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Gunpo City Council to Advance AI Legislative Support and Citizen Forums Gunpo City Council in Gyeonggi Province is set to integrate artificial intelligence into its legislative activities and conduct research to incorporate citizen voices into policy-making.On August 26, the council held the '2026 Second Committee for Council Research Group Operations' in the cultural lecture room, where it reviewed and approved the registration and research plans for the 'Gunpo City Council AI Innovation Research Group' and the 'Citizen Forum Policy Council Forum.'The 'Gunpo City Council AI Innovation Research Group' is led by Representative Park Sang-hyun (People Power Party), with members Lee Dong-han, Park Jae-shin, and Park Sang-hyun (Democratic Party) participating.The research topic focuses on establishing an AI legislative support system based on RAG-LLM and exploring innovative legislative measures.The group aims to find ways to apply AI in reviewing ordinances, budgets, and various legislative materials, analyzing work efficiency and review accuracy.Additionally, it will develop security and control standards related to personal data protection in AI usage and explore institutional measures for safe application in legislative activities.The 'Citizen Forum Policy Council Forum' is led by Representative Lee Woo-cheon, with members Jang Kyung-min and Jeong Hae-dong.This group will research ways to enhance democratic citizen education through citizen councils and forums.The core objective is to ensure that citizens do not merely receive policies but actively engage in discussions and propose opinions, applying a participatory democratic education system in Gunpo.To achieve this, the group will design a citizen council and forum operation model tailored to Gunpo's context and seek collaboration with the city, council, education office, and civic organizations. It will also review institutional measures, including related ordinances, budgets, and organizational structures, to translate research findings into actual policies.In particular, a citizen forum involving over 100 participants, including council members, officials, experts, and residents, is planned for October. The forum will share research findings and incorporate diverse opinions gathered through deliberation and discussion into the final research results.This is the first research group formed since the 10th council was established, and it will operate for three months from September to November.Citizens express hope that AI will enhance the efficiency of legislative material reviews while emphasizing the need for safeguards regarding information accuracy and personal data protection. They also stress the importance of ensuring that citizen opinions are reflected in actual ordinances, policies, and budgets, rather than merely collecting feedback.Chairman Lee Woo-cheon stated, “The activities of the council research group are a process to closely examine local issues and citizen demands to connect them to practical legislation and policies. I hope this research leads to concrete outcomes that enhance the efficiency of legislative activities and broaden citizen participation in policy-making.”Meanwhile, the city council has operated a total of 10 council research groups across various fields, including hydrogen industry, restoration of Sanbon Stream, animal welfare, local commerce, youth policies, carbon neutrality, and restoration of firefly habitats, from 2023 to 2025.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-26 15:28:00 -
Eduwill Launches Online Vocational Training Center with Government Support Eduwill has officially launched the 'Eduwill Online Vocational Training Center,' allowing individuals to receive online vocational training through the National Tomorrow Learning Card, the company announced on August 26.The National Tomorrow Learning Card is a program designed to support the skill development of citizens in need of vocational training. Eligible individuals can receive government assistance for a portion of their training costs.The Online Vocational Training Center currently offers over 120 remote training courses aimed at workers seeking certification and skill enhancement. Courses range from qualifications related to employment, such as electrical and fire safety certifications, to programs that teach how to utilize AI in the workplace. Participants can take these courses flexibly after work or on weekends.To enroll in these courses, individuals must obtain a National Tomorrow Learning Card and apply through the Employment 24 portal of the Ministry of Employment and Labor.Additionally, Eduwill's Vocational Training Center provides specialized training programs focused on national technical qualifications and practical skills for both unemployed and employed individuals.An Eduwill representative stated, "By expanding the educational infrastructure of our offline vocational training centers to an online format, we can offer more learners access to government-supported education opportunities. We aim to leverage our operational experience from offline settings to assist learners preparing for qualifications while working."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-26 15:24:00
