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  • Seongnam Mayor Shin Sang-jin Advocates for Sustainable Transportation Integration with Advanced Technology
    Seongnam Mayor Shin Sang-jin Advocates for Sustainable Transportation Integration with Advanced Technology Seongnam Mayor Shin Sang-jin emphasized on September 16 that "advanced technology must be easily accessible to all citizens and organically connected to existing transportation systems to establish sustainable transportation."During an online webinar hosted by the UN Economic and Social Affairs, Mayor Shin presented Seongnam's sustainable transportation policies, highlighting the city's commitment to enhancing collaboration with the international community.The event, themed "Ensuring Sustainable Transportation Accessibility for All," attracted over 300 participants, including government officials, international organizations, and transportation sector stakeholders, who shared experiences, challenges, and cooperation strategies in promoting sustainable transportation policies.In his presentation, Mayor Shin introduced key transportation policies in Seongnam that integrate advanced technology to improve mobility convenience, safety, and quality of life. He specifically discussed the autonomous shuttle connecting the old and new city centers, as well as the use of AI, drones, and robots for road inspections, deliveries, and safety management.He also outlined efforts to create a sustainable transportation environment that considers both people and the environment, including expanding bicycle networks and developing eco-friendly spaces along the Tancheon River.Mayor Shin stated, "We will strengthen cooperation with the central government, international organizations, and private enterprises to reduce the gap in technology utilization and develop pilot projects into stable public services."Additionally, he introduced the 17th Asia High-Level Forum on Environmentally Sustainable Transportation, scheduled for March 16-19, 2027. Mayor Shin expressed his intention to make the forum a platform for governments, international organizations, cities, and businesses to share sustainable transportation policies and innovative practices.He emphasized the importance of ensuring mobility rights for all citizens, including vulnerable groups, addressing transportation disparities between regions, and seeking practical solutions to climate crises in Seongnam.Mayor Shin has previously showcased Seongnam's future transportation policies at UN-related international meetings, further expanding international cooperation in the field of sustainable transportation.He reiterated, "We will enhance collaboration with the central government, international organizations, and private enterprises to reduce the gap in technology utilization and develop pilot projects into stable public services."Looking ahead, Mayor Shin plans to integrate advanced technologies such as autonomous driving, AI, drones, and robots into citizen-centered transportation services and share Seongnam's transportation policies and innovative practices with cities worldwide during the 2027 international forum.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 11:24:00
  • Daewoong Pharmaceuticals Pexuclu Achieves 92% Success Rate in Helicobacter Pylori Treatment
    Daewoong Pharmaceutical's Pexuclu Achieves 92% Success Rate in Helicobacter Pylori Treatment Daewoong Pharmaceutical announced that its reflux disease treatment, Pexuclu (ingredient name: Pexuprazan hydrochloride), achieved a 92.0% eradication rate in a study targeting Helicobacter pylori treatment among patients who completed the therapy, as reported on September 17.Helicobacter pylori is a bacterium that resides in the stomach lining and is a major cause of chronic gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcers, and an increased risk of stomach cancer. When an infection is confirmed, eradication therapy is conducted using a combination of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and antibiotics.The study involved 93 patients with no prior experience of eradication therapy. It evaluated the efficacy and safety of a simultaneous therapy that administered Pexuclu along with three antibiotics—clarithromycin, amoxicillin, and metronidazole—over a 10-day period. The overall eradication rate among all registered patients was 90.3%, while the rate for the 88 patients who completed the treatment, excluding those who withdrew before treatment, failed follow-up, or had poor medication adherence, was 92.0%.Traditionally, Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy has relied on a standard triple therapy involving a PPI and two antibiotics, amoxicillin and clarithromycin, administered over 14 days. However, rising antibiotic resistance to clarithromycin and others has led to concerns about decreasing eradication rates, prompting calls for a change in treatment strategies. In this context, the study found that 80.0% of patients with clarithromycin-resistant mutations successfully eradicated the bacteria.In previous phase III clinical trials, Pexuclu-based therapy demonstrated non-inferiority in eradication efficacy compared to existing PPI-based therapies, with safety profiles similar to the control group. This latest study is seen as providing additional evidence for the efficacy of Pexuclu in Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy. No severe adverse reactions or liver function abnormalities were observed during the study period.The research was conducted by a team led by Professors Kim Nam-hoon and Kang Seok-in from the Gastroenterology Department at Inje University Ilsan Paik Hospital and was presented as a poster at the 32nd Japanese Helicobacter Society Conference (JSHR 2026) on July 4. The related paper was published online in the official journal of the Japanese Gastroenterological Association, Digestion, on August 26.Park Hyung-cheol, head of the ETC Marketing Division at Daewoong Pharmaceutical, stated, "This study further confirms the potential of Pexuclu-based combination therapy as a first-line treatment for Helicobacter pylori eradication. We will continue to secure evidence that can be utilized in clinical practice to expand the therapeutic applications of Pexuclu."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 11:24:00
  • hys Yakult XO Surpasses 40 Million Sales Milestone
    hy's Yakult XO Surpasses 40 Million Sales Milestone hy announced that its Yakult XO, launched in May 2025, has surpassed 40 million units sold in just over a year. After reaching 25 million units in May, the product added another 15 million in just four months, demonstrating rapid growth.Yakult XO is the first zero-calorie fermented milk product introduced under the Yakult brand by hy. It eliminates sugar, carbohydrates, and fat, reducing calories to just 10 kcal per 100 ml. Despite this, it contains five patented strains and 5 billion CFU of probiotics, ensuring health benefits.The product's success is attributed to the 'healthy pleasure' trend, which seeks to balance health and taste, along with the technology behind it. As the food industry focuses on reformulating products to reduce sugar and fat, hy has implemented the 'LF-7' method, which consumes the natural sugars in milk through long fermentation. This allows the product to maintain its signature sweet and tangy flavor while keeping sugar and fat at zero.Collaborations with other brands have also expanded consumer reach. In April, a partnership with coffee franchise MegaMGC Coffee introduced the 'Low-Sugar Honey Pear XO Yakult,' which gained popularity on social media as a 'hangover drink.' Initially planned as a seasonal item, its sales period was extended due to positive consumer response.Choi Young-taek, head of hy's marketing team, stated, "Since 2014, we have been conducting a 'sugar reduction campaign' to maintain product taste and quality while lowering sugar content. Based on the success of Yakult XO, we will continue to expand our product lineup that balances taste and health."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 11:24:00
  • Interior Ministry Defends Kim Ji-yong Amid Controversies Over Prosecutorial Role
    Interior Ministry Defends Kim Ji-yong Amid Controversies Over Prosecutorial Role The Ministry of the Interior and Safety defended Kim Ji-yong, the candidate for the inaugural chief of the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency, stating that he has consistently opposed indictments during his leadership of major cases. This response comes amid various allegations regarding his qualifications and past actions.Kim Min-jae, the ministry's vice minister and head of the agency's preparatory committee, held a briefing on September 17 at the Government Seoul Complex in Jongno, addressing concerns raised by the media and political circles about Kim's qualifications and conduct.First, Vice Minister Kim clarified the controversy surrounding Kim Ji-yong's involvement in the investigation of the emergency travel ban on former Justice Ministry official Kim Hak-eui, stating, "Of the four individuals indicted, three were already under investigation and charged before Kim Ji-yong took office as head of the Supreme Prosecutors' Office's Criminal Division." He added that Kim Ji-yong had expressed opposition to the indictment of the remaining individual during an internal meeting and was not the final decision-maker on the indictment.Regarding the decision to indict former prosecutor general Han Dong-hoon in a case involving prosecutor Jeong Jin-woong, Vice Minister Kim noted, "While Kim Ji-yong was in the line of command as the deputy chief prosecutor at the Seoul High Prosecutors' Office, the investigation was already underway before his appointment, and he clearly expressed his opposition to the indictment from an advisory position."He also actively refuted the framing of Kim Ji-yong as a 'pro-Yoon (Yoon Suk Yeol) prosecutor' or 'prosecutorial hardliner,' which has been suggested primarily by the ruling party.Vice Minister Kim explained that Kim Ji-yong's participation in a statement opposing the suspension and disciplinary action against former Prosecutor General Yoon Suk Yeol acknowledged the possibility of misconduct but urged reconsideration of the appropriateness of the disciplinary process. He further clarified that his opposition to the complete removal of prosecutorial investigative powers was not against the reform itself but was concerned about ensuring victim protection and preventing gaps in public safety.Notably, Vice Minister Kim revealed that after reviewing the records of a criminal complaint against Yoon Suk Yeol's relatives, which had previously resulted in a decision not to indict, Kim Ji-yong deemed the