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  • CORTIS Debut Song What You Want Surpasses 100 Million Streams on Spotify
    CORTIS Debut Song 'What You Want' Surpasses 100 Million Streams on Spotify Group CORTIS's debut song 'What You Want' has surpassed 100 million streams on Spotify.As of August 24, the title track from CORTIS's first mini album 'What You Want' has accumulated over 100 million plays on the global audio and music streaming platform Spotify, nearly one year after its release on August 18 last year.With this achievement, CORTIS now has four songs with over 100 million streams, following 'GO!', 'FaSHioN', and 'REDRED'.'What You Want' expresses the ambition to seize what one desires without hesitation. The song showcases confidence and energy typical of a debut track, and it has gained attention for its performance on a treadmill.CORTIS also performed this song during their one-year anniversary concert '2026 CORTIS TOUR BIRTHDAY PARTY' held at Korea University's Hwajeong Gymnasium on August 22 and 23.The chart performance of their mini albums continues to be strong. According to the latest Billboard chart released on August 29, CORTIS's second mini album 'GREENGREEN' reached No. 155 on the main album chart 'Billboard 200', remaining on the chart for 15 consecutive weeks.The album also achieved notable rankings on detailed charts, placing second on the 'World Albums' chart and 12th on the 'Top Album Sales' chart. Their first mini album ranked sixth on the 'World Albums' chart.The title track of the second mini album, 'REDRED', reached No. 138 on the 'Global 200' chart and No. 74 on the 'Global Excl. U.S.' chart. On the 'Artist 100' chart, they secured the 90th position.Additionally, CORTIS released an extended version of their second mini album 'GREENGREEN_playextended' on August 24, featuring two new songs.The new track 'PACK IT UP' evolved from a freestyle exchange among the members while packing their bags at their dormitory. Another new song, 'MONEYMONEYMONEY', reflects the realistic thoughts of the members in their teens and twenties about making money.All five members participated in writing and composing both songs, capturing the emotions and experiences of current CORTIS in the album.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-26 10:08:00
  • Shinhan Bank Extends Interest Rate Cuts for High-Rate Borrowers
    Shinhan Bank Extends Interest Rate Cuts for High-Rate Borrowers Shinhan Bank will extend its interest rate reduction support for customers with high-rate household loans for another year. This move follows the recent introduction of loan products aimed at low to mid-credit borrowers, as the bank continues to expand its inclusive finance initiatives. On August 26, Shinhan Bank announced the one-year extension of its interest rate reduction support for high-rate household loans. Since launching the 'Help Up & Value Up Project' in July of last year, the bank has been implementing support to lower household loan rates exceeding 9.8% to 9.8%. Eligible customers are those holding household loans with interest rates above 9.8% as of July this year, with a remaining loan term of at least three months. The interest rate will automatically be reduced to 9.8% without any separate application process. The support period lasts until the loan's maturity. If the remaining term exceeds one year, borrowers can benefit from the interest rate reduction for up to one year. During the support period, if the loan becomes delinquent, borrowers must pay both the existing loan interest and any late fees. Shinhan Bank estimates that this support will cover a total of 28,411 cases, amounting to approximately 311.4 billion won in outstanding loans. A Shinhan Bank official stated, "We have extended the support to continuously reduce the financial burden for customers using high-rate household loans, and we will keep expanding inclusive finance that customers can truly feel."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-26 10:04:20
  • Government Accelerates Water Supply Network for Semiconductor Industrial Complexes
    Government Accelerates Water Supply Network for Semiconductor Industrial Complexes The government is speeding up the establishment of a water supply network, a key infrastructure for large-scale semiconductor investments. It is checking the progress of projects from the newly proposed semiconductor industrial complex in the Honam region to the ongoing project in Yongin, ensuring that water is supplied in line with the operational timelines of corporate production facilities.The Ministry of Climate Energy and Environment announced that it will inspect the water supply projects for the new semiconductor industrial complex in Honam and the Yongin semiconductor industrial complex over two days, on the 26th and 27th.This inspection is a response to the semiconductor industry's need for a substantial and stable water supply for factory operations. If the necessary water is not supplied on time, it could disrupt production schedules, prompting the government to manage corporate investments and water infrastructure development timelines together.First