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98 international students receive Woojung scholarships The Woojung Education and Culture Foundation's scholarship award ceremony for international students for the second semester of 2026 is held at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Jung-gu, Seoul, Aug. 26, 2026. The foundation awarded approximately 400 million won in scholarships to 98 international students from 32 countries studying at universities in South Korea. AJP Yoo Na-hyun 2026-08-27 08:45:04 -
Police Suggest Suicide in Death of Missing Woman, Expert Questions Findings Jang Mi-ran, 37, was found dead 104 days after her disappearance in Jeju, with police suggesting her death was a suicide by hanging, while downplaying the possibility of foul play. Professor Lee Soo-jung from Kyonggi University criticized this conclusion, stating on her social media, "A young woman goes out at night to hang herself from a palm tree? It’s laughable as a method of suicide," and called for a restoration of prosecutorial investigation rights.In another post, she expressed concern over the discovery of three other presumed missing bodies, questioning whether there were signs of homicide and urging against premature claims of no criminal victimization.Jang was last seen leaving her long-term accommodation in Hallim-eup, Jeju, around 10:15 p.m. on May 12. Her phone's last known location was near Hallim Port, about two and a half hours later, with no further usage records until it was turned off on May 16 at 9:44 a.m.Her boyfriend reported her missing on May 15, but a police officer at the Jeju West Police Station prematurely closed the case, resulting in a loss of critical time for the search.On August 24, Jang's body was discovered in a palm tree forest in Hallim-eup at 10:46 a.m. She was found wearing the same clothes as in her last CCTV footage, with her phone and electronic cigarette still in her pockets. Her gold bracelet, ring, and slippers were also intact.During a briefing on August 26, police stated that based on the position and condition of the body, as well as preliminary autopsy findings, they believe the likelihood of foul play is low. They also noted that a strap belonging to Jang was found on a protruding palm tree trunk at the scene.However, Jang's boyfriend expressed doubts in an interview with JTBC, stating, "There was nothing so difficult that she would take her own life up until the day she went missing."Professor Yoo Chang-won, head of the Yoo Chang-won Crime Science Research Institute, remarked that there were no signs of a struggle or evidence of a third party's involvement at the scene. He acknowledged that while the circumstances might suggest suicide, other factors cannot be ruled out, making it premature to draw definitive conclusions.He emphasized the need for a thorough autopsy to determine the cause of death, despite significant decomposition. He urged that the National Forensic Service's autopsy and the police's comprehensive scientific investigation should clarify the cause of death and the possibility of third-party involvement, ensuring transparency for the family and the public. He lamented the initial investigative shortcomings, stating that if the police had not falsely claimed to have made contact and had continued the search, early discovery might have been possible.Meanwhile, the police are investigating the officer who prematurely closed the missing persons case for dereliction of duty and falsifying official records.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-27 08:44:00 -
Korea Investment & Securities: Hyundai's Shift to Physical AI is Positive for Growth Korea Investment & Securities has assessed that Hyundai Motor Company's transition from an automobile manufacturer to a physical AI and technology firm is a valid growth path. The firm maintained its investment rating of 'Buy' and a target price of 640,000 won.In a report released on August 27, following Hyundai's CEO Investor Day, analyst Kim Chang-ho positively evaluated the company's transformation strategy. Hyundai plans to internalize software technology, production and sales capabilities, and computing infrastructure at the group level, based on a data flywheel.Regarding its robotics business, Hyundai reaffirmed that mass production of Boston Dynamics' robotics will begin in 2028. The company has secured an initial order of 25,000 units, focusing on factories within its affiliates, including HMGMA. The first mass-produced SDV, scheduled for release in 2028, will feature the end-to-end autonomous driving system 'Atria AI.' Starting in 2029, Hyundai will also pursue independent data center operations, beginning with the Saemangeum AI data center.However, Korea Investment & Securities considers Hyundai's target of selling 5.55 million vehicles by 2030 to be aggressive. The firm projects Hyundai's sales for 2026 to be 4.03 million units and estimates that, even in a positive scenario, realistic sales for 2030 would be around 4.5 million units, especially given the potential for three