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U.S. and South Korea Confirm Commitment to Cooperation Amid North Korea Dialogue Prospects U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed a willingness to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, sending a strong signal of interest. In light of this, the foreign ministers of South Korea and the United States have agreed to maintain close communication and cooperation, raising hopes for a resumption of dialogue between the U.S. and North Korea. On August 25, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that Minister Cho Hyun and Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a 30-minute phone call the previous day to discuss U.S.-South Korea relations and issues on the Korean Peninsula. The ministry stated that the two ministers agreed to continue close communication and cooperation to maintain a robust U.S.-South Korea joint defense posture while working towards peace on the peninsula and resolving the North Korean nuclear issue. Minister Cho remarked, "We will do our utmost to ensure that President Trump's recent messages lead to a resumption of U.S.-North Korea dialogue and peace on the Korean Peninsula." Earlier, on August 16, Trump took to social media to express his discontent with the scale of U.S.-South Korea joint military exercises, stating, "Given that Chairman Kim and I have a very good relationship, I do not like that the U.S. has agreed to participate in joint military exercises with South Korea for a long time." He directed a significant reduction in the scale of these exercises. The regular U.S.-South Korea joint exercise, known as the Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS), which is designed for defense in case of emergencies, was concluded early on August 21. Following Trump's directive, the training period was shortened from 11 days to 5 days. The Korean Conference of Religious Leaders (KCRP) issued a statement on the same day, acknowledging the importance of national security and defense capabilities to protect citizens. They expressed understanding of concerns regarding the adjustments to the joint military exercises. However, they emphasized that true security is not achieved solely through military strength but is strengthened through efforts to prevent conflict, build trust, and create lasting peace. They called for the adjustments to the joint exercises to be seen as an opportunity to lower tensions on the peninsula, restore trust between the two Koreas, and restart the stalled inter-Korean dialogue. Unification Minister Jeong Dong-young stated on August 21 regarding Trump's push for a U.S.-North Korea summit, "In a broader sense, we can see that a tectonic shift on the Korean Peninsula has begun with President Trump's actions." To transition from the resumption of U.S.-North Korea dialogue to a peace regime, the role of the South Korean government is crucial. Kyungnam University visiting professor Cho Yong-geun appeared on MBC Radio's 'Kim Jong-bae's Focus' and stated, "What is important now is U.S.-South Korea communication," advising that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Unification should work to clarify the desired outcomes of U.S.-North Korea dialogue. A senior official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted, "It is necessary to maintain close communication on areas that require coordination between the U.S. and South Korea," adding that communication channels are functioning well. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-25 17:00:20 -
Hyundai Motor Reaches Tentative Wage Agreement, Impacting Group Negotiations Hyundai Motor and its labor union have reached a tentative agreement that includes a base salary increase of 100,000 won and a performance bonus of 400% plus 12.7 million won. While a vote by union members is still pending, the parties have cleared a significant hurdle. Following Hyundai Steel, the negotiations at Hyundai Motor are nearing completion, which is expected to positively influence labor negotiations at other affiliates such as Kia and Hyundai Mobis.◆ Tentative agreement reached after 111 days; individual wage increase effect estimated at 40 million wonThe tentative agreement was reached during the 17th round of negotiations held at the Ulsan plant from August 24 to 25. The agreement includes a monthly base salary increase of 100,000 won, a performance bonus of 400% plus 12.7 million won, 15 shares of stock, 500,000 won in welfare points, and a 200,000 won increase in summer vacation pay. The company also agreed to hire a total of 500 new technical workers, with 200 to be hired in the second half of next year and 300 in 2028. The union estimates that the wage increase effect for each member will reach 40 million won.Key issues from this year's negotiations, such as the increase in bonuses, will be revisited in next year's collective bargaining. Regarding the extension of the retirement age, it was agreed to implement it without expanding the wage peak system if related laws are amended. The parties also agreed to strengthen cooperation during the transition to future