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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 -
Did 'I Live Alone' Set Up Its Kazakhstan Trip? Lee Jae-jin's 9-Year-Old Comment Sparks Controversy Amid recent allegations of manipulation regarding Jeon Hyun-moo's spontaneous trip to Kazakhstan on the MBC entertainment program 'I Live Alone,' a past comment by Lee Jae-jin of the boy band Sechs Kies has resurfaced. In a 2017 episode of MBC's 'The Manager,' Lee Jae-jin remarked, "Isn't everything in 'I Live Alone' set up?"On August 25, various online communities shared a video featuring Lee Jae-jin's comment and Jeon Hyun-moo's reaction. In the clip, Lee Jae-jin was discussing the observational reality show 'I Live Alone' with fellow Sechs Kies members, suggesting he might rent a house to live in for a month.When the members questioned whether that was a setup, Lee Jae-jin replied, "Everything in 'I Live Alone' is set up anyway." Jeon Hyun-moo, who was watching the video, immediately reacted, saying, "What are you talking about?"Jeon Hyun-moo then asked, "Do you really want to be on 'I Live Alone'?" to which Lee Jae-jin countered, "Isn't 'I Live Alone' really a setup?" Jeon Hyun-moo clarified, "Did you think the house was a setup? Everyone is filming in their own homes. We are not a drama." Lee Jae-jin humorously responded, "Does everyone live that well?"While Lee Jae-jin's comment was initially taken in a lighthearted context, it has gained renewed attention following the recent manipulation allegations surrounding Jeon Hyun-moo's trip to Kazakhstan.On August 14 and 21, episodes of 'I Live Alone' aired, showcasing Jeon Hyun-moo's spontaneous two-day trip to Almaty, Kazakhstan, where he selected a flight at Incheon International Airport and arranged accommodations and a rental car on the spot.However, viewers raised questions online about the feasibility of preparing tickets, accommodations, and local transportation on such short notice, especially considering that multiple staff members accompanied the trip. Concerns grew when it was revealed that the Almaty city official page mentioned the filming was supported by the tourism authority, leading to suspicions that the trip was pre-planned rather than spontaneous.In response to the allegations, the production team of 'I Live Alone' issued a statement on August 25, denying any manipulation. They clarified that they did not receive any filming support or sponsorship for the Kazakhstan trip and explained that they submitted the required international driver's license and passport to a local rental car company just before departure.Despite the production team's clarification, Lee Jae-jin's past comment about everything being a setup has sparked discussions among netizens about the boundaries of reality in entertainment. One user remarked, "Looking back, Jeon Hyun-moo's reaction seems staged as well."Another user commented, "Is there any show today that doesn't have some setup? I believe every show needs a basic setup to function. However, insisting that there is no setup while clearly having one can be off-putting." Other comments included, "If it's a setup, then don't pretend it's real," and "It's all scripted, isn't it?"This controversy centers not on whether 'I Live Alone' involves production or manipulation, but rather on the discrepancy between the perceived spontaneity presented to viewers and the actual production process. As of now, the production team maintains that there was no filming support or sponsorship related to the Kazakhstan trip. 2026-08-26 08:48:00
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Dunamu Becomes First Exchange Designated as 'Administrative Information Sharing Institution' 두나무가 국내 디지털자산 거래소 가운데 처음으로 행정안전부의 ‘행정정보 공동이용 대상기관’에 지정됐다. 이에 따라 업비트 이용자들은 고객확인(KYC) 과정에서 제출해야 하는 서류 부담이 줄어들 전망이다. 두나무는 이달 중순 행안부로부터 ‘행정정보 공동이용 대상기관’으로 최종 지정됐다고 26일 밝혔다. 행안부는 지난 5월 두나무를 대상으로 현장실사를 진행한 뒤 적합성 여부를 검토해 대상기관으로 지정했다. 행정정보 공동이용은 민원이나 업무 처리에 필요한 각종 구비서류를 이용자가 직접 제출하지 않아도 행정기관 등이 보유한 정보를 정부 전산망을 통해 확인·활용할 수 있도록 하는 제도다. 이용자의 서류 제출 부담을 줄이고 정보 확인 절차를 간소화하는 효과가 있다. 디지털자산 거래소가 행정정보 공동이용 대상기관으로 지정된 것은 두나무가 처음이다. 이에 따라 디지털자산 거래소도 전통 금융회사처럼 공공 데이터 인프라를 활용할 수 있는 기반이 마련됐다는 평가다. 두나무는 이번 지정을 바탕으로 고객확인 업무에 행정정보 공동이용 서비스를 활용할 계획이다. 이용자가 직접 제출해야 하는 서류를 줄이는 동시에 서류 확인·검증 절차를 효율화해 고객확인 업무의 신속성과 정확성을 높인다는 방침이다. 두나무 관계자는 “디지털자산 거래소 최초로 행정정보 공동이용 대상기관에 지정된 만큼 이용자 확인 업무에 공공 정보를 안전하고 효율적으로 활용할 수 있는 기반을 마련했다”며 “이용자들의 서류 제출 부담 등 불편을 최소화하고 보다 편리한 고객확인 서비스를 제공할 수 있도록 관련 준비를 마무리해 나갈 것”이라고 말했다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-26 08:44:00
