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  • Visa Appoints Kunal Chatterjee as New President for Korea and Mongolia
    Visa Appoints Kunal Chatterjee as New President for Korea and Mongolia Global payment technology company Visa announced on August 26 that it has appointed Kunal Chatterjee, the head of Visa's Asia-Pacific Merchant Sales, as the new president for Korea and Mongolia.Chatterjee will oversee Visa's business strategy in both countries and strengthen partnerships with local companies. He is expected to drive the expansion of the digital payment market and business growth in Korea and Mongolia.Having worked at Visa for nearly 20 years, Chatterjee has held various roles in the Asia-Pacific region, focusing on innovation, client management, consulting, and market strategy.Most recently, he led the commercialization and sales of innovative payment solutions for merchants, acquirers, and partners as the head of Merchant Solutions Sales and Value-Added Services for Asia-Pacific. From 2022 to 2024, he served as the head of Asia-Pacific Innovation, spearheading the development of next-generation payment solutions. He has also held positions as Vice President of Global Clients for Visa Asia-Pacific, Sales Leader for Visa Singapore and Brunei, and Consulting Director at Visa.Arturo Flanell, President of Visa Japan, Korea, and Mongolia, stated, "Kunal Chatterjee is an expert in the payment industry with a proven track record in business development, product, and consulting. We expect him to further strengthen partnerships in the Korean and Mongolian markets."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-26 09:12:00
  • LG Chem Expands Semiconductor Business at Semicon Taiwan 2026
    LG Chem Expands Semiconductor Business at Semicon Taiwan 2026 LG Chem will participate in Semicon Taiwan 2026, Asia's largest semiconductor exhibition, to secure semiconductor customers and expand business collaborations.The event will take place from September 2 to 4 at the Nangang Exhibition Center in Taipei, where LG Chem will showcase advanced packaging and power semiconductor material solutions, including high-bandwidth memory (HBM).Semicon Taiwan is a prominent industry event that introduces next-generation semiconductor technology trends, such as advanced packaging and AI semiconductors. It attracts key industry stakeholders, including semiconductor manufacturers, OSAT (outsourced semiconductor assembly and test) companies, and substrate and packaging firms, facilitating active technology exchange and business collaboration.At its booth located on the fourth floor of Hall 2 at the Nangang Exhibition Center, LG Chem will present a variety of semiconductor material solutions aimed at the growth of the AI semiconductor and high-performance computing (HPC) markets.In the 'Advanced Package Zone,' LG Chem will introduce materials applicable to advanced packaging processes, including copper-clad laminate (CCL), glass core solutions, buildup film, film-type solder resist (DFSR), photosensitive insulating materials (PID), die attach film (DAF), bonding and debonding solutions, and stripping agents for fine processes.The 'Power Package Zone' will feature key materials that enhance semiconductor performance, such as conductive sintering paste, thermal interface materials (TIM), and copper metal foam-based thermal management device solutions.Through this exhibition, LG Chem plans to expand collaborations with major semiconductor manufacturers, OSAT companies, and substrate and packaging firms. The company aims to broaden its customer base in the AI semiconductor and advanced packaging markets and accelerate the growth of its semiconductor material business through technology exchange and the discovery of new projects.Kim Dong-chun, CEO of LG Chem, stated, "As the AI semiconductor and advanced packaging markets expand, customer demand for high-performance materials is increasing. LG Chem will enhance collaboration with semiconductor customers based on a differentiated material portfolio and actively secure growth opportunities in the future semiconductor market."Meanwhile, LG Chem has been working to expand its semiconductor business, recently announcing the mass production supply of semiconductor strippers to Amkor, a global OSAT company in the United States.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-26 09:08:00
  • LG Uplus Establishes Standards for Evaluating Fixed Access Network Autonomy
