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  • Police Officer Awarded for Finding Missing Person Despite Falsifying Case Closure
    Police Officer Awarded for Finding Missing Person Despite Falsifying Case Closure A police officer who was arrested for falsely closing the missing person case of Jang Mi-ran has received an award from the National Police Agency for discovering the missing individual.According to reports from Yonhap News and the office of lawmaker Park Soo-min of the People Power Party, Officer A from the Jeju Western Police Station was awarded the police chief's commendation on June 26 for his role in locating a missing elderly person with dementia.This recognition came just over a month after he had falsely closed the missing person report for Jang Mi-ran.Officer A had previously received multiple commendations, including one from the police chief for quickly locating a suicide attempt victim in September 2025, and another in December of the same year from the Jeju Provincial Police Agency, bringing his total to ten awards since 2020.However, it has been revealed that Officer A is also under investigation for domestic violence, although the specific timing of this incident has not been disclosed.On May 15, the day Jang Mi-ran was first reported missing, Officer A falsely informed the reporter that he had made contact with her, leading to the case being closed prematurely. He allegedly told Jang's boyfriend that he had confirmed her safety and instructed him not to disclose her location, subsequently deleting related records.Additionally, Officer A is suspected of falsely closing another missing person case involving a man in his sixties, using similar methods, which was reported on July 2.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-27 07:20:00
  • Regulatory Scrutiny Increases as Financial Supervisory Service Requests 66 Corrections This Year
    Regulatory Scrutiny Increases as Financial Supervisory Service Requests 66 Corrections This Year ◆아주경제 주요뉴스▷'부실유증' 심사 강화에…올 들어 금감원 정정요구만 벌써 66건- As of August this year, the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) has requested 66 corrections to securities registration statements, significantly exceeding last year's total.- With stricter reviews of capital increases, many companies are facing difficulties, requiring multiple corrections before finalizing issuance conditions.- Among the 15 companies that submitted rights offering registration statements in the third quarter, 13 received correction requests from the FSS.- The number of capital increase withdrawals has also risen, with 23 cases reported by August 26, surpassing last year's total of 22.- Analysts suggest that the FSS's scrutiny of so-called 'problematic capital increases,' where the use of funds and business viability are unclear, has intensified. ◆주요 리포트▷한화證 "대우건설, 신규수주·주택 개선에 원전·LNG 기대…목표주가 204%↑"- Hanwha Investment & Securities has raised its target price for Daewoo Engineering & Construction from 7,300 won to 22,000 won, a 204% increase, while maintaining a 'buy' recommendation.- The company's operating profit for the second quarter surged 182.6% year-on-year, driven by improved profitability in the housing sector and reduced bad debt expenses.- Even excluding one-time gains, the gross profit margin in the housing sector has improved to around 15%.Daewoo Engineering & Construction has raised its new order target for the year from 18 trillion won to 27 trillion won, a 50% increase, citing large overseas projects.- Analysts expect that securing large projects in nuclear power and LNG could lead to a recovery in the order backlog and a shift towards growth. ◆장 마감 후(26일) 주요공시▷ 하나은행도 당했다…외부인 사기로 24억원 금융사고▷ 에코글로우, 50억원 규모 유상증자 결정…글로벌시티 등에 3자배정▷ 대동, 계열사 대동모빌리티 주식 229억원 규모 추가 취득▷ 현대차, 자사주 250만주 소각 결정…7891억원 규모▷ 네이처셀, 美 종속회사 주식 97억원 규모 추가 취득 ◆펀드 동향(25일 기준, ETF 제외)국내주식형 129억원해외주식형 38억원 ◆오늘(목) 주요일정미국-도매재고(7월), 잭슨홀 컨퍼런스한국-금통위, 한국은행 수정 경제전망* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-27 07:08:00
  • New York Stocks Close Slightly Lower Amid Inflation Concerns and Nvidia Earnings Awaited
