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  • Kim Min-seok: Long-Term Holding Tax Exemption Should Not Negatively Impact Rental Market
    Kim Min-seok: Long-Term Holding Tax Exemption Should Not Negatively Impact Rental Market Kim Min-seok, the leader of the Democratic Party, emphasized on August 23 that the government should ensure that any reforms to the long-term holding tax exemption (long-term holding special deduction) do not adversely affect the rental market. He made these remarks during a high-level party-government meeting, his first since taking office as party leader.At the 10th high-level party-government meeting held at the Prime Minister's residence in Samcheong-dong, Seoul, Kim acknowledged the government's proposal to abolish the long-term holding tax exemption as having a positive aspect in promoting a real residence-centered housing market. However, he cautioned that any changes should be carefully monitored to avoid negative repercussions on the rental market.Kim also called for the government to recognize a variety of reasons for non-resident homeowners to ensure they are not adversely affected. He stated that there needs to be in-depth discussions regarding the government's plans to adjust the comprehensive real estate tax exemption amounts and raise the tax burden cap to 200%.He highlighted that the proposed reforms to real estate taxation and housing supply in the metropolitan area are of significant public interest, and he pledged to engage in vigorous discussions with the government to establish policies that benefit the public.Furthermore, Kim stressed the necessity for aggressive expansion of housing supply in the metropolitan area to ensure residential stability for citizens, promising that the party would actively support these efforts.He stated, "We must mobilize all available means and methods to secure land and expand real estate supply," adding that the party will focus on legislative activities to expedite approval processes and eliminate various regulations to enhance the speed of real estate supply.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-23 11:36:00
  • South Korean Prime Minister Expresses Regret Over Police Investigation Failures
    South Korean Prime Minister Expresses Regret Over Police Investigation Failures South Korean Prime Minister Han Seung-soo expressed strong regret on August 23 over the controversy surrounding the police's handling of recent missing person investigations in Jeju. He directed a thorough investigation into the matter and called for measures to prevent future occurrences.In an emergency directive issued that morning, Han instructed the National Police Agency to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the entire process of the missing person case.He further ordered a meticulous review to ensure there were no instances of the police prematurely closing cases or mishandling reports of missing persons, and requested a prompt report on fundamental prevention measures.Han also emphasized the need to mobilize all available police resources to search for missing individuals and to respond strictly to prank calls or fake news that exacerbate the distress of the families of the missing.The controversy arose following criticisms of the police's initial response and search efforts related to a missing person case in Jeju, highlighting the need for improvements in the police's missing person investigation system.Mi-ran Jang, who went missing after leaving her home in Hallim-eup on the night of May 12, has been unaccounted for for over three months.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-23 11:32:10
  • KB Bank taps foreign residents to reshape services for growing customer base
    KB Bank taps foreign residents to reshape services for growing customer base SEOUL, August 23 (AJP) - KB Kookmin Bank is bringing foreign residents into its product feedback process as the Korean lender expands financial services targeting the country's growing international population. The bank said Saturday it launched the first group of "KB Global Star Supporters," a 12-member customer panel made up of foreign residents in their 20s to 40s. The panel will test KB's banking services, including foreign exchange products, and provide feedback on inconveniences, accessibility and potential improvements through surveys and other assignments. KB said it plans to use the feedback in developing and refining products and services for foreign customers. The initiative comes as the lender expands its push into the segment. KB this year consolidated products and services targeting foreign customers under its "Global Star" brand and introduced savings and credit loan products designed for them. The first panel was launched at KB Kookmin Bank's headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, on Thursday. "As the number of foreign customers residing in Korea continues to grow rapidly, we hope to gather a broad range of views through the program," a KB Kookmin Bank official said. "We will continue expanding services so that customers can access financial services more conveniently." 2026-08-23 11:31:39
  • Blizzard rules out Korea-only balance patches for Overwatch
