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  • IBK Industrial Bank to Forgive 120 Billion Won in Long-Term Debt to Support Vulnerable Groups
    IBK Industrial Bank to Forgive 120 Billion Won in Long-Term Debt to Support Vulnerable Groups IBK Industrial Bank will forgive 120 billion won in long-term debt to assist vulnerable groups struggling with prolonged delinquency. The bank announced on August 25 that it plans to forgive a total of 120 billion won in long-term delinquent debts by the end of the year. This debt forgiveness aims to alleviate the financial burden on vulnerable groups suffering from extended collection efforts and to support their return to normal economic activities. Initially, by September, the bank will forgive 67.5 billion won in debts held by approximately 3,600 individuals. The eligible debts include those with a special inclusion period exceeding five years and a balance of less than 5 million won, as well as those with an inclusion period exceeding seven years and a balance of less than 100 million won. Additionally, by December of this year, the bank plans to forgive another 52.5 billion won in debts held by around 1,400 individuals. This will target debts with a special inclusion period exceeding five years and a balance of less than 100 million won. An IBK official stated, "We decided to forgive debts to help vulnerable groups break free from the cycle of long-term debt. We will continue to support financially vulnerable individuals through proactive inclusive finance initiatives."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-25 15:44:00
  • Competition Intensifies for Local Government Banking Contracts Worth $57 Billion
    Competition Intensifies for Local Government Banking Contracts Worth $57 Billion Competition is heating up as Nonghyup Bank and local banks face challenges from major commercial banks in the local government treasury market, which they have dominated for years. With Incheon, Gyeongbuk, and Jeonnam-Gwangju, which together manage an annual budget of approximately 57 trillion won, selecting new banking partners, the race for treasury management is intensifying.According to the financial sector, Incheon will accept applications for its next treasury designation from August 28 to September 2. A review will take place in September to select the preferred candidates. The new treasury will manage Incheon’s finances from 2027 to 2030.Incheon’s treasury manages an annual budget of about 17 trillion won. Currently, Shinhan Bank holds the first treasury position, while Nonghyup Bank manages the second. Industry insiders see a high likelihood of a showdown between Shinhan Bank, which has held the first treasury position for nearly 20 years, and Hana Bank, which is relocating its headquarters to Cheongna, Incheon, in September. All five major banks, including KB Kookmin, Shinhan, Hana, Woori, and NH Nonghyup, attended a briefing held on August 13.In Gyeongbuk, KB Kookmin Bank has thrown down the gauntlet to challenge the existing power structure. During the treasury proposal submission period from August 12 to 13, KB Kookmin participated for the first time, alongside the current treasury operators, Nonghyup Bank and iM Bank. The Gyeongbuk treasury, which manages an annual budget of 15 trillion won, has been held by Nonghyup Bank and iM Bank since the introduction of public competition in 2007.Competition for the Jeonnam-Gwangju treasury, which is expected to open for bidding next month, is also anticipated to be fierce. The combined annual budget of Jeonnam and Gwangju, including government support funds, is about 25 trillion won, making it the largest among local governments seeking treasury designations in the second half of this year.In May, a limited competition was held to select an operating institution for the treasury for six months until the end of this year, following the establishment of the special city. This time, a public competition will be held to select a formal treasury that will manage finances for four years starting in 2027. Opportunities for participation have opened up not only for the current first treasury, Nonghyup Bank, and the second treasury, Gwangju Bank, but also for major commercial banks.Interest rate competition is expected to be a significant factor. Jeonnam-Gwangju established treasury designation and operation regulations last month, increasing the