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Com2us' 'Zeus: Wrath of the Gods' Tops Sales Charts in Major Markets Com2us announced that its new MMORPG, 'Zeus: Wrath of the Gods,' has reached the top of the sales rankings in South Korea's major app markets as of August 27. The game officially launched on August 26. On the day of its release, it climbed to number one in the Apple App Store by the afternoon and achieved the same ranking in the Google Play Store by 6 a.m. the following day. A character name reservation event prior to the launch attracted a significant number of users. Since its release, Com2us reported active gameplay across various content areas, including character growth, guild activities, and competition. 'Zeus: Wrath of the Gods' features eight distinct classes and an AI mode that enhances the continuity of character development. This variety allows players to enjoy the game according to their individual play styles, contributing to its early popularity. The game is accessible on both PC and mobile platforms. Notably, the AI mode is a key convenience feature that allows character growth even when players are not logged in. Users can set hunting grounds and play schedules, enabling their characters to continue hunting and developing after they log off. During the AI mode, players can also manage essential growth elements such as crafting, enhancing, and trading. The mode includes a 'recruit' feature that allows guild members in AI mode to participate in guild raids, linking offline growth with guild activities. Set against a backdrop of a world fractured by the arrogance of Zeus, the supreme god of Greek mythology, 'Zeus: Wrath of the Gods' follows players as they receive divine powers to combat chaos and strive to become the strongest 'vessel of the gods.' A Com2us representative stated, 'We will continue to strive for stable service and high-quality content through close collaboration with Aiverton.'* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-27 10:28:10
Interview: NeoWiz Restructures Data Analysis to Benefit Users “The faster we can verify and respond to data, the more benefits will ultimately return to the game users,” said Kim Do-kyun, head of the Data Engineering Team at NeoWiz, explaining the necessity for the company’s data infrastructure transformation.Game companies are increasingly building environments to efficiently manage and utilize the growing volume of game data. This data, generated in real-time during gameplay, includes user play records, item purchases, currency usage, and points of user drop-off, all of which need to be linked to actual business operations.The speed at which data is analyzed and reflected in operations influences updates, difficulty levels, and reward designs, making data management capabilities increasingly critical for game companies.In response to the rising demand for data and analysis, NeoWiz has restructured its data environment. Kim Do-kyun and manager Shin Cheol-kyu from the Data Engineering Team recently spoke with Aju Economy about the changes following the infrastructure transition and future utilization plans.The Data Engineering Team at NeoWiz collects and manages vast amounts of data generated during game services and external marketing, providing foundational data that can be used by practical departments for business planning and operations.As the volume of data processing increased due to new game releases and major updates, NeoWiz adopted Snowflake’s services last year. After conducting proof of concept (PoC) across five areas and 34 scenarios in the first quarter of 2025, the system is now actively utilized in daily operations.The most significant change has been in the way data is utilized. Kim noted, “Previously, each department had to request the necessary data, which would then be delivered, followed by additional requests for further analysis. Now, as long as departments are granted access rights and policies, staff can directly use the data they need.”NeoWiz has also implemented AI-driven analysis methods. Even those not in the data analysis team can now ask for necessary data in natural language and receive results. This has broadened the range of data used in practical applications and diversified its utilization methods. Some data analysis tasks that once took 1-2 weeks have been reduced to about 10 minutes.Manager Shin emphasized, “To reduce incorrect analyses (hallucinations) by AI, we have put significant effort into defining relationships and standards between data in advance, creating reliable data that can be trusted.”As the scope of data utilization expands to practical departments, the role of the Data Engineering Team has undergone a major transformation. The team has shifted focus from repetitive data extraction and infrastructure management to more advanced tasks such as cost management and building environments for collecting and analyzing data for new games.Shin explained, “Now, we are more focused on how to manage and utilize the data we have rather than just preparing it. The nature of our work has changed so much that it could be considered a completely new profession.”NeoWiz is quickly responding to real-time data analysis by applying the new analytical system to web board games like ‘Pmang New Matgo’ and live service games such as ‘Brown Dust 2’ and ‘Cat and Soup.’ For console titles like ‘Lie of P’ and upcoming projects, the company is also preparing to implement the system from the planning and development stages.Looking ahead, NeoWiz plans to enhance its capabilities by using AI to analyze user anomalies or difficulties encountered during gameplay, supporting game operators in their decision-making. If a user consistently struggles at a specific point, the system will help identify the cause of the hurdle and determine if difficulty adjustments are necessary.Kim stated, “For instance, if a specific user continuously loses resources in games like Matgo or poker, we can analyze the reasons and reflect that in compensation methods or update directions, ultimately helping to reduce user drop-off. The goal of utilizing data is to create better games and ensure users have a more enjoyable experience.” 2026-08-27 10:28:00
