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Busan International Film Festival Reveals Actor's House Lineup Featuring Kim Go-eun, Shin Min-a, Ryu Seung-ryong, and Ju Ji-hoon The 31st Busan International Film Festival has announced its Actor's House lineup for this year.On August 27, the festival revealed that actors Kim Go-eun, Kim Min-ha, Ryu Seung-ryong, Shin Min-a, Lee Min-ho, and Ju Ji-hoon will participate in the 2026 Actor's House.Actor's House is one of the signature programs of the Busan International Film Festival. It is a talk program where actors reflect on their filmographies and share their acting philosophies and behind-the-scenes stories with the audience. Since its inception in 2021, it has been held annually.Kim Go-eun debuted in 'Eungyo' and has showcased a wide range of performances in works such as 'Chinatown,' 'Goblin,' 'Love Law in a Big City,' and 'The King’s Affection.' Recently, she has continued her activities with 'Yumi's Cells' series and 'The King’s Affection.'Kim Min-ha, who will serve as the sole host for the festival's opening ceremony, will also appear in Actor's House. He is set to star in the opening film 'Day and Night Are for Each Other' and the selected film 'Honey Job.' He has been active in projects like 'Pachinko,' 'Lighting Store,' 'Typhoon Company,' and 'Hana Korea.'Ryu Seung-ryong has engaged audiences through both films and dramas, with notable works including 'The Ultimate Weapon,' 'All About My Wife,' 'Miracle in Cell No. 7,' 'Extreme Job,' and 'Life is Beautiful.' He won the Grand Prize in the broadcasting category at the 2026 Baeksang Arts Awards for the drama 'The Story of Manager Kim, Who Works at a Large Company' and is set to unveil the special premiere selection 'Jeonggane.'Shin Min-a has won public affection through roles in 'My Girlfriend is a Gumiho,' 'My Love, My Bride,' and 'Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha.' She has also ventured into genre films with 'Diva,' the series 'The Uncanny Counter,' and will appear in the selected film 'The Remarried Empress.'Lee Min-ho rose to fame as a Hallyu star with 'Boys Over Flowers' and has appeared in 'Gangnam 1970,' 'The Legend of the Blue Sea,' 'The King: Eternal Monarch,' 'Pachinko,' and is continuing his work with the upcoming 'Assassins.'Ju Ji-hoon gained attention with 'Princess Hours' and has crossed between films and series with works like 'Along with the Gods,' 'Asura,' 'The Drug King,' 'The Drug King,' 'Kingdom,' and 'Trauma Center.' He will also meet audiences through the selected film 'The Remarried Empress.'The 2026 Actor's House is open to all audiences through ticket reservations. Tickets are priced at 15,000 won, and specific reservation methods will be available on the official Busan International Film Festival website in the future.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-27 17:04:20 -
Nepal Floods Disrupt Hydropower Project, Leaving Nine Koreans Missing A massive flood, believed to be caused by the collapse of a glacial lake, struck the central northern Himalayan region of Nepal on August 26, leaving nine Korean workers, who were constructing a hydropower plant, out of contact. The South Korean government, along with Doosan Enerbility and Korea South-East Power, has dispatched personnel to assist in the search and rescue operations for the missing Koreans and to assess the damage to the hydropower facility.According to the Nepalese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, at least 160 people have died and more than 1,700 are reported missing due to the flood. As rescue operations continue, the number of casualties is expected to rise.The exact extent of the damage to the Korean workers remains unclear. Ten employees from Doosan Enerbility were among approximately 200 foreign workers, including Nepalese, who were evacuated and are awaiting rescue. However, six Doosan Enerbility employees and three from Korea South-East Power have lost contact.The South Korean government has formed a rapid response team led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which includes personnel from the National Police Agency and the National Fire Agency, sending 11 members to the site. Jeong Yeon-in, Vice Chairman of Doosan Enerbility, and Yoon Jang-hyun, head of the New Growth Division at Korea South-East Power, are also heading to Nepal. The on-site response team consists of 14 members, including eight from Doosan Enerbility and six from Korea South-East Power, who will assess the situation and manage the aftermath of the incident.Before departing, Vice Chairman Jeong told reporters, "We are currently working closely with the relevant authorities and will do our utmost to rescue the missing employees."Industry experts express concern that the human toll may impact overseas hydropower projects.The UT-1 (Upper Trishuli-1) hydropower plant, where the incident occurred, is Nepal's first privately funded power project. Korea South-East Power holds a 50% stake as the largest shareholder, with the Korea Overseas Infrastructure and Urban Development Corporation