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  • Kyochon Revives 100-Year-Old Brewery, Named Culinary and Cultural Landmark
    Kyochon Revives 100-Year-Old Brewery, Named Culinary and Cultural Landmark Kyochon F&B has restored a century-old brewery in Yeongyang, creating the 'Fermentation Workshop 1991,' which has been recognized as a culinary and cultural landmark through a public vote.The agricultural corporation Fermentation Workshop 1991 announced on August 24 that it was selected in two categories—culinary and culture, arts, and tradition—by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Tourism Organization as part of the '100X100 Project' to discover notable sites in South Korea.The 100X100 Project involves a public vote on recommended sites from 100 travel experts to uncover hidden gems across the country. Approximately 40,000 people participated in the voting, casting over 1.53 million votes over a three-week period starting in late June.Fermentation Workshop 1991 was recognized in the culinary category for 'Let's Go Drink, Alcohol Pride' and in the culture, arts, and tradition category for 'Newtro Dive, Cultural Regeneration Space.' The site was acknowledged for its production of traditional liquor using local agricultural products and for preserving and revitalizing the historic brewery.Established in 1926, the former Yeongyang Brewery was restored by Kyochon F&B and Yeongyang County, opening its doors in 2022. The facility maintains the original wooden structure, preserving the brewery's historical essence while currently serving as a production site for local traditional liquor.Here, they produce 'Gamhyangju,' a type of makgeolli recorded in the first Korean cookbook, 'Eumsik Dimibang,' along with modern interpretations like 'Milky Way Starry Night' and 'Milky Way Makgeolli.' The products use rice sourced from the Yeongyang region. Among these, Milky Way Makgeolli is now sold in over 700 Kyochon Chicken locations nationwide, expanding consumer access.Notably, the 12% alcohol 'Milky Way Starry Night' won the top prize in the high-grade traditional liquor category at the 'Korean Traditional Liquor Competition.' It was also selected as the official dinner beverage for the '2025 APEC Leaders' Meeting' held last year.A representative from Fermentation Workshop 1991 stated, 'It is meaningful to have the value of this century-old space and the traditional liquor made from local agricultural products recognized through public voting. We will continue to grow alongside the local community and provide differentiated regional tourism content for visitors to Yeongyang.'* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-24 10:08:00
  • Samsung Electronics Announces Record 110 Trillion Won Shareholder Return Plan, Shares Drop 6%
    Samsung Electronics Announces Record 110 Trillion Won Shareholder Return Plan, Shares Drop 6% Samsung Electronics has announced a record shareholder return plan worth up to 110 trillion won, but its stock price fell by over 6% in early trading. Analysts suggest that the emphasis on cash dividends rather than stock buybacks and cancellations has dampened investor sentiment.As of 9:55 a.m. on the Korea Exchange, Samsung's shares were trading at 264,500 won, down 17,000 won (6.04%) from the previous trading day.On August 21, Samsung announced a shareholder return plan valued between 90 trillion and 110 trillion won, marking the largest in the history of South Korean companies. Of this amount, 30 trillion won is set to be distributed as cash dividends in the third quarter of this year.However, the market has expressed disappointment over the focus on cash dividends. Stock buybacks followed by cancellations can reduce the number of shares in circulation, potentially increasing the value of existing shares for current shareholders. In contrast, cash dividends are subject to a 15.4% dividend income tax.This approach contrasts with SK Hynix's recent announcement to buy back and cancel 40 trillion won worth of its own shares, which led to a 12% surge in its stock price following the announcement.Analysts believe that Samsung's decision to prioritize cash dividends over large-scale stock buybacks may be influenced by the Financial Industry Structure Improvement Act's '10% rule.' This rule limits the shareholdings of financial affiliates like Samsung Life and Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance in Samsung Electronics. If Samsung were to conduct significant stock buybacks, the total number of issued shares would decrease, potentially increasing the ownership percentage of its financial affiliates.Future evaluations of Samsung's shareholder return strategy may change based on additional methods announced. The company plans to hold a board meeting at the end of October to finalize details regarding the third-quarter dividend. The remaining shareholder return amount and specific methods are expected to be determined in January 2027.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-24 10:04:10