    LG Uplus Establishes Standards for Evaluating Fixed Access Network Autonomy LG Uplus has laid the groundwork for global telecommunications companies to evaluate the autonomy level of fixed access networks using a standardized approach.On August 26, LG Uplus announced that it led the development of an autonomy level assessment framework for fixed access network fault management within the global telecommunications industry consortium TM Forum.The fixed access network connects customers to services such as the internet, Internet Protocol television (IPTV), and Wi-Fi. While telecommunications companies have been enhancing automation levels in subscriber networks to prevent outages and reduce recovery times, there has been no official standard for objective evaluation.To address this gap, LG Uplus proposed the development of an autonomy level assessment framework for fixed access network fault management to TM Forum and took the lead in its creation. TM Forum is a global consortium that includes telecommunications operators and equipment manufacturers, working to develop industry standards and evaluation systems. More than 800 companies, including AT&T, T-Mobile, and Vodafone, participate in the forum.This assessment framework has undergone TM Forum's official approval process and will serve as a certification standard for autonomy levels in the fixed access network sector in the future.Park Seong-woo, head of the NW AX Group at LG Uplus, stated, "This assessment framework is significant as it allows for the verification of fixed access network autonomy capabilities against global standards, which previously lacked objective evaluation criteria. We will continue to collaborate with global telecommunications operators to expand standardization activities for autonomous operation networks and drive innovations in network quality that customers can experience firsthand."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-26 09:08:00
  • KT SAT Expands Multi-Orbit Business Beyond Geostationary Satellites
    KT SAT Expands 'Multi-Orbit' Business Beyond Geostationary Satellites On August 25, at the KT SAT satellite control center in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, a demonstration was held showcasing the adjustment of a large outdoor antenna's azimuth. This antenna serves as a critical infrastructure connecting satellites in space with Earth. During the demonstration, the antenna was adjusted at a rate of 0.5 degrees per second, while it typically moves at 0.002 degrees per second to maintain precise alignment with geostationary satellites located approximately 36,000 kilometers above the Earth.The Yongin center operates a total of five antennas, with an additional five located at the Daejeon sub-control center. This redundancy ensures that satellite signals remain uninterrupted even if one control center encounters issues.Kim Gyu-pil, deputy manager of the satellite technology team at KT SAT, stated, "The large outdoor dish antenna is a core infrastructure that connects satellite signals between Earth and space. KT SAT's large antennas and various satellite communication infrastructures are among the best in the country in terms of scale, performance, and operational capability."The control room adjacent to the antenna manages the actual movement and operation of the satellites. Inside, satellite-specific control consoles and large monitors are lined up. Two clocks on the wall display Korean time and Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). One large screen shows the positions of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites and space objects densely surrounding the Earth. Kim Gi-young, head of the satellite consulting team at KT SAT, explained, "If the risk of collision exceeds a certain level, a warning appears on the control screen below."Since the opening of the Yongin satellite control center in 1994, KT SAT has been managing geostationary satellites for over 30 years. Kim emphasized, "We have the longest experience in satellite services in the country, and there are only about ten companies worldwide with such satellite experience."KT SAT's competitiveness lies not only in satellite control but also in its ability to manage the entire process from satellite operation to customer service. While the Yongin satellite control center manages satellite orbits and attitudes, the Geumsan satellite center operates satellite communication services. Kim noted, "The Geumsan center provides satellite services to various customers, including broadcasting, government, and businesses, based on over 40 antennas, and plays a role in linking KT's terrestrial communication network with satellite networks."The operational capabilities accumulated over 30 years have also been utilized to enhance the utilization of existing satellites. Instead of decommissioning the Mugunghwa satellite, which reached the end of its design life last year, KT SAT has repositioned it to serve new needs in the Oceania region.Kim explained, "Repositioning Mugunghwa satellite 6 involves complex engineering tasks that require comprehensive reviews of attitude control, orbital operation, real-time monitoring of the satellite and payload, and power and thermal environment conditions. Our skilled control capabilities have allowed us to maximize the asset value of the satellite by recycling it."KT SAT plans to extend its GEO operational experience into the LEO business. The strategy is to transform into a 'multi-orbit service operator' by combining satellite networks in various orbits with terrestrial communication networks to secure new demand. Kim stated, "While there are differences in satellite altitude and operational methods between GEO and LEO, the fundamental operational principles, such as satellite status monitoring, command, and orbit and attitude control, are common."To achieve this, KT SAT has been