who are well-educated have a responsibility to use their knowledge for the community. The moment one interprets election as responsibility rather than privilege, the story of Judaism from thousands of years ago becomes an ethical framework for the 21st century. From Abraham to Moses: “Departure, Liberation, Covenant” The long journey of Judaism can be summarized in three words: “Departure, Liberation, Covenant.” Abraham departed. Moses led the slaves out. A covenant was established at Sinai. Departure freed humans from the familiar world, the Exodus liberated them from oppression, and the covenant imposed responsibilities on free individuals. Therefore, defining Judaism merely as a religion that believes in one God does not capture its depth. It is a religion that questions how humans should live before that one ultimate source. Now, this brings to mind a 20th-century Korean thinker: Dasuk Yoo Yeong-mo. Dasuk contemplated the concept of 'one' throughout his life. The 'one' he spoke of was not merely the number 1; it referred to the source of all existence and the ultimate to which humanity must return. He believed that within humans lies the true self, 'Eolna,' awakening toward that one. Of course, one should not equate the God of Judaism with Dasuk's 'one.' The God of Judaism is a personal God who makes covenants with Abraham, calls Moses, and demands commandments and responsibilities from humanity throughout history. In contrast, Dasuk's 'one' is a unique Korean religious philosophy that explores the ultimate of existence while digesting Christianity and Eastern thought in his own language. The historical and theological differences are clear. However, at a deep level, a single question converges: What is the source of all these many things? Where do humans come from? Why must we live? How should we live? And ultimately, where do we return? Abraham left his homeland with these questions, and Moses walked through the wilderness with them. Dasuk held onto these questions in 20th-century Korea and spoke of 'one.' Different times, different languages, and different religions exist. Yet, the ultimate questions humans pose are remarkably similar. Perhaps the 5,000-year history of Asian spirituality is, in fact, the history of these questions. Believing in One The 21st century is once again giving rise to numerous 'gods.' Money becomes a god, and power becomes a god. Nations and ethnicities can become gods, and technology can become a god. Now, even AI emerges as a new authority, knowing more than humans and making faster judgments. Just as ancient people created idols from wood and stone, modern individuals can create idols from numbers, algorithms, capital, and power. Thus, the first question of Judaism, which has crossed thousands of years to reach us, remains alive: What do you truly serve? Money? Power? Desire? Technology? Or is it the one that transcends all of these? The spiritual significance of monotheism lies not only in reducing the number of gods from many to one but also in relativizing the many things that humans have absolutized. A king is not a god. Money is not a god. A nation is not a god. Humanity itself is not a god. It establishes an ultimate standard above all these. Therefore, believing in one means that humans are liberated from the many idols of the world. The ancient narrative that begins with Abraham's departure, passes through Moses's Exodus, and culminates in the Sinai covenant holds meaning even today. Depart. From false gods. Be free. From all powers that enslave humanity. And take responsibility. As a free human being. This is the ancient question left by Abraham and Moses, and the first great message that Judaism has imparted to human civilization. At the end of this path, one word awaits again: “One.” Not just one among many, but the one that makes many things possible. Humanity has walked thousands of years in search of that one. This long journey is not yet over. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-28 09:04:00
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Climate Minister Kim Seong-hwan Inspects Solar Power Expansion in Siheung-Hwaong Area The government is accelerating the solar power expansion project in the Siheung-Hwaong area, which is being developed as a major renewable energy production hub in the metropolitan area. Relevant ministries and agencies are set to assess project conditions and prepare support measures to enhance the rollout.The Ministry of Climate, Energy, and Environment announced that Minister Kim Seong-hwan will visit the Siheung-Hwaong area in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province, on the morning of August 28 to evaluate the conditions for renewable energy deployment.The Siheung-Hwaong area has significant potential for large-scale renewable energy deployment in the metropolitan region. Following the site inspection, Minister Kim will discuss support measures to promote solar power expansion with relevant agencies, including the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, the Korea Rural Community Corporation, and the Korea Energy Agency.This site visit is a follow-up to the Prime Minister's visit to the Siheung-Hwaong area on April 22, where he called for close cooperation between the Ministry of Climate and the Ministry of Agriculture. The government plans to expedite the large-scale renewable energy deployment project through inter-ministerial collaboration.The Ministry of Climate will review the support measures discussed that day and coordinate with relevant ministries to facilitate the swift advancement of the project.Minister Kim emphasized, "The transition to renewable energy is a national and historical task, and since the policy direction is firmly established, the government must focus on prompt implementation." He added, "The solar power expansion project in the Siheung-Hwaong area is a key initiative to establish a large-scale power production base in the metropolitan area and drive the growth of clean power supply and related industrial ecosystems. We must mobilize all resources to accelerate the project."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-28 09:04:00
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Police Reverse Stance on Cause of Death in Jeju Missing Person Case Controversy continues over the cause of death of Jang Mi-ran, who was found dead 104 days after a false conclusion was made regarding her missing person report in Jeju. The National Forensic Service stated that due to severe decomposition and partial skeletonization of the body, it is difficult to clearly determine whether trauma or asphyxiation occurred. However, police have assessed the circumstances so far and consider the possibility of death by hanging to be more likely, viewing the potential for criminal activity as low. The differing assessments from the police and the forensic service have led to ongoing criticism from netizens regarding the police investigation.In a previous interim investigation briefing, police stated that "no fractures were found" on Jang's body. However, the autopsy report released the following day indicated that there were signs of a fracture in the hyoid bone area.The hyoid bone, a thin bone located inside the neck, is one of the key findings in determining the cause of death in this case. While a fracture of the hyoid bone does not necessarily indicate homicide or asphyxiation, the National Forensic Service noted that the