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  • Chung-Ang University to Admit 2,862 Students in 2027 Early Admissions
    Chung-Ang University to Admit 2,862 Students in 2027 Early Admissions Chung-Ang University will select 2,862 students, accounting for 57.5% of its total admissions, through its 2027 early admissions process. This includes 2,517 spots within the quota and 345 outside of it, excluding the overseas student category. The breakdown of admissions by type shows that the holistic review will admit the most students at 1,478, followed by the subject-specific review with 508, the essay review with 489, and the performance-based review with 387.The key features of Chung-Ang University's 2027 early admissions include the diversification of admission types, expanded options for applicants, and enhanced scholarship benefits for incoming students. New categories have been introduced in both the holistic and essay reviews, allowing students to develop optimal admission strategies based on their strengths and preparation for the College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT). Additionally, applicants can now apply to multiple admission types, significantly broadening their opportunities.The most notable change is in the holistic review, which will select 1,478 students. This review has been restructured into three categories: 'Inquiry Talent' (512 spots), 'Convergence Talent' (378 spots), and the newly introduced 'Growth Talent' (108 spots). The 'Growth Talent' category features a multi-stage selection process, beginning with a 100% document review to select five times the number of spots, followed by a 30% interview component in the second stage. Unlike the Inquiry Talent category, the Growth Talent category will apply minimum CSAT score requirements. For the Growth Talent, the minimum score for the Humanities and Natural Sciences at the Seoul campus and the Nursing program is a combined score of 6 across three subjects, while the Pharmacy and Medicine programs require a combined score of 5 across four subjects. Each admission type has different evaluation criteria and weightings for academic, career, and community competencies, allowing students to choose the most suitable option and apply to multiple types.The essay review, which will select a total of 489 students, will also be restructured into two types. The existing 'Essay (General Type)' will remain, admitting 403 students through an exam held after the CSAT, while a new 'Essay (Creative Type)' will be introduced, admitting 86 students. Applicants can apply to both types, and the Creative Type will not have minimum CSAT score requirements, aiming to reduce the pressure of the CSAT while selecting candidates with logical thinking and problem-solving skills. The Creative Type exam will take place on October 11, before the CSAT, while the General Type will be held on November 28 and 29.Additionally, the expansion of enrollment in advanced strategic fields that will lead future industries is a significant aspect of this early admissions process. To accelerate the training of talent in key national industries such as artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, software, and industrial security, the university has significantly increased the number of spots in related departments. The Intelligent Semiconductor Engineering Department will admit 30 students, an increase of 10 from the previous year, while the AI Department and Software Department will expand their enrollments to 56 and 160, respectively. Notably, the Industrial Security Department will select 69 students, an increase of 35 over the past two years.The subject-specific review will select 508 students based on 100% academic records (90% grades and 10% attendance), while a total of 239 students will be admitted through an 'Open Major Admission' process across the Humanities, Social Sciences, Business, Natural Sciences, and Engineering colleges, as well as the Da Vinci Campus Biotechnology College. The performance-based review will select a total of 387 students, including 313 through practical exams and 74 through talent-based assessments.The scholarship program for the 2027 academic year has also been strengthened to alleviate tuition burdens and support students through to graduate school. The scholarship offerings include 'Chung-Ang Top Talent,' 'Chung-Ang Excellent Talent,' 'Science Talent,' and 'Engineering Talent.' Notably, the 'Chung-Ang Excellent Talent' scholarship will provide full tuition for four years (eight semesters) to all students in the top 10% of the initial admitted students across major admission types (Regional Balance, Inquiry, Convergence, and Growth Talent) and the regular CSAT (General) admission. An additional annual academic support fund of 2 million won will also be provided.Among the recipients of the Chung-Ang Excellent Talent scholarship, up to two students from each college will be selected as 'Chung-Ang Top Talent' based on their admission scores, receiving full tuition for four years, an annual academic support fund of 4 million won, full tuition for graduate school, an annual research fund of 2.4 million won, 200,000 won for exchange student selection, and priority selection for on-campus housing for four years.Additionally, tailored scholarships for outstanding natural and engineering students are noteworthy. All graduates from science high schools and gifted schools entering natural science departments, excluding the College of Medicine and Pharmacy, will receive full tuition for four years and support for tuition and research funds for graduate school.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-26 06:04:00
