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  • LG Uplus and Google Host AI Shorts Contest, Attracting Over 5,000 Entries
    LG Uplus and Google Host AI Shorts Contest, Attracting Over 5,000 Entries LG Uplus announced on August 23 that its generative AI shorts contest, the 'Youth AI Shorts Festival,' co-hosted with YouTube, concluded successfully with a total of 5,009 submissions.This year's event, the second since its inception, was part of the Ministry of Science and ICT's 'National AI Competition' and ran from June 8 to July 31. The contest featured two categories: 'Simply,' which focused on expressing individuality and identity using Google's generative AI model Gemini, and 'Arts,' which centered on voice.To lower psychological barriers to using generative AI, LG Uplus also organized offline programs at its participatory art platform 'U+ Everyday Gap.' These included a pop-up exhibition and AI educator classes, attracting over 3,000 visitors during the event. A total of 331 participants attended the 15 AI educator classes, which were structured from beginner to advanced levels, focusing on practical training from prompt writing to video production.The judging panel consisted of experts in content storytelling, AI creativity, and AI technology. Notable judges included YouTube creator and AI filmmaker Kim Da-eun (Kim Dax), Professor Lee Moon-hyung from Hanyang Women's University, and Ji Hye-cheon, CEO of the AI advertising and content studio JUNTO.The award-winning entries each carried unique stories. Kim Soo-bin, a student from Seoul University of the Arts, used AI to create a fantasy genre that was previously financially unfeasible. Visual artist Kim Gi-ram expressed his reflections on 'humanity' by combining voice and AI. Creator Joo Jae-hoon incorporated his 11-month-old son's babbling into his work, showcasing creativity and the effective use of generative AI.A total of 11 winners, including those receiving the Minister of Science and ICT Award, will participate in an AI training program in September, which includes a visit to Google's office in San Francisco and the world's first AI museum, DataLand in Los Angeles, over a six-night, eight-day schedule. The award-winning works will also be exhibited at the newly opened 'U+ Everyday Gap' on September 16. LG Uplus plans to renew this space as a participatory art platform for emerging artists and audiences to grow together.Kim Da-rim, head of marketing communications at LG Uplus, stated, 'The Youth AI Shorts Festival was designed to help more young people easily and familiarly experience generative AI and express themselves through their own content. We will continue to collaborate with various partners to expand the AI creation ecosystem and create opportunities for future creators to grow.'* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-23 10:00:10
  • President Yoon Mourns the Passing of Venerable Myungjin
    President Yoon Mourns the Passing of Venerable Myungjin President Yoon Suk Yeol expressed his condolences over the passing of Venerable Myungjin, former head monk of Bongeunsa Temple, stating, "I share the sorrow of the entire nation as we bid farewell to a great elder of the Korean Buddhist community." On August 22, President Yoon posted a message on Facebook titled, 'In Mourning for Venerable Myungjin,' expressing his shock and sadness at the sudden news of the monk's passing.The president recalled a lunch he had with Venerable Myungjin last July, sharing the late monk's words of wisdom. "At that time, the monk said, 'Please open the way for a world where workers suffering from wealth disparity can live equally, and for peace on the Korean Peninsula,'" Yoon reflected.He noted that those words encapsulated the path of practice and compassion that Venerable Myungjin had followed throughout his life.President Yoon also highlighted the monk's commitment to social justice, stating, "He visited various communities, advocating for the socially vulnerable and voicing his support for peace and social change.""With the belief that 'the field is the place of practice,' he did not shy away from places of suffering, always speaking out for a better world and peace with a youthful heart," Yoon added.He continued, "He offered warm comfort and solace to those in hardship, and I will long remember the monk's life and his commitment to equality, peace, and compassion for all beings."President Yoon concluded his message by expressing his wishes for Venerable Myungjin's peaceful rebirth.Venerable Myungjin passed away on the morning of August 22 while free diving near Haye Port in Seogwipo, Jeju. He was 76 years old and had been a monk for 52 years.He became a monk at Baengnyeonam Temple in 1969 and received his novice ordination in 1974. He served as a member and vice-chairman of the Central Council of the Jogye Order and was the head monk of Bongeunsa Temple from 2006 to 2010.Venerable Myungjin was actively involved in the Buddhist democratization movement in the 1980s and participated in the reform of the Jogye Order in 1994. He was known as an 'active practitioner' for his outspoken advocacy on labor rights, human rights, and peace on the Korean Peninsula.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-23 10:00:00
