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  • Kia Union Plans Partial Strike, Ending Five-Year Streak Without Disputes
    Kia Union Plans Partial Strike, Ending Five-Year Streak Without Disputes As the Hyundai Motor Company union embarks on a full strike for the first time in a decade, the Kia union is also set to initiate a partial strike.According to industry sources on August 21, the Kia union held a strike committee meeting and resolved to conduct a partial strike from August 26 to 28, with work shifts participating for 2 to 4 hours each day.A union official stated, "While the exact timing has not been determined, it appears that there will be another process to gather opinions from union members before the partial strike begins."If Kia proceeds with the strike, it will break the five-year streak of no disputes that the company has maintained since 2021.Previously, the union demanded a wage increase of 149,600 won, a performance bonus equivalent to 30% of last year's operating profit, the implementation of a 4.5-day workweek, and an extension of the retirement age to 65.In response, the company presented a wage proposal during the 10th round of negotiations on August 19, which included a basic wage increase of 98,000 won, a performance bonus of 400% plus 12 million won, and a 200,000 won increase in long-term service incentives.Additionally, the proposal included a provision for a welfare point bonus of 500,000 points if this year's maximum production and sales targets are met, as well as an increase in allowances for employees at Hyundai and Kia's Namyang Technology Research Center to 35,000 won.Meanwhile, the Hyundai Motor Company union began an eight-hour full strike on the same day, marking its first full strike since collective bargaining in 2016.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-21 14:36:00
  • KAIST finds molecular lock that traps cells in cancer-like states
    KAIST finds molecular lock that traps cells in cancer-like states SEOUL, August 21 (AJP) - A cell that turns cancer-like tends to stay that way long after whatever triggered the change has gone. Researchers in South Korea say they have identified which molecular circuits hold it there and have shown in computer models how to release them. The method is called ROOT, short for Revelation Of the Original circuit of irreversible Transition. It was developed by a team led by Cho Kwang-hyun, a professor in the Department of Bio and Brain Engineering at Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), and published online Aug. 18 in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The university announced the work Friday. Cells constantly change their properties and functions in response to signals from outside. Sometimes the change reverses when the signal stops. Sometimes it does not. Biologists call that second case irreversibility. An ordinary switch springs back when the finger comes off it. Some cellular switches stay on. The molecules that drove the original change keep activating one another after the outside signal has vanished, and the new state holds. That property is not a defect. Cells rely on it to become and remain specialized, which is why a liver cell stays a liver cell. It also drives disease. In epithelial-mesenchymal transition, cells that normally sit fixed in a tissue layer acquire the ability to detach, move and invade what surrounds them. Cancer uses that transition to spread, and once a tumor cell has made it, the cell does not go back. The obstacle has been sorting out which circuits do the holding. A cell's molecular network contains thousands of positive feedback loops, arrangements in which one molecule activates another that in turn reactivates the first. Only some of them lock a cell into a state it cannot leave, and there was no way to tell which. ROOT represents those interactions as a computational logic model and simulates the full arc of a stimulus arriving and then being withdrawn. Circuits that keep the cell in its altered state after withdrawal are flagged. The team calls the resulting set an irreversibility kernel. The team compares the exercise to picking out, from thousands of tangled wires, the few that are actually keeping a door locked. Finding the lock suggested two ways to work on it. The first, resetting control, leaves the cell's capacity for irreversible change intact and returns the individual cell to its earlier state, the equivalent of opening the door without touching the lock. The second, reversing control, removes the source of irreversibility altogether, so the cell can move between states more freely afterward. The researchers ran ROOT on B cell differentiation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition in lung cancer, and the development of enterocytes and beta cells, the intestinal absorptive cells and the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas, using data on which genes are switched on in individual cells. In each case the circuits ROOT identified matched regulators already known from earlier laboratory work to govern those transitions. Nothing in the