    Blizzard rules out Korea-only balance patches for Overwatch BUSAN, August 23 (AJP) - Blizzard Entertainment will keep balancing Overwatch as a single global game rather than tailoring patches to Korea even under its new Nexon partnership, its game director said, even as Korean players keep pulling the shooter's meta in their own direction. "We typically don't try to balance the game differently per region," Aaron Keller said at a press conference at BEXCO, on the second and final day of Overwatch Day, the fan festival staged by Nexon. Regional data, platform data and community sentiment all feed the process, Keller said, with the team meeting multiple times a week to weigh them. "One of the regions that we always specifically do a deeper dive on is Korea, because there are differences in the way Koreans play," he said. "Some of the heroes are more popular in Korea than they are in the rest of the world, and some of the heroes even have different win rates in Korea than they do in the rest of the world." Korean habits have redrawn the global game before, most famously with GOATS, the Korean-born composition that dominated for about a year and prodded Blizzard into introducing role queue. Keller put the gap down to temperament. "In Korea specifically, there's a very competitive mindset for playing Overwatch, and a lot of players take getting better and practicing at the game very seriously," he said. Players elsewhere, he said, do not chase the metas and trends "in the same way that some of the Korean players do." Nexon took over Overwatch's Korean PC service on Aug. 12, the first time a domestic publisher has run the community, a day after D.Mon joined the roster as its 53rd hero. Walter Kong, Blizzard's senior vice president and head of development for live games and mobile, said the groundwork was laid as far back as 2022, as Overwatch settled into its live-service era. "Korea really was an opportunity we were very excited about, given the way that Korean players had supported Overwatch very strongly and passionately," Kong said, describing a wide-open strategy review that eventually narrowed to partnership. Nexon scored high against Blizzard's checklist, he said, citing live-service operating experience, genre expertise and familiarity with the market and its players. The switch has not been frictionless, with players who link their Battle.net accounts to Nexon finding it harder to queue with friends overseas, a trade-off raised repeatedly at the session. "When we started this, we looked very closely and thought a lot about how that change would affect people," Kong said, adding that match quality had held up and that Blizzard would continue to monitor it. Ben Bell, executive producer and senior vice president for Overwatch, cast the deal as a bid for proximity. "The whole goal of this partnership is to get closer to our fans," he said. Nexon's reach among Korean PC players, Bell said, gives Blizzard "an opportunity to listen more closely and understand what is gonna make the game better for players here in this region." Keller promised a busy back half of the year: two more heroes, another map, further chapters of Overwatch's first annual narrative, and a Halloween event in season 5. Kong called the Busan visit "a bit like a homecoming," recalling the Overwatch Festival held in the city before the game launched in 2016. Korean players, he said, "have become really part of the building of Overwatch's history along with us." Bell, on his first visit to Busan, said meeting fans at a signing session had been the highlight, calling it "real special" to hear personal stories about why people play. "When they opened the doors to this event yesterday, the fans just came streaming in, and they didn't stop coming," Keller said. "There's a reason why the two professional gamers in the Overwatch universe, D.Va and D.Mon, are from Korea," he said, calling the country the imagined epicenter of competitive gaming culture. 2026-08-23 11:26:55
  • CUs 1.5-Serving Tteokbokki Gains Popularity in Refrigerated Snack Sales
    CU's 1.5-Serving Tteokbokki Gains Popularity in Refrigerated Snack Sales CU's 1.5-serving large tteokbokki has become a top seller in the refrigerated snack category.According to CU, the 'Geummiok King Tteokbokki,' launched in collaboration with the popular tteokbokki restaurant in Seongsu-dong, has ranked first in sales for the refrigerated snack category from April to May. It maintained the second position in sales during June and July, remaining a top contender five months after its release.Recognizing the demand for large tteokbokki, CU introduced the 'Full Topping Cheese Rabokki' on July 29. This product also achieved the highest sales in the refrigerated snack category this month.Both products are priced at 4,900 won and offer 1.5 servings. CU explained that they not only increased the portion size but also enhanced customer satisfaction by adding various toppings such as ramen, chewy noodles, fish cakes, and cheese.CU is expanding its large tteokbokki product line. On August 19, it launched 'Full Topping Mala Bimmyeon,' which includes bimmyeon, flat noodles, and fish cakes with mala sauce. Another product, 'Geummiok King Tteok Sundae,' featuring wheat tteok, sundae, and perilla powder, is set to be released on August 26.CU plans to continue introducing differentiated tteokbokki products with unique portion sizes and toppings to strengthen its competitiveness in the convenience store snack market.Kim So-hee, a product planner at BGF Retail's HMR team, stated, "We will consistently offer differentiated products that enhance customer satisfaction in terms of quantity and toppings, building on CU's competitive edge in tteokbokki through collaborations with popular restaurants." 2026-08-23 11:12:20