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Bitcoin Pauses After Surge, Trading Around $78,000 Bitcoin, which has seen a sharp rise, is now taking a breather. After climbing over 20% in a week and recovering to $80,000 the previous day, it has since given back some gains and is currently trading in the $78,000 range. According to CoinMarketCap, as of 8 a.m. on the 26th, Bitcoin was trading at $78,834, up 0.06% from the previous day. It reached $80,000 for the first time since May 4 but has since fluctuated around that mark as the upward momentum has slowed. Analysts suggest that Bitcoin's price could continue to trend upward. Following the U.S. Treasury's announcement to expand bond purchases, there has been a resurgence in the 'debasement trade,' where investors buy alternative assets like gold and Bitcoin to hedge against currency devaluation. Additionally, expectations for relaxed regulations on virtual assets and significant capital inflows into spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are contributing to this outlook. Furthermore, President Donald Trump urged Congress to pass the Clarity Act on August 19, which analysts believe has positively impacted Bitcoin's price. Although the Senate failed to vote on the Clarity Act before its August recess, it is expected to be discussed again in Congress next month. Market sentiment is also recovering quickly. As of today, CoinMarketCap's 'CMC Crypto Fear and Greed Index' stands at 80, indicating 'extreme greed.' This is the first time the index has reached the 80 mark since December 18, 2024. In contrast to Bitcoin, major altcoins are showing weakness. Ethereum is trading at $2,450, down 1.35% from the previous day. Solana has decreased by 0.28% to $97.01. The stablecoin Tether remains unchanged at $0.99, while Ripple (XRP) has dropped 2.42% to $1.44. Meanwhile, as of 8 a.m., Bitcoin was trading at 1,093,440,000 won (approximately $79,062) on the domestic exchange Bithumb, reflecting a 0.43% decrease from the previous day. The 'Kimchi premium' stands at 0.61%, indicating that domestic Bitcoin prices are slightly higher than those abroad.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-26 08:40:00
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Hanwha Investment Forecasts Continued Growth for Samsung E&A Amid Increased Group Investments Hanwha Investment & Securities projected on August 26 that Samsung E&A will experience stable performance growth over the next two to three years due to increased orders stemming from expanded investments by its group companies. The firm maintained its 'buy' rating and target price of 70,000 won.Song Yu-rim, an analyst at Hanwha Investment & Securities, stated, "With proven profitability and project execution capabilities, the volume of orders from group companies is significantly increasing," adding, "We expect stable performance trends to continue over the next two to three years."The analyst particularly noted that Samsung E&A has raised its order target for group companies from 3 trillion won to 7 trillion won this year. The company plans to review an upward adjustment of its annual new order forecast, which currently stands at 12 trillion won, in the third quarter.Song remarked, "Considering the expansion of group company orders, this year's revenue and operating profit are likely to exceed the company's projections comfortably," and added, "As the first quarter saw a significant rebound in related company sales, expectations for performance in the second half of the year are high."For the second quarter, Samsung E&A reported consolidated revenue of 2.6 trillion won, a 19.8% increase from the same period last year, while operating profit rose 51.0% to 273.1 billion won. The operating profit exceeded market expectations of 218.8 billion won by 24.8%.The growth in performance was driven by increased orders and sales from related companies. Revenue in the advanced industry sector surged 42% year-on-year in the second quarter, with an operating profit margin of 10.5%. For the first half of the year, the company achieved 64% of its annual new order forecast, 49% of its revenue target, and 58% of its operating profit goal.Song also analyzed that in the second half of the year, not only group company orders but also overseas orders are expected to rise. Key potential projects include the $3.5 billion ammonia project in Saudi Arabia, the $2.5 billion urea project in Qatar, and the $2 billion methanol project in Mexico.He added, "The performance of orders in the chemical engineering sector will be a variable in determining the extent of annual forecast adjustments," but noted, "Given the substantial overseas order pipeline in the second half, we can expect the largest new orders in history."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-26 08:36:10
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MBC Addresses Allegations of Pre-Planned Trip by Jeon Hyun-moo MBC's 'I Live Alone' production team has clarified allegations that broadcaster Jeon Hyun-moo's spontaneous trip to Kazakhstan was pre-arranged.According to Yonhap News on the 25th, the production team stated, "Jeon Hyun-moo's trip to Kazakhstan was exactly as shown in the broadcast," denying the suspicions.They added, "Just before departing for Kazakhstan, he submitted his international driver's license and passport to a local rental car company at the airport to rent a vehicle." Furthermore, they noted, "After the broadcast, we received inquiries about the local car rental process and confirmed with the South Korean Embassy in Kazakhstan that a separate notarization procedure is required, which we learned only later." The production team explained, "The 'I Live Alone' team and Jeon Hyun-moo relied solely on the guidance of the local rental car company, which led to violations of local traffic laws." They also mentioned that the embassy indicated that many citizens face issues like this and will enhance their guidance.In the episode aired on the 14th, Jeon Hyun-moo decided on his travel destination spontaneously at the airport and traveled to Almaty, Kazakhstan, where he submitted only his international driver's license and passport to rent a car.However, following the broadcast, there was controversy over whether the spontaneous trip was fabricated.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-26 08:36:00