  • Sahmyook University Sees 79.87% Increase in Essay Admission Program for 2027
    Sahmyook University Sees 79.87% Increase in Essay Admission Program for 2027 Sahmyook University will admit 1,029 students for the 2027 academic year through its early admissions process, a significant increase of 24.73% (204 students) from last year's 825. As a result, early admissions will account for nearly 80% of the total enrollment.A notable change this year is the expansion of the 'Essay Excellence Admission Program.' The university will select 277 students from all departments, excluding theology and arts, marking a 79.87% increase (123 students) from last year's 154. The pharmacy department will also introduce an essay-based admission process for the first time, admitting five students.The Essay Excellence Admission Program will not consider student records, relying solely on essay exam scores for admissions. The minimum academic standards for general departments require students to achieve a grade of 3 or higher in one of the subjects: Korean, English, Mathematics, or one inquiry subject, significantly reducing the burden on applicants. For pharmacy, students must meet a combined grade of 5 or lower across three subjects: Korean, English, Mathematics (calculus or geometry), and one science subject.The essay exam will be conducted in a 'short-answer essay' format, which is simpler and requires shorter responses compared to traditional language or math essays, easing the pressure on students. General departments will have 13 questions in Korean and Mathematics to complete in 80 minutes, down from 15 questions last year. The pharmacy department will have eight questions in Mathematics, with the same 80-minute time limit.The Seoum Talent Program (comprehensive admission) will select 231 students. In the first stage, 100% of candidates will be chosen based on document evaluation, with four times the number of students advancing to the second stage, where 60% of the first-stage score and 40% from an interview will be combined. The document evaluation will assess academic, career, and community competencies based on the information recorded in student records.The second-stage interview will be based on the document evaluation without any prompts, focusing on individual questions. Each interview will last no longer than eight minutes. All interviews will be conducted anonymously, with candidates' names, schools, and family information kept confidential. Mentioning these details could result in penalties, so candidates should be cautious.The Seoum Talent Program has minimum academic standards only for the pharmacy department, requiring a combined grade of 5 or lower across three subjects: Korean, English, Mathematics (calculus or geometry), and one science subject.The principal recommendation program will admit 131 students based solely on academic records, considering grades from the first semester of the first year to the first semester of the third year without differentiation by year. Candidates must receive recommendations from their high school principals, but there is no limit on the number of recommendations per school.In the principal recommendation program, the physical education and art and design departments will also consider practical exam scores. The physical education department will weigh student records at 40% and practical scores at 60%, while the art and design department will weigh student records at 20% and practical scores at 80%.The principal recommendation program has revised its method of reflecting academic scores. The 'five-grade system' will be implemented a year earlier than planned for the 2028 academic year. The existing nine-grade scores will be converted into five grades: A (100 points) for grades 1-2, B (99 points) for grades 3-4, C (98 points) for grade 5, D (90 points) for grades 6-7, and E (70 points) for grades 8-9.With the reduction in score gaps between grades, practical scores will likely become a decisive factor for admission in the art and design and physical education departments, where practical assessments carry more weight. However, the pharmacy department will maintain the existing nine-grade system due to the need for differentiation at the highest levels, where even decimal points can determine admission outcomes.The minimum academic standards for the principal recommendation program require a combined grade of 7 or lower across two subjects for general departments, 6 or lower for nursing and physical therapy, and 5 or lower for pharmacy across three subjects: Korean, English, Mathematics (calculus or geometry), and one science subject. There are no minimum academic standards for the physical education and art and design departments.The pharmacy department will admit 26 students through early admissions this year, an increase of 10 from last year's 16. This includes 7 from the Seoum Talent Program (comprehensive), 5 from the Essay Excellence Program, 3 from the principal recommendation program, 3 from recommendations by Seventh-day Adventist pastors, 3 from rural areas (non-quota), 3 from Opportunity Balance II (non-quota), and 2 from special education candidates (non-quota).All applicants can apply across different admission programs. Applications will be accepted from September 7 to 11 through the JinHak Apply platform.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-26 06:04:00
