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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 -
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
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MoonPay Hires Choi Han-gyeol as Chief Strategy Officer Global virtual asset payment and stablecoin infrastructure company MoonPay has announced the appointment of Choi Han-gyeol, former vice president of Streami, as its Chief Strategy Officer for MoonPay Korea.Choi began his career in proprietary investment at Mirae Asset Securities and later worked in investment at IBK Industrial Bank. He spent over eight years at Streami, the operator of the domestic won-based virtual asset exchange Gopax, where he was responsible for business strategy, collaboration with financial institutions and regulatory authorities, and external affairs. He most recently served as vice president at Streami.In his new role at MoonPay Korea, Choi will oversee the establishment of long-term growth strategies and business development in the Korean market. He aims to integrate MoonPay's global payment and digital asset infrastructure into the local market and identify collaboration opportunities with financial companies and key partners.Choi will also be responsible for developing business strategies that align with domestic digital asset regulations and market changes, while connecting MoonPay's global headquarters and Asia-Pacific organization with the Korean market.Lee Boo-geun, co-founder and Asia representative of MoonPay, stated, "We expect that the addition of Director Choi Han-gyeol, who has experience in both traditional finance and the digital asset industry, along with a deep understanding of the Korean market and regulatory environment, will play a crucial role in shaping MoonPay's business strategy in Korea."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 09:32:20
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Church Teacher Sentenced to 6 Years for Sexual Assault of Minor Student A church teacher in his 30s has been sentenced to six years in prison for committing multiple sexual offenses against a minor student.According to Yonhap News, the Suwon High Court's Criminal Division 1, presided over by Judge Shin Hyun-il, upheld the original sentence on September 16 for A, who was charged with violating laws on the protection of children and adolescents (coercive intercourse).The appellate court acknowledged that the defendant admitted to the crimes during the trial and had deposited 30 million won for the victim, but noted that the victim continues to suffer and has expressed a desire for severe punishment, refusing to accept the compensation.The court stated, "Considering the method, frequency, and duration of the offenses, the nature of the crime is extremely poor," and concluded that there were no circumstances warranting a change in the original sentence, as all factors had already been sufficiently considered.Previously, A was charged with coercively engaging in sexual acts with a 17-year-old high school student from the church where he worked, from August 2019 to June 2020, committing the acts multiple times and attempting similar acts.Investigations revealed that he exploited the victim's vulnerable situation, as she was unable to receive proper care from her parents due to financial difficulties and relied on the church.During the first trial, A maintained that he and the victim were in a loving relationship, denying the charges.However, the first trial court dismissed this claim, citing the victim's diary entries that vividly described the incidents, her emotional distress, and fear of the defendant.The first trial had sentenced A to six years in prison, which was heavier than the prosecution's request of five years, and mandated 40 hours of sexual violence treatment and a five-year employment restriction. 2026-09-17 09:32:20
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SpaceX's Upcoming Starship Test Flight Boosts Space Stocks On September 17, shares of space-related companies surged in early trading following the announcement that SpaceX will conduct its first test flight of the Starship spacecraft into Earth's orbit.According to the Korea Exchange, as of 9:20 a.m., Naraspace Technology was trading at 13,730 won, up 28.80% from the previous trading day. This marks the company's fourth consecutive day of gains, reaching the upper limit of its trading range.Naraspace Technology provides a range of services across the space industry, including the development, production, and operation of small satellites, as well as satellite data analysis. The company is also engaged in the development and mass production of low-orbit small satellite platforms to secure high-frequency Earth observation imagery.Kenko Aerospace also saw a significant increase, trading at 11,930 won, up 17.19% from the previous day. Other companies, including Aju IB Investment (up 10.43%), Mirae Asset Venture Investment (up 3.41%), and SensorView (up 18.11%), also experienced gains.Meanwhile, SpaceX announced plans to conduct its 14th Starship test flight on September 22, pending regulatory approval.Unlike the 13th test flight in July, which was a suborbital flight, this upcoming test aims to place the Starship into an orbit approximately 275 kilometers above Earth, where it will complete six orbits before landing in the Pacific Ocean west of Chile after 10 hours.In anticipation of this event, SpaceX's stock rose 5.15% in the previous day's trading on the New York Stock Exchange.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 09:32:10
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JB Financial Group Partners with Upstage for AI Innovation in Finance JB Financial Group has partnered with AI technology company Upstage to identify innovative AI applications for the finance sector.On September 17, JB Financial announced the establishment of a strategic partnership aimed at collaboration in finance and AI technology.Through this agreement, JB Financial plans to leverage Upstage's large language model (LLM) technology to develop finance-specific AI agents. A collaborative framework will also be established involving group affiliates such as Jeonbuk Bank, Gwangju Bank, and JB Woori Capital.The two companies agreed to expand their cooperation in areas including the discovery and application of finance-specific innovations using AI technology, joint training and personnel exchanges to enhance expertise in finance and AI, the identification of joint AI projects in collaboration with local governments and communities, and participation in related consortiums.This partnership is part of JB Financial's strategy to accelerate its company-wide AI transformation (AX). The initiative aims to cultivate talent in finance and AI integration while contributing to the revitalization of the local AI ecosystem through community-linked projects.Kim Ki-hong, Chairman of JB Financial Group, stated, "By combining the strengths of both companies, we will drive financial innovation and coexistence with the local community. We will also integrate Upstage's AI solutions into our Southeast Asian subsidiaries to create new business opportunities in the global market."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 09:32:10