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Kim Geon-hee Denies Bribery Charges Ahead of Appeal Verdict Kim Geon-hee, who was sentenced to seven years in prison for receiving expensive gifts in exchange for favors, denied the charges during the first hearing of her appeal. While she expressed remorse for accepting some gifts, her legal team argued that there was no quid pro quo between the gifts and the requests.The Seoul High Court's Criminal Division 15-3, presided over by judges Seong Eon-joo, Won Ik-seon, and Lee Hee-jun, held the first hearing of Kim's appeal on August 26 regarding the charges of violating the Special Act on the Punishment of Specific Crimes (bribery).Kim's defense cited factual errors, legal misunderstandings, and excessive sentencing as grounds for the appeal. Her attorney stated, "Lee Bong-gwan, chairman of Seohui Construction, merely delivered gifts out of a vague hope to maintain a good relationship with the new government," and claimed that the gold turtle and replica of 'Sehan-do' received from former National Education Commission Chairman Lee Bae-yong were part of customary exchanges due to their friendship.She acknowledged, "I deeply regret my lack of caution in accepting some gifts as the spouse of the president," but argued that the seven-year prison sentence imposed in the first trial was excessively harsh.In contrast, the special prosecutor's team, led by Min Jung-ki, requested the dismissal of the appeal, stating that Kim's claims had already been rejected in the first trial.During the hearing, Jeong Ji-won, a former administrative officer who had long served Kim, testified. Kim's defense called him as a witness to prove that the Vacheron Constantin watch, valued at 39.9 million won, received from businessman Seo Seong-bin was not a bribe but rather a request for a purchase on behalf of Kim.Jeong testified that Kim often had her aides make purchases and then reimbursed them in cash. He recounted that at Kim's request, he bought a vase worth 1.47 million won in December 2022 and a dish worth 13.25 million won in January of the following year, receiving cash for both purchases.He explained that the dish was bought for serving refreshments to foreign dignitaries, as the existing dishware in the residence was outdated and not suitable for the occasion. He added that Kim learned flower arrangement to reduce costs for floral decorations in the residence.Testimony also revealed that Kim's mother, Choi Eun-soon, provided her with monthly living expenses in cash ranging from 5 to 10 million won after former President Yoon Suk-yeol's resignation as prosecutor general. Jeong stated he witnessed Kim handing an envelope containing cash to Seo in her private residence.However, when questioned by the special prosecutor about how he knew the money was for the watch purchase, he responded, "It wouldn't make sense to give money otherwise, and since the watch was later brought, I assumed it was for that." The special prosecutor pointed out that unlike other purchased items, the payment for the watch had not been fully settled even after Kim received it.Kim's defense also requested additional appraisal of the painting 'Dot from No. 800298' by artist Lee U-hwan, which was allegedly received from former chief prosecutor Kim Sang-min, arguing it could be a forgery, but this request was denied.The court expressed skepticism, stating, "Even if it is determined to be a forgery and valued at zero, it raises questions about whether the bribery charge still stands," and indicated it would examine the fact that Kim Sang-min paid 140 million won for the painting. The court intends to focus on the relationship between the receipt of valuables and the requests related to public office duties, rather than the authenticity or current value of the painting.In the first trial, Kim was found guilty of receiving valuables worth 103.8 million won from Lee, along with requests for personnel favors, and was also convicted for receiving the watch from Seo in exchange for business support and the painting from Kim Sang-min in return for election nomination favors, resulting in a seven-year prison sentence and a fine of 64.8 million won.The court plans to hear final arguments from both sides on September 9 and conclude the proceedings, with a verdict expected on September 22, barring any special circumstances.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-26 15:20:00
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Police Suspect Mi-ran Jang Died Early Morning After Leaving Accommodation Mi-ran Jang, 37, who was found dead on Jeju Island on the 24th, is believed to have died early in the morning after leaving her long-term accommodation on May 12.According to a report by Yonhap News on the 26th, the Jeju Police Agency stated during a briefing with reporters that "Jang left her accommodation at 10:15 PM on May 12, and there were no changes in her phone's location or additional calls until the phone powered off."They added, "Based on this information, we believe it is highly likely that Jang died in the early hours of May 13."The police also indicated that, based on the position and condition of the body when discovered, as well as preliminary findings from the autopsy, the possibility of foul play is considered low.Additionally, the coroner suggested that Jang likely died by hanging, and a cord belonging to her was found on a protruding trunk of a palm tree at the scene.The police are conducting a thorough investigation, including phone forensics, keeping all possibilities open.Meanwhile, Officer A, who handled the missing person report for Jang, is under suspicion for allegedly lying to the reporter that he had contacted Jang in May but she asked him not to disclose her location. He reportedly closed the case prematurely and deleted Jang's information from the missing persons profiling system.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-26 15:20:00
