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  • Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae Emphasizes Judicial Independence Amid Challenges
    Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae Emphasizes Judicial Independence Amid Challenges Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae stated on September 17 that "judicial independence must be upheld regardless of the challenges faced."During his opening remarks at the 20th Asia-Pacific Chief Justices Conference held at the Grand Hyatt Seoul, Cho emphasized that "the independence of the judiciary is essential for the judiciary to fulfill its role in safeguarding democracy and the rule of law."He also highlighted the importance of adjudicating based on law and principles. "In many countries, increasingly complex political and social disputes are being directed to the courts, and the public is placing greater expectations on the judiciary," he said. "In such circumstances, the courts must steadfastly uphold the law and principles."Furthermore, he urged judges to have the courage to adjudicate solely based on law and principles, without fear, regardless of the obstacles they may encounter.Cho also addressed the principle of separation of powers, stating that "effective judicial functions require mutual respect and cooperation among the judiciary, legislature, and executive branches, which aids in resolving conflicts in modern society." He added that this cooperation must respect the unique responsibilities of each institution while ensuring the independence of the judiciary.The Asia-Pacific Chief Justices Conference is an international event where judicial leaders from the Asia-Pacific region gather to discuss their respective judicial systems and key issues. It is held every two years, and this marks South Korea's third time hosting the conference, following events in 1999 and 2011.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 10:16:00
  • Hanwha Engine Shares Rise Over 6% on AIDC Engine Expansion Hopes
    Hanwha Engine Shares Rise Over 6% on AIDC Engine Expansion Hopes Hanwha Engine is experiencing a strong early trading session, with shares rising over 6% amid expectations for expansion in the artificial intelligence data center (AIDC) power engine business.According to the Korea Exchange, as of 10:04 a.m. on September 17, Hanwha Engine's stock was trading at 51,000 won, up 2,950 won (6.14%) from the previous trading day.On this day, SK Securities projected that Hanwha Engine is likely to secure demand for power engines not only for AIDC but also for floating data centers (FDC). The company, a licensee of Everllence (formerly MAN Energy Solutions), is expected to successfully finalize a licensing production contract for the 10-megawatt (MW) four-stroke medium-speed gas engine 'MAN 35/44G.'SK Securities anticipates that the supply of power engines to North American data centers managed by Hanwha Energy will begin in earnest from 2028. They also analyzed that the 60MW FDC recently unveiled by Hanwha Ocean at 'Gastech 2026' is likely to be equipped with the same series of four-stroke medium-speed gas engines.Production capacity expansion is also nearing completion. Hanwha Engine has secured an annual production capacity of 900MW for four-stroke medium-speed engines. This production line can manufacture engines for both marine applications and data centers. More than half of the available slots for 2027 have already been reserved for marine engines, with some of the remaining slots potentially filled with engines for AIDC.Given that a single data center requires a power capacity of 250-400MW, it is believed that one large project could significantly deplete the remaining production capacity. If additional expansions are made to meet global demand for data center power engines, structural growth is also expected.Han Seung-han, a researcher at SK Securities, stated, "The momentum for land power engines has not yet been reflected in the stock price," and recommended Hanwha Engine as the top pick in the shipbuilding equipment sector, maintaining a 'buy' rating and a target price of 90,000 won.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 10:16:00
  • GKL Promotes Community Support and Vulnerable Group Assistance Ahead of Chuseok