    New York Stocks Close Slightly Lower Amid Inflation Concerns and Nvidia Earnings Awaited On August 26, the New York stock market closed slightly lower as expectations for a Federal Reserve interest rate cut weakened amid higher-than-expected inflation data, while investors awaited Nvidia's earnings report.The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 113.52 points, or 0.21%, to close at 53,463.88. The S&P 500 dropped 1.58 points, or 0.02%, to finish at 7,675.70, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite declined 21.10 points, or 0.08%, to end at 26,130.20.The inflation data released on this day showed that the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index for July rose 3.7% year-over-year, slightly above the market expectation of 3.6%. Month-over-month, it increased by 0.2%. However, the core PCE price index, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, met market expectations.The higher-than-expected inflation figures have contributed to ongoing uncertainty regarding the Fed's future monetary policy. Market participants are closely watching the upcoming speech by Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh scheduled for August 28 at Jackson Hole. However, there are speculations that Warsh may not provide specific signals regarding interest rate direction ahead of the September policy decision.Investor caution was also evident ahead of Nvidia's earnings report. Amid concerns about a potential bubble in AI investments, Nvidia's results and future outlook will serve as a critical test to determine whether the enthusiasm for AI infrastructure investments is translating into actual demand.After the market closed, Nvidia reported second-quarter revenue for the fiscal year (May-July) of $96.22 billion, marking a 106% increase from the same period last year and setting a record for quarterly revenue. This figure exceeded the market research firm LSEG's estimate of $92.17 billion by approximately $4 billion.Additionally, Meta's stock rose 1% following news that the company reached a settlement regarding lawsuits filed by U.S. state governments alleging that it contributed to social media addiction among teenagers. 2026-08-27 07:04:00
  • Nvidia Reports Record Earnings Driven by AI Demand, China Business Uncertain
    Nvidia Reports Record Earnings Driven by AI Demand, China Business Uncertain Nvidia, a leader in AI semiconductors, reported record earnings for the second quarter of fiscal year 2027, exceeding market expectations. The surge in demand for AI infrastructure significantly boosted data center revenue.According to reports from the Wall Street Journal and others, Nvidia announced after the market closed on August 26 that its Q2 revenue reached $96.22 billion (approximately 133.3 trillion won), a 106% increase from $46.7 billion in the same period last year.During this period, earnings per share (EPS) were reported at $2.22, surpassing market forecasts. Prior estimates from market research firm LSEG projected revenue at $92.18 billion and EPS at $2.10.The data center segment was the primary driver of this performance, with revenue soaring 117% year-over-year to $89 billion.Notably, revenue from hyperscale customers, including Google, Microsoft, and Amazon, rose 102% year-over-year to $48.7 billion, accounting for about 55% of total data center revenue. Revenue from AI cloud and industrial customers reached $40.3 billion.Nvidia described the demand for AI infrastructure as "remarkably large," noting that the growth rate of some AI companies is outpacing their own financial capabilities and long-term credit capacity. The company is entering contracts to assist some customers in securing the land, power, and data center capacity needed for AI expansion.Looking ahead, Nvidia's revenue outlook also exceeded market expectations. The company projects Q3 revenue to reach $108 billion, surpassing the market estimate of approximately $104 billion to $105 billion. However, the gross margin for Q3 is expected to be 74%, slightly lower than the 75% reported in Q2, raising concerns about potential profitability declines due to rising costs.Nvidia's long-term growth outlook remains optimistic. Management anticipates revenue for fiscal year 2028 to increase by about 70%, significantly above the previous market estimate of around 45%, indicating confidence in sustained investment in AI data centers.CEO Jensen Huang emphasized that "AI has reached an inflection point" and is now performing genuinely useful tasks. He added that AI-related technologies are productive and profitable, stating, "Computing is revenue." However, uncertainty looms over Nvidia's business in China. The company did not include revenue from Chinese data centers in its Q3 projections. CFO Colette Kress noted that the profitability of older Hopper chip products shipped to China is declining. Additionally, selling semiconductors to China requires Nvidia to pay 25% of its revenue to the U.S. government, which poses a further burden. 2026-08-27 06:40:00