  • Alibaba Raises $14 Billion Through New Share Issuance to Boost AI Investments
    Alibaba Raises $14 Billion Through New Share Issuance to Boost AI Investments Chinese tech giant Alibaba plans to issue approximately 14 trillion won in new shares to invest in its artificial intelligence (AI) business. The company is rapidly increasing its infrastructure investments in data centers and semiconductors to remain competitive in the AI sector.According to the China Business Journal, Alibaba announced on August 23 that it intends to issue 710 million new shares at a price of 112.7 Hong Kong dollars (about 20,000 won) per share to raise 80 billion Hong Kong dollars (approximately 14 trillion won) from investors outside the United States.All funds raised will be allocated to AI-related projects, particularly focusing on expanding the infrastructure necessary for operating AI services, including data centers and computing equipment.This marks Alibaba's first new share issuance since its listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 2019, indicating a rapid increase in the funds required for AI investments.Alibaba's current cash position is not dire. As of the end of June, the company had approximately 474.5 billion yuan (about 97.5 trillion won) in cash and short-term investments. Cash generated from operations also rose to 22.9 billion yuan, an 11% increase compared to the same period last year.However, the China Business Journal noted, "The issue is that the speed of investment in AI is much faster than the speed of cash generation."In the second quarter of this year, Alibaba's capital expenditures reached 67.7 billion yuan, a 75% increase from the previous year. Capital expenditures are funds used by companies to acquire or upgrade physical assets such as data centers, servers, and factories.As capital expenditures for AI infrastructure have surged, net income for the same period plummeted by 75%. Free cash flow also recorded a deficit of 44.7 billion yuan, significantly larger than the 18.8 billion yuan deficit from the same period last year.With the intensifying competition in AI, the investment burden on China's big tech companies is increasing. Not only Alibaba, but Tencent also reported a 176% increase in capital expenditures to 52.784 billion yuan in the second quarter. Tencent also faced a free cash flow deficit of 13.8 billion yuan.AI businesses require substantial computing power and data centers, leading to high initial investment costs. The industry often refers to AI as a "money-eating hippo."Despite this, both Alibaba and Tencent have stated they will not reduce their AI investments, as falling behind in AI technology could weaken their future business competitiveness. Earlier this year, Alibaba announced a plan to invest 380 billion yuan in AI over the next three years. In fact, global tech giants are rapidly increasing their investments in AI model development and data center construction.Alibaba CEO Daniel Zhang expects that the investment in AI will be recouped within about three years. He even suggested that if AI services grow and become more profitable, the payback period could be reduced to around two and a half years.However, Michael Burry, the well-known short-seller from the film "The Big Short," publicly criticized Alibaba's share issuance. According to Bloomberg on August 23, Burry stated on social media shortly after the announcement of Alibaba's capital increase plan that he could not support it and revealed he had sold all his shares in the company. He claimed that Alibaba's stock is overvalued and that he would only regain interest if the price fell to half its current level.Alibaba's stock has dropped 13.9% on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange this year, while its American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) have fallen by 18.6%.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-24 10:04:00
  • Choi Se-kyus Journey from Successful Entrepreneur to Philanthropist
