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  • 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
  • Short-form Dramas Wind Up and Fathers Home Cooking Make Their Debut in Theaters
    Short-form Dramas 'Wind Up' and 'Father's Home Cooking' Make Their Debut in Theaters Short-form dramas, typically optimized for mobile viewing with a duration of 1 to 5 minutes and a vertical screen format, are now expanding into theaters. This shift marks an experiment in bringing snack culture content, which was previously consumed online, into offline spaces like cinemas.The first to enter the theater scene is a high school sports drama targeting idol fandoms. Released exclusively in CGV theaters on July 2, 'Wind Up: The Movie' is a theatrical adaptation of the premium short drama 'Wind Up,' which has garnered 30 million views on the global K-pop short-form platform KITZ. The film explores the friendship between a high school baseball pitcher struggling with trauma and a new student manager, featuring NCT members Jeno and Jaemin in lead roles, directed by Kim Sung-ho, known for Netflix's 'Move to Heaven.'The strategy behind 'Wind Up: The Movie' is a 'format transformation.' The production team reworked the originally vertical mobile format into a horizontal screen format suitable for theaters, enhancing the visual experience to maximize immersion. The film was officially invited to the 30th Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival (BIFAN) in the 'Platform Showcase: Short-form Cinema' category, showcasing the expansion of short dramas.Conversely, there is an attempt to screen short dramas in their original vertical format. 'Father's Home Cooking,' directed by Lee Joon-ik, will be released exclusively in Lotte Cinema on September 9. Based on the webtoon of the same name by author Ko Ri-ta, the film tells the story of a father, played by Jung Jin-young, who has ruled the dinner table for 40 years, stepping into the kitchen for the first time to cook for his wife, played by Lee Jung-eun, who has forgotten her cooking skills.This marks Lee Joon-ik's first foray into directing a short drama, featuring prominent actors like Jung Jin-young, Lee Jung-eun, and Byun Yo-han, who are now entering the short-form ecosystem. Notably, 'Father's Home Cooking' will be screened in its longer vertical mobile format, with a runtime of 2 hours and 36 minutes (156 minutes). Lee Joon-ik stated, "Within the vertical frame, we can observe the characters' deeper nuances clearly," explaining his directorial intent. After its theatrical run, the film will be released in short episodes on the short-form platform Lezhin Snack.The theater industry views the screening of these short dramas as part of a broader 'content diversification' strategy.A representative from Lotte Cinema commented, "We are expanding our screening range to allow audiences to experience various content beyond just films," adding that 'Father's Home Cooking' is an attempt to provide a new experience of a short drama that was previously consumed on mobile screens, utilizing the theater's infrastructure for a larger screen and sound. They further stated, "We plan to continuously discover content that transcends the boundaries of format and genre to offer new cinematic experiences."The key question remains whether short dramas, which are accustomed to mobile formats, can sufficiently attract general audiences to theaters. 'Wind Up,' which seeks cinematic immersion by adapting to a horizontal format, and 'Father's Home Cooking,' which maintains its vertical frame, will serve as a test for the future distribution direction of short dramas in offline settings.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-27 00:04:00
  • U.S. July PCE Price Index Rises 3.7% Year-Over-Year, Slightly Exceeding Expectations
    U.S. July PCE Price Index Rises 3.7% Year-Over-Year, Slightly Exceeding Expectations On August 26, the U.S. Department of Commerce reported that the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index rose 3.7% in July compared to the same month last year. This marks a 0.2% increase from the previous month. These figures slightly surpassed the expert forecasts compiled by Dow Jones, which were each 0.1 percentage points lower. Excluding food and energy, the core PCE price index increased by 3.3% year-over-year and 0.2% month-over-month, aligning with expert expectations. The PCE price index reflects the prices of goods and services consumed by households. The Federal Reserve uses this index as a benchmark to assess its monetary policy goal of achieving a 2% inflation rate. 2026-08-26 21:56:00
  • Hamyang County Launches Health Initiatives and International Youth Exchange
