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Nomus Faces 24.2 Billion Won Loss, Issues 40 Billion Won CB Amid Concerns Nomus, an entertainment technology company listed on the KOSDAQ in November 2024, primarily utilizes intellectual property (IP) from artists such as singers. However, the company is now facing a significant loss after entering a contract with Cha Ga-won, chairman of the Piak Group, at the end of last year. The estimated loss amounts to 24.2 billion won, nearly double the company's annual net profit from the previous year.In light of this situation, Nomus recently decided to issue 40 billion won in convertible bonds (CB). While the company claims this move is aimed at securing funds for global business expansion, some speculate it may be an attempt to cover losses related to Cha Ga-won.According to the financial investment industry, Nomus announced on July 24 its decision to issue the third series of non-guaranteed, non-interest-bearing, and non-voting convertible bonds worth 40 billion won. The payment date was set for August 3, and the entire amount raised will be used for operational funds. The company plans to invest 10 billion won in 2026, 15 billion won in 2027, and another 15 billion won after 2028.The conversion price for the bonds is set at 15,520 won per share, reflecting a 40% premium over the reference stock price. This is approximately 38.4% higher than the closing price of 11,210 won prior to the announcement. There are no provisions for adjusting the conversion price due to stock price declines. If all bonds are converted into shares, 2,577,319 new shares will be issued, representing 19.15% of the total shares outstanding. The conversion request period is from August 3, 2027, to July 3, 2031. The company stated that the purpose of the CB issuance is to secure new artist IP and expand overseas operations, but it did not disclose specific plans for the 40 billion won raised.Market speculation regarding the purpose of the CB issuance is rife, especially in light of the significant losses Nomus incurred from its dealings with Cha Ga-won. Nomus had provided 24.2 billion won as an advance payment for a project involving the use of IP from its affiliated artists, but after the contract was not fulfilled, the company filed a fraud complaint against Cha in November. Cha was arrested and transferred on August 7.An industry insider pointed out, “Given the situation where funds were lent to Cha, the uncertainty surrounding the recovery of the losses raises concerns that existing shareholders may bear the burden of the CB issuance.” While there is currently no immediate impact on shareholders, if the stock price exceeds the conversion price after the conversion request period begins in August next year, up to 2,577,319 new shares could be issued, leading to potential dilution for existing shareholders.In response, Nomus stated, “Rumors that the CB issuance is intended to cover losses related to Cha Ga-won or to supplement liquidity are entirely unfounded. We are currently taking necessary measures to recover the advance payment.” The company added, “Before the CB issuance, we had approximately 20 billion won in cash assets and had secured sufficient liquidity. The conditions for this CB issuance would not have been met if there were liquidity crises.”As of the end of June, Nomus reported cash and cash equivalents of 6.37458 billion won, a decrease of about 4.7 billion won from 11.1781 billion won at the end of the previous year. In contrast, total liabilities increased by about 3.5 billion won to 15.246662 billion won from 11.7065 billion won at the end of the previous year. 2026-08-24 18:32:00
Trade Insurance Union Joins Opposition to Relocation of Financial Supervisory Agencies The Korea Trade Insurance Corporation (K-SURE) labor union has joined the opposition against the relocation of the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) and the Korea Deposit Insurance Corporation (KDIC).According to K-SURE, union chairman Park Hong-cheol attended a joint press conference held in front of the Blue House on August 24, where he stated, "The FSS and KDIC are key infrastructures for national financial stability that must respond first to market disruptions and prevent the spread of financial consumer harm." He added, "Just as an air traffic control tower cannot be located outside the airport for safe and systematic takeoffs and landings, institutions responsible for financial stability must be situated at the heart of the financial market."He further argued that K-SURE, as a national financial infrastructure responsible for global export finance, should not be included in the relocation plans. "K-SURE is a public export credit agency (ECA) that generates export finance in collaboration with banks through insurance and guarantees," he emphasized, noting that real-time collaborative networks with financial infrastructures, including domestic and international banks and legal and accounting advisory firms, are crucial for success.This means that when shocks occur in the financial and foreign exchange markets, K-SURE must compensate for the losses of banks that have transactions with export companies to prevent external shocks from transferring to the financial sector. The union explained that the FSS and KDIC work to prevent the spread of financial company insolvency to the financial system and depositors.Park stated, "If K-SURE is a buffer for export finance, then the FSS and KDIC are buffers for financial institution insolvency," and warned that a uniform relocation ignoring the unique characteristics of these institutions could weaken the competitiveness of national financial infrastructure.The K-SURE union is demanding that the government halt the review of the relocation of the FSS and KDIC and exclude K-SURE from the relocation targets. The union clarified, "This is not merely a demand to protect our workplaces, but to safeguard the expertise and collaborative systems accumulated over decades, as well as the public services provided to the nation and businesses, and to maintain the country's export competitiveness."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-24 18:28:10
