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  • Dongbang News Corporation and Korean Youth Association Collaborate to Enhance Global and Digital Skills
    Dongbang News Corporation and Korean Youth Association Collaborate to Enhance Global and Digital Skills 동방뉴스코퍼레이션과 한국청소년단체협의회가 청소년 활동 활성화와 글로벌 역량 강화를 위해 협력에 나선다.동방뉴스코퍼레이션과 한국청소년단체협의회는 28일 오전 11시 서울 이마빌딩 아주미디어그룹 사옥에서 업무협약을 체결했다. 양 기관은 이번 협약을 계기로 청소년 국제교류와 인공지능(AI)·디지털 미디어 교육, 콘텐츠 개발 등 다양한 분야에서 협력하기로 했다.협약의 핵심은 양 기관이 보유한 인적·물적 자원과 전문성을 결합해 청소년의 건강한 성장과 글로벌 역량 증진을 지원하는 것이다. 동방뉴스코퍼레이션 산하 경제일보·아주일보·낀떼아주의 미디어 네트워크와 한국청소년단체협의회의 청소년 활동 기반을 연계해 실질적인 협력사업을 발굴한다는 구상이다.양 기관은 우선 청소년 활동 활성화를 위한 사업을 공동으로 기획·운영하고 필요한 지원을 확대하기로 했다. 청소년의 AI·디지털 미디어 활용 역량을 높이기 위한 교육 콘텐츠와 관련 사업도 함께 개발한다.한·중 청소년 교류를 비롯한 국제교류사업의 대외 홍보와 성과 확산에도 협력한다. 청소년들이 국제적 감각과 경제 마인드를 키울 수 있도록 미디어와 교육, 교류 프로그램을 유기적으로 연결할 계획이다.이번 협약의 유효기간은 체결일로부터 3년이다. 양 기관은 협약 기간이 끝나기 전 협의를 거쳐 기간을 연장할 수 있다. 협약은 상호 협력 의사를 확인하는 것으로, 상대 기관에 별도의 법적 권리나 의무를 부과하지 않는다.이날 협약식에는 곽영길 아주뉴스코퍼레이션 회장과 양규현 동방뉴스코퍼레이션 대표, 송정훈 경제일보 편집국장, 정원교 아주경제 팀장이 참석했다. 한국청소년단체협의회에서는 고명진 회장과 송기출 부회장, 손수익·김상우 자문위원, 고기영 본부장, 이형남 목사가 참석했다.양 기관은 이번 업무협약을 출발점으로 세부 사업을 구체화하고, 청소년 활동과 국제교류, AI·디지털 미디어 콘텐츠 분야에서 지속 가능한 협력 모델을 구축할 방침이다.곽영길 회장은 "중국, 베트남, 일본 등 아주미디어그룹의 해외 네트워크를 적극 활용해 우리나라 청소년들의 국제교류 활동을 적극 지원해 나갈 예정"이라고 말했다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-28 17:03:00
  • National Safety Commission Launched to Protect Citizens Lives
    National Safety Commission Launched to Protect Citizens' Lives The government launched the 'National Safety Commission' on July 28, chaired by President Lee Jae-myung.The Ministry of the Interior and Safety announced the commission's inaugural meeting held at the Government Seoul Building.The commission was established under the 'Regulations on the Establishment and Operation of the National Safety Commission,' which was enacted in May. It serves as the highest body to review major national policies aimed at enhancing citizens' safety rights and creating a society that values life.The first meeting was co-chaired by Yoon Ho-joong, Minister of the Interior and Safety, and Baek Jong-woo, a professor at Kyung Hee University and president of the Korea Suicide Prevention Association, in place of President Lee.This launch signifies the activation of a national implementation system to translate the safety rights outlined in the 'Basic Law on Life Safety' into actual policies. The institutionalization of safety rights has been a long-standing demand from bereaved families and civil society following the Sewol ferry disaster, with legal grounds established by the enactment of the 'Basic Law on Life Safety' on June 2.The commission will comprehensively review and coordinate life safety policies that have been dispersed across various ministries. It will monitor and facilitate the implementation of measures related to life safety, particularly identifying safety blind spots and incorporating external perspectives from appointed members to enhance departmental strategies.The commission will have four subcommittees focusing on life safety, disaster safety, public safety, and victim support, which will review issues specific to each area.Minister Yoon stated, "With the enactment of the Basic Law on Life Safety, the citizens' right to 'life and safety' has become a rightful claim that the state must protect. The commission will ensure that this right operates effectively in practice."He added, "We will unify the safety policies that have been scattered across various ministries under a single standard of protecting citizens' lives, shifting from post-incident recovery to a prevention-focused approach to fulfill the state's fundamental duty to safeguard life and safety."Vice Chair Baek remarked, "The inception of the Basic Law on Life Safety reflects the desire of disaster victims and their families to create a society where no one has to endure the pain of repeated disasters. Through the National Safety Commission, we will foster communication and cooperation between the government and the private sector to minimize preventable deaths and damages."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-28 17:01:00