decision unjust and ordered a re-investigation. He interpreted that this principled handling of the case contributed to Kim Ji-yong's reassignment to the Gwangju High Prosecutors' Office as a deputy chief prosecutor, effectively a demotion, following the first personnel changes under the Yoon administration.The briefing was convened as calls for Kim Ji-yong's voluntary resignation have emerged within the ruling party, following President Yoon Suk Yeol's nomination of him on September 7. In light of the controversy surrounding Kim, President Yoon directed additional verification after returning from a trip to France, which delayed the submission of the personnel confirmation request to the National Assembly. This led the Ministry of the Interior and Safety to take the initiative in clarifying the facts and defending Kim Ji-yong.However, Vice Minister Kim stated, "We will not take the public's concerns lightly," and urged that Kim Ji-yong should directly address his qualifications, capabilities, past conduct, and key issues during the upcoming confirmation hearing, where the National Assembly will conduct a thorough review.Regarding the delay in submitting the personnel confirmation request to the National Assembly, he noted, "This is part of the president's authority in personnel matters," but added that they are preparing to respond to requests for information and inquiries.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 11:20:00
  • Amorepacific Group Accelerates Payments to Partners Ahead of Chuseok
    Amorepacific Group Accelerates Payments to Partners Ahead of Chuseok Amorepacific Group is supporting its partners' holiday financial management.On September 17, Amorepacific Group announced that it has made early payments to its partners ahead of the Chuseok holiday.The payments will benefit over 600 partners supplying raw materials, containers, and products to nine subsidiaries of Amorepacific Group. The company will begin disbursing a total of 64.9 billion won, which was originally scheduled for payment by September 27, up to 10 days earlier than planned.Since the mid-2000s, Amorepacific Group has provided early payments to assist partners with their financial operations before holiday breaks.Lee Sang-mok, CEO of Amorepacific Holdings, stated, "In light of the upcoming Chuseok holiday, we are paying our partners up to 10 days earlier than scheduled. We will continue our efforts to promote mutual growth with our partners."Meanwhile, Amorepacific is expanding its international market presence for various brands based on its digital competitiveness. The company aims to achieve 15 trillion won in group sales by 2035 through global expansion in dermatological beauty, clinical skincare, and hair care.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 11:16:10
  • CJ CheilJedang Supports Vulnerable Youth with Food Initiatives at Seoul Youth Week
    CJ CheilJedang Supports Vulnerable Youth with Food Initiatives at Seoul Youth Week CJ CheilJedang is launching a 'Sharing Refrigerator' campaign to support stable diets for youth and promote the value of resource recycling.The company announced on September 17 that it will operate a Sharing Refrigerator booth at the '2026 Seoul Youth Week,' taking place from September 18 to 19 at the Moonlight Square in Banpo Hangang Park, Seocho-gu, Seoul. Seoul Youth Week is an event organized by the city to celebrate 'Youth Day' on the third Saturday of September, which has been held since 2021.At the event, CJ CheilJedang will introduce the Sharing Refrigerator campaign and conduct programs linking food sharing with resource recycling. Participants can receive food items, including cooked rice, by following the official social media accounts, watching resource recycling educational videos, and participating in quizzes.The Sharing Refrigerator is a public-private partnership initiative that CJ CheilJedang started in 2021 to support the city's healthy food program. Refrigerators have been installed at youth centers in Seoul to provide food packages, including cooked rice and frozen meals, to youth in need.As of this year, Sharing Refrigerators have been set up in nine youth centers across Seoul, benefiting approximately 43,000 vulnerable youth with food packages to date. In addition to food support, the program offers self-assessment of eating habits and nutrition education, as well as cooking classes and social dining events to help youth build social connections.Furthermore, CJ CheilJedang donates over 39 billion won worth of food annually through food banks and organizations like the Milal Welfare Foundation's Goodwill Store. The company also runs the 'HOPE Food Pack' campaign to assist children at risk of hunger during school breaks, providing food packages worth 300 million won to over 2,000 children at 81 regional child centers last year.Additionally, the company continues to produce specialized products for patients with rare diseases. Since 2009, it has been manufacturing 'Low-Protein Cooked Rice,' which contains only one-tenth the protein of regular white rice, for patients with metabolic disorders like phenylketonuria (PKU). Although the production time and costs are significantly higher than regular cooked rice, the company maintains this initiative as part of its social responsibility and supports related patient camps each year.A representative from CJ CheilJedang stated, 'We aim to share essential food resources and provide practical assistance to various community members, including youth and children. We will continue to leverage our products, technology, and business capabilities to create sustainable social value.'* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 11:16:00
