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  • Nuri Rockets Fifth Launch Scheduled for October as Approval Granted
    Nuri Rocket's Fifth Launch Scheduled for October as Approval Granted The fifth launch of South Korea's Nuri rocket is expected to take place in October. The Korea Aerospace Administration has officially approved the launch following the completion of its review process.On August 25, the Korea Aerospace Administration held the 10th meeting of the Space Development Promotion Working Committee and deliberated on the results of the launch permit review for the Nuri rocket.The joint public-private launch permit review committee examined whether the purpose of using the Nuri rocket was appropriate, whether safety management during the launch process could be adequately ensured, and whether there was capacity for liability in the event of an accident over a period of about three months. The upcoming fifth launch will carry five small military cluster satellites as its primary payload, which will be deployed into a sun-synchronous orbit for high-frequency, high-precision observation missions. Additionally, ten CubeSats aimed at ionospheric observation, domestic component verification, and ocean current analysis will also be launched into the same orbit.During the meeting, a development plan amendment was approved to adjust the launch schedule for the Korean Positioning System (KPS) satellites. In a previous meeting held in May of last year, it was decided to delay the development schedule of the first KPS satellite by 20 months, pushing its launch to September 2029. The current adjustments align the launch schedules of subsequent satellites accordingly. However, the original goal of deploying eight KPS satellites by 2035 remains unchanged.Oh Tae-seok, head of the Korea Aerospace Administration, stated that the fifth launch of the Nuri rocket will lead to ongoing Nuri launches and the enhancement of capabilities for space exploration using domestic launch vehicles. He also mentioned that the launch preparation status will continue to be monitored through the launch management committee even after the permit review is completed.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-25 18:56:20
  • Canada Responds to U.S. Tariff Pressure with Retaliatory Measures and Business Support
    Canada Responds to U.S. Tariff Pressure with Retaliatory Measures and Business Support President Donald Trump has announced plans to increase tariffs on Canadian automobiles, auto parts, and steel, prompting Canada to prepare retaliatory tariffs and support measures for businesses. The move signals a potential escalation in the ongoing trade conflict while Canada aims to maintain negotiation channels.According to reports from Yonhap News and AP, Mark Carney, a member of the Canadian Cabinet, is expected to unveil a response plan that includes retaliatory tariffs against the U.S. This announcement follows Trump's warning to Canadian leaders to "be obedient" and his declaration that tariffs on Canadian products would rise to 50% starting January 1.Carney previously indicated that Canada would consider targeted retaliatory measures to protect its workers and businesses rather than a one-to-one response to U.S. tariffs. CBC reported that various items are being reviewed for potential Canadian retaliatory tariffs, and suitable Canadian alternatives are readily available.The Canadian government is also preparing domestic support measures in anticipation of a prolonged trade war with the U.S. There is a belief that the conflict may continue beyond the upcoming U.S. midterm elections in November, reducing the likelihood of negotiations resuming in the short term.Bloomberg, citing sources, reported that the support measures are expected to include expanded unemployment benefits and loan programs for businesses affected by tariffs. One source described these measures as similar to economic support programs implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic.These support measures are designed to remain in place not only during the ongoing trade dispute but also throughout the remainder of Trump's term if necessary.However, communication between the two countries has not completely ceased. A Canadian government official stated on the 24th that Dominic LeBlanc, Canada’s Minister of International Trade, has been in contact with U.S. Trade Representative Jamie Grier.Negotiations between the two countries had continued since Trump warned of tariffs on Canada last month, but discussions were halted on the night of the 21st. The U.S. imposed a 50% tariff on approximately $20 billion worth of Canadian products starting on the 22nd, while Canada announced retaliatory tariffs on U.S. steel, dairy products, appliances, agricultural machinery, and pulp, effective September 8.Reports suggest that the breakdown in negotiations was influenced by U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick's hardline stance. Sources indicated that Lutnick believed the existing proposal was too favorable to Canada and actively supported U.S. metal companies seeking to retract concessions.Canadian officials criticized Lutnick for effectively changing the rules of the negotiation process. In contrast, White House officials denied claims that Lutnick was responsible for the negotiations' collapse, asserting that it was Canada that made demands outside the existing framework at the last minute.Canadian sources acknowledged that while Lutnick's involvement did not help the negotiations, it was not the direct cause of the breakdown, citing fundamental issues with the goals presented by the U.S. at the negotiation's conclusion.Bloomberg analyzed that Lutnick has been actively involved in trade issues where he believes he can secure more favorable agreements for the U.S., and this negotiation breakdown is another example of how he has contributed to escalating tensions within the Trump administration.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-25 18:52:00
  • First Rice Harvest of the Year Begins in Yeongam
    First Rice Harvest of the Year Begins in Yeongam The first rice harvest of the year has begun in Yeongam County, South Jeolla Province. The early variety, which matures faster than regular rice, is being harvested and will be sold as fresh rice to consumers. Yeongam County announced on the 25th that the first local rice harvest took place on the 24th in Jinji-ri, Sinjong-myeon. The harvested rice was an early variety planted in May, which has a growth period of about three months. Early varieties are characterized by their shorter growth period, allowing for an earlier harvest. With the first harvest underway, rice farming in Yeongam is entering the main harvest season. The county plans to continuously monitor weather conditions and pest occurrences to ensure that farmers can complete their harvest safely. In response to changes in rice consumption patterns, the county aims to promote high-quality rice varieties and enhance the competitiveness of Yeongam rice, while also exploring ways to improve farmers' incomes. Yeongam County Mayor Woo Seung-hee visited the first harvest site to assess the growth and yield of the rice. He checked on the harvest conditions with farmers and discussed strategies for promoting rice varieties, strengthening competitiveness, and increasing farm incomes. Mayor Woo expressed, "I am pleased that the rice, which has thrived through the hot summer, is now ready for consumers as fresh rice. I will closely monitor the fields to ensure that farmers can safely harvest their crops and that the quality of Yeongam rice translates into increased farm incomes." Yeongam County plans to continue monitoring field conditions during the ongoing rice harvest and will work to prevent damage to farms due to weather conditions and pest outbreaks.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-25 18:48:20
  • Preparing to Be Enchanted by Vampires in Korea
    Preparing to Be Enchanted by Vampires in Korea In the past, single-screen theaters did not have assigned seating. As long as viewers had tickets, they could sit wherever they liked. This sometimes led to more tickets being sold than available seats, forcing some audience members to stand during the film.On that day, a viewer, referred to as A, arrived at the theater a bit late. Unable to find an empty seat, she had no choice but to stand at the back to watch the movie. As time passed, she began to feel nauseous and dizzy, but she managed to watch the film until the end. The title of the movie she watched was 'Interview with the Vampire.'A was not the only one standing to watch the film. The theater was packed with middle and high school girls (currently, the film is rated 'not suitable for minors,' but it was released in South Korea with a rating allowing viewers aged 17 and older after about three minutes of cuts). The reason so many girls flocked to the theater, enduring the discomfort, was undoubtedly the actors.At the time of filming 'Interview with the Vampire,' Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt were 32 and 31 years old, respectively. If you were to name the most handsome male actors on Earth, they would undoubtedly be among the top five. It was harder to avoid watching this film than to see it.The Western classic character of the 'vampire' has consistently captured the audience's love for a long time. Several traits assigned to vampires make this character appealing.When infected by a vampire, a person transforms into someone with pale skin, becoming as attractive as possible. They gain extraordinary physical strength and rapid healing abilities, making them virtually invulnerable.Above all, the greatest allure is that they do not age and achieve immortality in that state. Living for hundreds or thousands of years naturally endows them with wisdom. Vampires are not only beautiful but