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Kyobo Life Successfully Tests Stablecoin for Japan-Korea Fund Transfers 교보생명이 국내 보험업계 최초로 스테이블코인 활용 한·일 자금이전 실증에 성공했다.교보생명은 SBI그룹과 지난 7월부터 진행한 ‘한일 스테이블코인 기반 크로스보더 실증 프로젝트’를 마무리했다고 17일 밝혔다.국가 간 기관자금의 이전부터 환전, 정산까지 전 과정을 검증한 국내 보험업계 첫 사례다.이번 실증은 SBI그룹 산하 SBI Digital Practice와 공동으로 진행됐다. 금융기관용 블록체인인 ‘캔톤 네트워크’ 테스트 환경에서 이뤄졌다.기존에는 일본에서 엔화를 달러로 바꾼 뒤 다시 원화로 환전하는 방식이 필요했다. 이번 실증에서는 엔화 스테이블코인을 원화 스테이블코인으로 직접 환전하는 구조를 적용했다. 실제 자금 대신 테스트 토큰을 활용해 달러를 거치지 않는 자금 이전 과정을 검증했다.교보생명은 이번 실증을 통해 블록체인 기반 국경 간 자금이전의 처리시간을 줄이고 중간 환전 절차를 간소화할 가능성을 확인했다고 설명했다. 거래 정보를 실시간으로 확인·추적하는 한편 해외에서 이전된 디지털자산과 관련 정산금을 국내에서 처리하는 운영모델도 함께 검증했다.교보생명은 향후 관련 제도와 금융 인프라가 마련되면 이번 실증 구조를 해외 금융거래의 효율성을 높일 수 있을 것으로 보고 있다.양사는 실증 결과를 바탕으로 한·일 간 디지털자산 환전과 자산운용 연계, 실제 거래를 기반으로 한 신규 사업모델 발굴 등 웹3 금융 분야에서 협력을 확대할 계획이다.교보생명 관계자는 “이번 실증을 통해 스테이블코인과 블록체인을 활용한 국가 간 기관자금 이전의 기술적 가능성과 효율성을 확인했다”며 “앞으로도 SBI그룹과 협력을 확대하며 웹3 금융 인프라 변화에 대응해 나가겠다”고 말했다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 09:48:00 -
Kim Min-seok: Discussions on Progressive Coalition Already Underway Kim Min-seok, leader of the Democratic Party, responded to claims from the Justice Innovation Party that there had been no discussions regarding a progressive coalition, stating, "We have already entered the discussion process." He also indicated that he would reveal the status of investigations into allegations of dual party membership and Shincheonji involvement at an appropriate time.On September 17, during an appearance on the Democratic Party's official YouTube channel, Minty07, Kim said, "We have already met with the Innovation Party. I have instructed members of the coalition integration task force to continue outreach." He dismissed the claim that discussions on easing coalition requirements were not taking place, adding that talks are ongoing regarding issues raised by progressive parties, including the easing of coalition requirements.The Democratic Party and the Innovation Party clashed the previous day over the criteria for easing coalition requirements. Kim's proposal to lower the threshold from the current 20 seats to 15 sparked a backlash from the Innovation Party, which claimed there had been no formal proposal for discussion. Officials from the Innovation Party, including Secretary-General Jeong Chun-sang, argued that the threshold should be lowered to 10 seats instead.Regarding the issue of dual party membership, Kim emphasized that it must be addressed, especially in light of potential unification discussions with the Innovation Party. He stated, "There are cases of dual party membership within the progressive camp. This issue must be resolved before any unification discussions with the Innovation Party can realistically proceed."Kim also noted that investigations into the issue of religious groups' membership in the party, which he raised during the party convention, are ongoing. He mentioned that the task force led by Supreme Council member Park Sun-won is working to resolve issues related to membership lists from Shincheonji and the Unification Church, stating, "The process is being conducted slowly and thoroughly. I understand there has been some progress."He recalled that when he and President Lee Jae-myung raised the issue during his tenure as Prime Minister, related groups began their activities online the following day, saying, "I thought, 'They are marking their territory.'"* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 09:48:00
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KB Kookmin Bank Launches 'KB AI' for Enhanced Banking Experience KB Kookmin Bank announced the launch of 'KB AI,' a conversational financial service powered by generative artificial intelligence (AI), on September 17. KB AI allows customers to ask questions in everyday language, enabling the AI to understand their intent and provide relevant information or financial services. The service employs natural language-based integrated search, allowing users to find menu items, financial products, and frequently asked questions (FAQs) within the KB Star Banking app without needing to know specific terms or menu names.For instance, if a user types, "Show me last month's debit card usage" or "Send my son 100,000 won," the AI analyzes the user's intent and connects them to related services such as inquiries or transfers. A key feature is that users can access functions like search, inquiry, and transfer from a single screen without needing to switch between different chat windows.The bank has also expanded its multilingual services for foreign customers. The 'KB Star Banking Membership' service, which includes account opening and certificate issuance, is now available in multiple languages, increasing the number of supported languages from 11 to 16.A representative from KB Kookmin Bank stated, "We will continue to integrate AI technology into various financial services to provide customers with new financial experiences."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 09:44:20