  • President Yoon Meets Samsungs Lee Jae-Yong to Discuss U.S. Investment Strategies
    President Yoon Meets Samsung's Lee Jae-Yong to Discuss U.S. Investment Strategies 이재명 대통령이 26일 이재용 삼성전자 회장과 비공개 만찬을 함께한 것으로 확인됐다. 구체적인 대화 내용은 공개되지 않았지만 정부가 추진하는 3대 메가 프로젝트의 투자 이행과 미국의 대미 투자 압박에 대한 대응 방안 등을 논의한 것으로 보인다. 27일 정치권과 재계에 따르면 이 대통령은 전날 저녁 서울 모처에서 이 회장과 만났다. 청와대는 “비공개 일정에 대해서는 확인하기 어렵다”며 회동 장소와 참석자, 구체적인 논의 내용은 공개하지 않았다. 두 사람의 개별 회동은 지난 6월 3대 메가 프로젝트 발표를 앞두고 만난 이후 약 두 달 만이다. 지난달 미국 샌프란시스코에서 열린 인공지능(AI) 서밋에서 국내외 기업인들과 함께 만난 이후로는 약 한 달 만이다. 이번 회동에서는 삼성전자가 참여하는 서남권 반도체 클러스터를 비롯한 3대 메가 프로젝트의 후속 조치와 대규모 투자 과정에서 기업이 겪는 애로사항이 주요 의제로 다뤄진 것으로 전해졌다. 정부는 지난 6월 반도체와 피지컬 AI, AI 데이터센터를 축으로 하는 3대 메가 프로젝트를 발표했다. 삼성전자와 SK하이닉스는 서남권에 총 800조원을 투자해 메모리반도체 생산시설인 팹 4기를 구축하고, 충청권에는 고대역폭메모리(HBM) 등 첨단 패키징 거점을 조성할 계획이다. 대규모 반도체 투자를 실제 착공과 생산으로 연결하려면 부지 조성과 전력·용수 공급, 인·허가 단축, 전문인력 확보 등이 선결돼야 한다. 이 대통령은 이 회장으로부터 투자 진행 상황을 듣고 정부가 지원해야 할 제도적·행정적 과제를 점검한 것으로 보인다. 이 대통령은 이 회장과 만나기 전 같은 날 오후 청와대에서 열린 중앙지방협력회의에서도 3대 메가 프로젝트를 통한 초격차 전략산업의 다극화를 강조했다. 이 대통령은 “3대 메가 프로젝트로 상징되는 초격차 전략산업의 다극화는 전국이 더불어 발전하는 모두의 성장 시대를 여는 열쇠”라며 지방 주도 성장을 뒷받침할 차세대 전략산업 육성에 총력을 기울이겠다고 밝혔다. 미국의 대미 투자 이행 압박에 대한 대응도 이번 회동의 주요 관심사로 예상된다. 한·미는 조선 협력 프로젝트인 ‘마스가’ 1500억 달러와 대미 투자펀드 2000억 달러 등 모두 3500억달러 규모의 투자 패키지를 추진하고 있다. 정부는 투자펀드의 첫 사업인 ‘대미 투자 1호 프로젝트’를 발표하기 위해 미국과 막판 협상을 진행하고 있지만 사업의 수익 구조와 위험 분담, 투자 방식 등을 놓고 이견을 좁히지 못한 것으로 전해졌다. 미국은 투자 집행을 서두르면서 한국 기업의 추가적인 현지 투자까지 연계해 요구하는 등 압박 수위를 높이고 있다. 반면 정부는 국민과 기업의 부담을 최소화하려면 사업의 상업적 합리성과 안정적인 수익성이 보장돼야 한다는 입장이다. 삼성전자는 미국에서 반도체 생산시설 투자를 진행하고 있는 만큼 이 대통령과 이 회장은 미국의 추가 투자 요구가 국내 반도체 투자와 기업 경영에 미칠 영향, 정부와 기업의 역할 분담 등을 놓고 의견을 교환한 것으로 보인다. 재계 일각에서는 미국의 요구를 그대로 수용할 경우, 국내에서 추진하는 서남권 반도체 클러스터 등 대규모 투자에 필요한 재원이 분산될 수 있다는 우려도 나온다. 이 대통령은 지난 20일 최태원 SK그룹 회장과 비공개 만찬을 한 바 있으며 정의선 현대자동차그룹 회장과의 회동도 조율 중인 것으로 전해졌다. 정 회장과의 만남이 성사되면 현대차그룹의 새만금 투자와 피지컬 AI·로봇산업 육성, 자동차 관세와 미국 현지 투자 등이 주요 의제로 다뤄질 전망이다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-27 06:20:00
  • Vietnams Kim Sang-sik Leads Team to ASEAN Championship Title Defense
    Vietnam's Kim Sang-sik Leads Team to ASEAN Championship Title Defense Vietnam's football team has successfully defended its title at the ASEAN Championship 2026, overcoming a strong challenge from Thailand. In the second leg, held at home, Vietnam drew 2-2, but their 2-0 victory in the first leg in Bangkok secured a 4-2 aggregate win. Under the passionate support of home fans, coach Kim Sang-sik's team achieved their first back-to-back championship and their fourth overall title in Southeast Asia.According to Vietnamese media, on August 26, at Hanoi's My Dinh Stadium, Vietnam drew 2-2 with Thailand in the second leg of the ASEAN Championship 2026 final, confirming their victory with a 4-2 aggregate score. Having won the first leg 2-0 on August 22 at Bangkok's Rajamangala Stadium, Vietnam started the second leg in a favorable position, knowing they could lose by a goal and still win the title.Goals from Bangkok Helped Vietnam Hold Steady in Hanoi The early momentum in the second leg was with Thailand, who scored first in the 12th minute through a powerful shot from Yocha Kon Burapha. After conceding, Vietnam sought counterattack opportunities under pressure. Thailand continued to push for a second goal with long-range shots from Seksan Ratree.In the early second half, a pivotal moment arose when, in the 47th minute, Pham Suan Main fouled Kaka Na Kamyok in the penalty area, giving Thailand a chance for a penalty kick. Had Kaka Na converted, the aggregate score would have been tied. However, his shot went over the crossbar.Then, in the 52nd minute, substitute Phan Tuan Tai delivered a cross that Do Hoang Hen shot, hitting the post. The ball deflected off Thailand's goalkeeper Chatchai Budprom and into the net for an own goal, leveling the score at 1-1 and restoring Vietnam's two-goal aggregate lead.Coach Kim made attacking changes in the 67th minute, bringing on captain Nguyen Quang Hai and