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  • Math Instructor Hyun Woo-jin Acquitted in Exam Question Trading Case
    Math Instructor Hyun Woo-jin Acquitted in Exam Question Trading Case Hyun Woo-jin, a prominent math instructor accused of illegally obtaining college entrance exam questions from current teachers and paying them over 400 million won, was acquitted in a first-instance ruling. The court determined that the payments made by Hyun were not prohibited under the anti-corruption law, as they were deemed to be legitimate compensation for the value of the questions rather than illicit gifts.On August 26, Judge Lee Jae-wook of the Seoul Central District Court ruled in favor of Hyun, who was charged with violating the anti-corruption law. Two teachers who provided the questions and a representative from a textbook development company were also acquitted.Hyun submitted a notice of absence and did not appear in court. The prosecution had previously sought a one-year prison sentence for each defendant.From March 2020 to May 2023, Hyun was accused of paying a total of 346 million won to two current teachers in exchange for math questions to be used in his own textbooks. He also faced allegations of transferring 75 million won to an account under the name of another teacher's spouse. The total amount involved in the charges was 421 million won.The teachers who provided the questions were identified as having experience as writers for EBS textbooks or as members of the college entrance exam and mock exam committees.The key issue in the trial was whether the payments made by Hyun constituted 'prohibited gifts' under the anti-corruption law. This law prohibits public officials from receiving gifts exceeding 1 million won in a single instance or 3 million won in a fiscal year from the same individual, regardless of the relevance to their duties. However, payments made as part of legitimate private transactions are exempt from penalties.The court concluded that the money paid by Hyun was in accordance with a contract for buying and selling questions, qualifying as a legitimate private transaction under the law.The court noted, "Even if the transaction had the form of a private deal, if the value of the compensation significantly exceeded the value of the service provided, it could be seen as merely a formality of debt fulfillment. However, if the compensation corresponds to the value provided by the public officials, it is excluded from the prohibited gifts."Hyun's defense argued that he obtained questions not only from current teachers but also through public solicitations from professional companies and the general public. The amounts paid to these companies were similar to or even greater than those paid to the teachers, and payments were made only for questions that were actually adopted in the textbooks.The average payment per question was around 200,000 won for mock exam materials and about 100,000 won for general textbooks. The fact that the teachers did not submit the questions for exams at their own schools was also taken into account. The court found it difficult to view the payments as bribes simply because the individuals were current teachers or had experience as exam committee members.The prosecution argued that the teachers sold the questions without obtaining permission from their respective institutions, rendering the transactions illegal. However, the court ruled that when applying the exceptions under the anti-corruption law, the legality of the private transaction itself could not be considered.The court stated that violations of dual employment obligations should be judged separately under relevant laws, and that the mere potential for the transaction to raise doubts about the fairness of public duties does not constitute a violation of the anti-corruption law.Judge Lee emphasized, "The law is the minimum standard of morality, and criminal punishment is the last resort for resolving issues. Even if there are inappropriate aspects to a public official's actions, it is neither feasible nor desirable to criminally punish all of them."He added, "To prevent the spread of the immoral logic that it is acceptable as long as one does not face criminal punishment, it is necessary to maintain a realm of morality and ethics."After the ruling, the defense attorney for the teachers stated, "It seems that the investigation agency viewed the case too broadly and made excessive charges under the name of an education cartel. We are grateful to the court for making a balanced judgment."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-26 17:48:00
  • Renault Koreas Filante Selected as Official Vehicle for French Ambassador