South Korea and Mexico Discuss Strengthening Bilateral Cooperation South Korea and Mexico's foreign ministers met in Seoul on August 24 to discuss expanding cooperation in trade, investment, artificial intelligence (AI), space, education, and defense industries, as well as strengthening ties among middle powers. The two countries assessed that they are opening a new chapter in their strategic partnership across various fields, building on the momentum of high-level exchanges that have continued throughout the year.During the meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Seoul, Minister Cho Hyun stated, "In a time of increasing uncertainty in the global economy, from supply chains and energy to food security, the relationship between our two countries has become more important than ever."He added, "By strengthening the institutional framework for trade and investment and diversifying cooperation in areas such as AI, space, education, and defense industries, we can realize the potential of our bilateral relationship."Minister Cho emphasized that Mexico is South Korea's largest trading and investment partner in Latin America, noting that recent large-scale investments by South Korean companies are ongoing. He stressed that resuming bilateral FTA negotiations is essential to accelerate this trend. He also urged the Mexican government to pay attention to the concerns of South Korean companies during the USMCA review process with the United States.Minister Roberto Velasco highlighted that both countries have a responsibility to contribute to the international order in which they participate, emphasizing that their relationship is based on shared principles of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. He acknowledged that South Korea is Mexico's fifth-largest trading partner and a major investor, stating that the Mexican government is considering the interests of South Korean companies in the ongoing USMCA review with the United States.Both ministers noted their cooperation in building a more inclusive and representative international order through platforms such as the United Nations, the G20, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), and MIKTA.MIKTA is a regional consultative group formed in September 2013 during the 68th United Nations General Assembly, consisting of South Korea, Mexico, Indonesia, Turkey, and Australia, aimed at enhancing global governance.The two ministers agreed to closely cooperate in preparation for an upcoming visit by South Korean President Lee Jae-myung to Mexico, following the acceptance of an invitation from Mexican President Sheinbaum during a phone call between the two leaders in May.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-24 18:20:00
Incheon Airport Duty-Free Shops: A Paradox of High Rents and Profits All four major duty-free operators in South Korea reported operating profits in the second quarter of this year. The increase in foreign visitors, coupled with a restructuring of duty-free business rights at Incheon International Airport, significantly reduced rental costs. Shilla and Shinsegae duty-free shops, which exited the DF1 and DF2 areas of Incheon Airport, cut costs by leaving high-rent locations. Meanwhile, Lotte and Hyundai, which entered those areas, secured business rights at approximately 40% lower rental rates than before, expanding their revenue base. According to industry reports on August 24, the combined operating profit for Lotte, Shilla, Shinsegae, and Hyundai duty-free shops in the second quarter reached 107.8 billion won. Last year, three of the four companies, excluding Lotte, reported losses in the same period, but this year all returned to profitability, showing a clear improvement in performance. Lotte Duty-Free, which returned to Incheon Airport after three years, reported second-quarter sales of 904.3 billion won and an operating profit of 31.9 billion won, marking increases of 35% and 385%, respectively, compared to the same period last year. The resumption of airport sales, which began on April 17 in the DF1 area, contributed to this growth. Hyundai Duty-Free also benefited from starting operations in the DF2 area on April 28, recording second-quarter sales of 310.4 billion won and an operating profit of 6.2 billion won. This represented a 5.8% increase in sales year-on-year and a turnaround from a 1.3 billion won loss in operating performance. The reduction in rental fees played a significant role in improving profitability. During the 2023 operator selection process, Shilla Duty-Free bid 8,987 won per passenger for DF1, while Shinsegae Duty-Free bid 9,020 won for DF2. However, despite a recovery in passenger numbers, the average spending per passenger did not meet expectations, leading Shilla