also cultured and elegant, possessing a seductive charm that captivates their prey.However, vampires are depicted as both alluring and terrifying. Their primary diet consists solely of animal blood, and to survive, they must kill. Among the various blood types, human blood is the most effective for maintaining a vampire's beauty and health, making murder unavoidable from their perspective. Thus, vampires often appear as villains, embodiments of evil, or hostile creatures in horror films.With a tragic identity as a villain, this captivating character is irresistible to content creators. Originating from Romania, the 'vampire' has finally made its way to Northeast Asia, including South Korea.The first known appearance of a vampire in South Korea was in the 1982 film 'Dracula in a Coffin.' Although vampires have appeared in various dramas and films since then, the most memorable portrayal for the Korean public likely began with Park Chan-wook's 'Thirst.''Thirst' can be summarized as the story of Sang-hyun (Song Kang-ho), a devout priest who, unable to bear witnessing patients dying from an unknown disease, voluntarily participates in a vaccine experiment to cure the illness. After being infected by a virus and on the brink of death, he receives a blood transfusion and becomes a vampire.The reality of a vampire, once portrayed by Tom Cruise or Brad Pitt, now taking the form of Song Kang-ho may be disappointing for some former fans, but the vampire narrative depicted in South Korea is anything but soft.'Thirst' is a 2009 film by Park Chan-wook. Song Kang-ho, who has played various roles from a somewhat inept father ('The Host') to a gangster ('The Elegant World') and a quirky conman ('The Good, the Bad, the Weird'), delivers his most seductive performance in 'Thirst.'Park Chan-wook himself stated at the film's release, 'I don't know if it will be a masterpiece, but at least it's the best among the films I've made,' and it is often regarded as one of his finest works by audiences and critics alike.Sang-hyun: 'If a priest does this, the sin is even greater.'Tae-ju: 'I don't have faith, so I won't go to hell.'The irony of a vampire originating from a priest adds depth to Sang-hyun's unleashed desires. While watching the film, one might speculate that Park Chan-wook has long grappled with the conflict between his inner 'model student' and 'vampire' desires.This conflict comes to a head in 'Thirst,' where the 'model student' Sang-hyun receives a vampire's blood transfusion and focuses his newly revealed desires on Tae-ju (Kim Ok-bin). As Sang-hyun's desires blossom alongside Tae-ju's, the 'Park Chan-wook style' shines brightly throughout the film.Thus, the vampire that emerged in South Korea serves as a means to articulate the personal narratives of individuals, ultimately being consumed under the sun in 'Thirst.' This innovative approach earned praise from the Cannes jury, who awarded it the Jury Prize.Following 'Thirst,' another noteworthy use of vampires can be seen in the upcoming Disney+ series 'Enchanting,' set to be released at the end of this year. Coincidentally, another vampire-themed film is set to begin shooting in the second half of this year: 'Vampire,' directed by Jang Jae-hyun, who is dedicated to Korean-style occult themes.'Enchanting' is a vampire period drama produced with a budget exceeding 40 billion won, featuring director Han Jae-rim and cinematographer Hong Kyung-pyo. It raises the question of whether such a large-scale vampire project has ever existed in Korea. 'Enchanting' is based on a webtoon of the same name, and it will be interesting to see how the relatively short narrative of a timeless romance between humans and vampires is adapted into a lengthy series, particularly how Han Jae-rim utilizes the vampire theme.Jang Jae-hyun's approach to vampires, focusing on Korean-style occult themes, also sparks extreme curiosity. Just looking at the characters, including vampire hunters, taboo-breaking clergy, and immortality-seeking cultists, makes one eager to see what stories will unfold.While the allure of beautiful vampires is appealing, if the clever use of Korean-style vampires can invigorate the genre, it would be a remarkable achievement. I eagerly await captivating works that can mesmerize audiences, even if it means standing through the film.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-25 18:48:00
  • Colosseum to Host ICU Con in Japan Next Month, Supporting Global Expansion of K-Brands