    Renault Korea's Filante Selected as Official Vehicle for French Ambassador Renault Korea announced that its global flagship crossover, the Filante E-Tech hybrid, has been selected as the new official vehicle for the French Ambassador to South Korea.During a handover ceremony held at the French Embassy on August 25, Nikola Paris, CEO of Renault Korea, personally presented the smart key of the Filante to Philippe Bertoux, the French Ambassador.The Filante, which was launched in South Korea in March 2026, is a new global flagship E-segment crossover from Renault. It combines the advantages of a sedan and an SUV with a spacious interior designed around a premium tech lounge concept, featuring advanced convenience and connectivity specifications.The vehicle's quiet driving technology and safety features, standard across all trims, along with the hybrid E-Tech powertrain, are seen as essential elements that meet the dignity and stability required for diplomatic duties.Ambassador Bertoux stated, "The Filante is a perfect ambassador symbolizing the excellence and elegance of French technology. The Filante, produced by Renault Korea in Busan, embodies the success and potential of cooperation between France and Korea, making its launch particularly significant in this year marking the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries."Meanwhile, Bertoux, who took office in South Korea in July 2023, has held various key positions within the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-26 17:48:00
  • Interior Minister Calls Emergency Police Meeting Amid Missing Persons Cases in Jeju
    Interior Minister Calls Emergency Police Meeting Amid Missing Persons Cases in Jeju Yoon Ho-jung, the Minister of the Interior and Safety, convened an emergency meeting of police leadership on August 26, directing a thorough investigation into the missing persons cases in Jeju and a comprehensive review of police operations.This meeting is considered unusual, reflecting the government's serious recognition of the current state of the police and its commitment to significant reforms.The meeting was organized in response to growing public anxiety regarding the missing persons cases in Jeju. All senior officials from the National Police Agency, including Acting Commissioner Yoo Jae-sung, attended.During the meeting, Yoon stated, “Just after the Gwangju police corruption incident, we are faced with another case of police misconduct, causing great anxiety in our society,” and he promised measures to prevent recurrence.Regarding the Jeju cases, he instructed a thorough investigation and a review of the police's missing persons protocols. He called for a comprehensive examination of long-term missing persons cases at all police stations nationwide, emphasizing that any misconduct or inappropriate practices must be met with strict accountability.Yoon directed all police leadership to conduct a thorough review of their respective responsibilities and to propose improvements if structural issues similar to those revealed in this case are identified.During the agenda report, the National Police Agency presented plans for improving missing persons investigations and reforming police response systems. The proposed improvements include enhancements to missing persons investigation teams and systems, as well as reforms in the recruitment of new police officers.The reform proposals aim to strengthen the effectiveness of the National Police Commission and establish human rights and oversight bodies for police investigations, addressing public concerns about the concealment of cases.In conclusion, Yoon remarked, “The public's anxiety regarding the Jeju cases and the decline in trust in the police have reached a dangerous level. The measures reported today and the directives issued must be implemented promptly. With the new criminal justice system set to launch in October, we must ensure that protecting our own is not tolerated in order to restore public trust.”Previously, it was revealed that a police officer handling a missing persons case in Jeju falsely claimed to have contacted the missing individual and improperly closed the case. The missing 60-year-old man was found dead on August 22, and the body of 37-year-old Jang Mi-ran, who had been missing since May, was discovered on August 24, 104 days after her disappearance.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-26 17:40:00
  • Mirae Asset Securities Audit Committee Chair Moon Hong-seong Resigns
    Mirae Asset Securities Audit Committee Chair Moon Hong-seong Resigns Moon Hong-seong, the Audit Committee Chair of Mirae Asset Securities and an outside director, has resigned before completing his term. His departure has resulted in the Audit Committee falling short of the legal requirements for its composition. The company plans to request the appointment of a temporary director from the court to fill the vacancy.According to the financial investment industry on August 26, Mirae Asset Securities announced that Moon resigned voluntarily due to personal reasons the previous day. His term was set to last until the regular shareholders' meeting in March 2027, but he stepped down approximately seven months early.With Moon's resignation, the number of registered directors at Mirae Asset Securities has decreased from seven to six. The number of outside directors has also dropped from four to three, reducing the proportion of outside directors from 57.1% to 50.0%.The resignation has created a gap in the Audit Committee's composition. Mirae Asset Securities explained in its announcement that the resignation of an outside director who serves as an audit committee member has led to a failure to meet the requirements set forth in the