consecutive years of decline.Consequently, the firm views Hyundai's projected operating profit margin of '9%+' for 2030 as overly optimistic, suggesting a more realistic range of 7% to 8%. The company's plan to reduce its cost of sales ratio by 3 percentage points by 2030 through lifecycle cost innovation and material cost reductions is also seen as somewhat aggressive, considering the development costs and investment scale associated with expanding its vehicle lineup.Despite these concerns, Korea Investment & Securities believes that Hyundai's long-term growth trajectory through robotics mass production, SDV launches, and the accumulation of driving data and AI infrastructure remains valid. The firm has decided to keep its target price of 640,000 won unchanged, citing no specific changes to its earnings estimates following the company's guidance increase.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-27 08:40:00
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Nine South Koreans Missing After Floods in Nepal Nine South Koreans have gone missing following severe flooding in the central northern Himalayan region of Nepal. They were working at a large hydropower plant construction site involving South Korean companies.According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on August 27, the floods in the Rasuwa region of Nepal have left three employees of Korea Southeast Power and six employees of Doosan Enerbility uncontactable. Another ten South Koreans from Doosan Enerbility have been confirmed safe. The government plans to dispatch a rapid response team, consisting of officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Fire Agency, and the National Police Agency, to assist in search and rescue efforts.The missing South Koreans were working at the Upper Trishuli 1 hydropower plant, a 216 MW run-of-river project being constructed on the Trishuli River in Rasuwa, approximately 70 kilometers north of Kathmandu. The project is being implemented by the Nepal Water and Energy Development Company (NWEDC), a special purpose company established with participation from Korea Southeast Power, the Korea Overseas Infrastructure and Urban Development Corporation (KIND), the International Finance Corporation (IFC) of the World Bank Group, and local partners. Korea Southeast Power holds a 50% stake in NWEDC.In 2020, NWEDC signed an EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) contract worth approximately 400 billion won with Doosan Heavy Industries, now known as Doosan Enerbility. Doosan Enerbility is responsible for supplying key equipment such as turbines and generators, as well as overseeing the overall construction of the power plant.The total project cost is estimated at around $647 million, and construction was nearing completion. A ceremony to automate the sluice gates was held on May 28, attended by Park Tae-young, the South Korean ambassador to Nepal, and other government officials.Meanwhile, according to reports from AP and AFP, Nepalese police have recovered 157 bodies during search operations. Earlier, Chinese state media CCTV reported that three people had died in the Tibetan region near the border, bringing the total death toll to 160.The U.S. Geological Survey initially attributed the landslide and flooding to a magnitude 4.4 earthquake but later revised this to a magnitude 5.2 glacier collapse following further analysis.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-27 08:36:00
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Nvidia Boosts Semiconductor Stocks, KOSPI Expected to Rise The U.S. stock market experienced a slight decline ahead of Nvidia's earnings announcement, but the company later reported results that exceeded market expectations, along with a strong growth outlook. This is expected to positively impact the domestic stock market. As of 8:29 a.m. on the 27th, Samsung Electronics shares rose by 8,500 won (3.25%) to 270,000 won, while SK Hynix increased by 76,000 won (4.50%) to 1,764,000 won. SK Square saw a rise of 37,000 won (3.50%) to 1,095,000 won, and Samsung Electro-Mechanics climbed by 53,000 won (3.98%) to 1,383,000 won. Following Nvidia's earnings report, buying interest has spread to major domestic semiconductor-related stocks. Nvidia's second-quarter revenue reached $96.22 billion, marking a 106% increase compared to the same period last year, with data center revenue surging by 117%. Notably, projections suggest that revenue for the next fiscal year could increase by approximately 70%, which has raised market expectations. Nvidia's comments regarding a memory supply shortage potentially lasting until at least the end of the 2028 fiscal year have also positively influenced domestic memory stocks like Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix. U.S. inflation data has also provided some relief to the market. The July PCE price index largely met market expectations, alleviating concerns about a resurgence of inflation following renewed military tensions with Iran. Market attention is now shifting to the Jackson Hole meeting scheduled for the 28th. Han Ji-young, a researcher at Kiwoom Securities, stated, "Thanks to the relief from the July PCE and Nvidia's after-hours strength, the market is expected to start strong, particularly in the semiconductor sector, with sector performance warming up throughout the day." While there may be renewed focus on semiconductors following Nvidia's earnings report, the existing trend of sector rotation that has strengthened in August is expected to continue.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-27 08:36:00
