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Gyeongnam Province Revives Jisimdo Island as a Healing Eco-Tourism Destination Gyeongnam Province is moving forward with the Jisimdo Sanmaru Cultural Playground Project, aimed at transforming Jisimdo Island into a stay-type tourist destination that combines its historical significance from the Japanese colonial period with its ecological resources, particularly the camellia forest.On August 10, Gyeongnam Province announced plans to conduct an architectural design competition in the second half of this year related to the project. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Gyeongnam Province, and Geoje City are investing a total of 18.3 billion won, with a completion target set for the end of 2028.This year, 6.582 billion won will be allocated to the project, consisting of 3.291 billion won (50%) from the national budget, 987 million won (15%) from the provincial budget, and 2.34 billion won (35%) from the city budget. Approximately 36% of the total project budget is designated for this years design competition phase.A Gyeongnam official explained the high budget allocation before the design is completed, stating, This budget is not solely for design but also secures funds for the construction phase that will follow the design process. It signifies that we have secured national, provincial, and city funds.Before construction begins, civil engineering design work commenced last August. Based on this, the architectural design competition will take place in the second half of this year to outline the project. However, with only about two years and four months remaining until the planned completion in late 2028, concerns have been raised about the tight schedule, especially considering the unique challenges of transporting materials by sea to the island. Gyeongnam Province responded, stating, We have already included the costs and time required for maritime transport of materials in our project schedule.Jisimdo Island, which resembles the character for heart when viewed from above, is often referred to as the Island of Love. It is also well-known for its dense camellia forest. However, it carries a painful history, having been forcibly evacuated during the Japanese colonial period in 1936 and used as a military fortress.After liberation, the Ministry of National Defense managed the island for military purposes until ownership was transferred to Geoje City in 2017, paving the way to utilize its neglected historical, cultural, and ecological resources for tourism.The project includes the development of a themed garden, a playground in the camellia forest, wellness facilities, hiking trails, and rest areas. The long-vacant former Defense Science Research Institute building will be remodeled into an educational facility for learning about nature and history, while the accommodation building will be transformed into a lodging facility for tourists. A trekking course will also be established to allow visitors to explore the scenic coastal views of the South Sea and the military relics from the Japanese colonial period.Kim Sang-won, director of tourism development at Gyeongnam Province, stated, Jisimdo is a treasure of an island that has preserved its ecosystem, untouched due to its long management as a military facility. We aim to develop it into a healing tourism destination where history and ecological resources harmonize, making it a representative tourist attraction of the South Coast.The planned development area for this project is approximately 338,000 square meters, which has expanded due to the inclusion of the trekking course. Regarding concerns about potential damage to trees, a provincial official noted, We understand that removal is not possible, and the area is designated as a protected zone. The project will proceed with remodeling existing buildings, allowing construction without harming the trees.Given the large area involved, the project must also pass an environmental impact assessment. A provincial official commented on the assessment, saying, It appears to fall within the scope of the assessment based on the area, and we will proceed with the detailed design alongside it. The determination of whether it is subject to the assessment will be made by Geoje City. As of now, the consultation process has not yet begun.It remains unclear whether a public briefing for residents will be held. Some residents live on Jisimdo, and a provincial official mentioned, When we visited the site, the residents were aware of the project. However, we need to confirm whether Geoje City has held a separate official briefing. They added, It would be difficult to proceed without a briefing before construction begins.This detailed execution plan for the Jisimdo project is part of the Southern Regional Tourism Development Project (Phase 1, 24 projects) being pursued by Gyeongnam Province in collaboration with Busan, Ulsan, Gwangju, and Jeonnam.This year, Gyeongnam Province plans to invest a total of 117.5 billion won in this regional project, including 58.8 billion won from the national budget. The province emphasized that this is the largest budget in history, based on figures from the past three years since the project began. In fact, the budget for this project was approximately 7 billion won in 2024 and about 27 billion won from the national budget in 2025.Due to the geographical limitations of being an island, addressing emergency medical situations at night remains a challenge. Specific safety measures for stay-type tourists, such as increasing ferry operations or nighttime maritime transport, have not yet been established, highlighting the need for a clear safety net as the project progresses.* This article has been translated by AI. August 10, 2026 18: -
