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  • Paradise City to Recycle 9.6 Tons of PET Bottles Annually into New Bottles
    Paradise City to Recycle 9.6 Tons of PET Bottles Annually into New Bottles Paradise City in Incheon is set to recycle approximately 9.6 tons of clear PET bottles each year into new water and beverage bottles. The resort will collect discarded PET bottles from guest rooms, casinos, and dining facilities separately from general waste, converting them into food-grade recycled materials.On August 27, Paradise City announced the launch of a 'Bottle to Bottle' recycling initiative in collaboration with the resource recycling company Superbin.The recycling process begins at the disposal stage. Paradise City will separately collect label-free clear PET bottles used at the resort, which Superbin will then transport to its processing facility for sorting and processing.Through this process, the PET bottles will be transformed into recycled PET (r-PET) flakes and pellets, which will be supplied to domestic water and beverage manufacturers as raw materials for bottle production.Based on its current usage of water bottles, Paradise City estimates an annual recycling volume of about 9.6 tons. The resort plans to regularly track actual collection amounts to manage waste output and recycling status.The more PET bottles collected, the more rewards will be distributed to partner companies involved in the sorting and collection efforts. Paradise City intends to provide these rewards in the form of vouchers and gift cards, returning the compensation to the companies participating in the on-site sorting instead of retaining it.Superbin will handle the collection and recycling process. The company has the facilities and systems in place to manage everything from collection and logistics to sorting and processing, producing recycled materials. The recycled materials generated from this initiative will be known as 'Repurium' and have been recognized by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety as food-grade recycled materials.Since last year, Paradise has also been conducting environmental cleanup activities around its major subsidiaries. The campaign, named 'Paradise Green Step,' was launched last year, and this year, it included plogging activities in the Paradise City area of Incheon. In Haeundae, where Paradise Hotel Busan is located, the company has engaged in drainage cleaning activities.A Paradise representative stated, "This collaboration is significant as it turns waste generated at the resort into high-quality resources while participating in resource circulation with eco-innovative companies and partners. We will systematically manage waste output and collection status and continue our eco-friendly activities with various partners."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-27 08:20:20
  • Nepal Floods: Shocking Videos Emerge as Nine South Koreans Go Missing
    Nepal Floods: Shocking Videos Emerge as Nine South Koreans Go Missing A massive flood and landslide struck the Rasuwa region of Nepal, near the border with Tibet, China, prompting the rapid spread of shocking videos across domestic online communities and social media on August 27.The released footage shows a once-peaceful village suddenly engulfed by a torrent of muddy water. Other videos capture debris and water sweeping away bridges, roads, and vehicles, intensifying the shock. Some clips show residents on rooftops calling for help.The disaster occurred on the morning of August 26 (local time) in the central-northern Rasuwa region and surrounding Himalayan mountainous areas. Landslides and floods in the border area between Nepal and Tibet overwhelmed villages and critical infrastructure, causing significant damage to roads, bridges, homes, and hydropower construction sites.The sudden surge of muddy water inundated villages and roads, sweeping away vehicles and buildings, leading to the loss of contact with nine South Koreans working at a local hydropower construction site. In response, the South Korean government initiated emergency rescue efforts.According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, nine South Korean employees from Korea Southeast Power and Doosan Enerbility, who were involved in the hydropower project, are currently unreachable. Initially, eight South Koreans were reported missing, but the Korean Embassy in Nepal later confirmed that one additional employee from Doosan Enerbility was also uncontactable, raising the total to nine.Among the missing, six are from Doosan Enerbility and three from Korea Southeast Power. They are associated with the Upper Trishuli-1 (UT-1) hydropower construction site, located about 70 kilometers northwest of Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal.Meanwhile, another group of ten South Koreans who were temporarily isolated in the area has been confirmed to have evacuated to safety.Minister Park Jin of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs chaired a meeting of the Overseas Citizens Protection Headquarters on the night of August 26, stating that these individuals evacuated safely along with around 200 foreign workers, including Nepalese. He confirmed that they are safe with the South Korean consular staff dispatched to the area. Nepalese authorities have deployed helicopters for rescue operations.The South Korean government has also taken immediate action. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs established an Overseas Citizens Protection Headquarters, dispatching a joint rapid response team composed of officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Fire Agency, and the National Police Agency to Nepal on August 27. The Korean Embassy in Nepal has notified the Nepalese government of the missing South Koreans and requested active search and rescue efforts while sending consular staff to the site.Doosan Enerbility also formed an emergency response headquarters on August 26 and is sending a field response team, including CEO Jeong Yeon-in, to the area on August 27. Korea Southeast Power is activating its emergency response system under the leadership of acting president Cho Young-hyuk to assess the local situation.The exact cause of the flooding is still under investigation. However, local and foreign reports suggest that a recent earthquake may have caused glaciers and rocks to collapse, blocking rivers and leading to a sudden influx of water, resulting in the flash flood. Reuters reported that the flooding is believed to have been triggered by a 4.4 magnitude earthquake that caused glaciers and rocks to fall.The scale of the damage continues to rise. While reports and local assessments vary, the latest foreign news reports indicate that at least 157 people have died in Nepal due to the floods and landslides that struck the border area with Tibet, with hundreds more reported missing. Among the missing, the Nepalese police and tourism authorities have identified foreign nationals from India, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada.Rescue operations are facing challenges due to the destruction of roads and bridges in the affected areas, as well as disruptions to communication and power supply. Some regions are reportedly difficult to access due to landslides and debris.As the whereabouts of the nine South Koreans remain unknown, the government, local authorities, and companies are intensifying search and rescue efforts. In South Korea, videos of the flood that suddenly engulfed the village have circulated, prompting calls for the safe return of the missing South Koreans. 2026-08-27 08:16:10
  • Doosan Enerbility Activates Emergency Response for Nepal Floods; Six Korean Employees Missing
    Doosan Enerbility Activates Emergency Response for Nepal Floods; Six Korean Employees Missing Doosan Enerbility announced that it has formed an emergency response team to assist with search and rescue efforts following severe flooding in the Rasuwagadhi region of Nepal on August 26 at 9:30 a.m. local time.As of August 27, the company reported that there are a total of 20 Korean employees working at the site. Of the 15 employees present when the flooding occurred, six remain uncontacted.Doosan Enerbility stated, "We have confirmed that some employees are currently unreachable at the Upper Trishuli-1 hydropower plant construction site, where we are conducting engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) work." The company added, "To quickly assess the situation and manage the incident, we have immediately established an emergency response headquarters and plan to dispatch a team, including CEO Jeong Yeon-in, to the site. The emergency response headquarters will work closely with relevant authorities and project stakeholders to support the search and rescue efforts for the missing individuals." Doosan Enerbility expressed its deep hope that the missing employees will return safely to their families as soon as possible. 2026-08-27 08:16:00
  • Samsung Display Showcases QD-OLED Technology at Gamescom, Plans 24.5-Inch Production This Year
    Samsung Display Showcases QD-OLED Technology at Gamescom, Plans 24.5-Inch Production This Year Samsung Display is showcasing its quantum dot organic light-emitting diode (QD-OLED) gaming performance at the world's largest gaming exhibition, partnering with global gaming companies. The company is expanding its lineup to include a 24.5-inch model aimed at the premium gaming monitor market, targeting the demand for esports and first-person shooter (FPS) games.From now until August 30, Samsung Display is conducting joint marketing with global gaming firms such as Capcom, Krafton, and CD Projekt Red at Gamescom 2026 in Cologne, Germany.At the event, new and popular titles from these game companies will be featured on gaming monitors and TVs equipped with Samsung Display's QD-OLED technology. A total