    Colosseum to Host 'ICU Con' in Japan Next Month, Supporting Global Expansion of K-Brands Colosseum Corporation, a supply chain management-based distributor, is set to launch its global business with an idol commerce event next month.On August 25, Colosseum announced that it will hold 'ICU Con in Tokyo-ICHI' at the Daiichi Seimei Hall in Tokyo, Japan, on September 11-12.ICU stands for 'Idol Commerce Universe,' a program designed to create a new retail environment that connects K-idols with K-brands, fostering a link between fandom and product consumption.ICU Con will be the first offline event of ICU, organized by Colosseum and hosted by KBS Japan. Tickets will be exclusively sold by the Japanese e-commerce platform Qoo10.The event will feature fan events, including a fan signing session on the first day, followed by idol performances and brand-related main events on the second day. Idols such as Wonder Girls' Yubin, f(x)'s Luna, Block B's U-Kwon, Choshinsei's Seongje, and JBJ's Kenta will introduce various K-consumer goods, including cosmetics and health products.Through ICU, Colosseum aims to support small to medium-sized K-brands in validating their market potential. The initiative will leverage the intellectual property of K-idols with established local fan bases to promote brands and provide a testing ground for products and services in the market.Colosseum is also accelerating its efforts to penetrate the Japanese market. A year-end event with a significantly increased number of participating brands is planned for December, and next year, the company intends to establish an offline hub encompassing K-brands and K-culture.Park Jin-soo, CEO of Colosseum, stated, "While K-consumer goods are driving global consumption trends, many small businesses struggle with overseas supply chain management. Colosseum will support the entire process of international expansion for brands by connecting market validation, distribution, sales, and logistics into a single flow."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-25 18:48:00
  • Private Asset Managers Outperform Major Firms Amid ETF Boom
    Private Asset Managers Outperform Major Firms Amid ETF Boom Despite a surge in assets under management for major asset management firms due to the booming exchange-traded fund (ETF) market, profitability has not seen a corresponding increase. This is attributed to low management fees and intense competition. In contrast, private asset managers that do not handle ETFs have dominated the top ranks in net profit.According to the financial investment industry on August 25, Mirae Asset Global Investments topped the net profit rankings for the first half of the year, reporting 906.3 billion won. This performance reflects growth in its ETF business and overseas subsidiaries in the U.S. and Hong Kong. Notably, 768.5 billion won was attributed to equity method gains, significantly boosting its accounting net profit. Korea Investment Value Asset Management secured the second spot with a net profit of 274.6 billion won, followed by Tiger Asset Management with 183.8 billion won, DS Asset Management with 177.3 billion won, Timefolio Asset Management with 156.1 billion won, Life Asset Management with 153.8 billion won, Taurus Asset Management with 153.3 billion won, and Seugi Asset Management with 132.7 billion won.Samsung Asset Management, the leader in the ETF market, ranked ninth in net profit with 129.4 billion won. Other comprehensive asset management firms primarily dealing with ETFs ranked even lower, with KB Asset Management at 11th (78.3 billion won), Kiwoom Investment Asset Management at 14th (51.5 billion won), Shinhan Asset Management at 17th (47.4 billion won), and Korea Investment Trust Management at 19th (43.7 billion won).A key characteristic of the asset management rankings for the first half of the year is the underperformance of comprehensive asset management firms that primarily engage in ETF operations. Only two firms, Mirae Asset Global Investments and Samsung Asset Management, made it into the top 10 by net profit. In contrast, private asset managers have made significant gains in profitability.Korea Investment Value Asset Management, the second-highest in net profit, reported 76.8 billion won in securities evaluation and disposal gains and 74.3 billion won in equity method gains in the second quarter. Notably, Korea Investment Value Asset Management effectively exited the ETF business by delisting both of its 'VITA' brand products at the end of June, focusing solely on proprietary asset management to enhance profitability.The relatively poor profitability of comprehensive asset management firms is due to the nature of the ETF business. While management fees increase with growing assets under management, the low fee rates limit profitability. Additionally, fierce competition for market share has led to rising product development and marketing costs. Advertising expenses for the surveyed asset managers in the first half of the year reached 39.686 billion won, a 49.6% increase from 26.531 billion won in the same period last year. The top five firms in advertising expenses were all comprehensive asset management firms actively managing ETFs.In contrast, private asset managers can charge relatively higher management fees compared to public funds or ETFs, and they can secure performance fees once certain return thresholds are exceeded. Coupled with gains