Vice Minister of Climate Energy and Environment Kim Han-seung will chair a meeting on the water supply for the new semiconductor industrial complex in Honam on the morning of the 26th at the Yeongsan River Basin Environmental Office.Attendees will include representatives from Gwangju and Jeonnam, Korea Water Resources Corporation, Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, Korea Environment Corporation, and Korea Rural Community Corporation. They will review the schedules for their respective projects and discuss necessary investigations, designs, various permits, and funding strategies.Establishing water supply for large industrial complexes requires significant time, from securing water sources to building treatment facilities and pipelines. With multiple public agencies involved, aligning project schedules from the initial stages is crucial.The government’s decision to gather relevant agencies from the start is to monitor progress closely. Delays in permits or funding during the water supply facility construction could impact the overall timeline for developing the industrial complex.On the 27th, inspections will continue at Yongin City Hall for the integrated water supply project for the Yongin semiconductor industrial complex.This project has been underway since 2023. The meeting will assess the current progress and share information among relevant agencies, including Gyeonggi Province, Yongin City, and Korea Water Resources Corporation, to align the water supply timing with the operational schedules of semiconductor manufacturing facilities.Particularly, the focus will be on confirming various permits and inter-agency cooperation needed during the project to ensure that the construction of water supply facilities keeps pace with corporate investment timelines.The Ministry of Climate Energy and Environment plans to continue monitoring water supply projects at major semiconductor industry hubs. It is essential to secure industrial water and power infrastructure on time for large-scale investments in the semiconductor industry to translate into actual factory construction and production.Vice Minister Kim stated, "For large-scale investments in the semiconductor industry to lead to actual production, it is crucial to have core infrastructure such as power and water in place on time. We will work closely with relevant agencies to ensure that the necessary water for semiconductor industrial complexes is supplied without delay in line with corporate investment schedules."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-26 10:04:10
  • Korea Agricultural Technology Agency Enhances Management of Agricultural Microorganisms in Jeonnam
    Korea Agricultural Technology Agency Enhances Management of Agricultural Microorganisms in Jeonnam The Korea Agricultural Technology Agency is strengthening the quality and safety management of agricultural microorganisms produced at agricultural technology centers in the Jeonnam region. After inspecting 75 samples of microbial culture solutions, the agency is providing tailored technical support to six cities and counties, including Muan, Damyang, Haenam, Goheung, Boseong, and Yeongam.On August 26, the agency announced that it had collaborated with the Jeonnam Agricultural Research Institute to inspect the production sites of agricultural microorganisms at six agricultural technology centers in the region.Agricultural microorganisms are used to promote crop growth, improve soil quality, and reduce odors in livestock farming. As local agricultural technology centers increasingly supply beneficial microorganisms they cultivate directly to farmers, maintaining consistent quality from production to storage and distribution has become crucial.Before providing on-site support, the agency tested the quality and safety of 75 microbial culture solutions produced by 19 agricultural technology centers in Jeonnam. The results showed that the main microbial counts and the presence of harmful microorganisms, such as Salmonella and enterohemorrhagic E. coli, were generally well managed.Based on the inspection results, the agency evaluated equipment management, quality assurance of raw materials like starter cultures, and contamination prevention measures in the production and distribution processes at the six cities and counties. It also reviewed the self-quality inspection methods and product registration and labeling in accordance with relevant regulations, tailored to local conditions.The agency provided guidance on management strategies to maintain current quality levels while preventing contamination and supported the agricultural technology centers with necessary technologies, including starter culture management and on-site demonstrations.Since 2024, the agency has been conducting a quality management project for agricultural microorganisms in collaboration with the Jeonnam Agricultural Research Institute, and it plans to continue support based on testing and analysis data tailored to local production conditions. The agency also aims to expand its cooperation with local rural development organizations.Lee Seok-hyung, the head of the agency, stated, “To ensure a stable supply of living microorganisms, meticulous management is required throughout the entire process from production to distribution. Based on the agency's analytical expertise, we will create an environment where farmers can experience the benefits of microorganisms and trust in their effectiveness.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-26 10:04:10