holding 25%, the International Finance Corporation 15%, and a local Nepalese company 10%. Doosan Enerbility is responsible for the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) of the hydropower plant, making it a project primarily driven by South Korean companies.Located about 70 kilometers north of Kathmandu, the UT-1 is a tunnel-type hydropower plant with a capacity of 216 megawatts. Once completed, it was expected to surpass the existing Rasuwagadhi hydropower plant to become Nepal's largest. Construction began in 2021, with a target completion date set for the end of this year, but the recent flood may indefinitely delay the project. Experts predict that access to the site will be challenging due to the flood, and it will take considerable time to assess the actual damage.Yoon Jang-hyun stated, "The construction progress was at 84%, but it seems that over 90% of the upper weir (low water level) dam has been lost, and the base camp where construction workers were located has also suffered over 90% damage. However, I believe the underground power station has not been buried."There is also the potential for legal disputes with the Nepalese government. The UT-1 project was originally structured for a five-year construction period, with Korea South-East Power set to operate it from 2027 to 2057, after which it would revert to the Nepalese government. However, if the Nepalese government insists on the 2057 transfer despite delays caused by natural disasters, it could lead to disputes over the project's profitability for Korea South-East Power.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-27 17:04:10 -
K-Drama Tourism: Designing Experiences from the Start A proposal has emerged to move away from the traditional method of placing signs at filming locations after a drama's success and waiting for tourists. Instead, it suggests designing tourism experiences from the content planning stage, connecting K-drama settings with actual travel destinations and anticipating what fans will see and experience on-site.Studio Dragon has chosen Gangneung, a key filming location for the drama 'Goblin,' as its first experimental site. The plan is to use the iconic 'red door,' which symbolically connects Korea and Quebec, Canada, to encourage fans to revisit Gangneung.Yu Sang-won, vice president of Studio Dragon, emphasized this approach during a special session at the '2nd Recent Trends in Korean Tourism Data Seminar' held at The Plaza Hotel in Seoul on August 27. He pointed out, "The way travelers consume content has changed. While they want to visit Korea after watching a drama, no one explains what they should do once they arrive, which is a problem."In fact, a survey of foreign tourists in 2024 revealed that 38.3% cited 'Hallyu content' as the primary reason for their interest in Korea. Although K-content has reached a stage where it generates actual travel demand, there are still insufficient mechanisms to translate this interest into local stays and tourism spending.Yu noted that domestic content tourism has relied on a 'post-release tracking' model, where fans visit filming locations after a drama's success, followed by the late addition of signs or photo zones. He remarked, "For the past 20 years since 'Winter Sonata,' the cycle has repeated: tourists come when a drama is popular, and they disappear once it ends. We have relied too much on luck with successful content and dramas." He cited international examples where content production and tourism are integrated from the outset, highlighting Hakodate, Japan.In Hakodate, the city featured in the 'Detective Conan' movie, the production company collaborated with local tourism officials before the film's release to connect tourist attractions with the storyline, preparing transportation wraps, maps, exhibitions, and cafes. This ensured that fans knew where to go and what to do upon arrival.Similarly, New Zealand's Hobbiton, the filming location for 'The Lord of the Rings,' has transformed its set into a tourist resource, allowing visitors to walk through the film's locations and experience the world of hobbits firsthand.Yu described this method of designing actual spaces and fan behavior during the content planning stage as 'IP coding.' He explained, "Until now, the structure was to install signs after a drama's success and have people take photos. We should start designing what fans will do on-site from the moment the script is written."As the first case to be implemented in Korea, 'Goblin' is notable. Even a decade after the drama ended, fans still visit the Jumunjin breakwater in Gangneung to recreate scenes featuring the characters Kim Shin and Ji Eun-tak.Yu proposed incorporating the 'red door,' a symbol from the drama, into the tourism experience. He stated, "The red door remains in fans' memories even after ten years. If a red door appears on the Gangneung beach, it will give fans a new reason to visit."Studio Dragon and the Korea Tourism Organization have already begun efforts to connect K-drama IP with local tourism. The two organizations signed a memorandum