of over 180 QD-OLED products will be showcased.Capcom's booth will feature 90 QD-OLED gaming monitors, allowing attendees to experience new titles such as 'Exoprimal,' 'Dragon's Dogma 2: Dark Arisen,' and 'Street Fighter 6' on QD-OLED displays.Krafton will present three upcoming titles—'Project Zeta,' 'Age Twister,' and 'Tangle: Unbound'—on 85 Alienware QD-OLED gaming monitors. A video introducing Samsung Display's premium technology brand, 'QD-OLED Penta Tandem,' which features a five-layer structure, will also be released.At the CD Projekt Red booth, a trailer for the 'The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt' expansion will be screened on eight QD-OLED TVs, highlighting the high contrast and color expression of QD-OLED technology to emphasize the dark visuals and details typical of dark fantasy.QD-OLED is characterized by a rapid response time of 0.03 milliseconds, self-emissive black representation, high color purity, and a wide color gamut. Samsung Display aims to highlight these features across various genres, from FPS to action role-playing games (RPGs) and adventure titles.Samsung Display plans to expand its gaming QD-OLED product line as a result of this Gamescom event. The company intends to begin mass production of a 24.5-inch FHD QD-OLED model aimed at the FPS and esports markets within this year. Several global PC manufacturers also announced plans to launch new products featuring this panel at the event.The 24.5-inch size is preferred in the FPS and esports fields, as it allows for quick assessment of the entire screen, which is crucial for fast decision-making and actions. Samsung Display aims to extend its QD-OLED competitiveness from the existing premium gaming market into the competitive gaming sector.According to market research firm Omdia, Samsung Display shipped approximately 2.5 million QD-OLED monitors last year, accounting for about 75% of the total market for self-emissive monitor panels.Jung Yong-wook, Executive Vice President of Samsung Display's Large Display Business Division, stated, "Gaming is the content where consumers can most directly experience the fast response time and image quality competitiveness of displays. By expanding our product lineup to include 24.5-inch models, we will further strengthen our leadership in the premium gaming market."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-27 08:16:00
  • Half-Price Travel Program Expands to Nine More Regions
    Half-Price Travel Program Expands to Nine More Regions The 'half-price travel' program, which refunds half of travel expenses, is driving local spending. In the first half of this year, the government refunded 5.2 billion won to travelers, who in turn spent at least 16.2 billion won in local areas, exceeding three times the refund amount. More than half of the participants visited regions they had not been to before.On August 27, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced the addition of nine new regions to the 'Local Love Vacation Support' program, which is being implemented in partnership with the Korea Tourism Organization.The newly included areas are Hwacheon County in Gangwon, Goseong, Sancheong, and Hamyang Counties in Gyeongnam, Andong and Yeongcheon Cities in Gyeongbuk, Seocheon and Taean Counties in Chungnam, and Jangheung County in Jeonnam. These regions will begin the program sequentially starting at the end of this month.The 'half-price travel' initiative allows travelers to receive half of their spending back in mobile local love gift certificates when visiting rural areas experiencing population decline. Individuals can receive up to 100,000 won, while young people can receive up to 140,000 won. The program began in April across 16 regions. The ministry previously introduced this initiative to support tourism and consumption in areas facing population decline.The results for the first half of the year have also been released. An analysis by the ministry and the tourism organization of usage data and survey results from the 16 regions revealed that by June, 5.2 billion won was spent on refunds, generating at least 16.2 billion won in local consumption. This means that for every won refunded, over 3.1 won was spent in the local economy.The funds were primarily circulated in restaurants and accommodations. Food and beverage accounted for 45.5% of total spending, followed by lodging at 32.2%, shopping and local specialties at 10.2%, and tourism and experiences at 6.3%. About 76.4% of users reported that the refund incentive led them to increase their spending beyond their original plans.Notably, the program also influenced travel destinations. Approximately 31.2% of respondents took trips they had not originally planned due to the half-price travel offer, and 50.0% changed their destination to one of the program's participating areas.Furthermore, 56.3% of respondents indicated that it was their first visit to the area. This suggests that the program not only provided discounts on pre-planned trips but also attracted new visitors.In June, the ministry discussed the direction of the program for the second half of the year with local governments based on the first half's performance.Some of the regions that participated in the first half will continue the half-price travel program into the fall. Cities such as Miryang, Geochang, Wando, and Yeonggwang plan to allocate additional budgets to sustain the program in the second half.Details on the operational periods and application methods for each region can be found on the 'Korea's Hidden Gems' website. Actual applications will be accepted through the websites of local governments.