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Juyun Tech Shares Drop 4% Amid Delisting Concerns, Halving Value This Month Juyun Tech is facing a decline as concerns grow over its potential delisting due to failing to meet market capitalization requirements. As of 9:26 a.m. on September 17, Juyun Tech's shares were trading at 495 won, down 4.26% (22 won) from the previous trading day, according to the Korea Exchange. The stock has been on a steep decline this month, falling from 1,084 won on September 1 to 495 won today, a drop of 54.3%. Compared to the closing price of 1,115 won on August 31, the decline amounts to 55.6%. Investor sentiment is reportedly being weighed down by fears of delisting. The Korea Exchange announced the day before that it had issued a warning regarding Juyun Tech's potential delisting due to insufficient market capitalization. Juyun Tech was designated as a management issue on July 21 after failing to meet the market capitalization threshold for 30 consecutive trading days. If the company does not maintain a market capitalization above the threshold for at least 45 days within a 90-day period following this designation, it will face delisting. The market capitalization threshold, effective from July this year, is set at 30 billion won. As of the close of regular trading on September 16, Juyun Tech had been under management issue designation for 40 trading days, but it has not met the 30 billion won market capitalization requirement for even a single day. The exchange stated that if the number of days below the market capitalization threshold reaches 46, the company will not meet the requirement for 45 consecutive days, triggering delisting procedures. Founded in 1988, Juyun Tech is a first-generation PC manufacturer in South Korea and was listed on the stock market in 2006. Its main business includes the manufacturing, distribution, and sale of PCs and peripherals such as desktops, laptops, and monitors.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 09:32:00
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Im Eun-jung Questions Kim Ji-yong on Stance During Kim Hak-eui Investigation Im Eun-jung, the head of the Seoul Eastern District Prosecutors' Office and a prominent advocate for prosecutorial reform, publicly questioned Kim Ji-yong, the nominee for the inaugural head of the Serious Crime Investigation Agency, about his stance during the investigation into the travel ban of former Justice Ministry official Kim Hak-eui.On September 17, Im posted on Facebook a public inquiry directed at Kim Ji-yong, stating, "I have consistently communicated my concerns to the Minister of Justice and others via text and email during troubling times. However, considering the gravity of this matter, I must, as a citizen and complainant, make this public inquiry."Previously, Kim faced pressure to resign due to allegations of favoritism towards pro-Yoon (supporters of President Yoon Suk-yeol) prosecutors and his opposition to the complete abolition of prosecutorial investigative powers. In a statement on September 14, he reflected on the circumstances that led to the abolition of the prosecution, asserting, "My opposition to the reduction of investigative powers was based on a belief in protecting victims, and despite my consistent stance during controversial investigations, it was not upheld."Im challenged Kim's statement, asking, "What consistent positions did you express during the Channel A case and the investigation into Kim Hak-eui's travel ban, and what efforts did you make to uphold them? Did you exercise your right to object?"She further questioned, "When concerns about protecting crime victims arose, why was there no action taken when superiors made incorrect decisions during the 'protecting one's own' era in 2018? Were you protecting the victims or the prosecution?"Im also criticized Kim's accountability, stating, "What responsibility does Kim Ji-yong bear for the loss of public trust that led to the prosecution's abolition? If he could not handle the responsibilities from his past roles as head of the inspection division at the Supreme Prosecutors' Office, deputy chief of the Seoul High Prosecutors' Office, and head of the criminal division at the Supreme Prosecutors' Office, how can he manage the significant responsibilities of the Serious Crime Investigation Agency?"She added, "During his tenure as head of the inspection division and other prosecutorial roles, he prioritized organizational logic over legal obligations, failing to fulfill his duties of inspection and investigation. If he becomes the head of the Serious Crime Investigation Agency, can he comply with the law? This is a question many concerned citizens would like to ask in this public inquiry."With the launch of the Serious Crime Investigation Agency set for next month, President Yoon Suk-yeol nominated Kim Ji-yong, a former prosecutor, as its first head on September 7. However, following the nomination, controversies surrounding Kim's past actions during his time in the prosecution emerged, leading to increased opposition from within the ruling party. Recently, former Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae compared Kim to a 'Nazi' and a 'collaborator,' urging President Yoon to withdraw his nomination.As the controversy continues, President Yoon has reportedly instructed his staff to conduct further vetting. However, Minister of the Interior and Safety Yoon Ho-jung stated on September 15 during a National Assembly meeting that Kim's nomination has not been put on hold.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 09:32:00