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Progressive Party Voices Support for Honam Semiconductor Cluster The Progressive Party has committed to supporting the development of the Honam semiconductor cluster.The Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special Committee of the Progressive Party announced the formation of a Semiconductor Special Committee during a press conference held at the Gwangju City Hall on August 26.Kim Joo-eop, the committee chair, stated, "The semiconductor industrial complex represents the first large-scale investment in Honam since the Baekje period," emphasizing that "the development of Honam, overcoming the dominance of the Seoul metropolitan area, and revitalizing the region is a historical mission for all Honam residents and politicians."The Progressive Party's Semiconductor Special Committee is designed to fulfill this mission and is not intended to create competition or conflict, according to party officials.Lee Jong-wook, chair of the Semiconductor Special Committee, remarked, "Even if we complete production quickly, if there are environmental and safety risks to citizens, we cannot call it a success. Furthermore, the benefits should not be monopolized by companies and primary workers; it is crucial that subcontracted workers, citizens of Jeonnam and Gwangju, and the public share the benefits equitably for a sustainable semiconductor industrial complex."Choi Kyung-mi, a Gwangju City Council member, stated, "As a member of the special committee in the city council, I will faithfully serve as a bridge between the city council's special committee and the party's special committee, maintaining a complementary and cooperative relationship while addressing concerns about the semiconductor industrial complex one by one."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-26 15:12:00
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Korea's Startup Promotion Agency Launches AI Transition Advisory Group The Startup Promotion Agency announced the formation of an advisory group for artificial intelligence transition (AX) and held its inaugural meeting on August 26.The advisory group aims to align with the government's initiative to elevate South Korea as a leading nation in artificial intelligence (AI) and to promote the integration of AI across the startup ecosystem. It will leverage AI to innovate operations within the agency and the broader startup sector.Comprising eight members, the group includes three public sector experts and five specialists from academia and industry. The advisory group will focus on internal operational transformation, strategies for AI integration in the startup ecosystem, and assessing feasibility and priorities.The launch event and first meeting included a ceremony for the presentation of appointment letters, an introduction to the agency, a discussion on the advisory group's operational plans, and expert discussions on establishing a long-term development strategy for AI transition.Previously, in June, the Startup Promotion Agency hosted a 'Link-Up Four Domains AX Program Startup-Demand Company Meetup Day' to support open innovation between leading startup companies with AX technology and demand companies.Yoo Jong-pil, the head of the Startup Promotion Agency, stated, "The advisory group plays a crucial role in driving operational innovation that startup companies and their employees can feel. We will take the lead in AI transition from implementation strategies to the dissemination of results."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-26 15:12:00
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Google Cloud Launches Gemini Enterprise for Finance and Legal Industries Google Cloud has launched 'Gemini Enterprise,' tailored for the finance and legal sectors. Both products are available in preview for Google Cloud customers worldwide.On August 25, Google Cloud announced the introduction of Gemini Enterprise for financial services and Gemini Enterprise for legal services as packaged solutions.This product marks the first series of industry-specific solutions based on the Gemini Enterprise platform, designed to provide customized agents, specialized skills, and data connectors optimized for specific work environments without the need for separate setup.Google Cloud infrastructure and the Gemini Enterprise platform support enterprise-level security, governance, compliance, and cost management features. Customer data, business rules, intellectual property, and outputs from custom agents and models are securely stored within the company, with risk management, audit logs, and governance features built into the architecture.The Gemini Enterprise for financial services is an integrated platform that combines data, systems, domain knowledge, and the control features required by the finance industry into AI models. The core feature, the financial research agent, is managed directly by Google and provides trust