  • Police Investigate 117 Cases Involving Officers Families Following Jang Yoon-ki Incident
    Police Investigate 117 Cases Involving Officers' Families Following Jang Yoon-ki Incident In response to the Jang Yoon-ki incident, police have identified 117 cases involving the families of officers across the country. Of these, 44 cases raised concerns about the fairness of investigations and have been transferred to other police stations.The National Police Agency announced on July 28 that a comprehensive investigation was conducted from July 10 to 22, focusing on cases involving police officers' families.The investigation targeted cases where the individuals involved were spouses or direct descendants of officers working at the police station handling the case. Even if the officer is no longer employed at that station, cases involving their family members from the past three years were included. This encompassed not only suspects but also victims, complainants, and witnesses.For the 73 cases that were not transferred, the police plan to reassess the appropriateness of the investigation process monthly. Matters requiring further investigation or oversight will be handled by provincial police agencies rather than local police stations.This comprehensive review was initiated after it was revealed that Jang Yoon-ki's father is a current police officer, raising allegations of negligence, concealment, and internal collusion during the investigation of the case.Park Mo, the former head of the investigation team at the Gwangju Gwangsan Police Station, which handled the Jang Yoon-ki case, has been arrested on charges of evidence destruction, dereliction of duty, leaking official secrets, and abuse of power. The prosecution extended Park's detention by ten days on July 24 to continue the investigation. The final determination of the charges will be made in court.Following this incident, the National Police Agency has begun a nationwide review to prevent potential conflicts of interest in cases involving police officers and their families. Acting Commissioner Yoo Jae-sung publicly apologized on July 10 regarding the Jang Yoon-ki case and announced plans to reform police investigations.During the review, additional cases involving police officers' families were also identified.The Jeonbuk Provincial Police Agency recently charged Officer A, who works at a police station in Jeonju, with evidence destruction. Officer A is accused of disposing of evidence after learning that his teenage son had illegally filmed a teacher. The police are conducting a formal investigation into this case.The National Police Agency plans to establish a management system to continuously oversee cases involving police officers' families based on the findings of this investigation.A police official stated, "We will develop a management plan to continuously oversee cases involving police officers' families based on the results of the comprehensive investigation."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-28 16:58:00
  • Despite Rising Mineral Prices, Global Investment Falls 9%: Can South Koreas Policy Finance Diversify Supply Chains?