scoring for interest rates on demand deposits from 3 points to 8 points. This change has heightened the impact of a bank's financial strength and interest rate conditions on treasury selection.Banks are pursuing local treasury contracts not only to manage local government revenues and expenditures but also to expand transactions with public officials, affiliated organizations, and local businesses. The symbolic value of being a representative bank in the region and securing a foothold for local operations are also seen as attractive factors.A financial sector official stated, “In the past, local treasuries were strongly influenced by Nonghyup Bank and local banks, but recently, major commercial banks have shown active interest. As securing a foothold for local operations becomes more critical, competition for treasury contracts will intensify.” 2026-08-25 15:40:10
  • Uiwang Mayor Kim Seong-je Announces Commitment to Local History of Liberation
    Uiwang Mayor Kim Seong-je Announces Commitment to Local History of Liberation Uiwang Mayor Kim Seong-je stated on August 25 that he aims to connect the meaning of liberation to the local history. On the occasion of the 81st Liberation Day, Mayor Kim expressed his commitment to creating opportunities for citizens to reflect on the history of the independence movement and the significance of local veterans. This statement follows the conclusion of a photo exhibition held in the lobby of city hall to commemorate Liberation Day. Mayor Kim has previously emphasized the importance of actively discovering local veteran resources and promoting a culture of remembrance among citizens and youth, making this 'Liberation Day Photo Exhibition' a natural extension of those efforts. The exhibition not only highlights the historical significance of Liberation Day but also focuses on introducing the history of the independence movement in Uiwang and its veteran assets to the public. In collaboration with the Gyeonggi branch of the Korean Liberation Association, the exhibition featured historical photographs related to the liberation, including the training of independence fighters and the establishment of the Korean Liberation Army. This photo exhibition is significant as it connects the 'history of liberation' to 'Uiwang's history' and brings it back into the daily lives of citizens. Notably, the Uiwang Youth Foundation's Poil Youth Cultural Center displayed a 'Youth Independence Textbook' produced through a project funded by the Ministry of Veterans Affairs, allowing young people to engage with the local history of the independence movement at their level. The 'Youth Independence Textbook' includes the activities of Uiwang independence activists Lee Hee-seung, Park Seong-sam, Seong Ju-bok, and Lee Bong-geun, as well as local memorial sites such as Uiwang Hangul Park and the Wangsong Lake Independence Memorial. This exhibition's unique feature is its ability to connect the national history of liberation with the local history of Uiwang, enabling citizens to examine the traces of the independence movement that remain in their surroundings. The exhibition was set up in the open space of the city hall lobby, allowing any citizen to view it easily. Importantly, it goes beyond merely displaying historical photographs; it introduces independence activists who worked in Uiwang and actual memorial sites in the area, linking the meaning of liberation to the daily lives of citizens. Citizens have expressed that this exhibition provided an opportunity to break away from merely commemorating Liberation Day as a specific holiday and to recognize that the history of the independence movement and veterans is embedded in the local people and places they encounter daily. The inclusion of the Youth Independence Textbook also made the often daunting history of veterans more accessible and relatable. Mayor Kim stated, "This exhibition will serve as a catalyst for actively discovering local veteran resources and continuing to promote a culture of remembrance that resonates with citizens and youth." This aligns with Mayor Kim's policy direction of citizen-centered governance, utilizing local resources, and engaging youth in historical education. By reexamining local figures and places in connection with national commemorative events, this initiative goes beyond a simple commemorative event to represent a policy effort to expand the culture of remembrance in the region. Mayor Kim added, "In the future, we will continue to actively discover and share local veteran resources, promoting a culture of remembrance that resonates with citizens and youth." Additionally, Mayor Kim plans to continue uncovering local independence activists and historical resources related to veterans, expanding them into content that can be learned and shared by citizens and youth.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-25 15:40:00