China's Pet Travel Service Gains Popularity Amid Declining Birth Rates A service allowing passengers to travel with their pet dogs in the adjacent seat on flights is gaining popularity in China. Eastern Airlines launched its 'in-cabin pet travel service' in April 2025, allowing dogs to be placed in portable cages under the front seat. Only two dogs are permitted per flight. Pets must wear muzzles and diapers while in the cage, which is covered with a cloth to shield them from view. The service fee is 1,288 yuan (approximately $180).In the first year of operation, 4,600 customers utilized this service. Customers praised the option, stating, 'I feel much more at ease having my dog beside me instead of in the cargo hold.' As demand grew, Eastern Airlines expanded the service in April 2026, allowing customers to purchase an additional seat to place the cage next to them. The service was also introduced on the Incheon-Qingdao route starting August 11. Currently, pets can travel on flights to 38 cities across China, covering about 660 routes.This trend reflects more than just unique marketing in the airline industry. In China, an increasing number of people are delaying marriage or choosing not to marry at all, and more couples are deciding against having children. Pets are filling the void left by partners or children.This shift was evident at the 28th Asia Pet Expo, held from August 19 to 23 at the Shanghai New International Expo Center. Over 2,600 companies participated, marking the largest event to date, with more than 2,000 new products showcased. Innovations such as AI feeding devices, automatic litter boxes, health monitoring gadgets, and pet-specific air purifiers attracted attention. Notably, several companies offering funeral services for aging pets were also present, providing services ranging from transportation to bathing, grooming, memorial videos, cremation, and urn placement.According to the 2026 China Pet Industry Development Report, the number of pet dogs and cats in China reached 189 million last year, a 0.9% increase from the previous year. During the same period, the pet consumer market grew to 336.5 billion yuan, a 4.3% increase. The market growth rate exceeds the pet population growth rate, indicating that Chinese consumers are spending more on their pets. Pets are significantly filling the emotional and financial gaps left by the costs and burdens associated with marriage and childbirth. The image of a dog sitting in an adjacent seat on a plane and an owner preparing for a farewell at a funeral home exemplifies the realities of low birth rates in China.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-27 10:28:00
South Korea Faces Saudi Arabia and Qatar in Asian Games Quarterfinals South Korea, aiming for a fourth consecutive title in men's football at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, will compete against Saudi Arabia and Qatar for a spot in the quarterfinals.South Korea will face Qatar on September 15 and Saudi Arabia on September 22. Among the 15 participating countries, Groups A to C consist of four teams each, while Group D has only three teams, with the top two from each group advancing to the quarterfinals.Group D, which includes South Korea, is the only group with three teams, meaning the standings will be determined by just two matches.In terms of player composition, South Korea boasts the strongest lineup. Coach Lee Min-seong has finalized a squad of 23 players, including nine from European clubs such as Bae Jun-ho (Stoke City), Yang Min-hyeok (Tottenham), Kim Ji-soo (Brentford), and Park Seung-soo (Newcastle). The three wildcards are Lee Gi-hyeok (Gangwon), Yang Hyun-jun (Celtic), and Eom Ji-sung (Swansea City). Lee Gi-hyeok, Yang Hyun-jun, Eom Ji-sung, and Bae Jun-ho were also part of the national team that competed in the North and Central America World Cup qualifiers in June.However, based on recent performances of the age-group national teams, South Korea's dominance is not as clear-cut. In the AFC U-23 Asian Cup held in Saudi Arabia last January, South Korea reached the semifinals but lost to Japan 1-0. In the third-place match, they drew 2-2 with Vietnam after extra time but lost 7-6 in the penalty shootout, finishing in fourth place.Saudi Arabia did not advance past the group stage in the same tournament. As the host nation, they secured a 1-0 victory over Kyrgyzstan but lost 3-2 to Jordan and 1-0 to Vietnam, finishing third in their group with one win and two losses.Qatar struggled even more in this year's U-23 Asian Cup, losing all three matches without scoring, falling 2-0 to the United Arab Emirates, 1-0 to Syria, and 2-0 to Japan, resulting in an early exit from the group stage.Comparing the recent U-23 Asian Cup results, South Korea finished fourth, while Saudi Arabia was eliminated in the group stage, and Qatar lost all their matches. South Korea has assembled a strong squad for the Asian Games, including four players with World Cup experience and nine from European clubs.In this short group stage, where only two of the three teams will advance, each match carries significant weight. If all three teams end up with one win and one loss, tiebreaker criteria will come into play, making the outcome of the opening match against Qatar crucial.Having won consecutive titles in Incheon in 2014, Jakarta-Palembang in 2018, and Hangzhou in 2022, South Korea's pursuit of a fourth consecutive Asian Games title will be closely watched.