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  • Lee accepts justice ministers resignation
    Lee accepts justice minister's resignation SEOUL, August 24 (AJP) - President Lee Jae Myung on Monday accepted the resignation of Justice Minister Jung Sung-ho, who offered to step down about a week ago, citing worsening health. During a press briefing at Cheong Wa Dae, presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung said Lee accepted Jung's resignation and that the government would promptly name a successor to "avoid disruptions" in state affairs. Jung, a close aide to Lee, submitted his resignation last Tuesday after publicly saying that health problems had made it difficult for him to carry out his duties. He said he had been suffering from severe sleep disorders and that the job had become a heavy burden. His resignation comes shortly after the National Assembly passed a prosecution reform bill late last month, which effectively strips prosecutors of their remaining powers to conduct supplementary investigations when police investigations are deemed inadequate, leaving them responsible only for indictments. The bill is part of the ruling Democratic Party (DP)'s broader push for judicial reform aimed at separating the roles of investigators and prosecutors, but critics argue that stripping prosecutors of their investigative powers could undermine efforts to uncover corruption and major crimes. Apparently mindful of such potential ramifications, Jung said it would be better for a new chief to complete the process of building a new criminal justice system. The next justice minister will be tasked with establishing a new investigative body to replace the Supreme Prosecutors' Office, which is scheduled to be dissolved this fall. Meanwhile, Vice Justice Minister Lee Jin-soo is expected to serve as acting justice minister until a successor is named. AJP Takeaways • President Lee Jae Myung accepted Justice Minister Jung Sung-ho's resignation on Monday, about a week after Jung offered to step down due to worsening health. • Jung cited severe sleep disorders and the growing burden of his duties as reasons for his resignation. • Jung's resignation follows the National Assembly's passage of a prosecution reform bill that removes prosecutors' remaining authority to conduct supplementary investigations. • The next justice minister will oversee the establishment of a new investigative body to replace the Supreme Prosecutors' Office, which is scheduled to be dissolved this fall. • Vice Justice Minister Lee Jin-soo is expected to serve as acting justice minister until Lee Jae Myung appoints a successor. 2026-08-24 17:39:43
  • Family Noir Film Big Light Starring Ryu Seung-ryong, Ha Ji-won, and Kim Si-ah Set to Hit Theaters in September
    Family Noir Film 'Big Light' Starring Ryu Seung-ryong, Ha Ji-won, and Kim Si-ah Set to Hit Theaters in September In the game of hwatu, the big light card is often seen as useless, yet it can sometimes turn the tide or lead to a dramatic victory. The family noir film 'Big Light,' directed by Lee Ji-won and featuring stars Ryu Seung-ryong, Ha Ji-won, and Kim Si-ah, aims to achieve a similar dramatic success in the competitive September box office.On the afternoon of August 24, a press screening and conference for 'Big Light' took place at the Megabox COEX in Gangnam, Seoul, attended by director Lee Ji-won and the cast members Ryu Seung-ryong, Ha Ji-won, and Kim Si-ah.The film follows the story of a top star couple, Jung-gu (played by Ryu Seung-ryong) and Nam-mi (played by Ha Ji-won), whose lives are turned upside down by the sudden appearance of Jung-gu's daughter, Dong-joo (played by Kim Si-ah). As they become embroiled in shocking events, they must uncover the truth to save her. This is the latest work from director Lee Ji-won, known for 'Miss Baek.'Lee Ji-won expressed her desire to create a family film, saying, "I always wanted to make a family movie. During holidays, I would watch my family play hwatu, and they would dislike the big light card. As I grew up, I understood the meaning of the big light card, and I thought it would be fitting to use that title for a family story."She described the genre as 'family noir,' explaining, "In Korean cinema, family-themed stories are often seen as human dramas. However, I believe the actions taken by these characters to save their family go through a noir-like process. It may seem like an unusual family, but even when facing tough situations and divorce, they still support each other. I think showing the emotions we want to feel in this era is the greatest virtue of art and my duty as a director."In the film, Ha Ji-won plays Nam-mi, a former top star who has fallen to the status of a struggling entertainer. She