of understanding in June to collaborate on developing tourism content and experiential programs utilizing K-drama filming locations.Yu revealed plans to implement the 'red door' from 'Goblin' as a tangible tourism experience in Gangneung. In September, to mark Studio Dragon's 10th anniversary, they plan to hold an exhibition showcasing K-drama IP to encourage visitors to return to the regions depicted in the dramas.He also emphasized that tourism cannot be completed with content alone. There must be infrastructure for transportation, accommodation, reservations, and local experiences. Yu stated, "Having a story does not make a trip. There must be places to stay, transportation options, and experiences to enjoy in the area. Content companies create reasons to visit, local governments create reasons to stay, the travel industry makes it possible to go, and tourism organizations connect all these elements."Studio Dragon plans to apply 'IP coding' to some of its future dramas, moving beyond creating tourism products after a work is completed to designing local spaces and fan travel experiences from the script stage.Yu concluded, "Content does not create travel destinations; it creates reasons to travel. Our goal is to connect the stories we love with reality, encouraging people to travel through Korea following those narratives."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-27 17:04:10 -
Guide Dog School Celebrates 33 Years of Service in South Korea A visually impaired participant held the harness and signaled to start, prompting the guide dog 'Gori' to begin walking. When stairs appeared ahead, Gori stopped to indicate caution. The dog skillfully navigated around obstacles at head height before returning to the original path. After successfully completing the guidance, Gori looked up at the participant, awaiting praise.On August 27, Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance held a ceremony at its guide dog school in Yongin, South Korea, themed 'Steps Together, Future Ahead,' to celebrate its 33rd anniversary. The guide dog school was established in 1993 in accordance with the wishes of the late Lee Kun-hee, former chairman of Samsung, who had a deep affection for dogs. It is the only guide dog school operated by a corporation in the world and has provided a total of 320 guide dogs to visually impaired individuals free of charge since the first guide dog, 'Bada,' was trained in 1994.Guide Dogs at Work, Pets at HomeAfter completing a walking demonstration, Gori resembled a pet that had just finished a stroll with its owner rather than a working dog under stress. This challenges the misconception that guide dogs suppress their instincts and sacrifice for the visually impaired.Yoo Seok-jong, a professional at the Samsung guide dog school, explained, "Guide dogs do not guide with a self-sacrificial mindset of 'I must refrain from what I want to eat.' They are excited to go out and walk with people, anticipating good experiences."The average lifespan of a guide dog is 13.9 years, about a year longer than that of a typical retriever. Guide dogs are cared for throughout their lives, starting from birth with puppy walkers, trainers, visually impaired partners, and home care families after retirement.Yoo added, "The retriever breed, which guide dogs belong to, thrives on being close to people, which contributes to their longer lifespan as they spend nearly 24 hours a day with their handlers."Puppy Walking to Professional Training: 35% Pass Rate for Guide DogsIt takes about two years for a puppy to become a guide dog. In their early days, they exhibit typical puppy behavior, such as tearing curtains or chewing slippers. At around 8 to 9 weeks old, they are placed in volunteer homes for a year of 'puppy walking,' where they receive basic care training and experience various daily environments, including buses, subways, and shopping areas, to develop their social skills.Nam Na-rae, who cared for a prospective guide dog named 'Gachi' for the past year, shared her experience in an interview, stating, "Guide dogs are not just about guiding; they walk through life alongside their partners. Even though they are trained not to bark, I found great comfort in seeing my dog react in dangerous situations." After completing puppy walking, the dogs undergo a comprehensive evaluation and 6 to 8 months of professional training, with a final pass rate of around 35%.Gachi has now passed training and is paired with a new partner. During the ceremony, Gachi and five other guide dogs—Uyu, Peach, Noru, Nobel, Naran, and Danbam—met their new visually impaired partners. For puppy walkers, it is a bittersweet day of saying goodbye to the dogs they raised, while for the guide dogs and their new partners, it marks the beginning of a new journey together.Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance's guide dog initiative is also influencing social awareness and policy improvements. In April of last year, the so-called 'Joy Law' was passed, clarifying the scope of 'justifiable reasons' for restricting guide dog access. Kim Ye-ji, a lawmaker from the People Power Party who attended the event with her guide dog 'Taebaek,' stated, "I will continue to work in the National Assembly to ensure that visually impaired individuals can move freely and safely with their guide dogs."Lee Mun-ho, president of Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance, remarked, "The guide dog initiative is about improving the lives of visually impaired individuals and transforming our society for the better. We will continue to uphold the value of companionship that has been sustained through the interest and dedication of our entire society."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-27 17:04:00 -