  • Koreas AI Breakthrough: A Self-Sustained Launch
    Korea's AI Breakthrough: A Self-Sustained Launch On April 12, 1961, Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin made history as the first human to orbit Earth aboard Vostok 1. More than 60 years later, the threshold for launching a human into space remains high. Only three countries—Russia, the United States, and China—have successfully sent people into orbit using their own launch vehicles and crewed spacecraft.While dozens of countries have produced astronauts, most have purchased 'tickets' to ride on foreign rockets. The difference between hitching a ride and holding a ticket for a self-launched mission is significant.This distinction has persisted. The three nations that first crossed the threshold of self-sustained launches remain at the forefront of the space power competition. Historically, those who pass through the door first in a new era often lead the way for decades to come. Simply crossing the entry barrier qualifies a nation to lead in the next era.Now, that door is opening again, but this time for artificial intelligence (AI).The U.S. nonprofit AI research organization EpochAI has recognized all four elite teams involved in the South Korean government's 'Independent AI Foundation Model' project as 'notable models' developed in the first half of 2026. This recognition serves as a key indicator of national AI competitiveness, as it is included in the annual 'AI Index' report published by Stanford University's Human-Centered AI Institute (HAI).Notably, the list of 'notable models' is exclusive. Only three countries— the United States, China, and South Korea—have had two or more models recognized in 2025 and have continued to have their names included in 2026. Just as the countries that achieved self-sustained launches in space, these three nations have now etched their names at the forefront of AI with their own technologies.As with space, there is a significant difference between 'using foreign technology' and 'creating technology from scratch.' South Korea has demonstrated this difference.By open-sourcing its independently developed foundation models, the country has simultaneously pursued technological independence and the establishment of an open ecosystem. Each team has shared its independently developed technologies as open-source, aiming for a virtuous cycle where they build upon each other's achievements.This approach is significant as it moves beyond a few teams monopolizing results, fostering a collaborative growth of the entire AI ecosystem. By sharing open-source technologies, it lowers the barriers for emerging AI companies and startups, creating an environment where new challengers can continue to emerge, thereby broadening the foundation of national AI competitiveness.The challenge now is the validity of this qualification. History shows that achieving 'self-sufficiency' serves as a starting point for leading the way for decades. However, as seen in the space race, the door does not remain open indefinitely. Those who have entered the door now will write the rules for the next era, while latecomers may find themselves relying on foreign technologies once again. South Korea has just begun to step through that door, but time is of the essence.Simply being in that position does not guarantee an advantage. Bold investments, the development of next-generation technologies, infrastructure expansion, and talent cultivation must support this qualification to translate it into actual leadership.It is now time to continue this momentum. We must establish a robust institutional foundation to support the dynamism and competitiveness of the domestic ecosystem, ensuring that our achievements lead to the next stage of challenges. The AI era is characterized by rapid advancements, where yesterday's technology can quickly fall behind.At this moment, complacency could quickly widen the gap, making it crucial to maintain our current level of vigilance. We expect the government to play a strong guiding role in ensuring that our achievements translate into tangible results that the public can feel.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-26 05:04:10
  • Half of South Koreas Top 30 Groups Connected to NVIDIA Amid Dependency Concerns
    Half of South Korea's Top 30 Groups Connected to NVIDIA Amid Dependency Concerns Nearly half of South Korea's top 30 conglomerates have established direct or indirect business relationships with NVIDIA. As NVIDIA expands its business territory beyond graphics processing units (GPUs) to include artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure and physical AI, the connections with domestic companies are growing. However, there are rising concerns about increasing dependency.According to a report by Aju Economy on August 25, an investigation into the cooperation between the top 30 conglomerates, as defined by the Fair Trade Commission, revealed that seven of the top 10 groups, including Samsung, SK, Hyundai Motor, LG, Lotte, POSCO, and HD Hyundai, are involved. Expanding the scope to the top 20 groups adds KT, LS, CJ, Kakao, and Doosan, bringing the total to 12. Including Naver and Coupang, the number of groups connected to NVIDIA rises to 14.Samsung Electronics collaborates with NVIDIA in the AI semiconductor sector, particularly in high-bandwidth memory (HBM). SK Group is working on building AI factories utilizing NVIDIA GPUs. Hyundai Motor Group is expanding its cooperation in physical AI areas such as autonomous driving and robotics, while LG is enhancing its collaboration