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Spider-Man: Brand New Day Surpasses Avengers: Endgame at North American Box Office The film 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' has reached the second highest spot in North American box office history.As of August 26, Box Office Mojo reports that 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' has surpassed $858.4 million in North American earnings.This achievement exceeds the $858.37 million earned by 'Avengers: Endgame,' which had held the second place for seven years. Consequently, 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' has set a new record.The film is now also recognized as the highest-grossing entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), surpassing the previous record held by 'Avengers: Endgame.'Currently, the top spot in North American box office history is held by 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens,' which earned approximately $936.66 million, leaving a gap of about $78 million between it and 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day.' This has led to speculation about whether 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' can eventually claim the top position.The film is also performing well domestically, having surpassed 8.02 million in cumulative ticket sales, exceeding the total audience count of 'Spider-Man: Far From Home,' which starred Tom Holland and was previously the highest-grossing film in the Spider-Man series.'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' follows Peter Parker, who has been forgotten by everyone after the events of 'Spider-Man: No Way Home.' He confronts a mysterious enemy who remembers his identity and gains uncontrollable powers due to DNA mutations, leading him to face new threats. The action blockbuster features Tom Holland, Zendaya Coleman, Jacob Batalon, Jon Bernthal, Tramel Tillman, Michael Mando, and Mark Ruffalo, directed by Destin Daniel Cretton. It is currently showing in theaters nationwide.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-27 08:32:10
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Hyundai Mobis Unveils Advanced Smart Factory Technologies Hyundai Mobis has unveiled advanced smart factory technologies. The company announced on August 27 that it held the manufacturing innovation technology exhibition 'M-Sphere 2026' near its research center in Uiwang, Gyeonggi Province. M-Sphere serves as a platform to share the current and future vision of Hyundai Mobis's manufacturing technologies with clients and partners. This year marks the second edition of the event, which attracted around 1,000 industry representatives, including first- and second-tier partners, over two days. The exhibition showcased over 40 advanced manufacturing technologies in three areas: intelligent automation, artificial intelligence (AI) digital twin, and core technologies, developed in collaboration with various partners. These technologies are currently being applied in actual production environments. In the intelligent automation sector, a transportation robot system utilizing a 3D vision system was presented. This system allows robots to autonomously locate and transport various components needed for assembling automotive chassis modules, including heavy parts weighing up to 20 kilograms, to the assembly line by recognizing their movement paths with cameras. Jung Chung-sik, executive director of production development at Hyundai Mobis, stated, "We will continue to actively utilize AI and digital twin-based innovative technologies in production sites to enhance manufacturing competitiveness, share know-how with partners, and contribute to the creation of a smart manufacturing ecosystem in the mobility industry." Meanwhile, Hyundai Mobis is gradually expanding its business scope beyond automotive parts into robotics.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-27 08:28:00