  • First Basic Income Payments in Hwacheon Set for August 28
    First Basic Income Payments in Hwacheon Set for August 28 The basic income program in Hwacheon County, Gangwon Province, will begin its first payments on August 28. The county is not only focusing on the distribution of basic income but also on expanding spending options in rural areas. Mayor Kim Se-hoon is actively advocating for the program's sustainability by directly engaging with the government.According to Hwacheon County, eligible residents will receive a total of 300,000 won, covering both July and August, distributed via mobile local currency or prepaid cards.Once payments commence, the county anticipates an average of over 1.2 billion won in local currency will circulate daily. The key challenge will be connecting the basic income to residents' actual living stability and local consumption.To address this, the county is prioritizing the expansion of spending options in rural areas, which have smaller populations and less commercial activity compared to Hwacheon-eup. Creating an environment where residents can use their basic income close to home is essential.Initially, the county will operate the 'Hwacheon Golden Cart,' a mobile marketplace that delivers essential goods and pre-ordered items to residents in 55 administrative villages lacking retail stores within a 1-kilometer radius. The county plans to finalize routes and conduct a demand survey next month, with regular operations expected to start in October.Existing rural commercial areas will also be utilized as spending bases for the basic income. The county aims to improve facilities and payment environments in older local supermarkets and increase the number of businesses accepting basic income. They will analyze cases from ten other counties already implementing basic income to expand community-driven pop-up markets and other accessible spending options.This initiative reflects Hwacheon County's vision to ensure that basic income is not merely a cash transfer but a mechanism that stimulates local consumption and supports local businesses. The effectiveness of the program will largely depend on whether it can broaden the consumption base in rural areas where stores are scarce.Mayor Kim Se-hoon's efforts to engage with the government are also accelerating. On August 20, he attended a meeting at the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs in Sejong City, chaired by Vice Minister Kim Jong-gu, to discuss the rural basic income pilot program.During the meeting, Mayor Kim presented Hwacheon's basic income operational plan and requested the government's support for the program to continue beyond its scheduled end next year. He emphasized, "It is crucial for the government to actively support and establish a legal basis for the continuation of the pilot program after its expected conclusion next year."Hwacheon County was selected as an additional area for the rural basic income pilot program on June 11. According to the county, despite the absence of payments so far, the local population has increased by over 500 in the two months since the selection.Attention now turns to the impact of the first payments. The upcoming distribution of basic income on August 28 will be a key indicator of how it affects residents' lives, revitalizes local businesses, and whether the pilot program can establish itself as a sustainable rural policy.Hwacheon County plans to simultaneously expand spending options and enhance living services while continuing discussions with the government to ensure the stable establishment of the rural basic income program.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-23 10:00:00
  • Genesis Unveils Advanced Technology in New GV90 SUV
    Genesis Unveils Advanced Technology in New GV90 SUV “This was not simply about developing a new SUV. It was a process of questioning what we take for granted and asking ourselves what luxury means for Genesis,” said Manfred Harrer, head of R&D at Hyundai Motor Group, during a tech brief event for the new flagship electric SUV, the GV90, held in San Francisco on August 20. The tech brief followed the previous day’s world premiere of the GV90 and was designed for the head of research and development to explain the key technologies applied to the vehicle. The presentation covered the development philosophy, followed by an overview of the product and its key features, the Neolun Arch Gate, vehicle safety, driving performance and quietness, and manufacturing technology. Huh Kwang-hoon, executive in charge of Genesis development, described the GV90 as “the most challenging vehicle Genesis has ever created.” He noted that the platform, battery, power system, body structure, and infotainment system