industries, recognizing the need to adopt technologies such as physical artificial intelligence and robotics to secure corporate competitiveness, and to share progress on new businesses and technologies.Despite initially threatening a full strike, the union and management found common ground after 111 days of negotiations. This year, the total strike time was recorded at 60 hours per member, which translates to 120 hours for a two-shift production line. Industry estimates suggest that production disruptions amounted to approximately 55,200 vehicles, resulting in a revenue loss of over 2.3 trillion won.If the tentative agreement is approved in the union-wide vote scheduled for August 31, Hyundai Motor's wage negotiations for this year will be finalized. The company has also agreed to lift all 10 injunctions related to damages incurred during union activities.◆ Impact on Kia and affiliate negotiations; subcontracting issues remain a variableThe tentative agreement at Hyundai Motor is expected to influence other group affiliates currently facing labor disputes. As the flagship company, Hyundai Motor's agreement has served as a benchmark for group labor negotiations. The Kia union began negotiations with management on the same day. Kia's third proposal, presented on August 20, included a base salary increase of 98,000 won, a performance bonus of 400% plus 12 million won, 45 shares of company stock, 200,000 won in traditional market gift certificates, and 50,000 won in special points. If the union accepts the management's proposal, the negotiations will conclude without a strike.However, labor disputes at parts suppliers like Hyundai Mobis remain unresolved. The production of finished vehicles relies on the timely supply of numerous parts, so a key strike could impact the production lines of Hyundai and Kia.The issue of subcontracting negotiations, following the implementation of the Yellow Envelope Law, also remains a variable. The Ulsan Regional Labor Relations Commission has recognized the employer status of Hyundai's in-house subcontracted production workers, cafeteria staff, and security personnel, increasing the likelihood of broader negotiation scopes in the future.An industry insider noted, "The results of Hyundai Motor's wage negotiations have traditionally served as a guideline for negotiations at group affiliates," but added, "With ongoing negotiations at affiliates and subcontracting issues, it will take time to resolve the overall labor uncertainties within the group."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-25 16:56:10
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Electric Vehicle Expo Draws Crowds for BYD PHEV and KGM Hybrid Models "The EV market is still in the stage of transitioning to fully electric vehicles. HEVs and PHEVs also fall under the same category of eco-friendly cars, so they seem to be a significant part of this EV expo," said a representative from an automotive company at the 'EV Trend Korea 2026' event held on August 25 in Gangnam, Seoul. As South Korea's largest electric vehicle exhibition, EV Trend Korea serves as a platform for innovation in the future mobility industry and the exchange of carbon-neutral technologies. This year, a total of 90 companies, including electric vehicle manufacturers, electric motorcycle producers, and charging station developers, are participating. The BYD booth, a Chinese automotive manufacturer, was particularly crowded with visitors. BYD Korea showcased its plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) 'Sea Lion 6 DM-i' and the fully electric 'Atto 3 Plus,' which were introduced to the South Korean market in June. Many attendees were eager to experience the PHEV firsthand, marking BYD's first foray into the PHEV market after previously only selling fully electric vehicles in the country. A visitor in his 50s praised the Sea Lion 6 DM-i for its value, stating, "My round-trip commute is 40 kilometers, so I can travel on electricity alone, and for long distances, I can go anywhere without refueling. The technology has improved, and even though it's a Chinese brand, the price is low, and the battery meets global standards, which is great." Another attendee noted, "While PHEVs no longer qualify for subsidies, they are still cheaper than the Avante." Despite being an EV expo, the inclusion of non-fully electric vehicles has enriched this year's exhibition. KG Mobility (KGM) was the only automaker to present a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), the 'Actyon Hybrid.' The booth also featured fully electric models such as the 'Musso EV' and 'Torres EVX.' Experts agree that the electric vehicle market is poised for significant growth. Lee Man-sik, Executive Vice President of Volvo Korea, stated, "We have already surpassed last year's total electric vehicle sales by July this year," emphasizing the rapid growth of the EV market. He added, "Internal combustion engine vehicles are expected to transition to electrified powertrains, and some brands have recently launched PHEV models to meet customer demand." Regarding competition with companies like Tesla and BYD, he remarked, "All are engaging in aggressive marketing and receiving positive responses. While we do not compete directly with them, brands ultimately follow market demands. Volvo will continue to evolve in line with customer needs while maintaining our philosophy of safety, innovation, and sustainability." * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-25 16:56:10