Nguyen Hai Long, both of whom had scored in the first leg. Shortly after their introduction, Hai Long's shot hit the crossbar, and Quang Hai's follow-up went wide.Thailand reignited their hopes late in the match. In the 85th minute, substitute Wanchai capitalized on a mistake by Truong Tien Anh to score from close range, making it 2-1. At that point, Vietnam led 3-2 on aggregate, with Thailand needing just one more goal to equalize.The final twist came in stoppage time. As Thailand pressed for an equalizer, Wanchai inadvertently scored a second own goal while attempting to clear a ball aimed at Suan Son. This brought the score to 2-2, sending My Dinh Stadium into a frenzy. The final whistle confirmed Vietnam's fourth ASEAN Championship title, following victories in 2008, 2018, and 2024.“Today, I Declare Myself the King of Football” This victory marks another milestone for coach Kim Sang-sik, who has now led the Vietnam national team to four regional titles, including the ASEAN Championship in 2024, the 2025 U23 Southeast Asian Championship, and the 2025 SEA Games. Notably, this championship was secured at home, making it particularly significant.In a post-match press conference, Kim admitted he did not expect to achieve consecutive titles. “Honestly, I didn’t think we would keep succeeding like this. The previous three titles were won away, but this time we won at home. I’m very happy, but I don’t know how I’ll get home today because everyone is out celebrating, and there will be traffic,” he said.However, he also offered a candid assessment of the match. Kim acknowledged that Vietnam focused more on defense than attack in the first half, which affected their performance. He noted that the early goal by Thailand and the penalty incident created a challenging situation, but the own goal helped restore the players' confidence.Kim described feeling immense pressure immediately after the victory, recalling a lighthearted comment made by President Lee Jae-myung during a visit to Vietnam earlier this year, where he joked, “The king of Vietnamese football is Sang-sik.” Kim added, “For today, I want to declare myself the king of football.”Reactions from Vietnamese fans reflected a mix of joy over the victory and critiques of the team's performance. Some fans referred to Kim as a “wizard” for leading the team to victory in crucial moments. One user on X (formerly Twitter) expressed gratitude to Kim for guiding Vietnam to a second consecutive title.Others highlighted Kim's impressive track record, with one user commenting, “Is Kim Sang-sik really a lucky charm? Winning back-to-back titles is incredible.” Reflecting on the dramatic equalizer from an own goal just before the end of the match, another fan remarked, “The 26-match unbeaten streak was almost broken, but it ended with an own goal. Now I believe in Kim Sang-sik’s magic.”However, some voices criticized the team's performance. One user pointed out that while Thailand scored four goals, two were own goals by Vietnam, stating, “All the goals were scored by Thailand, but Vietnam won.” Another user noted that had Thailand converted their penalty, the cup would have gone to them, suggesting that based on the second leg alone, Thailand performed better.Additionally, one fan expressed disappointment, saying, “I don’t know why I’m not happy even though we won,” while another commented, “There were no spectacular goals, just own goals and luck.” Some fans lamented the numerous mistakes and frustrating attacking play despite lifting the trophy.Following the victory, cities across Vietnam were awash in red. Citizens poured into the streets waving the national flag and chanting “Vietnam Bodik” and “Vietnam Koren” to celebrate. Fireworks in the national colors lit up the sky, and the sounds of horns, vuvuzelas, drums, pots, and pans created a festive atmosphere.In major cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang, streets were filled with crowds and motorcycles well into the night. Despite heavy traffic, drivers joined in singing the refrain of Vietnam's national victory song, “On this joyful day of great victory, it feels like Uncle Ho is with us,” while waving both the red flag and the South Korean flag in gratitude to coach Kim for elevating Vietnam to the pinnacle of Southeast Asian football.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-27 06:20:00