    Hamyang County Launches Health Initiatives and International Youth Exchange Hamyang County is implementing a series of community-focused policies aimed at health management, support for medically underserved areas, international youth exchange, and summer safety.Recently, the county was selected as a 'National Fitness 100 Certification Institution,' establishing a scientific basis for fitness management. It is also launching mobile medical services, expanding student exchanges with Shenyang City in China, and addressing heatwave and water safety concerns.Hamyang County was chosen in the second round of the '2026 National Fitness 100 Certification Institution' program, organized by the Korea Sports Promotion Foundation.The National Fitness 100 Certification Center is a state-certified fitness management institution that scientifically measures and evaluates residents' fitness levels, providing personalized exercise prescriptions and certification services. The county plans to establish a fitness management system that links measurement, prescription, exercise, re-measurement, and incentives.Additionally, the initiative will create four new jobs, including for young workers, and will implement a 'Mobile Fitness Certification Service' that visits towns and welfare facilities, as well as a 'Transport Service for Fitness Certification' aimed at elderly residents with mobility challenges.Pre- and post-fitness assessments will be offered to participants in local sports events, national competitions, and training camps. In the long term, the county envisions expanding this into a stay-type sports program that integrates national competitions, training camps, fitness certification, and tourism.Mobile 'Doctor Bus' in Byeonggok-myeon to Offer Free Checkups on September 1Mobile free health checkups will continue for residents in areas with limited access to medical facilities.The Hamyang County Health Center will conduct the 'Masang Medical Center Doctor Bus Free Checkup Program' on September 1 from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the parking lot in front of the Byeonggok-myeon Health Center. Any resident wishing to receive a checkup can participate.The checkup will involve a team of 11, including professors from Gyeongsang National University Hospital and staff from Masang Medical Center, utilizing a specialized checkup bus equipped with 14 types of medical equipment. Services will include basic eye exams, hearing tests, nasal and throat examinations, tympanic membrane checks, prostate ultrasounds, and urinary disorder assessments.If any abnormalities are detected during the checkup, participants will be referred for further medical care and supported in accessing ongoing health services through the health center.22 Students from Shenyang City Visit to Enhance Future Generations' ExchangeYouth exchanges between Hamyang County and Shenyang City in China are ongoing.A group of 22 students from Shenyang City is visiting Hamyang from the 26th for two days to experience local culture and tourism resources. This visit aims to expand educational and youth exchanges between the two regions and enhance mutual understanding among future generations.The exchange group attended a welcome ceremony at the Hamyang County Office and toured local attractions, including the Hamyang Wine Valley, Gaepyeong Hanok Village, and Daebongsan Recreation Valley.Hamyang County and Shenyang City established a cooperative agreement in the education sector following a visit by a Hamyang delegation to Shenyang in 2024, and they have continued mutual visits and student exchanges since then.Heatwave and Water Safety Campaign Conducted at NongwoljeongEfforts to prevent safety accidents during the end of summer are being strengthened.On the 26th, Hamyang County held a '2026 Heatwave Prevention and Water Safety Management Campaign' at Nongwoljeong in Anui-myeon. Over 50 participants, including officials from Hamyang County, the Hamyang Education Support Office, police, fire departments, volunteer firefighters, safety officers, and water safety personnel, took part.Participants shared guidelines for responding to heatwaves and water safety rules, emphasizing the importance of wearing life jackets and conducting safety quizzes and CPR demonstrations.Following the campaign, safety equipment management, including lifebuoys, life jackets, and safety ropes, as well as the working conditions of safety personnel, emergency contact systems, and warning signs in the water play area at Nongwoljeong, were inspected.The county plans to continue promoting safety and conducting on-site inspections to prevent heatwave and water safety accidents until the end of the hot weather.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-26 21:40:20
  • Southern Region Industrial Electricity Rates to Drop by Up to 10% with New Pricing System