Financial Company Governance Act.In response, the company will seek the appointment of a temporary director from the court to address the vacancy. This provision allows the court to appoint someone to perform the duties of a director temporarily when the number of directors falls below the legal or statutory requirement.Moon was appointed as an outside director of Mirae Asset Securities on March 27, 2022. He was reappointed at the regular shareholders' meeting in March and had been serving as the Audit Committee Chair.Born in 1964, Moon graduated from Seoul National University with a degree in economics and later obtained a Ph.D. in economics from the University of Missouri in the United States. He began his career with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and held positions in the Ministry of Finance and Economy and the Ministry of Strategy and Finance, focusing on international finance. He also served as an administrative officer in the Presidential Office and as the Director of the International Finance Bureau at the Ministry of Finance.In 2010, he joined the Doosan Group, where he held various roles, including head of the Strategic Support Office, Chief Strategy Officer (CSO), and head of the New Business Division. In 2022, he was appointed as the CEO of Doosan and has been serving as an advisor since stepping down from that position last year.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-26 17:36:20
  • South Korea Hosts Global Bio Conference to Boost Biotech Industry
    South Korea Hosts Global Bio Conference to Boost Biotech Industry "I hope this will be an opportunity to leap forward as a global bio powerhouse."Oh Yu-kyung, head of the Korea Food and Drug Administration, made this statement on August 26 at the Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas in Gangnam, where the '2026 Global Bio Conference (GBC)' is taking place over three days. She added, "The bio industry is a field where innovative technologies are constantly emerging and is growing as a future growth engine. I hope this event accelerates the pace of bio innovation."Now in its 12th year, this year's conference is themed 'A Great Leap for Bio: Accelerating Innovation' and has attracted around 5,000 participants, including global regulatory authorities and stakeholders from the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors. The event aims to bring together global leaders to explore regulations related to artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced biopharmaceuticals, as well as directions for international cooperation.During the opening ceremony, President Lee Jae-myung delivered a congratulatory message via video. Additionally, keynote speeches were given by Lee Sang-yup, a distinguished professor at KAIST, and Jeremy Farrar, Deputy Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), among other global figures in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries.Notably, the newly established 'GBC Special: K-Bio Innovation Leaders Talk' garnered attention this year. Business leaders who have driven the domestic biotech industry shared their experiences of success and challenges in commercialization, as well as strategies for entering the global market. Founders from Alteogen, ABL Bio, Curexcell, and Organoid Science took the stage, with former Korea Drug Evaluation Institute head Park Yoon-joo serving as the moderator.On August 27 and 28, forums on vaccines, recombinant pharmaceuticals, and the biopharmaceutical supply chain will be held. The vaccine forum will share trends in vaccine evaluation based on regulatory science, while the recombinant pharmaceuticals forum will examine advancements in antibody treatment development technologies using AI and regulatory trends. The biopharmaceutical supply chain forum will discuss strategies to overcome vulnerabilities in supply chains that may arise from crises such as pandemics, geopolitical conflicts, and raw material supply instability.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-26 17:36:00
  • Special Law Supporting the UN Ocean Conference Passes in National Assembly, Preparations for 2028 Begin
    Special Law Supporting the UN Ocean Conference Passes in National Assembly, Preparations for 2028 Begin A legal framework has been established to support key issues in the maritime and fisheries sector. A special law to support the 2028 UN Ocean Conference, along with 14 other bills aimed at improving coastal disaster prevention, port redevelopment, enhancing fishing vessel safety, and expanding the participation of farmers and fishermen in policy-making, has passed the National Assembly.The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries announced that on August 20, the National Assembly approved two new laws, including the 'Special Law to Support the 2028 UN Ocean Conference' and the 'Agricultural and Fisheries Council Act,' as well as 13 amendments to existing laws, totaling 15 bills.The special law for the 2028 UN Ocean Conference provides a legal basis for the systematic preparation of the fourth UN Ocean Conference, which will be co-hosted by South Korea and Chile. It aims to establish a cooperative framework across the government and ensure