    Despite Rising Mineral Prices, Global Investment Falls 9%: Can South Korea's Policy Finance Diversify Supply Chains? Prices for key minerals such as lithium and copper are rising, yet investment in new mines and processing facilities is declining. Increased price volatility and geopolitical uncertainties have made private companies hesitant to engage in long-term capital-intensive projects.South Korea, which heavily relies on imports for key minerals, is urged to use policy finance to effectively lower investment risks for the private sector and support the establishment of alternative supply chains.According to the International Energy Agency's (IEA) 'Global Key Minerals Outlook 2026' released on July 28, key mineral prices have begun to rise since last year due to tightening supply conditions. Export restrictions from major producing countries have further exacerbated price increases.Specifically, prices for non-ferrous metals like aluminum, copper, and tin have surged approximately 33% from January 2022 to April 2023. Prices for battery materials, which had been weak in 2023-2024, have also rebounded. Lithium prices have more than doubled due to increased demand for energy storage systems (ESS) and supply constraints, while cobalt prices have risen by about 130% due to export restrictions from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.In contrast, global investment in key minerals fell by 9% last year, breaking a multi-year trend of growth. The IEA attributes this decline to the burdens of price volatility and geopolitical tensions on investment.Key mineral projects require extensive time and significant capital from exploration to production. If mineral prices plummet during the project timeline, economic viability diminishes, and if resource-rich countries control exports or production, recovering investments becomes challenging. Private companies often find it difficult to bear such risks alone, leading to delays or cancellations of new projects.Meanwhile, the refining supply of key minerals is increasingly concentrated in a few countries. The IEA reports that over 75% of the expected increase in refining supply for major energy minerals from 2023 to 2025 will come from Indonesia and China, with Indonesia leading in nickel and China dominating most other key minerals.The issue is that South Korea's heavy reliance on imports for key minerals makes it more vulnerable to this concentration of supply. According to the Korea Energy Economics Institute, as of 2024, 30 out of 33 key minerals designated by the government will have a 100% import dependency. Additionally, 17 of these minerals are sourced from countries that account for over 50% of imports. If global investment continues to shrink, the development of new mines and alternative supply sources will be delayed, making it difficult to address the concentration of supply from specific countries.In response, the government plans to leverage policy finance to attract private investment. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and the Financial Services Commission held a meeting on July 23 to discuss support measures using the National Growth Fund. The support will cover the entire supply chain, from securing overseas resources to domestic refining, material processing, and recycling.However, the key challenge is whether companies can secure the necessary funds in a timely manner when they need to invest. Given the significant price volatility and political risks associated with overseas mining development and equity acquisitions, relying solely on conventional loans and guarantees may not be sufficient to encourage private participation. There are calls for a clearer delineation of risk-sharing mechanisms between the government and the private sector, as well as a focus on the types and scale of investments.Professor Kang Cheon-gu from Inha University’s Graduate School of Manufacturing Innovation stated, "While the government has established support measures and a roadmap, it is not easy for companies to utilize these when investing in overseas mines or refining facilities. Priority should be given to policy finance and resource diplomacy necessary for securing resources over research and development, and proactive support should be provided at the time companies need it most."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-28 16:57:00
  • Market Reacts to Chinas Semiconductor Developments, Experts Say Response Overblown
    Market Reacts to China's Semiconductor Developments, Experts Say Response Overblown China's CXMT listing and developments in DUV lithography equipment have contributed to a sharp decline in South Korean semiconductor stocks, but experts say the threat to Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix is not immediate. However, China's aggressive pricing strategy in general memory products is expected to pose a long-term challenge.Jun Byung-seo, director of the China Economic and Financial Research Institute, stated in a phone interview with Aju Economy that the South Korean stock market has reacted excessively to news from China."The stock prices have plummeted, leading to an exaggerated interpretation of CXMT and Chinese semiconductor technology," he said. He noted that while CXMT is expanding its business primarily in general DRAM, Samsung and SK Hynix are rapidly increasing their supply of high-bandwidth memory (HBM) for AI servers, indicating that their main customer