from asset evaluations and disposals, their profits have rapidly expanded in line with a booming stock market, according to industry analysis.However, as profits have increased, so have personnel expenses for private asset managers. Their salary expenditures in the first half of the year reached 1.03 trillion won, a 35.7% increase from the same period last year. Taurus Asset Management saw salaries surge from 2.4 billion won to 48.1 billion won, a 1,934.3% increase, while DS Asset Management's salaries rose from 5.3 billion won to 19.4 billion won, a 263.8% increase. Korea Investment Value Asset Management also increased salaries from 4.1 billion won to 14.1 billion won, a 246.9% rise, and Timefolio Asset Management's salaries jumped from 500 million won to 4.5 billion won, a 786.1% increase.An industry insider noted, "Private asset managers experience significant performance volatility depending on market conditions, while ETFs can secure relatively stable management fee income. There is a possibility that the performance rankings will differ in the second half of the year compared to the first half."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-25 18:48:00
  • Shinan County Enhances Accessibility with Information Desk and Employee Name Tags
    Shinan County Enhances Accessibility with Information Desk and Employee Name Tags Shinan County in Jeonnam Province is implementing an information desk and requiring all employees to wear name tags to enhance the convenience of residents visiting the county office.Starting from August 25 until September 30, Shinan County will promote the operation of the information desk and the wearing of name tags, making necessary adjustments before the official launch in October.This initiative aims to reduce the inconvenience residents face when trying to locate the appropriate department or staff member for administrative services.The information desk, located in the first-floor lobby, will assist visitors by directing them to the relevant departments and their locations based on the services they need.Particularly, the focus is on alleviating the difficulties visitors encounter when having to search multiple departments or verify responsibilities. The county plans to gather feedback from residents during the information desk's operation to make necessary improvements before the official launch.The name tag policy will also be implemented. County employees will wear name tags during working hours, allowing visitors to easily identify the staff members assisting them.The county believes that wearing name tags will facilitate smoother communication between residents and employees, as well as enhance accountability regarding their responsibilities.The information desk and name tag initiative will undergo a promotional period until the end of September, with full implementation set for October.Kim Tae-sung, the mayor of Shinan County, stated, “This measure is aimed at providing residents with more convenient and friendly administrative services. We will continuously improve by carefully examining any inconveniences from the residents' perspective and providing trustworthy administrative services.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-25 18:44:00
  • Muans 1.05 Million-Pyeong National Industrial Complex Site Confirmed, Community Optimistic About Future Growth
    Muan's 1.05 Million-Pyeong National Industrial Complex Site Confirmed, Community Optimistic About Future Growth About 1.05 million pyeong (3.47 square kilometers) in Hyun-gyeong-myeon, Muan County, has been designated as a candidate site for a national industrial complex, increasing community expectations for new growth opportunities in Muan.On August 25, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and the Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City announced that the Ministry has designated the area as the 'Muan National Industrial Complex candidate site' following deliberation and approval by the Industrial Location Policy Review Committee.This designation is a follow-up to the 'swift designation of the Muan National Industrial Complex' announced by a six-party consultative body regarding the relocation of the Gwangju military airport last December. Relevant ministries and private experts comprehensively reviewed the necessity of the project, site appropriateness, and regional balanced development effects before confirming the candidate site.In Muan, where there has been a demand for securing future growth engines, the designation of the national industrial complex candidate site is seen as a turning point that could elevate the local industrial structure.Muan is equipped with a comprehensive transportation network, including Muan International Airport, the Honam High-Speed Railway, and highways. The establishment of the national industrial complex is expected to attract businesses, create quality jobs, and stimulate population influx and local