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  • Korea business sentiment hits four-year high on chip boom
    Korea business sentiment hits four-year high on chip boom SEOUL, Aug. 26 (AJP) — South Korean business sentiment rose to its highest level in nearly four years in August, buoyed by strong semiconductor exports and tourism demand even as domestic consumption and factory activity remained weak. The Composite Business Sentiment Index (CBSI) for all industries rose 1.1 points from July to 99.6, the highest reading since September 2022, according to the Bank of Korea (BOK) Wednesday. The outlook for September gained 3.1 points to 99.6. A reading above 100 means business sentiment is stronger than its long-term average, while a figure below 100 indicates weaker sentiment. Manufacturing CBSI gained 0.6 point to 103.8, while nonmanufacturing sentiment rose 1.5 points to 96.7. The September outlook increased to 102.5 for manufacturers and 97.6 for nonmanufacturers. Sentiment also improved among smaller manufacturers. CBSI for small and medium-sized manufacturers rose 2.2 points to 99.8. The index for large companies fell 1.6 points to 103.7. The gap between exporters and domestically focused businesses, however, remained wide as growth increasingly leaned on semiconductor shipments. Sentiment among export-oriented manufacturers climbed to 108.5 from 107.5. The index for domestically focused firms slipped to 99.4 from 100.0. Outside factories, the improvement was led by transportation and storage businesses, supported by higher maritime freight rates and stronger summer passenger and cargo demand. Information and communications firms also reported better conditions. Professional, scientific and technical services benefited from stronger orders for architecture, design and semiconductor-related engineering. Manufacturing sentiment remained firm, but stronger confidence was not matched by stronger factory activity. The manufacturing business-conditions BSI slipped one point to 81. Production fell to 92 from 93 and sales dropped to 93 from 96, while new orders were unchanged at 92. The gain in manufacturing CBSI was driven mainly by inventories and funding conditions, which contributed 0.6 point and 0.4 point, respectively. Business conditions and production each subtracted 0.2 point. Price-related indicators also eased in August. The BSI for manufacturers' raw-material purchase prices fell to 123 from 129, while the selling-price index declined to 102 from 105. Profitability improved to 81 from 79, and funding conditions rose to 82 from 81. Domestic demand remained a weak spot despite the broader improvement in sentiment. Among manufacturers, the share citing sluggish domestic demand as a major business difficulty rose 2.6 percentage points to 19.0 percent in August. For nonmanufacturers, weak domestic demand was the most frequently cited difficulty at 19.4 percent, up from 18.4 percent in July. The broader Economic Sentiment Index, which combines business and consumer confidence, rose 1.5 points to 99.4. Its cyclical component gained 0.4 point to 96.9. The mixed readings come a day before the BOK's Monetary Policy Board decides whether to follow July's 25-basis-point increase with another hike or keep the benchmark rate unchanged at 2.75 percent. Five of nine economists surveyed jointly by AJP and Aju Business Daily expect the central bank to hold. A Korea Financial Investment Association survey showed 79 percent of bond-market professionals also forecast no change. AJP Takeaways • South Korea's all-industry CBSI rose 1.1 points to 99.6 in August, its highest level since September 2022, while the September outlook climbed 3.1 points to 99.6. • Semiconductor exports, tourism and transportation helped lift South Korean business sentiment, with manufacturing CBSI reaching 103.8 and nonmanufacturing CBSI rising to 96.7. • Factory production and sales weakened despite improved corporate confidence, while sluggish domestic demand remained the biggest concern ahead of the Bank of Korea's Aug. 27 rate decision. 2026-08-26 07:25:37
  • Russian Media Reports US-Iran Ceasefire Agreement Expected Soon
    Russian Media Reports US-Iran Ceasefire Agreement Expected Soon Russian news agency RIA Novosti reported on August 25 that Iran and the United States have agreed to a ceasefire, with an official announcement expected in the coming days. However, there has been no official confirmation from either the US or Iranian governments.According to RIA Novosti, citing sources from Pakistan and Iran, the agreement includes provisions for ensuring free navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. No follow-up reports from the agency have emerged yet.This report comes as Pakistan has been mediating between the US and Iran, facilitating diplomatic contacts aimed at resuming negotiations.On August 24, General Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff of Pakistan, and Minister of Interior Mohsin Naqvi visited Tehran for high-level talks with Iranian leadership. Following the meeting, Naqvi stated on social media platform X, "We had very positive and productive discussions," adding that there was significant progress and the talks concluded in a very positive atmosphere.The visit by the Pakistani delegation occurred just before the US announced plans to expand economic sanctions against Iran. On August 24, US Treasury Secretary Scott Vessen announced new sanctions aimed at economically isolating Iran, describing it as the largest financial offensive against an adversary.In response, Iran criticized the sanctions as an attack on the sovereignty of all nations and a violation of the right to self-determination.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-26 07:04:00