  • Koreas Agricultural Safety Requires National Management, Says Rural Development Chief
    Korea's Agricultural Safety Requires National Management, Says Rural Development Chief "In the era of climate crisis, the safety of agricultural workers cannot be ensured by individual efforts alone. It now requires national management. Ensuring the safety of farmers is essential for securing the sustainability of agriculture and realizing the public value of food security. The Rural Development Administration (RDA) plans to expand the deployment of heat illness prevention agents and agricultural safety managers nationwide starting next year to build a safety net for farmers."Concerns about agricultural safety have grown as extreme heat has been recorded across the country, including a record high of 42.5 degrees Celsius in Yangsan, South Gyeongsang Province, this summer. Farmers, who are often older and work outdoors, are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses.Lee Seung-don, head of the RDA, recently spoke with Aju Economic Daily about the importance of protecting the lives and safety of farmers to secure the future of agriculture. He emphasized that the health of farmers is the "most important asset" for agricultural development, a conclusion he reached after visiting over 100 sites since taking office on August 15, 2022. He also stressed that the safety of farmers is a public issue, not just a private one, given the increasing severity of extreme heat each year.To minimize crop damage caused by abnormal weather, he mentioned the need for technological innovation. The RDA plans to expand early warning services for extreme weather and enhance systems to assess risks. He also promised to promote climate-adaptive varieties and establish a sustainable agricultural foundation resilient to climate crises by reflecting climate change scenarios in the development of new cultivation areas.Below is a Q&A with the RDA chief.- It has been a year since you took office as RDA chief. How do you reflect on the past year?"The past year has been a time of relentless effort to solve the difficulties in agriculture and rural areas through technology. In my first year, I visited 101 sites to communicate with farmers and agricultural industry stakeholders, striving to address agricultural and rural issues promptly.This year, I am working to ensure that the research achievements accumulated over time translate into actual income increases and management stability for farmers, as well as tangible results for the public. We are focusing on integrating advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics to help agriculture leap into a new industry, and we plan to actively utilize the agricultural satellite launched in July to support key policy needs such as agricultural supply management and disaster response."- According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, 15.4% of heat illness cases last year were among agricultural workers. What measures is the RDA implementing this year to protect vulnerable farmers, such as the elderly?"From May to September, as the heat arrives, the central government and local rural development agencies have established 'heat illness prevention measures for farmers.' We have operated a 'heat disaster response situation room' based on the heat wave alert level and checked the heat illness response system with local rural development agencies. We provide weekly updates on the occurrence of heat illnesses in the agricultural sector and collaborate with the Korea Meteorological Administration to disseminate daily 'heat impact forecasts' to relevant agencies and local governments.This year, a significant change is the selection of new heat illness prevention agents from agricultural learning groups, who have been deployed to the field. Since May, we have trained 1,149 leading farmers who are well-acquainted with rural areas and have high activity levels, placing them in 91 cities and counties. They are checking high-risk exposure sites such as rice paddies, fields, and greenhouses, and distributing heat illness prevention supplies at community centers."