  • Challenges Ahead of First Designation of Peace Economic Zone
    Challenges Ahead of First Designation of Peace Economic Zone As the first designation of the Peace Economic Zone approaches at the end of the year, concerns have been raised that current levels of support will not create sufficient investment incentives in border regions. This is due to the lack of a specified scale for government funding and the fact that benefits such as corporate tax reductions and subsidies largely adhere to existing regulations.The Korea Institute for Industrial Economics and Trade highlighted these issues in a report on August 26, titled 'Development Tasks for the Peace Economic Zone for Peace and Joint Prosperity on the Korean Peninsula.' The Peace Economic Zone aims to establish industrial and tourism complexes in border areas to lay the groundwork for inter-Korean economic cooperation and serve as a hub for joint prosperity.The report noted that nearly half of the 17 cities and counties designated for the Peace Economic Zone are experiencing population decline, and their financial independence is below the national average of 48.6%. This indicates that these areas face challenges in independently establishing a foundation for inter-Korean economic cooperation or creating opportunities for regional growth.Additionally, overlapping regulations from the capital region, military facility protection zones, and environmental regulations have restricted development and investment for decades. The geopolitical risks associated with inter-Korean relations have created a 'risk premium' unique to border areas, making it difficult to ensure the success of the economic zone without enhanced incentives compared to other regions.Experts predict that government funding and regulatory relaxation will be crucial for the success of the economic zone. The Korea Institute for Industrial Economics and Trade emphasized the necessity of a government funding plan, given that the establishment of the Peace Economic Zone is a national objective aimed at building a foundation for inter-Korean economic cooperation. They called for an increase in the scale and ratio of government support, as well as an expansion of corporate and local tax reductions, and the provision of subsidies and workforce support for investment companies, advocating for incentives at the highest domestic level.Regarding the significant obstacles posed by regulations in the capital region, military, and environmental sectors, the report suggested that regulatory exceptions should be institutionalized specifically for the designated zones. It also proposed amending the Inter-Korean Cooperation Fund Act to facilitate the creation of a 'Peace Economic Zone Activation Investment Fund' to serve as a catalyst.The report cautioned against a development approach where individual cities or counties create economic zones in isolation. Increasing the number of standalone zones could limit their interconnected effects and overall impact. Therefore, it recommended the development of complex economic zones that combine industrial and tourism/cultural elements, encouraging collaborative development among multiple cities and counties.It stressed that resolving overlapping regulations, providing substantial incentives, and securing funding are multi-departmental issues that require cooperation among relevant ministries. It suggested that each department should promptly establish necessary support systems and consider integrating the Peace Economic Zone Committee with the government’s coordination functions, such as the Office for Government Policy Coordination, to enhance its deliberative capabilities.Through these measures, the report posits that while the primary goal remains the establishment of a foundation for inter-Korean economic cooperation, the economic zone can also be utilized as a space for peace and economic cooperation at the inter-Korean, Korean Peninsula, and global levels even before the resumption of inter-Korean cooperation. Kim Soo-jung, head of the North Korea and Northeast Asia team at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics and Trade, stated, 'The Peace Economic Zone is the starting point for establishing a foundation for cooperation, a 'virtuous cycle of peace and economy.' To transform the border area, which has been a symbol of division and conflict, into a space of peace and prosperity, the strongest level of support among existing domestic economic zones must be provided.'* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-26 10:04:00
  • Refining Companies to Allow Gas Stations to Purchase Up to 40% of Products from Competitors