  • Private Asset Managers Outperform Large Firms in ETF Market
    Private Asset Managers Outperform Large Firms in ETF Market ◆아주경제 주요뉴스▷ETF는 '속빈 강정'? ...사모운용사, 대형운용사 제치고 수익 대약진- In the first half of the year, while large asset management firms saw an increase in assets under management due to a booming ETF market, their profitability remained relatively weak due to low management fees and intensified competition.- Mirae Asset Management topped the list with a net profit of 906.3 billion won, while private asset managers like Korea Investment Value, Tiger, DS, and Timefolio dominated the upper ranks in net profit.- Samsung Asset Management, the leader in the ETF market, ranked ninth with a net profit of 129.4 billion won, and KB, Kiwoom, Shinhan, and Korea Investment Trust Management also fell outside the top ten.- Private asset managers benefited from relatively high management and performance fees, along with gains from asset evaluations and disposals due to the stock market boom, significantly improving their profitability.- However, the expansion of private asset managers' performance has also led to a sharp increase in labor costs, and the volatility of performance based on market conditions raises the possibility of changes in rankings in the second half of the year. ◆주요 리포트▷DS증 "한미약품, 제넨텍에 3조원대 기술수출…목표가 상향"- DS Investment Securities raised the target price for Hanmi Pharmaceutical to 720,000 won, reflecting the increase in corporate value due to the technology export of HM17321.- Hanmi Pharmaceutical signed a global rights technology transfer agreement for HM17321 with Genentech, with a total contract value of approximately 3.1892 trillion won, including an upfront payment of about 262.9 billion won.- DS Investment Securities assessed that the likelihood of success in Phase 1 clinical trials has increased due to the technology export, estimating the pipeline value of HM17321 at 1.3315 trillion won.- Future factors for additional corporate value increase include domestic approval and launch of epeglanatide, Phase 1 results for HM17321, and Phase 2 results for HM15275.- However, the poor performance of its Chinese subsidiary, Beijing Hanmi, poses a variable, and normalization of performance could further enhance Hanmi Pharmaceutical's corporate value. ◆장 마감 후(25일) 주요공시▷ 에쎈테크, 5대 1 주식병합 결정▷ 예스티, 삼성전자와 175억 규모 반도체 제조용 장비 계약▷ 대동, 계열사 대동모빌리티 주식 339억원에 추가취득 ◆펀드 동향(24일 기준, ETF 제외)국내주식형 -407억원해외주식형 -10억원 ◆오늘(수) 주요일정한국-소비자심리지수(8월)독일-GDP성장률 확정치(2Q), Ifo 기업환경지수(8월)미국-주택가격지수(6월), 신규주택판매(7월), 소비자신뢰지수(8월)* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-26 07:04:00
  • New Trade Chief Emphasizes Unified Response to U.S. Trade Issues
    New Trade Chief Emphasizes Unified Response to U.S. Trade Issues Park Jeong-seong, the new head of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy's Trade Negotiation Headquarters, held the first meeting of the Trade Promotion Committee after his appointment, addressing U.S. tariffs, non-tariff measures, and investment issues.On August 26, the Ministry convened the 59th Trade Promotion Committee at the Government Sejong Center, chaired by Park, with participation from senior officials from relevant ministries.The ministry reviewed recent trade issues with the U.S. and discussed strategies to address key concerns, including tariffs, non-tariff barriers, and U.S. investment. It emphasized enhancing information sharing and collaboration among ministries to respond swiftly to U.S. measures and changes in the trade environment, while supporting stable exports and investments for domestic companies.Under the Korea-U.S. trade agreement, the U.S. applies a 15% reciprocal tariff on South Korean products and has reduced tariffs under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act on automobiles and auto parts to 15%. South Korea plans to invest a total of $350 billion in the U.S., including $150 billion in the shipbuilding sector and $200 billion in strategic industries such as semiconductors, energy, and critical minerals.As a result, selecting investment projects, managing profit and risk distribution, and providing financial support remain key trade tasks. The U.S. is also expanding its item-specific tariffs.On the same day, the government discussed plans for bilateral agreements with Argentina and Uruguay, aiming to expand cooperation with major South American countries, which are seen as untapped markets, to diversify export markets.The government also reviewed its approach for the upcoming G20 Trade Ministers' Meeting, scheduled from September 