- Last November, you announced the 'AI Integration Strategy for Agricultural Science and Technology.' What changes has this strategy brought to rural development projects?"AI is no longer just a supplementary tool; it has become an essential foundation for research, technology dissemination, and administrative tasks. We have encouraged rural extension workers nationwide to utilize 'AI Isak' (an AI language model for farmers) when providing technology dissemination and farming consultations. This allows farmers to access verified agricultural technology information more quickly and conveniently, regardless of time and place.By the first half of this year, we conducted 28 training sessions on AI utilization for 107 senior officials and all staff, working to establish an AI culture. The ultimate goal of this AI integration strategy is to accelerate the development and dissemination of technologies needed in the field."- Compared to rice farming, the mechanization rate in field farming is still considered low. How is the mechanization of the entire process from planting to harvesting of major field crops progressing?"The mechanization rate in field farming has made meaningful progress, rising from 63.3% in 2022 to 67.0% in 2024, but it is still low compared to rice farming (99.7%). The mechanization rates for labor-intensive stages such as planting, transplanting, and harvesting are even lower.Our goal is to complete the development of machinery for the entire production process of the eight major field crops, including garlic, onions, radishes, cabbage, and potatoes, by next year. The developed technologies will be prioritized for dissemination through new technology dissemination projects and expanded nationwide in connection with agricultural machinery rental programs. We aim to reduce labor burdens and increase productivity to create tangible changes for farmers."- The RDA is developing and disseminating various agricultural technologies. How do you see the impact of these technologies on reducing production costs and increasing farmers' income?"At the research planning stage, the RDA conducts cost-benefit analyses and expert evaluations to review marketability, productivity, and spillover effects, adjusting research directions and budgets to prioritize economically viable projects. After technology development is completed, we analyze the technological value and production and employment effects of new varieties and patented farming techniques to use as objective evidence for technology transfer and field dissemination.This year, we are strengthening economic analysis before and after technology dissemination to verify whether the developed technologies lead to actual reductions in production costs and increases in income. We have developed and distributed a checklist to assess the economic viability of farming technologies before dissemination. In the future, we plan to analyze the income improvement effects before and after technology adoption in demonstration farms to reflect this in pilot projects."- Climate change is shifting the suitable cultivation areas for existing crops and increasing growth damage. How is the development of climate-adaptive varieties being pursued?"Due to the warming of the Korean Peninsula and the intensification of abnormal weather, the growth damage of existing crops is increasing, making the development of climate change-adaptive varieties and the provision of cultivation area information urgent. The RDA is continuously developing about 18 climate-adaptive varieties each year that are resilient to high temperatures, drought, and pests.Examples include the summer apple 'Golden Ball,' which has good high-temperature coloring, the heat-resistant cabbage 'Haradue,' and the cold-resistant onion 'Wolmi Yellow.' We are also distributing future cultivation area maps for each crop that reflect climate change scenarios to help farmers and local governments respond proactively to shifts in suitable cultivation areas.In the future, we will continue to promote innovations in digital precision breeding and speed breeding technologies to solidify a sustainable agricultural foundation resilient to climate crises. We plan to strengthen the field dissemination of developed climate-adaptive varieties."- What are the upcoming tasks and goals?"In the second half of the year, we will first strengthen the field-oriented agricultural safety management system. Heat illness prevention agents selected nationwide will closely support vulnerable groups, such as elderly farmers, and agricultural safety managers will proactively address risk factors to prevent agricultural accidents.We will also realize AI-based future agriculture and expand K-agricultural technology globally. We aim to enhance the agricultural technology-specialized AI agent 'AI Isak' so that farmers can utilize tailored farming technologies anytime, anywhere. We plan to support rural development in Laos and Bangladesh in collaboration with the Saemaul Undong Central Association and KOICA."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-27 06:04:00