“The half-price travel program alleviates the financial burden of travel for citizens while effectively creating new visitors and residents in areas facing population decline,” said Kang Jeong-won, head of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism's Tourism Policy Division. “We will work closely with local governments to ensure the enthusiastic response from citizens observed in the first half continues into the fall.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-27 08:12:00
  • The Importance of Practicality in the Internationalization of the Korean Won
    The Importance of Practicality in the Internationalization of the Korean Won The government announced a "roadmap for the internationalization of the won" in July, transitioning the currency from a "regulated currency" to a "freely convertible currency." The initiative aims to establish offshore won settlement infrastructure and expand the basis for won transactions and settlements abroad. While foreign investment in domestic securities has significantly increased, the foreign exchange trading infrastructure remains largely centered on the domestic market. The government's persistent efforts to address this imbalance are significant in themselves.The Bank of Korea will introduce the "Korean Won International Payment Network" in January to enhance the convenience of won settlements for foreigners. This system will allow foreigners to open won accounts at their domestic banks, enabling them to transfer won among themselves, similar to how Koreans can open dollar accounts to transfer dollars domestically. This is expected to improve foreign access to the domestic financial market.However, a sobering reality reveals that the international status of the won still has a long way to go. Last year, the proportion of export payments made in won was only 3.4%, while the share for import payments was 6.6%. Although the share of won payments has slightly increased, 84.2% of exports and 79.3% of imports are still conducted in U.S. dollars. Despite South Korea's economy ranking among the top ten globally, the won has yet to establish a significant presence as a global trading currency.More crucial than simply opening the door to global investors is ensuring that they can experience liquidity and practical appeal when entering. An expert from an international financial organization suggested that advancing the internationalization of the won requires a comprehensive approach that combines "currency internationalization" with "government bond internationalization." As South Korean government bonds are successfully included in the World Government Bond Index (WGBI), global investors are beginning to view them as reliable, high-quality assets.The key lies in the usability of these government bonds. If global investors or foreign banks can easily use South Korean government bonds as collateral for cross-border transactions, the narrative changes significantly. From the perspective of foreign investors, the won and South Korean government bonds become paired assets, elevating the won from merely a means of payment for goods and services to a critical collateral instrument for overseas financial transactions and funding. Only when the usability of government bonds is unlocked can the demand for the won diversify explosively, creating a virtuous cycle.So far, about 68% of offshore won transactions have been concentrated in non-deliverable forward (NDF) contracts, which settle only in dollars without the physical delivery of won. This indicates a high demand for won transactions among foreign investors, but a lack of infrastructure for direct procurement and settlement of the currency. There are opinions that once the offshore payment network is opened and support for government bond collateral is provided, the market can finally expand from the distorted structure centered on NDFs to deeper markets such as spot foreign exchange, foreign exchange swaps, and the short-term won funding market.Ultimately, the essence of the internationalization of the won is not merely to strengthen its value but to make it a deep and liquid currency. Simply loosening institutional regulations will not automatically attract global market participants to engage in transactions. A robust infrastructure must be established that allows global investors to use the won and government bonds as collateral at any time, managing risks effectively.The phase of merely opening the door has ended. It is now time to actively coordinate a practical and attractive trading environment, including government bond collateral, so that foreign investors can freely transact in the sea of liquidity that the won offers.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-27 08:04:00