    Refining Companies to Allow Gas Stations to Purchase Up to 40% of Products from Competitors Gas stations will now be able to purchase up to 40% of their fuel products from companies other than their contracted refining company, as specified in the revised standard contract. The previous practice of post-settlement, where final prices were determined about a month after receiving products, will also be fundamentally abolished.The Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) announced on August 26 that it has revised the 'Standard Agency Contract for the Oil Distribution Industry' to include these changes.This revision aims to improve the longstanding practices of exclusive transactions and post-settlement between refining companies and gas stations. Concerns have been raised that these practices have increased the operational burdens on gas stations amid rising fuel prices due to recent conflicts in the Middle East.Historically, the gas station industry has utilized full purchase contracts, which required them to source all products from a specific refining company. This limited their ability to compare prices and supply conditions from other companies.The revised standard contract specifies that if a gas station purchases more than 60% of its products from the refining company with which it has a trademark agreement, it can buy up to 40% from other companies.However, this revision does not introduce mixed purchasing as a new practice. Current fair trade laws already prohibit refining companies from forcing gas stations to purchase 100% of their products. The goal is to incorporate the legally guaranteed principle of mixed purchasing into the standard contract to encourage actual changes in trading practices.The contract also prevents refining companies from discriminating against gas stations based on mixed purchasing. It includes provisions that prohibit unfair discrimination regarding product supply prices, quantities, and other trading conditions.The pricing method will also change.Previously, gas stations would initially purchase products at the price at the time of order and then settle the final supply price based on the monthly average price about a month later. This structure made it difficult for gas stations to know the actual purchase price at the time of buying products.Going forward, gas stations will generally confirm the supply price at the time of ordering as the final price for settlement. The KFTC believes this will reduce uncertainty in determining sales prices and planning operations, even in volatile price situations.However, an exception will be made for gas stations that prefer the post-settlement method. If requested separately, they can still apply post-settlement, but the settlement period will be shortened from the previous month to within seven days.This regulatory improvement follows a cooperative agreement signed in April between the Korea Gas Station Association and four refining companies: SK Energy, HD Hyundai Oilbank, S-OIL, and GS Caltex.At that time, the gas station industry and refining companies agreed to transition from full purchase contracts to mixed contracts, allowing for the purchase of more than 60% of products from a specific refining company, and not to unfairly discriminate based on purchasing ratios. They also agreed on the prior public announcement of daily sales prices by refining companies and the abolition of the post-settlement system.The KFTC has revised the standard contract based on feedback from the Korea Gas Station Association and the four refining companies to ensure that these agreements are reflected in actual contracts between refining companies and gas stations.The KFTC expects that expanding mixed purchasing will enhance gas stations' product selection and promote competition among refining companies regarding supply prices. By confirming supply prices at the time of ordering, gas stations will also have more autonomy in determining consumer sales prices.A KFTC official stated, "We actively encourage the use of the revised standard agency contract and plan to conduct future surveys on agency transactions to monitor whether trading practices in the oil distribution industry are actually changing."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-26 10:04:00
  • LG Electronics to Hire New Employees Focused on Robotics and Smart Factories
    LG Electronics to Hire New Employees Focused on Robotics and Smart Factories LG Electronics is set to recruit new employees in the second half of the year, focusing on future business areas such as robotics and smart factories. This move is seen as a strategy to secure technical talent not only for traditional home appliances and automotive components but also for growth sectors.On August 26, LG Electronics announced that it will conduct its second-half recruitment through the LG Group hiring portal until September 13. The hiring will involve various divisions, including home appliances, TVs, automotive components, and the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) business, as well as the Korean sales division and the production technology center.The recruitment will cover 12 job categories, including research and development in robotics and