necessary administrative and financial support for the smooth hosting of the conference.The UN Ocean Conference is the largest high-level international meeting in the maritime sector, addressing major global marine issues such as climate change and ocean pollution, and fostering cooperation and action among countries. The third conference, held in Nice, France, in 2025, was attended by around 15,000 participants, including UN Secretary-General António Guterres and French President Emmanuel Macron.The 2028 conference is significant as it occurs two years before the deadline for achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2030. It is expected to serve as an important opportunity to discuss the future direction of international marine cooperation beyond 2030. The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries plans to accelerate preparations for the conference based on this legislation and aims to showcase South Korea's maritime capabilities and international standing.Regulations related to coastal safety will also be strengthened. The amendment to the Coastal Management Act requires that any development projects affecting the coast, such as roads and ports, undergo a review by the Minister of Oceans and Fisheries regarding potential flooding and erosion impacts before proceeding. This will help establish a foundation for preventing coastal disasters by assessing the risks of flooding and erosion from the development stage.To reduce the burden on businesses from the introduction of new regulations, the existing pre-impact assessment systems, such as environmental impact assessments and marine use impact assessments, will be integrated into the new framework.Port redevelopment methods will also become more comprehensive. The amendment to the law on port redevelopment and surrounding area development allows for the inclusion of plans for both land development and the construction of buildings on that land when establishing project plans and implementation plans for port redevelopment projects.This integrated approach to land and building development is expected to enhance the efficiency of port redevelopment projects and improve the public utility of the region.Safety measures to reduce fishing vessel accidents and casualties will also be enhanced. The amendment to the law on safe fishing operations and the safety and health of fishing crew members includes provisions allowing for fleet organization during periods of increased risk of fishing vessel accidents, such as during severe winter weather. It also establishes a basis for restricting operations or navigation for a certain period when there is a high likelihood of major fishing vessel accidents due to worsening weather conditions.Additionally, the Agricultural and Fisheries Council Act, which aims to expand the participation of local farmers and fishermen in policy-making, has also passed the National Assembly. Once implemented, this law will allow for the establishment of Agricultural and Fisheries Councils, which are representative bodies for farmers and fishermen, at both regional and local government levels. This will create a more systematic basis for reflecting the opinions of local farmers and fishermen in the policy-making process.Other bills passed by the National Assembly also address the need for institutional support in the maritime and fisheries sector, enhancing safety and regulatory improvements, and expanding the participation of local farmers and fishermen in policy-making.Minister of Oceans and Fisheries Hwang Jong-woo stated, "We will prepare thoroughly so that the 2028 UN Ocean Conference can effectively showcase South Korea's maritime capabilities and rich maritime cultural heritage, and serve as a meaningful platform for discussing a sustainable future for the oceans with the international community. We will also ensure that the laws passed by the National Assembly operate effectively in the field through the refinement of subordinate regulations and follow-up procedures."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-26 17:32:20
  • Ho Chi Minh City Real Estate Enters New Phase as Demand Shifts to Fundamentals
    Ho Chi Minh City Real Estate Enters New Phase as Demand Shifts to Fundamentals The real estate market in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, is entering a new phase driven by urban expansion and the resumption of major projects. As Ho Chi Minh City, Binh Duong, and Ba Ria-Vung Tau are integrated into a single metropolitan area, the availability of land and supply has increased. However, market interest is shifting from short-term price increases to regions with infrastructure, job opportunities, legal stability, and genuine demand.According to the '2026 Real Estate Forum' held by local online media TheLEADER on August 26, Nguyen Duc Thuan, president of the Vietnam Business Management Association, stated that the spatial integration of Ho Chi Minh City, Binh Duong, and Ba Ria-Vung Tau has created a metropolitan area covering approximately 6,700 square kilometers with a population of over 14 million. He explained that the significance of this new urban space lies not merely in its size but in the combination of advanced