    GKL Promotes Community Support and Vulnerable Group Assistance Ahead of Chuseok Grand Korea Leisure (GKL), a quasi-public enterprise operating the foreigner-only casino Seven Luck, is engaging in community support and assistance for vulnerable groups ahead of the Chuseok holiday.From September 22 to 26, GKL will host the 'K-Traditional Market Dessert Festival' at the Seven Luck Casino in Gangnam COEX. This event, organized in collaboration with over ten vendors from the Yeongdong Traditional Market in Nonhyeon-dong, aims to introduce foreign tourists to the culinary culture of Korean traditional markets.During the festival, foreign visitors to the Gangnam COEX location will have the opportunity to sample a variety of traditional Korean snacks, including rice cakes, fried chicken, twisted doughnuts, and steamed buns. A special promotion will also offer 200 sets of domestically produced sesame oil to actively promote the unique charm and flavors of traditional markets.GKL President Yoon Doo-hyun stated, "I hope this unique experience will enhance tourist satisfaction for foreign visitors to Seven Luck and contribute to revitalizing the local economy."Support for local businesses also took place on September 16, when GKL employees from the Seoul Dragon City location visited the Yongsan Yongmun Market to donate counterfeit detection devices and firefighting supplies. They also provided training on counterfeit detection methods for Onnuri gift certificates and emergency firefighting.In addition to supporting local businesses, GKL is focusing on assisting vulnerable groups during the holiday season. On September 16, they delivered holiday food and essential goods to over 180 households, including grandparent-headed families, low-income seniors, and individuals with disabilities in the Busanjin District, where the Seven Luck Casino is located.The 'GKL Dream Hope Volunteer Group,' consisting of more than 20 employees, donated 180 holiday food packages purchased from traditional markets to the Busanjin Comprehensive Social Welfare Center. They also visited some homes of neighbors with mobility challenges to share warmth.On September 23, GKL will continue its outreach by partnering with the Suseo Myunghwa Comprehensive Social Welfare Center in Gangnam to assist 325 underprivileged households in the area. They plan to deliver essential goods packages sourced from local traditional markets and provide home delivery for those unable to travel.President Yoon expressed, "Although it is a small gesture, I hope it conveys warmth to those in need. GKL will continue to fulfill its responsibility as a public enterprise that brightens the shadows and coexists with the community."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 10:12:00
  • Citizens of Gwacheon Demand Government Withdraw Housing Plans for Racecourse
    Citizens of Gwacheon Demand Government Withdraw Housing Plans for Racecourse On September 17, citizen representatives from Gwacheon gathered at the Sejong Government Complex to demand the withdrawal of housing supply and relocation plans for the Gwacheon Racecourse. According to the city of Gwacheon, about 20 citizen representatives held a launch ceremony in the lobby of the city hall in the morning, expressing their opposition to the government's unilateral push for housing supply and the relocation of the racecourse, before moving to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport in Sejong City for a rally. During the launch ceremony, former Gwacheon City Council Chair Ha Young-joo and former Gwacheon Association Chair Kim Seong-hoon presented a statement on behalf of the citizen representatives. The representatives stated, "It is unacceptable for the government to promote the racecourse and surrounding areas as large-scale housing supply sites without sufficient consultation with the citizens of Gwacheon," demanding a comprehensive review of the plans. They particularly emphasized that, with large-scale development projects like the Gwacheon Knowledge Information Town and Gwacheon District ongoing, it is more important to enhance the currently lacking transportation, education, and living infrastructure before pursuing additional housing supply. The government previously announced plans to supply 9,800 housing units in the area around the Gwacheon Racecourse and the Defense Security Command, with construction expected to begin by December 2029 after the relocation and permitting processes. In response, the citizen representatives argued that the racecourse has served as a space for relaxation and culture for both Gwacheon residents and those in the metropolitan area, and they oppose its relocation or development for housing supply. They also pointed out that existing development projects have not delivered the promised transportation and living infrastructure, leading to inconveniences for citizens. They warned that introducing large-scale housing supply could exacerbate traffic congestion and the lack of educational and living infrastructure in Gwacheon. Citizen representative Kim Hang-sik stated in a separate statement, "Over the past five years, as a representative of residents in the Gwacheon Knowledge Information Town, I repeatedly heard responses like 'it's already decided' and 'there's no choice' while discussing issues with the Korea Land and Housing Corporation." Kim added, "While the completion of infrastructure, including the Information