and Shinsegae to relinquish their business rights in April. Lotte, which participated in the re-bidding for the area, secured rights for DF1 at 5,345 won, while Hyundai obtained rights for DF2 at 5,394 won, both at about 40% lower rates than previous contracts. The relinquishment of business rights by Shilla and Shinsegae has proven effective in improving profitability. Hotel Shilla's duty-free segment reported second-quarter sales of 772.6 billion won, a 9.1% decrease, but an operating profit of 36.4 billion won, a significant improvement from a 11.3 billion won loss in the same quarter last year. Similarly, Shinsegae Duty-Free saw sales of 542.6 billion won, down 10.3%, but turned an operating profit of 33.3 billion won. The recovery of foreign tourists also supported these results. According to the Korea Duty-Free Shops Association, foreign sales at domestic duty-free shops reached 4.9967 trillion won in the first half of the year, a 3.2% increase compared to the same period last year. The number of foreign customers rose by 14.9% to 6.64 million. However, the average spending per foreign customer in June was approximately 717,000 won, a 15.4% decrease from the same month last year. Looking ahead, the effects of the restructuring of business rights are expected to continue. Heo Je-na, a researcher at DB Securities, noted, "Hyundai Duty-Free's daily sales at the airport increased from 1.2 billion won in the first quarter to 2.9 billion won in July, indicating improved brand purchasing power, and sales at city stores also rose by 30% compared to the previous quarter. We expect to see visible improvements in profitability alongside increased duty-free sales." Oh Rin-a, a researcher at LS Securities, predicted that Shinsegae Duty-Free would likely see continued profit growth in the third quarter due to the positive effects of exiting DF2. However, it is still too early to conclude that the industry is fully recovering. Baek Jae-seung, a researcher at Samsung Securities, pointed out that while the number of arrivals increased by 21% in the first half of the year, total sales in the duty-free sector decreased by 2.2%. He stated, "The recovery of competitiveness in the duty-free business compared to other retail sectors remains a challenge." 2026-08-24 18:20:00
K-Brand Battles Counterfeit Goods with AI Monitoring and Legal Action Korean companies are ramping up efforts to protect their brands as counterfeit products proliferate globally, capitalizing on the rising popularity of K-brands. Strategies now include securing overseas trademarks, utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) for online monitoring, authenticating products, and pursuing legal action abroad.According to industry sources, Samyang Foods recently secured the domestic trademarks for its flagship brand 'Buldak' in both Korean and English. After nearly a decade of effort since the launch of Buldak-bokkeum-myeon, the company has established a legal foundation to protect its core brand.The trademark acquisition process was challenging. Samyang Foods previously applied for the 'Buldak' trademark, but in 2008, the Patent Court ruled that it was a common term that anyone could use, denying exclusive rights. In 2023, the company reapplied for the Korean and English trademarks, but the applications did not lead to registration. After reapplying in February of this year, the English 'Buldak' secured trademark rights for noodles and sauces, while the Korean '불닭' obtained rights for noodle products.As Buldak has grown into a global brand, the emergence of similar products abroad has heightened the need for trademark protection. Kim Jeong-soo, chairman of Samyang Foods, stated at an economic growth strategy briefing led by President Lee Jae-myung in January, "We have registered trademarks in 88 countries, but we are in disputes in 27 of them." Samyang Foods continues to take strong measures against overseas imitations, including sending warning letters, filing dispute resolutions, reporting to the Intellectual Property Office, and submitting seizure requests.The K-beauty industry is also focusing on monitoring counterfeit products using AI technology. APR collaborates with an AI-based image monitoring company to continuously check for counterfeit sales of its Mediheal products on domestic and international open markets. In cases of violations, they gather evidence for legal action, and AGE-R has implemented a unique QR authentication system for its beauty devices.Amorepacific has established an official sales certification system and operates real-time AI monitoring, collaborating with online platforms to block counterfeit products. LG Household & Health Care regularly inspects domestic and international online and offline distribution channels, working with government agencies and online platforms to prevent counterfeit distribution.Some companies are taking direct legal action abroad. Gudai Global, which operates the brand 'Joseon Beauty,' has automated the detection of counterfeit products and the removal of listings through an in-house intellectual property (IP) team and a global brand protection firm. In the U.S., they have filed a trademark infringement lawsuit against counterfeit sellers, and in India, they obtained a court order to prohibit sales.As the response to counterfeits increases, the financial burden on companies is growing. APR reportedly spends millions of won each month on counterfeit enforcement. With counterfeit products