applying its proprietary control software to actual satellite operations since 2017. The company aims to enhance its control system to manage hundreds to thousands of LEO satellites simultaneously. Plans also include gradually expanding automation of repetitive tasks and anomaly detection using artificial intelligence (AI).However, there are challenges to connect the multi-orbit strategy to actual business expansion. In South Korea, the dense infrastructure of wired and wireless communication networks limits the demand for satellite communications, and in LEO, KT SAT will need to utilize satellite networks from global players like Starlink. It remains to be seen whether KT SAT can secure independent revenue sources and business leadership while leveraging external LEO satellite networks.Choi Seong-ho, the chief technology officer at KT SAT, noted, "While some companies, like Starlink, have vertically integrated satellite manufacturing, launching, operating, and services, this is not the approach for all countries. In Europe and the Korean market, manufacturers, service providers, and telecommunications companies collaborate to create the market through standards."He added, "We can utilize the satellite control, management, and operational experience accumulated in South Korea in LEO, and we will respond to the market by collaborating with domestic satellite manufacturers and others."KT SAT also highlighted its capability to connect satellite networks with terrestrial networks as a differentiating factor. Lee Hoon-cheol, head of the satellite control division at KT SAT, stated, "To provide actual communication services, signals and data from space must be connected to terrestrial communication networks. Global satellite operators must also establish a local presence in South Korea and collaborate with local providers, which is where KT SAT can add value."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-26 09:04:00
  • Xi Jinping to Visit India Next Month Ahead of Meeting with Trump
    Xi Jinping to Visit India Next Month Ahead of Meeting with Trump Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to initiate a comprehensive recovery of relations with India ahead of his summit with President Donald Trump next month.Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China and Foreign Minister, held the 25th round of China-India border talks with Ajit Doval, India's National Security Advisor, in Beijing on August 25, as reported by the Chinese Foreign Ministry on August 26. During the meeting, Wang stated, "China hopes to enhance mutual understanding with India, resolve differences, and overcome obstacles to become friendly neighbors and partners that support each other's development, creating a 'dance of the dragon and elephant.'"Doval remarked, "Both China and India are ancient civilizations and populous nations, significant economic powers, and not competitors but cooperative partners. Under the consensus of the two leaders, bilateral relations have returned to a normal trajectory, the border region is generally peaceful, and exchanges and cooperation in various fields are being steadily advanced."Neither side announced any new developments regarding border demarcation or management mechanisms. Additionally, Doval held a separate meeting with Han Zheng, China's Vice Premier, on the same day. The discussions covered issues beyond the border dispute, including political, economic, and international relations, but no agreements were disclosed. This meeting is largely seen as preparatory for the upcoming summit between China and India.The BRICS summit is scheduled to take place in New Delhi from September 12 to 13, where President Xi is expected to attend and meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This summit is particularly noteworthy as it precedes Xi's visit to the U.S. and his meeting with President Trump on September 24. By restoring relations with India before the U.S. summit, Xi may aim to counterbalance U.S. pressure, as the U.S. has previously leveraged deteriorating China-India relations in negotiations with China.Professor Liu Qifeng of Taiwan's Chung Shan University noted, "The two sides likely discussed what each leader should say at the upcoming summit. They may also engage in discussions regarding responses to the U.S." He added that it is essential for Xi to manage relations with India and control any potential incidents before his visit to the U.S.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-26 09:04:00
  • Labor Department Sets Weight Limits for Grocery Delivery Orders