30 to October 1. It discussed sharing trends on major agenda items and coordinating among ministries to reflect South Korea's position in multilateral trade discussions.The government plans to activate a whole-of-government cooperation system centered on the Trade Promotion Committee to address U.S. trade issues, new market trade agreements, and multilateral cooperation.Park emphasized, "In the current environment of significant uncertainty in trade, it is crucial to respond steadfastly to U.S. trade issues. We must diversify our trade network to new markets, such as South America, and actively reflect our position in multilateral forums like the G20."He added, "I urge relevant ministries to closely share situational awareness and consolidate their capabilities to respond as a unified team." 2026-08-26 06:52:00
  • U.S. Stocks Rise as Treasury Yields Fall for Second Day, Boosting Tech Shares
    U.S. Stocks Rise as Treasury Yields Fall for Second Day, Boosting Tech Shares On August 25, U.S. stocks rose as Treasury yields fell for the second consecutive day, boosting technology shares.According to the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), the Dow Jones Industrial Average closed up 160.24 points (0.30%) at 53,577.40. The S&P 500 index increased by 24.40 points (0.32%) to finish at 7,677.28, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite rose by 171.11 points (0.66%) to close at 26,151.30.CNBC reported that the decline in U.S. Treasury yields improved investor sentiment towards technology stocks. The benchmark 10-year Treasury yield fell by more than 7 basis points to 4.625%.In anticipation of Nvidia's earnings report on August 26, semiconductor stocks also saw gains. Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) rose by 4.9%, and Micron Technology increased by 2.5%.In contrast, consumer goods stocks struggled. Dick's Sporting Goods saw its stock plummet by 30% following its earnings report, while Walmart and Target shares fell by 1% and 4%, respectively.The decline in consumer confidence and escalating trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada have weighed on consumer goods stocks.On this day, the Conference Board announced that the preliminary consumer confidence index for August stood at 89.4 (1985=100), down 0.8 points from the previous month’s revised figure of 90.2. This figure fell short of market expectations of 90.2.Canada announced it would impose retaliatory tariffs of up to 50% on approximately $20 billion worth of U.S. products in response to U.S. tariffs, escalating trade tensions between the two countries.Brett Kenwell, a U.S. investment analyst at eToro, told CNBC, "While corporate earnings reports indicate that consumer spending remains solid, the market can withstand negative consumer sentiment. However, if actual consumption declines, it will be hard to ignore."As consumer sentiment weakens, investors are focusing on the upcoming release of the revised U.S. second-quarter GDP and the July Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index on August 26.Meanwhile, international oil prices continued to decline for the second day as concerns over U.S. sanctions against Iran eased.October Brent crude fell by $3.59 (3.89%) to $88.58 per barrel, while October West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude dropped by $2.65 (3.12%) to $82.36 per barrel. 2026-08-26 06:40:00
  • Iran: U.S. Must Fully Comply with Obligations for Strait of Hormuz Reopening
    Iran: U.S. Must Fully Comply with Obligations for Strait of Hormuz Reopening The Iranian government has stated that the full compliance of the United States with its obligations is a prerequisite for reopening the Strait of Hormuz.On August 25, Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister, said in an interview with state-run IRIB that "before taking measures to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the United States must fully comply with all obligations it has violated."He added, "We preemptively blocked the strait before the imposition of serious economic sanctions by the U.S. because the U.S. failed to fulfill its obligations under the agreement," placing the fundamental responsibility for the closure of the strait on the U.S.Gharibabadi also outlined three specific conditions for normalizing navigation in the strait, stating, "In addition to U.S. compliance, the end of war on all fronts, the lifting of the blockade, and the resolution of the Yemen crisis must be guaranteed for the Strait of Hormuz to reopen."Furthermore, Gharibabadi dismissed U.S. claims regarding mine removal operations in the strait as mere propaganda, asserting, "If the U.S. had actually removed mines, why are no vessels able to pass through the strait? If U.S. mine countermeasures ships enter this area, they will become excellent targets for us."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-26 06:20:20
  • Canada Imposes $20 Billion Retaliatory Tariffs on U.S. Goods