  • Gartner estimate $1 trillion memory sales, aiding Korean chip stocks
    Gartner estimate $1 trillion memory sales, aiding Korean chip stocks SEOUL, Aug. 25 (AJP) — South Korea's two chip bellwethers clawed back steep early losses Tuesday after Gartner forecast a memory boom lasting well into next year, giving investors a fresh reason to look past shareholder-return packages that have done little to restore their shares to June peaks. Samsung Electronics ended Tuesday flat at 257,000 won after losing more than 4 percent earlier in the session. The stock had plunged 8.7 percent Monday after its record shareholder-return plan fell short of elevated market expectations. SK hynix also closed nearly flat at 1,678,000 won, up 0.42 percent after sliding more than 6 percent in early trading. It had fallen 3.4 percent Monday. Both stocks initially tracked another retreat in U.S. semiconductor shares overnight as investors reduced exposure ahead of Nvidia's earnings and continued to reassess valuations across the artificial intelligence trade. The tone shifted as investors were relieved by Gartner's latest semiconductor forecast. The research firm in a report issued on Monday projected the global semiconductor revenue to jump 92 percent this year to $1.56 trillion from $809 billion in 2025 and reach $1.94 trillion in 2027, with memory being the main driver. Gartner forecast global memory revenue at $837.3 billion this year, nearly four times last year's $220.1 billion, before climbing above $1 trillion to $1.08 trillion in 2027. Memory's share of worldwide semiconductor revenue is projected to rise to 54 percent this year from 27 percent in 2025. DRAM revenue is forecast to surge 246.6 percent this year and NAND flash revenue 371.9 percent. Gartner expects supply to remain tight even as additional production capacity comes online in 2027 because AI infrastructure will continue absorbing more memory. "AI infrastructure has fundamentally changed the dynamics of the memory market," Gartner Director Analyst Shrish Pant said. The firm expects sustained high-bandwidth memory demand, rising memory content per AI server and continued data-center construction to support the market through 2027 and beyond. The outlook directly benefits Samsung and SK hynix, which together dominate global DRAM and high-bandwidth memory production while also operating large NAND businesses. It also provided a fundamental counterweight to a selloff that even unprecedented shareholder rewards have struggled to arrest. SK hynix last week approved a 40 trillion won ($28.6 billion) program to repurchase about 24.07 million shares, or 3.3 percent of its outstanding stock, between Aug. 20 and Nov. 19 and cancel all of them. The company also raised its shareholder-return target to more than 50 percent of cumulative free cash flow generated from 2025 through 2027. The announcement initially worked. SK hynix surged 12.7 percent the following day as the company's purchases created an immediate source of market demand and the planned cancellations promised to reduce its share count. The lift has proved insufficient to reverse the broader retreat. Tuesday's closing price remained 44.1 percent below the June 25 peak of 2,987,000 won. Samsung's package received an even colder reception. The company said Friday that shareholder returns for 2026 would total between 90 trillion won and 110 trillion won, including about 30 trillion won in cash dividends. It also authorized a 15 trillion won share buyback for employee compensation, while leaving the form of the remaining shareholder returns to a January 2027 board meeting. Investors had expected a large and immediate buyback-and-cancellation program similar to SK hynix's. Instead, much of Samsung's announced return consisted of cash dividends, which distribute money to shareholders but do not create direct buying demand or immediately reduce the number