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Government Reconsiders Allowing Bathtubs in Goshiwon Rooms Amid Public Backlash The government has decided to reconsider a plan to allow the installation of bathtubs in individual rooms of goshiwon, a type of low-cost housing, following criticism that such a move is disconnected from reality.According to the government on August 23, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport had announced on August 12 a revision to the 'Building Standards for Multi-Use Facilities' that would permit bathtubs in goshiwon rooms and eliminate the requirement for study facilities like desks.Under current regulations, goshiwon, classified as multi-use facilities, are required to have study facilities, and bathtubs have been prohibited in individual rooms since 2015.The ministry had pushed for regulatory relaxation, considering the increasing use of goshiwon as living spaces for single-person households, beyond just study and lodging facilities. The intent was to adjust regulations that are not directly related to safety, such as fire safety, to better reflect current realities. This revision was developed in response to requests for regulatory improvements from small businesses.The proposed changes would remove bathtubs from the list of prohibited facilities in goshiwon rooms while keeping cooking facilities as the only restriction. It would also eliminate the requirement for study facilities like desks in each room.However, criticism has continued since the announcement. Many pointed out that goshiwon rooms are generally small and often lack adequate ventilation, soundproofing, and hygiene, making the installation of bathtubs unlikely to lead to meaningful improvements in living conditions.Concerns were also raised that the installation of bathtubs could be used as a justification for increasing deposits or monthly rents. Users emphasized that improvements in cooking facilities, ventilation, soundproofing, and fire safety standards should take precedence over bathtubs.In response to the growing criticism, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport has decided to review the regulations based on the feedback received during the announcement process.The ministry stated, “Given the diverse opinions raised during the announcement process, we will reconsider the regulations,” adding, “We will continue to incorporate various perspectives from all sectors in our policy implementation to ensure that regulatory relaxation is felt by the public.”Meanwhile, there are calls for comprehensive measures to address housing difficulties for young people and single-person households, rather than allowing certain facilities. These measures should consider minimum housing standards, safety, and rental burdens together.As the housing crisis for young people intensifies, various housing alternatives have been proposed, but criticisms regarding their effectiveness persist. Previously, Democratic Party lawmaker Hwang Hee faced backlash for suggesting the idea of converting decommissioned buses into short-term housing for students near universities, referred to as 'decommissioned bus youth housing.'* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-23 10:24:00 -
Pulmuone Partners with Gangnam District to Support Healthy Eating for Singles Pulmuone is collaborating with the Gangnam District's single-person household community center to provide education on sustainable eating tailored to the unique dietary needs of singles.Pulmuone Foods announced on the 23rd that it signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on the 21st at its headquarters in Suseo-dong, Gangnam, to operate a 'Sustainable Eating Class for Single-Person Households.'Under the agreement, both parties will jointly run educational programs to support healthy eating habits for singles and promote sustainable eating practices in daily life. Pulmuone Foods will provide the cooking school 'Tasty Pulmuone' space, professional instructors, and educational content, while the Gangnam District single-person household community center will handle student recruitment, promotion, networking among participants, and follow-up support.The first program will take place over two days starting on September 15 at Tasty Pulmuone, with a total of 16 students to be recruited through the community center in the last week of this month.The curriculum will introduce meal plans using vegetables, whole grains, and proteins, along with flexible vegetarian options. It will particularly focus on practical recipes that can be made using only a microwave, as well as dishes utilizing leftover food and versatile sauces, considering the limited cooking space and equipment often found in single-person households. Pulmuone Foods plans to expand related programs following the launch of the first class.This agreement is part of Pulmuone Foods' initiative to support single-person households in the Gangnam area. Both parties have also agreed to collaborate on marketing and promotion to share the outcomes of the program.Yoon Myung-rang, head of Pulmuone Foods, stated, "The number of single-person households is steadily increasing, but opportunities to learn how to eat healthily and sustainably on their own remain limited. We will continue to share practical sustainable eating know-how that can be implemented in daily life, leveraging the educational infrastructure and expertise of Tasty Pulmuone."Meanwhile, Pulmuone opened the sustainable eating cooking school 'Tasty Pulmuone' at its Suseo headquarters in Gangnam in April. The school offers programs that allow consumers to cook and experience healthy and environmentally conscious eating habits that they can implement in their daily lives.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-23 10:16:00