    Labor Department Sets Weight Limits for Grocery Delivery Orders To reduce the burden on workers delivering heavy items like bottled water and rice, the Labor Department will now allow weight limits to be specified in contracts. The practice of unilaterally imposing costs for substitute vehicles on drivers in situations where delivery is not possible will also be improved.On August 26, the Ministry of Employment and Labor announced the establishment of a 'Standard Contract and Utilization Guide for Grocery Delivery Workers' in collaboration with transportation companies.Previously, there was no separate standard contract for grocery delivery workers, leading to unclear job scopes and commission payment criteria. Concerns had been raised about contracts that could be unfairly disadvantageous to delivery workers. In response, the Labor Department gathered input from grocery delivery drivers, transportation companies, and large supermarket representatives through 13 meetings to create the standard contract.The standard contract includes specific details about the scope of entrusted work, commission payment methods, contract duration, and termination conditions. It also addresses the prohibition of unfair trading practices, social insurance enrollment, and the protection of delivery workers' rights.Notably, it establishes weight limits for specific items such as bottled water and rice. It also ensures that delivery drivers are not burdened with costs for substitute vehicles in cases of vehicle breakdowns or accidents that hinder normal deliveries.The Labor Department believes that the implementation of the standard contract will help prevent disputes over contract terms and protect the basic rights of grocery delivery workers regarding social insurance and workplace safety.With this new regulation, the number of standard contracts established by the Labor Department and related agencies has increased to 30 job categories, including delivery drivers and broadcasting workers. The standard contract and utilization guide can be accessed on the websites of the Labor Department, the Labor-Management Development Foundation, and the Worker Connection Center.Additionally, the government is pursuing a 'Basic Labor Rights Law' and the introduction of a presumption of employment for platform workers and freelancers who are not adequately protected under existing labor laws.Labor Minister Kim Young-hoon stated, 'The establishment of this standard contract is a first step toward forming fair contractual relationships between grocery delivery workers and transportation companies. We expect that the enactment of the Basic Labor Rights Law will further expand protections such as written contracts and dispute resolution mechanisms.' 2026-08-26 09:04:00
  • Country Music Queen Dolly Parton Dies at 80
    Country Music Queen Dolly Parton Dies at 80 Dolly Parton, the "Queen of Country Music," passed away at the age of 80 on August 25.According to Reuters, Parton's nephew, Brian Seaver, announced her death in a video posted on social media, stating, "Dolly lived in the light, and now she is in the arms of Jesus." The family did not disclose the exact cause of death. Parton had recently faced health issues, canceling some engagements. Her husband, Carl Dean, passed away in March of last year.Parton was a singer-songwriter, record producer, actress, author, and active philanthropist, beloved by Americans across generations and races.She is recognized as a symbolic figure in American popular music, having sung or written numerous hits, including the iconic "I Will Always Love You," famously covered by Whitney Houston. Over her lifetime, Parton wrote and composed more than 3,000 songs. She received a total of 11 Grammy Awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award, and 25 of her songs reached number one on the Billboard Country Chart.Parton also starred in the film "Nine to Five," for which she was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song. She was active in social contributions, supporting COVID-19 vaccine research, children's literacy programs, and scholarship initiatives.Following the news of her passing, President Donald Trump expressed his condolences on social media platform Truth Social, saying, "I am very sad to announce the passing of Dolly Parton, one of the greatest country singers and so much more. This is a loss for millions."Trump ordered flags to be flown at half-staff for one week starting at 6 p.m. local time on August 25 in her honor.Major U.S. media outlets also reported on Parton's death with tributes. The New York Times noted, "For 60 years, she dominated not only country music but a significant part of popular culture, becoming one of the most beloved Americans of the 20th century with her immense personality and down-to-earth charm."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-26 08:52:10
  • Hyundai Motor Chung Mong-koo Foundation Selects 39 Global Scholars
    Hyundai Motor Chung Mong-koo Foundation Selects 39 Global Scholars The Hyundai Motor Chung Mong-koo Foundation is expanding its global scholarship program to include not only undergraduate students from the ASEAN region but also overseas Korean language instructors.On August 25, the foundation held a scholarship award ceremony for 31 new recipients of the 'CMK Global Scholarship - Undergraduate Program,' which was announced on August 26. This year's selected scholars are undergraduate students from Indonesia and Vietnam, who will continue their studies at Seoul National University, Korea University, Yonsei University, and Hanyang University starting next month.The CMK Global Scholarship is a foreign scholarship initiative by the Chung Mong-koo Foundation, which has selected over 220 students and provided