Town Station, has been delayed, residents continue to move in, causing suffering for citizens as people arrive while facilities lag behind." He continued, "Even after the government's plan to supply 4,000 housing units on the Gwacheon government site was scrapped due to citizen opposition, new development zones have emerged in Gwacheon Galhyeon-dong. The government must stop changing housing supply sites within Gwacheon." Kim emphasized, "No one has asked us. Instead of promises to improve infrastructure later, the government must fulfill the commitments already made regarding basic facilities." During the rally, the citizen representatives planned to present their main demands, which include the withdrawal of housing supply plans without the consent of Gwacheon citizens, the cancellation of the racecourse relocation plan, and the cessation of unilateral housing supply while engaging in discussions with Gwacheon citizens. After the rally, they also planned to visit the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs to deliver a petition outlining the demands of Gwacheon citizens. The citizen representatives intend to call for a comprehensive review of the large-scale housing supply plans for the racecourse and the Defense Security Command site, and to ensure that the ongoing development projects' transportation, education, and living infrastructure are responsibly completed before any new housing supply. Additionally, they will urge that sufficient consultation with Gwacheon citizens be conducted before making decisions on major development plans in the city. Meanwhile, the citizen representatives have stated that they will continue to respond to the government's unilateral policy initiatives and will remain active until their demands are met.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 10:08:10
  • Government to Gather Public Input for National Sustainable Development Report
    Government to Gather Public Input for National Sustainable Development Report 국무조정실이 내년 유엔에 제출할 ‘지속가능발전 국가보고서(VNR)’에 국민 의견을 반영하기 위한 공론화 절차에 나선다.국무조정실 지속가능발전추진단은 오는 30일부터 11월 16일까지 지역·청년·주요 이해관계자 등을 대상으로 한 숙의공론과 온라인 대국민 의견수렴을 진행한다고 17일 밝혔다.VNR은 유엔 회원국이 지속가능발전목표(SDGs) 이행 현황과 성과, 향후 과제를 자발적으로 점검해 국제사회와 공유하는 보고서다. 국무조정실은 전문가와 시민사회, 학계 등이 참여한 협의회와 자문회의를 거쳐 보고서 초안을 마련해 왔다.숙의공론은 지역과 청년, 주요그룹 및 기타 이해관계자 등 3개 트랙으로 운영된다. 지역 트랙에서는 수도권과 충청·강원, 호남·제주, 대구·경북, 부산·울산·경남 등 5개 권역의 전문가와 활동가, 지방정부 관계자들이 지역별 정책 과제와 우수사례를 논의한다.청년 트랙에서는 관련 단체들이 참여해 지속가능발전 정책에 대한 미래세대의 의견을 제시한다. 이해관계자 트랙에서는 ‘그 누구도 소외되지 않는다’는 원칙에 따라 여성과 장애인, 산업계 등 다양한 사회 구성원의 목소리를 듣는다. 참여 희망자는 이날부터 오는 30일까지 국가 지속가능발전포털에서 신청할 수 있다.일반 국민은 국가 지속가능발전포털 내 ‘VNR 참여마당’을 통해 온라인으로 의견을 낼 수 있다. 추진단은 접수된 의견을 검토하고 관계부처·기관과 협의해 보고서에 반영할 계획이다.최종 보고서는 2027년 상반기 유엔에 제출되며, 같은 해 7월 유엔 지속가능발전 고위급 정치포럼에서 발표된다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 10:08:00
  • SM Group Chairman Woo Oh-hyun Receives Certificate of Patriotic Company
    SM Group Chairman Woo Oh-hyun Receives Certificate of Patriotic Company Woo Oh-hyun, chairman of SM Group, received the 'Certificate of Patriotic Company' from the Korea-U.S. Alliance Foundation for his contributions to supporting the foundation's activities and the Korea-U.S. Alliance Forum.According to industry sources, Woo was awarded the certificate by Im Ho-young, chairman of the Korea-U.S. Alliance Foundation and former deputy commander of the ROK-U.S. Combined Forces Command, during a meeting for sponsoring companies held on September 16 at Dragon Hill Lodge in Yongsan, Seoul.The Certificate of Patriotic Company is awarded to businesses that support the foundation's activities aimed at strengthening the Korea-U.S. Alliance. SM Group has been a key supporter of the foundation's initiatives, including the recent Korea-U.S. Alliance Forum. The foundation and the Korea Defense Veterans Association (KDVA) jointly conducted a program for spouses, with SM Group providing accommodations at the Topsten Hotel.During the event, Robert B. Abrams, chairman of the KDVA, shared photos of spouses staying on the East Coast and expressed gratitude to Woo and SM Group for providing accommodations at the Topsten Hotel in Gangneung.Woo Oh-hyun stated, "The Korea-U.S. Alliance is a strong foundation that has safeguarded the security of South Korea and peace on the Korean Peninsula. I deeply appreciate everyone who has dedicated themselves to the alliance in their respective roles."He added, "The role of the private sector and businesses is crucial for the development of the Korea-U.S. Alliance, in addition to the government and military. SM Group will continue to support and cooperate for the ongoing development of the alliance and the enhancement of friendship between the two countries."The event was attended by approximately 40 key figures from the Korea-U.S. Alliance Foundation and the KDVA, including Im Ho-young, chairman of the Korea-U.S. Alliance Foundation, Yoo Myung-hwan, chairman of the board, Jeong Seung-jo, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Lee Geon-soo, honorary chairman, and Yoon Yoon-soo, chairman of Mistoholdings.Additionally, Woo announced plans to donate 7 billion won to fully cover national scholarships for new students at Yeoju University for the 2027 academic year, among other social initiatives.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 10:08:00