were all newly developed, along with the factory where the vehicle is produced. Notably, the GV90 features the world’s first roof airbag, developed after analyzing 38 million real-world accidents. Lee Seung-mok, head of integrated safety development, stated, “We did not stop at meeting national regulations and crash test standards; Genesis considers safety to be preparing for the moments customers may actually face.” During the tech brief, a video of the GV90 undergoing a rollover test was also shown. The vehicle, traveling at 110 km/h, rolled over while navigating a slope, deploying 12 airbags, including the roof airbag, to protect the occupants. Additionally, a video titled “Sanctuary of Fineness,” showcasing the production process of the GV90 at the Ulsan electric vehicle (EV) plant, was premiered. The GV90 is the first model produced at Hyundai’s Ulsan EV plant. Huh Kwang-hoon remarked, “We will continue to challenge ourselves to make every moment customers encounter with the vehicle a special experience.” Meanwhile, Genesis has surpassed 450,000 cumulative sales in the U.S. market after ten years of entry. The company plans to launch the GV90 and the GV60 Magma locally, as well as introduce hybrid (HEV) models to expand its SUV lineup in the U.S. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-23 10:00:00
  • Hana Bank, Kibo, and Shinbo to Provide 200 Billion Won in Guaranteed Loans for Young Entrepreneurs
    Hana Bank, Kibo, and Shinbo to Provide 200 Billion Won in Guaranteed Loans for Young Entrepreneurs Hana Bank, in collaboration with the Technology Guarantee Fund and the Credit Guarantee Fund, will provide a total of 200 billion won in financial support for young entrepreneurs and businesses.On August 23, Hana Bank announced that it had signed a business agreement for the "Y-Bridge Guarantee Financial Support for Young Enterprises" at its headquarters in Euljiro, Seoul.The support is aimed at individual entrepreneurs under the age of 39 who meet the guarantee requirements, as well as companies led by young CEOs. Each business can receive loans of up to 300 million won, with a 100% guarantee ratio applied through the Kibo and Shinbo agreement.To alleviate the financial burden on young entrepreneurs, Hana Bank will fully cover the fixed guarantee fee of 0.3% that must be paid to the guarantee funds. The bank also plans to establish a support system to ensure that the guaranteed loans are executed smoothly and promptly.Additionally, young representatives, individual entrepreneurs, and young employees will receive a "My Mind Savings Rate Discount Coupon." With this coupon, they can earn an interest rate of up to 6.5% for a 12-month term, provided they meet the condition of a monthly contribution of 200,000 won. The offer is limited to 50,000 accounts.Lee Ho-sung, president of Hana Bank, stated, "I hope that young entrepreneurs with innovative technologies and ideas can achieve greater success through this guaranteed support. We will continue to provide diverse and generous support in the future." 2026-08-23 09:40:00
  • Hyundai Motor Group Donates $10 Million for Flood Recovery Efforts
    Hyundai Motor Group Donates $10 Million for Flood Recovery Efforts Hyundai Motor Group has launched a significant support initiative for areas affected by heavy rainfall. On August 23, the company announced it has donated 1 billion won (approximately $10 million) to the Hope Bridge National Disaster Relief Association. The funds are intended for recovery efforts in regions such as Geoje and Tongyeong, which suffered damage from the recent downpours. In addition to the financial contribution, the company is deploying three laundry relief vehicles to assist in cleaning contaminated laundry in the affected areas. Hyundai is also offering a discount of up to 50% on repair costs for customers whose vehicles were damaged in the floods. After repairs are completed, customers will receive a complimentary car wash service. This offer is available to customers without auto insurance, with total discounts capped at 3 million won for Hyundai passenger vehicles and 5 million won for commercial vehicles. Kia customers can receive discounts up to 3 million won for both passenger and commercial vehicles. A Hyundai Motor Group representative expressed condolences to those who have suffered significant losses due to the sudden heavy rains, stating, "We hope that our donation and the deployment of relief vehicles can provide some assistance during this difficult time." Hyundai Motor Group has a history of supporting recovery efforts during major disasters both domestically and internationally. Last month, the company provided $1 million in relief funds to support earthquake victims in Venezuela.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-23 09:24:00
  • Canada Responds with Retaliatory Tariffs After U.S. Trade Negotiations Fail
