AJU PRESS ASIA FIRST NEWS AGENCY

Journalist

&
""
Latest by
  • Dongbu Constructions Plant Sales Surge 54.5%, Emerging as a Growth Driver
    Dongbu Construction's Plant Sales Surge 54.5%, Emerging as a Growth Driver Dongbu Construction's plant business is rapidly growing this year, emerging as a new growth driver. Sales in the first half of the year increased by over 50% compared to the same period last year, already achieving 78% of last year's annual performance.According to Dongbu Construction's business report for the first half of 2026, plant sales reached 153.5 billion won, a 54.5% increase from 99.3 billion won in the same period last year. This is the highest sales growth rate among major construction sectors, including civil engineering and architecture.Considering that last year's total plant sales were 196.7 billion won, the company has achieved approximately 78% of last year's annual performance in just the first half of this year.The growth trend was particularly notable in the second quarter. Plant sales in the second quarter were about 82.8 billion won, more than double the 37.1 billion won recorded during the same period last year. Following first-quarter sales of approximately 70.7 billion won, the second quarter also saw an expansion in sales volume.Currently, Dongbu Construction is engaged in industrial facility projects, including the expansion of Amkor Technology Korea's Songdo plant and the construction of SK Hynix's Yongin cluster cooperation facility. The company plans to expand its workforce in construction, administration, estimation, design, and project-related areas to support the growth of its plant business.Meanwhile, as the construction industry responds to fluctuations in the housing market, the semiconductor and advanced industrial facility plants are gaining attention as new revenue sources for mid-sized construction firms.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-27 09:20:00
  • Chinese Lecturer Admits to Killing Graduate Student in South Korea
    Chinese Lecturer Admits to Killing Graduate Student in South Korea A Chinese lecturer in his 30s, identified as Jeong, has partially confessed to the murder of a Chinese female graduate student in Gyeongsan, South Korea, according to police.On August 20, Jeong reportedly killed the victim, identified as A, 25, in the early hours of the morning. A was last seen on closed-circuit television footage in front of Jeong's residence around 2 a.m. that day.Investigators also found that A made her final contact with family members in China around the same time. Police stated, "The exact time of the murder needs further confirmation through an autopsy, but Jeong is providing statements related to the crime."Prior to this, police applied for an arrest warrant for Jeong, citing concerns over evidence destruction and flight risk. The warrant hearing is expected to take place as early as August 28.Jeong, who is accused of murdering the graduate student who arrived in South Korea on August 14 to obtain her diploma, was apprehended by police on August 25 at 7:29 p.m. in the streets of Hayang-eup, Gyeongsan.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-27 09:20:00
  • Jiran Jigyosecurity Strengthens Public and Education Mobile Security Market with Mobile Keeper V5
    Jiran Jigyosecurity Strengthens Public and Education Mobile Security Market with Mobile Keeper V5 Jiran Jigyosecurity is enhancing its strategy in the public and education mobile security market with its Mobile Device Management (MDM) solution, Mobile Keeper V5. The company aims to solidify its position as a market leader, having maintained the top share in the domestic MDM procurement market for the second consecutive year.On August 27, Jiran Jigyosecurity announced that it has registered Mobile Keeper V5, which has received Common Criteria (CC) certification for integrated management of Android and iOS environments, on the Public Procurement Service's digital service mall.This registration allows public institutions to adopt Mobile Keeper V5 through the procurement process.Jiran Jigyosecurity plans to leverage its competitive edge in the domestic MDM procurement market with the latest version, Mobile Keeper V5. The solution received CC certification in June for its integrated management of Android and iOS environments, addressing the mobile device management needs in the public sector.Mobile Keeper V5 enables management of both Android and iOS devices from a single console. It offers unified policy management, device status monitoring, security policy application, and operating system-specific control features on a single platform. This reduces the complexity of separately building and operating management systems for different operating systems and supports the application of consistent security policies.In