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Samsung, Apple, Google face US patent probe SEOUL, September 17 (AJP) -Samsung Electronics has joined U.S. tech giants Apple and Google as targets of a U.S. patent investigation over allegations that certain electronic devices infringe audio technology patents held by a California company. The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) said Wednesday it had opened a Section 337 investigation into certain electronic devices with audio technologies following a complaint by California-based BoomCloud 360 Inc. BoomCloud alleges that products imported and sold by Samsung Electronics, Apple and Google infringe certain claims in its audio technology patents. Samsung Electronics America was also named as a respondent. The company has asked the commission to issue a limited exclusion order, which could block affected products from entering the United States, as well as cease-and-desist orders restricting their sale in the country if infringement is ultimately found. The USITC stressed that its decision to open the investigation does not constitute a finding of patent infringement. An administrative law judge will hold an evidentiary hearing and make an initial determination, which will be subject to commission review. The commission will set a target date for completing the investigation within 45 days. Samsung and the other respondents must file responses to the investigation notice within the next 20 days. Samsung has yet to comment on the complaint. Section 337 investigations mainly deal with alleged intellectual property violations involving imported goods. If the commission ultimately finds a violation, it can order U.S. Customs and Border Protection to block affected imports and issue cease-and-desist orders against respondents. AJP Takeaways - The U.S. International Trade Commission has opened a Section 337 patent investigation into Samsung Electronics, Apple and Google over allegations involving BoomCloud 360’s audio technologies. - BoomCloud is seeking a limited exclusion order and cease-and-desist orders, potentially restricting imports and U.S. sales of affected devices if infringement is ultimately found. - The probe is at an early stage: the USITC has made no determination on infringement, and a final ruling will follow an administrative law judge’s initial decision and commission review. 2026-09-17 09:31:40 -
South Korea and U.S. Strengthen Energy Security Cooperation South Korea and the United States are enhancing their energy security cooperation, focusing on power grids and small modular reactors (SMRs). The two countries have agreed to hold the 'Korea-U.S. Energy Cooperation Dialogue' promptly and to formalize it through a memorandum of understanding (MOU). The South Korean government also proposed a 'Resilient Power Grid Partnership' at the G20 to establish a stable supply chain for key power equipment. The Ministry of Climate Energy and Environment announced that Deputy Minister Lee Ho-hyun attended the G20 Energy Ministers' Meeting in Houston, Texas, from September 14 to 16, where he discussed energy cooperation with major countries, including the U.S. During the meeting, Deputy Minister Lee proposed expanding cooperation in areas such as power and SMRs with U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum and Deputy Secretary of Energy Kyle Housebait. He emphasized that South Korean companies in the power equipment and energy storage system (ESS) sectors are increasing investments in the U.S., positioning South Korea as a key partner in the modernization of the U.S. power grid. The two nations agreed to quickly hold and regularize the 'Korea-U.S. Energy Cooperation Dialogue' between the U.S. Department of Energy and the Ministry of Climate Energy and Environment, and to pursue an energy cooperation MOU to support this initiative. Beyond bilateral cooperation, the South Korean government proposed a G20-level collaboration on power grid and equipment supply chains. During the 'Energy Security' session on September 15, Deputy Minister Lee presented the challenges posed by the increasing global demand for electricity, focusing on capacity, connection, and supply chain—referred to as the '3Cs.' He noted that even with the expansion of renewable energy and nuclear power facilities, delays in connecting power grids and issues with the supply of key power equipment hinder the construction of power networks. He stressed the need for a joint response among countries to establish a stable supply chain for materials and equipment required for transformers, batteries, and wires. Deputy Minister Lee proposed sharing investment plans for power grids among G20 member countries and establishing a 'Resilient Power Grid Partnership' involving governments, power companies, grid operators, and equipment manufacturers. The government plans to detail related cooperation measures with the U.S., U.K., and others as it prepares to assume the G20 presidency in 2028. The G20 meeting also addressed issues related to the supply chain of critical minerals and industrial water. Member countries acknowledged the need for a stable and diversified supply chain for critical minerals and discussed cooperation measures such as information sharing, technological innovation, promoting a circular economy, and increasing mineral investments. Deputy Minister Lee introduced domestic policy examples of reusing treated wastewater from sewage treatment plants or factories as industrial water to address the rising demand for industrial water due to the growth of advanced industries like AI data centers and semiconductors. During his visit to the U.S., he also sought collaboration with American energy companies and research institutions. He visited ExxonMobil to discuss cooperation on low-carbon lithium development, carbon capture and storage (CCS), and low-carbon projects involving hydrogen and ammonia. At Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy, he discussed the situation in the Middle East and the outlook for the global energy market, proposing to expand exchanges with the Korea Energy Engineering University. At AMOGY, an energy startup, he reviewed the commercialization status of ammonia cracking technology, which converts ammonia into hydrogen for fuel cells. AMOGY is participating in a specialized area for distributed energy in Pohang and is establishing production facilities in Busan, with plans to export its initial production to Singapore by the end of this year. On September 14, Deputy Minister Lee held a meeting with South Korean energy companies operating in Houston to listen to their insights on trends in the U.S. energy market and the challenges they face. He stated, "The government will play an active role in building a system to collaborate with various stakeholders, including the U.S. government and power companies, to reduce uncertainties in the U.S. market and minimize risks for our companies." * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 09:28:20