in robotics and AI infrastructure. Lotte is pursuing partnerships in AI data centers, and POSCO Group is applying NVIDIA's AI technology in manufacturing.Additionally, KT is involved with NVIDIA in AI infrastructure and the development of large-scale AI models, while LS engages with NVIDIA in the power infrastructure sector. CJ is expanding its business areas in logistics and manufacturing, Kakao is growing its AI cloud business, Doosan is exploring opportunities in energy, robotics, and electronic materials, Naver is focusing on AI factories and cloud services, and Coupang is looking into AI factories and AI inference software.The connections between NVIDIA and domestic companies are expanding beyond the semiconductor supply chain to include data centers, power infrastructure, automotive, shipbuilding, construction machinery, robotics, and logistics. Analysts suggest that the areas where NVIDIA's AI platform aligns with domestic business models are broader than expected.It is essential to monitor the impact of changes in NVIDIA's investment cycle on the overall domestic industry. A slowdown in investments in AI data centers and AI factories could affect not only GPU demand but also investments in related industries such as power, cooling, networking, and equipment.NVIDIA's structure of 'circular finance,' where it directly invests in AI companies or supports funding for AI infrastructure through financial institutions, is also seen as a variable. If the funds supplied to AI companies increasingly lead to purchases of NVIDIA GPUs, it may become challenging to distinguish between actual AI demand and investment scale.While NVIDIA's second-quarter results are expected to exceed consensus estimates, clear signs of a slowdown in AI demand have yet to emerge. However, experts argue that alongside the benefits of the AI supercycle, the risks associated with increased dependency on specific corporate platforms should be assessed.Lee Jong-hwan, a professor at Sangmyung University’s Department of System Semiconductor, stated, "NVIDIA is strategically managing customer relationships by providing various benefits to some companies that are trying to reduce their dependence on its GPUs. South Korean companies should strengthen their monitoring, but it does not appear to be an immediate cause for concern."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-26 05:04:00
  • Nvidias Upcoming Earnings Report Tests Sustainability of AI Boom
    Nvidia's Upcoming Earnings Report Tests Sustainability of AI Boom Nvidia's upcoming second-quarter earnings report is expected to serve as a gauge for the sustainability of the artificial intelligence (AI) industry boom.According to industry sources, Nvidia will announce its second-quarter results after the U.S. stock market closes on August 26. The market anticipates revenue of around $92 billion, representing an increase of over 90% compared to the same period last year and marking a record high for the company.However, behind these market expectations lies concern that Nvidia has been increasing its investments to maintain its leadership in the AI semiconductor market by expanding support for its clients and AI infrastructure. The intertwining of Nvidia's GPUs with AI companies, cloud providers, data centers, and financial institutions has made it difficult to distinguish between actual GPU demand and demand generated by investments.These concerns have been amplified by comparisons to the 'vendor financing' seen in the late 1990s internet sector. Currently, as the costs of building AI data centers surge, AI startups and cloud companies are becoming increasingly reliant on external funding, while Nvidia is directly investing in its clients and AI infrastructure projects.For instance, on August 10, Nvidia announced the establishment of an AI infrastructure financing platform with six financial firms, including Apollo, BlackRock, Blackstone, Brookfield, Goldman Sachs, and KKR, aiming to mobilize over $500 billion in funds.The structure where funds supplied to AI companies are funneled back into Nvidia GPU purchases has led to questions about whether this constitutes 'circulating finance.' Analysts suggest that if investment growth is based on financial support rather than actual AI demand, the growth of the AI infrastructure market may appear inflated.Therefore, even if Nvidia's earnings exceed market expectations, there are concerns that a slowdown in actual GPU demand or a reduction in data center investments could turn the financial support structure that has fueled AI investments into a burden. This could significantly impact domestic companies connected to Nvidia.Experts emphasize that the key takeaway from this earnings report will be the outlook for future GPU demand and AI data center investments, rather than just the revenue figures.A business insider noted, "If actual demand is confirmed in the earnings and guidance, market confidence in the AI supercycle could continue. Conversely, if GPU demand falls short of expectations, the financial support structure Nvidia has built to expand its AI market could exacerbate the impact of a bubble burst."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-26 05:04:00
  • AI Government Procurement Shifts from Construction to Services