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Kim Yi-kyung Renews Contract with Big Smile Entertainment, Promises Full Support 배우 김이경이 현소속사 빅스마일엔터테인먼트와 재계약을 체결하며 두터운 신뢰로 인연을 이어가게 되었다. 빅스마일엔터테인먼트는 25일 "오랜 시간 쌓아온 신뢰를 바탕으로 김이경 배우와 소중한 인연을 이어가게 되어 매우 기쁘다"라며 "무한한 잠재력과 폭넓은 연기 스펙트럼을 지닌 배우인 만큼 다양한 작품에서 독보적인 역량을 펼칠 수 있도록 든든한 파트너로서 전폭적인 지원을 아끼지 않을 것" 이라고 전했다. 이어 "매 작품 새로운 얼굴을 보여주며 성실히 필모그래피를 넓혀가고 있는 김이경 배우가 펼쳐갈 앞으로의 행보에 많은 관심과 따뜻한 응원 부탁드린다"고 덧붙였다.김이경은 최근 tvN 드라마 '친애하는 X'에서 심성희 역을 맡아 캐릭터의 복합적인 감정선을 섬세하게 그려내며 극의 긴장감을 높였다. 특히 인물의 내면을 밀도 있게 표현하며 강렬한 존재감을 남겨 배우로서 한층 깊어진 모습을 선보였다.이에 앞서 드라마 '오늘도 사랑스럽개', 영화 '언니 유정' 등 다양한 작품에서 안정적인 연기력과 탄탄한 캐릭터 소화력을 선보이며 자신만의 색깔을 차근차근 구축해왔다.매 작품 새로운 캐릭터에 도전하며 색다른 모습을 보여주고 있는 김이경은 차기 작품 촬영을 마치며 활발한 행보를 이어가고 있다. 장르와 캐릭터의 경계를 넓혀가며 다채로운 매력을 보여주고 있는 김이경이 빅스마일엔터테인먼트와의 두터운 신뢰를 바탕으로 펼쳐갈 활약에 기대가 모인다. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-25 16:56:10
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Mother Sentenced to 35 Years for Abusing and Killing Infant Son A mother who repeatedly abused her 4-month-old son, Haeden (pseudonym), leading to his death, has had her life sentence reduced to 35 years in an appeals court.The Gwangju High Court's Criminal Division 2, presided over by Judge Hwang Jin-hee, overturned the original sentence on August 25, sentencing the woman, in her 30s, to 35 years in prison for child abuse murder under the Special Act on the Punishment of Child Abuse Crimes. Her husband, who was also charged for neglecting the abuse, received a sentence of 4 years and 6 months, the same as in the first trial.The appeals court acknowledged the severity and antisocial nature of the woman's actions but stated, "It is difficult to conclude that the crime was premeditated, and she has shown remorse, albeit belatedly," as a reason for the reduced sentence.The mother was charged with abusing her son and leaving him in a running bathtub, resulting in multiple fractures and bleeding, which led to his death on October 22, 2025. Investigations revealed that the abuse occurred 19 times from August 24 of the same year. The first trial, held in April, sentenced her to life imprisonment, noting that the child died just 133 days after birth and had suffered abuse for nearly 60 days of his short life.This case was initially referred to the police for child abuse leading to death but was later changed to child abuse murder after a supplementary investigation by the prosecution. Authorities secured over 4,800 home surveillance recordings from the family's residence, analyzing both video and audio evidence. They concluded that the mother had committed intentional violence and neglect, leading to her arrest and indictment for child abuse murder in December 2025.Similar to the previous 'Jeongin case,' where a 16-month-old girl was abused to death by her adoptive mother, the life sentence was also reduced to 35 years in the appeals court. In that case, the adoptive mother was sentenced to life imprisonment in the first trial but had her sentence reduced in the appeals court, which found insufficient evidence of premeditated planning and deemed that there were not enough objective circumstances to justify a permanent separation from society. The 35-year sentence was confirmed by the Supreme Court in April 2022.However, the charges in the two cases differ. The adoptive mother in the Jeongin case was charged with murder under the Criminal Act. The child abuse murder charge, established in March 2021 following the Jeongin case, stipulates penalties of death, life imprisonment, or imprisonment for a minimum of seven years. According to the Supreme Court's sentencing guidelines, the recommended sentence for child abuse murder is 17 to 22 years, with aggravated circumstances leading to sentences of 20 years or more or life imprisonment.Meanwhile, the 'Free Haeden' civic group, which has called for severe punishment since the first trial, expressed shock at the reduced sentence, stating, "There has been no change compared to the 35-year sentence in the Jeongin case."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-25 16:48:00