    Canada Responds with Retaliatory Tariffs After U.S. Trade Negotiations Fail Following the collapse of tariff negotiations between the United States and Canada, the U.S. government imposed a 50% tariff on $20 billion worth of Canadian products effective at midnight on August 22. In response, Canada announced plans for retaliatory tariffs, further straining relations between the two countries.According to the Wall Street Journal, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney accused the U.S. of presenting unreasonable conditions during negotiations, despite Canada's good faith efforts. He stated that the new U.S. proposal infringed on Canadian sovereignty, saying, "The U.S. has shown limits in its efforts as a true economic partner." Carney announced that Canada would impose retaliatory tariffs on U.S. products, including steel, dairy, and appliances, starting September 8, with the scale expected to match the U.S. tariffs.In July, the U.S. government had announced plans to impose a 50% tariff on $20 billion worth of Canadian goods to eliminate what it deemed unfair practices and to extract concessions from Canada.Initially, the tariff negotiations showed promise until they abruptly collapsed around midnight on August 21. Jamieson Greer, the U.S. Trade Representative, revealed in an interview with the New York Times the conditions proposed to Canada during the negotiations. The U.S. had suggested eliminating a 10% tariff on Canadian softwood lumber and reducing the 25% tariff on automobiles. Greer also mentioned proposals to lower aluminum tariffs from 50% to 25%.In a televised address, Prime Minister Carney claimed that the U.S. had made excessive demands. He noted that Canada had agreed to eliminate retaliatory tariffs on U.S. steel, aluminum, and automobiles, as well as to resume sales of U.S. spirits. However, he explained that the benefits for Canada were insufficient compared to the U.S. demands, citing the U.S. government's monopoly on key Canadian minerals as an example. "They (the U.S.) demanded too much and offered too little," he emphasized.After Canada announced its retaliatory measures, Greer appeared on Fox News, stating that the U.S. would pursue its own response. He indicated that the U.S. would not plan new negotiations with Canada and would implement measures corresponding to Canada's retaliatory actions, although he did not specify what those measures would be.While Prime Minister Carney has taken a firm stance on the tariff negotiations, concerns are rising in the industrial sector. Although the dollar amount of the tariffs is significant, it represents only 5% of Canada's total exports to the U.S. Dan Kelly, president of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, stated that 40% of small exporters in Canada would be directly impacted by the tariffs, with one-third of them expecting a revenue drop of over 50%. Subrata Bhattacharjee, a regulatory lawyer based in Toronto, predicted that the measures would pose significant challenges for Ontario and Quebec.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-23 09:16:00
  • Kazakhstan ties constitutional reform to stability before vote
    Kazakhstan ties constitutional reform to stability before vote ASTANA, Kazakhstan, Aug. 23 (AJP) — The Kazakh government presented its constitutional overhaul to foreign correspondents as a way of protecting stability rather than disturbing it, a day before voters choose the country's first single-chamber parliament. Arman Issetov, deputy minister of foreign affairs, made the argument on Saturday (local time) at a briefing for journalists on a press tour covering the election, held at a hotel in Astana on Saturday afternoon. Polling stations open Sunday at 7 a.m. local time and close at 8 p.m. "Stability does not mean the absence of change," Issetov said. In today's world, he said, it requires the state to adapt to new circumstances in good time. He placed the reform against a shifting external picture, describing an international system that is becoming more complex and less predictable. Geopolitical tensions are rising, he said, trade and economic links are changing, and competition is intensifying over investment, technology and transport routes. Kazakhstan sits at the heart of Eurasia and maintains friendly relations with all countries around the world, he said, and for a country in that position political and economic stability are its most vital national resources. Most of what he said concerned domestic machinery rather than diplomacy. His central claim was that a growing economy has outpaced the institutions meant to govern it. The more complex the economy becomes, he said, the more effective state institutions have to be, and the larger the volume of private enterprise and investment, the more legislation has to be predictable and public administration competent. He cited growth of 6.5 percent at the end of 2025, attributing it to industry, construction, transport and investment activity, alongside government work on industrial production, logistics routes and the digital economy. That figure has not held. The