    Canada Imposes $20 Billion Retaliatory Tariffs on U.S. Goods Canada announced on August 25 that it will impose retaliatory tariffs of up to 50% on approximately $20 billion worth of U.S. products in response to American tariffs. This marks a significant escalation in the trade conflict between the North American allies.According to Reuters, the Canadian Ministry of Finance stated that it will apply varying tariffs of 15%, 25%, and 50% on about 700 U.S. products, totaling 27.6 billion Canadian dollars (approximately $20 billion). These tariffs will take effect on September 8.The Canadian government described the move as a 'dollar-for-dollar' and 'rate-for-rate' response to the U.S. imposing a 50% tariff on Canadian goods worth about $20 billion starting August 22.Specific products, such as U.S. steel and aluminum, will face the highest tariff rate of 50%. Other items, including appliances, cheese, and seafood, will incur a 25% tariff, while electronics and tools will be subject to a 15% tariff.A Canadian government official explained that the tariffs are designed to protect Canadian consumers and businesses while also delivering a blow to the U.S.Additionally, the Canadian government announced a support package worth 7.5 billion Canadian dollars (approximately $5.4 billion) for businesses and workers affected by the trade tensions.Canadian Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne stated, 'We did not want this conflict, but we must respond firmly when economic integration is weaponized instead of fostering mutual benefit.' He added that the current situation represents an unprecedented challenge forced upon Canada.The tariff dispute intensified following the collapse of trade negotiations between the two countries last week. Previously, U.S. President Donald Trump imposed a new 50% tariff on Canadian imports worth $20 billion after talks to prevent such tariffs failed on August 22.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-26 06:16:00
  • Dongduk Womens University to Select 1,102 Students for 2027 Admissions
    Dongduk Women's University to Select 1,102 Students for 2027 Admissions Dongduk Women's University, a leading institution in cultural and knowledge convergence, will select 1,102 students for its 2027 early admissions. The university has established a new mid- to long-term development plan called 'VISION 2030' to accelerate educational innovation focused on convergence and practicality in line with the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The university is particularly noted for its 'multi-campus' model, connecting its main campus in Wolgok with the Daehangno Performing Arts Center and the Cheongdam Design Hub, emphasizing hands-on training for practical talent development. This early admissions process will actively seek 'ARETE-type convergent talents' through seven admission categories reflecting Dongduk's educational philosophy. The student record-based admissions are divided into two main categories: comprehensive student record admissions (Dongduk Creative Leader, opportunity balance, specialized high school graduates) and academic record admissions (academic excellence). The most populous category, the comprehensive Dongduk Creative Leader admissions (255 students), aims to discover creative talents with potential in their chosen fields. In the first stage, candidates are selected based on 100% document review, and in the second stage, the final candidates are determined by combining 40% of the first-stage scores with 60% from interviews. Given the high weight of 60% for the interview, applicants should thoroughly analyze their recorded activities and practice logical responses to interview questions. Notably, pharmacy applicants must also meet minimum score requirements in the college entrance exam. The academic excellence admissions will select 196 students based solely on academic performance. While a recommendation from the school principal is required, there is no limit on the number of recommendations from each high school, broadening the pool of applicants. Last year's admission results showed that successful candidates for general programs had scores in the late 2s to early 3s, while pharmacy candidates averaged around 1.3. The minimum score requirement for the college entrance exam is a combined score of 6 or lower in two subjects (with one subject from the top level), but pharmacy candidates must meet a separate standard of 6 or lower across three subjects (Korean, Mathematics—Calculus/Geometry required—and two science subjects, with one from the top level). The essay excellence admissions will select 266 students based solely on essay exam scores, with a minimum score requirement (combined score of 6 or lower in two subjects). A significant change for the 2027 admissions is the complete overhaul of the essay format from descriptive to short-answer format. In both the humanities and natural sciences, six main questions will be drawn from Korean and Mathematics, with two cross-disciplinary questions. The Korean section will assess reading comprehension and summarization skills, while the Mathematics section will evaluate logical and clear problem-solving processes. Notably, the topics of 'probability and statistics, calculus, and geometry' have been excluded from the exam scope, reducing the