of shares outstanding. Samsung's ownership structure also makes aggressive cancellations more complicated. Large reductions in its outstanding shares could lift the combined ownership of Samsung Life Insurance and Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance above regulatory limits, one factor analysts have cited in explaining the company's more cautious approach to buybacks. Samsung shares are now 31.6 percent below their June 19 peak of 374,500 won despite the company's record earnings and its largest shareholder-return package ever. Foreign investors remained net sellers of both Samsung and SK hynix Tuesday, while retail investors continued to absorb shares, suggesting the Gartner forecast encouraged domestic bargain hunting without yet bringing overseas money decisively back into the two names. The rebound therefore did not erase the market's doubts. But Gartner's forecast shifted attention back toward the factor that ultimately matters more than even record buybacks and dividends: whether AI-driven memory demand can remain strong enough to sustain earnings into 2027. AJP Takeaways Samsung Electronics and SK hynix erased most of their early Tuesday losses after Gartner forecast global memory revenue would exceed $1 trillion in 2027. Gartner expects memory revenue to reach $837.3 billion in 2026 as AI data centers drive tight DRAM, NAND and HBM supply-demand conditions. Record shareholder-return programs have provided limited lasting support, with Samsung 31.6 percent and SK hynix 44.1 percent below their June peaks. 2026-08-25 15:39:06
  • North Korea to send about 100 athletes to Asian Games in Japan this fall
    North Korea to send about 100 athletes to Asian Games in Japan this fall SEOUL, August 25 (AJP) - North Korea is expected to send about 100 athletes to the upcoming Asian Games in Japan this fall. In an interview with the Choson Sinbo, a pro-Pyongyang mouthpiece in Japan on Tuesday, Ko Chol-ho, a senior sports official with North Korea's National Olympic Committee, said Pyongyang hopes its athletes will win more medals than they did at the previous Asian Games, despite sending a smaller delegation and competing in fewer disciplines. North Korea fielded about 185 athletes in 18 disciplines at the 2022 Hangzhou Games, which were delayed until September 2023 due to the coronavirus pandemic. The country won 11 gold, 18 silver and 10 bronze medals at the quadrennial event. Meanwhile, South Korea plans to send about 1,100 athletes to compete in 41 disciplines at the 20th Asian Games, which will bring together more than 15,000 participants from 45 countries. This year's Asian Games will kick off with an opening ceremony on Sept. 19, with Nagoya serving as the main host city. However, competitions will be held at multiple venues in and around Aichi Prefecture as well as in other cities including Shizuoka and Tokyo. AJP Takeaways • North Korea is expected to send about 100 athletes to the 2026 Asian Games in Japan, competing in fewer disciplines than the 185 athletes it fielded in 18 disciplines at the 2022 Hangzhou Games. • North Korea won 39 medals at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games, including 11 gold, 18 silver and 10 bronze medals, and now hopes to improve its medal haul with a smaller delegation. • The 2026 Asian Games will be held from Sept. 19 to Oct. 4 in Japan, with Nagoya as the main host city and competitions also taking place in Aichi Prefecture, Shizuoka and Tokyo; South Korea plans to send about 1,100 athletes in 41 disciplines. 2026-08-25 15:36:42
  • Controversy Surrounds Park Wis Role as Seoul City Ambassador Following KTX Incident
    Controversy Surrounds Park Wi's Role as Seoul City Ambassador Following KTX Incident A petition has been submitted to Seoul City requesting an official review of the reasons for Park Wi's dismissal as a city ambassador and his suitability for the role, following the controversy surrounding the release of CCTV footage of a fall incident on the KTX.On August 25, a post titled "Request for Official Review of Park Wi's Dismissal as Seoul City Ambassador" appeared on an online community. The author of the post, identified as A, stated, "I submitted a petition to Seoul City through the National Petition System, and it has been designated to the Public Relations Office of Seoul City."The petition does not call for Park Wi's immediate dismissal but seeks