scores, analytical methodologies, audit data snapshots, and source citations based on over 50 foundational skills, ensuring transparency in the inference process. It can be executed directly within the Gemini Enterprise app or integrated with corporate data sources via agent-to-agent (A2A) APIs and model context protocols (MCP).Finance-specific skills handle repetitive tasks such as applying brand guidelines and formatting reports, and can be optimized for credit risk assessment and portfolio monitoring for private equity (PE), wealth management (WM), and compliance teams. It integrates with 13 licensed data sources, including FactSet, LSEG, and the SEC EDGAR system, and supports third-party agents like Dun & Bradstreet's 'D&B Business Verification Agent' and S&P Global's 'Data Search Agent.'The Gemini Enterprise for financial services is currently being utilized by global financial institutions, including CME Group and Deutsche Bank.The Gemini Enterprise for legal services supports a wide range of legal tasks, including contract review, due diligence, regulatory monitoring, and handling personal data requests. Core document and case management systems are linked with secure connectors, automatically applying existing ethical walls, and research results are derived from primary legal sources such as case law and statutes, rather than AI model training data.This version of Gemini Enterprise offers specialized skills for legal tasks, including legal document drafting, citation verification, and contract lifecycle management.Thomas Kurian, CEO of Google Cloud, stated, "By leveraging agentic AI, legal professionals can provide greater value to clients through extensive case law research, complex legal reasoning, and automation of repetitive tasks. It is crucial to ensure that every step of the agent workflow is based on accurate facts and legal grounds."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-26 15:12:00
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Westinghouse stake report exposes US-Korea nuclear divide SEOUL, August 26 (AJP) - U.S. President Donald Trump has hardly been shy about expressing displeasure over the slow progress in Seoul's execution of its pledged $350 billion investment commitment, and the latest pressure involves the nuclear reactor business. Seoul has denied a report that Washington proposed jointly acquiring an equity stake in Westinghouse Electric, even as the Trump administration presses to draw Korean capital and construction muscle into a sweeping revival of American nuclear power. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy said Tuesday that the claim that the two countries would co-invest to buy into the U.S. reactor maker "is not true." It pushed back against reports that the Pennsylvania-based company could become part of the allies' strategic investment program. State nuclear operator Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) also kept its distance. "We have nothing to say about this matter," a company spokesperson said. Even if Korea were to participate in such a venture, the spokesperson said, it would not necessarily mean abandoning the homegrown APR1400 reactor model used at the Barakah nuclear power plant in the United Arab Emirates, South Korea's first nuclear export project. "It would be a structure where KEPCO leads and KHNP takes part," the spokesperson added, referring to Korea Electric Power Corp. (KEPCO), the state utility and KHNP's parent company. KEPCO separately declined to comment. Investors nevertheless welcomed the prospect of deeper Korean participation in America's nuclear expansion, sending shares of nuclear-related companies sharply higher. Shares of Korea Electrical Power Industrial Development ended Wednesday 12.72 percent higher at 13,270 won ($9). KEPCO E&C rose 13.63 percent to 123,400 won and KEPCO gained 6.42 percent to 34,800 won, well above the main KOSPI's gain of 0.97 percent. Business dailies in Seoul reported this week that the ministry and KEPCO had received a U.S. proposal and were weighing possible investment structures and financing, with part of South Korea's pledged U.S. investment cited as a potential source of funds. The reports come as Washington seeks to revive a domestic nuclear industry that has struggled to build large reactors at scale even as electricity demand surges from artificial intelligence data centers and advanced manufacturing. Westinghouse is controlled by Brookfield alongside Canadian uranium producer Cameco, which owns 49 percent. The U.S. government struck a strategic partnership with Brookfield and Cameco last October aimed at supporting at least $80 billion in new Westinghouse reactor construction in the United States. The arrangement gives Washington a path to a substantial financial interest in Westinghouse if the reactor program proceeds. Once specified investment conditions are met, the U.S. government would receive a participation interest tied to Westinghouse cash distributions. Washington could also require an initial public offering if the interest has vested and Westinghouse is expected to command a valuation of at least $30 billion by January 2029, with the participation interest convertible into a warrant under the agreement's formula. The structure gives the Trump administration a direct financial incentive to accelerate Westinghouse reactor deployment. Korea could supply something Washington