    AI Government Procurement Shifts from Construction to Services The focus of government-initiated artificial intelligence (AI) projects is shifting from construction of buildings and complexes to operational projects that build services on existing infrastructure. According to the Public Procurement Service, the budget for AI-related projects issued in construction form has decreased by over 90% in the past year, while the scale of national projects has grown to dominate the overall procurement size.As of August 24, 2026, the total number of construction projects related to 'artificial intelligence' issued through the Public Procurement Service was five, amounting to approximately 500 million won. This represents a 94% decrease in budget compared to the same period last year, which saw nine projects totaling 7.88 billion won.Last year, a single project for relocating the AI Education Center of the Gyeongsangbuk-do Office of Education alone received 5.27 billion won, and when including associated mechanical, electrical, information communication, and fire safety works, the total expenditure approached 6 billion won. This year, large-scale new construction projects have disappeared, leaving only small ancillary works such as the installation of electric meters at the AI complex, which cost 270 million won.Services and platform projects have filled the void. New initiatives have emerged that operate administrative services on already established infrastructure, such as the 6.6 billion won government-wide AI common infrastructure project and the 1.8 billion won AI agent-based review support system project, both commissioned by the Korea Intelligent Information Society Agency.Local governments, which previously limited AI basic plan development to regions like Gyeonggi Province and Gyeongsangnam-do, have expanded this initiative nationwide, including cities like Seoul, Busan, Suncheon, Yeosu, Chuncheon, Goryeong, Geumsan, and Pohang. This shift indicates a transition from the infrastructure-building phase to actual utilization.Despite the growth in the procurement market, small and medium-sized IT companies continue to face tough realities. Most projects are concentrated among large enterprise consortiums.From January 1 to August 24, 2026, the total amount of projects issued under the keyword 'artificial intelligence' through the Public Procurement Service reached 93.9 billion won, a 50.6% increase from 63.4 billion won in the same period last year. However, when combined with the budgets of three major projects awarded to a few large enterprise consortiums, this amount approaches 30 times the total procurement amount.The largest disparity is seen in the National AI Computing Center. This project, awarded to the Samsung SDS consortium through a sole bid, has a total project cost exceeding 2.5 trillion won. Initial funding of 116 billion won has been allocated from the Ministry of Science and ICT and a national policy bank. The initial budget for this single project alone surpasses the total budget for AI projects from the Public Procurement Service over eight months.The consortium includes three Samsung affiliates—Samsung Electronics, Samsung C&T, and Samsung SDS—along with Naver Cloud, Kakao, and KT. The independent AI foundation model (Doppamo) project has a total budget of 213.6 billion won, which is 2.3 times the total procurement amount. Five elite teams, including Naver Cloud, Upstage, SK Telecom, NC AI, and LG AI Research Institute, have been selected to receive comprehensive support for GPU data talent.The 'Everyone's AI' project, aimed at creating a free AI chatbot for all citizens, will utilize 512 NVIDIA B200 GPUs owned by the government. When converted to market rental rates, this amounts to approximately 40.5 billion won worth of government infrastructure being allocated to two or three companies developing public services. This project also requires that more than half of the independent AI models be utilized, raising concerns that only a few large enterprises overlapping with the Doppamo teams will benefit.Through the Public Procurement Service, the scale of projects that small and medium-sized IT companies can secure in a year is dwarfed by just three projects from large enterprise consortiums. Furthermore, these projects are conducted not through competitive bidding by the Public Procurement Service but through government-led solicitations and special purpose corporation (SPC) investments, limiting the avenues for small businesses to participate.A lack of coordination among government departments is also seen as a variable. Among new projects this year, there have been instances where ten different ministries simultaneously entered the same commercialization support project. Of the 20 new projects exempt from preliminary feasibility studies, 14 are AI-related. As the procurement structure shifts from construction to services and expands from a few local governments to nationwide, the verification process for the large-scale budgets allocated to large enterprises has become relatively lax.A representative from a mid-sized IT company stated, “In fact, there have been many cases where the government has integrated existing projects from small and medium-sized enterprises and handed them over to large companies under the guise of AI transition. The market is increasingly centered around large enterprises or flowing towards American capital companies.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-26 05:04:00
  • Nvidia Dominates K-Industry Supply Chain from Semiconductors to Copper Foil