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-27 10:24:00
Hanwha to Host Seoul International Fireworks Festival on September 5 Hanwha will host the 'Hanwha Seoul International Fireworks Festival 2026' on September 5 at Yeouido Hangang Park. This year's festival has been moved up to accommodate the Chuseok holiday and increased foreign tourist demand, following last year's event held in late September.According to Hanwha, the festival will run from 1 PM to 10 PM, with the fireworks show beginning at 8 PM. The Seoul International Fireworks Festival, a social contribution initiative by Hanwha Group since 2000, has become a major event in South Korea, attracting over one million visitors each year.This year's theme is 'Your Infinite Colors,' which aims to express the beauty of life through 'infinite colors' and convey stories of inspiration and hope through the fireworks display.Three countries will participate in this year's festival, including teams from Hanwha, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Each country's unique style and technical expertise will light up the autumn night sky, promising unforgettable memories for attendees.The fireworks show will kick off at 8 PM sharp with the U.K. team, presenting a special display titled 'Colours Reimagined' designed exclusively for the festival. This 15-minute show will be synchronized with the K-pop song 'Soda Pop' by Demon Hunters. Following this, the U.S. team will take the stage at 8:20 PM with a performance themed 'Instrumental Illumination,' featuring the grandeur of light set to the melodies of 'O Fortuna' from Carmina Burana.The finale will be presented by the South Korean team, Hanwha, which will showcase a display inspired by Vincent van Gogh's 'Starry Night,' titled 'The Starry Night - A Puzzle of Light.' This segment will also feature an emotional fireworks display set to the song 'The Wind Blows' by singer Lee Sora.This year, new features include a 'Tower Fireworks' display utilizing the Wonhyo Bridge and a 'Bridge Display' with various patterns. A signature 'Decalcomania' display will also be performed, with fireworks symmetrically launched from both sides of the Han River above the Wonhyo Bridge.Hanwha is collaborating with the Seoul city government and the Seoul Tourism Foundation to provide various viewing areas and experience programs from Nodeul Island to Yeouido Hangang Park. They will also offer tourism packages linking Seoul's cultural and artistic events with the Pompidou Center Hanwha for foreign tourists.Safety measures will be enhanced this year, with over 5,000 personnel deployed for safety management and order maintenance, including 1,200 volunteers from Hanwha. The event will utilize 'Orange Safety' to measure real-time crowd density and KT's 5G network slicing technology to monitor the situation on-site.Hanwha has developed its fireworks business based on its expertise in the explosives industry. In addition to the Seoul International Fireworks Festival, the company has gained experience in major domestic fireworks events, showcasing multimedia fireworks shows that synchronize music with the timing of the fireworks.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-27 10:20:20
Bank of Korea Raises Key Interest Rate to 3.00% Amid Economic Growth The Bank of Korea's Monetary Policy Committee raised the key interest rate to 3.00% on August 27, marking the second consecutive increase. This decision appears to be a proactive measure to address rising inflationary pressures driven by strong demand, particularly in the semiconductor sector.During its sixth monetary policy meeting of the year, the committee increased the rate by 0.25 percentage points, following a previous hike from 2.50% to 2.75%. This marks only the fourth instance in which the Bank of Korea has implemented back-to-back rate increases, with the last occurrences in July-August 2007, November 2021-January 2022, and April 2022-January 2023.The primary reason for the rate hike is attributed to stronger-than-expected economic performance. The country's economy has shown growth exceeding forecasts, bolstered by robust semiconductor exports, which has raised concerns about inflationary pressures.Recent data supports the decision for consecutive rate increases. The real GDP growth rate for the second quarter was 0.6%, continuing the positive trend following a strong 1.8% growth in the first quarter. This sustained growth has prompted the committee to act preemptively to stabilize prices.Former Deputy Governor Yoo Sang-dae noted in a press conference before his retirement on August 20 that demand pressures from economic recovery could gradually increase core inflation. He