has found harder to reproduce – the capacity to build large nuclear plants at scale. One industry insider who asked not to be named said U.S. utilities remain reluctant to shoulder the financing and construction risks of a new wave of large reactors, giving Washington an incentive to bring Korean capital into the equation. "The utilities find it burdensome to launch new projects, so the idea is that we put up the seed money," the insider said. Under such a structure, Korean companies could help finance and build the reactors and, depending on the equity terms, secure a lasting share of the returns generated by the projects. Whether that pays off for Seoul would depend heavily on the size of Korea's stake and how deeply Korean suppliers are allowed into the supply chain. Some industry experts argue that an equity investment would give Korea little strategic value that it does not already possess. Westinghouse absorbed Combustion Engineering, the U.S. company whose pressurized-water technology Korea licensed decades ago as it developed its own nuclear reactor program. One expert argued that decades of technology transfer and domestic development mean an equity investment would offer Korea relatively little additional technical know-how. "We already received all the technical data — we simply don't hold the property rights to it," the expert said. "There is nothing new to gain." The concern is that Korea could provide capital and construction expertise without gaining corresponding control over intellectual property or project leadership. If Washington also acquires a financial interest in Westinghouse, the expert said, U.S. influence over the company could further complicate Korea's ability to use and export its own technology freely, potentially leaving Seoul "to put up the money and end up subordinate to the United States." A Westinghouse stake would not necessarily open the overseas nuclear markets Korea most wants to penetrate. KEPCO, KHNP and Westinghouse reached a global settlement in January 2025 ending a bruising intellectual-property dispute over Korean reactor exports. The detailed terms remain confidential. Korean media have reported that the agreement restricts KEPCO and KHNP from independently pursuing certain projects in North America and Europe. Neither side has publicly disclosed the detailed geographic or commercial restrictions. Experts said buying into Westinghouse would not automatically remove obligations contained in the existing settlement. That uncertainty sits at the heart of Seoul's calculation. Westinghouse has formidable strength in reactor design, licensing and intellectual property, but the United States has struggled to reproduce the construction capacity needed to deliver large nuclear projects on time and at predictable cost. Korea's record runs in the opposite direction. KEPCO and KHNP delivered the four-reactor Barakah project in the United Arab Emirates, establishing South Korea as one of the few democratic countries with recent experience building a large nuclear complex from the ground up. Korea's flagship APR1400 also received U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission design certification in 2019. Washington therefore has reason to court both Korean money and Korean execution. The U.S. Commerce Department, which helped broker the broader Westinghouse framework, said it "continues to progress the President's agenda of promoting new Nuclear Power projects, including through the Japanese and Korean trade deals," adding that it was "in discussions with all relevant parties." Even if discussions advance, the two sides could remain divided over who leads the projects and which reactor is built. Washington's nuclear expansion is centered on Westinghouse's 1.1-gigawatt AP1000, including reactors aimed at meeting rising electricity demand from AI data centers and other power-intensive industries. Seoul has its own interest in expanding the global footprint of the larger APR1400 and preserving a leading role for KHNP and the Korean nuclear supply chain. Korea's misgiving is that a U.S.-designed and U.S.-led structure could leave it shouldering a significant share of the financing and construction risk while Westinghouse retains control over reactor technology and project leadership. The potential upside is access to what could become one of the world's largest nuclear construction markets and a long pipeline of orders for Korean engineering, equipment and construction companies. The trade-off therefore goes well beyond the price of a Westinghouse stake. Washington needs capital and construction capacity to turn its nuclear revival from policy into actual reactors. Seoul must decide how much of both it is willing to commit if Korean companies remain supporting players rather than equal partners. AJP Takeaways • South Korea denied reports that Washington proposed a joint investment in Westinghouse, but the controversy exposes deeper differences over financing, reactor technology and project leadership. • The United States needs Korean capital and construction expertise to accelerate its nuclear revival, while Seoul wants sufficient control and commercial returns before taking on large financing and execution risks. • A Westinghouse stake would not automatically expand KEPCO and KHNP's freedom in overseas markets because the detailed terms of their confidential 2025 settlement with Westinghouse remain in force. 2026-08-26 15:05:57 -