an official determination from the city on whether the recent controversy falls under the dismissal criteria outlined in the current "Ordinance on the Operation of Seoul City Ambassadors" and whether it is appropriate for him to continue in his role.According to Article 4, Section 3 of the ordinance, the mayor can dismiss an ambassador during their term if they are deemed unsuitable for the role due to damage to their dignity or other reasons.A argued that when Park Wi was appointed as an ambassador, there were expectations for him to promote the rights of disabled individuals, barrier-free environments, welfare policies, and youth policies based on his personal experiences. Therefore, it is essential to assess how the recent controversy impacts his ability to fulfill these duties.However, a dismissal is not automatically decided simply because a controversy or petition has arisen. The actual decision will be made after Seoul City reviews the facts and assesses his suitability for the role.A is awaiting a response from Seoul City regarding whether any actions have been taken concerning Park Wi's current status as an ambassador and whether the criteria for dismissal and suitability for duty have been evaluated.Additionally, A has requested clarification on whether Park Wi's recently canceled special lecture at Seoul City Hall was related to his ambassador activities, whether there was any consultation with the Public Relations Office during the cancellation process, and what changes might occur in Park Wi's future ambassador activities.The controversy began when Park Wi posted CCTV footage of a fall incident that occurred while he was traveling on the KTX on his YouTube channel. The footage showed Park Wi falling forward after his wheelchair's wheel got caught on the foot of a social service worker who was assisting him as he descended a ramp. Park Wi stated that the worker apologized immediately after the incident and that he understood it was an accident. However, he released the video to raise awareness about the dangers faced by wheelchair users and safety issues.Following the release of the footage, criticism emerged online, suggesting that despite the worker's apology for a simple mistake, Park Wi's decision to publish the CCTV footage effectively targeted and singled out the individual.As the backlash grew, Park Wi deleted the video and apologized, acknowledging that he had not fully considered the perspective of the worker who had tried to help him and had apologized on-site, admitting that his method of communication was inadequate.In the wake of the controversy, several scheduled lectures and performances were canceled, including the "2026 Seoul Youth Policy Network Insight Lecture" at Seoul City Hall and the "Wi-racle Park Wi Talk Concert" organized by the Gangnam Cultural Foundation.This petition reflects a demand for Seoul City to officially assess whether it is appropriate for Park Wi to continue his role as an ambassador, with the actual decision on dismissal expected to be based on the city's review results.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-25 15:36:00
  • 132 Years Later, Descendants of Donghak Peasant Revolution Participants to Receive Compensation
    132 Years Later, Descendants of Donghak Peasant Revolution Participants to Receive Compensation In a decision that has sparked considerable discussion, Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province announced it will provide annual allowances to the descendants of participants in the Donghak Peasant Revolution, which occurred 132 years ago.On August 25, Jeonbuk Province revealed that 723 descendants of Donghak Peasant Revolution participants will receive an annual allowance of 1.2 million won each. Eligible recipients include children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren registered as heirs under special legislation, who have resided in Jeonbuk for at least one year as of January 1 of this year. Applications will be accepted from September 4 to 22, with payments scheduled for November and December.Internationally, there are examples of compensation for historical injustices that extend to descendants. However, most of these cases involve one-time payments or collective compensation, differing from Jeonbuk's approach of providing annual allowances.One comparable case is Evanston, Illinois, where the city operates a