produced in countries like China and distributed through global platforms such as Amazon, eBay, and TikTok Shop, tracking every step from production to sale has become increasingly difficult for individual companies. As K-brands expand their global reach, securing trademarks and monitoring counterfeits has become an essential cost of doing business internationally.The government is also stepping in to support K-brand protection. The Intellectual Property Office introduced a 'Fake K-Brand Reporting Center' and 'K-Brand Guardians' last month. Companies can report counterfeit products or imitation stores found in overseas markets, online platforms, and social media, which will be reviewed by experts, and legal action will be coordinated if necessary. Starting in the second half of this year, a 'K-Brand Government Certification System' will be implemented, combining national certification trademarks with private authentication technology, allowing overseas consumers to verify the authenticity of products directly.Kim Yong-seon, head of the Intellectual Property Office, emphasized, "As K-brands gain global popularity, effective government responses to attempts to imitate or exploit them are crucial. It is now essential for the government, companies, and consumers to work together to report counterfeit K-brands and promote a culture of purchasing authentic products, strengthening a comprehensive response system to protect K-brands abroad." 2026-08-24 18:12:10
K-Brand Counterfeits Surge as Imitators Target Popular Products K-brands in food, beauty, and fashion are gaining global popularity, leading to a surge in counterfeits. While past imitations focused on product names and packaging designs, recent cases involve complete replicas of brand logos, model images, product detail pages, and even store signs and interiors. Some Chinese brands are leveraging the identity of Korean brands by using terms like 'KOREA' and 'Korean beauty' to market their products. According to the Korean Intellectual Property Office and the Korea Intellectual Property Protection Agency, there were 5,038 suspected trademark infringements reported across 10 countries from January to July this year. China had the highest number with 1,964 cases, followed by Indonesia with 955 and Vietnam with 642. Other countries included Thailand (292), Turkey (269), Brazil (264), Malaysia (197), Singapore (173), India (172), and the Philippines (110). Approximately 39% of the total cases were identified in China alone, and when combined with Indonesia and Vietnam, these three countries accounted for over 70% of the infringements. This indicates a concentrated risk of trademark infringement in markets where K-brands are particularly popular, such as China and Southeast Asia. Suspected trademark infringements have increased 2.3 times over the past two years, rising from 5,015 cases in 2023 to 9,520 in 2024, and reaching 11,485 last year. Trademark infringement occurs when a third party, without legitimate authority, files for or registers a trademark that a domestic company has already applied for or used. This issue is not limited to professional trademark brokers; local distributors, agents, and partners are also involved in these infringements. Last year, 1,973 cases of suspected trademark infringement were identified in franchises, 1,708 in cosmetics, and 1,397 in clothing. The scope of imitation is expanding from products to entire stores. In Vietnam's Nha Trang, a store changed the English trademark 'MUSINSA' to 'MOOSINSA' and displayed a sign reminiscent of the lifestyle platform '29CM' as '29M.' After Musinsa demanded an end to the intellectual property infringement through a local agent, the store removed the sign in June, only to replace it with a new one that still evoked Korea, naming it 'GAROSU street.' Samyang Foods' popular product, Buldak Bokkeummyeon, has also faced a wave of similar products abroad. In China, products imitating the name 'Buldakmyeon' and its character have been distributed, while in Saudi Arabia and Russia, imitation products prominently featured the Korean name '불닭볶음면' and the English 'Buldak.' Samyang Foods reported that it registered its trademark in 88 countries earlier this year but is currently involved in disputes in 27 of those countries. In the rapidly growing K-beauty sector, imitation tactics have become more sophisticated. A Chinese cosmetics brand has been selling products with names similar to those of MediCube's 'Collagen Night Wrapping Mask' and 'No More Pore Pad' on platforms like Amazon and Lazada. There have been instances of copying not only the colors and packaging used by MediCube but also past model images and product detail pages. Some Chinese brands are even using 'Korean beauty' as a marketing phrase or ensuring that 'KOREA' appears in search results, leveraging the established image and trust associated with K-beauty. The geographical spread of counterfeit products is also widening. Last month, customs at Timisoara Airport in Romania seized over 100 suspected counterfeit products of MediCube's 'PDRN Pink Collagen Capsule Cream.' In the same month, authorities in Guangzhou, China, confiscated over 6,000 imitation products from MediCube, along with items from other K-beauty brands like Skin1004 and Arenesia. A significant concern is that counterfeit products may serve as the first experience for overseas consumers with Korean brands. Park Jeong-eun, a professor at Ewha Womans University, stated, "As counterfeits increase, lower-quality products can create a negative impression of K-brands. K-brands need to strengthen their image of high quality and premium status to establish a distinct brand identity." The burden is particularly heavy for small and indie brands that struggle to secure trademark rights abroad and combat imitation products. Professor Park emphasized, "Unlike large corporations, small businesses have limitations in protecting their brands overseas. The government needs to take proactive measures to protect K-brands from trademark infringement and imitation." 2026-08-24 18:12:00