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KB Financial Group and Small and Medium Business Corporation Collaborate to Enhance Safety Infrastructure for SMEs KB Financial Group is expanding its support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in preventing industrial accidents and building safety infrastructure in collaboration with the Small and Medium Business Corporation (SME Corporation). On August 27, KB Financial announced that it is recruiting additional supply companies for the second phase of the 'SME Industrial Safety Support Project.' This initiative aims to provide tailored safety solutions for SMEs that struggle to establish adequate safety facilities due to a lack of funding and expertise. KB Financial will cover the total project cost of 7 billion won. The first phase, which ran from April for about three months, involved 50 supply companies and 396 demand companies, totaling 446 participants. KB Financial and the SME Corporation connected companies with industrial safety technologies and products to SMEs in need of safety improvements, offering support for on-site enhancements, safety equipment supply, and safety training and consulting. The second phase will operate under a 'performance-based social contribution model' that links actual outcomes to follow-up support. The safety activities and on-site improvement results of supply companies from the first phase will be evaluated, and those with outstanding performance will continue to receive support in the second phase. Companies with insufficient results will be excluded from follow-up support. KB Financial and the SME Corporation plan to recruit 17 additional supply companies for the second phase, with the recruitment period running from August 25 to September 4. A KB Financial representative stated, "We will work to reduce safety blind spots for SMEs and create an environment where workers can feel secure while working."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-27 08:28:00
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Commemoration of Independence Activist Lee Jun in Seoul On August 23, 2026, at 11 a.m., Jan van Zanen, the mayor of The Hague, stood at the grave of independence activist Lee Jun in Suyu-ri, Gangbuk-gu, Seoul. This was his first official schedule during his visit to South Korea. Kang Yoon-jin, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, welcomed him and joined in the tribute. Over a century after a diplomatic envoy from the Korean Empire risked his life to reclaim the nation's sovereignty, the mayor of that same city visited the resting place of the envoy in Seoul to pay his respects. This tribute was held to honor the 120th anniversary of Lee Jun's sacrifice and to reflect on the historical ties and values of peace between Korea and the Netherlands.The ceremony was attended by Jo Seung-hyun, chairman of the Ilseong Lee Jun Memorial Association, Jeon Jin-pyo, former head of the Southern Regional Forest Service and a recipient of the National Foundation Medal for his contributions to the April 19 Revolution, and poet Joo Kwang-il, who has served as the head of the Seoul High Prosecutors' Office and the National Ombudsman Commission. The sight of these elders, who have lived through the twists and turns of modern Korean history, bowing before the fallen heroes who sacrificed themselves for national sovereignty 119 years ago, was a powerful testament to the legacy of dedication that transcends generations. History is not merely a record of the deceased; it is also about how the living remember and carry on the intentions of those who came before them.Even long-time residents of Seoul may know of Lee Jun's statue in Changchungdan Park, but few have visited his grave in Suyu-ri. This raises the question of how much young people know about him. How familiar are foreign visitors to Seoul with this site? This inquiry leads to another concern: beyond preserving the history of the independence movement and democracy, how effectively is this history being communicated to future generations and the world?We may not fully grasp how many people have sacrificed their names, wealth, youth, and lives for the Republic of Korea. The path from the late Joseon Dynasty's movement for national sovereignty through the Japanese occupation to the liberation in 1945 included not only heroes whose names are prominently recorded in history books but also countless lesser-known heroes who did not even have their names preserved. Their blood, tears, sacrifices, and dedication have collectively formed the great river that is the Republic of Korea.We remember Kim Gu, Ahn Jung-geun, and Yun Bong-gil. Kim Gu led the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea on the Chinese mainland, Ahn Jung-geun assassinated Ito Hirobumi in Harbin, and Yun Bong-gil shocked the world with his act at Hongkou Park in Shanghai. These figures are monumental stars in the national history that must be eternally remembered. However, if we only view the map of the independence movement as it unfolded on the Chinese mainland, we miss a significant part of the picture. There was another vast path in the independence movement: the road leading to the world, appealing for the nation's independence through diplomacy and international public opinion.In 1907, the three envoys, Lee Jun, Lee Wi-jong, and Lee Sang-seol, walked this path to The Hague. At that time, the Korean Empire was weak. It was difficult to confront Japan militarily, and it had lost its diplomatic rights. Nevertheless, it did not relinquish its sovereignty. Emperor Gojong sent the three men as envoys to the Second International Peace