    Choi Se-kyu's Journey from Successful Entrepreneur to Philanthropist Transforming from a successful businessman to a champion of giving"Today, walking together hand in hand is a blessing. The more we share love, the warmer our lives become," says Choi Se-kyu, chairman of the Korea Talent Donation Association. His day begins early, sending 40-character 'SNS postcards' to over 9,700 members without fail, and sending out brief text messages every Saturday at 2 p.m. He values connections with people and has made sharing a part of his daily life.Choi shifted his life direction from a businessman with annual sales of 10 billion won to a philanthropist. After his business grew, he realized, "I didn’t achieve this alone; I received help from many people, so it’s time to give back to society." He has been actively involved in talent donation and volunteer work for the past 15 years.The Korea Talent Donation Association, which he founded, started with just 30 members but has now grown to nearly 10,000 participants. Choi emphasizes not just monetary donations but also sharing individual experiences and skills through 'talent donation.' He believes, "What I have may be small, but when combined with the talents of many, we can create a bigger picture."Diverse talents contribute to community supportHis organization has engaged in various activities, including free weddings for the disabled and multicultural families, free meals for the elderly living alone, donations to nursing homes and orphanages, performances for prisons and military bases, support for single mothers, and assistance in rural areas. Members, including dentists, traditional musicians, photographers, and caregivers, connect their skills to those in need.Choi describes talent donation as simple acts of kindness. Helping an elderly person with a shoulder massage, washing dishes, or picking up litter can all be valuable contributions. Ultimately, he believes the key is not having special abilities but rather a "willingness to share" and taking action.His commitment to giving extends into his daily life. He has not raised rent for his tenants for over 20 years and has supported free entrepreneurship lectures and market access for small businesses. "Seeing my tenants save money to move to better homes makes me happier," he says, reflecting the joy he finds in sharing.Choi aims to spread the concept of talent donation to more people. His aspiration is modest: to be remembered as a "good neighbor" by others. He continues to connect people in his own way, walking his 'My Way' path to create a warmer world through small acts of sharing.74th Love Sharing Ceremony held in Hwasun, Jeollanam-doOn August 21, Choi traveled to Hwasun, Jeollanam-do, to hold the 74th Love Sharing Ceremony.The event, co-hosted by the Jeonnam-Gwangju Cultural and Artistic Federation and Jeonnam Broadcasting, with support from Aksan Black Goat, took place at the Hwasun County Office (Mayor Lim Ji-rak). It featured the 'Elderly Love Sharing Concert and Gift Presentation.'As part of the event, the 'Hwasun Citizens' Concert' was held at the Hwasun Flower River Fountain, where Korea Talent Donation Association ambassador and singer Koo Jae-young, along with singer Ban Geum-chae, performed, providing joy and inspiration to local seniors and residents.This event was particularly meaningful as it combined talent donation through music with warm sharing, fostering a sense of community spirit.Attendees included Lee Wan-guk, chairman of Shambhala CC, Yoon Jong-cheol, CEO of Utrax, Song Jong-chae, chairman of SM, Yang Hwa-cheol, chairman of Aksan, Lee Gi-sik, CEO of Hyosung ENG, Yoo Jeong-yeol, CEO of Hightech Yuil, Song Myeong-ui, chairman of Whale Food, Kim Dong-o, CEO of Dong-o Construction, Kim Han-byeol, CEO of Philip Construction, Choi Jong-jin of Yangja River, Lee Jeong-ok, CEO of Durigaon, Yang Yu-gyeong, CEO of Datastep, Ko Jeong-yong, CEO of Eisen Pharma Korea, Kim Hye-jeong, CEO of Neokim, and Choi Gyu-hyung, CEO of Daeil E&P, who all contributed donations. Additionally, Kim Young-ki, chairman of Kuuku, and Hwang Eun-joo, president of Yonsei University FCEO Alumni Association, donated rice, while Kim Jeong-an, chairman of Hope Sharing People, provided bathroom supplies, and Kim Sang-hee, chairman of the Health Food Research Institute, donated health supplements, among other contributions.The organization aims to support socially marginalized groups through talent donation, including free weddings for disabled couples, performances for military and prison visits, support for multicultural families, concerts for helping youth heads of households, startup consulting, free moving services, and rural volunteer activities.The following is a list of sponsors and attendees at the event.