noted that her character's life as an actress closely mirrors her own, allowing her to immerse herself in the role. "Since Nam-mi is also living the life of an actress, I felt I needed to fully embody her to deliver the lines and expressions authentically. Immersing myself in Nam-mi made me reflect on my own time as an actress," she said. "As I was busy, I neglected my family, and stepping off the stage to view myself from a broader perspective felt like a rollercoaster of emotions."Ha Ji-won also shared her challenges with portraying a character with a rough personality and using profanity. "Nam-mi is quite different from my usual self; she speaks harshly and uses foul language. To portray that side, I trained with the director," she explained. "I don't have many people around me who curse, so it felt unfamiliar. During script readings, I asked the director to perform Nam-mi's lines in his version. I practiced cursing alone on the terrace while listening to the director's recordings, worried my mom might be shocked." The director added, "When she asked for a score, I gave her about 20 points. After not cursing for a long time, it was hard for her to get it right, so we even had to modify some lines in post-production."Ryu Seung-ryong, who plays Jung-gu, a father willing to go to any lengths to protect his daughter after hitting rock bottom, shared his experience of portraying a heartfelt father-daughter relationship with Kim Si-ah, who plays Dong-joo. "The paternal love is depicted without the process of pregnancy and raising a child. It's rough and lacking, but I tried to show sincere acting," he said. "I focused on ensuring that even when actions or events are not visible, the emotional connection is felt."Kim Si-ah, who has worked with director Lee Ji-won before in 'Miss Baek,' expressed her excitement about reuniting for 'Big Light.' "I was thrilled and excited to get another opportunity after 'Miss Baek,' but I also felt a lot of pressure to show an even better performance than before. Since my character doesn't have a lot of lines, I wanted each word to convey strong emotions," she added.Ryu Seung-ryong concluded, "Just as the Odyssey is a journey home, 'Big Light' is also a journey back home, reflecting on what is precious in life. It’s a dense, classic film that allows viewers to contemplate various aspects of life, including family. I believe a brand will emerge with director Lee Ji-won."Ha Ji-won described the film as a warm story that evokes thoughts about oneself and family, while Kim Si-ah noted, "After watching the film, my first thought was that I wanted to contact my parents. It evokes such warm feelings."'Big Light' is set to be released in theaters on September 2.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-24 17:36:20
  • Court Grants Bail to Political Broker Charged with Providing Free Polls to Yoon Suk Yeol
    Court Grants Bail to Political Broker Charged with Providing Free Polls to Yoon Suk Yeol The court has accepted the bail application of Myung Tae-kyun, a political broker who was sentenced to prison for providing free opinion polls to former President Yoon Suk Yeol.On August 24, the Seoul High Court's Criminal Division 7, led by Judge Koo Hoe-geun, granted Myung's bail request.The court determined that the necessity for bail was justified after considering various circumstances.However, conditions were imposed, including a prohibition on contacting related parties and conducting media interviews. Myung is also required to appear at designated times and locations when summoned by the court, and must obtain prior approval for any travel lasting three days or more.On August 20, Myung's legal team argued that there was no risk of evidence destruction and requested that he be allowed to stand trial without detention.Myung is expected to be released as early as tomorrow morning.Meanwhile, he was indicted for providing a total of 58 opinion polls worth approximately 270 million won to the former president and his wife for free between June 2021 and March 2022.The first trial court ruled that 14 of the polls, which Myung directly delivered to Yoon, constituted political donations, sentencing him to 1.5 years in prison.Yoon was sentenced to two years in prison for receiving the free polls.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-24 17:36:00
  • KAIST develops technique to detect fast charging damage