a total of 15 billion won since its inception in 2020.Since 2024, the foundation has been offering undergraduate programs to provide outstanding talent from the ASEAN region with opportunities to study in Korea, aiming to enhance the internationalization of domestic universities and promote human exchanges between Korea and ASEAN.Selected scholars receive full tuition coverage, monthly study scholarships, and settlement grants. Exceptional scholars will also be supported in pursuing graduate studies after completing their undergraduate degrees.This year, the foundation has introduced a new scholarship program for Korean language instructors working abroad. The program offers foreign instructors the opportunity to experience Korean teaching methods and immerse themselves in Korean language and culture.The first group of eight scholars comes from seven countries: Ukraine, Vietnam, Indonesia, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Uzbekistan, and Iran. They will participate in a specialized teaching methods course developed in addition to the regular Korean language curriculum at Yonsei University’s Korean Language Institute for six months starting in September.The foundation covers tuition fees, textbook costs, round-trip airfare, housing and settlement grants, and study scholarships. The CMK Fellowship program also includes cultural experiences and networking opportunities for the scholars.A representative from the Hyundai Motor Chung Mong-koo Foundation stated, 'The CMK Global Scholarship is establishing itself as a global talent development initiative by expanding its target audience and areas of support.'Meanwhile, the Hyundai Motor Chung Mong-koo Scholarship is based on the founder Chung Mong-koo's philosophy of nurturing talent, aiming to cultivate global leaders for the future. Starting in 2026, the program will be restructured to provide integrated support in five key areas: science and technology, culture and arts, international cooperation, global initiatives, and heroes, with plans to nurture 1,000 talents over the next five years.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-26 08:52:10
  • Korean Film Council Launches 2026 Small Theater Festival with Free Screenings
    Korean Film Council Launches '2026 Small Theater Festival' with Free Screenings 영화진흥위원회가 '2026 작은영화관 기획전'을 전국 25개 작은영화관에서 개최한다.영화진흥위원회는 오는 9월 1일 제주 한림작은영화관 상영을 시작으로 '2026 작은영화관 기획전'을 순차적으로 진행한다고 밝혔다.올해 기획전은 '우리동네 씨네맛집'을 콘셉트로 마련됐다. 관객들이 다시 보고 싶었던 영화를 동네 극장에서 편안하게 만날 수 있도록 구성했으며, '국제시장', '7번방의 선물', '봄날은 간다' 등 2000년대 많은 사랑을 받은 한국영화를 중심으로 총 91편을 선보인다.국산 애니메이션도 함께 소개된다. 영진위는 한국애니메이션제작자협회, 서울인디애니페스트와 협력해 다양한 국산 장·단편 애니메이션을 상영한다.기획전은 강원, 경북, 경남, 전남, 전북, 충남, 충북, 제주, 울산 등 전국 9개 지역 25개 작은영화관에서 9월부터 11월까지 이어진다. 관람료는 전액 무료다.상영과 연계한 지역 맞춤형 프로그램도 마련된다. 25개 극장 중 14개 극장에서는 시네토크, 영화음악 콘서트, 생성형 AI 제작 체험, 어린이 대상 애니메이션 원리 교육과 더빙 체험 등이 진행된다.한림작은영화관에서는 9월 5일 배우 안성기의 필모그래피를 조명하는 시네토크가 열린다. 부안마실영화관에서는 10월 17일 엔니오 모리꼬네의 명곡을 현악 앙상블로 재해석하는 콘서트가 마련된다.영화진흥위원회 공정성장센터는 “작은영화관 기획전은 영화 인프라가 부족한 지역에서 관객들이 다양한 영화를 만나고, 지역 문화 공간으로서 영화관을 경험할 수 있도록 지원하는 사업”이라고 설명했다.이어 “올해는 25개 극장으로 확대해 더 많은 관객을 가까이에서 만나고자 한다”고 밝혔다.'2026 작은영화관 기획전'의 상영 일정과 참여 극장 정보는 공식 홈페이지에서 확인할 수 있다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-26 08:52:00
  • Kim Min-seok Addresses Controversy Over Jeju Missing Persons Case
    Kim Min-seok Addresses Controversy Over Jeju Missing Persons Case Kim Min-seok, the leader of the Democratic Party, addressed the recent controversy surrounding the missing persons case in Jeju, stating that the incident occurred while the prosecutors' supplementary investigation authority was still in effect. He also pledged to take full responsibility for police reforms aimed at restoring public trust.During a Supreme Council meeting held in Andong, North Gyeongsang Province, on the morning of August 26, Kim acknowledged the public outrage over the case being falsely concluded but emphasized that it unfolded while the prosecutors' supplementary investigation authority was operational.Kim announced plans to enhance democratic oversight of the police, vowing to eradicate six major issues: favoritism, concealment of cases, unauthorized closures, evidence tampering, privacy violations, and leaks of investigative information. He specifically mentioned expanding external audits and strengthening legal accountability for illegal or inadequate investigations.Additionally, Kim refuted claims of division within the party that surfaced during the August 17 party convention, asserting, "The Democratic Party is united yesterday, today, and tomorrow." He explained that during a recent dinner with candidates for party leadership, they clarified their differing views and apologized for any excessive remarks, reaffirming their camaraderie. He expressed gratitude to the Supreme Council members for prioritizing the party's future despite differing opinions.Kim concluded by expressing confidence that unity and cooperation within the Supreme Council would lead to the party's success, stating, "The Democratic Party will focus on stabilizing national governance amid internal and external challenges."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-26 08:48:10