burden on candidates. Students can adequately prepare by referring to the essay guidebook available on the admissions office website, based on school lessons and EBS materials. The practical skills admissions (361 students) and special talent admissions (12 students) place a significant emphasis on practical exam scores. The practical skills admissions will weigh practical skills at 80% and academic records at 20%, but when converted to actual impact, practical scores account for 87%, effectively determining admission outcomes. The special talent admissions for modeling, broadcasting, and practical music will also reflect 80% of practical scores in the second stage after a qualification review in the first stage, so applicants must focus their efforts on preparing for practical exams. Starting in 2026, Dongduk Women's University will enhance its internationalization efforts by establishing the 'International College,' dedicated to foreign students. Five majors, including Arts & Media and BioHealth Sciences, are expected to foster positive academic synergy with domestic students. Additionally, the university offers interdisciplinary majors such as 'Fashion Marketing,' 'Global Multicultural Studies,' and 'Big Data' to cultivate creative professionals who can respond swiftly to the demands of an increasingly complex future society. As a result of these educational innovations, the university recently received an S grade in the educational innovation category and an A grade in the self-performance management category from the Ministry of Education's university innovation support project evaluation, widely recognizing its excellence.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-26 06:04:20
  • Business Sentiment Reaches Highest Level in Nearly Four Years Amid Semiconductor Boom
    Business Sentiment Reaches Highest Level in Nearly Four Years Amid Semiconductor Boom Business sentiment among companies has improved to its highest level in nearly four years, driven by a strong semiconductor sector and increased demand in transportation, leisure, and the recovery of broadcasting and film services during the vacation season.According to the Bank of Korea's 'August Business Survey Results' released on the 26th, the Composite Business Sentiment Index (CBSI) for all industries rose to 99.6 this month, an increase of 1.1 points from the previous month. This marks the highest level since September 2022 (102.0), reaching a peak not seen in three years and eleven months.The CBSI is a measure of business sentiment calculated using key indices from the Business Survey Index (BSI), which includes five manufacturing and four non-manufacturing sectors. A score above 100 indicates optimistic sentiment, while a score below 100 reflects pessimism.By sector, the CBSI for manufacturing rose by 0.6 points to 103.8, while the non-manufacturing index increased by 1.5 points to 96.7. The rise in manufacturing was attributed to improvements in product inventory (+0.6 points) and financial conditions (+0.4 points), while non-manufacturing saw gains in sales (+0.6 points) and financial conditions (+0.5 points).Notably, the manufacturing CBSI has shown a continuous upward trend for five months since recording 97.1 in March, largely influenced by the favorable semiconductor market.However, the sentiment among large enterprises showed a contrasting trend, with the CBSI for large companies falling by 1.6 points to 103.7, while small and medium-sized enterprises saw an increase of 2.2 points to 99.8.Park Yong-min, head of the Bank of Korea's Economic Sentiment Survey Team, explained, "This month, the semiconductor sector performed well, and non-manufacturing benefited from increased transportation and leisure demand during the vacation season, as well as the recovery of broadcasting and film services."Regarding the decline in sentiment among large enterprises, he noted that temporary factors played a significant role. Park stated, "Production was sluggish in sectors with a high concentration of large companies, and the relatively higher vacation time for large enterprises compared to small businesses may have influenced this. The BSI can be affected by temporary factors, so it is important to observe the trend."Looking ahead, businesses are optimistic about next month. The forecast for the CBSI for September is 99.6, which is an increase of 3.1 points from the previous month's forecast. The manufacturing outlook is 102.5, up 2.0 points, while the non-manufacturing forecast is 97.6, an increase of 3.9 points.The Economic Sentiment Index (ESI) for August, which incorporates the Consumer Sentiment Index (CSI) into the BSI, rose by 1.5 points to 99.4 compared to the previous month. The seasonally adjusted ESI cyclical fluctuation value also increased by 0.4 points to 96.9.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-26 06:04:20
  • Seoul Womens University Launches AI Major, Accepts 991 Students for 2027 Admissions