  • Ruling Party to Adopt Report on Kim Seung-won Amid Opposition Pushback
    Ruling Party to Adopt Report on Kim Seung-won Amid Opposition Pushback The Democratic Party announced plans to adopt a report on Kim Seung-won, the nominee for Minister of Justice, during the National Assembly's Legislative and Judiciary Committee meeting scheduled for September 17, despite pushback from the People Power Party. This is expected to lead to a significant clash between the ruling and opposition parties during the session.Jeon Eun-soo, the party's floor spokesperson, spoke to reporters after a policy coordination meeting at the National Assembly, confirming the intention to adopt the confirmation report for Kim. The Finance and Economy Committee also adopted a report for Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Lee Hyung-il, while the Defense Committee is set to adopt a report for Kang Shin-cheol, the nominee for Minister of National Defense.In response to the Democratic Party's determination to proceed with the report on Kim, the People Power Party canceled meetings of the Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee and the Industry, Trade, and Energy Committee, both chaired by its members. These committees were scheduled to adopt reports for Hong Ji-sun, the nominee for Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, and Lee So-young, the nominee for Minister of SMEs and Startups.Regarding the People Power Party's actions, Jeon stated, "We have not prepared a separate response plan at the party level." 2026-09-17 11:16:00
  • Korea blames domestic procedure for U.S. investment delay
    Korea blames domestic procedure for U.S. investment delay SEOUL, September 17 (AJP) - South Korea's delayed announcement of its first investment project in the United States stems from domestic procedure rather than a dispute with Washington, Foreign Minister Cho Hyun said Thursday. The project is the first under a $350 billion package Seoul pledged in a tariff and investment deal with Washington reached at an October 2025 summit. "It is my understanding that this is not so much a disagreement between South Korea and the United States as an effort to firmly settle domestic procedural matters," Cho told reporters at Incheon International Airport before leaving for Washington. Cho is visiting Washington from Sept. 17 to 19, the foreign ministry said, and will hold talks with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sept. 18. The investment issue is likely to surface at that meeting. "It will come up in the course of reviewing the relationship between the two countries as a whole," Cho said. "We will clearly explain to the U.S. side what we can do," he said. On any issue that runs against South Korea's national interest or differs from its position, Cho stressed, Seoul plans to "explain in great detail and maintain a clear position." Cho also reiterated that the government has not decided whether to send forces to the Strait of Hormuz, as the United States requested. The narrow waterway between Iran and Oman is one of the world's main routes for oil shipments. The matter "has not yet been decided and is under review, taking various factors into account," he said. He said he would explain to U.S. officials that South Korea will "take part in international cooperation, while giving priority consideration to the safety of our citizens and to freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz." Seoul has already conveyed that position to Tehran. Referring to his phone call last week with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Cho said, "We have already stated our basic position and have also told the Iranian side." The joint fact sheet produced by two South Korea-U.S. summits covers follow-up cooperation that includes nuclear-powered submarines and nuclear energy. Cho said he intends to discuss pushing working-level talks "continuously and quickly" and carrying out the fact sheet "as soon as possible." On dialogue between North Korea and the United States, Cho said, "If some breakthrough is made in North Korea-U.S. relations this time, that would be welcome for our government as well." He added that if such talks take place, "the (South Korean) government will not be passed over, so it seems we should check on that as well." 2026-09-17 11:14:38
  • Lotte Mart to Build 10,000㎡ Shopping Center in Ha Long, Vietnam