  • CORTIS marks first anniversary with expanded EP, two new tracks
    CORTIS marks first anniversary with expanded EP, two new tracks SEOUL, August 23 (AJP) - K-pop boy group CORTIS will mark its first anniversary with an expanded edition of its second EP, adding two new tracks as the group continues its ongoing nine-city tour. The group will release "GREENGREEN playextended" at midnight on Monday, adding "PACK IT UP" and "MONEYMONEYMONEY" to the six tracks from its second EP "GREENGREEN." CORTIS gave fans an early preview of the two songs Saturday during the first night of its "2026 CORTIS TOUR PUT YOUR PHONE DOWN BIRTHDAY PARTY" at Korea University's Hwajeong Gymnasium in Seoul. All members participated in writing and composing the new tracks, continuing the group's collaborative approach to songwriting. The expanded release builds on "GREENGREEN," with the two additional songs drawn from material that was developed during work on the original EP but ultimately left off the record. CORTIS will hold the second night of its anniversary concert at the same venue at 5 p.m. Sunday. The group previously completed stops in Incheon and North America as part of its "PUT YOUR PHONE DOWN" tour, which spans 14 shows across nine cities. 2026-08-23 11:07:33
  • 30,000 Hidden Heroes: Volunteers Driving the World Youth Day
    30,000 Hidden Heroes: Volunteers Driving the World Youth Day The most frequently encountered individuals by pilgrims at the World Youth Day are not the speakers on stage. Instead, they are the volunteers who guide them at airports and train stations, check registrations, direct them to meal locations, and connect participants in need of medical assistance with healthcare professionals. The organizing committee for the World Youth Day in 2027 aims to mobilize 30,000 volunteers during the main event. These volunteers will be the driving force behind the event and the first face of Seoul and the Korean Church that young people from around the world will meet. 10,000 Center Volunteers and 20,000 Parish VolunteersVolunteers are primarily divided into center volunteers and parish volunteers. The organizing committee is gradually recruiting 10,000 center volunteers to work both domestically and internationally, along with 20,000 parish volunteers focused on the Archdiocese of Seoul. Center volunteers will be assigned to registration, event operations, pilgrim guidance, interpretation, logistics, and medical and safety support, while parish volunteers will handle accommodation, local transportation, meals, and general assistance. As of July 2026, there are 378 volunteers actively working with the organizing committee. This includes not only domestic volunteers but also foreigners residing in Korea and international volunteers who have entered the country to assist. Long-term domestic volunteers are still being recruited, while international long-term volunteers will be selected through recommendations from bishops' conferences in their respective countries. Recruitment for short-term volunteers, both domestic and international, is set to begin in October with the opening of the registration system. Kindness Alone Is Not Enough for an International EventWhile the foundation of volunteering is hospitality, professionalism and sound judgment are essential on-site. In an event involving hundreds of thousands of people, even a minor guidance error can alter crowd flow and lead to safety issues. The roles range from assisting lost pilgrims to reporting crowd density, connecting reports of lost items or crimes, and handing over sick participants to medical staff. The organizing committee provides basic training courses, orientations, monthly education sessions, doctrinal lectures, and both online and offline training with practical experience. Before actual deployment, volunteers must learn standard procedures and responsibilities for their specific tasks. They need to distinguish between issues they can resolve on-site and those that must be immediately referred to police, fire, or medical personnel. Training focuses on how to report effectively rather than simply following a directive to 'just help.' Translating Beyond Language to CultureThe volunteer system for the Seoul event itself forms an international community. International volunteers and foreigners residing in Korea can serve as connectors who understand the language and cultural context of their fellow pilgrims. Korean volunteers will also learn about the cultural and faith expressions of other churches while collaborating with foreign youth. Volunteering becomes a mutual learning process rather than a one-sided service. However, interpretation must be specialized. General schedules and directions can be handled by multilingual volunteers, but emergency medical assessments, crime and accident reports, and legal explanations require professional interpreters. A single miscommunicated sentence can impact treatment or safety. It is crucial to anticipate demand for various languages and to differentiate between general interpretation, specialized interpretation, and sign language