  • Lee Seung-don Leads Agricultural Innovation at Rural Development Administration
    Lee Seung-don Leads Agricultural Innovation at Rural Development Administration Lee Seung-don, who took office last year as the head of the Rural Development Administration (RDA), is recognized as an agricultural expert with 30 years of research experience. He is leading a new transformation in agriculture by integrating advanced technologies such as AI and robotics.Lee graduated from Seoul National University with a degree in agricultural biology and earned his master's and doctoral degrees in plant pathology from the same institution. He began his public service career in 1995 as an agricultural researcher and has held various positions, including director of planning and coordination at the National Agricultural Research Institute, head of research policy at the RDA, and director of the National Agricultural Research Institute.During his tenure as director of the National Agricultural Research Institute, Lee laid the groundwork for the future of farming by incorporating robotics and AI technology to address the challenges of declining agricultural labor and increasing production."It is our organization's role to solve the problems faced in agriculture and rural areas through science and technology, and I will lead a change so that all members understand and act on this," Lee said. He added, "We will create tangible results that the public can feel and enhance the future competitiveness of South Korean agriculture based on AI and agricultural satellites."The RDA's 'AI Isak,' which was developed by the agency, received a presidential commendation in April for its contributions to government civil service. Lee noted that last year, AI Isak was used to provide 'AI-based management consulting' to 55 farms, resulting in an average increase of 25.9% in agricultural income compared to before the consulting. He emphasized plans to launch 'AI Isak 2.0' in September, which will include voice and video features, and to expand the number of farms receiving AI consulting to 1,000 this year.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-27 06:04:00
  • Nine South Koreans Missing After Floods in Nepal; Rapid Response Team Deployed
    Nine South Koreans Missing After Floods in Nepal; Rapid Response Team Deployed Jo Hyun, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced on August 26 that the safety of ten South Koreans isolated by floods in Nepal has been confirmed.Minister Jo chaired a meeting of the Overseas Citizens Protection Headquarters at the Foreign Ministry in Seoul that evening, attended by officials from the National Police Agency and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.In her opening remarks, Jo stated, "Eight South Koreans from Korea Southeast Power and Doosan Enerbility are currently uncontactable. However, ten other South Koreans from Doosan Enerbility, along with about 200 foreign employees, are safe and waiting for rescue after evacuating locally, as confirmed by our dispatched consular staff."Later, it was confirmed that an additional South Korean employee hired by Doosan Enerbility is also uncontactable, raising the total number of missing South Koreans to nine.President Lee Jae-myung issued an urgent directive on the same day, stating, "Mobilize all available resources to search for and rescue the missing individuals. The lives and safety of our citizens must be the top priority."He also urged close cooperation with the Nepalese government and local authorities, emphasizing the need to support the families of the missing and ensure the safety of South Koreans currently in the area, while also working to prevent further casualties.According to reports from AP and AFP on August 26, Nepalese police recovered 157 bodies during their search