body was highly decomposed and partially skeletonized, making it difficult to definitively assess trauma or asphyxiation based solely on the fracture. They also mentioned that the separation of the hyoid bone could have occurred during the post-mortem decomposition process.Despite this, police have raised questions by announcing that there were "no fractures" related to the significant autopsy finding of the hyoid bone fracture.Additionally, the forensic expert identified Jang and suggested that "the possibility of death by hanging should be considered." Police have also indicated that, based on the circumstances confirmed so far, they view the likelihood of criminal activity as low. They noted that Jang's belongings, including her mobile phone and gold bracelet, were found intact, and there were no signs of struggle or conflict at the scene.However, this is merely the police's assessment, and the hyoid bone fracture alone cannot definitively determine whether it was a homicide or, conversely, confirm suicide. Police are conducting further investigations, including mobile phone forensics and detailed DNA analysis.Questions also remain regarding the location where the body was discovered.Jang's body was found on the 24th at a palm tree farm in Hallym-eup, Jeju City. Family members reported that Jang had been afraid of the palm tree forest, and no clear suicide note or motive suggesting suicide has been identified so far.Police reportedly conducted strength tests at the scene, pulling on the palm tree trunk to verify whether it could support a person's weight, based on the fact that a cord was tied to the trunk at the time the body was discovered.In contrast, local residents have expressed concerns that the characteristics of the Canary Island palm, which has many thorns, make it difficult to access, and that the trunk may not be suitable for suspending a heavy object.As this situation has been shared online, criticism of the police investigation has continued.One netizen argued, "The National Forensic Service said the level of decomposition was too severe to make a judgment. The hyoid bone fracture could have occurred post-mortem. But the police seem to want to wrap this up as a suicide. How can we trust the police in this situation?"Another netizen criticized, "The police found a body that was impossible to analyze after three months. They brought this on themselves and deserve all the backlash."Others commented, "The police can’t blame anyone. The suspicions arose from their poor handling of the case," and, "Now the police's credibility is so damaged that they are being compared to internet communities; they brought this on themselves."Regarding the location of the body discovery, one person raised the question, "The news said it was a dark place with no streetlights; isn’t it very difficult to tie a cord in that darkness?"Some netizens strongly criticized the direction of the police investigation, stating, "Right now, the police are in a position where it has to be suicide. If it remains unsolved, it will be a big problem, and if any evidence of homicide emerges, it will be even worse," adding, "They are praying for it to be suicide without considering any other possibilities."Regarding the hyoid bone fracture, there were reactions suggesting, "Isn’t that fracture more indicative of homicide?" However, based on the currently available forensic findings, it cannot be definitively concluded that the hyoid bone fracture is evidence of homicide. The National Forensic Service also stated that due to advanced decomposition and partial skeletonization, it is difficult to clearly determine the cause of the fracture and that it could have occurred during the post-mortem decomposition process. 2026-08-28 09:00:00
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Potential Delay in Launch of Korea's New Securities Market Amid Competition The launch of Korea's new securities market, initially targeted for November, may be delayed. Concerns have arisen as a consortium preparing for the official licensing of non-monetary trust income securities brokerage competes with the exchange's new securities market, which offers similar products. Additionally, there is a limited supply of products available for the market, raising fears that initial liquidity could become concentrated if the exchange opens first.According to the financial investment industry on August 27, the exchange is finalizing preparations for the new securities market, aiming for a launch on November 16. A mock market is scheduled to operate from October 6 to November 13.However, both the KDX consortium and the NXT consortium (NextChange) are also undergoing the official licensing process for non-monetary trust income securities brokerage. With the over-the-counter distribution platform's license expected to be granted by the end of the year, questions have been raised about the appropriateness of launching the new securities market in November.Currently, the fractional investment market is facing delays in institutionalization, resulting in an insufficient supply of products. Some early-stage providers that previously offered issuance services have ceased operations, limiting the availability of new products in the market. If the exchange's market opens first, there is a risk that investors and trading volumes could become concentrated on a few products.This situation poses a challenge for the consortium preparing the over-the-counter distribution platform. Even if the platform receives its official license and launches, it may struggle to establish itself in the market if the exchange secures investors first with overlapping initial products.The first listed product in the exchange's market is expected to be a fractional investment product from the Korea Maritime Promotion Corporation, but industry assessments suggest that its scale is not substantial. The product is anticipated to be around 40 billion won.The original intent of the exchange market was to facilitate concentrated trading of large-scale liquidity and strictly regulated products while allowing highly individualized and diverse fractional investment products to be distributed complementarily through the over-the-counter market (various over-the-counter brokerage firms). Accordingly, the listing requirements were set stringently, requiring issuers to have a minimum capital of 2 billion won and to retain at least 1 billion won or 5% of the issuance amount until maturity.The exchange faces a complex calculation regarding the timing of the market launch. It has been preparing for the launch since receiving designation for a financial regulatory sandbox related to the new securities market on December 13, 2023. The basic designation period for the financial regulatory sandbox is two years, with a possible one-time extension of up to two years. With nearly three years having passed since the designation, the exchange is under pressure to avoid further delays in launching the market.The Financial Supervisory Service has expressed its commitment to expedite the official licensing process for the over-the-counter distribution platform. A representative stated, "We recognize that the fractional investment market may be at risk and understand the industry's concerns. We will work to ensure that the distribution platform launches as quickly as possible to create a foundation for market activation."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-28 08:56:00