industries, deep-sea ports, international logistics, finance, services, and skilled labor.Experts at the forum noted that the competitiveness of the metropolitan area depends on how well infrastructure is connected. Key elements such as urban railways, ring roads, highways, ports, and airports are seen as essential to creating a super city. They emphasized the importance of Transit-Oriented Development (TOD), which integrates residential, commercial, service, job, and public spaces around transportation hubs, rather than merely establishing new transport networks.The expansion of Ho Chi Minh City has also contributed to lowering the average selling price in the housing market. Duong Tui Trung, head of CBRE Vietnam, reported that about 80% of new apartment supply in the first half of this year came from the Binh Duong area. The average price of first-phase apartments in existing Ho Chi Minh City was approximately 92 million VND (about $4,870) per square meter, while the overall average in the expanded market dropped to about 76 million VND (about $4,020) per square meter, showing a difference of 16 million VND (about $840).For homebuyers, the expanded Ho Chi Minh market offers a wider range of options. The variety in location, product type, and price range has increased, allowing for broader choices than before. CBRE noted that the average price of secondary apartments is currently around 62 million VND per square meter. However, the decline in average prices is interpreted as a result of the inclusion of relatively affordable outer-region supply rather than a general market adjustment.Industrial real estate is also identified as a major beneficiary of urban expansion. According to CBRE, the land available for industrial development could increase from about 2,500 hectares to over 15,000 hectares. This is expected to provide manufacturing companies and investors with more diverse location and rental options.Investment hotspots are becoming more segmented based on infrastructure and functionality. Duong Tui Trung believes that TOD development areas around the Ben Thanh-Tham Luong urban railway line and the 3rd and 4th ring road axes could attract significant funding. He also pointed out that areas like Can Gio and Ho Tram, known for eco-tourism and marine cities, as well as the mid-range apartment market in northern growth axes such as Giang, Tuan An, and Tu Zhou Mot, still have growth potential.Investment strategies are advised to shift from short-term trading to a focus on long-term value. Duong Tui Trung stated, "The market can only develop sustainably if actual housing demand for residence constitutes the majority." This indicates that urban expansion does not automatically lead to price increases across all areas; rather, value is formed in places supported by genuine demand and infrastructure.Vietnam Housing Market Sees Increased SupplyMeanwhile, while the overall housing market in Vietnam has seen an increase in supply, prices have not significantly decreased. According to a report released last month by the Dat Xanh Service Economic Real Estate Institute (DXS-FERI), the northern region saw about 4,200 new units with an absorption rate of approximately 40%. Supply was concentrated in large projects in Hanoi, Hung Yen, and Quang Ninh, with major suppliers including Masterise Homes, MIK, Vinhomes, and Gamuda.In contrast, the southern market exhibited a higher absorption rate than the north. DXS-FERI reported that the southern region had about 3,900 new units with an absorption rate of 58.6%. Supply was primarily focused on high-rise apartments, mostly located in the eastern expansion area of Ho Chi Minh City, particularly in Binh Duong and the former Tu Duc area. This region continues to play a pivotal role in the housing market's growth due to land acquisition, infrastructure, and relatively stable absorption rates.The recovery in supply is also evident in the resumption of previously halted urban projects. Construction on One Central Saigon, located across from Ben Thanh Market, resumed in mid-March and is expected to be completed in about 30 months. The Grand Manhattan project is also accelerating construction as legal issues gradually resolve.While the Ho Chi Minh metropolitan area has secured a broader land and supply base, not all regions will experience value increases at the same pace. The future focus of the market will likely be on which areas establish themselves as value centers with infrastructure, job opportunities, genuine demand, and legal stability.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-26 17:32:10
  • Senior Members of the People Power Party Call for Regular Meetings with Leader Jang Dong-hyuk