production technology, as well as roles in electrical and electronic engineering, mechanical engineering, sales and marketing, supply chain management, purchasing, production, quality assurance, finance, human resources, and business strategy. The focus will particularly be on securing talent in robotics, mobility, smart factories, and HVAC.To attract talent, LG Electronics will also visit universities directly. Starting August 31, the company will hold recruitment counseling sessions at 12 universities in South Korea, including KAIST, Seoul National University, and Korea University. In the following month, it will conduct information sessions for R&D master's and doctoral candidates at six universities in North America, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Carnegie Mellon University.This recruitment effort is significant as it reflects LG Electronics' investment in securing talent to enhance the technological competitiveness of new businesses such as robotics and smart factories, in addition to profitability across its various sectors.Since the second half of 2020, LG Electronics has shifted from regular public recruitment to a more flexible hiring approach. However, during peak demand periods for new graduates, the company conducts separate recruitment drives by job function.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-26 10:00:00
  • Jindo County Launches Sunshine Income Village Initiative to Boost Local Revenue
    Jindo County Launches 'Sunshine Income Village' Initiative to Boost Local Revenue Jindo County is advancing its 'Sunshine Income Village' initiative, which aims to return solar power generation profits to the community. The plan seeks to lower the initial investment burden on residents by utilizing the Local Extinction Response Fund, creating a structure where profits from power generation contribute to the village's collective income.According to Jindo County, Hanui Village in Gunnae-myeon was selected in the first round of the '2026 Sunshine Income Village' application process, overseen by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety.The Sunshine Income Village program allows residents to form cooperatives and directly participate in renewable energy projects, sharing the profits generated. A portion of these profits will be used for community welfare and revitalization.In the first round of applications this year, 129 villages nationwide applied, with 86 ultimately selected.Jindo County plans to focus on reducing the initial financial burden on residents during the project implementation. The county is considering supporting part of the 15% of the total project cost that residents are responsible for through the Local Extinction Response Fund.This approach aims to lower residents' financing and financial costs, ensuring that profits from solar power generation are more effectively returned to the community.There is also potential for expansion. Currently, nine additional villages have applied in the ongoing second round of applications. Depending on the selection results, community-based renewable energy projects could expand throughout the region.Jindo County intends to promote the Sunshine Income Village initiative as a model that links income generation for residents with the revitalization of local communities, going beyond mere solar power generation.Lee Jae-gak, the mayor of Jindo County, stated, "The Sunshine Income Village allows residents to become owners of the project, achieving energy welfare and creating a sustainable local circular economy. We will support reducing residents' financial burdens and ensure that power generation profits translate into income for the community." 2026-08-26 09:56:00
  • SK hynix Unveils Full Lineup of AI Memory Products at Dell Forum
    SK hynix Unveils Full Lineup of AI Memory Products at Dell Forum SK hynix is expanding its collaboration with global clients by showcasing a comprehensive range of memory products for artificial intelligence (AI) data centers. The company is highlighting its capabilities in the AI infrastructure market by broadening its portfolio to include high-bandwidth memory (HBM), server DRAM, and enterprise solid-state drives (SSDs).On August 25, SK hynix participated in the 'Dell Technologies Forum 2026' held at COEX in Gangnam, Seoul, where it unveiled AI memory products, including HBM4 and HBM4E. The event featured physical HBM4 wafers, as well as SOCAMM2 server DRAM and three-dimensional stacked memory modules.The company also displayed enterprise SSDs, including products that support liquid cooling, high-capacity and low-power options, and its first quad-level cell (QLC) based enterprise SSD. These products are designed to meet the growing demands for computation, data storage, and processing in AI data centers.Notably, SK hynix delivered a keynote speech at the forum as a representative partner of Dell for the first time. Vice President Joo Young-pyo, in charge of system architecture, discussed the role of memory technology in the AI era and the direction of next-generation technologies.SK hynix began mass production of HBM4 for major clients in the second quarter of this year and is currently expanding its production capacity. The company has supplied 12-layer product samples of HBM4E to key customers and is preparing for mass production next year.Industry experts believe that as competition in AI infrastructure expands beyond GPU performance to include overall system optimization involving memory and storage, collaboration between memory manufacturers and server companies will become increasingly important.A representative from SK hynix stated, "We have solidified our partnership with Dell and showcased our technological capabilities as a full-stack AI memory company. We will expand our strategic partnerships with global tech giants."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-26 09:52:10