Disciplinary Action Against Kim Sang-min Upheld for Election Comments The disciplinary action against Kim Sang-min, a former chief prosecutor who publicly expressed his intention to run in the upcoming general election while still in office, has been upheld. According to legal sources on August 27, Kim withdrew his appeal against a ruling that dismissed his lawsuit seeking to overturn a three-month suspension imposed by the Ministry of Justice. This withdrawal confirms the lower court's ruling in favor of the ministry. The Ministry of Justice's disciplinary committee had issued the suspension in February 2024, citing Kim's text messages sent to residents of his hometown, Changwon, South Gyeongsang Province, in September 2023. In these messages, he indicated his desire to run in the 2024 general election, stating, 'I am a Changwon person to the core' and 'I will bring great hope and goals to the community.' Following his suspension, Kim registered as a preliminary candidate for the 2024 general election in the Changwon Ichang district in March 2024, just a month after the disciplinary action. However, he was later excluded from the candidate selection process. Kim had filed an administrative lawsuit against the Ministry of Justice's disciplinary action, but the first court ruling in February last year upheld the legitimacy of the suspension. The second court ruling in June this year reached the same conclusion. Additionally, Kim was recently sentenced to a suspended prison term by the Supreme Court for allegedly giving expensive paintings to Kim Geon-hee in exchange for favors related to candidate nominations.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-27 17:04:00 -
OpenAI's Jalapeño Chip to Feature Samsung's HBM4 as Big Tech Expands Client Base OpenAI's self-developed artificial intelligence (AI) inference chip, Jalapeño, will incorporate Samsung Electronics' sixth-generation high bandwidth memory (HBM4). While the possibility of Samsung supplying HBM4 had been raised recently, the actual supply details had not been disclosed until now. The confirmation that Samsung's HBM4 will be used in OpenAI's AI chip is expected to further diversify the AI semiconductor supply chain.According to industry sources on August 27, the HBM4 to be used in Jalapeño has been confirmed as a Samsung product. Each chip will feature 216GB of HBM4, with a reported memory bandwidth of 15.4TB/s.Jalapeño is an AI accelerator developed by OpenAI in collaboration with Broadcom. OpenAI plans to deploy Jalapeño in its infrastructure starting later this year. The company is also reportedly pursuing the development of subsequent chip generations.This supply agreement marks a shift for Samsung, expanding its HBM customer base from traditional accelerator companies like Nvidia to big tech firms developing their own AI chips. Earlier this year, Samsung outlined a strategy to secure HBM customers not only from global GPU manufacturers but also from hyperscalers creating their own chips. The confirmation of HBM4 supply to OpenAI indicates that this diversification strategy is taking shape.OpenAI's development of its own chips is seen as a new opportunity for the AI semiconductor market. Analysts suggest that if big tech companies design accelerators optimized for their services rather than relying solely on Nvidia GPUs for all AI computations, the AI chip market could evolve into a structure where general-purpose GPUs coexist with custom application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). An increase in proprietary AI chips could also lead to a rise in demand for HBM.For Samsung, this development is viewed positively. An increase in HBM customers could reduce reliance on specific clients. If competition among customers emerges, it could also enhance Samsung's negotiating power regarding prices. As the AI accelerator market expands, the addition of big tech's proprietary chips as HBM customers is expected to bolster Samsung's HBM shipment volumes.In addition to HBM4, Samsung is also pursuing the development of customized HBM tailored to individual customer requirements. Industry experts view the supply to OpenAI as a potential example of future collaborations between big tech and memory manufacturers that could extend beyond simple product supply to include AI chip design stages. 2026-08-27 17:04:00 -