    KAIST develops technique to detect fast charging damage SEOUL, August 24 (AJP) - Fast charging can damage an electric vehicle battery in ways that standard capacity measurements do not reveal, researchers at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology said Monday, after building a three-dimensional virtual replica of the interior of a commercial lithium-ion cell. In a graphite electrode 50 micrometers thick, slightly less than the width of a human hair, shifting the adhesive that binds the electrode together from an even spread to a concentration on one side altered total charging capacity by less than four percent. Lithium metal accumulating near one edge of that same electrode increased by more than 10 percent. Charging capacity is the figure a battery test reports. The degradation the simulation identified was concentrated in a region that figure did not describe. Lee Kang-taek's group in the mechanical engineering department at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) carried out the study with Cho Eun-ae's group in materials science and engineering. A lithium-ion battery stores charge by moving lithium ions into the graphite particles that form its negative electrode. A polymer binder holds those particles in place. Pores, the empty channels running between them, carry the ions to the graphite. During rapid charging, some ions fail to enter the graphite and settle on its surface as metallic lithium, a process known as lithium plating. The deposited lithium no longer carries charge, and repeated plating lowers both performance and battery life. A protective film called the solid electrolyte interphase also forms on the graphite surface during charging. The film is necessary, but an excessively thick or uneven one degrades performance. Graphite particles swell as they absorb lithium, generating mechanical stress inside the electrode. These processes occur simultaneously within a very small volume, which has made them difficult to isolate by experiment. Earlier computer models generally worked from average properties across the whole electrode and could not account for variation by position. The researchers reconstructed the internal structure of a commercial graphite electrode in three dimensions, reproducing the graphite particles, the binder and the pores. They varied electrode thickness, pore volume and binder position, then simulated rapid charging while recording where lithium accumulated, where the protective film formed unevenly and where stress concentrated. Binder concentrated on one side of the electrode reduced the pore space available for ion movement. Lithium plating near the current collector, the metal foil that carries current out of the cell, rose more than 10 percent above the level measured in an electrode with binder distributed evenly. Even distribution produced smoother ion movement and a more uniform protective film. The effect grew with electrode thickness. At 83 micrometers, the capacity difference attributable to binder position widened to about 18 percent. KAIST said the result means electrodes built thicker to hold more energy require control over where materials sit inside them, not only over how much material is used. Pore volume affected mechanical stress in the same way. Sufficient pore space absorbed the expansion of the graphite particles and dispersed the resulting force. Where pore space was insufficient, stress concentrated at particular points. Binder gradients of this kind form during electrode manufacturing and drying rather than being introduced by design. The numbers are computed, not measured. The team validated its model against a real electrode and against test data, but the percentages come out of the simulation. No batteries were cycled to failure, so nothing here shows a battery lasting longer. The work covers the graphite negative electrode alone, not the positive electrode and not a full cell. It names binder and pore distribution as design variables without showing how to control them on a production line. KAIST said the approach allows a range of electrode structures to be examined in simulation before any of them are manufactured. "If the binder and the empty space inside the electrode are placed appropriately, it should help in designing batteries that store a large amount of energy while charging quickly and lasting a long time," Lee said. Kang Ye-jin, a doctoral candidate in mechanical engineering at KAIST, was first author on the paper, which was published in the journal InfoMat and selected as the back cover article on July 7. 2026-08-24 17:33:41
  • Growing Distrust in Police Amid Missing Person Case in Jeju