bases do not directly overlap.Jun also assessed the short-term impact of Chinese DUV lithography equipment on the domestic semiconductor industry as limited, citing a significant gap between prototype development and establishing a stable production system.Having previously served as an IT analyst at Daewoo Securities (now Mirae Asset Securities), Jun predicted, "China's DUV lithography equipment is still in the prototype stage, and it may take about a year to secure stability and yield in the actual production process before entering full-scale production."He cautioned against simplistic comparisons regarding the technological gap between Chinese memory companies like CXMT and NAND flash producer YMTC and their South Korean counterparts, Samsung and SK Hynix, which he assessed to be around three to four years. "Saying that the technology gap between Chinese and Korean semiconductor companies is a few years is akin to asking who is taller between Americans and Koreans," he remarked, emphasizing that technology levels, yields, and production capacities vary significantly across different product categories such as DRAM, NAND, and HBM.Jun identified the biggest threat to the Chinese semiconductor industry as the low-cost assault on general products. With support from the Chinese government, CXMT's rapid expansion of production capacity could pressure general DRAM prices and the profitability of global memory companies.Regarding South Korea's response, he emphasized that securing corporate technological competitiveness is more crucial than government policy. "The response to China's semiconductor self-sufficiency policy depends more on the competitiveness of individual companies than on our government's strategy," he said, adding that it is vital for Samsung and SK Hynix to develop more advanced technologies and maintain a gap that is difficult for Chinese companies to close.For individual investors exposed to rapid volatility, Jun advised against making abrupt decisions, suggesting a strategy of gradual buying. He stated, "Whether to view the semiconductor stock adjustment as a buying opportunity or to prepare for further declines is up to the investor's judgment," but noted that in a situation of high uncertainty, it is preferable to adhere to principles of gradual buying and selling while observing the market.On July 28, the South Korean stock market saw a significant sell-off, particularly in semiconductor stocks. The KOSPI closed down 732.09 points (10.84%) at 6023.66, while the KOSDAQ index fell 59.01 points (7.72%) to finish at 705.85.Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix led the decline, falling 13.39% and 14.65%, respectively. As the losses accelerated, circuit breakers were triggered in both the KOSDAQ and KOSPI markets, with the KOSPI dipping below the 6000 mark during trading.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-28 16:52:00
  • Han Duck-soo Refuses to Testify in Yoon Suk Yeols Appeal Hearing
    Han Duck-soo Refuses to Testify in Yoon Suk Yeol's Appeal Hearing Han Duck-soo, a former Prime Minister, refused to testify as a witness in the appeal hearing of former President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was acquitted of perjury charges in a lower court. The appeal hearing took place on July 28 at the Seoul High Court, which specializes in cases related to insurrection.During the hearing, Han appeared as a witness but stated before the questioning began, "My case is currently pending in the Supreme Court, and I am concerned that answering questions could negatively impact my own trial. Therefore, I will exercise my right to refuse to testify under Article 148 of the Criminal Procedure Act." The court acknowledged Han's legal right to refuse to testify.Following this, Han declined to answer any questions from the special prosecutor's office regarding the insurrection case. The special prosecutor had questions about the authenticity of Han's statements related to the insurrection, the circumstances surrounding the movement of officials on the night of the martial law declaration, whether there was a proposal to summon additional cabinet members, and the distribution process of the martial law declaration. Han consistently responded, "I will not testify." However, he briefly confirmed a factual question about receiving a call from the President on December 3, 2024, at 8:40 PM, stating, "That's correct." The witness questioning concluded just 15 minutes after it began due to Han's refusal to testify.After the witness questioning, Yoon's defense team completely refuted the special prosecutor's allegations. They emphasized that the most critical aspect of declaring martial law was maintaining order and ensuring public safety, which required extreme security measures. They argued that instead of summoning all cabinet members at once, a phased approach was taken, first calling key security and law enforcement officials, followed by economic and civilian officials. They noted that there is no legal obligation to notify all cabinet members individually, placing this decision within the President's discretion.The defense also addressed the location of the meeting on the day of the martial law declaration, clarifying that it was held in the 5th-floor reception room rather than the 7th-floor cabinet meeting room, and explained the omission of certain procedural steps. They stated, "If we had prepared as if it were a regular meeting in