  • South Korea and Vietnam Strengthen Energy Cooperation in Power Grid, Renewables, and Nuclear Energy
    South Korea and Vietnam Strengthen Energy Cooperation in Power Grid, Renewables, and Nuclear Energy South Korea and Vietnam are enhancing their cooperation in the energy sector, focusing on power grids, renewable energy, and nuclear power.The Ministry of Climate Energy and Environment announced that Minister Kim Sung-hwan will meet with Vietnam's Minister of Industry and Trade, Le Manh Hung, on the morning of August 27 at the Government Complex in Seoul to discuss specific implementation plans for energy cooperation between the two countries.This meeting is a follow-up to diplomatic discussions held in April of this year.Recently, Vietnam has been expanding its power generation facilities and transmission and distribution networks to meet the rising electricity demand driven by rapid economic growth and industrialization. The importance of building stable power infrastructure to support reliable electricity supply and energy transition is also increasing.During the meeting, Minister Kim is expected to explore the potential for joint projects in power infrastructure based on South Korea's extensive experience in building and operating power grids.The two countries will also discuss ways to expand cooperation in the renewable energy sector. They plan to broaden the scope of exchanges to include policies, regulations, and industrial sectors related to renewable energy.In the nuclear power sector, they will discuss cooperation possibilities throughout the entire nuclear power cycle, including development, operation, and workforce training. There is growing interest in how South Korea's experience in nuclear power construction and operation can be utilized in Vietnam's future nuclear development efforts.The government will also support domestic companies entering the Vietnamese energy market. The Ministry of Climate Energy and Environment plans to request ongoing attention and support from the Vietnamese government to ensure that South Korean companies operating locally can carry out their projects smoothly.Minister Kim stated, "Vietnam is our comprehensive strategic partner and a key energy cooperation country in the ASEAN region. Based on the foundation established through our diplomatic discussions in April, we will work to achieve tangible results that contribute to successful energy transitions and stable electricity supply for both countries."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-27 08:00:20
  • Insurance and Credit Companies Report Increased Profits Amid Rising Delinquency Rates
    Insurance and Credit Companies Report Increased Profits Amid Rising Delinquency Rates Insurance companies and credit finance firms reported increased net profits for the first half of the year. Gains from the disposal and valuation of financial assets boosted insurance firms, while credit sales and investment-related income improved results for card and capital companies. However, rising delinquency rates in card loans and non-card lenders continue to raise concerns about financial stability.According to the Financial Supervisory Service on August 27, the net profit of 52 insurance companies for the first half of the year reached 9.138 trillion won, an increase of 1.366 trillion won (13.0%) compared to the same period last year.Life insurance companies reported a net profit of 3.9254 trillion won, up 17.7%. Although insurance profits decreased by 685 billion won due to loss burden costs and valuation losses, investment profits improved by 912.6 billion won thanks to increased interest, dividend income, and gains from the disposal and valuation of financial assets.Non-life insurance companies saw a net profit of 5.0884 trillion won, a 9.6% increase. Investment profits rose by 255.7 billion won, and insurance profits improved by 531 billion won due to recoveries from loss contracts and better performance in general insurance.The total premium income for insurance companies reached 134.9348 trillion won, an 8.5% increase. Life insurers saw growth in protection insurance and retirement pensions, increasing by 10.8% and 18.4%, respectively, while non-life insurers experienced growth across long-term, automobile, and general insurance as well as retirement pensions.Card and capital companies also improved their profitability. The net profit of eight major card companies reached 