    Seoul Women's University Launches AI Major, Accepts 991 Students for 2027 Admissions Seoul Women's University will select 991 students, accounting for 54.8% of its total admissions, in its early admissions process for the 2027 academic year. Earlier this year, the university announced its AX (AI Transformation) slogan, "AI to Learn, Human to Share," emphasizing a vision for participatory and convergent AI education. In line with this educational innovation, the university has established a new "Artificial Intelligence Major" within its AI Convergence Department and restructured its Liberal Arts program to expand options for prospective students and enhance career exploration opportunities. The breakdown of admissions by category is as follows: 677 for the comprehensive student record evaluation, 185 for the academic record evaluation, 120 for the essay-based evaluation, and 73 for the performance-based evaluation. To reduce the burden on applicants, the admissions structure has been simplified, and minimum academic standards are only applied to the academic record evaluation, while most other categories do not have such requirements. The largest category, the comprehensive student record evaluation, is divided into "document-based" and "interview-based" assessments. The document-based Barom Talent Document Evaluation (183 students) and Opportunity Balance Evaluation (61 for social integration, 63 for rural areas, and 23 for specialized high schools) select students solely based on their school records without interviews or minimum academic standards. The evaluation considers academic ability (40%), career potential (30%), and community engagement (30%), favoring students who have demonstrated academic achievement and self-directed inquiry throughout their school years. Conversely, the interview-based Barom Talent Interview Evaluation (202 students), SW Convergence Talent Evaluation (33 students), and Christian Leader Evaluation (23 students) employ a two-step process. In the first stage, 100% of the selection is based on documents, with five times the number of candidates (three times for the Christian Leader Evaluation) being chosen. In the second stage, the final candidates are determined by combining 50% of the first-stage scores with 50% from the interview. The high weight of 50% for the interview evaluation, with career potential accounting for 40% of the assessment, means that candidates must clearly articulate their career exploration activities and interest in their chosen major after passing the first stage. The interviews will be conducted on November 28 and 29, after the national exam, to alleviate the burden on applicants.The academic record evaluation (academic excellence category) will select 185 students based solely on their academic performance. While recommendations from high school principals are required, there is no limit on the number of recommendations from each school, allowing for broad participation. The subjects considered include Korean, mathematics, English, social studies, and science, with additional points awarded for the top three subjects in which students excelled among their elective courses taken by the end of the first semester of their senior year. The minimum academic standards require students to achieve a combined grade of 7 or lower in two of the four areas: Korean, mathematics, English, and inquiry (highest subject). The essay-based evaluation will select a total of 120 students exclusively for the "Liberal Arts Department (General)". The evaluation combines 80% from the essay exam and 20% from the academic record, with no minimum academic standards applied. The selection will be divided into 80 for the humanities and social sciences and 40 for the natural sciences, with the humanities exam consisting of two integrated questions (data analysis and opinion presentation) and the natural sciences exam assessing mathematical reasoning through 2-4 questions from the mathematics I and II curriculum. The essay exam is scheduled for November 21, shortly after the national exam. Students admitted to the Liberal Arts Department will have the flexibility to choose any major, except for Christian Studies and arts-related fields, upon advancing to their second year, making it an attractive option for those interested in interdisciplinary education. This year, Seoul Women's University has established a new "Artificial Intelligence Major" within its AI Convergence Department, selecting 25 students as part of its regional growth talent development initiative. In the early admissions process, talent will be recruited through the Barom Talent Document Evaluation (4 students), SW Convergence Talent Evaluation (4 students), Opportunity Balance Evaluation (2 students), and Academic Excellence Evaluation (4 students). The AI Convergence Department now includes the new Artificial Intelligence Major alongside existing majors in Software and Data Science, solidifying a strong foundation for future advanced IT fields. Additionally, a new Advanced Convergence Department for working professionals has been established, offering 25 spots in AI Immersive Content, 25 in New Media Design, and 39 in Business Management, selected solely based on documents to expand lifelong learning opportunities.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-26 06:04:20