Conference in The Hague to inform the world that the Eulsa Treaty had been forcibly signed against the will of the emperor and the people, and to appeal for the sovereignty and independence of the Korean Empire in the international community.The three envoys were unable to achieve their goal of attending the main conference due to Japanese interference and the harsh realities of international politics. However, their actions cannot be solely defined as a failure. They engaged with international media, raising awareness of Korea's plight and demonstrating to the world that even a small nation like the Korean Empire had the will and diplomatic voice to defend its sovereignty.In today's terms, they were pioneers of Korea's global independence diplomacy. They wielded documents instead of guns, and engaged with international law and public opinion instead of bombs. Their battlefield was not the Korean Peninsula, Manchuria, or the Chinese mainland, but the international diplomatic stage in Europe. While the nation's power was weak, its spirit was not. They proclaimed to the world that the Korean Empire was alive and that its sovereignty could not be forcibly taken away. At the center of this was Lee Jun.Lee Jun was originally a lawyer. He entered the first class of the Judicial Training Institute in 1895 and became a prosecutor at the Hanseong District Court the following year. He was a pioneering legal professional during the early days of the modern judicial system. However, as the nation faltered, he did not remain confined to the courtroom. He engaged in education, enlightenment, and the movement for national sovereignty, ultimately becoming an envoy to The Hague.On July 14, 1907, he passed away in The Hague. His remains could not return to his homeland immediately. There was no country to return to. It was not until 56 years later, in 1963, that Lee Jun's remains were repatriated. On October 4 of that year, a ceremony was held to return his remains, and he was finally laid to rest in Suyu-ri, Seoul. It took 56 years for a human body to return to its homeland. This long span of 56 years encapsulates the painful modern history of our nation, marked by loss of sovereignty, colonial rule, liberation, and division, leading to war.Thus, the grave of Lee Jun in Suyu-ri is not just a simple tomb. It is a site where modern Korean history intersects with world history. It is where Seoul meets The Hague, where 1907 meets 2026, and where the Korean Empire, which was losing its territory, meets today's Republic of Korea, a global economic and cultural power. This is why Lee Jun's grave is designated as a national registered cultural heritage and is recognized for its significant historical and educational value.The question remains: how well are we utilizing this precious historical asset? This site can develop into a living history classroom for South Korean youth and a venue for global learning. History should not be taught solely through textbooks. Young people should come here to meet Lee Jun, learn about Lee Sang-seol and Lee Wi-jong, and discuss what the Eulsa Treaty was and why the three men had to travel to The Hague on the other side of the world.The story of Lee Jun is not just material for domestic patriotic education. It serves as an excellent resource for global citizenship education, studying universal values such as international law, diplomacy, national sovereignty, peace, and human freedom and dignity. Moreover, in The Hague, there is a memorial hall dedicated to Lee Jun located in the building where he passed away. If we connect Suyu-ri and The Hague into a single historical education network, it would enable South Korean youth to learn about The Hague while Dutch youth learn about the history of the Korean Empire, creating a true global history education experience.Suyu-ri also holds another chapter of modern Korean history: the April 19 Revolution. Near the site where students and citizens rose against dictatorship in 1960, Lee Jun rests, having cried out to the world for sovereignty in 1907. It is essential to view these two histories as part of a larger narrative. If what Lee Jun cried out in 1907 was sovereignty, what the April 19 Revolution cried out in 1960 was democracy. Though the times were different, the roots are the same. The questions remain: Who is the owner of the nation? For whom does power exist? Who must protect human freedom and dignity?Therefore, it is worth considering connecting the April 19 Democratic Cemetery, Lee Jun's grave, and the historical heritage related to independence and democracy in Suyu-ri into a 'Republic of Korea Freedom, Independence, and Democracy History Belt.' Adding Bukhansan, a representative natural heritage of Seoul, could create a new historical and cultural tourism axis where humanity, culture, and nature intersect. Youth could walk through this area, studying independence and democracy, while foreigners could understand how the Republic of Korea has grown into a free democratic nation after losing its sovereignty, enduring colonial rule, war, and