commerce, leading to widespread economic benefits for the region.Particularly, the designated site in Hyun-gyeong-myeon is close to Muan International Airport, and if linked with the second phase of the Honam High-Speed Railway project, it has great potential to develop into a key industrial and logistics hub connecting air, rail, and road transport in the southwestern region.The abundant renewable energy resources in the southwestern region are also considered a competitive advantage. By integrating advanced industries with distributed energy sectors and attracting related companies, there is potential to diversify Muan's existing agriculture and fisheries-based industrial structure into advanced industries and logistics and energy sectors.The possibility of linking the semiconductor advanced national industrial complex to be developed at the Gwangju military airport relocation site is also noteworthy. If semiconductor production bases are organically connected with materials, parts, equipment, logistics, and export functions, the southwestern region, including Muan, could grow into a key part of the Honam semiconductor industry ecosystem.Above all, the local community hopes that the establishment of the national industrial complex will not just be a matter of developing industrial land but will lead to tangible development for Muan. Creating a structure where the economic benefits of attracting businesses, generating local youth jobs, improving living conditions, and expanding participation of local companies return to the residents is seen as a future challenge.Min Hyung-bae, Mayor of Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City, expressed his support in a statement, saying, "This designation of the candidate site has laid the groundwork for addressing the relocation of the Gwangju military airport and Muan's future development together," adding, "Muan's demand for future growth engines now has a concrete vision in the form of a national industrial complex."He further emphasized, "The Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City will concentrate all its efforts on the establishment of the Muan National Industrial Complex, working as a unified team with the government and Muan County to ensure swift progress from planning to infrastructure development and business attraction."The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport also plans to collaborate with local governments and relevant agencies during the industrial complex planning process, aiming to complete the second phase of the Honam High-Speed Railway project, including Muan Airport Station, by 2027.However, the designation of the candidate site does not immediately mean the completion of the national industrial complex. There are still subsequent procedures to establish the industrial complex plan, select project implementers, consult with relevant agencies, and secure business demand.As a result, the local community is calling for the government, the Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City, and Muan County to expedite the subsequent procedures to realize the national industrial complex early and ensure that its benefits translate into job creation and income growth that residents can feel.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-25 18:40:00
  • Hanmi Pharmaceutical Signs $2.3 Billion Deal for Obesity Drug Development
    Hanmi Pharmaceutical Signs $2.3 Billion Deal for Obesity Drug Development Hanmi Pharmaceutical has signed a contract to transfer the development rights of its obesity drug candidate, 'HM17321', to the U.S. biotech company Genentech for up to $2.3 billion (approximately 3.2 trillion won). This deal is considered the largest 'jackpot' in the history of South Korea's pharmaceutical industry for a single drug candidate. As a result, market attention is now focused on Hanmi's pipeline for obesity and metabolic diseases.According to industry sources, 'HM17321', which has been licensed to Genentech, is designed to reduce fat while preserving muscle. It is a next-generation obesity treatment candidate that is a urocorin-2 (UCN2) analog from the incretin class. In preclinical studies, it showed excellent results in weight loss and body composition improvement, both when administered alone and in combination with GLP-1 class treatments.Market analysts suggest that this contract reflects the value of the new mechanism of 'muscle preservation' being recognized by the market. Seok Geun-hee, a researcher at Samsung Securities, stated, "The fact that a large-scale contract was signed for HM17321, even in the early stages of clinical trials, indicates a high valuation of its potential to address the limitations of existing GLP-1 obesity drugs, which often lead to muscle loss, while achieving both weight loss and muscle preservation as a new paradigm in obesity treatment."Hanmi's 'H.O.P (Hanmi Obesity Pipeline)' project, which has been pursued as a future growth