Bureau of National Statistics, the same agency behind the 2025 result, recorded growth of 3.0 percent in the first quarter of this year and 4.1 percent in the first half. Issetov said the reform was not change for its own sake, and that its purpose was to bring political institutions into line with modern Kazakhstan. The goal, he said, is for state institutions to deal more effectively with what touches people directly, among it job creation, income growth, regional development, the quality of education and health care, infrastructure, openings for entrepreneurs and social protection. Voters choose all 145 seats of the Kurultai, the chamber that replaced the Mazhilis and the Senate when the new constitution took effect July 1. Seven parties are fielding 545 candidates in a single nationwide district, and seats go only to lists that clear five percent of valid votes. Self-nomination is not allowed. The Central Election Commission has registered 12,605,788 voters. Adilet holds first place on the ballot with 186 candidates, more than double any rival list. Registered on June 1, it absorbed Amanat, which took 53.9 percent in 2023 and held the largest bloc in the Mazhilis, after congresses of both parties approved the merger in June. The constitution behind the change was approved in a referendum on March 15, with the Central Election Commission (CEC) putting support at 87.15 percent on turnout of 73.12 percent. Issetov spoke as a deputy minister rather than for the presidency, and his remarks tracked the case President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has made in public, that the vote opens a new cycle of reform. He closed by saying the government wanted to preserve what he called Kazakhstan's greatest achievement, its stability and its capacity for development, while building a political system fitted to what the country needs next. 2026-08-23 09:09:07
  • Magnitude 3.1 Earthquake Strikes Haenam, South Korea; No Impact on Nuclear Plant
    Magnitude 3.1 Earthquake Strikes Haenam, South Korea; No Impact on Nuclear Plant Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power reported that a magnitude 3.1 earthquake occurred at 6:43 a.m. on August 23, 2026, in a region 21 kilometers northwest of Haenam, South Jeolla Province. The company stated that there was no impact on the nuclear power plants.All operational nuclear plants are functioning normally, and the seismic measurements recorded at these facilities were confirmed to be below the earthquake alert threshold of 0.01g.The epicenter of the earthquake was located at a latitude of 34.66 degrees north and a longitude of 126.40 degrees, with a depth of 21 kilometers.As of 7:15 a.m., the fire department received one report each from Masan-ri in Haenam and Paengjin-ri in Sinan, indicating that residents felt the tremors. No damage reports have been received.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-23 08:56:00
  • Former Bongeunsa Temple Abbot Myungjin Passes Away at 76 in Jeju Accident
    Former Bongeunsa Temple Abbot Myungjin Passes Away at 76 in Jeju Accident Myungjin, the former abbot of Bongeunsa Temple, passed away on August 22 after an accident at sea near Seogwipo, Jeju. He was 76 years old and had served as an abbot for 52 years.Myungjin was rescued floating in the water at approximately 9:38 a.m. near Haye Port in Seogwipo. According to the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism and local authorities, he was in cardiac arrest at the time of rescue and was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 10:28 a.m. His remains were moved to Seogwipo Medical Center.The Coast Guard suspects that Myungjin was practicing freediving when the accident occurred, based on the equipment he was wearing at the time of the incident. Friends reported that he had been freediving annually and was engaged in the activity on the morning of his accident.In other news, trade negotiations between the United States and Canada have ended without an agreement, leading to the implementation of new tariffs announced by President Donald Trump.According to reports from AP and AFP on August 21, U.S. Trade Representative Jamie Grier confirmed the breakdown of talks, stating that Canada refused to finalize the trade agreement based on conditions agreed upon earlier in the week.Previously, President Trump had warned that he would impose tariffs of up to 50% on Canadian imports, citing discrimination against U.S. products in the automotive, alcohol, and dairy sectors.The North American and Caribbean Football Confederation (CONCACAF) and the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) are reportedly discussing the establishment of a unified Nations League, aiming for a launch in the fall of 2028.According to a report by Yonhap, ESPN stated on August 22 that the two confederations have been collaborating more closely than ever and are in talks about creating this new league.In April, the two organizations signed a memorandum of understanding to promote