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KakaoBank Expands Partnership with Naver Pay to Include Personal Business Loans KakaoBank is expanding its collaboration with Naver Pay (Npay) to include personal business loans in its loan comparison service. On September 17, KakaoBank announced its partnership with Naver Pay, allowing users to view personal business loan products through the Npay loan comparison service. Users can compare loan products from various financial institutions, including KakaoBank, after completing identity verification and entering personal information on the Npay loan comparison platform. By selecting KakaoBank's personal business loan and clicking 'Apply for Loan,' users will be redirected to the KakaoBank app to complete the application process. KakaoBank's personal business loan is available to customers who have completed business registration, even without a separate business account. The maximum loan limit is 300 million won. Customers who have held a personal business loan within 180 days prior to the application date, have completed a small business consulting program, or use the KakaoBank 'Business' Hyundai Card may qualify for a preferential interest rate of 0.2 percentage points under certain conditions. However, customers who take out personal business loans exceeding 50 million won will need to undergo a 'post-use fund purpose review.' A KakaoBank representative stated, 'We will continue to expand financial services that reduce the financial burden on personal business customers and support their funding needs.'* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 09:44:00
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Korea and Central Asia Expand Economic Cooperation with $14 Million in Export Contracts Economic cooperation between South Korea and Central Asia is expanding beyond exports to include key raw material supply chains and energy infrastructure. During the recent visit of buyers and suppliers from five Central Asian countries, approximately $14 million in export contracts were signed on-site.The Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) announced on September 17 that it hosted the 'Korea-Central Asia Business Partnership' event at the Westin Chosun Hotel in Seoul on September 16. The event featured participation from 33 Central Asian buyers and suppliers, along with over 90 domestic companies, resulting in more than 200 export consultations.A total of 16 contracts worth about $14 million were signed during the consultations. A consumer goods company secured a $3 million contract with a buyer from Kazakhstan. CU, which operates 70 stores in Kazakhstan, also held a showcase to introduce products from domestic small and medium-sized enterprises.In addition to product buyers, eight infrastructure project agencies and three key raw material suppliers participated in the event. Given the abundance of essential raw materials such as urea, phosphorous, and tungsten in Central Asia, discussions also focused on potential collaborations for diversifying supply chains for South Korean companies.During the Korea-Central Asia Business Summit held the same day, a joint declaration was adopted to broaden cooperation in areas including critical minerals, energy, and plant infrastructure, as well as artificial intelligence, digital technology, and biotechnology. Additionally, 19 memorandums of understanding were signed.KOTRA also operated a 'Supply Chain Lounge' to facilitate consultations between Central Asian raw material suppliers and domestic companies, with support from the Korea Export-Import Bank, the Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources, and the Korea Mine Rehabilitation and Resource Corporation, which provided consulting on finance and resource development.A development cooperation model linking infrastructure projects and exports was also proposed. The ongoing district heating modernization project in Uzbekistan was introduced, and consultations on equipment supply between companies in the two countries were conducted. Separate exhibition booths were set up for local small businesses and micro-enterprises.The five Central Asian countries are diversifying their industrial structures, including manufacturing and information and communication technology (ICT), while increasing foreign investment, leading to greater demand for energy and infrastructure. KOTRA plans to expand cooperation beyond simple product exports to include supply chains and project contracts as a result of the summit.Kang Kyung-seong, president of KOTRA, stated, "Central Asia offers significant opportunities for cooperation due to its growth potential, abundant raw materials, geographical proximity, and deep historical and emotional ties. We will fully support the active engagement of businesses from both countries in exports, supply chains, energy, and infrastructure." 2026-09-17 09:40:20