    Southern Region Industrial Electricity Rates to Drop by Up to 10% with New Pricing System Government to Lower Industrial Electricity Rates in Southern Regions The government plans to reduce industrial electricity rates in regions with high power production to encourage local investments. In the southern regions, rates will decrease by up to 18 won per kilowatt-hour, while the southern metropolitan area, which has high electricity demand, will maintain current rates. This initiative aims to distribute electricity demand and alleviate the burden of constructing long-distance transmission networks. On August 26, the Ministry of Climate, Energy, and Environment and Korea Electric Power Corporation held a public hearing at the KEPCO Southern Headquarters in Yeongdeungpo, Seoul, to unveil the design plan for the 'Regional Industrial Electricity Pricing System.' The new pricing system will introduce a 'regional adjustment fee' as part of the rate structure. Areas with greater electricity supply capacity and those requiring policy consideration will see lower rates, reflecting transmission costs, self-sufficiency rates, and balanced growth factors. According to the plan released, the country will be divided into four major regions based on electricity flow and transmission network structure. The Ministry of the Interior and Safety will combine this with a regional preference index and the status of industrial crisis areas to create a total of 11 subdivisions. Jeju will be excluded from this system due to its unique island characteristics. Revisions to Property Tax for Non-Resident Homeowners The government is revising its approach to the comprehensive real estate tax burden for non-resident homeowners, aiming to lower it from the initial tax reform proposal. After the ruling party raised concerns about differentiating tax burdens based on residency status, key elements of the reform plan are now under revision just 20 days after its announcement. As of August 26, the Ministry of Finance is considering increasing the basic deduction for non-resident homeowners from the proposed 900 million won to a higher amount. Options include maintaining the current 1.2 billion won or aligning it with the 1.4 billion won deduction for resident homeowners. The tax reform plan announced on August 3 proposed raising the basic deduction for resident homeowners from 1.2 billion won to 1.4 billion won while lowering it to 900 million won for non-resident homeowners. The intent was to focus tax benefits on those using their homes as primary residences while reducing benefits for investment properties. The fair market value ratio will increase from the current 60% to 70% for both resident and non-resident homeowners by 2028, and the cap on the tax burden will rise from 150% to 200% of the previous year's tax amount. This means non-resident homeowners will face a significant increase in their tax burden due to the combination of reduced deductions and increased fair market value ratios. Hyundai Aims for 5.55 Million Vehicle Sales by 2030 Hyundai Motor Company has unveiled its mid- to long-term strategy focused on enhancing its competitiveness in the automotive sector. Despite intensifying global competition and geopolitical threats, the company plans to pursue a segmented electrification transition while leveraging future businesses such as autonomous driving and robotics to boost profitability. On August 26, during the '2026 CEO Investor Day' held at the Conrad Hotel in Yeouido, Hyundai announced its goal to launch 100 new models by 2030, aiming for annual sales of 5.55 million vehicles. This target represents an increase of approximately 1.39 million vehicles compared to this year's goal of 4.158 million, reflecting a growth rate of 33.5%. Jose Munoz, CEO of Hyundai, stated, "Hyundai's fundamentals are stronger than ever. We will launch more models, provide more powertrain options to customers, and aggressively enter new vehicle segments and markets." The core of the mid- to long-term strategy is the transition to electrification and localization. Specifically, the company plans to adopt a two-track approach, with hybrids (HEVs) in North America and electric vehicles (EVs) in Europe. In North America, Hyundai will introduce 10 new hybrid models, starting with the GV80 HEV, aiming to increase HEV sales to 50%. A range-extended electric vehicle (EREV) version of the Santa Fe is set to launch in the first half of next year. Government Launches Regional Growth Engines in Five Areas The government has selected regional 'growth engines' in five areas and is set to begin fostering them. Each region will have 3 to 4 growth engines linked to local strengths and large corporate investments, supported by a comprehensive package of financial, fiscal, and regulatory incentives. On August 26, during the 10th Central-Local Cooperation Meeting chaired by President Lee Jae-myung at the Blue House, the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy announced the 'Regional Growth Engine Development Plan Linked to Three Mega Projects.' Since September of last year, the