the development of players, coaches, referees, and administrators, which has led to discussions about the unified Nations League.If established, this league would create a new international competition where North American and European countries could regularly compete against each other.A U.S. federal court has ruled against the Trump administration's suspension of immigration visas for 75 countries, determining that the Department of State's actions violated federal immigration law.The New York Times reported on August 21 that Judge Janet Vargas of the Manhattan federal court invalidated the visa issuance restrictions imposed by the State Department.The court found that the policy exceeded the legal authority granted to the Secretary of State. It also noted that there was insufficient evidence to support the administration's claim that immigrants from these 75 countries would impose a financial burden on U.S. citizens. Furthermore, the court criticized the blanket restriction on visa issuance based solely on nationality, which contradicted the intent of existing immigration laws that require individual assessments of applicants.AI company Anthropic is reportedly pursuing an initial public offering (IPO) with a target valuation of $2 trillion. If successful, this would surpass SpaceX's record IPO.According to a report by Yonhap, citing the New York Times on August 21, Anthropic's underwriters have been discussing plans to raise over $100 billion from potential investors.The company's valuation is projected to reach as high as $2 trillion, exceeding SpaceX's valuation of $1.77 trillion at the time of its IPO in June, which raised $85.7 billion.President Lee Jae-myung is inviting leaders and members of the ruling Democratic Party to the Blue House ahead of the September regular National Assembly session.This initiative is seen as a move to enhance communication between the party and the government and to solidify legislative cooperation on key national agenda items.Chief Spokesperson Kang Yoo-jung announced that President Lee plans to host a luncheon for Democratic Party lawmakers at the Blue House on August 28.Democratic lawmakers will attend a two-day workshop in Incheon starting August 27 in preparation for the regular session, after which they will move to the Blue House. Most members are expected to participate due to the timing of the event.Prior to this, President Lee will have dinner with the new Democratic Party leadership, including Representative Kim Min-seok, on August 25. This marks a series of official communication events between the party and the government since the new leadership took office.Japan's government is expected to request a budget exceeding 130 trillion yen (approximately $1.13 trillion) for the fiscal year 2027, marking the first time this threshold has been surpassed.The increase in the budget request is attributed to expanded investments in new growth sectors, increased defense spending, and rising interest burdens on government bonds, leading to a likelihood of setting a new record for the fourth consecutive year.Each ministry's budget request for fiscal year 2027 is anticipated to exceed 130 trillion yen, compared to the previous year's request of 122 trillion yen (approximately $1.06 trillion).The increase is influenced by the government's decision to impose no effective cap on investments in new growth areas. Support for advanced industries such as artificial intelligence (AI) and semiconductors, along with defense spending, is expected to rise. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry is requesting 7.7 trillion yen (approximately $67 billion), with about 4.5 trillion yen (approximately $39 billion) allocated for AI and semiconductor development.China is expanding its humanoid robot competition to validate the practical applications of robots in industrial and everyday settings. This year, the event will include not only running and soccer but also scenarios based on real work environments such as hotels, libraries, and emergency services to test the robots' operational capabilities.The second World Humanoid Robot Games opened at the National Speed Skating Hall in Beijing and will run until August 26.This year's competition features 666 teams and 2,056 humanoid robots from 16 countries across six continents. A total of 1,301 matches will be held across 51 events, with participation increasing by 138% compared to last year, and the number of robots nearly quadrupling.Notably, the proportion of scenario-based events has significantly increased this year. Out of the 51 events, 30 are competitive events, while 21 are scenario-based, up from just six last year. These scenario events focus on practical applications in industries, hotels, homes, and logistics, evaluating the robots' efficiency, accuracy, and reliability in tasks such as assembly, material handling, household services, firefighting, and library organization.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-23 00:12:00