restorative housing program for Black residents and their direct descendants affected by discriminatory housing policies from 1919 to 1969. The program offers $25,000 in cash or housing-related assistance per eligible individual. Although new applications are not currently being accepted, funds are being distributed to qualified descendants as they become available.However, Evanston's compensation policy is currently the subject of litigation. In June, the U.S. Department of Justice intervened in an existing lawsuit, claiming the program violates the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment and the Fair Housing Act. According to the Department of Justice, Evanston has paid out over $5 million to date, with at least 454 eligible direct descendants. The lawsuit is ongoing.In Taiwan, monetary compensation has been provided to victims and families affected by the 228 Incident of 1947. As of the end of November 2025, the 228 Incident Memorial Foundation reported that 10,388 individuals have been recognized as eligible for compensation, with 10,260 having received payments totaling approximately 7.2836 billion New Taiwan dollars. This compensation is not an annual allowance but rather a settlement for the damages incurred.New Zealand has also implemented collective reparations for breaches of the Treaty of Waitangi and colonial policies following its signing in 1840. In the case of Te Whanau a Apanui, the introduction of the Native Land Act in 1862, coercion during the New Zealand Wars in 1865, and subsequent land policies contributed to the official agreement. The settlement includes financial compensation of NZD 30 million, a cultural fund of NZD 1.1 million, and land restitution. While the benefits apply to all members of the iwi regardless of residence, they do not involve annual payments to individuals. The agreement will take effect following the enactment of related legislation. 2026-08-25 15:36:00
  • Black Yak Launches Sky Web VTR Trail Running Shoes with Feedback from Top Runner
    Black Yak Launches 'Sky Web VTR' Trail Running Shoes with Feedback from Top Runner Black Yak announced the release of the 'Sky Web VTR,' an ultra trail running shoe developed with input from ambassador Lee Gyu-ho on August 25.According to Black Yak, Lee Gyu-ho, the only Korean member of the elite trail running team 'Team Vibram,' provided feedback based on his real race experiences during the product development process. He is set to compete in the prestigious Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB) later this month while wearing the Sky Web VTR.The Sky Web VTR is designed to optimize performance for Korean foot shapes, enhancing shock absorption, propulsion, and stability for long-distance trail running.The insole features durable DuraFoamtex material, which absorbs shocks from uneven terrain and improves propulsion. The outsole incorporates Black Yak's technology along with Vibram's MegaGrip and LiteBase technologies to ensure stable traction across various surfaces.The upper combines breathable and durable materials with a knit structure, providing comfort during extended runs. Weighing in at 250 grams per shoe based on a size 260mm, the lightweight design reduces foot fatigue.Functionality has been validated through biomechanical and performance assessments. Compared to existing products with Vibram outsoles, the Sky Web VTR reduces maximum pressure on the foot by 15.79%, decreasing the impact and pressure experienced upon landing. A Black Yak representative stated, "This will be a satisfying choice for trail runners who challenge their limits."Meanwhile, Black Yak has recently signed a five-year distribution agreement with Taiwanese distributor Emers Group, planning to expand its market presence in Taiwan starting in February next year. Emers Group is a specialized distributor with a network across 23 Asian countries, handling global sports and fashion brands such as Nike, Jordan, Polo, and Levi's.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-25 15:28:00
  • Shinhan Card to Launch Mid-Interest Loans for Low-Credit Borrowers