  • Citizens of Gwacheon Demand Government Withdraw Housing Plans for Racecourse
    Citizens of Gwacheon Demand Government Withdraw Housing Plans for Racecourse The representatives of Gwacheon citizens are drawing attention as they visit the government office in Sejong to demand the withdrawal of housing supply and relocation plans for the Gwacheon Racecourse. According to the city of Gwacheon, about 20 citizen representatives held a launch ceremony in the lobby of the city hall on the morning of September 17, expressing their opposition to the government's unilateral push for housing supply and the relocation of the racecourse, before moving to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport in Sejong to hold a rally. Former Gwacheon City Council Chairperson Ha Young-joo and former Gwacheon Association Chairperson Kim Seong-hoon represented the citizens and issued a statement. The citizen representatives stated, "It is unacceptable for the government to promote the Gwacheon Racecourse and surrounding areas as a large-scale housing supply site without sufficient consultation with the citizens of Gwacheon," demanding a comprehensive review of the plans. They particularly argued, "In light of the ongoing large-scale development projects such as the Gwacheon Knowledge Information Town and Gwacheon District, it is more important to enhance the currently lacking transportation, education, and living infrastructure before pursuing additional housing supply." Previously, the government announced plans to supply 9,800 housing units in the area around the Gwacheon Racecourse and the Defense Security Command, with construction aimed to begin by December 2029 after relocation and permitting processes. In response, the citizen representatives expressed their opposition to relocating or developing the racecourse, which has served as a recreational and cultural space for Gwacheon residents and those in the metropolitan area. They also raised concerns that if large-scale housing supply is pursued again, it could exacerbate existing traffic congestion and the lack of educational and living infrastructure, as citizens are already experiencing inconveniences due to the failure to meet initial plans for ongoing development projects. Kim Hang-sik, a citizen representative, stated in a separate statement, "Over the past five years, as a representative of residents in the Gwacheon Knowledge Information Town, I repeatedly heard responses like 'it's already decided' and 'there's no choice' while negotiating with the Korea Land and Housing Corporation on current issues." He added, "While the completion of infrastructure, including the Information Town Station, has been delayed, residents continue to move in, causing suffering for citizens as people arrive on schedule while facilities lag behind." Furthermore, he emphasized, "Even after the government's plan to supply 4,000 housing units on the Gwacheon government site was scrapped due to citizen opposition, the supply volume did not disappear; instead, a new development area was created in Galhyeon-dong, Gwacheon," urging the government to stop changing housing supply sites within Gwacheon. Kim asserted, "No one has asked us for our opinion," and insisted, "The government must fulfill the promised infrastructure before making new promises about future developments." During the rally, the citizen representatives planned to present their main demands, which include the withdrawal of housing supply plans without the consent of Gwacheon citizens, the cancellation of the racecourse relocation plan, and the cessation of unilateral housing supply while engaging in discussions with Gwacheon citizens. After the rally, they will also visit the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs to deliver a petition outlining the demands of Gwacheon citizens. The citizen representatives will call for a comprehensive review of the large-scale housing supply plans for the racecourse and the Defense Security Command site, and demand that the ongoing development projects' transportation, education, and living infrastructure be responsibly completed before any new housing supply is initiated. Additionally, they will urge that sufficient consultation with Gwacheon citizens be conducted before making decisions on major development plans in the city. Meanwhile, the citizen representatives plan to continue their activities in response to the government's unilateral policy implementation until their demands are met. 2026-09-17 10:08:00