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Hometown Love Donations Surge in Hwacheon, Reaching 66 Million Won in One Day Hwacheon County in Gangwon Province received 66 million won in hometown love donations in a single day. As donations from residents in Chuncheon and Seoul continued to pour in, the Hwacheon County Council also promoted the hometown love donation program at an event in the metropolitan area. According to Hwacheon County on August 23, Kim Ho-je (65), a resident of Chuncheon, visited Hwacheon County Mayor Kim Se-hun on August 21 and donated 10 million won. On the same day, Choi Sang-woo (60), also from Chuncheon, contributed 20 million won, while Lim Han-soo (45) from Seoul donated 20 million won. Jung Yeong-ran (60), another Chuncheon resident, also donated 10 million won. Smaller donations followed as well. Jung Yeon-ho (42) and Kim Myo-seon (60), both from Chuncheon, each donated 3 million won to Mayor Kim Se-hun. In total, the six donors contributed 66 million won. Notably, the participation of donors from outside Hwacheon demonstrates the program's intent to support the region. The Hwacheon County Council has also engaged in on-site promotion to enhance the hometown love donation program. On August 21, Council Chair Jo Woong-hee and other members visited the 'National 8 Provinces Local Food Expo' and the 'Hometown Love Donation Expo' at the Suwon Convention Center to check on the operation of Hwacheon's promotional booth and encourage the staff. After touring the expo showcasing local foods and specialties from various regions, the council members visited two booths operated by Hwacheon County to review the display and sale of local agricultural products. They also examined promotional examples from local governments across the country and the various gifts offered by region, seeking ways to expand participation in Hwacheon's hometown love donation program. The hometown love donation program connects donations from residents outside the area to local development and community welfare, while promoting local agricultural products through gift offerings. It serves as a new tool for revitalizing local communities for municipalities. Hwacheon County plans to enhance the program by expanding participation in donations and promoting local characteristics through gifts, aiming to raise awareness of the region and support the local economy. 2026-08-23 10:16:00
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KT Hosts AI Future Camp for 100 Elementary Students in Seoul KT, in collaboration with the Seoul Metropolitan Government, the Seoul Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Museum, and the Dobong Police Station, has launched an artificial intelligence (AI) education program for 100 elementary school students.On August 22, KT announced that it held the 'KT-Seoul City AI Future Camp' at the Seoul Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Museum in Dobong-gu, Seoul. The camp featured 100 elementary students divided into four groups of 25, who rotated through five programs covering AI technology and ethics.The programs included: an experience at KT's mobile AI education center 'AI Station'; block coding education linked to the AI certification AICE called 'AICE Future'; a guided tour of the exhibition 'Thinking Robots and Questioning Humans' at the Seoul Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Museum; an art experience using robotic arms at the 'Picabot Art Museum'; and 'AI Utilization Crime Prevention Education' from the Dobong Police Station.KT is working with government agencies and local governments to expand AI education opportunities for children nationwide. This camp is significant as it enhances the credibility of AI education through collaboration with public science centers and establishes a public-private partnership model for AI education involving the community.Since 2023, KT has been expanding AI and digital ethics education for elementary and middle school students in cooperation with local education offices and governments, with approximately 170,000 students expected to participate by 2025. The company also operates a mobile AI education center, 'AI Station,' to address the AI education gap in remote areas, along with outreach education using the AICE certification. KT plans to continue expanding its public-private partnership model for AI education in collaboration with national and public science centers and local governments.Lee Jung-woo, Executive Vice President of KT's ESG Promotion Division, stated, "In the age of AI, the ability to handle technology is as important as having a responsible mindset to use it. We hope this camp will help children learn about AI technology and ethics, fostering their growth as future talents."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-23 10:08:00
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KB Kookmin Bank Launches 'KB Global Star Supporters' for Foreign Customers KB Kookmin Bank is seeking direct feedback from foreign customers regarding their banking services. On August 20, KB Kookmin Bank held the launch ceremony for its foreign customer panel, 'KB Global Star Supporters,' at its new headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul. The KB Global Supporters program allows foreign customers residing in South Korea to use the bank's financial services and provide suggestions for improvements. This year, KB Kookmin Bank is expanding its services for foreign customers by branding its products and services under the 'Global Star' label and introducing savings and credit loan products specifically for them. The support group consists of 12 foreign customers aged 20 to 40 living in South Korea. They will use KB Kookmin Bank's financial services, including foreign exchange products, and participate in surveys and missions to propose ideas for marketing and service enhancements. The bank plans to review the feedback provided during these activities to incorporate it into its offerings for foreign customers. A representative from KB Kookmin Bank stated, "As the number of foreign customers residing in South Korea is rapidly increasing, we aim to gather diverse opinions through this support group. We will continue to expand our services to eliminate financial gaps and ensure that everyone can conveniently access financial services." * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-23 10:04:00
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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