the 7th-floor meeting room, maintaining security would have been impossible," and argued that the omission of pre-distribution of agenda items and the use of electronic payment systems were consistent with the nature of an emergency cabinet meeting.The defense criticized the special prosecutor's use of vague language in the indictment, stating that the principle of "proof beyond a reasonable doubt" was not met, and therefore, the appeal should be dismissed.Yoon also spoke up, questioning, "If we were not going to hold a cabinet meeting, why would we call the Prime Minister and cabinet members to the Yongsan Presidential Office during a time of heightened security?" He further clarified that the documents he sought signatures for were merely attendance confirmation forms, not official documents, and asserted that his actions were legitimate, contrasting them with past instances of constitutional violations during the May 1980 Gwangju uprising.After hearing from both sides, the court ordered both the special prosecutor and Yoon's defense team to submit additional opinions regarding discrepancies between Han's statements in other cases and Yoon's previous testimonies. The court decided to conclude the hearing without additional witnesses and scheduled the next session for August 19, where final arguments will be presented, along with Yoon's closing statement.Yoon was indicted last November for allegedly testifying falsely that Han had suggested convening a cabinet meeting before the martial law declaration. During the previous trial, when asked by the special prosecutor if Han had proposed calling a cabinet meeting to create a legal facade, Yoon responded, "Cabinet members are not puppets to create a facade; isn't that a question that reflects too much bias?" However, the lower court acquitted Yoon in May, stating that perjury applies only to statements that contradict one's memory, and subjective evaluations or statements do not constitute perjury. This marked the first acquittal for Yoon in a case related to the martial law declaration.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-28 16:51:00
  • 7.1 Magnitude Earthquake in Japan Shakes Southern Korea
    7.1 Magnitude Earthquake in Japan Shakes Southern Korea A 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck near Kumamoto Prefecture in Japan, causing tremors to be felt in southern regions of South Korea.According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, the earthquake occurred at 4:27 PM on July 28, approximately 23 kilometers south of Kumamoto City.The tremors were detected in several areas of South Korea. The Meteorological Administration reported that the maximum intensity reached level III in Gyeongnam, Busan, Jeonnam, Gwangju, and Jeju, while levels II were recorded in Gangwon, Gyeonggi, Gyeongbuk, Daegu, Ulsan, Jeonbuk, Chungnam, and Chungbuk.Intensity III indicates that several people indoors can feel the shaking, and stationary vehicles may sway slightly. Intensity II means that some individuals in quiet settings or on upper floors of buildings may perceive the tremors.The Meteorological Administration urged residents to remain cautious, noting that some areas in the country may experience aftershocks.This earthquake information was provided based on analysis from the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA).* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-28 16:50:00
  • Indian Youth Protest Forces Modi Government to Yield, Resulting in Ministers Resignation
    Indian Youth Protest Forces Modi Government to Yield, Resulting in Minister's Resignation In India, a youth protest that began as an online satire movement has forced the resignation of a key minister in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government, creating a political stir.After 12 years of long-standing rule, the Modi administration, which has rarely backed down under pressure from civil society, has made an unusual concession in the face of collective action from Generation Z.On July 27, CNN reported that the newly formed "Cockroach People's Party (CJP)" led large-scale protests against the leak of university entrance exam questions, resulting in the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.Thousands of protesters occupied central New Delhi for several days, demanding accountability for the exam leak and Pradhan's resignation. They argued that the leak deprived millions of students of a fair opportunity.Following Pradhan's resignation on July 25, celebrations erupted late into the night at Jantar Mantar, the protest site in New Delhi. Participants waved flags, danced, and sang, viewing the resignation as a victory for collective action.Pradhan, a close ally of Prime Minister Modi, had maintained his position despite various civil society protests since the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came to power in 2014. His resignation is seen as an unusual concession from the BJP, which has built a strong image under Modi's leadership.The protests are rooted in the accumulated economic grievances of the youth. India, with a population of over 360 million aged 15 to 29, has seen about 40% of college graduates under 25 unemployed, according to recent reports.Despite being one of the fastest-growing major economies in the world, many young people feel that national growth has not translated into job opportunities or upward mobility for individuals.The CJP originated from a