addition to the public sector, Jiran Jigyosecurity plans to respond to the demand for mobile device management in educational settings.With the revised Elementary and Secondary Education Act implemented in March 2026, which provides a legal basis for restricting the use of smart devices during class, interest in managing smart devices in schools is increasing.Mobile Keeper V5 supports the application of policies specific to each school, device usage control, and exception management. It also allows for the establishment of an integrated management system at the district level. This enables systematic monitoring and management of device operations and policy applications at individual schools.Kim In-hwan, Director of the Mobile Business Division at Jiran Jigyosecurity, stated, "With the registration of Mobile Keeper V5 following V4, we will expand business opportunities in the public and education markets and further solidify our market-leading position."Jiran Jigyosecurity has been expanding its device management business in the public and education sectors based on Mobile Keeper. Since its launch in 2011, Mobile Keeper received its first CC certification in 2014, and the latest version, V5, received CC certification for the integrated Android and iOS platform in June 2021, following V4. The previous version, V4, has also been supplied through the Public Procurement Service's digital service mall.In the education sector, the company has been building and enhancing the tablet management system for Daekyo Learning Center since 2017. Last year, it secured a project to establish an EMM-based tablet management system for Daekyo, creating a management environment for over 50,000 tablets across approximately 1,300 learning centers and study rooms nationwide.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-27 09:20:00
  • Pyeongchangs Wooden Statue of Jeoseokcheon Designated as National Treasure
    Pyeongchang's Wooden Statue of Jeoseokcheon Designated as National Treasure The 'Wooden Statue of Jeoseokcheon' from Pyeongchang's Sangwon Temple, believed to have been created in the early Joseon period, has been designated as a national cultural heritage treasure, the Cultural Heritage Administration announced on August 27.This statue is a rare example of a Jeoseokcheon figure sculpted in wood, which is typically depicted in paintings in Buddhist art. It is estimated to have been created before 1645, based on restoration records of relics discovered in 2008 and the inscription of the wooden statue of Manjushri (National Treasure).The statue's seated posture, plump and rounded face, and the elevated topknot (a traditional hairstyle for Buddhas and Bodhisattvas) reflect stylistic elements from the late Goryeo period. It is considered a significant resource for understanding early Joseon Buddhist sculpture and the rituals associated with relic deposits at that time.Additionally, the 'Iron Buddha of Jingu Temple,' 'Landscape and Figures Album by Lee Gyeong-yun,' 'Collection of Sam Bong,' 'Early Edition of the Yoga Sutra,' and 'Anseong Goshinwangji' have also been designated as treasures.The 'Iron Buddha of Jingu Temple' is believed to have been created between the late 9th and early 10th centuries. Although some parts of the hands and body are missing, its balanced proportions and refined sculptural techniques reveal its original beauty. It features typical characteristics of late 9th-century iron Buddhas, including a triangular face, a neat jaw and mouth, a double-curved nose, and slender eyes. The slender waist, full chest, and softly flowing garment folds reflect the artistic traditions of the Unified Silla period. This statue is thought to have been enshrined at Jingu Temple, a key temple of the Gusan Seonmun, which was established during the late Silla period, and is regarded as an excellent work with historical, artistic, and sculptural value.The 'Landscape and Figures Album by Lee Gyeong-yun' is a collection attributed to Lee Gyeong-yun (1545–1611), a prominent literati painter of the mid-Joseon period. The album contains landscape and figure paintings, with works by Lee Gyeong-yun on pages 1 to 9, and unidentified artists' works on pages 10 to 22.This album also includes a poem and a colophon written by the noted writer Choi Rip (1539–1612) from the reign of King Seonjo. The poem relates to the titles of the paintings, while the colophon provides insights into the overall content and creation process of the work. This is a rare example that conveys the original owner's history, creation context, and appreciation records, making it an important art historical resource that illustrates the exchange among literati in the mid-Joseon period and the formation of albums, as well as a valuable work for understanding Lee Gyeong-yun's painting style.The 'Collection of Sam