Ministry has been collecting demand from local governments and has held over 100 consultations to select these growth engines. Feedback from more than 600 companies and regional experts was also considered in the selection process, which was based on criteria such as corporate investment, regional strengths, growth potential, and alignment with national strategies. The central region will focus on next-generation displays, semiconductors, high-value-added biopharmaceuticals, advanced batteries, and future defense and transportation systems as its growth engines. The plan aims to leverage existing advanced industrial foundations and R&D capabilities to develop the central region into a 'global hub for advanced strategic industries.' Surge in Regulatory Corrections for Capital Increases This Year This year, there has been a significant increase in regulatory corrections from financial authorities regarding capital increases by listed companies. This trend is attributed to a rise in cases where the plans for fund usage or effectiveness are unclear. As financial authorities tighten their review standards for capital increases, instances of companies retracting their plans are also on the rise. As of August 26, the Financial Supervisory Service has issued 66 correction requests for securities registration statements related to capital increases, surpassing last year's total of 43 and the 56 requests made in 2024. Specifically, among 15 listed companies that submitted securities registration statements for capital increases in the third quarter, six received 2 to 4 correction requests from the Financial Supervisory Service, while seven received one request. Only two companies did not receive any correction requests. Companies that finalized their issuance conditions this month also faced multiple corrections. Clobot submitted six corrections to its registration statement, while SensorView submitted three. Some companies, like SomeAge, went through four corrections but ultimately retracted their capital increase decision on August 5. The trend of retracting capital increase plans is also increasing compared to previous years. As of August 26, the number of retracted capital increases through corrections stands at 23, including four from KOSPI and 19 from KOSDAQ, already exceeding last year's total of 22 (three from KOSPI and 19 from KOSDAQ). 2026-08-26 21:40:00
  • Floods in Nepal Leave 19 Dead, 384 Tourists Missing, Including 8 South Koreans
    Floods in Nepal Leave 19 Dead, 384 Tourists Missing, Including 8 South Koreans A massive flood in north-central Nepal has left 19 people dead and approximately 384 tourists missing. The incident occurred around 9 a.m. local time on August 26 in the Bagmati Province, according to reports from Reuters, AP, and Yonhap News.Sunil Sharma, a spokesperson for the Nepal Tourism Board, stated that the missing foreign tourists hail from various countries, including India, Australia, the Netherlands, the United States, Malaysia, the United Kingdom, and South Africa.The South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that eight South Korean employees from Korea Southeast Power and Doosan Enerbility, who were working on a hydropower project in the Rasuwagadhi area, have lost contact. Additionally, ten other South Koreans from Doosan Enerbility are stranded in the area awaiting rescue, prompting the Nepalese government to deploy helicopters to the site.Rajendra Prasad Dhimal, a spokesperson for the Bagmati Province police, expressed concern to EFE news agency that the confirmed death toll may rise.The affected area is located about 120 kilometers north of the capital, Kathmandu, near the border with the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. The Bote Kosi River in the Rasuwagadhi area overflowed, inundating several nearby villages and damaging roads and hydropower facilities.The Rasuwagadhi area, which has experienced significant flooding, faced a similar incident in August of the previous year, when a sudden flood caused by high temperatures in the mountainous region led to the overflow of a glacial lake in Tibet, resulting in nine fatalities and damage to key infrastructure, including bridges connecting the two countries.Climate experts from the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), based in Kathmandu, indicated that the recent flooding was likely caused by an avalanche originating from a glacier. One expert noted that the Rende Kola River, a tributary of the Bote Kosi, reached its highest level on that day. 2026-08-26 21:24:10
  • Doosan and Namdong Power Respond to Missing Workers in Nepal Floods