  • Health Checkups for Residents at Hanawon Facility in Hwacheon
    Health Checkups for Residents at Hanawon Facility in Hwacheon A large-scale medical service was held for residents at the Hanawon facility in Hwacheon, Gangwon Province, which has been operating as a settlement education center for North Korean defectors.According to Hwacheon County, Coupang conducted a mobile health checkup program called 'Coupang On-Dongnae Care' on September 16 at the Hanawon Hwacheon branch in Gandeok-myeon.About 600 participants included over 550 residents of Hwacheon County, including more than 200 children and teenagers, as well as 50 North Korean defectors.More than 40 medical professionals from the Korean Medical Volunteer Corps, including doctors, dentists, and pharmacists, conducted blood tests, dental and oriental medicine consultations, and bone density tests. Dementia and depression screenings, as well as child growth and development assessments, were also performed.'Coupang On-Dongnae Care' is a social contribution initiative aimed at providing health checkups in areas with declining populations where access to medical facilities is limited. The program began in April in Jeonbuk's Jangsu and has since expanded to include regions such as Chungbuk's Danyang, Gyeongbuk's Yeongdeok, and Jeonnam's Haenam.This health checkup aligns with the movement to open the Hanawon facility to the local community.The Ministry of Unification opened the second Hanawon in Gandeok-myeon, Hwacheon County, in 2012 to provide initial social adaptation education for male North Korean defectors and vocational and advanced education for settled defectors. Recently, as the number of defectors entering the country has decreased, the facility's educational functions have been reduced, prompting a transition to a space for both defectors and local residents.On September 10, the Hwacheon branch and the Korean Medical Volunteer Corps signed a memorandum of understanding to promote health for both North Korean defectors and local residents. The two parties agreed to collaborate on health consultations, screenings, disease prevention education, and mobile medical services.The timeline for opening the second Hanawon to residents has been delayed beyond initial expectations. According to the Ministry of Unification, the designation of the facility as a national security facility managed by the National Intelligence Service was lifted at the end of May, but the revision process for the Ministry of National Defense's designation of the facility as a national important facility continued until July.Plans to convert the Hanawon-affiliated clinic into a general medical facility and expand its services to include local residents also require discussions with relevant authorities.Hwacheon County anticipates that the second Hanawon will officially open to residents as early as October. The exact opening date, the facilities available, and the scope of services for residents will be clarified once the Ministry of Unification finalizes its operational plans.Jang Young-cheol, executive director of Coupang's social contribution division, stated, "We will continue our efforts to address healthcare gaps in collaboration with the local community."Kim Se-hoon, the mayor of Hwacheon County, remarked, "We will strengthen our cooperation with the second Hanawon to enhance the health and medical welfare of our residents."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 10:04:20
  • DDP Area to Transform into Cultural Hub for K-Pop and Entertainment
    DDP Area to Transform into Cultural Hub for K-Pop and Entertainment The Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) area in Seoul will be transformed into a cultural and tourism hub that combines entertainment companies, K-culture content, hotels, and green spaces.On September 17, the Seoul City government announced that the 15th Urban Planning Committee had approved a revised plan to designate the DDP 1, 2, and 3 urban redevelopment areas. The targeted locations include Euljiro 6-ga 1-1, Sindang-dong 773, and Euljiro 299.Once a center for the fashion industry, the DDP area has faced economic decline due to the shift to online shopping and the rise of Chinese e-commerce, leading to a vacancy rate exceeding 70% in some fashion stores. However, the DDP attracts about 17 million visitors annually, highlighting its potential as a tourism hub. The city aims to revitalize the area and establish it as a center for K-culture, particularly K-pop.Incentives of up to 200% for entertainment companiesEntertainment companies that set up in the area will receive incentives allowing for a maximum floor area ratio of 200%. Additionally, businesses in the beauty and fashion sectors can benefit from a 