Bong' is a reprinted first volume of the writings of Jeong Dojeon, a key figure in the founding of the Joseon dynasty, published in 1465 (11th year of King Sejo's reign). After the original edition published during the reign of King Taejo was lost due to the Prince's Rebellion, descendants compiled and republished the scattered writings. Notably, the colophon unique to this edition serves as a crucial basis for clarifying the early publication and transmission process of the 'Collection of Sam Bong,' making it highly valuable in the fields of early Joseon literature, history, and bibliography.The 'Early Edition of the Yoga Sutra' is a text corresponding to volume 3 of a total of 100 volumes translated by Xuanzang during the Tang dynasty. This is the only known edition of this volume found both domestically and internationally, making it extremely rare. Although some parts are not well-preserved, it demonstrates the level of Yogacara studies during the Goryeo period and features meticulously annotated reading aids in Korean, providing valuable historical material for the study of the Korean language.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-27 09:16:10
  • Eight in Ten Non-Apartment Transactions Under 85㎡ and 400 Million Won
    Eight in Ten Non-Apartment Transactions Under 85㎡ and 400 Million Won Approximately 80% of non-apartment real estate transactions in South Korea involve properties with a size of 85 square meters or less and priced at 400 million won or less. In Seoul, transactions meeting these criteria account for about 65% of the total.The real estate information platform Dabang reported on August 27 that, based on actual transaction data from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, an analysis of multi-family housing and officetel sales from January to July 2025 and 2026 revealed that out of a total of 87,557 non-apartment transactions nationwide this year, 69,936 transactions, or roughly 80%, fell within the 85㎡ and 400 million won parameters.By housing type, the total number of multi-family housing transactions nationwide was 62,013, with 48,954 of those transactions meeting the 85㎡ and 400 million won criteria. Compared to the same period last year, the overall transaction volume increased by 8,336, while the number of transactions within the specified criteria rose by 4,278.In contrast, the total number of officetel transactions nationwide was 25,544, an increase of 1,008 from the previous year, but transactions under 85㎡ and 400 million won decreased by 513 to 20,982.In Seoul, the trends for multi-family housing and officetels diverged. From January to July this year, the number of multi-family housing transactions in Seoul reached 25,681, an increase of 5,443 from the previous year, with 15,668 transactions under 85㎡ and 400 million won, up by 2,072. Conversely, the total number of officetel transactions in Seoul was 7,858, a decrease of 206, and transactions under 85㎡ and 400 million won fell by 813 to 6,027.Meanwhile, if the Youth Future Housing Loan is launched as scheduled, there is a possibility of a more pronounced influx of actual demand focused on multi-family housing that meets the price and size requirements. 2026-08-27 09:16:00
  • Tension Mounts Ahead of Bank of Koreas Interest Rate Decision
    Tension Mounts Ahead of Bank of Korea's Interest Rate Decision On the morning of the 27th, the atmosphere in the Bank of Korea's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting room was notably tense. With the decision on whether to implement a so-called 'back-to-back' interest rate hike following last month's increase, reporters focused their attention on Bank of Korea Governor Shin Hyun-song.Governor Shin entered the meeting room at 8:59 a.m., wearing a navy jacket and a blue patterned tie. After taking his seat with a serious expression, he struck the gavel to signal the start of the meeting and requested reporters to leave.When reporters asked for a comment, Governor Shin briefly replied, "I will speak downstairs (in the briefing room)." Given the impending decision on the base rate, he did not provide any additional messages that could indicate the direction of monetary policy.MPC members arrived before Governor Shin. Starting at 8:54 a.m., the newly appointed Deputy Governor Kwon Min-soo was the first to enter, followed by committee members Lee Soo-hyung, Hwang Geon-il, Jang Yong-seong, and Kim Jong-hwa at 8:57 a.m.The atmosphere among reporters was charged, with about 40 attendees, including Bank of Korea executives and journalists, filling the meeting room. Reporters remained alert to the expressions and comments of Governor Shin and the MPC members right up until the meeting began.Market speculation is divided on whether the Bank of Korea will maintain the base rate at 2.75% or implement an additional 