Jangheung County Intensifies Efforts to Attract Public Institutions Amid Gwangju Integration As the administrative and public institution restructuring follows the integration of Gwangju and Jeonnam, Jangheung County has identified 11 key institutions as targets for attraction efforts.The county plans to strengthen its recruitment activities directed at the Gwangju Integrated Special City, political circles, and relevant agencies, emphasizing that the central region should not be overlooked during the relocation of major public facilities, including the integrated government and council offices.Jangheung County views the integration of Gwangju not merely as an administrative reorganization but as an opportunity to establish a new growth axis for the central region of South Korea. The county is preparing strategies and policy proposals to attract public institutions.The core argument for the countys recruitment efforts is balanced distribution by region.If major administrative functions and public institutions concentrate in specific areas during the launch of the integrated administrative system, it could reduce access to administrative and public services for residents in the central region. Therefore, a balanced development approach in the placement of institutions is necessary.Jangheung County also plans to align its industrial base with its public institution attraction strategy.The county presents its strengths, including eco-friendly agriculture, abundant marine resources, a bio-industry centered on natural products and traditional medicine, and ecological and cultural tourism resources.Based on these strengths, the county has selected 11 institutions that can be linked to regional specialized industries, including marine and agricultural life, energy and environment, culture and arts, and social services.Moving forward, the county plans to analyze the functions of each institution and the industrial and locational conditions of Jangheung to develop tailored recruitment strategies.Preparations for the relocation of public institutions are also underway. The county will review available land and locational conditions for potential sites and will gradually establish support measures for employees to settle in the area, including transportation, living infrastructure, and residency support.Jangheung County emphasizes that attracting public institutions is not just about relocating one entity but can lead to job creation, population growth, and revitalization of the local economy.If public institutions and related industries cluster in the central region, it is expected to create jobs for young people, attract new residents, increase local consumption, and enhance the competitiveness of existing specialized industries such as marine, agricultural life, and bio.The county will also strengthen its recruitment activities directed at political circles and relevant agencies.Jangheung County plans to establish a cooperative system with the Gwangju Integrated Special City, local lawmakers, and relevant agencies, continuously advocating for the principle of balanced distribution in the central region during the relocation of major public facilities such as the integrated government and council offices.In anticipation of the second phase of public institution relocations to be promoted at the government level, the county aims to proactively respond by promoting Jangheungs locational conditions and industrial competitiveness while developing tailored recruitment arguments for each institution.Jangheung County Mayor Sa Sun-moon stated, The integration of Gwangju is a significant turning point in creating a new growth axis for the central region of South Korea beyond just the local administrative system. We will actively voice our concerns to ensure that the central region is not overlooked in the placement of public institutions and will make every effort to attract institutions linked to Jangheungs marine, agricultural life, and bio-specialized resources.* This article has been translated by AI. August 10, 2026 18:
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OTT killed the cinema. Korea's hottest summer revives it SEOUL, August 10 (AJP) - South Korea’s longest summer heat wave has breathed new life into a pastime and industry nearly killed by streaming — moviegoing and theaters. For couples like Kim Soo-hyun, 29, the once-standard weekend date outdoors has become almost impossible. “It’s been really hard to go on dates on weekends because it’s so hot,” said Kim, an office worker living in southern Seoul’s Seocho district. “The car is cool and comfortable, but the moment we get out and start walking, it becomes really difficult.” She and her boyfriend gravitate toward air-conditioned mall complexes where they can eat, shop and catch a movie without stepping back into the heat. Kim’s routine reflects a broader shift playing out across South Korea’s multiplexes. The record heat has given fresh relevance to a strategy already under way at CGV, Lotte Cinema and Megabox: making theaters about more than simply watching a film. Premium seats, late-night screenings, book clubs, concerts and other alternative programming are turning cinemas into places where people can spend several hours rather than watch a movie and leave. The question is whether that can become a genuine survival strategy for an industry still struggling to recover its pre-pandemic audience — or whether this summer’s rush will disappear with the heat. A summer for the record books The weather has certainly helped. Yangsan in southeastern South Korea reached 42.5 degrees Celsius in early August, the highest temperature recorded in the country in 122 years. President Lee Jae Myung called the prolonged heat wave a “national disaster” and ordered an intensified government response. The extreme weather arrived just as cinemas were beginning to show signs of recovery. South Korean theaters drew 57.05 million admissions in the first half of 2026, up 34.2 percent from a year earlier, while box-office revenue rose to 579 billion won, according to the Korean Film Council. Yet admissions were still only 56.5 percent of the average recorded in the first halves of 2017 through 2019, showing how far the industry remains from its pre-pandemic scale. The rebound accelerated during the height of this summer’s heat. Nationwide theaters drew 5.31 million moviegoers from Aug. 3 through Aug. 9, up 69.7 percent from 3.13 million during the comparable seven-day period a year earlier, according to daily data from the Korean Film Council’s KOBIS box-office system. Revenue jumped 80.3 percent to 55.21 billion won from 30.62 billion won. But heat alone cannot explain the surge. “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” and Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” together accounted for 4.40 million admissions, or 82.9 percent of all moviegoers during the week, showing just how heavily the rebound depended on blockbuster releases. Still, moviegoers say the crowds feel different. “The site told me to wait in a queue because so many people were trying to book at once,” said Choi Min-soo, 45, an office worker from eastern Seoul’s Gangdong district who was trying to see “Spider-Man.” “It made me wonder whether the film industry was actually picking back up.” Kim also described auditoriums and ticket counters as fuller than she remembered seeing in years. She has already watched three of the summer’s major releases and plans to return for a second viewing of “The Odyssey” in IMAX. Selling the room, not just the screen CGV has been unusually explicit about selling the cinema as refuge from the heat. On July 29, South Korea’s largest multiplex operator launched a summer campaign under the slogan “When there’s a heat wave, go to CGV,” pitching theaters as places where customers can spend the summer in air-conditioned comfort. The promotion, which runs through Aug. 23, also rewards repeat visits and screenings in SCREENX auditoriums. But the effort to make theaters somewhere to stay, rather than merely somewhere to watch a movie, began well before this summer. In March, CGV turned its recliner-equipped Stressless Cinema at Cine de Chef Yongsan into a two-hour book club. Participants received copies of Andy Weir’s “Project Hail Mary,” along with food and beverages, and spent the session reading inside the auditorium. CGV described it as an attempt to offer a different kind of cultural experience inside a movie theater. In June, the chain went further. During BTS concerts in Busan, CGV operated an overnight “All Movie Night” at its Asiad branch, screening concert footage and films from late at night until the following morning. The company explicitly marketed the program as a comfortable place for concertgoers to stay after the show. The diversification extends beyond CGV. Lotte Cinema sells tickets for virtual-reality concert content alongside conventional films, while Megabox operates boutique and recliner auditoriums and programs cultural content under brands including Classic Society. For Kim, who watched “The Odyssey” at a boutique auditorium inside Megabox Coex, the appeal went far beyond air conditioning. “I basically watched it lying down — it was so comfortable,” she said. The premium price did not feel excessive, she added, compared with what a couple might otherwise spend on a weekend outing. The numbers suggest more moviegoers are willing to pay for experiences they cannot reproduce at home. Revenue from IMAX, 4D, SCREENX, Dolby Cinema and other special-format screenings reached 45.7 billion won in the first half of 2026, up 56.3 percent from a year earlier. Admissions to those formats rose 