study reversed a cell in a laboratory. The work is computational throughout, tested against networks built from published experimental data, and the applications to cancer and aging that the university describes are prospective rather than demonstrated. What the study offers, KAIST said, is an answer to a question that precedes treatment. Not how to bring a cell back, but why it cannot come back by itself. Kim Jong-wan and Jang Seong-hoon were co-first authors. Lee Jong-hoon and doctoral student Corbin Hopper were co-authors. The work was funded by the National Research Foundation of Korea, the Ministry of Science and ICT, and the Korea Dementia Research Center. "The core of this study is that we identified the circuits that make a cell unable to return once it has changed, and developed a technology that controls them to bring the cell back to its previous state," Cho said. 2026-08-21 14:34:02
  • National Assemblys Legislative Committee Demands Chief Justice Jo Hee-daes Attendance
    National Assembly's Legislative Committee Demands Chief Justice Jo Hee-dae's Attendance The National Assembly's Legislative Committee has approved a demand for Chief Justice Jo Hee-dae to attend a session on the 31st, led by the ruling party. This move comes after Jo failed to respond to a previous request on the 19th, prompting renewed pressure.During a full committee meeting on the 21st, the Legislative Committee passed a resolution requiring both Chief Justice Jo and Administrative Office of the Courts Director Noh Kyung-pil to appear as witnesses. They are mandated to attend the session scheduled for the 31st.Previously, Chief Justice Jo had recommended the appointments of judges Son Bong-ki and Kim Sung-soo to President Lee Jae-myung as successors to former Justices Roh Tae-ack and Lee Heung-gu. This process sparked controversy as Jo broke with the traditional practice of making in-person reports to the Blue House, opting instead for a written recommendation. The Democratic Party has raised concerns about this deviation from established protocol.The dispute over the written recommendation method has intensified, with the Democratic Party calling for Jo's resignation and suggesting the possibility of impeachment. In response, the People Power Party has accused the opposition of attempting to seize control of the judiciary, labeling it an 'unprecedented outrage' in the nation's constitutional history.Legislative Committee Chair Seo Young-kyo explained that the demand for witness attendance is related to issues such as violations of citizens' basic rights due to delays in Supreme Court rulings, the process of recommending Supreme Court candidates after a prolonged vacancy, and the undermining of expedited trials as mandated by the Special Prosecutor Act in the Kim Geon-hee case. The People Power Party protested against Chair Seo, accusing her of 'legislative dictatorship' and subsequently left the meeting, boycotting the vote.This marks the second time the Legislative Committee has demanded Chief Justice Jo's attendance following the written recommendation. A similar resolution was passed on the 19th, but Jo did not attend. According to the National Assembly Act, the National Assembly or its committees can require the attendance of the Chief Justice, the Constitutional Court Chief Justice, the Chairperson of the National Election Commission, the Auditor General, or their representatives for inquiries on specific matters. 2026-08-21 14:32:00
  • Over 2,300 Apply for Special Appointments at New Serious Crimes Investigation Agency
    Over 2,300 Apply for Special Appointments at New Serious Crimes Investigation Agency More than 2,300 applicants, including prosecutors and investigators, have applied for special appointments at the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency (SCIA), which is set to launch on October 2.According to the legal community on August 21, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety's SCIA preparation team reported that a total of 2,375 applications were submitted between August 7 and 6 p.m. on August 20. This number represents 82.6% of the agency's total authorized personnel of 2,874.Notably, there was a significant interest from 6th to 9th grade investigators, particularly those in the 8th and 9th grades (judicial police), whose application rates reached 120% to 150% of their quotas, indicating fierce competition. Additionally, about 80% of the 6th and 7th grade investigators have also applied.Over 100 current prosecutors have reportedly submitted applications. Initially, only 30 to 40 prosecutors had applied by the deadline, but a surge of applications came in just before the closing time. Most applicants were senior prosecutors from the 36th and 37th classes of the Judicial Research and Training Institute, as well as deputy chief prosecutors with over ten years of legal experience. In contrast, around 30 to 40 applications came from prosecutors with less than ten years of experience.Notable applicants include Im Eun-jung, head of the Eastern District Prosecutors' Office, recognized as a reformist within the