25 basis point (bp) hike (1 bp = 0.01 percentage points). A survey conducted by Aju Economy among seven domestic macroeconomic and bond experts revealed that four (57.1%) expect a rate hike, while three (42.9%) predict a hold.Support for an additional hike stems from stronger-than-expected growth and high inflation levels. Last month, the Bank of Korea raised the base rate by 25 bp, marking its first tightening move in three and a half years since January 2023. At that time, Governor Shin indicated that the decision for August would be based on the second quarter's real GDP growth rate and July's core inflation rate, stating, "We will watch closely."The preliminary report for the second quarter's real GDP growth rate showed an increase of 0.6% compared to the previous quarter, significantly exceeding the Bank of Korea's May forecast of 0.2%. Following a rebound from -0.1% in the fourth quarter of last year to 1.8% in the first quarter of this year, the economy continued to show relatively solid growth in the second quarter. Income conditions also improved significantly, with the second quarter's real gross domestic income (GDI) rising 15.6% year-on-year, the highest growth rate since the first quarter of 1988 (16.4%).However, inflation remains a concern. The consumer price inflation rate for July was 2.8%, down from 3.2% in June, but still above the Bank of Korea's inflation target of 2%. Notably, the core inflation rate reached 2.6%, the highest level since December 2023 (2.8%), influenced by rising durable goods prices.On the other hand, arguments for holding the rate steady are also strong. Given that rates were already raised last month, there is a belief that it is unnecessary to implement another hike without first assessing the effects of the previous increase. While inflationary pressures remain due to rising international oil prices and domestic recovery, recent declines in the won-dollar exchange rate and stock market adjustments are seen as factors that may reduce the urgency for further tightening.The time lag of monetary policy also supports the case for holding rates steady. It takes considerable time for an interest rate hike to affect bank lending rates and subsequently influence consumer and business spending, as well as inflation and the real economy. Therefore, it is possible to consider additional adjustments after assessing the impact of last month's increase.The upcoming MPC meeting will focus on whether to respond to stronger growth and rising core inflation with an additional hike or to moderate the pace while observing the effects of last month's increase.Meanwhile, the Bank of Korea is expected to announce the results of the base rate decision and projections for growth and inflation around 10 a.m. A briefing on the monetary policy direction will take place at 11:10 a.m., providing insights into the MPC's assessment of recent economic conditions and future monetary policy operations.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-27 09:16:00
  • Bill Gates Calls for US-China Cooperation on AI Ahead of Summit
    Bill Gates Calls for US-China Cooperation on AI Ahead of Summit Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has warned of the social upheaval caused by the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) and called for cooperation between the United States and China.According to the South China Morning Post on August 27, Gates published a roughly 6,000-word essay on his personal blog the previous day, stating that AI is ushering in "one of the most transformative periods in human history." He noted that AI could serve as the "most powerful tool for reducing inequality in human history or become a source of the worst inequality." He emphasized the need for discussions to establish joint norms before competition makes cooperation more difficult among the world's leading AI development countries and those controlling key supply chains.Gates pointed out that the arrival of the AI era is "really different" from past technological innovations. He highlighted that the pace of AI technology development is much faster than before, and the scale of its impact on society is significantly larger, yet governments and leaders are not adequately prepared.Notably, the US and China are considered the two major powers in the AI field and are essentially key parties for cooperation. Gates' remarks come as discussions on AI governance between the US and China are anticipated ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to the US next month. However, it remains uncertain what specific topics will be on the table during the US-China dialogue.Gates suggested that national leaders should first assess the extent of institutional preparations for the AI era by gathering experts. He identified three urgent risks: job