    Nvidia Dominates K-Industry Supply Chain from Semiconductors to Copper Foil The influence of Nvidia, the world's largest artificial intelligence (AI) semiconductor company, is permeating the entire South Korean industrial ecosystem. There is a growing argument that while benefiting from the supercycle led by Nvidia, efforts to strengthen existing competitiveness must also continue.According to industry sources on August 25, the semiconductor sector has reaped the most significant benefits from Nvidia's rapidly growing AI chip business. A prime example is high-bandwidth memory (HBM). The memory supercycle, which has propelled Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix to peak performance in terms of earnings and market capitalization, was triggered by the expansion of Nvidia-driven AI data centers.The substrate business, which supports Nvidia's graphics processing units (GPUs), is also experiencing a positive trend. Major domestic printed circuit board (PCB) companies, including Samsung Electro-Mechanics and LG Innotek, have seen their performance and market capitalization surge over the past year, with increasing demand for next-generation substrates like FC-BGA that directly encase semiconductors.Moreover, copper foil, once a material for secondary batteries, is strengthening its role as a semiconductor material due to Nvidia's advancements. Doosan's Electronics BG division is leveraging its position as the top domestic producer of copper-clad laminates (CCL) to drive the group's second growth phase.Competition is also fierce in the glass substrate sector, an alternative to PCBs, as companies vie for Nvidia's approval. SKC has initiated a 400 billion won capital increase for its subsidiary, Absolix, to commercialize glass substrates, while Samsung Electro-Mechanics and LG Innotek are committed to early commercialization of glass substrates.Nvidia's influence extends to cooling and power network sectors as well. Samsung Electronics is leveraging its acquisition of Germany's Flakt Group to secure domestic and international customers for its HVAC business, while LG Electronics is embarking on large-scale bidding based on a liquid cooling system that integrates chillers, cooling water distribution units (CDUs), and cold plates.The power infrastructure sector is no exception. Companies like Hyosung Heavy Industries, which specializes in high-voltage transformers, and LS Cable & System and LS Electric, which focus on wires and distribution, are securing contracts for AI data centers overseas, including in the United States.However, experts caution that excessive reliance on Nvidia could weaken negotiation power, necessitating the establishment of alternative supply chains. In fact, one domestic semiconductor company has expressed concerns about technological dependency and diminished negotiation power, as it can only exchange design and process information with Nvidia through a closed network.Professor Yang Jun-seok of Catholic University stated, "Currently, the boom in key South Korean industries like semiconductors is led by American companies such as Nvidia, and the independent actions of South Korean firms are not clearly visible. In fields like robotics (physical AI), there is a need for South Korean companies to create a proactive collaboration framework to secure industrial leadership based on their accumulated competitiveness."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-26 05:04:00
  • Family Trip Takes Unexpected Turn in Gyeongju Journey
    Family Trip Takes Unexpected Turn in 'Gyeongju Journey' Family trips rarely go as planned. Wrong turns, hunger pangs, and minor disagreements can lead to conflicts. Even when the goal is 'revenge,' things don't unfold as expected.The film 'Gyeongju Journey' follows this theme. It strays from the typical revenge narrative, often stumbling and veering off course due to the small variables of everyday life. This deviation from genre conventions adds an unexpected and intriguing element to the film.Eight years after the youngest daughter, Gyeongju, went missing during a school trip, her mother, Ok-sil (played by Lee Jung-eun), and her three daughters, Jang-joo (Gong Hyo-jin), Yeong-joo (Park So-dam), and Dong-joo (Lee Yeon), embark on a seemingly cheerful family trip to Gyeongju for a 'fresh start.' Clad in matching T-shirts, they stroll around Cheomseongdae and Donggung Palace, capturing happy moments on camera. However, this idyllic scene is a meticulously planned alibi. In the rattling trunk of their van lies their long-awaited prey: the perpetrator, Baek Sang-hyun (Byeon Yo-han), who took their youngest away, bound and helpless.While 'Gyeongju Journey' presents itself as a revenge tale, it does not rush toward bloody retribution. Instead, it weaves a black comedy from the desperate emotions of four ordinary women who have never harmed a fly, as they grapple with the mundane realities of daily life while contemplating murder.This intricately crafted 'crime journey' reveals different facets upon closer inspection. What initially appears to be a tightly-knit family begins to unravel as they confront buried traumas and wounds during their trip. The process of discovering each other's vulnerabilities within a shared goal adds genuine weight to their relationships.Notably, every character in the film serves a purpose. There are no superfluous figures added merely to fit the revenge genre; instead, each character is organically intertwined, driving the narrative forward. Their distinct roles, coupled with realistic portrayals of their inner struggles, add emotional depth to the story. Rather than being mere tools of the genre, the four women find a way to fully grieve during their journey, creating a compelling narrative that resonates with audiences.The