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Korea Chamber of Commerce Appoints Kim Jung-il as New Executive Vice Chairman The Korea Chamber of Commerce announced on August 25 that Kim Jung-il, former head of the New Trade Order Strategy Office at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, has been appointed as the new Executive Vice Chairman.The chamber plans to hold a special general meeting on September 8 to present the 'Appointment Agreement for the New Executive Vice Chairman.' If approved, Kim will be officially appointed to the position.Kim has accumulated extensive experience and expertise over more than 30 years in key national industries, including industrial policy, trade, energy, and semiconductors, working in both government and corporate sectors.He has held various positions at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, including Director of the Semiconductor Display Division, Director of the Americas Trade Division, Free Trade Agreement Policy Officer, Energy Innovation Policy Officer, and head of the New Trade Order Strategy Office. He later served as the Global Business Policy Officer at SK Square and as Vice President of External Cooperation at SK Hynix.Kim stated, "In a time of increasing uncertainty in the global economy and trade environment, I will actively represent the voices of businesses to ensure our companies can grow steadily and create new opportunities. I will diligently fulfill the role of a bridge between the government and the business community and do my utmost to enhance the global competitiveness of our companies."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-25 16:44:00
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KB Kookmin Card Introduces First 'Corporate Public MyData' Service for Business Card Issuance KB Kookmin Card announced on August 25 that it will be the first card issuer to implement the Ministry of the Interior and Safety's 'Corporate Public MyData Service' for business card issuance.The Corporate Public MyData service provides corporate-related information held by administrative and public institutions to the necessary organizations upon request from businesses.With this new service, corporate clients can submit the required documents for business card issuance without needing to provide separate paper certificates, relying instead on corporate authentication and administrative information requests.KB Kookmin Card will utilize a total of six types of information for business card issuance, including five types from the National Tax Service and one type from the Ministry of SMEs and Startups. This will allow verification of information such as business type and financial data necessary for card issuance.This initiative is expected to reduce the documentation burden on corporate clients while also enhancing the efficiency of the card issuance process.A representative from KB Kookmin Card stated, "The introduction of the Corporate Public MyData service will reduce the burden of document submission and make it easier to obtain business cards. We will continue to enhance convenience for corporate clients and expand differentiated business card services."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-25 16:40:00
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Concerns Rise in Financial Sector Over Potential Relocation of Regulatory Agencies With the recent discussions about the potential relocation of the Financial Services Commission (FSC) and the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) to regional areas, securities firms and asset management companies are on high alert. If these regulatory bodies move, private financial institutions may be compelled to establish offices in those regions.According to the financial investment industry on August 25, securities firms and asset managers are closely monitoring the possibility and specifics of the FSC and FSS's relocation. Initially, it was expected that the Cabinet meeting on this day would discuss plans for the relocation of some administrative agencies, including the FSC, but those items were reportedly removed from the final agenda. However, the discussions about relocation have not been completely abandoned, indicating that further talks may occur.The financial authorities frequently consult with securities firms and asset managers regarding the approval of financial products, disclosures, inspections, and supervision. There are concerns that if the physical distance between the authorities and financial companies increases, the burden of work could grow, especially during the launch of financial products like exchange-traded funds (ETFs), which require detailed explanations and practical discussions.An official from an asset management company stated, "Most tasks can be handled through documents or phone calls, but when launching new products or discussing regulations, in-person meetings are often necessary. If both the authorities and the industry move to regional areas, the burden on staff who need to travel could increase significantly."There is a precedent for this situation. After the National Pension Service moved its headquarters to Jeonju, some asset management firms, including IBK Asset Management, Hanwha Asset Management, and NH Amundi Asset Management, have established or are preparing to set up offices in Jeonju. They have done this to maintain operational connections with the National Pension Service, a key institutional investor, necessitating the deployment of personnel to Jeonju. The industry anticipates that if the FSC and FSS relocate, private financial investment companies may also need to allocate additional personnel and resources.A representative from the securities industry remarked, "Since the relocation of the financial authorities has not been confirmed, we are currently in a wait-and-see phase. However, if the move becomes a reality, private financial firms will have no choice but to consider travel or establishing separate operational bases for tasks that require consultation with the authorities."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-25 16:36:00