engine in the obesity sector, is now bearing fruit, leading to increased expectations for its self-developed GLP-1 obesity drug, 'Epeglanatide (HM11260C)'.In December of last year, Hanmi submitted a product approval application for Epe to the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. Epe has been designated as a 'Global Innovative Product Fast Track Review (GIFT)' candidate, with approval expected as early as October.According to the company, Epe achieved an average weight loss rate of 9.75% in a Phase 3 clinical trial involving 448 domestic obesity patients after 40 weeks. This is a significant reduction compared to the placebo group's rate of 0.95%.Currently, the obesity treatment market is dominated by Eli Lilly's 'Mounjaro' and Denmark's Novo Nordisk's 'Wegovy'. According to the pharmaceutical market research firm IQVIA, Mounjaro generated sales of 323.2 billion won in the first quarter of this year, while Wegovy's sales reached 104 billion won. The combined quarterly sales of the two products exceed 400 billion won.Mounjaro's dominance has become increasingly pronounced. Since its domestic launch in August of last year, it surpassed Wegovy in sales in the fourth quarter of that year and widened the gap to more than three times in the first quarter of this year. According to the pharmaceutical data analysis platform BLP Insight, as of May, Mounjaro held a market share of 78% in the domestic injectable obesity treatment market, while Wegovy accounted for 15%.Given the intense market competition, Hanmi plans to produce Epe directly at its bio plant in Pyeongtaek to ensure price competitiveness and supply stability. Some analysts speculate that Epe's pricing could be set lower than the pharmacy selling price of Mounjaro's initial dosing (around 310,000 to 350,000 won per month).Hanmi is currently developing six pipelines for obesity and metabolic disease treatments, including Epeglanatide, HM15275, HM17321, HM500197, sonifeglutide, and LA-UCN2. In the fiercely competitive domestic obesity drug market, where Mounjaro and Wegovy have established a duopoly, Hanmi is expected to target the domestic market by leveraging its price competitiveness, stable supply chain, and clinical data on Koreans.Choi In-young, Vice President of Hanmi Pharmaceutical, stated, "The differentiated scientific mechanism and development potential of HM17321 have been recognized by the global market. We will continue to strive for the development of innovative new drugs."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-25 18:32:00
  • Kim Min-seok Unveils Mega Ten for Democratic Party Reform
    Kim Min-seok Unveils 'Mega Ten' for Democratic Party Reform Kim Min-seok, the leader of the Democratic Party, announced the launch of a special organization called 'Mega Ten' on August 25, aimed at reforming the party. He also initiated appointments focused on party lawmakers. Notably, he introduced the Nomination Reform Committee and the Constitutional Amendment Committee, emphasizing a commitment to winning the upcoming general election and pursuing constitutional changes.During a briefing at the National Assembly, Kim stated that the Nomination Reform Committee, led by lawmaker Shin Jeong-hoon, will develop nomination guidelines applicable to the next general and presidential elections by the end of this year. He remarked, "We will engage in sufficient discussions and deliberations, and there will be discussions among all party members during the finalization process."Kim also announced that lawmaker Kim Tae-nyeon will lead the Constitutional Amendment Committee. He noted, "Kim has a strong conviction and strategy regarding constitutional issues and possesses extensive connections across party lines. He will advance the constitutional amendment with a sufficiently independent plan."Additionally, Kim revealed the activation of a special committee for the success of the mega projects, which will assign lawmakers to various regions to promote local-led growth. He stated, "I will serve as the chair of the committee, with Lee Kwang-jae and former Gyeongnam Governor Kim Kyung-soo as the senior and deputy vice chairs, respectively. I will also appoint Lee Un-joo, who was previously a vice chair, to continue the existing leadership structure under floor leader Han Byeong-do."Furthermore, Kim announced several other initiatives, including the Party Reform Promotion Committee (led by former Governor Kim), the Friday Politics Local Livelihood Committee (led by lawmaker Park Ji-won), the AI-Driven Financial Market Economic Improvement Committee (led by former lawmaker Lee Yong-woo), the Culture! Hallyu Politics National Youth Culture Festival Committee (led by actor Lee Won-jong), the US-China-Japan Party Diplomacy Committee (led by lawmaker Park Jeong), and the 1030 Youth Policy Committee (led by lawmakers Kim Han-kyu and Jeon Eun-soo), among others.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-25 18:20:10