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Coinone Eliminates Trading Fees for All Cryptocurrency Transactions Coinone has announced that it will eliminate trading fees for all cryptocurrency transactions.Starting at 11 a.m. on the 26th and until further notice, Coinone will reduce its trading fee rate to 0% for all transactions.Users can obtain a fee-free voucher through the Coinone website and app, allowing them to trade without fees across all cryptocurrencies. The voucher benefits will last for 30 days and can be reissued without any specific qualifications or limits on usage.Previously, on the 21st, Coinone also made trading fees free for transactions using personal open API keys. As a result, the platform now offers fee-free benefits to nearly all users and transaction types, with some exceptions.Coinone aims to reduce the trading cost burden on users while promoting trading activity and expanding customer benefits through this fee elimination.A Coinone representative stated, "We made this decision to not only alleviate the fee burden on customers but also to maximize the tangible benefits they can gain from using Coinone. We will continue to enhance differentiated benefits to establish ourselves as the exchange with the most advantages for users."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-26 08:36:00
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LG Chem targets AI chips at Taiwan expo SEOUL, August 26 (AJP) - LG Chem will bring a lineup of advanced packaging and power semiconductor materials for artificial intelligence chips to SEMICON Taiwan 2026, positioning its materials business for a market that AI demand is expanding rapidly. The company said Wednesday it will exhibit solutions for high-bandwidth memory (HBM) and other AI chips at the three-day show, which runs from Sept. 2 to 4 at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center. SEMICON Taiwan is one of the world's leading trade fairs for semiconductor technology, drawing chipmakers, outsourced assembly and test firms, and substrate and packaging players. LG Chem will display materials targeting the expansion of the AI chip and high-performance computing markets. Its Advanced Package Zone will feature copper clad laminate, glass core solutions, build-up film and dry film solder resist, among other materials used in cutting-edge packaging processes. A separate Power Package Zone will highlight conductive sintering paste, thermal interface materials and copper metal foam-based thermal management devices, which the company said help boost chip performance by improving heat control in power semiconductors for AI data centers. Through the exhibition, LG Chem aims to deepen ties with major chipmakers and forge new projects, accelerating growth in its semiconductor materials business as demand for high-performance materials climbs. "Customer demand for high-performance materials is rising as the AI chip and advanced packaging markets expand," LG Chem Chief Executive Kim Dong-choon said. "We will broaden cooperation with semiconductor clients on the strength of a differentiated materials portfolio and actively seize growth opportunities in the future chip market." AJP Takeaways • LG Chem is pushing deeper into semiconductor materials, using SEMICON Taiwan to court chipmakers, OSAT firms and packaging players for its AI-chip and advanced-packaging portfolio. • The lineup spans HBM-related advanced packaging (copper clad laminate, glass core, build-up film, dry film solder resist) and power-chip materials (sintering paste, thermal interface materials, copper metal foam), targeting the AI and HPC buildout at data centers. • The move fits a broader race among Korean chemical makers to convert materials expertise into higher-margin chip-supply-chain revenue as AI demand reshapes the market. 2026-08-26 08:33:01 -