prosecution, and Moon Ji-seok, a senior prosecutor at Suwon High Prosecutors' Office, who raised allegations regarding the 'Coupang investigation cover-up.'Additionally, many prosecutors who have worked in the Special Investigation Team for the National Security Act and the Kim Geon-hee Special Investigation Team have also applied. Prosecutors moving to the SCIA will be appointed according to their previous positions and experience: district chief prosecutors will be classified as level 1, deputy chief and senior prosecutors as level 2, those with over ten years of experience as level 3, and those with less than ten years as level 4.The legal community has reacted with surprise to the application results. Initially, there was a cold atmosphere within the prosecution regarding the transition to the SCIA, as attendance at the SCIA information sessions was low, and many prosecutors were reportedly unaware that the sessions were taking place.However, some analysts suggest that the opportunity to lead investigation teams at the SCIA while maintaining investigative experience, along with considerations for post-retirement legal practice, contributed to the last-minute surge in applications.The preparation team plans to evaluate applicants based on their preferred work locations and expertise to select the final appointees in September, with official appointments scheduled to coincide with the agency's launch on October 2.Any unfilled positions from this special appointment process will be addressed through additional special appointments linked to the reduction of prosecution personnel following the confirmation of the Public Prosecution Service's structure, or through competitive recruitment targeting police officers, lawyers, accountants, and cyber and financial experts.The SCIA is a newly established investigative agency under the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, created to separate investigation and prosecution functions within the criminal justice system. It will focus on investigating seven major crimes, including corruption, economic offenses, defense industry issues, drug-related crimes, national security, cybercrime, and legal distortion. In contrast, the Public Prosecution Service will handle only prosecution-related tasks, excluding investigative duties. 2026-08-21 14:20:20
  • Water Park Food Prices Spark Outrage Over Tteokbokki Set
    Water Park Food Prices Spark Outrage Over Tteokbokki Set Debate is raging online over the price and portion size of a tteokbokki set sold at a water park in Gyeonggi Province.At the center of the controversy is a 16,000 won ($13) 'cheese stick and tteokbokki set.' Photos shared online show two long rice cakes, two fish cake skewers, and one cheese stick served in a bowl. As the images circulated on social media, many reacted, questioning, "Isn't that too expensive, even for a water park?"The uproar began on August 7 when a user, identified as A, shared their experience visiting the water park with their children. A stated that while enjoying the water attractions, they browsed the menu at an on-site restaurant and decided to order the tteokbokki set for 16,000 won.Although the price was significantly higher than that of a typical snack shop, A explained that they accepted the higher cost due to the unique setting of the water park. The issue arose when they received the actual food.A's posted photo revealed the two long rice cakes, two fish cakes on skewers, and one square cheese stick. A expressed dissatisfaction, noting a significant difference between the menu photo and the food they received.As the post gained traction, online comments began to criticize not only the price but also the portion size and presentation of the food.Users commented, "I know food at amusement parks and water parks is usually expensive, but I would be surprised by this presentation," and "Regardless of the price, the food looks poorly prepared for customers." Others suggested that if the rice cakes had been cut and served with vegetables, the controversy might not have escalated to this extent.Given that water parks often attract families, some pointed out that the financial burden is even greater. Parents with multiple children can face significant costs just for meals and snacks.Some users shared similar experiences. One commenter, who also visited the same water park, reported dissatisfaction with a 9,500 won ($7.50) udon dish, stating it was not worth the price.The situation intensified when it was revealed that the facility prohibits bringing in outside food and beverages. This restriction means consumers are more likely to choose from the food sold inside, raising concerns about the price and quality being justifiable.One user remarked, "If outside food were allowed, I could choose not to buy expensive items, but if I have to rely on the food inside, the situation changes."On the other hand, some argued that since the price was clearly displayed, it was ultimately a matter of consumer choice. Some stated, "Since I confirmed the price of 16,000 won before ordering, it’s hard to criticize the establishment