    Growing Distrust in Police Amid Missing Person Case in Jeju The body believed to be that of Jang Mi-ran was discovered in Jeju after 104 days, intensifying the controversy surrounding the police's initial investigation and missing person management system.Concerns have escalated among citizens, questioning whether they can trust the police to handle missing person reports, especially after revelations of false closure by the officer in charge.Jang was reported missing on the night of May 12 after leaving her accommodation. The officer assigned to the case falsely claimed to have contacted Jang, stating she was safe, and closed the case approximately two and a half hours later. Following this, the search for Jang was halted.Notably, Jang's body was found just over a kilometer from her last known location. Although there were numerous security cameras in the area, the police were unable to secure footage as it had already been deleted after the retention period expired.At the time of her disappearance, there were 118 surveillance cameras, including 111 security cameras and 7 traffic cameras, in the Hallym-eup area, but footage from May is no longer available. The police only requested access to the footage 96 days after the initial missing person report, on August 19.According to police, the officer in question has handled and closed 298 missing person reports in the past year. Authorities have begun a comprehensive investigation to determine if there are more cases of false closures. It has already been revealed that another missing person in their 60s was found dead after being falsely closed.This incident has fueled growing distrust in the police online, especially in light of the earlier 'Jang Yoon-ki case' in Gwangju, raising questions about the police's overall handling of cases and investigative capabilities.Many netizens expressed their frustration, stating, "It's a lost cause. Now we have to be cautious whenever something happens, wondering if the police will handle it properly. If they treat ordinary cases like this, how can we expect them to investigate politicians? The absence of the prosecution has only benefited politicians," and, "It seems they never intended to find her in the first place."Others remarked, "She was just left there all summer," and, "It’s obvious they didn’t want to search. How can we trust the police now? This isn’t just one case," while some pointed out that Jang's phone was active for a significant time after her disappearance, questioning the police's initial response.One user noted, "Even if it was a drastic choice, the fact that her phone was on for about 14 hours after the missing report suggests that if they had acted quickly, there would have been enough time to prevent it. The police are clearly at fault."Ultimately, the question of whether citizens can trust the police when reporting a missing person has become more pressing. Following the issues raised in both the Jang Yoon-ki and Jang Mi-ran cases, there are increasing calls to examine whether the internal management and oversight mechanisms within the police are functioning effectively.With the significant reduction in the prosecution's direct investigative authority and the expansion of police powers, discussions about who will monitor and rectify errors or deficiencies in police investigations are becoming unavoidable.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-24 17:32:00
  • Blue House Comments on Potential Tax Revisions Amid Party Requests
    Blue House Comments on Potential Tax Revisions Amid Party Requests The Blue House stated on August 24 that there have been no specific discussions or reports to the president regarding potential revisions to tax reform plans, including easing the tax burden on non-resident homeowners and comprehensive real estate taxes. Chief Spokesperson Kang Yu-jung addressed related questions during a briefing at the Blue House, saying, "There is still no response regarding tax matters." Kang explained that the government is currently in a phase of confirming the Democratic Party's positions and requests during discussions between the party, government, and the Blue House. She added, "No discussions have taken place, nor has there been a report to the president. We are merely at a stage of confirming the party's stance and requests." According to the Democratic Party, proposed amendments include reverting the basic deduction for non-resident homeowners from the government's suggested 900 million won to the current 1.2 billion won, or raising it to 1.4 billion won, similar to that of actual residents. Initially, the comprehensive real estate tax rate was set to increase the upper limit of the tax burden from the current 150% to 200%, but there are now calls to maintain it at 150%.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-24 17:32:00
  • Nexon Games Confirms Title Paradoilia for Project RX, to Participate in TGS