Is the New Avante the People's First Car? A Test Drive Review The Avante, often referred to as the "people's first car," has become smarter. Once known primarily for its value, this compact sedan has improved its market appeal. The "All-New Avante," launched on August 5, is the first new model introduced in nearly six years since April 2020. On August 24, a test drive was conducted from Hyundai Motorstudio Goyang to Incheon Yeongjongdo, covering approximately 80 kilometers. The route included a mix of urban and highway driving. The vehicle tested was the hybrid (HEV) top trim, Inspiration. The first thing that caught the eye was the angular design of the exterior. The "Art of Steel" concept showcases the material's inherent elasticity, enhancing its sporty appearance. From the perspective of a people's first car, the eighth-generation Avante is quite recommendable, thanks to its significantly expanded driving assistance features. Throughout the drive, various functions helped reduce the burden on the driver. Notably, the "Navigation-Based Smart Cruise Control 2 (NSCC2)" was particularly useful. By pressing a control button on the steering wheel, the maximum speed was adjusted to match the speed limit indicated on the navigation system. When approaching speed bumps, the system automatically reduced speed to the upper 20 km/h range. After passing the obstacle, it returned to the previously set speed. With the lane-keeping assist feature activated, there was little need for driver intervention during highway driving. The vehicle changed lanes automatically when the turn signal was activated. However, there were some shortcomings in the technology's effectiveness. While changing to the right lane was smooth, the left lane changes were less reliable. Additionally, the system sometimes failed to quickly recognize vehicles in the adjacent lane when changing lanes. Occasionally, when a vehicle merged into the Avante's lane without maintaining a safe distance, the response was delayed, requiring manual steering adjustments. While the driving assistance features are commendable, they do not provide complete peace of mind. The "steering wheel grip detection" feature seemed to reflect this concern, as a warning sound activated approximately 27 seconds after releasing the steering wheel. In terms of infotainment, the "Pleos Connect" system was convenient. The central display was sufficiently large to view driving information, navigation, and app screens at a glance. The audio quality was also satisfying, with external noise mostly blocked, enhancing sound quality in "surround mode" or "cinema mode." * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-26 08:32:00
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KOSPI Expected to Rise Following U.S. Stock Market Rebound Amid Semiconductor Buybacks The U.S. stock market rebounded overnight, buoyed by falling government bond rates and international oil prices, as well as a recovery in semiconductor stocks. This trend is expected to carry over to the domestic market on the 26th. Attention is focused on whether the KOSPI, which recovered after a sharp drop at the start of the previous trading session, can maintain its upward momentum. In pre-market trading at 8:20 a.m., Samsung Electronics rose by 3,000 won (1.17%) to 260,000 won, while SK Hynix increased by 21,000 won (1.25%) to 1,699,000 won. SK Square also saw a 0.94% rise, and Hyundai Motor gained 1.90%. Conversely, Samsung Electro-Mechanics fell by 0.59%. In the U.S. market, semiconductor stocks also experienced a rebound. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed up 160.24 points (0.30%) at 53,577.40, while the S&P 500 rose by 24.42 points (0.32%) to 7,677.28, and the Nasdaq Composite increased by 171.11 points (0.66%) to 26,151.30. The Dow has now risen for three consecutive trading days. Nvidia ended the day up 2.19% at $213.05, breaking a seven-day losing streak, and AMD surged over 4% following an upgrade from a brokerage. Micron also saw gains, contributing to a more than 1% increase in the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index. Stabilizing market interest rates are also seen as a positive factor for the domestic stock market. The yield on the U.S. 10-year Treasury note fell by 8.1 basis points to 4.623%, while the 30-year yield dropped by 7.1 basis points to 5.160%. The decline in oil prices and easing concerns over military conflict between the U.S. and Iran contributed to the drop in rates, despite the consumer confidence index for August falling short of market expectations. Han Ji-young, a researcher at Kiwoom Securities, stated, "With the decline in U.S. 10-year and 30-year bond yields and the strength of the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index, we expect the domestic market to show an upward trend." Looking ahead, the key variable that will determine market direction is U.S. inflation. The personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index for July, set to be released on the 26th, along with the Jackson Hole meeting scheduled for the 28th, are anticipated to be major events influencing interest rates. If inflation shows signs of easing in the PCE data, the potential for a resurgence in long-term rates may be limited, creating a favorable environment for growth stocks such as AI and semiconductors. Lee Kyung-min, a researcher at Daishin Securities, noted, "High interest rates are being incorporated as a manageable scenario rather than a new unexpected risk," adding that maintaining the existing leading stocks at market capitalization levels while gradually buying into sectors like distribution, securities, power equipment, and biotechnology during further adjustments could be a viable strategy.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-26 08:28:00