dictatorship.On July 14, 2027, we will mark the 120th anniversary of Lee Jun's sacrifice. It would be a waste to commemorate this milestone with just a single memorial service. We should consider holding an international academic conference jointly hosted by Seoul and The Hague, creating a 'Lee Jun Global Peace Camp' for Korean and Dutch youth, and digitally mapping the route taken by the Hague envoys using AI content. We must transform commemoration into education, education into culture, and culture into exchanges with the world. This is the 21st-century way for the Republic of Korea to honor its heroes.However, the difficult circumstances of the Ilseong Lee Jun Memorial Association, as revealed at the tribute site, weigh heavily on the heart. If the efforts to carry on the legacy of those who sacrificed everything for the nation rely too heavily on the personal finances and dedication of specific individuals, it is time for the state and society to properly address this reality. Honoring independence activists is not about venerating the past; it is about recognizing where today's Republic of Korea came from and teaching where the next Republic of Korea should go.The Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, the Seoul Metropolitan Government, and Gangbuk-gu must take a more proactive role. The Ministry of Education and local education offices should find ways to utilize this site for youth history education and global citizenship education. The political sphere must also take an interest. There can be no partisan divide in honoring veterans, and there should be no division between progressives and conservatives in the independence movement. Remembering the fallen heroes must be treated as a national task that transcends political interests.In particular, the South Korean business community needs to participate more actively. The foundation upon which our companies operate globally and where South Korean citizens can confidently carry their passports anywhere in the world is built on the sacrifices made by previous generations to protect and reclaim the nation and its sovereignty. Now, South Korean companies should take a deeper interest in preserving the nation's history, culture, and spiritual heritage beyond mere economic success. Supporting youth global education initiatives related to Lee Jun, facilitating exchanges between youth in Seoul and The Hague, and contributing to the establishment of multilingual digital memorials and historical content would not just be a donation; it would be an investment in the spiritual capital of the Republic of Korea and the next generation.On August 23, 2026, a symbolic scene unfolded in Suyu-ri. The mayor of The Hague, the city Lee Jun risked his life to reach 119 years ago, came to Seoul and bowed before Lee Jun's grave. It seemed as if The Hague was once again grasping the hand that the Korean Empire had extended to it in 1907. 2026-08-27 08:24:10
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Bitcoin Price Stabilizes Around $78,000 After Recent Surge Bitcoin prices have stabilized, hovering around $78,000. This pause follows a recent surge, which prompted profit-taking, coupled with higher-than-expected inflation data from the U.S. that has dampened expectations for interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve. However, major altcoins like Ethereum and Solana have continued to rise.As of 8 a.m. on August 27, Bitcoin was trading at $78,707, down 0.22% from the previous day, according to global cryptocurrency market site CoinMarketCap.Ethereum saw a price increase of 1.83%, reaching $2,494. Binance Coin (BNB) and Solana also rose by 1.29% and 2.43%, respectively, trading at $704 and $99. In contrast, Ripple (XRP) fell by 2.78% to $1.40.The recent decline in Bitcoin's price is attributed to waning expectations for interest rate cuts, which had previously driven its price upward. The U.S. Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index for July rose 3.7% year-over-year, exceeding market expectations and increasing uncertainty surrounding the Federal Reserve's monetary policy in September. If inflationary pressures persist, it may be challenging for the Fed to implement rate cuts, leading to a stronger dollar and a dampened investment sentiment towards risk assets like Bitcoin.Additionally, the influx of profit-taking following a rapid price increase has also contributed to limiting further gains.The upward trend in major altcoins is seen as a reflection of growing investor sentiment across the cryptocurrency market. Notably, Ethereum and Solana have benefited from continued inflows through spot exchange-traded funds (ETFs), supported by institutional investor demand.As of 8 a.m. on August 27, Bitcoin was trading at approximately 1,094,740,000 won ($78,664) on the domestic exchange Bithumb, marking a 1.13% increase from the previous day. The 'Kimchi Premium' stood at 0.497%, indicating that Bitcoin prices in South Korea are higher than those overseas.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-27 08:24:00