Gachon University Team Wins Top Prize for AI Education Model Gachon University’s business administration team, 'Team Compass,' won the top prize at the 'K-Business Education Idea Contest' on August 25 for proposing a new university education model suited for the generative AI era. According to Gachon University, students Yoon Jeong-jun, Kwon Jun-seok, and Jeong Hee-chan from the class of 2025 received high praise for their 'Thought Restoration Project,' which aims to enhance critical thinking skills in an increasingly AI-dependent educational environment. The 'Thought Restoration Project' focuses on moving beyond simply accepting answers provided by AI, encouraging students to verify and analyze information independently. The initiative aims to help students evolve from merely using AI to becoming 'AI Validators' who can verify and interpret results. The curriculum is structured in stages: the first stage develops critical understanding of AI, the second enhances data verification skills, followed by a third stage involving practical projects specific to their majors, and a fourth stage focusing on global strategy education. Additionally, the program incorporates digital badges to track learning outcomes and a performance management and feedback system to ensure sustainability in education. Notably, the project can be implemented by redesigning existing courses without the need for large budgets or organizational restructuring. AACSB and KERIS standards and case studies were referenced to enhance the model's validity and applicability in real-world settings. Judges praised the project for addressing educational challenges in the generative AI era from a 'thought restoration' perspective and for integrating no-code tools, digital badges, and AI collaboration skills into a cohesive educational framework. Team leader Yoon Jeong-jun stated, “In the generative AI era, it is crucial to not only have the skills to use AI but also the ability to question and verify the answers it provides. I am pleased that our efforts to find ways for students to actively develop verification skills within existing classes received such positive feedback.” Meanwhile, Choi Sung-jun, dean of the College of Business, remarked, “It is significant that students have not only identified the demand for education but have also proposed directions for future business education.” He added that the students' ideas will be actively considered for future curriculum innovation and AI-integrated education models.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-26 15:04:00
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140 South Korean SMEs Gather in Las Vegas to Target U.S. Consumer Goods Market One hundred forty South Korean small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are intensifying their efforts to penetrate the U.S. consumer goods market.The Korea Federation of Small and Medium Businesses announced that the 'K-Goods Fair' opened on August 25 at the 'ASD Market Week 2026' in Las Vegas.'ASD Market Week 2026' will run until August 27 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Last year, approximately 1,800 companies from around 80 countries participated.This year, over 150 booths showcasing K-Goods in categories such as beauty and lifestyle have been set up. Participants include companies involved in the Ministry of SMEs and Startups' export consortium, small business owners under the Korea Federation of Small and Medium Businesses' Yellow Umbrella Fund, Home & Shopping partners, and local SMEs.The opening ceremony on August 25 featured key figures from both domestic and international sectors, including Hwang Byung-koo, president of the Korean American Chamber of Commerce, and Las Vegas Mayor Shelley Berkley. The state of Nevada and the city of Las Vegas presented certificates of appreciation to Kim Gi-moon, president of the Korea Federation of Small and Medium Businesses, and Hwang Byung-koo for their contributions to U.S.-Korea business cooperation through this large-scale Korean pavilion.Seo Hyun-young, CEO of Skin & Plus, stated, "At the ASD exhibition I attended for the first time in March, I secured an exclusive contract worth $2.5 million with a buyer from Latin America. I hope to expand our opportunities by successfully contracting with major North American retailers like Walmart and Costco during this second participation."Han Young-wook, CEO of Shinil Special Metals, remarked, "I was able to reconnect with a Mexican buyer I had lost contact with in the past during this exhibition, allowing for quicker discussions on additional contracts. We prepared in advance through online meetings to discuss our exhibition products and consultation strategies, and I look forward to consultations with both existing and new buyers."Kim Gi-moon emphasized, "Despite the increasing uncertainty in the trade environment, K-beauty and food are gaining significant popularity, and the organizers of the ASD exhibition have requested the participation of Korean companies, reflecting their elevated status. In an era of low birth rates and an aging population, the overseas expansion of SMEs is now essential. I hope this K-Goods Fair serves as a practical export platform for our SMEs to open new avenues in the North American market."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-26 14:56:20