  • New Public Housing Sites May Exclude Seoul Greenbelt and Yongsan Park
    New Public Housing Sites May Exclude Seoul Greenbelt and Yongsan Park The government is expected to exclude Seoul's greenbelt and Yongsan Park from new public housing sites to be announced at the end of September or early October, following the housing supply measures introduced on August 13. With no agreement reached with the Seoul city government, additional sites are likely to be selected from greenbelt areas in Gyeonggi Province, such as Hanam and Goyang, which are close to Seoul. According to government sources on the 26th, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport plans to unveil over 73,000 new public housing units next month, which are part of the remaining supply from the August 13 measures. Kim I-tak, the first vice minister of the ministry, stated on KTV on the 24th, “The greenbelt areas in Seoul are not included.” Yongsan Park is also expected to be excluded from the announcement due to unresolved differences with the Seoul city government. Previously, the government announced on August 13 that it would develop new housing sites for 27,200 units in three locations, including Gangseo District in Seoul and Namyangju and Gwangju in Gyeonggi Province. The plan aims to designate over 73,000 additional units by the end of the year, securing more than 100,000 new public housing units in the metropolitan area. Initially, there were expectations that the greenbelt areas in Seoul could be included in the new housing sites, as the government had designated some areas in Seoul and the metropolitan region as land transaction permission zones. There were also discussions about utilizing parts of Yongsan Park to provide housing for young people and newlyweds. However, the Seoul city government has consistently opposed the development of both the greenbelt and Yongsan Park. They argue that the greenbelt should be preserved for future generations and that the existing plan to develop Yongsan Park as a national park must be upheld. The government appears to have concluded that it is difficult to include sites without agreement from the Seoul city government. As a result, the additional housing sites are expected to be announced primarily in Gyeonggi Province. The areas designated as land transaction permission zones following the August 13 measures include ten cities in Gyeonggi Province—Seongnam, Uijeongbu, Anyang, Bucheon, Gwangmyeong, Goyang, Gwacheon, Guri, Hanam, and Gimpo—as well as Gyeyang District in Incheon. Industry insiders have identified the Gambuk District in Hanam as a strong candidate for one of the new sites. Located adjacent to Songpa and Gangdong Districts in Seoul, Gambuk was designated as a housing site for about 20,000 units in 2010 but had its designation revoked in 2015 due to resident opposition and project delays. The area around Daegok Station in Goyang, known for its excellent transportation conditions, is also being considered. The Seoul city government is proposing to utilize alternative sites instead of developing Yongsan Park. On the 25th, Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon suggested relocating the Tancheon Water Reclamation Center in Gangnam District and creating a “Southeast Youth-Specialized Industrial Complex” that combines residential and high-tech industrial facilities. The city estimates that utilizing about half of the 400,000 to 500,000 square meters of land for residential purposes could provide between 10,000 and 13,000 housing units. While both the government and the Seoul city government agree on the need to expand housing supply in the city center, ongoing conflicts over the preservation of valuable land may significantly affect the actual pace of supply, depending on the selection of housing sites in Gyeonggi Province and the outcomes of discussions on alternative sites. Meanwhile, Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Kim Yoon-deok and Mayor Oh are scheduled to meet on the morning of the 26th to discuss new housing sites and supply plans for the Seoul city center. The key issues will likely revolve around narrowing the differences regarding the development of the Seoul greenbelt and Yongsan Park, as well as whether the government will accept the Seoul city government's proposals for alternative sites, such as the Tancheon Water Reclamation Center. 2026-08-26 09:52:00