Question Everything: The Importance of Skepticism in Investigative Reporting "Even a stone bridge should be tested before crossing." This proverb often comes to mind while conducting investigative reporting. In the field, the sturdier a stone bridge appears, the more it should be tested. Just because a tip is specific, the evidence seems credible, and the informant is confident does not mean it is true.For journalists, tips are invaluable. Many instances of hidden injustices and power-related corruption begin with the courageous testimony of insiders. The ability to investigate issues that are difficult to access often stems from small clues provided by informants. Meeting informants and listening to their stories is undoubtedly the starting point of investigative reporting.However, the starting point is not the finish line. An informant's explanation may provide a reason to begin an investigation, but it cannot serve as the basis for confirming an article.People encountered in the field each have their own circumstances and interests. Some express grievances, while others seek to gain an advantageous position in long-standing disputes. There are also many who attempt to resolve difficult civil disputes or financial issues through the media.This does not mean that everything they say is false. However, individuals tend to remember and explain the same event in a way that favors them. They may downplay unfavorable facts while emphasizing favorable circumstances. Sometimes, they convey stories they genuinely believe to be true. More challenging to discern than deliberate lies are confident misconceptions and selective statements.Having data does not guarantee safety. A recorded conversation may serve as evidence that someone said specific words, but it does not prove that those words are true. A single photograph can convey entirely different meanings when taken out of context. Even public documents may have gaps between what they prove and what the informant claims.The issue is that journalists are not free from desire either. Especially when faced with the terms 'exclusive' and 'scoop,' judgment can easily waver. The anxiety of potentially losing an exclusive, the reluctance to let go of a hard-won tip, and the urgency to complete a lengthy investigation can lower the threshold for verification. When an informant's explanation and evidence align to some extent, there is a temptation to fill in the remaining gaps with hope rather than facts.The most dangerous thought at this point is the conviction that it is 'mostly correct.' The stronger the desire for a scoop, the more likely one is to seek only evidence that supports their hypothesis, while dismissing facts that contradict it as exceptions.Therefore, verification in investigative reporting should not end with asking the same questions to the informant multiple times. It is essential to check whether the statements align with objective data and to listen to explanations from individuals with different interests than the informant. Above all, it is crucial to ask not only, "What evidence shows that this claim is true?" but also, "What traces should remain if this claim is false?"The process of receiving counterarguments should not become a mere formality. If newly encountered facts conflict with existing reporting, the direction of the investigation must be reassessed. If necessary, one should be prepared to abandon the core hypothesis of the article and start over. If verification remains elusive, it may be necessary to delay or refrain from publishing the article. Even if the time and resources invested in the investigation seem wasted, that cannot justify proceeding with the report.Journalists often aspire to be the fastest writers. However, what investigative reporters may need to learn first is not the skill of writing quickly, but the ability to pause. They must stop in front of unverified statements, take a step back in the face of enticing tips, and question the conclusions they wish to believe.While they are testing the stone bridge, someone else may cross the river first. Still, there are bridges that are better left uncrossed. The value of investigative reporting lies not in being first but in the unyielding truth that withstands scrutiny. A journalist's notebook should contain not only articles that have been published but also those that did not pass verification. The courage to obtain a scoop must be matched by the courage to let go.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-24 18:12:00