Interview: Lee Jung-eun on 'Gyeongju Journey' and the Impact of Her Daughters Actress Lee Jung-eun's performances are always grounded in reality. Even when the narrative shifts, she maintains a unique sense of 'everyday sensibility.' In the film 'Gyeongju Journey' (directed by Kim Mi-jo), Lee plays the role of 'Ok-sil,' a mother who embarks on a 'killing' journey toward her daughter's murderer after losing her youngest daughter. Despite the intense pain and anger, she portrays a realistic character without exaggeration, anchoring the film. "I believe it was worth the wait. Initially, I thought it would be a very small film, but as my daughters got involved, the budget grew, and the film gained momentum. I was the first actor cast, so I felt a sense of responsibility, but ultimately, I think we made it to release thanks to my daughters," she said. Lee expressed that while she was excited about the 'Gyeongju Journey' script, she also had concerns due to the weight of the character 'Ok-sil.' "Could I carry the role of Ok-sil to the end? That was a challenge for me. I felt pressure regarding the action sequences, and the tone was different from the works I had previously chosen. I thought it was a big wave of a project, which made me fearful as an actor. I tend not to choose projects boldly, so that added to my apprehension," she explained. The process of the ordinary citizen Ok-sil losing her family and falling into despair maximizes the audience's immersion. The extreme emotional drop from normalcy to tragedy is central to the character of Ok-sil. Lee believes her familiar face adds credibility to Ok-sil's story. "Am I a bit cute? Haha. I've played many gentle mothers. The idea of someone who appears to be an ordinary civilian, yet has lived with a specific goal, and how devastated they can become intrigued the director. I think I was not fully prepared for the role, but rather, it was a case of synergy created by meeting the director. The director understands the depth and layers created in human relationships, providing quick and precise explanations. While allowing the actor the freedom to approach, they also held firmly to the world they created. This built our trust," she said. Ok-sil's blind desire for revenge transforms into a heavy burden she must bear alone in the film's latter half. "When filming with my daughters, no matter how difficult the scene, there was an energy of togetherness. However, when their scenes ended and I was left alone, it became daunting. There were night shoots in vehicles, yet there was a strange calmness during those moments. In a scene where I climbed a mountain and was out of breath, I saw a face I had never seen before. It was eerie and seemed to reflect the culmination of my obsession. As an actor, it was strange to see a moment of my face that I was not familiar with. Actually executing revenge, facing a person and feeling their blood while doing something is not easy, so I worked hard to overcome that fear," she shared. Ultimately, it was the bond with family that allowed Ok-sil to endure even in extreme situations. Lee expressed her affection and admiration for her 'daughters' with whom she shared the screen. "(Gong) Hyo-jin is a smart actress who knows how to approach a good script. She has a knack for entering at just the right moment without wasting energy, so I praised her throughout the shoot, saying, 'Hyo-jin's face is so good.' Lee Yeon and (Park) So-dam also had passion and enthusiasm beyond what we could imagine. Audiences will be satisfied watching their growth. Once the scenes started, the focus was so high that few people broke away, which played a crucial role in creating memorable scenes," she noted. Lee Jung-eun has built a substantial filmography through numerous projects. 'Gyeongju Journey' marks a significant milestone as she sheds her familiar image and expands her spectrum. "I try not to let myself get too relaxed on set. In moments when everyone is focused, there are times when an unfamiliar face emerges from me. In the past, I made stable choices considering the impact of content, but as I age, I think it's necessary to step outside my moral boundaries and try different roles. I have scheduled projects that will keep me busy until mid-next year. After experiencing a slump last year and taking a break, I found myself missing work. Once I finish my current schedule, I plan to take a break, but I enjoy the unique density of film, where we share scenes and collaborate, so I want to continue working on smaller films in the future. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-27 17:00:00 -