▶Kim Joo-hyun ▶Im Seong-suk, CEO of Cheonil Construction Machinery ▶Song Soon-hee, team leader at Samsung Life Mokdong Branch ▶Heo Ye-hwa ▶Jeong Gu-min, poet ▶Hwang Cheong-seong, honorary branch manager of Kyobo Life ▶Choi Yoon-hee, CEO of Momstar ▶Han Jang-hyun, CEO of Y&N Construction ▶Choi Hae-yeon, poet ▶Choi Jeong-myeong ▶Hong Eun-soon, advisor to the Korea Talent Donation Association ▶Park Kyung-seop, president of the Korea Festival Culture and Arts Journalists Association ▶Jeong Yu-joo, president of the Korea Festival Culture and Arts Journalists Association Poetry Recital ▶Kim Young-hee, head of publicity for the Korea Festival Culture and Arts Journalists Association ▶Kim Jong-baek, representative of the Folk Music Group Cheonbudang ▶Baek Hyun-ok, chairperson of the Gwangju Nam-gu Scholarship Foundation ▶Kim Byeong-guk, head of the Saemangeum Arts Group ▶Lee Jin-chang, publisher of Franchise World ▶Sim Woo-yong ▶Jo Dong-min, former president of the Korea Franchise Association ▶Kim Choo-bong, CEO of Iben ▶Seo Dae-won, CEO of PAG Group ▶Yang Chang-sik, manager of Lotte Castle Signature in Central Park ▶Kim Chae-yeon, president of the Gwangju Art Model Association ▶Talent and Creative Golf members. 2026-08-24 10:04:00
  • Kazakhstan builds interfaith forum into institution over 2 decades
    Kazakhstan builds interfaith forum into institution over 2 decades SEOUL, August 24 (AJP) - An idea that surfaced in Astana days after the September 11 attacks has grown into a standing international institution, with a permanent secretariat, its own awards, a 10-year strategy and a place on the United Nations record. The Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions has met eight times since 2003, always in the Kazakh capital, and is scheduled to convene again in 2028. The proposal took shape during Pope John Paul II's visit to Kazakhstan from Sept. 22 to 25, 2001, 11 days after the attacks on the United States. Kazakhstan suggested seating the leaders of the world's major faiths at one table at a moment when much of the world was bracing for a religious rupture. The first Congress opened two years later, on Sept. 23, 2003, with 17 delegations from 13 countries. Participants condemned extremism and terrorism as having nothing to do with the substance of religion, and agreed to meet every three years. The scale has widened steadily since. The eighth Congress, held Sept. 17 and 18, 2025, drew more than 100 delegations from around 60 countries, spanning Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism, Zoroastrianism and Shinto. The high-water mark came in 2022, when Pope Francis traveled to Astana for the seventh Congress and appeared alongside Sheikh Ahmed el-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem and the chief rabbis of Israel. Patriarch Kirill of Moscow, who had been expected, did not attend. Each Congress has left something behind. The first created a permanent Secretariat, the second adopted a set of Principles of Interreligious Dialogue that the forum treats as its founding code, and later meetings added a Council of Religious Leaders, two awards for contributions to interfaith dialogue and, in 2019, a dedicated center that now operates as the International Center for Interfaith and Interreligious Dialogue. The Secretariat meets every year between congresses in the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, a pyramid on Tauelsizdik Avenue built for the purpose. Its working agency reports more than 30 memorandums with outside bodies, among them UNESCO, Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, the Holy See's Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue and the Moscow Patriarchate. A development concept commissioned in 2022 and running to 2033 commits the forum to problems well beyond theology, including poverty, inequality, environmental crisis and the protection of religious sites. It also states that Congress bodies may take part in mediation for the peaceful settlement of disputes, an unusual ambition for a dialogue platform. Congress declarations are filed with the UN Secretary-General for registration as official General Assembly documents. The 2022 declaration was transmitted by Kazakhstan's permanent representative and entered the UN record that September. The 2025 Congress went further. Organizers said the forum hosted an official United Nations event on its own platform for the first time, a special session on safeguarding religious sites convened under the UN Alliance of Civilizations and tied to a plan of action developed under Miguel Ángel Moratinos. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev chaired the plenary, and Pope Leo XIV sent a message. Muslim World League Secretary-General Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa attended as guest of honor, using his address to raise the situation in Gaza. The meeting produced the Astana Peace Declaration 2025, a document of 34 points adopted, as the forum's rules provide, by a majority of delegates rather than by consensus. It instructs the Secretariat to prepare a paper on faith and climate change, calls for international norms on artificial intelligence grounded in human rights, and urges the prevention of any use of nuclear weapons. It also endorses Tokayev's call for a new global movement for peace and describes Kazakhstan as a global center for interfaith dialogue. What the Congress can point to is durability. Two decades on, an institution that began as a Kazakh proposal draws the leaders of most of the world's major faiths to the same room every three years. Delegates closed the 2025 session by agreeing to return. The ninth Congress is set for Astana in 2028. 2026-08-24 10:00:44