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National University Association Opposes Selective Support for '10 Seoul National Universities' The National University Professors Association (referred to as 'National University Association') has strongly opposed the Ministry of Education's selection results for the '10 Seoul National Universities' initiative. They are demanding the immediate inclusion of six national universities that were not selected and a comprehensive review of the competitive ranking policy that promotes selective and concentrated support.On September 17, the National University Association issued an emergency joint statement titled 'Return to the Principles of 5 Extremes 3 Specialties for National Balanced Development,' criticizing the government's '10 Seoul National Universities' project for straying from its original intent of promoting national balanced development and fostering unnecessary competition and disparities among national universities.In the statement, the association outlined three key demands directed at the Ministry of Education.First, they strongly urged the addition of the six unselected national universities to ensure that all national universities can function as core pillars of national balanced development, supported by a stable and continuous national funding system.Next, they called for a complete re-evaluation of the competitive support system that selectively and intensively supports only certain universities, which leads to new disparities and hierarchies. They also demanded the transparent disclosure of evaluation criteria, procedures, and results, as well as institutional guarantees for the independence, objectivity, and fairness of evaluations.The National University Association stated, 'The government's strategy for promoting balanced growth, established with enthusiasm at the beginning of its term to overcome the one-pole system in the metropolitan area and the crisis of regional extinction, has drifted just one year later.' They criticized the government's promise to cultivate growth hubs comparable to the metropolitan area as having been seriously distorted in the execution process.They particularly emphasized that 'reintroducing competition and ranking among national universities that should be nurtured together contradicts the intent of balanced development.' They questioned whether the government's goal is to create new regional disparities by widening the gap between the three selected universities and the six unselected ones.Regarding the opaque evaluation process and fairness issues, the National University Association expressed strong criticism, stating, 'The evaluation criteria for the '10 Seoul National Universities' have not been disclosed at all, and the government's explanations regarding follow-up actions are inconsistent.' They urged that if political or regional considerations have influenced large-scale national financial support, this must be clearly stated, and the evaluation criteria and rationale should be transparently disclosed to university stakeholders.Furthermore, the National University Association asserted, 'Higher education should not be swayed by political gains and losses, as it is a long-term investment for the future.' They called for the immediate exclusion of non-experts who have distorted policies without understanding the characteristics and academic diversity of universities, and emphasized the need for a policy direction led by experts who deeply understand the characteristics of national, public, and private universities.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 09:40:00
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Toyota and Lexus Rank First and Second in Sales and Service Satisfaction Korea Toyota Motor has been recognized by consumers for its sales service and after-sales service competitiveness. On September 17, Korea Toyota Motor announced that it ranked at the top in the '2026 Annual Automotive Planning Survey' conducted by the automotive research firm Consumer Insight. Toyota and Lexus secured the first and second positions, respectively, in both sales service satisfaction and after-sales service satisfaction categories. Sales service satisfaction evaluates the showroom, sales staff, delivery process, and post-purchase customer management for consumers who purchased a new car within the past year. In this year's survey, Toyota scored 850 points, maintaining its first place for five consecutive years, while Lexus scored 839 points, securing second place for the same duration. After-sales service satisfaction assesses the experiences of customers who used official service centers in the past year. Toyota achieved a score of 859 points, ranking first, while Lexus followed closely with 858 points in second place. Notably, Toyota has shown a steady upward trend, moving from third place in 2023 to second in 2024, sharing second place in 2025, and finally reaching first place this year. Gang Dae-hwan, Vice President of Korea Toyota Motor, stated, “We will continue to listen to our customers and strive to provide satisfactory services throughout the entire car ownership experience, from purchase to management, in collaboration with our nationwide dealers.” Meanwhile, Korea Toyota Motor plans to continue its market strategy in the second half of the year by introducing new models. Lexus has begun pre-orders for the completely redesigned 'All-New ES' since September 14. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 09:40:00