interpretation. Automated translation apps are merely supplementary tools and cannot replace responsible personnel. How to Select and Deploy 30,000 VolunteersThe target of 30,000 volunteers reflects the scale of the event, but the key factor is the deployment plan. It must account for the number of volunteers needed by time and location, language and job skills, age and health status, and availability for night shifts. An imbalance is expected between popular roles that attract many applicants and high-intensity roles that are harder to fill. It is essential to verify training completion and actual capabilities while ensuring backup personnel and shift rotations are in place. The costs and support required for domestic and international volunteers must also be transparent. It should be clearly communicated who will bear the costs of transportation, meals, accommodation, uniforms, insurance, and expenses related to the entry and stay of international volunteers. Support criteria are necessary to ensure that economic conditions do not limit volunteering opportunities. Long hours or hazardous tasks should not be taken for granted simply because the work is voluntary. Field Leaders Are Crucial to Overall StabilityDirectly managing thousands of volunteers will rely not on a central command center but on local and team leaders. Leaders must do more than check attendance and shifts; they need to assess risk signals, address volunteers' questions by connecting them to specialized agencies, and communicate schedule changes. They should be selected earlier than general volunteers and trained in communication, conflict resolution, emergency reporting, and record-keeping. It is also vital to prevent conflicting orders from multiple organizations. If the organizing committee, parishes, the city of Seoul, and police and fire officials issue different directives, volunteers will be uncertain about which instructions to follow. Establishing a single command line for each location, prioritizing emergency protocols, and setting rules for using radios and messaging systems must be clearly defined and practiced repeatedly. The calmness on the day of the event will stem from a well-prepared system, not individual temperament. Caring for Volunteers Is Also Part of Event ManagementIn the sweltering heat of August, standing for long hours and responding to numerous inquiries can lead to rapid physical and emotional exhaustion. The organizing committee must establish spiritual care and burnout prevention programs for volunteers. Additionally, appropriate working hours, breaks, cooling spaces, access to drinking water and meals, transportation home, emergency care, and accident compensation systems need to be clearly outlined. Regulations to prevent harassment, sexual violence, and discrimination are also necessary. Given the diverse backgrounds and ages of the volunteers, it is essential to educate them on behavioral guidelines, reporting channels, and victim protection procedures. It is important to have independent counseling and reporting pathways to ensure that individuals who raise issues with supervisors do not face repercussions in their assignments. Plans must also be in place for how to continue the volunteer experience after the event. Recording the language, safety, and event management skills of trained volunteers and connecting them to parish and community service will ensure that the experiences of 30,000 volunteers do not vanish after the event. Strategies to maintain relationships formed between international and domestic volunteers through online exchanges or follow-up youth events are also necessary. The individuals gathered for event management can become the foundation for youth ministry in the Korean Church after the event. The goal is not for 30,000 volunteers to smile in the same way. Each must understand their role, know when to stop in risky situations, and feel empowered to ask for help when needed. When volunteers are respected and protected, the hospitality extended to pilgrims will endure. Ultimately, the face of Seoul that young people from around the world will remember will be shaped by the expressions and voices of these volunteers. 2026-08-23 11:00:20
  • Guidelines for Volunteers at the World Youth Day
    Guidelines for Volunteers at the World Youth Day Volunteers at the World Youth Day (WYD) need more than just a friendly smile. In an international event with hundreds of thousands of participants, a single incorrect direction can disrupt the flow of attendees and lead to crowding or safety incidents. The first principle of effective volunteering is to avoid pretending to know what you do not. If you are uncertain about schedules or routes, do not provide random answers; instead, verify with official materials or designated personnel. The second principle is to respect your role and limitations. While volunteers can assist with directions and registration checks, they must immediately refer medical emergencies, crime reports, and crowd control to professionals such as medical staff, police, or firefighters. Volunteers should also avoid moving fallen participants or personally keeping lost items. When identifying a risk, it is crucial to report the location, situation, and required assistance clearly and concisely. The third principle is to show respect for differences. Volunteers