  • LG Electronics Celebrates 10 Years of Youth Empowerment in Ethiopia
    LG Electronics Celebrates 10 Years of Youth Empowerment in Ethiopia LG Electronics' vocational training program supporting youth independence in Ethiopia has achieved significant results over the past decade. This initiative, which goes beyond simple educational support to connect young people with employment and entrepreneurship opportunities, exemplifies a Korean model of development cooperation.On August 22, LG Electronics announced the 10th graduation ceremony at the LG-KOICA Hope Vocational Training School in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This year, 68 students graduated, bringing the total number of graduates since the school's opening in 2014 to 679. The employment and entrepreneurship rate among graduates stands at 100%.The LG-KOICA Hope Vocational Training School was established through a collaboration between LG Electronics, the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), and the Ethiopian government. The school is operated by LG Electronics and the international development NGO World Together, providing free vocational training in electronics and IT. Students also receive lunch and transportation support.Notably, the program includes pathways to employment after training. Outstanding graduates are offered internship opportunities with LG Electronics' Central Service Corporation. For those interested in starting their own businesses, the school provides practical training and mentoring in areas such as law and marketing through its entrepreneurship support center.LG Electronics is expanding its efforts to create a sustainable model for self-reliance by not only imparting skills to local youth but also linking them to internships and entrepreneurship support through its overseas subsidiaries.This success has been recognized internationally. The LG-KOICA Hope Vocational Training School was highlighted as an exemplary case of Korea's development cooperation at the G7 summit held in France in June. In 2020, the Ethiopian government also recognized it as a model for vocational training.Among this year's graduates are twin siblings, grandchildren of a veteran of the Korean War. They received training in IT and networking and are preparing for careers as a network engineer and an IT entrepreneur, respectively.Yoon Dae-sik, Executive Vice President of LG Electronics' External Cooperation Division, stated, "Through the Hope Vocational Training School, we have been providing opportunities for Ethiopian youth to achieve independence, and we are seeing meaningful results after 10 years. We will continue to strive to help young people around the world realize their dreams and achieve self-reliance."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-24 10:00:20
  • Prepaid Service Companies Required to Review Virtual Asset Investments
    Prepaid Service Companies Required to Review Virtual Asset Investments Prepaid service companies, including those involved in prepaid installment transactions, will be required to consider stability, liquidity, and profitability when managing consumer advance payments. Large firms with advance payments exceeding 100 billion won must establish and operate an Advance Payment Management Review Committee to ensure the stability of fund management and transparency in decision-making.The Fair Trade Commission announced on the 24th that it will issue an administrative notice for 20 days until September 14 regarding the proposed revisions to the 'Consumer Protection Guidelines for Prepaid Installment Transactions.'The revisions aim to ensure that consumer advance payments, made monthly for services such as funerals or weddings, are managed safely to fulfill contractual obligations and refund payments. The guidelines will include principles for managing advance payments and a framework for self-assessment.Under the proposed revisions, prepaid installment companies must balance stability, liquidity, and profitability when managing advance payments. They must conduct thorough reviews before