displacement, crimes and surveillance using AI, and the impact on children and human relationships.In particular, Gates praised China for being the most proactive in establishing safeguards related to child protection, citing recent regulations by Chinese authorities on AI companion apps that could induce emotional dependence in minors.He noted that many Americans do not fully recognize the pace of advancements in robotics, stating, "A significant portion of cutting-edge robotics research is being conducted in China." During the Biden administration, the US and China held their first working-level meeting on AI in May 2024 in Geneva, where they reached a consensus that decisions regarding the use of nuclear weapons should be controlled by humans, not AI. This is known to be the only high-level agreement reached between the two countries regarding AI development and utilization.Despite fierce competition between the US and China over advanced AI models and robotics, the potential for cooperation in addressing common risks is growing.Recently, the South China Morning Post reported that incidents of AI misuse, including hacking software systems developed by American companies, have increased, raising expectations for US-China collaboration in areas of mutual concern, such as the misuse of AI by terrorist organizations.Meanwhile, Reuters reported on August 26 that Gates is coordinating a schedule to meet with Xi in China, with a possible meeting as early as November. Gates is expected to express his concerns about the societal impact of AI during this meeting.Gates last met with Xi in 2023, marking Xi's first meeting with a foreign business leader since the COVID-19 pandemic. 2026-08-27 09:16:00
  • KOSPI Opens Higher, Boosted by Strong NVIDIA Earnings
    KOSPI Opens Higher, Boosted by Strong NVIDIA Earnings The KOSPI opened higher today, driven by strong performances from semiconductor giants following NVIDIA's impressive earnings report. As of 9:05 a.m., the KOSPI rose by 161.70 points (2.38%) to reach 6969.92. Foreign investors purchased a net 72.2 billion won, while institutions and individuals sold a net 80.2 billion won and 9.8 billion won, respectively. Among the top market capitalization stocks, SK Hynix saw a 4.74% increase. Other semiconductor-related stocks also experienced significant gains, including Samsung Electronics (3.06%), SK Square (4.06%), and Samsung Electro-Mechanics (3.83%). Samsung Electronics preferred shares rose by 1.63%, and LG Energy Solution increased by 1.00%. The KOSDAQ also showed an upward trend, with the index rising by 5.79 points (0.70%) to 832.66 at the same time. Individual investors net bought 19.4 billion won, while foreign and institutional investors sold a net 11.7 billion won and 7.2 billion won, respectively. Stocks such as JW Engineering (2.42%), EO Technics (1.87%), and Wonik IPS (1.74%) gained, while Alteogen (-0.32%) and Pharma Research (-0.68%) declined. In overnight trading on the U.S. stock market, the July Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index met market expectations, easing inflation concerns. Following NVIDIA's earnings announcement, after-hours trading saw its stock rise by over 4%. Micron and SanDisk also experienced gains of over 3% in after-hours trading, boosting investor sentiment for domestic semiconductor stocks. Han Ji-young, a researcher at Kiwoom Securities, stated, "The domestic market is expected to open higher, driven by relief over the July PCE inflation data and the 4% rise in NVIDIA's after-hours stock, along with the 3% increases in Micron and SanDisk. We anticipate a broad upward trend across sectors during the trading day." 2026-08-27 09:08:00
  • Gwangju Launches K-Food Innovation Collaboration System
    Gwangju Launches K-Food Innovation Collaboration System Gwangju Metropolitan City is launching a collaboration system among industry, academia, research, and government to enhance the competitiveness of the local food industry and promote the K-food sector.On August 26, Gwangju and the Jeonnam Bio Industry Promotion Agency held the first meeting of the 'Gwangju K-Food Innovation Forum' at the Jeonnam Bio Industry Promotion Agency's Food Center to discuss support for local food companies and the development direction of the food convergence cluster.This forum follows the selection of the Gwangju region for the '2026 Food Convergence Cluster Creation Pilot Project,' organized by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and the Korea Food Industry Cluster Promotion Agency.About 20 representatives from Gwangju Metropolitan City, the Korea Food Industry Cluster Promotion Agency, the Jeonnam Bio Industry Promotion Agency, universities, research institutions, and business support organizations attended the meeting.Participants shared strategies for fostering the local food