just for being expensive," and "We should consider that vendors in water parks may face higher rent and sales fees than regular shops." Others noted, "If you think it’s too expensive, you can choose not to buy it," echoing sentiments from related reports that suggested, "If it’s too expensive, just don’t buy it."A few days later, a YouTuber reignited the debate by calculating the cost of ingredients. The YouTuber, known as ZeroB, who has around 980,000 subscribers, posted a video on August 16 where they recreated the controversial tteokbokki set as closely as possible to the original photo and calculated the ingredient costs.ZeroB estimated the cost of the tteokbokki ingredients, including rice cakes and sauce, at about 537 won ($0.45), the fish cake skewers at approximately 873 won ($0.75), and the cheese stick at around 973 won ($0.85). The total ingredient cost was about 2,419 won ($2), which means the ingredient cost ratio based on the selling price of 16,000 won is about 15.1%.ZeroB acknowledged that the visible ingredient cost ratio is somewhat low but explained that due to the unique market conditions of water parks, vendors might incur sales fees of 20-40%, making it difficult to achieve a 30% ingredient cost ratio like typical shops.Ultimately, the most significant criticism online focused not just on the ingredient cost but whether the food's quantity and quality met consumer expectations for the 16,000 won price tag.Users commented, "The percentage of ingredient cost isn’t the main issue," and "While I understand the high rent and labor costs, consumers also expect satisfaction that matches the price they pay." Others suggested that even a slight increase in portion size or an improvement in presentation could have prevented the issue from becoming such a hot topic.In conclusion, the controversy surrounding the 16,000 won tteokbokki set highlights not just whether the price is legally considered high or low, but rather how consumers perceive the value they receive for the price paid. One thing is clear: when evaluating a dish, consumers consider more than just the cost of ingredients. They assess the price, portion size, taste, service, and the unique context of the location to determine whether the meal was worth the expense.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-21 14:20:00
  • Korean and Chinese Youths Unite in Futsal for 34th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations
    Korean and Chinese Youths Unite in Futsal for 34th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations In celebration of the 34th anniversary of diplomatic relations between South Korea and China, a cultural exchange camp is being held for youths from both countries to build friendships through futsal and cultural experiences.The Korea Youth Association (Chairman Ko Myung-jin) announced that the '2026 Korea-China Youth Futsal Cultural Exchange Camp' will take place from August 21 to 24 at Kyonggi University’s Suwon campus, as well as in Seoul and Gyeonggi Province.A total of 712 participants, including youth teams from both countries, parents, and officials, will take part in the camp. The program includes futsal matches, visits to youth facilities, cultural experiences in Korea, and outings to Seoul Land, allowing the youths to directly experience each other's cultures.This inaugural event is co-hosted by the Korea Youth Association, the Korea International Cultural Exchange Foundation, the Chinese International Youth Exchange Center (Communist Youth League), and the city of Yantai, China. It is organized by Sportec Korea Co., Ltd., with support from the Chinese Embassy in South Korea, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, Suwon Special City, the Gyeonggi Provincial Office of Education, the Gyeonggi Future Generation Foundation, Kyonggi University, and the Ajou Media Group, with cooperation from Seoul Land and the Korean Chinese Federation.On the first day of the camp, August 21, participants will visit the Suwon World Cup Stadium, followed by a tour of the Jungang Yeodam School and a welcome dinner. The schedule will then include futsal tournaments, visits to youth facilities, outings to Seoul Land, and cultural experiences in Korea.The futsal tournament will be conducted in a round-robin format, culminating in placement matches. Notably, a club exchange match will be held where Korean and Chinese youths will form teams to compete together. This initiative aims to provide an experience that fosters cooperation and communication beyond just a competitive sports event.This event is significant as it comes at a time when South Korea and China are experiencing a recovery in relations following recent high-level exchanges. The two countries held a summit in Gyeongju during the APEC meeting last November and another in Beijing this January, agreeing to enhance cultural and people-to-people exchanges. They decided to promote cultural exchanges starting with Go and soccer, and to expand cooperation in the fields of drama and film content.During a visit to China in June, Prime Minister Kim Min-seok also discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations through expanded youth exchanges with Chinese Premier Li Qiang.The Korea Youth Association hopes this camp will serve as an opportunity for the youths of both countries to meet directly and understand each other beyond political and diplomatic relations. Chairman Ko Myung-jin expressed, "I hope that, like the passes exchanged in futsal matches, the youths of both countries will share their hearts and build deep friendships. We plan to actively promote youth exchanges in various fields such as sports, culture, and education starting from this camp."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-21 14:16:10