should refrain from asking overly personal questions or taking photos without consent based on participants' nationality, language, race, disability, religion, or gender. Instead of repeating loudly when there is a language barrier, use simple expressions, visuals, or official translation tools. When assisting participants with disabilities, it is important to first ask what kind of help they need. Protecting oneself is also part of volunteering. If you experience dizziness or exhaustion due to extreme heat, do not push through; inform a supervisor and take a break. In cases of verbal abuse, harassment, or discrimination, do not handle it alone; utilize the designated reporting channels. It is important not to romanticize working without breaks as dedication. A good volunteer is not someone who tries to solve every problem alone. They know what they can do and when to hand over responsibilities to on-site leaders or professionals. Calm actions of 'stop, verify, and connect' ensure the safety of both pilgrims and volunteers. 2026-08-23 11:00:20
  • Pulmuone Foodmerce Supports Low-Income Infants in Incheon with Nutrition Dream Snack Packs
    Pulmuone Foodmerce Supports Low-Income Infants in Incheon with 'Nutrition Dream' Snack Packs Pulmuone Foodmerce is providing monthly snack packs to low-income families with infants in Seohae District, Incheon.Pulmuone Foodmerce announced on August 23 that it has signed a tripartite memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Seohae District Office and the Seohae District Government-Supported Daycare Association to jointly promote the 'Nutrition Dream' initiative.The signing ceremony, held on August 21 at the Seohae District Office, was attended by Seohae District Mayor Koo Jae-yong, Pulmuone Foodmerce Sales Director Moon Hyun-ki, and Seohae District Government-Supported Daycare Association President Kim Jin-ah.The Nutrition Dream initiative aims to support families with infants who struggle to maintain a balanced diet due to economic hardships. The program will deliver snack packs worth 30,000 won each month to low-income families in the district.The daycare association, familiar with local circumstances, will select and recommend the families to receive support. The Seohae District Office will connect the recommended families with Pulmuone Foodmerce and manage the subsequent support process. Pulmuone Foodmerce will collaborate with local franchise stores in Incheon to regularly supply the snack packs to the designated families.This initiative is an extension of Pulmuone Foodmerce's efforts to provide food support to vulnerable populations in Incheon. Since March, the company has been operating the Nutrition Dream program for low-income infants and the elderly in partnership with the Gyeyang District Office and the Gyeyang District Community Service Council. With this expansion into Seohae District, the company continues its commitment to supporting the dietary needs of infants.Moon Hyun-ki, Sales Director of Pulmuone Foodmerce, stated, "We initiated this agreement to help children who face challenges in developing healthy eating habits and growing up healthily. We will continue to expand our activities to support the healthy growth of children."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-23 11:00:00
  • NH Nonghyup Bank Assesses Financial Service Continuity During Eulji Exercise
    NH Nonghyup Bank Assesses Financial Service Continuity During Eulji Exercise NH Nonghyup Bank has evaluated its crisis response capabilities to ensure stable financial services during national emergencies. From August 18 to 21, NH Nonghyup Bank participated in the '2026 Eulji Exercise,' conducting response training for various emergency scenarios, including cyber threats and financial support during wartime. The training focused on procedures for handling financial operations during national emergencies, responding to cyber threats, and providing financial support in wartime. It aimed to assess the bank's response system to maintain uninterrupted financial services amid evolving security environments and complex crises. Particularly, a business continuity plan (BCP) simulation was conducted to test the activation of alternative business sites, recovery of core operations within three hours, and restoration of branch PCs and terminals. The bank's president oversaw the training to confirm the decision-making system for rapid judgment and response in emergencies. On August 20, at the NH Integrated IT Center, a joint response drill was held with relevant agencies, including the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, as part of a real training exercise. This drill simulated simultaneous cyber attacks and physical threats, assessing the IT center's functionality and cyber response system. Following the training, NH Nonghyup Bank plans to identify shortcomings and improvement tasks through a post-evaluation, which will be incorporated into the 2027 emergency implementation plan. A bank official stated, "The nature of national crises is becoming more complex, including cyber attacks, data breaches, and threats to critical infrastructure using AI and drones. We will continuously enhance our crisis response capabilities to provide unwavering financial services in any crisis situation." * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-23 11:00:00