engaging in high-risk transactions, such as excessive investments in high-risk assets like derivatives, virtual assets, and leveraged financial products that pose a risk of principal loss.Additionally, a new internal control system will be established to help prepaid installment companies manage risks. All companies must create 'Advance Payment Management Guidelines' detailing the range of investable assets and risk management procedures, and report an 'Advance Payment Management Plan' to their board of directors each fiscal year.In particular, large firms with advance payments exceeding 100 billion won at the end of the previous fiscal year must establish and operate a consensus-based 'Advance Payment Management Review Committee.' When the committee reviews transactions with controlling shareholders or investments in high-risk assets like virtual assets, it must also seek input from employees of payment obligors, such as mutual aid associations or banks, as well as external experts in accounting and finance.The Fair Trade Commission plans to finalize the revisions after gathering feedback from stakeholders during the administrative notice period.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-24 10:00:20
  • Accor Appoints Jo Min-sook as Vice President for Korean Operations
    Accor Appoints Jo Min-sook as Vice President for Korean Operations Global hotel group Accor has appointed Jo Min-sook as the new vice president overseeing its operations in South Korea. With over 30 years of experience in sales, marketing, and hotel management, Jo has been instrumental in launching several Accor brands in the country. Accor aims to leverage Jo's expertise to ensure the stable opening of new hotels and enhance the operational competitiveness of existing properties.Accor announced on August 24 that Jo Min-sook will manage the overall operations of its hotels in South Korea, support the opening of new hotels, and oversee joint venture partnerships. She will also coordinate collaboration between regional and global headquarters and local hotels.Jo's strengths include her hands-on experience in managing various hotel categories and successfully establishing new hotels in the market. She has worked with several Accor brands, ranging from economy to luxury, including Ibis, Novotel, Sofitel, and Pullman.Jo's relationship with Accor began in 2009 when she served as the sales and marketing director at Novotel Ambassador Seoul Gangnam. After participating in Accor Asia Pacific's first general manager training program in 2011, she expanded her role into hotel management.She has held positions such as general manager of Ibis Ambassador Seoul Gangnam and was responsible for the opening of Ibis Styles Ambassador Seoul Myeongdong, as well as leading the rebranding of Ibis Styles Ambassador Seoul Gangnam. Subsequently, she took on roles preparing new hotels and stabilizing their initial operations.A notable example is the Novotel Ambassador Seoul Dongdaemun Hotel & Residence, where Jo led the opening of the world's first hotel-residence combination under the Novotel brand. She also served as the pre-opening general manager for Sofitel Ambassador Seoul Hotel & Serviced Residence and Pullman Ambassador Seoul Eastpole.Jo has achieved significant management results. According to Accor, the hotels under her management have exceeded revenue and operating profit targets, and she has successfully obtained the Green Key eco-certification while improving operational efficiency and stabilizing the organization.This appointment expands Jo's role from managing individual hotels to overseeing the entire Korean operation. She will work to elevate the operational standards and performance of each hotel while also managing the opening processes for future Accor hotels and collaborations with partners.Jo stated, "The Korean hotel market is undergoing a transformative period, with rising customer expectations and rapidly expanding demands for sustainability and digital innovation. I will do my best to nurture excellent talent and enhance the unique values and service quality of each brand, ensuring that Accor secures sustainable competitiveness and growth in the Korean market."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-24 10:00:00
  • Kim Min-seok: Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae Should Stop His Futile Schemes