    Lotte Mart to Build 10,000㎡ Shopping Center in Ha Long, Vietnam Lotte Mart is expanding its distribution network in Vietnam by constructing a new shopping center exceeding 10,000 square meters in Ha Long, a prominent tourist city. This move broadens its reach beyond established cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City into regions with high economic and tourism growth potential. On September 16, Lotte Mart Vietnam held a groundbreaking ceremony for the 'Lotte Mart Ha Long Shopping Center' in the Quang Ninh province's Bai Chay area. The event was attended by local officials, including the Deputy Director of the Quang Ninh Department of Finance, and representatives from BIM Group. The new shopping center will be located on Hoang Quoc Viet, a major road in the Ha Long Marina urban development area. The site spans over 10,000 square meters, and Lotte Mart plans to develop it into a mixed-use shopping space that caters to the daily needs of local residents and the experiential shopping desires of domestic and international tourists visiting Ha Long. Lotte Mart is collaborating with BIM Group on this project. The two companies aim to create a modern commercial space aligned with Ha Long's urban development direction, contributing to the expansion of local service and distribution infrastructure. Once opened, the shopping center will feature an international-standard hypermarket, various food courts, and essential amenities. Lotte Mart intends to operate the store as a combined space for shopping, dining, and lifestyle services, moving beyond traditional retail. This expansion into Ha Long aligns with Lotte Mart's long-term growth strategy in Vietnam. Lotte Group considers Vietnam a key overseas market, and Lotte Mart is extending its business not only in major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City but also into new economic and tourism growth areas. The entry into Ha Long is part of a local expansion strategy led by Lotte Mart's Global CEO, Cha Woo-cheol. The company plans to maintain its presence in existing key commercial areas while proactively responding to consumer demand in high-growth new regions. Shin Joo-baek, CEO of Lotte Mart Vietnam, stated at the groundbreaking ceremony, "Today’s ceremony marks the starting point for Lotte Mart’s long-term partnership in Quang Ninh. We will focus our capabilities to ensure the project is completed on schedule while maintaining the highest standards of safety and quality." He added, "Lotte Mart will continue to activate the local supply chain and create jobs, positively contributing to the overall development of the community." Since entering the Vietnamese market in 2008, Lotte Mart has continued its local operations. Recently, it has been expanding its stores while also enhancing operational efficiency and engaging in ESG activities. In fact, Lotte Mart Vietnam was named one of the top 10 'Innovative and Efficient Companies' in the retail sector by local financial and investment publications Viet Research and others in 2026. The same year, it was also recognized as one of the top 10 'Green ESG Companies' in Vietnam's retail sector for the second consecutive year. The company is also investing in environmental initiatives. Lotte Mart has installed rooftop solar power systems in eight shopping malls across Vietnam, resulting in annual cost savings of approximately 137 billion VND (about $6 million) and reducing carbon dioxide emissions by over 3,000 tons. Digital operations are also being expanded. Since April of this year, Lotte Mart has implemented electronic payment functions in 15 stores in Vietnam, reducing paper usage and enhancing order confirmation features through its online application. Meanwhile, Lotte Mart plans to continue expanding its presence in Vietnam, including the new shopping center in Ha Long, while pursuing environmentally friendly and digital operations to strengthen its long-term business foundation in the country. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 11:12:00
  • Seouls Jongno 3-ga named worlds coolest neighborhood by British magazine
    Seoul's Jongno 3-ga named world's 'coolest neighborhood' by British magazine SEOUL, September 17 (AJP) - Seoul's Jongno 3-ga has been named the world's "coolest neighborhood" for 2026 in a list released Wednesday by British travel magazine Time Out. Jongno 3-ga, which ranked third on the magazine's 2021 list, rose to No. 1 this year. Time Out attributed the rise to the neighborhood's growing late-night dining scene, street food, characteristic shops and its blend of Seoul's historic character with newer cultural trends. The area's Ikseon-dong district, known for century-old hanoks or traditional wooden houses, has become a major attraction, while its pojangmacha, or late-night street food stalls, draw younger crowds with a variety of dishes, "driving the neighborhood's current renaissance." Nearby Seosulla-gil offers a quieter contrast, with craft workshops, jewelry studios and wine bars alongside the stone walls of Jongmyo Shrine. The neighborhood is also home to an arcade in Nagwon, a longstanding hub for musical instrument shops that has become part of the area's evolving cultural scene. Morocco's L'Ocean district in Rabat ranked second, followed by Neos Kosmos, an up-and-coming neighborhood in Athens, Greece. Los Angeles' Chinatown in the U.S., Glasgow's Govanhill in Scotland and Osaka's Kitakagaya in Japan were among the other neighborhoods included on the list. Time Out said its rankings were compiled by its global network of local experts and reviewed by editors based on factors including nightlife, independent businesses, livability and community character. AJP Takeaways - Seoul's Jongno 3-ga ranked No. 1 on Time Out's list of the world's coolest neighborhoods for 2026. - Time Out highlighted Jongno 3-ga's late-night dining, street food, unique shops and mix of historic and modern culture. - Rabat's L'Ocean district ranked second, followed by Neos Kosmos in Athens, Greece. 2026-09-17 11:09:52