  • President Lee Welcomes Passage of Fast-Track Legislation
    President Lee Welcomes Passage of Fast-Track Legislation President Lee Jae-myung expressed his satisfaction on August 21 after the National Assembly passed a bill significantly shortening the review period for fast-track legislation. "I am truly pleased that things will now move more swiftly," he said.On the social media platform X, President Lee shared the news of the bill's passage, thanking Democratic Party lawmaker Lee Hoon-ki and his colleagues for their efforts. "I sincerely thank the many citizens who are waiting for reforms in housing policies and administrative measures to stabilize the nation," he added.Earlier, on August 20, the National Assembly approved the amendment to reduce the review period for fast-track items from a maximum of 330 days to just 90 days, a move led by the ruling party.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-21 14:16:00
  • Global Bio ETFs Dominate Recent Weekly Returns Amid Strong Clinical Results
    Global Bio ETFs Dominate Recent Weekly Returns Amid Strong Clinical Results Investor sentiment in the global biotech sector has strengthened, leading related exchange-traded funds (ETFs) to dominate the top returns in South Korea over the past week. Following strong performances from major pharmaceutical companies and a series of positive results in new drug trials, global biotech stocks have rebounded, with warmth spreading to domestic related stocks.According to the Korea Exchange on August 21, from August 14 to 20, several global biotech-related ETFs ranked among the top 10 in returns (excluding leverage and inverse funds). The 'TIME Global Bio Active' ETF topped the list with an 8.40% return, followed by 'KoAct U.S. Bio Healthcare Active' at 7.96%. Other notable ETFs included 'KIWOOM U.S. Blockbuster Biotech' (5.89%), 'KODEX U.S. S&P Bio (Synthetic)' (5.31%), 'TIGER U.S. Nasdaq Bio' (5.27%), and 'ACE Global Big Pharma' (4.60%).The concurrent strength of these global biotech ETFs is attributed to the conclusion of second-quarter earnings reports from major pharmaceutical companies, which alleviated uncertainties regarding their performance. Additionally, positive results from new drug trials have emerged. Notably, on August 19, U.S. vaccine developer Moderna and global pharmaceutical giant Merck (MSD) reported that their mRNA cancer vaccine combined with Keytruda met key endpoints in a Phase 3 trial for melanoma, raising expectations for the commercialization of the first personalized mRNA cancer treatment. As a result, Moderna's stock surged by as much as 177% during trading.Lee Ji-soo, a researcher at Daol Investment & Securities, stated, "The strong performances of major pharmaceutical companies and consecutive clinical successes have driven the rise of the Nasdaq Bio and S&P Healthcare indices." The top-performing ETFs, such as TIME Global Bio Active and KoAct U.S. Bio Healthcare Active, have significant holdings in Moderna, suggesting that the recent surge in Moderna's stock has positively impacted the ETFs' returns.The strength of the global biotech sector has also spilled over to domestic related stocks. Samyang Biopharm closed at 56,200 won, up 12,900 won (29.79%) from the previous trading day. This increase is believed to be linked to the announcement of clinical results by Moderna and MSD on the same day that Samyang Biopharm revealed its own mRNA cancer vaccine delivery system research results. Somagen, which has been supplying DNA and RNA genomic analysis services to Moderna, also saw its stock rise by 29.98% (865 won) to 3,750 won. Additionally, Naivec, which is developing a peptide-based mRNA drug delivery platform called PEPTARDEL to address the limitations of existing lipid nanoparticles (LNP), closed up 19.82% (3,160 won) at 19,100 won.However, analysts caution that after a sharp rebound in a short period, there may be limited events to support further gains, raising the potential for increased volatility. Lee noted, "Domestic biotech stocks have shown signs of bottoming out since forming a low at the end of July, but August is a period with few events, such as conferences and domestic companies' clinical announcements. Given the significant rebound in a short time, it is important to remain cautious about potential profit-taking adjustments and increased volatility."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-21 14:12:00