Experts Call for 'Physical AI Alliance' to Connect K-Tech and Industry Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transitioning from generative capabilities to understanding and interacting with the physical world. This new era sees AI engaging with real environments across various sectors, including manufacturing, logistics, defense, healthcare, and public services. Physical AI cannot be achieved through a single technology; it requires a combination of AI that understands and judges reality, world models that predict the future based on real data, efficient computing, and devices that can act.The competition is not merely about creating better AI models or superior robots. The key to success lies in how well AI models, data, semiconductors, and devices are interconnected and how quickly these connections can address industry challenges and yield market results.The 'Physical AI Alliance' was founded with this understanding. Launched last year and expanded this year, the alliance comprises three divisions: full-stack, vertical industry bridge, and foundational governance. Each division has distinct roles in technology, industry, and governance, but the ultimate goal is to connect their capabilities to create a unique physical AI ecosystem.The full-stack division's primary focus is on expanding a universal physical AI foundation model. Relying on separate AIs for each robot and task limits scalability; thus, securing a foundational AI model that can be used across various robots and environments is crucial for enhancing our physical AI competitiveness. Google DeepMind has demonstrated the potential of universal models by applying its 'Gemini Robotics 2' across different robots to perform various tasks.The second focus is on specialized infrastructure for physical AI. The learning and inference requirements for physical AI differ significantly from those of large language models. During the learning phase, which involves processing vast amounts of simulation and sensor data, storage and network capabilities can become bottlenecks. In real-time inference, minimizing latency and power consumption is critical. By defining and validating a 'physical AI reference infrastructure' that combines domestic neural processing units (NPUs) with AI models, our companies can enter the global market with verified full-stack solutions rather than just components.The alliance's role is to identify challenges needed by the industry and connect them with national R&D efforts, ensuring that the results return to the field through collaboration between businesses and research institutions. For the 'Physical AI' initiative, one of the government's three mega-projects, to yield national results, close cooperation between the government, private sector, and research community is essential. This is why the alliance must serve as a vital link between technology and industry.So, where do we currently stand? In individual fields such as AI models, semiconductors, manufacturing, and robotics, we possess world-class technologies and companies. Domestic physical AI company RealWorld demonstrated its potential by winning first place in the foundation model category at the 'Nebius Robotics Awards' last year. The world's leading manufacturing sites generate vast amounts of data daily, and rapidly growing robotics companies are valuable assets. However, excelling in individual technologies and integrating them into a cohesive system for market launch are entirely different challenges. While our connectivity capabilities are still insufficient, achieving proper integration is feasible.NVIDIA is establishing its ecosystem by linking everything from the GR00T model to computing and world model platforms like COSMOS. Following the same path as a catch-up strategy is unlikely to succeed. Our competitiveness lies in consolidating our strengths. The alliance is continuing its collaboration through the full-stack division, which connects technologies from AI models to data, computing, and robotics; the vertical industry bridge division, which links industry demands with technology; and the foundational governance division, which establishes common standards and regulations. As the head of the full-stack division, I aim to gather the capabilities of academia, industry, and research to ensure that developed technologies translate into tangible industrial outcomes.In the era of physical AI, an ecosystem that moves forward together is more powerful than individual efforts. To realize the goal of 'Korea as a leader in physical AI,' we must connect our respective technologies and collaboratively validate them to enhance our competitiveness in the global market. I hope the Physical AI Alliance will serve as a strong foundation to unite Korea's technology and industry. 2026-08-24 18:12:00
Japan to Expand Prostitution Law to Penalize Buyers Japan's government is moving to expand the current law on prostitution to include penalties for those seeking to purchase sex, a shift from the existing focus solely on those selling it. The current law penalizes individuals who wait for customers or solicit in public spaces for the purpose of prostitution, but does not impose similar penalties on those who propose to buy sex. This amendment aims to rectify the imbalance in the 70-year-old Prostitution Prevention Law. However, measures to penalize the act of purchasing sex itself are expected to be excluded from this revision. According to the Asahi Shimbun on August 24, the Japanese Ministry of Justice submitted a report reflecting ongoing discussions at a meeting of experts regarding the amendment of the Prostitution Prevention Law. The ministry plans to finalize the report in September and submit the proposed changes to the extraordinary session of the National Diet in the fall. Established in 1956, the