1.2934 trillion won, a 5.6% increase. Although card loan income decreased, increased commission income from merchants and installment cards, along with reduced bad debt expenses, contributed to the growth. However, after accounting for bad debt reserves, net profit fell by 26.0% to 926.6 billion won due to a significant increase in reserve allocations.Non-card lenders, including installment finance, leasing, and new technology finance companies, reported a net profit of 2.2352 trillion won, a 25.4% increase. Income from securities and new technology finance rose by 29.9% and 28.6%, respectively, while bad debt expenses decreased by 12.9%.However, indicators of financial stability worsened. As of the end of June, the overall delinquency rate for card companies was 1.54%, up 0.02 percentage points from the end of last year. The delinquency rate for card loans rose to 3.35%, an increase of 0.14 percentage points. The delinquency rate for non-card lenders also increased to 2.29%, up 0.18 percentage points, while the ratio of non-performing loans rose to 2.85%, a 0.19 percentage point increase.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-27 07:56:00
  • Seoul races to find 9 Koreans in Nepal flood
    Seoul races to find 9 Koreans in Nepal flood SEOUL, August 27 (AJP) -South Korea is sending an emergency response team to Nepal after nine Korean workers at a hydropower construction site went missing in a catastrophic Himalayan flash flood that killed at least 160 people across Nepal and Tibet, with scientists pointing to a massive glacier collapse as the likely trigger. Foreign Minister Cho Hyun convened an emergency task force meeting at 10:30 p.m. Wednesday after contact was lost with the nine employees of Korea South-East Power Co. (KOEN) and Doosan Enerbility working in Nepal's northern Rasuwa district. The Foreign Ministry said officials from the Korean Embassy in Kathmandu, the National Police Agency, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and other agencies joined the meeting. Cho ordered officials to mobilize all available resources for the search and rescue effort following an emergency directive from President Lee Jae Myung that the lives and safety of Korean citizens be given top priority. "The ministry headquarters and our embassy should make every effort for the swift and safe search and rescue of our citizens while maintaining close communication with related agencies," Cho said, according to the ministry. A joint rapid-response team made up of Foreign Ministry, police and fire officials is scheduled to leave Incheon International Airport at 1:40 p.m. Thursday and arrive in Kathmandu at 9:45 p.m. after transiting through Hong Kong. The team will be led by Lim Sang-woo, the government's representative for overseas nationals' protection and consular affairs. Cho also plans to speak with Nepal's foreign minister Thursday to request cooperation in the search. He instructed embassy officials to maintain close contact with the families of the missing workers and keep them informed of developments. The Koreans were working on the Upper Trishuli-1 hydropower project, a 216-megawatt run-of-river power plant under construction in Rasuwa, roughly 70 kilometers north of Kathmandu. KOEN is a major sponsor of the project and Doosan Enerbility is its engineering, procurement and construction contractor. The plant, being developed by Nepal Water and Energy Development Company, is designed to generate electricity for Nepal's domestic grid. South Korea's embassy in Nepal described the project in May as a flagship example of energy cooperation involving Korean companies and international financial institutions. Commercial operation had been expected to begin next year. The disaster struck around 9 a.m. Wednesday as a huge surge of water, mud, rocks and other debris swept through the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli river systems near Nepal's border with China's Tibet region. Nepalese police reported at least 157 deaths by Thursday, while Chinese authorities said at least three people had died and 265 were missing in Tibet's neighboring Gyirong County. Hundreds of tourists, workers and residents were also unaccounted for in Nepal. The flood destroyed villages, roads, bridges and power infrastructure across steep Himalayan valleys that serve as important trade, tourism and pilgrimage routes between Nepal and Tibet. At least 19 bridges and nearly 40 kilometers of roads were swept away, complicating rescue operations in already difficult mountain terrain. Hundreds of foreigners were among those reported missing, including visitors from India, the United States, Australia, Britain and Canada. Many were traveling toward Mount Kailash in Tibet, a major Hindu pilgrimage destination, or trekking around Nepal's Gosaikunda Lake area. Scientists are increasingly focusing on the high mountains above the Lhende Khola, a tributary of the Bhote Koshi, for an