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Yoo Min Appointed as New Secretary General of the Korean Liberation Association The Korean Liberation Association announced on the 16th that Yoo Min has been appointed as the new Secretary General. Yoo, who previously served as the Director of External Cooperation and the Planning and Coordination Office, has held key positions within the organization. Last year, he was a member of the committee for the 80th anniversary of liberation and successfully led major projects, including a cultural event commemorating the 150th anniversary of Kim Gu's birth held at Gwanghwamun Square last month. Yoo is a graduate of Korea University with expertise in media, diplomacy, and education. He has experience in journalism as a reporter for the Seoul Shinmun and as a correspondent in Moscow. Additionally, he has served as an administrative officer at the Blue House, a minister-counselor at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Russia, a consul at the Consulate General in Los Angeles, and the president of Kyrgyz International University in Central Asia, accumulating extensive experience in national and foreign affairs.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 09:40:00
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President Lee Vows to Track Down Ticket Scalpers and Recover Illegitimate Profits 이재명 대통령은 17일 “정당한 관람 기회를 빼앗는 암표 거래를 끝까지 추적해 부당하게 챙긴 수익까지 반드시 환수하겠다”고 밝혔다.이 대통령은 이날 엑스(X·옛 트위터)에 아이돌 공연과 해외 가수 내한 콘서트, 스포츠 경기 등의 티켓을 정가보다 최대 30배 비싸게 되팔아 십수억원을 챙긴 암표 업자 검거 소식을 다룬 한 언론사 기사를 공유하며 이같이 말했다.이 대통령은 “지난 8월 28일부터 개정된 공연법이 시행되며 효과를 발휘하고 있다”며 “암표로 부당한 이익을 챙기다가는 반드시 더 큰 대가를 치르게 된다는 사실을 분명히 보여주겠다”고 강조했다. 경찰 관계자들을 향해서도 “애써주신 경찰 관계자 여러분, 수고하셨다”고 격려했다.경기북부경찰청 사이버범죄수사2대는 최근 업무방해 혐의로 30대 남성 A씨를 구속해 검찰에 넘겼다. A씨는 2018년 9월부터 올해 4월까지 매크로 프로그램과 가족·친척 명의의 계정을 이용해, 공연·스포츠 경기 티켓 8967장을 사들인 뒤 약 24억원에 재판매한 혐의를 받는다.A씨는 11만원짜리 방탄소년단(BTS) 콘서트 티켓을 300만원에 되파는 등 최대 30배의 웃돈을 받은 것으로 조사됐다. 경찰은 A씨가 범죄수익으로 아파트와 상가 등을 매입한 것으로 보고, 상가 2채와 채권 등 12억6000만원 상당을 기소 전 추징보전했다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 09:36:10
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Genesis Unveils GMR-001 Hypercar at First Domestic Fan Festival Genesis will unveil its GMR-001 hypercar, which completed the Le Mans 24 Hours race, for the first time in South Korea. The company announced it will host its first large-scale motorsports fan festival, sharing its racing experience gained on the global stage.The 'Genesis Magma Racing Live Festival' will take place from September 24 to 27 at Starfield Hanam in Gyeonggi Province.This event is linked to the sixth round of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), the Fuji 6-Hour Race. This marks the first time Genesis is holding a large motorsports fan festival in South Korea.During the festival, the actual #19 GMR-001 hypercar, which completed the Le Mans 24 Hours in June, will be displayed for the first time in the country. The #19 car completed 372 laps, covering approximately 5,069 kilometers, finishing in 13th place.Genesis will also showcase the 'Magma GT3 Concept,' which expresses its commitment to participating in future GT3 endurance races. This vehicle was first revealed during the Le Mans 24 Hours race in June.On the final day, September 27, the WEC Fuji 6-Hour Race will be broadcast live. At the Megabox Hanam Starfield, a program will be available to watch the race on a large screen with sound facilities. Tickets can be reserved through the Megabox app and website. Free viewing will also be available at the South Atrium and Genesis Studio Hanam.Lee Si-hyeok, Executive Vice President of Genesis, stated, "This is an opportunity to share the experience and passion we have built on the global motorsports stage with domestic fans. We aim to provide a special experience where they can feel the excitement and emotion of the race in real-time and experience the brand's future vision."Meanwhile, the WEC is the world's premier endurance racing series governed by the FIA. Genesis Magma Racing made its debut in the WEC this year with the GMR-001 hypercar and will compete in the sixth round of the season at the Fuji Speedway in Japan on September 27.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 09:36:00