film's rhythm is also noteworthy. The lively transitions and the chemistry among the actors create visual enjoyment, while the music oscillates between comedy and tragedy, harmonizing with director Kim Mi-jo's perspective that maintains humor even in the midst of sorrow, leaving viewers eager for her next project.The cast delivers performances that truly embody their characters. Lee Jung-eun portrays the overwhelmed mother, Ok-sil, with a depth that captures her grief and anger. Gong Hyo-jin, as the eldest daughter Jang-joo, adds a sense of realism to the film with her relatable performance. Park So-dam, playing the calculating second daughter Yeong-joo, brings credibility to her character. Lee Yeon, as the impulsive third daughter Dong-joo, is a standout, providing humor while also striking emotional chords unexpectedly. Byeon Yo-han effectively evokes audience anger as the villain Baek Sang-hyun, injecting tension into the narrative.As the journey progresses, the four daughters confront not just the perpetrator in the trunk but also the scars they have neglected within themselves. 'Gyeongju Journey' quietly observes the process of those left behind facing their loss and moving forward in solidarity, rather than showcasing catharsis. The destination they reach, despite not going as planned, leaves a profound impact. This film marks a return to solid craftsmanship in Korean cinema. It is set to be released on the 26th, with a runtime of 111 minutes and a rating of 15 and older.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-26 00:04:00
  • Anyang Youth Foundation Enhances Communication Through Youth Council Exchange
    Anyang Youth Foundation Enhances Communication Through Youth Council Exchange The Anyang Youth Foundation's Youth Council Union, known as 'Bubble Lab,' is promoting youth participation and expanding networks through inter-regional exchanges. According to the foundation, 'Bubble Lab' conducted a joint exchange activity on August 22 at the Incheon Seohae Youth Center in collaboration with the Incheon Seohae Facilities Management Corporation's Youth Council Union. The 'Bubble Lab' is an organization established to facilitate exchanges and cooperation among youth councils affiliated with the Anyang Youth Foundation. Youth from various institutions share their experiences and opinions, broadening the scope of youth participation through joint activities. They continue to engage in diverse activities that allow youth to communicate directly and grow together based on inter-regional exchanges. This event was organized to enable regional youth councils to share their experiences and best practices, seeking collaborative directions for the development of youth participation activities. The program began with opening remarks from the head of the Incheon Seohae Facilities Management Corporation's Youth Division, followed by a signing ceremony for the youth council agreement, introductions of the youth council unions from both regions, sharing of best practices, recreational activities, and facility tours. Notably, both organizations established a formal agreement to lay the groundwork for ongoing exchanges and cooperation among youth councils. During the facility tours and community activities, participants took the opportunity to understand each other's initiatives beyond regional and organizational boundaries, fostering connections among youth. Looking ahead, 'Bubble Lab' plans to continue expanding the network of youth councils across regions and to engage in various collaborative activities led by youth themselves.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-25 22:16:00
  • Gwangju City Management Corporation Conducts Lifesaving Training for All Staff
    Gwangju City Management Corporation Conducts Lifesaving Training for All Staff The Gwangju City Management Corporation's Nungpyeong Sports Center conducted hands-on lifesaving and CPR training for all employees to prepare for potential safety incidents at swimming pools and sports facilities. According to the corporation, on August 21, the Nungpyeong Sports Center provided training for all staff, focusing on responding to water safety incidents, CPR, first aid, and rescue techniques with the help of experts. This training emphasized practical exercises based on real-life scenarios rather than theoretical instruction, aiming to enhance employees' on-site response capabilities. Staff members practiced entering the water to assess the condition of drowning victims and safely execute rescue procedures, learning necessary judgment and initial response protocols in emergencies. Participants in the training expressed that, "Practicing rescue training in the water made it clearer what to prioritize in an emergency situation," adding, "I realized the importance of regularly assessing our response capabilities to ensure the safety of pool users." The Nungpyeong Sports Center plans to continue regular safety training and response drills tailored to various types of incidents, prioritizing user safety. Additionally, the center will conduct periodic safety inspections of its facilities and continuously improve its on-site safety management system. CEO Choi Chan-yong stated, "Quick situational assessment and initial response are crucial in swimming pool environments." He emphasized, "We will continue to create an environment where citizens can use sports facilities with peace of mind through practical training and systematic safety management."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-25 21:56:00