industry and discussed the progress of the food convergence cluster project, focusing on support measures tailored to the growth stages of local food companies.In particular, they agreed to strengthen collaboration to establish a comprehensive support system that reduces challenges faced by companies during product development and commercialization, starting from prototype production to validation, production, analysis, quality certification, commercialization, market access, and exports.They also discussed ways to connect the technologies, expertise, facilities, and equipment of each institution to meet the actual needs of businesses. The aim is to lower product development time and cost burdens while increasing the feasibility of commercialization by jointly utilizing research and production infrastructure that individual companies find difficult to establish on their own.The direction for building shared factories that reflect the characteristics of the local food industry was also a key agenda item. Attending institutions agreed on the need to expand the production base for food companies while organically linking business support functions to create a sustainable foundation for the food convergence cluster.Gwangju Metropolitan City plans to continuously identify challenges faced by businesses and new support needs, incorporating these into next year's project expansion and food convergence cluster development strategies.Park Sang-mi, head of the Agricultural and Food Distribution Division of Gwangju Metropolitan City, stated, “This meeting marks a meaningful starting point for establishing a comprehensive support system that local food companies can feel in the field. We will further solidify industry-academia-research-government collaboration through the K-Food Innovation Forum to ensure Gwangju becomes a hub for K-food innovation.”Yang Wan-gil, acting head of the Jeonnam Bio Industry Promotion Agency, remarked, “By integrating the excellent agricultural and marine resources of Gwangju with research and development and processing and production technologies, we can elevate the competitiveness of local food companies. We will actively utilize our specialized personnel and research and production infrastructure to support tangible results from product development to commercialization, market access, and exports.” He added, “We will develop the K-Food Innovation Forum into a collaborative platform that connects the capabilities of industry, academia, research, and government, ensuring that the Gwangju food convergence cluster becomes a cornerstone for the growth of local companies and the expansion of the K-food industry.” Meanwhile, the 'Gwangju K-Food Innovation Forum' is a collaborative body aimed at identifying the challenges faced by local food companies and new support needs while linking the specialized capabilities and infrastructure of various institutions. It will operate biannually, with the second meeting scheduled for November to review project progress and refine plans for next year's initiatives and the development direction of the food convergence cluster. 2026-08-27 09:04:10
  • Tim Curry, Star of Home Alone 2 and It, Dies at 80
    Tim Curry, Star of 'Home Alone 2' and 'It,' Dies at 80 Tim Curry, the British actor known for his memorable roles as the hotel manager in 'Home Alone 2' and Pennywise in Stephen King's 'It,' has died at the age of 80.Curry passed away on August 25 at his home in Los Angeles, according to his long-time manager and friend, Marsha Hurwitz. The cause of death has not been disclosed. The Los Angeles police also responded to the home and conducted an investigation but found no suspicious circumstances.Born in 1946 in Cheshire, England, Curry studied theater at the University of Birmingham and had a career spanning nearly 60 years on stage and screen. He gained international fame for his role as the eccentric scientist Dr. Frank N. Furter in the 1975 cult classic 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show,' where he created an iconic character with his unique charisma and commanding stage presence.Following this, Curry portrayed a variety of memorable villains and characters in films such as 'Annie,' 'Clue,' and 'Legend.' He is particularly familiar to audiences for his role as the grumpy hotel manager in 'Home Alone 2: Lost in New York.'Online communities and social media have frequently referenced Curry's portrayal of Pennywise in the 1990 TV miniseries 'It,' based on Stephen King's novel. His performance left a lasting impression, combining humor and horror.In his later years, Curry faced health challenges. After suffering a stroke in 2012 or 2013, he began using a wheelchair, which limited his public appearances. However, he continued to participate in voice acting and fan events. 2026-08-27 09:04:00