    Doosan and Namdong Power Respond to Missing Workers in Nepal Floods In Nepal, a flood has left several South Korean workers, who were constructing a hydroelectric power plant, unreachable or isolated, prompting their companies to take swift action to assess the situation and implement countermeasures.According to Yonhap News Agency, Doosan Enerbility established an emergency response headquarters on the afternoon of August 26 to quickly assess the situation and manage the incident. A field response team, including CEO Jeong Yeon-in, is scheduled to be dispatched to the site on August 27.There are a total of 20 South Korean employees at the Upper Trishuli-1 hydroelectric power plant construction site, which is being managed by Doosan Enerbility. Of the 15 workers present at the site during the disaster, five are currently unreachable.The Upper Trishuli-1 hydroelectric power plant is being constructed on the Trishuli River, located 70 kilometers north of Kathmandu, with a capacity of 216 megawatts. Doosan Enerbility is responsible for the construction of the plant as well as the manufacturing and supply of key equipment such as turbines and generators.Namdong Power, which has also lost contact with three employees on site, is also responding urgently. According to Namdong Power, three of the seven employees dispatched to the area, excluding those at the local office in Kathmandu, are unreachable.Meanwhile, the Nepalese government has dispatched rescue teams composed of army and police personnel to conduct search and rescue operations. The South Korean Embassy in Nepal notified the Nepalese government of the eight missing South Koreans immediately after learning of the incident, requesting prompt and active search and rescue efforts, and has sent a consular officer to the site.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-26 21:00:10
  • Doosan and Namdong Power Establish Emergency Response Amid Nepal Floods
    Doosan and Namdong Power Establish Emergency Response Amid Nepal Floods Nepal's recent floods have left a South Korean worker, involved in the construction of a hydroelectric power plant, unreachable or isolated, prompting the companies involved to swiftly assess the situation and formulate a response. According to Yonhap News Agency on August 26, Doosan Enerbility established an emergency response headquarters that afternoon to quickly assess the situation and manage the incident. A field response team, including CEO Jeong Yeon-in, is set to be dispatched to the site on August 27. There are a total of 20 South Korean employees at the Upper Trishuli-1 hydroelectric power plant construction site, where Doosan Enerbility is handling engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC). Of the 15 workers present at the site during the disaster, five are currently uncontactable. The Upper Trishuli-1 hydroelectric power plant, located 70 kilometers north of Kathmandu along the Trishuli River, is being built with a capacity of 216 megawatts. Doosan Enerbility is responsible for the construction of the plant and the manufacturing and supply of key equipment such as turbines and generators. Namdong Power, which has three employees uncontactable at the site, is also responding urgently. According to Namdong Power, of the seven employees dispatched to the area, three construction management personnel, excluding those at the local office in Kathmandu, are unreachable. Meanwhile, the Nepalese government has dispatched rescue teams composed of army and police personnel to conduct search and rescue operations. The South Korean Embassy in Nepal notified the Nepalese government of the eight South Koreans who are unreachable shortly after learning of the incident, requesting prompt and active search and rescue efforts, and has sent a consular officer to the site.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-26 21:00:00
  • Floods in Nepal Leave 9 Dead, 384 Tourists Missing; 8 South Koreans Unreachable
    Floods in Nepal Leave 9 Dead, 384 Tourists Missing; 8 South Koreans Unreachable A massive flood in the central northern region of Nepal has resulted in the deaths of nine people, with approximately 384 tourists, including 291 foreigners, reported missing. Eight South Koreans have also lost contact, while another ten South Koreans are stranded in the area.According to reports from Reuters and Yonhap News on August 26, the flooding in the Bagmati Province was triggered by heavy rainfall. The Nepal Tourism Board confirmed the fatalities and the number of missing tourists.The affected area is located about 120 kilometers north of the capital, Kathmandu, near the border with the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.The South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that eight employees from Korea Southeast Power and Doosan Enerbility, who were working on a hydropower project in the Rasuwagadhi area of Bagmati Province, have lost contact. Additionally, ten other South Koreans affiliated with Doosan Enerbility are stranded and awaiting rescue, prompting the Nepalese government to deploy helicopters to the disaster site. 2026-08-26 20:32:00