satirical online movement created by Boston University graduate Abhijit Deepke. It quickly evolved into a platform representing the anxieties of youth regarding employment, governance, and social mobility.Protesters notably utilized Instagram Reels, videos, and memes to share real-time updates from the ground, rather than relying on traditional media. The scale of participation grew after police used tear gas and batons against protesters marching toward Parliament on July 20, with some calling for Modi's resignation.After the government promised to consider additional demands, including compensation for families of students who took their own lives due to the exam leak, the protest leadership decided to suspend demonstrations on July 25. However, Deepke remarked as he left the protest site, "This is not the end. We will meet again soon."CNN noted that Modi and the BJP still enjoy high approval ratings and strong electoral organization, with the next general election scheduled for 2029. However, analysts are watching to see if this incident could catalyze long-term political mobilization among the youth.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-28 16:48:00
  • South Koreas National Soccer Team to Face Venezuela and Uzbekistan in October Friendlies
    South Korea's National Soccer Team to Face Venezuela and Uzbekistan in October Friendlies The South Korean national soccer team, currently seeking a new head coach, will play friendly matches against Venezuela and Uzbekistan during the October international window.According to the Korea Football Association, the team will face Venezuela on October 2 and Uzbekistan on October 6. The specific locations and kickoff times for these matches have yet to be determined.This schedule follows changes to the FIFA international match window regulations, which now allow for a four-match format. FIFA has reduced the number of international match weeks from five to four annually to alleviate the physical burden of long-distance travel on players and to ensure adequate training time for tactical development following the 2026 North and Central America World Cup.As a result, the international matches in September and October have been consolidated and expanded into a 16-day window (late September to early October), allowing the national team to play four consecutive matches during a single call-up. The opponents for the two friendlies in September are currently being finalized.Venezuela, ranked 47th by FIFA, finished eighth in the South American qualifiers for the World Cup and did not qualify for the tournament. South Korea last faced Venezuela in September 2014 in Bucheon, where they won 3-1 with a multi-goal performance from Lee Dong-gook.Uzbekistan is ranked 60th by FIFA and made its World Cup debut but lost all three matches in the group stage. South Korea has a strong historical record against Uzbekistan, with 11 wins, 4 draws, and 1 loss. Their most recent encounter was a 4-0 victory in a friendly match in Brisbane, Australia, in November 2018.The head coach position for the national team is currently vacant following Hong Myung-bo's resignation after the team's failure to advance past the group stage in the World Cup. Therefore, the upcoming four-match series in September and October is likely to be managed by an interim coach. The football association plans to announce details regarding the appointment of a new head coach as soon as they are finalized.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-28 16:47:00
  • South Korea to secure more naphtha supplies despite stable inventories
    South Korea to secure more naphtha supplies despite stable inventories SEOUL, July 28 (AJP) - Naphtha supplies in South Korea are expected to remain stable through August despite renewed tensions in the Middle East, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources said on Tuesday. At an emergency meeting at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry in central Seoul, government officials and industry representatives assessed supplies for naphtha and petrochemical products and discussed contingency measures. The meeting came amid growing concerns that renewed tensions in the Middle East could once again disrupt imports of naphtha, a key feedstock for petrochemicals used to make rubber, plastics, synthetic fibers and packaging materials. The ministry said domestic petrochemical producers have secured enough naphtha to meet demand through August, with supplies at least on par with a year earlier. Inventories of petrochemical products also remain stable, suggesting the latest developments are unlikely to disrupt domestic naphtha supplies in the short term. But it said that it will continue monitoring supply conditions at home and abroad while seeking to secure additional naphtha shipments for the coming months should tensions in the Middle East persist. "Naphtha is a critical raw material for the petrochemical industry, and we will work closely with the industry to prevent any disruption to supplies," Yang Gi-uk, a senior ministry official, said. South Korea relies on imports for about 45 percent of its naphtha demand, with roughly 77 percent of shipments coming from the Middle East. During the initial phase of the conflict, when the U.S. and Israel launched joint strikes on Iran in late February, fears of supply disruptions prompted the government to ban hoarding along with other measures to stabilize supplies. 2026-07-28 16:46:28