Prostitution Prevention Law prohibits prostitution but does not penalize the act of prostitution itself. Instead, it punishes related activities such as soliciting or waiting for customers in public places. Currently, individuals found soliciting or waiting for customers in public spaces face penalties of up to six months in prison or fines of up to 20,000 yen (approximately $140). However, the law only targets those selling sex. The newly submitted report indicates that experts have called for correcting the imbalance in the current law. As a result, a proposal has been made to introduce new penalties for individuals who suggest purchasing sex in public spaces. The report also includes a recommendation to raise the current fine limit of 20,000 yen. This imbalance is starkly illustrated in Tokyo's Kabukicho district. According to the Nihon Keizai Shimbun (Nikkei), the Tokyo Metropolitan Police apprehended 112 women, referred to as "tachinbo" (standing women), last year for waiting for customers for prostitution in the Okubo Park area of Kabukicho. Tachinbo originally referred to day laborers but now describes women standing on the streets in entertainment districts waiting for customers. The basis for their arrest was their solicitation or waiting for customers in public spaces. In contrast, no men who proposed to buy sex were penalized under the same regulations. Among the arrested women, approximately 40% were found to have turned to the streets to cover expenses related to host clubs and other entertainment costs. Calls for legal reform intensified starting in 2023, as cases emerged of young women driven to prostitution to repay large debts incurred at exploitative host clubs, raising questions about the reality of only arresting women waiting for customers. Lawmakers have pointed out the "distorted structure" where only women selling sex are apprehended, leading to Prime Minister Sanae Takaiichi directing a review of the Prostitution Prevention Law. The Ministry of Justice established an expert meeting in March to discuss potential reforms. However, the proposed amendment will maintain penalties for those selling sex who solicit or wait for customers. While there have been calls to avoid penalizing individuals driven to prostitution due to economic hardship or exploitation, experts believe it is challenging to exclude all individuals from penalties regardless of their circumstances. Instead, they plan to consider the circumstances leading to prostitution, economic conditions, and the need for support when determining criminal penalties or sentences. Women’s support organizations have also argued for penalizing the act of purchasing sex itself, but the report indicates that there is a prevailing opinion advocating caution on this matter. It is argued that invalidating consensual sexual acts between adults is difficult to justify legally and theoretically. Concerns have also been raised that increasing penalties could push prostitution underground, placing sellers in more dangerous situations and distancing them from welfare support.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-24 18:08:00
Weather Forecast: Highs of 36 Degrees Celsius and Showers in Seoul and Gangwon On Tuesday, August 25, a heat wave will continue across the country, with showers expected mainly in the Seoul metropolitan area and Gangwon Province. According to the Korea Meteorological Administration on August 24, showers are likely to occur from morning to afternoon in the northeastern Gyeonggi Province, inland and mountainous areas of Gangwon, the northern coast of the East Sea, and northern Chungbuk. Expected rainfall amounts are as follows: ▲ 50-60 mm in northeastern Gyeonggi ▲ 5-40 mm in Seoul, Incheon, northwestern and southeastern Gyeonggi ▲ 5-60 mm in northern inland and mountainous areas of Gangwon ▲ 5-40 mm in central and southern inland and mountainous areas of Gangwon ▲ 5-20 mm in the northern coast of Gangwon ▲ 5-30 mm in northern Chungbuk. In areas experiencing showers, gusty winds and thunderstorms may occur. For the time being, temperatures will remain above the average (minimum 19-23 degrees, maximum 27-30 degrees). A heat advisory has been issued for most regions, with the perceived temperature expected to rise to around 33 degrees, making it very hot. Morning low temperatures are forecasted to be between 21 and 26 degrees, while daytime highs are expected to range from 31 to 36 degrees. In major cities, morning low temperatures are predicted to be 25 degrees in Seoul, 25 degrees in Incheon, 25 degrees in Suwon, 24 degrees in Chuncheon, 26 degrees in Gangneung, 25 degrees in Cheongju, 25 degrees in Daejeon, 25 degrees in Jeonju, 24 degrees in Gwangju, 24 degrees in Daegu, 26 degrees in Pohang, 26 degrees in Busan, and 27 degrees in Jeju. Daytime highs are expected to be 32 degrees in Seoul, 31 degrees in Incheon, 32 degrees in Suwon, 34 degrees in Chuncheon, 34 degrees in Gangneung, 32 degrees in Cheongju, 33 degrees in Daejeon, 34 degrees in Jeonju, 34 degrees in Gwangju, 35 degrees in Daegu, 36 degrees in Pohang, 35 degrees in Busan, and 32 degrees in Jeju. From the afternoon, strong winds are expected in the southern offshore waters of Jeju and the eastern offshore waters of the South Sea, with high waves, leading to the possibility of a marine weather advisory. Waves in the East Sea, West Sea, and South Sea are expected to reach 0.5 to 1.0 meters.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-24 18:04:20