50% increase in allowable floor area. Experience-based entertainment spaces will also receive up to 100% in floor area incentives, and registered performance venues can have their height limits relaxed by up to 20 meters. The plan encourages the development of K-culture infrastructure, including an open observation deck and performance spaces with views of the DDP and Hanyangdoseong.The city also plans to expand tourism hotels. For hotels rated three stars or higher, the allowable floor area ratio can reach up to 150%, or a maximum of 240% depending on size. Establishing tourist information centers and luggage facilities can yield an additional 100% in floor area incentives.Green spaces and pedestrian areas will also be enhanced. A 30-meter-wide east-west green corridor will connect the Sewoon district to the DDP, linking open spaces around the DDP. A media facade will be installed along Jangchungdan-ro to create a nighttime landmark.This redevelopment plan serves as a master plan that will guide future private sector initiatives, with specific project plans to be finalized through community proposals and related procedures.Kim Chang-kyu, head of the Seoul City Urban Space Headquarters, stated, "We will create a complex city that integrates a K-culture-centered cultural and tourism hub with green spaces."Yonsei University to build innovation center and medical schoolDuring the same Urban Planning Committee meeting, a revised plan for the detailed facilities of Yonsei University was also approved. The city announced that Yonsei University will construct an innovation growth facility and a medical school in the Sinchon area of Seodaemun-gu.The innovation growth facility will be built on the site of the existing alumni hall, covering approximately 109,000 square meters and rising 17 stories. It will include an AI convergence college and specialized medical institutions for heart and cerebrovascular diseases, along with a 13,000-square-meter community facility for AI career experiences, entrepreneurship education, and open cultural classrooms.The medical school will be constructed on the site of the existing Allen Hall and the Yonsei Medical Center administrative building, covering about 97,000 square meters and rising 11 stories. Construction for the innovation growth facility is set to begin in March 2028, while the medical school is scheduled to start in June 2027.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 10:04:10
  • LG Electronics Employees Celebrate Chuseok by Making Songpyeon with Disabled Individuals
    LG Electronics Employees Celebrate Chuseok by Making Songpyeon with Disabled Individuals Employees of LG Electronics visited a welfare facility for disabled individuals to make songpyeon and prepare holiday food as part of their community service activities ahead of Chuseok. The donations collected from the employee cafeteria are used to support local volunteer efforts.On September 15, LG Electronics announced that its 'Life's Good' volunteer group conducted Chuseok service activities at the Yeomni Disabled Day Care Center in Mapo, Seoul.The volunteer group made songpyeon and prepared traditional holiday dishes with the center's users. They also delivered pre-prepared rice cakes and played yut nori together. The Yeomni Disabled Day Care Center is a facility for individuals with severe disabilities under the Korea Social Welfare Association.Since 2014, the LG Electronics Life's Good volunteer group has been collaborating with the Korea Social Welfare Association to provide services for vulnerable communities. The costs for this activity were funded through the 'donation menu' operated by the employee cafeteria.The donation menu reduces the number of side dishes in regular meals, and the savings are accumulated as donations by the company. This initiative, which started in 2011, has nearly reached a total of 300 million won in donations. It allows employees to participate in social contributions through their meal choices without a separate donation process.LG Electronics has been operating voluntary employee service activities since 2010, with approximately 5,000 employees participating in the last five years, supporting around 23,000 individuals in the community and marginalized groups. Last year, these efforts were recognized with a presidential citation at the 'Korea Volunteer Awards.'To support employee participation in volunteer work, the company also offers up to eight hours of paid volunteer leave per year. Since the program was introduced in 2013, employees have accumulated over 40,000 hours of volunteer leave.LG Electronics is expanding its volunteer efforts beyond environmental cleanup and neighbor care to include product repairs, career mentoring, and AI photography, utilizing employees' skills and expertise.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 10:04:00