    Senior Members of the People Power Party Call for Regular Meetings with Leader Jang Dong-hyuk Senior lawmakers of the People Power Party, those with four or more terms, have agreed to request regular meetings with party leader Jang Dong-hyuk. There were also calls for a clearer voice moving forward.After a meeting of senior lawmakers on August 26, Representative Lee Jong-bae told reporters, "Many participants agreed that it will be difficult for the party to win the general election in its current state."He added, "We decided to request regular meetings with the party leader as much as possible," and noted concerns that recent disciplinary actions against lawmakers could harm party unity and cohesion. He suggested that efforts should be made to foster harmony among the lawmakers facing disciplinary measures.However, only nine of the 19 senior lawmakers attended the meeting, falling short of a majority. As a result, they plan to convene again soon to gather more opinions. There was also a consensus among senior members to meet more frequently and express clearer positions.Lee stated, "The meeting between the party leader and senior lawmakers will be a time for mutual understanding," and emphasized that not all senior members oppose the leader's direction. The aim is to share ideas for the party's development and success in the general election.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-26 17:32:10
  • Koreas Swimming Golden Generation Aims to Repeat Success at Asian Games
    Korea's Swimming 'Golden Generation' Aims to Repeat Success at Asian Games The 'Golden Generation' of Korean swimming, which sparked a renaissance in the sport, is preparing to replicate its success from three years ago at the Asian Games in Hangzhou, this time in Aichi and Nagoya.The swimming events at the 2026 Aichi and Nagoya Asian Games will take place from September 20 to 25 at the Tokyo Aquatics Center, with 41 of the 55 gold medals in swimming up for grabs in the pool. The Korean Sports Council has set a target of four gold medals in swimming, the second highest after archery, which aims for five.Korea's swimming team is aiming for even better results than the 2022 Hangzhou Games, where they won a total of 22 medals, including six golds, six silvers, and ten bronzes. This was the highest number of medals ever won by Korea in swimming at the Asian Games, and they finished second in the overall gold medal count, a position they had not held since the 1974 Tehran Games.During a media day for the swimming team held on August 25 at the Jincheon National Training Center, the athletes expressed confidence in surpassing their previous achievements. Team captain Lee Joo-ho (Seogwipo City Hall) stated, "In addition to the athletes who won gold medals at the last Hangzhou Games, new swimmers are also aiming for gold. This is not just a vague goal; we are showing it through our records."Kim Woo-min (Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province), who dominated the 400m and 800m freestyle and the 800m relay at the Hangzhou Games, will compete in six events this time: the 200m, 400m, 800m, and 1500m freestyle, as well as the 400m and 800m relays. He expressed confidence, saying, "Like in Hangzhou, I am competing in many events, so I am confident I will win medals. My specific goal is to break my personal records in all events."If Kim achieves the same success as in Hangzhou, he will become the second Korean swimmer to win three gold medals in consecutive Asian Games, following Park Tae-hwan, who accomplished this in the 2006 Doha and 2010 Guangzhou Games.His main competitor is Zhang Jianzhuo (China), born in 2007 and dubbed the 'second Sun Yang.' He has been rapidly improving his times in the middle-distance freestyle events and set a world junior record of 3:42.82 in the 400m freestyle at the National Games in November last year, just 0.4 seconds behind Kim's personal best of 3:42.42.Kim commented, "Zhang Jianzhuo is a familiar competitor in many of my events, but I try not to think too much about him."Hwang Sun-woo (Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province), who won six medals (two gold, two silver, and two bronze) at the Hangzhou Games, will focus on the 100m and 200m freestyle and the 400m and 800m relays this time.The Tokyo Aquatics Center holds good memories for Hwang, as he set a world junior record of 1:44.62 in the 200m freestyle heats at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and achieved an Asian record of 47.56 in the 100m freestyle semifinals to advance to the finals.Hwang stated, "Tokyo is where I had my first major competition. I believe it shaped the swimmer I am today. I want to show everything I have this time as well."His last two international competitions left him disappointed. Hwang finished ninth in the semifinals of the 200m freestyle at the 2024 Paris Olympics, failing to reach the finals. He also placed fourth in the same event at the World Swimming Championships in Singapore last July, missing out on a fourth consecutive medal.However, he regained his form at the National Sports Festival last October, setting an Asian record of 1:43.92 in the 200m freestyle final. He explained, "I was overly ambitious in Paris, which made it difficult. This time, I am preparing with a calm mindset, focusing on showing 100% of what I practiced rather than being overly ambitious."The 200m freestyle is expected to be a three-way battle among Korea, China, and Japan. Japan's Murasaki Tatsuya won a bronze medal at the World Championships in Singapore last year with a time of 1:44.54, just 0.18 seconds ahead of Hwang. Zhang Jianzhuo has also improved his personal best in this event to 1:44.53.Hwang noted, "There are athletes who