explanation of how such a large flood developed so rapidly. The Kathmandu-based International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) said preliminary evidence points to a large ice-rock avalanche from a high-altitude glacier. A mass of ice and rock appears to have plunged into the Lhende Khola valley, possibly temporarily blocking the river before water and debris burst downstream. Hydrological measurements illustrate the extraordinary force of the resulting flood wave. The Trishuli River at Galchhi rose by as much as nine meters in about 30 minutes, according to ICIMOD, while the water level at Malekhu climbed around seven meters over a similar period. The precise reason for the collapse remains under investigation. High temperatures and long-term ice loss are receiving particular scrutiny because Himalayan glaciers have been retreating rapidly as temperatures rise. Nepal has lost nearly one-third of its glacier ice over the past three decades, with the rate of melting accelerating sharply during the past decade, and recent high temperatures may also have increased snow and ice melt before Wednesday's collapse. Scientists caution, however, against attributing the individual disaster directly to climate change before the investigation is complete. ICIMOD said warming is already altering glaciers, snow cover, permafrost and mountain slopes throughout the Hindu Kush Himalaya, increasing concern over so-called cryosphere hazards. But researchers said it remains too early to determine precisely how much climate change contributed to Wednesday's event. A flash flood struck the same Nepal-China border region in July 2025 after a glacial lake in Tibet overflowed amid unusually high temperatures, killing nine people and damaging critical infrastructure, including the bridge linking the two countries. Wednesday's disaster was far larger and again exposed the vulnerability of hydropower plants, roads and settlements built along narrow Himalayan river valleys. AJP Takeaways Nine South Korean workers are missing in Nepal's Rasuwa district after a massive Aug. 26 flash flood struck the construction area of the 216-MW Upper Trishuli-1 hydropower project involving KOEN and Doosan Enerbility. Seoul is dispatching a joint emergency team to Nepal, while Foreign Minister Cho Hyun plans to seek direct cooperation from Nepal's government in the search and rescue operation. At least 160 people have been reported dead across Nepal and Tibet, with hundreds more missing as floods destroyed roads, bridges, villages and power infrastructure near the China-Nepal border. 2026-08-27 07:29:16
  • Floods and Landslides in Nepal and China Leave at Least 160 Dead; 9 South Koreans Missing
    Floods and Landslides in Nepal and China Leave at Least 160 Dead; 9 South Koreans Missing A massive flood and landslide in the northern Himalayan region of Nepal, near the Chinese border, has resulted in at least 160 confirmed deaths. Hundreds remain unaccounted for, including nine South Koreans who have lost contact.According to AFP, Nepalese police reported that 157 bodies were recovered during search and rescue operations on August 26. This figure includes three fatalities reported by China's state-run CCTV in the Tibet region near the border, bringing the total death toll to 160.While search and rescue efforts continue, the number of missing persons could increase as hundreds remain unaccounted for.The Nepalese tourism department has stated that the whereabouts of 403 tourists are unknown, including 341 foreigners from various countries such as India, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Chinese authorities have reported that 265 people are missing due to the floods.Among the missing are nine South Koreans affiliated with Korea Southeast Power and Doosan Enerbility, who lost contact near a local hydropower construction site.The South Korean government plans to dispatch a rapid response team composed of personnel from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, police, and fire services to the area.The floods have swept entire villages away in mudslides, and roads and bridges have been extensively damaged. Rescue teams are struggling to search for survivors amid collapsed roads and high water levels.The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) initially attributed the landslides and floods to a magnitude 4.4 earthquake but later revised this to a glacier collapse with a magnitude of 5.2 after further analysis. It is believed that the simultaneous release of glacier debris and mudflows caused significant downstream damage.According to Reuters, satellite images from Planet Labs show evidence of a glacier collapsing at an elevation of about 5,200 meters, with debris falling into a valley approximately 1,200 meters below. Experts have supported the possibility of glacier collapse based on the satellite imagery.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-27 07:24:00