  • BMW Korea Launches Special Support Program for Flood-Affected Customers
    BMW Korea Launches Special Support Program for Flood-Affected Customers BMW Group Korea announced a special customer care program on August 21 to assist customers whose vehicles were damaged by flooding due to heavy rainfall.The program will be available at official BMW and MINI service centers nationwide until September 30. It aims to help customers who have suffered flood damage to recover quickly and alleviate their financial burden through appropriate measures.Initially, the program offers free inspections for flood-damaged vehicles. If repairs are necessary and the costs exceed the insurance coverage limit, BMW will provide support for the excess amount based on relevant criteria.Notably, the repair cost support program will be expanded to include all vehicle types, including commercial vehicles, to assist all affected customers.Additionally, customers repairing flood-damaged vehicles under comprehensive insurance will receive support for their deductible, up to 500,000 won. Specific conditions can be confirmed through consultations at service centers.To minimize customer inconvenience during the repair period, BMW Group Korea will also offer mobility services. This includes a loan vehicle service for up to 14 days while flood-damaged vehicles are being repaired.Furthermore, a pickup and delivery service will be available, allowing customers to have their flood-damaged vehicles collected from their desired location and returned after repairs are completed.Meanwhile, BMW and MINI customers whose vehicles are declared a total loss due to flooding and who purchase a new vehicle after completing insurance total loss processing and scrapping documentation by October 31, 2026, will be eligible for existing repurchase benefits along with a trade-in program.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-21 14:12:00
  • Dreame Targets Trust in South Korea, Aiming Beyond Robot Vacuums
    Dreame Targets Trust in South Korea, Aiming Beyond Robot Vacuums Chinese appliance manufacturer Dreame is focusing on 'trust' as a key factor in the South Korean market, following its success in technology. With Chinese companies already holding a significant share in the robot vacuum sector, Dreame aims to enhance its competitive edge against local giants Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics by strengthening data privacy and after-sales service (AS).On August 21, Dreame held the 'Dreame in Seoul' event in the Han River Gavit Island in Seocho-gu, Seoul, where it unveiled its localization strategy and new products. Kim Myung-hwan, head of marketing for Dreame Korea, stated, "Our localization strategy focuses on four key areas: innovation, consumer understanding, trust, and co-growth. Our goal is to create an experience where Korean consumers can trust and comfortably choose Dreame, rather than just selling products."A major emphasis for Dreame is data protection. The company relocated its Korean user data server from Singapore to South Korea at the end of last year. It has also implemented a system where images and videos captured by its robot vacuums are not uploaded to the cloud. Additionally, multiple encryption technologies are applied to personal data. After increasing its market share in South Korea to 12.8% last year, Dreame is expanding its product lineup this year to include personal care and kitchen appliances, in addition to robot vacuums.Dreame is also enhancing its after-sales service. The company plans to collaborate with local firms such as Lotte Hi-Mart and SK Networks Service to expand its service infrastructure. This move aims to address the relatively weak after-sales support that has been a concern for Chinese appliance manufacturers in the South Korean market.New products are being introduced with a focus on technological competitiveness. The 'Aqua Steam' product directly sprays 180-degree high-temperature steam onto the floor, followed by a hot water roller mop to remove contaminants. The roller mop can extend up to 8 cm sideways. Dreame plans to leverage the technology it has developed around robot vacuums to expand into cordless vacuums, personal care, and kitchen appliances.The backdrop for Dreame's expansion in South Korea is the market landscape dominated by Chinese companies. According to IDC, in the global home cleaning robot market last year, Roborock held the top position with a 17.7% market share, followed by Ecovacs at 14.3%, while Dreame secured third place with 10.5%. All top five companies in the market were Chinese.The competitive landscape in South Korea is becoming increasingly complex. With Chinese companies like Roborock and Dreame having established a foothold, Samsung and LG are countering with features tailored to AI, security, and the local living environment. Dreame's emphasis on not only technological competition but also data protection and after-sales service indicates that the barriers Chinese brands must overcome in the South Korean appliance market are evolving.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-21 14:04:00