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Lee Chang-dong's latest film picked as South Korea's Oscar entry SEOUL, August 25 (AJP) - Director Lee Chang-dong's "Possible Love" has been selected as South Korea's submission for best foreign language film to compete at next year's Academy Awards, the Korean Film Council said on Tuesday. The U.S. movie industry's biggest awards ceremony, which will celebrate its 98th year next year, will be held in Los Angeles on March 15, with each country allowed to submit one film in the Best International Feature Film category, which recognizes films produced outside the U.S. "Possible Love," starring Jeon Do-yeon, Sul Kyung-gu and Zo In-sung, marks Lee's first feature film in eight years, following his critically acclaimed "Burning," which was shortlisted for an Oscar in 2018. The 164-minute film revolves around two married couples whose lives become intertwined as they confront their different circumstances and hidden desires. "Possible Love" is scheduled to have its world premiere next month in the main competition section of the Venice International Film Festival, one of the world's most prestigious film festivals. AJP Takeaways • Director Lee Chang-dong's "Possible Love" was selected as South Korea's submission for the Best International Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards, according to the Korean Film Council on Aug. 25, 2026. • "Possible Love" is Lee Chang-dong's first feature film in eight years, following his critically acclaimed "Burning," which was shortlisted for an Oscar in 2018. The 164-minute film stars Jeon Do-yeon, Sul Kyung-gu and Zo In-sung. • "Possible Love" will have its world premiere in the main competition at the Venice International Film Festival in September 2026, ahead of the 98th Academy Awards ceremony scheduled for March 15, 2027, in Los Angeles. 2026-08-25 16:34:21 -
Financial Supervisory Service Strengthens Investigation Capabilities with New Hires The Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) has bolstered its investigation capabilities by hiring several individuals with experience in law enforcement. Since securing cognitive investigation authority in April, the FSS has been actively recruiting personnel with investigative backgrounds.According to the FSS, in its second round of specialized and experienced hiring for 2026, seven candidates with investigative experience—six from the prosecution and one from the police—successfully passed the final selection and were assigned to the Investigation Bureau and the Special Judicial Police for Capital Markets on August 18.Among the new hires from the prosecution are individuals with extensive experience in capital markets and securities crime investigations, including those from the Southern District Prosecutor's Office and the Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials.Although the total number of successful candidates in this recruitment round was 56, down from the initially planned 60, all seven positions in the investigative field were filled as scheduled.This is the first time the FSS has specifically recruited individuals with investigative experience. Previously, the agency focused on enhancing its investigative capabilities through hiring legal and financial professionals, such as lawyers and accountants. However, the importance of investigative expertise has increased since the FSS obtained cognitive investigation authority in April. This authority allows the FSS to transition cases into special police investigations without separate complaints or notifications from the Financial Services Commission, following a decision by the Investigation Review Committee.The scope of work for the investigative team differs from standard financial supervision duties. They are responsible for investigating unfair trading in capital markets and financial crimes, as well as collecting evidence, interrogating suspects, applying for warrants, and referring cases to the prosecution. Eligibility for these positions is limited to those with at least three years of experience in public, economic, financial, or capital market-related investigations.This recruitment round also included an increase in investigative personnel. About 20 of the successful candidates were assigned to the Investigation Bureau. Considering that approximately 40 personnel from the Investigation Bureau are currently dispatched to joint investigation teams, this move appears to enhance the FSS's capacity to investigate unfair trading.The FSS stated, "Combining the agency's expertise in financial products and transaction structures with the investigative experience of personnel from law enforcement will significantly improve our ability to secure evidence and respond to unfair trading cases."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-25 16:32:10