indicated that unless there are significant economic shocks, further rate hikes are likely.The Bank of Korea also revised its economic growth forecast for this year, projecting a 3.3% increase, surpassing the government's estimate of 3.0%. This is the highest growth rate since 2021, when it reached 4.7%. The forecast was adjusted upward from an earlier estimate of 2.6% made in May.This upward revision reflects the Bank's assessment that strong growth will continue despite challenges such as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The Bank of Korea has adjusted its growth forecasts multiple times, initially projecting 1.8% in November 2022 and 2.0% in February 2023.The Bank's new forecast exceeds those of major institutions, including the OECD and the IMF, both of which projected a 2.6% growth rate. The Korea Development Institute also raised its growth forecast from 2.5% to 3.2% on August 19.For consumer price inflation, the Bank of Korea maintained its forecasts at 2.7% for this year and 2.3% for next year.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-27 10:20:10
Mirae Asset's Park Hyun-joo Aims to Grow Digital Assets to $150 Billion by 2027 Mirae Asset Group is set to significantly expand its digital asset business. The group aims to grow its digital asset sector to 150 trillion won, leveraging its customer assets totaling 1,500 trillion won, with a goal of achieving profitability by 2027.On August 26, Park Hyun-joo, Chairman of Mirae Asset Group and Global Strategist (GSO), presented this long-term vision, dubbed 'Mirae Asset 3.0,' at an event for DigitalX employees held at the Four Seasons Hotel in Seoul.Park emphasized that DigitalX will be a core component of 'Mirae Asset 3.0,' aiming to cultivate the digital asset business as a new growth engine for the group. The strategy involves expanding digital asset-related products and services based on the group's customer assets.Specifically, the group plans to enhance its product offerings by focusing on four key areas: cryptocurrency, stablecoins, real-world assets (RWA), and security token offerings (STO). It will also promote the digitization of various physical assets, including gold, silver, and electricity.Park stated, "Our primary goal is to grow the digital asset sector to 150 trillion won based on our customer assets of 1,500 trillion won and achieve profitability by 2027."The group is also accelerating the establishment of a blockchain-based 'On-chain Finance' ecosystem. This includes discovering new financial products and services utilizing digital assets, as well as enhancing competitiveness in related businesses through self-capital investments.Park urged employees to possess a forward-looking perspective and to prepare for new changes, encouraging them to be creative talents who continuously seek new possibilities beyond established frameworks.In the future, Mirae Asset Group plans to build a 'global integrated platform' that combines traditional and digital assets, with a commitment to strictly adhere to relevant regulations and global standards, including anti-money laundering (AML), know your customer (KYC), information protection, and abnormal transaction detection systems (FDS).* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-27 10:20:10
LG Innotek Supplies Camera Modules for Amazon's Zoox Robo-Taxis LG Innotek is supplying camera modules for robo-taxis developed by Amazon's autonomous driving subsidiary, Zoox. This partnership builds on years of collaboration as both companies expand into autonomous driving and physical artificial intelligence (AI) businesses. On August 27, LG Innotek announced that it will provide its vehicle camera modules to Zoox's robo-taxis over the coming years. The two companies have maintained a collaborative relationship since the early stages of Zoox's robo-taxi development. Zoox is an autonomous driving technology company acquired by Amazon in 2020. Last year, it established a dedicated manufacturing facility for robo-taxis in Hayward, California, and launched an unmanned autonomous ride-hailing service in Las Vegas. The camera modules from LG Innotek, which support a high resolution of 5 million pixels, are crucial for the sensor systems that allow the robo-taxis to perceive their surroundings. These modules utilize advanced optical design technology accumulated through LG Innotek's mobile camera module business. The cameras are strategically placed throughout the vehicle, each with different angles to minimize blind spots and accurately recognize the 360-degree environment around the vehicle. Durability has also been enhanced to accommodate the operating conditions of autonomous vehicles. The cameras are designed to maintain performance despite extreme temperature fluctuations and are equipped with waterproof features to ensure reliable sensing in various weather conditions. With this supply agreement, LG Innotek aims to strengthen its partnership with Zoox and expand its business in the physical AI sector based on vehicle sensing technology. As the market for autonomous vehicles and robotics grows, demand for components that enable real-world perception, such as cameras and sensors, is expected to increase. 2026-08-27 10:20:00