can post good times, but most are in the 1:44 range. If I can achieve another time in the 1:43 range, I believe I can reach the top of the podium."Besides Kim Woo-min and Hwang Sun-woo, there are many other promising athletes on the team. Lee Joo-ho aims for a medal in his third consecutive Asian Games. He won Korea's first medal in the men's 100m backstroke (bronze) at the 2018 Jakarta-Palembang Games and earned a bronze and silver in the same event at the 2022 Hangzhou Games.Lee stated, "If I win a medal this time, it will be my third. I have heard that such a feat is unprecedented in Korean swimming, and it would be significant not just for me but for Korean swimming as a whole."In the sprint events, Kim Young-beom (Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province) will make his Asian Games debut. He set a Korean record of 47.39 seconds in the 100m freestyle heats at the National Sports Festival last October, breaking the previous record set by Hwang at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics by 0.17 seconds.Kim Young-beom will face world record holder Pan Zhanle (China, 46.40 seconds) in the 100m freestyle. He expressed confidence, saying, "I want to break my personal best in the 50m and 100m freestyle and win gold. While Pan Zhanle is intimidating, I don't think he's unbeatable."Kim Seung-won (Gyeonggi Physical Education High School) will also make his Asian Games debut in the backstroke events. He remarked, "Although it's my first Asian Games, I have experience from the World Championships and overseas competitions. I am determined to win a gold medal and return home with it."In the relays, all eyes are on the 800m freestyle relay. Korea won its first relay gold medal in Asian Games history at the Hangzhou Games, setting an Asian record of 7:01.73.This time, the competition is expected to be even fiercer. Hwang noted, "In the 800m relay, Japan has recorded times in the 7:02 range, and China in the 7:00 range. We posted a time in the 7:01 range at Hangzhou. All three countries are within two seconds of each other. The condition on the day and the synergy of the relay team will be crucial."The final four relay team members have yet to be determined. Last year, the 800m relay final at the World Championships featured Kim Young-beom, Kim Woo-min, Lee Ho-jun, and Hwang Sun-woo.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-26 17:32:00
  • LH to Offer 463 Public Housing Units in Uijeongbu Ujeong Block A-2
    LH to Offer 463 Public Housing Units in Uijeongbu Ujeong Block A-2 The Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH) will supply 463 public housing units in the Uijeongbu Ujeong public housing district A-2 block. The development is located near Nokyang Station on Line 1 and is expected to provide access to Uijeongbu Station via the planned GTX-C line.On August 26, LH announced the recruitment notice for residents of the 463 units in the Uijeongbu Ujeong public housing district A-2 block.The Uijeongbu Ujeong A-2 block was subject to pre-application in October 2021. All 463 units will be offered in a single size of 59 square meters, catering to the preferences of actual residents, and will consist of two types: 59A and 59B.Given the limited supply of public housing in the metropolitan area, the Uijeongbu Ujeong A-2 block is likely to attract interest from potential residents due to the anticipated GTX-C line and a starting price in the low 400 million won range.Of the total 463 units, 185 will be available for special and general supply, excluding 278 units allocated to pre-application winners. The average sale price for the 59 square meter units is approximately 403 million won per unit. There is a three-year resale restriction, but there is no obligation for actual residence.The development is located about 1 kilometer from Nokyang Station on Line 1. Uijeongbu Station is expected to be connected to the GTX-C line, allowing travel to Samsung Station in about 20 minutes once operational, according to LH. The area also offers convenient access to major road networks, including the Gyeonggi Expressway and National Route 39.Residential amenities are readily available. Nearby schools include Budalgae Elementary School and Nokyang Middle School, both within walking distance. The development is close to Hongboksan and Cheonbosan mountains, providing access to natural surroundings, and residents can also utilize facilities at the Uijeongbu Sports Complex and existing amenities in the Nokyang residential area.Application for the housing units will first be conducted for pre-application winners from September 7 to 8. Special supply applications will be accepted from September 14 to 15, and general supply applications from September 16 to 17. Winners will be announced on October 8, with contracts scheduled from December 10 to 15. Move-in is expected in May 2029.Additionally, LH operates a housing exhibition center in Byeollae-dong, Namyangju, to provide housing information and consultation to potential buyers. The exhibition center will be open to pre-application winners on August 29 and 30, and to the general public from August 31 to September 13.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-26 17:28:10