    Nexon Games Confirms Title 'Paradoilia' for Project RX, to Participate in TGS Nexon Games announced on August 24 that it has officially named its new girl game, previously known as Project RX, as 'Paradoilia.' The company also unveiled its official branding and teaser images.Paradoilia is being developed by the RX Studio under Nexon Games' IO division, known for creating 'Blue Archive.' The game will be available on PC, console, and mobile platforms.In Paradoilia, players will assume the role of the center director at a revival center located in a world similar to Earth, called Animas. As the caretaker of the center's office, Tasogarekan, players will interact with characters known as 'Meits,' who possess special abilities, to address various challenges occurring in Animas.The game features 3D graphics powered by Unreal Engine 5, showcasing a vibrant atmosphere and dynamic combat.Nexon Games will showcase Paradoilia at the Tokyo Game Show (TGS) 2026, taking place from September 17 to 21 at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan. The company plans to present a booth that replicates the Tasogarekan from the game and will debut a playable version of Paradoilia. Additionally, character cosplays and interactive events featuring Minié, Ohana, Shami, and Elevator Girl, along with limited-edition merchandise, will be revealed.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-24 17:20:00
  • President Lee expresses sorrow over discovery of body believed to be missing woman in Jeju
    President Lee expresses sorrow over discovery of body believed to be missing woman in Jeju 이재명 대통령은 24일 제주에서 실종된 장미란씨로 추정되는 시신이 발견된 것과 관련해 참담한 심정을 밝히고 경찰 조사 과정 전반에 대한 철저한 진상 규명을 지시했다.강유정 청와대 수석대변인은 이날 춘추관 브리핑에서 “이 대통령은 제주에서 실종자로 추정되는 분의 시신이 발견됐다는 소식을 접한 뒤 매우 참담한 마음을 전하고 안타까움을 표했다”고 전했다.특히 이 대통령은 경찰의 실종사건 처리 과정에서 부실 대응이 있었는지를 철저히 규명하도록 주문했다.앞서 제주에서는 장씨 실종사건을 허위로 종결한 혐의를 받는 경찰관에 대한 수사가 진행됐다. 해당 경찰관의 석방이 예정된 가운데 장씨로 추정되는 시신까지 발견되면서 경찰의 초동 대응과 사건 종결 과정, 지휘·감독 체계 전반을 규명해야 한다는 요구가 커지고 있다.청와대는 이번 사건을 개별 경찰관의 일탈 여부에만 한정하지 않고 실종사건 처리 체계와 경찰 조직 전반의 문제를 점검하는 계기로 삼겠다는 방침이다.강 수석대변인은 “대통령은 경찰 조사 과정 전반에 걸쳐 철저한 진상 규명과 함께 사건 종결 및 지휘·감독 체계 전반을 점검할 것을 지시했다”며 “제도적인 보완책과 근본적인 쇄신책을 비롯해 경찰 자체 개혁안을 마련할 것도 지시했다”고 밝혔다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-24 17:20:00
  • Kakaos Corporate Split Sparks Mixed Reactions in Financial Sector
    Kakao's Corporate Split Sparks Mixed Reactions in Financial Sector Kakao's planned corporate split has elicited mixed reactions from the financial sector. While some analysts believe the split clarifies the company's growth trajectory, others question the tangible benefits of the division. The focus has shifted to whether the company's artificial intelligence (AI) services can effectively convert into revenue before the extraordinary general meeting in December.On August 24, major securities firms released reports on Kakao's restructuring direction. Hanwha Investment & Securities provided a positive assessment, stating that the company has clarified its growth direction by moving away from a complex governance structure.Previously, Kakao operated as a conglomerate with various businesses, including platforms, finance, and content. However, Kakao AI is expected to focus on B2C AI services based on KakaoTalk, allowing for a separate evaluation of its growth potential.Kim So-hye, a researcher at Hanwha Investment & Securities, noted, "Kakao AI's integration of stable cash-generating businesses like messaging, advertising, and commerce with AI is expected to simplify the company into a platform and AI agent enterprise, moving away from its previous complex structure."Conversely, firms such as Kiwoom Securities, Samsung Securities, and Meritz Securities raised concerns about the benefits of the split. Kiwoom Securities suggested that the division could undermine the overall customer value that Kakao possesses, arguing that the synergies from the current integrated structure might diminish due to the split.Samsung Securities emphasized that the newly established Kakao X would serve as a holding company, which could lead to a 'holding company discount.' They also highlighted the need for Kakao AI to prove its revenue generation capabilities.Meritz Securities acknowledged the positive aspect of simplifying the complex structure but stressed that securing profitability in the AI business is more critical than the restructuring itself. Hana Securities noted that while the direction of the governance restructuring has become clearer, risks related to governance remain a challenge ahead of the December extraordinary general meeting.Kakao AI has set ambitious targets, aiming for 6 trillion won in revenue by 2030, with an annual growth rate of over 20% and an operating profit margin of 30%. The company plans to expand its new AI revenue to account for a double-digit percentage of total sales by 2028, reaching 1 trillion won by 2030. Jeong Sin-a, the incoming CEO of Kakao, expects the number of monthly active users (MAUs) utilizing AI services on KakaoTalk to exceed 10 million by the end of this year, with plans to begin monetization next year.However, the speed at which the AI business translates into actual revenue remains to be seen. B2C AI may take longer to monetize compared to B2B AI. If the company fails to secure differentiated features that users can perceive, the expansion of B2C AI services may be delayed beyond expectations.Kakao X also faces challenges. In its projected revenue for 2026, content is expected to account for 64%, followed by tech finance at 21% and mobility at 15%. Kakao X aims to utilize its cash reserves of approximately 2.3 trillion won to secure new growth engines and achieve 10 trillion won in revenue by 2030. However, the ongoing struggles in content may be difficult to resolve in the short term, making the growth of Kakao Pay and Kakao Mobility crucial to offsetting these challenges.Convincing shareholders is another variable. Kakao plans to seek approval for the split at an extraordinary general meeting on December 17, with the split expected to be completed by January 1, followed by the relisting of Kakao AI and the change in listing for Kakao X on January 27.For the split proposal to pass, it requires a two-thirds majority of the voting rights of attending shareholders and more than one-third of the total issued shares, as stipulated by corporate law. The largest shareholders, including founder Kim Beom-soo and related parties, hold 24.08% of the shares, which is insufficient to meet the requirements on their own. Kakao is expected to explain the necessity of the split and its growth strategy post-split to persuade key shareholders ahead of the extraordinary general meeting.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-24 17:12:00
  • Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae Emphasizes Importance of Rule of Law
    Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae Emphasizes Importance of Rule of Law Cho Hee-dae, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, stated that the value of the 'rule of law' is increasingly important as the judicial system undergoes significant changes. He made these remarks during his speech at the 34th Lawyers' Conference for the Rule of Law, held on August 24 at the Grand Lotte Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul. In his address, Cho emphasized, "The courts have a duty to exercise the judicial authority entrusted to them by the people in accordance with the Constitution, laws, and their conscience, thereby effectively realizing the rule of law." He added, "The judiciary will steadfastly pursue its fundamental mission of providing 'swift and fair trials.'" He also highlighted the judiciary's efforts to protect citizens' rights, noting that the Supreme Court clarified in February that the right to confidentiality between lawyers and clients is a core aspect of the constitutional right to legal assistance. This ruling established a foundation for protecting citizens' rights by denying the admissibility of evidence obtained in violation of this right. Cho mentioned the 'Timely Processing of Civil Cases' pilot program implemented this year at the Seoul Central District Court and Changwon District Court, aimed at preventing citizens from suffering irreparable harm by missing critical legal protections. He acknowledged the various concerns raised regarding recent changes in the judicial system, stating, "The judiciary takes these concerns seriously. We will always listen to the voices of the people and work closely with legal professionals, including bar associations, to ensure that the judicial system serves the public interest." In his speech, Kim Sang-hwan, President of the Constitutional Court, emphasized the significance of the newly implemented judicial review system that began in March. Kim stated, "The judicial review system requires all legal professionals involved in interpreting and implementing the law to recognize the supreme normative value of the Constitution more clearly and to reflect on their judgments through the 'lens of the Constitution.'" He added, "While the judicial system must continuously evolve to keep pace with changing times, no change should deviate from the values upheld by the Constitution and the protection of citizens' fundamental rights. The principles ensuring that all citizens can effectively protect their rights through fair procedures must remain intact." Kim further stated, "The Constitutional Court will also diligently fulfill its responsibilities to ensure that citizens' fundamental rights are effectively protected in line with the changing social environment and judicial system."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-24 17:04:20