    Shinhan Card to Launch Mid-Interest Loans for Low-Credit Borrowers 금융당국이 제2금융권의 중금리대출 증가분을 가계대출 총량 관리에서 전액 제외하기로 한 가운데 신한카드가 카드업계 최초로 중저신용자를 위한 '중금리 생활안정대출' 출시를 준비하고 있다. 가계대출 총량 규제로 카드론 취급이 제한된 카드사에는 추가 대출 공급 여력이 생기고, 중저신용자의 제도권 금융 선택지도 넓어질 전망이다. 25일 금융권에 따르면 신한카드는 이르면 9월 말이나 10월 초 중금리 생활안정대출을 출시할 예정이다. 현재 상품 출시를 위한 전산 개발 등 준비 작업을 진행 중인 것으로 알려졌다. KB국민카드도 연내 출시를 목표로 상품을 준비하고 있다. 삼성·현대·롯데·비씨카드 등 다른 카드사들도 출시 여부를 검토 중이지만 구체적인 일정은 정하지 않은 것으로 파악됐다. 중금리 생활안정대출은 금융당국이 지난 4월 발표한 중금리대출 활성화 방안에 따라 도입된 상품이다. 대출 취급 시점에 신용평점 하위 50%에 해당하는 중저신용자가 긴급 생활자금 용도로 이용할 수 있다. 대출 한도는 저축은행과 카드사 등 전 금융기관에서 받은 중금리 생활안정대출을 합해 차주당 최대 1000만원이다. 신용대출을 연소득 이내로 제한하는 규제에서는 예외로 인정된다. 이에 따라 기존 신용대출이 연소득에 도달한 차주도 총부채원리금상환비율(DSR)과 카드사의 자체 심사 기준을 충족하면 추가 대출을 받을 수 있다. 이 상품은 지난 6월 말 저축은행업계에서 먼저 출시됐다. KB·OK·SBI·신한·예가람·한국투자저축은행 등 6개사가 판매를 시작했으며, 이후 캐피탈과 카드업계로 출시 범위가 확대되고 있다. SBI저축은행에서는 출시 후 2주 동안 신청 건수의 약 60%가 실제 대출 약정으로 이어지는 등 중저신용자의 이용도 나타나고 있다. 카드업계의 상품 출시에는 금융당국의 총량 관리 기준 변경이 영향을 미쳤다. 금융당국은 이달부터 제2금융권이 취급한 민간중금리대출 증가분을 금융회사별 가계대출 총량 관리 실적에서 전액 제외하기로 했다. 그동안 여신전문금융업계는 민간중금리대출 취급액의 40%만 총량 산정에서 제외받았다. 카드사가 중금리대출을 늘리면 나머지 60%는 가계대출 총량에 반영돼 적극적으로 공급을 확대하기 어려웠다. 앞으로는 증가분 전액이 제외되면서 중저신용자 대출을 늘릴 수 있는 여지가 커졌다. 카드사들은 카드론이 가계대출 총량 관리에 포함되면서 신규 취급을 크게 늘리기 어려운 상황이다. 실제 카드론 잔액도 지난 5월 정부의 가계대출 관리 강화 이후 두 달 연속 감소했다. 중금리대출이 총량에서 제외되면 카드사는 해당 상품을 확대하면서 기존 총량을 다른 가계대출에 활용할 여지도 생긴다. 다만 실제 공급이 얼마나 늘어날지는 카드사의 수익성과 건전성 관리에 달렸다. 올해 하반기 여신전문금융업계에서 민간중금리대출로 인정받기 위한 금리 상한은 연 12.26%다. 일반 카드론보다 받을 수 있는 금리가 낮은 데다 중저신용자를 대상으로 해 예상 손실과 연체율 관리 부담은 상대적으로 크다. 신한카드가 출시할 상품의 구체적인 금리와 심사 기준은 아직 확정되지 않았다. 업계 관계자는 “중금리대출이 총량에서 제외되면 카드사 입장에서는 중저신용자 대출을 취급할 수 있는 여력이 생긴다”며 “카드론 취급이 제한된 상황에서 활용할 수 있는 새로운 상품군이 마련된다는 의미가 있다”고 말했다. 또 다른 관계자는 “상품 출시에는 긍정적이지만 중금리대출은 카드론보다 마진이 크지 않고 중저신용자를 대상으로 하는 만큼 건전성도 함께 고려해야 한다”며 “카드사마다 수익성과 연체 위험을 따져 취급 규모를 조율할 것으로 보인다”고 말했다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-25 15:28:00
  • Korean Football Association Restructures Referee Evaluation Committee
    Korean Football Association Restructures Referee Evaluation Committee As controversies surrounding referee decisions continue in the K League, the Korean Football Association has announced a restructuring of its referee evaluation committee.On August 25, the association revealed that it will operate a restructured Professional Referee Evaluation Committee to analyze and assess the performance of K League referees.The revamped committee will consist of a total of seven members, including four from the football association and three from the Korea Professional Football League. Notably, the three members from the league will be non-referees, making up approximately 42.9% of the committee. This marks the first time the proportion of non-referee members has exceeded 40%.The four members from the football association will continue to include full-time referee instructors and analysts who specialize in decision-making. The league's three members will include Kim Ho-young, the technical committee chair, among other non-referees.The Professional Referee Evaluation Committee reviews key decisions made during K League matches from various perspectives to determine whether they were correct or incorrect. It also establishes the annual grading criteria for referees, which affects their promotion and demotion.This restructuring is part of the football association's efforts to implement referee policy development tasks announced in February. The aim is to incorporate the perspectives of non-referee members into evaluations that have traditionally been conducted by decision-making specialists.The football association also plans to conduct 'Decision Briefings' summarizing the committee's review results on key controversial decisions. These briefings will include the outcomes of correct and incorrect calls, along with the regulatory basis and technical reasoning behind those conclusions.Previously, during a referee development policy announcement in February, the football association promised to provide immediate explanations whenever significant issues arose regarding decisions, introducing the concept of 'Monday Briefings.' However, to date, only three such briefings have been distributed.Park Il-ki, head of the football association's competition operations department, stated, "Initially, we promised 'Monday Briefings' to provide immediate guidance on major issues related to referee decisions. However, in reality, significant issues require in-depth official discussions through the Professional Referee Evaluation Committee rather than just a small group. Moving forward, we plan to provide updates on issues through 'Decision Briefings' following committee meetings."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-25 15:24:00