Korean Investment Securities Raided in Insider Trading Investigation Financial authorities investigating allegations of insider trading involving accountants from Hanmi Accounting Corporation have confirmed a raid on Korean Investment Securities. On August 26, the Financial Services Commission, the Financial Supervisory Service, and the Korea Exchange jointly launched a search at both Korean Investment Securities and Hanmi Accounting Corporation. The search was aimed at securing relevant documents and preventing the destruction of evidence. Accountants from Hanmi Accounting Corporation are suspected of using undisclosed information related to listed companies to gain illicit profits amounting to millions of won per person. They allegedly utilized information regarding public offerings and key disclosures before they were made public for stock investments. Korean Investment Securities stated that the raid is not directly linked to any allegations of unfair trading against the company. A representative from Korean Investment Securities said, "This is simply a fact-checking measure in the capacity of a witness." 2026-08-27 16:52:20 -
Professor Lee Soo-jung Questions Circumstances of Jang Mi-ran's Death Jang Mi-ran, 37, was found dead on August 24, 104 days after she went missing in Jeju. Police have referred to her cause of death as 'hanging,' but Professor Lee Soo-jung from Kyonggi University’s Department of Criminal Psychology argues that the case should not be closed as a simple suicide.On August 27, Lee stated on her social media that, "There is no such thing as accidentally taking one’s life. Suicide is a deliberate and planned act, and typical suicide victims have clear motives." She added that thoughts of suicide often follow a script, involving typical characteristics such as location, method, and tools.Lee questioned whether a young woman in her twenties would choose a palm tree forest as a suicide location and shoelaces as a method, suggesting that such assumptions could be disrespectful to the deceased. She emphasized the need for a thorough investigation, urging authorities to assign a criminal case number to ensure a rigorous inquiry.Jang was last seen leaving her long-term accommodation in Hallim-eup, Jeju, on May 12 at around 10:15 p.m. Her phone's last known location was near Hallim Port, approximately two and a half hours after she left, and there were no further usage records until her phone was turned off on May 16 at 9:44 a.m.While Officer Boo Mo, 34, from the Jeju West Police Station prematurely closed the case, Jang's body was discovered in a palm tree forest in Hallim-eup at 10:46 a.m. on August 24. She was found in the same clothing as captured on CCTV, with her phone and electronic cigarette in her pockets. Her gold bracelet, ring, and slippers were also intact.Police investigations revealed that a shoelace belonging to Jang was found protruding from the top of a palm tree. Based on the position of her body, the location, and preliminary autopsy findings, authorities currently assess the likelihood of foul play as low.However, the National Forensic Service's autopsy report indicated no unusual fractures in the skull, neck, or torso, although a fracture was found in the hyoid bone. The forensic team noted that due to advanced decomposition and partial skeletalization, it is difficult to determine the cause of death, and the fracture may have occurred during the post-mortem decay process.Jang's family has expressed doubts about the police's conclusion that there are no signs of homicide. They reported to SBS that police suggested Jang appeared to have hanged herself from a palm tree while sitting. They also noted that her body was found in a position that seemed inconsistent with that explanation, raising further questions.While police maintain that the evidence suggests a low likelihood of foul play, they are not ruling out other possibilities. They plan to conduct further investigations, including phone forensics and DNA analysis, to clarify the circumstances surrounding her death.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-27 16:52:10 -
Democratic Party Analyzes Poll Results to Secure Youth Support The Democratic Party shared the results of a recent poll indicating negative evaluations from the 2030 generation during a workshop for lawmakers held on August 27.Lee Joo-hee, the party's floor spokesperson, discussed the reasons behind the declining support from young voters at the workshop held at the Inspire Hotel in Incheon, which was aimed at preparing for the 2026 regular National Assembly session."We conducted an analysis and report on the poll results. The Democratic Party must seriously listen to the voices of voters," Lee said, cautioning against the negative sentiment from the 2030 generation despite the party's overall favorable standing.Lee emphasized that issues such as real estate, which have caused confusion between the party and the government, are currently undermining the party's support. She stated, "We need to reflect on whether our approach as the ruling party has been appropriate and recognize that we must listen to the concerns of young people regarding real estate issues and engage them in dialogue."Additionally, Lee provided an analysis of the dynamics for the upcoming general election in 2028. She noted, "We discussed the election landscape, where issues of national stability and checks on the administration are closely contested," and emphasized the need to secure support from undecided voters to achieve victory.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-27 16:52:00