operations that day.The Nepalese Ministry of Tourism reported that 403 tourists are currently missing, including 341 foreigners, and 28 police officers are also uncontactable. Chinese authorities have reported 265 missing individuals as well.Minister Jo noted, "There are reports from foreign media indicating that hundreds are missing due to this incident, which may complicate rescue efforts. However, the Foreign Ministry headquarters and our embassy in Nepal will work closely with relevant agencies to ensure the swift and safe search and rescue of our citizens."The government plans to dispatch a rapid response team, led by Im Sang-woo, the Foreign Ministry's representative for overseas citizens protection and consular affairs, on August 27 to assist in the search and rescue of South Koreans. The team will consist of personnel from the Foreign Ministry, Fire Agency, and National Police Agency.The response team is scheduled to depart from Incheon in the afternoon of August 27 and arrive in Kathmandu, Nepal, that evening.Minister Jo expressed hope that the South Korean embassy in Nepal will ensure the safety of the isolated South Koreans until the response team arrives, stating, "I will also contact the Nepalese Foreign Minister on August 27 to request cooperation."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-27 06:00:00
  • Iceland to Hold Referendum on EU Membership Negotiations on August 29
    Iceland to Hold Referendum on EU Membership Negotiations on August 29 The Nordic island nation of Iceland is set to hold a referendum on August 29 regarding the resumption of negotiations for European Union (EU) membership. Recent polling indicates that a slight majority of Icelanders support this move.According to a report by Reuters on August 26, the local daily Visir cited the polling firm Maskina, revealing that 51.3% of respondents favor resuming negotiations, while 48.7% oppose it. The survey was conducted from August 21 to 25, involving 1,019 Icelandic citizens.The Icelandic government applied for EU membership in 2009 following a financial crisis that saw the collapse of three major banks in 2008. However, negotiations were halted in 2013 amid the eurozone crisis. Thirteen years later, rising living costs and security concerns stemming from the war in Ukraine have reignited interest in EU membership among Icelanders. Additionally, remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump about potentially merging Greenland with the U.S. have contributed to the growing support for EU membership.However, a favorable outcome in the referendum on August 29 would not automatically grant Iceland EU membership. The vote will only determine whether to resume negotiations with the EU. If negotiations are successful, a second referendum would be required to finalize any agreement. Should the August 29 vote pass, additional negotiations are expected to begin by the end of this year and could last between 18 to 24 months, according to Reuters.Although Iceland is not an EU member, it is a wealthy nation that plays a significant role in the European economy, with a per capita GDP exceeding $98,000. Iceland is part of the Schengen Agreement, which allows for open borders among EU countries, and is a member of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). However, as a non-EU member, Iceland lacks influence over regional issues. Becoming a full member would allow Iceland to send representatives to the European Commission and the European Parliament and potentially adopt the euro.While Iceland does not have its own military, it has historically been a strategic location for defense. The country is a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to ensure its defense and has a mutual defense treaty with the United States established in 1951.According to Foreign Policy, former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill once remarked, "Whoever owns Iceland has a pistol aimed at the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada," highlighting the geopolitical significance of Iceland's location in the Atlantic.However, EU membership may not offer significant benefits to Nordic countries, leading to calls among wealthy Nordic nations to reduce their contributions to the EU budget, as reported by Euronews.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-27 05:00:20