    Kim Min-seok: Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae Should Stop His Futile Schemes Kim Min-seok, the leader of the Democratic Party, warned on August 24 that Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae and Noh Kyung-pil, head of the Court Administration Office, should "stop their futile schemes" amid controversy over the 'written recommendation' for Supreme Court justices. He also announced plans to establish an internal task force (TF) to address party unification and the issue of dual party membership.During a Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly, Kim referred to the controversy surrounding Chief Justice Cho's 'written recommendation,' stating, "There are analyses suggesting that this is an attempt to unilaterally undermine the Supreme Court's recommendation committee without consulting President Lee Jae-myung. If true, it is a futile scheme."He continued, "It is cowardly for the Chief Justice to use tricks, for the head of the Court Administration Office to defend them, and for the judiciary to remain silent. I urge the judiciary to awaken. It is solely the responsibility of the Supreme Court justices to prevent the public's disappointment and criticism from exploding. They must learn from the prosecution, which turned a blind eye to self-reform."Additionally, Kim announced the establishment of a task force to resolve issues related to party unification and the dual party membership raised during the party convention.He stated, "I will establish a task force for unification directly under the party leader, led by Representative Park Beom-kye, with Jin Seong-jun as the head of the progressive division, Lee Hae-sik as the head of the coalition division with the Justice Reform Party, and Hwang Myeong-seon and Lee So-young as the heads of the recruitment expansion division."Furthermore, he mentioned the formation of a TF to address the issue of dual party membership and ghost members, with Representative Park Seon-won as the head. He also announced plans to create a TF focused on evaluating the party convention and improving its system, led by external personnel, to address issues such as unverified investigations and speeches without substance raised during the convention.In addition, Kim declared that the party would pursue real estate policies aimed at stabilizing the rental market and requested cooperation from the Seoul city government.He said, "To ensure a swift supply and stabilize the rental market, we will create real estate policies that meet the public's expectations through reasonable tax reforms. I hope the Seoul city government will collaborate with district heads to utilize the U.S. military base in Yongsan and share authority for redevelopment and reconstruction through citizen consensus."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-24 09:56:20
  • Pulmuone Seeks Participants for Autumn Harvest Trip for Mothers and Daughters
    Pulmuone Seeks Participants for 'Autumn Harvest Trip' for Mothers and Daughters Pulmuone is offering a program this autumn for mothers and daughters to experience harvesting, cooking, and meditation in nature.On August 24, Pulmuone announced that it is recruiting participants for its 'Stay Pulmuone' autumn program, which will take place from October 23 for two days at the Pulmuone Academy in Goesan, North Chungcheong Province.Now in its fifth year, Stay Pulmuone is designed to allow customers to directly experience Pulmuone's sustainable eating habits and brand values. The program is held twice a year, in spring and autumn, and approximately 5,900 people applied for the spring program in May.This year's program is themed 'Mother-Daughter Harvest Trip.' Mothers and daughters will have the opportunity to harvest autumn crops directly from Pulmuone's farm and make tofu, allowing them to experience seasonal food and dietary practices. Activities will also include singing bowl meditation in nature, mother-daughter portrait sessions with a professional photographer, and a campfire.Meals provided to participants will follow Pulmuone's '211 diet,' which consists of vegetables, protein, and whole grains in a 2:1:1 ratio. The autumn menu developed at the sustainable cooking school 'Tasty Pulmuone,' which opened in April, will also be featured.Applications can be submitted through a link provided on Pulmuone's official Instagram by September 13. A separate recruitment for customers who purchase products from Pulmuone's official online store '#Pulmuone' will also be conducted until September 8. The final selection of 20 teams, totaling 40 participants, will be announced on September 21.Kim Hyun-chil, head of Pulmuone's brand management division, stated, "Stay Pulmuone has established itself as a representative program where mothers and daughters can directly experience the brand's values in a Pulmuone-like environment. This time, we have prepared various programs for mothers and daughters to create memories together during the harvest season."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-24 09:56:00