Inje County Expands Support for Military Families to Foster Community Integration Inje County, Gangwon Province, is intensifying its support policies to facilitate the stable settlement and social participation of military families, encompassing education, culture, and community activities. The initiative aims to integrate not only military personnel but also their spouses and children as members of the local community, fostering mutual growth between the military and the region.According to Inje County on August 27, the county recently amended the "Inje County Ordinance on Promoting Our Military Citizens and Supporting Military Families" to expand the existing support framework, which focused primarily on military personnel, to include their families. This amendment establishes a legal foundation for promoting exchanges between military families and local residents, as well as for cultural, leisure, and sports programs, welfare enhancement projects, and events such as 'Military Family Day.'The policy focuses on reducing social isolation and limitations on activity opportunities that military families may experience when relocating due to military transfers. It also seeks to connect the experiences, expertise, and talents of spouses to community activities. A notable example is the new "Inje Love Life" lifelong learning support project, which is set to launch this year.The county will select five learning groups composed of military families and provide funding for instructors, with a total budget of 15 million won, allowing up to 3 million won per group. The program will also introduce a dual approach that accommodates spouses' learning alongside childcare and experiential programs for children, thereby lowering participation burdens. This initiative is scheduled to run from September to December.Inje County's support will extend beyond mere educational assistance. Plans are in place to enhance community participation for military families and connect their expertise and talents to local opportunities, such as lifelong learning instructors.Community projects linking military families and residents are already underway. Last year, Inje County operated the 'Military Family Community Support Project' to strengthen social ties between military families and local residents and assist in stable community integration. This year, related projects continue, with the results of the 2026 support project selection announced in July.These policies align with the community integration framework emphasized by the 9th elected administration of Inje County. County Mayor Choi Sang-ki highlighted in his inaugural address in July the importance of a "unified governance that encompasses all 70,000 residents." His vision aims to enhance regional competitiveness by consolidating local capabilities and connecting living areas and communities in an era of population decline.This new policy, which views military families not just as relatives of military personnel but as valuable community members and human resources, reflects this governance direction.On August 25, the county held a meeting at the county office's small conference room attended by County Mayor Choi Sang-ki, relevant officials, and 16 members from the Inje branch of the Gangwon Military Family Association, including Branch Head Shin Hyun-ji. The meeting discussed ways to expand military families' participation in the community, the operation of 'Military Family Day,' and the activation of educational and event programs.Inje County plans to continue engaging with the Gangwon Military Family Association to incorporate feedback from the field into its policies and to identify additional projects that support the stable settlement and community participation of military families.Mayor Choi Sang-ki stated, "Military families are precious neighbors who live together in the community and create a community. We will expand practical support to ensure that military families can build new relationships and showcase their experiences and talents in Inje."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-27 10:16:00
Chungnam National University and Kongju National University Hold First Integration Committee Meeting Discussions on the integration of Chungnam National University and Kongju National University have officially begun. The two institutions held their first Integration Promotion Committee meeting, passing the draft of the integration application and setting a timeline for a vote among members scheduled for early next month. The Integration Promotion Committee, co-chaired by Chungnam National University President Kim Jeong-gyeom and Kongju National University President Lim Gyeong-ho, announced on August 26 that they convened the 'First Integration Promotion Committee' at the Sejong Joint Campus Academic and Cultural Support Center. During the meeting, the draft of the 'Integration Application for Chungnam National University and Kongju National University' was presented and approved. With the draft approved, both universities will make the integration application available to their members and begin a formal feedback process. The public review period will run from 12 p.m. on August 27 to 12 p.m. on September 7. During this review period, the committee will gather input from various stakeholders at both universities and incorporate their feedback. A second Integration Promotion Committee meeting is scheduled for September 7 to discuss further revisions to the integration application. Following the revisions, a vote on the integration will be conducted among university members from September 8 to 10.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-27 10:16:00