49 percent to 2.85 million. That growth stands out because the overall cinema audience remains far below pre-pandemic levels. Theaters are no longer simply trying to bring people back through the doors. They are trying to make each visit something streaming cannot easily replace. “I don’t know if I’d say the theater is more convenient than streaming,” Choi said. “But there’s an appeal that’s unique to the cinema.” That distinction matters because the industry’s financial pain has hardly disappeared. South Korean theaters recorded 106.09 million admissions in 2025, down 13.8 percent from a year earlier, while box-office revenue fell 12.4 percent to 1.047 trillion won. Both declined for a second straight year. The Korean Film Council nevertheless identified one bright spot: special-format revenue jumped 46.3 percent to 111 billion won, which it linked to growing demand for experience-oriented moviegoing. Even CGV’s domestic operation remained in the red early this year. Its Korean business generated 175.4 billion won in first-quarter revenue, up 36.7 percent from a year earlier, but still posted an operating loss of 6.6 billion won. Conditions are more severe at Megabox JoongAng. The Seoul Bankruptcy Court opened rehabilitation proceedings for the cinema operator on June 30 after the company sought court protection to normalize its operations and remain a going concern. A proposed merger between Megabox and Lotte Cinema was also halted after the memorandum of understanding between their parent companies expired on June 30. The government, meanwhile, is spending public money to lure audiences back. A supplementary budget approved in April allocated 27.1 billion won for 4.5 million cinema discount vouchers worth 6,000 won each. After the first round, about 2.05 million vouchers were distributed in a second round beginning July 8 through CGV, Lotte Cinema, Megabox and CineQ. The Culture Ministry made the seasonal strategy unusually explicit. The title of its July 6 announcement promoting the second round asked: “How about the cinema as your summer vacation destination?” That makes this summer’s box-office rebound impossible to pin on one factor. Record heat has made air-conditioned indoor entertainment more attractive. Blockbusters have supplied the films people want to see. Government vouchers have made tickets cheaper. What the heat has done most clearly is give cinema operators a fresh way to sell the one thing Netflix, Disney+ and other streaming platforms cannot provide: the room itself. Whether book clubs, overnight screenings, recliners and premium auditoriums can materially change the economics of moviegoing — or merely deliver extra traffic during an extraordinary summer — remains uncertain. For Kim, however, the calculation is simpler. “No matter how far streaming comes,” she said, “it can never recreate the memory of eating popcorn in a theater, or that smell of butter the moment you walk in.” August 10, 2026 17: -
Minister Choi Hwi-young Meets Busan Mayor Jeon Jae-soo to Discuss Cultural Hub Support The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism is strengthening comprehensive policy cooperation with Busan City in the fields of culture, sports, and tourism.On August 10, Minister Choi Hwi-young attended the opening ceremony of the 2026 Busan World Library and Information Conference (WLIC) at BEXCO, where he met with Busan Mayor Jeon Jae-soo to discuss key issues of mutual interest.During the event, Minister Choi and Mayor Jeon celebrated the opening and toured the exhibition hall to review the conference operations and displays from participating countries. The conference, hosted by the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), runs until August 13 under the theme Libraries Leading Change, attracting over 3,000 attendees from more than 120 countries.In a subsequent luncheon meeting, Mayor Jeon outlined major cultural, sports, and tourism initiatives, including the construction of a multi-purpose dome stadium, and requested cooperation from the central government.In response, Minister Choi introduced several Ministry policies that can be practically utilized at the local level, such as the Dream Art Troupe aimed at expanding cultural and artistic education opportunities for children and youth, and the Cultural Day initiative, which increases access to cultural experiences once a week. He urged Busans active participation in these programs.The Ministry and Busan City agreed to maintain a collaborative relationship that goes beyond individual projects, ensuring ongoing communication across all areas. The matters discussed will be further detailed at the operational level.Minister Choi stated, Busan possesses unique assets, from maritime and port facilities to film and video production, making it a cultural hub in the southern region. We will spare no effort in supporting its role. As this conference demonstrates, when the central and local governments work together, the results are significant. The Ministry will be a strong partner in ensuring that Busans envisioned policies lead to tangible outcomes.In line with Busans cultural and tourism development, there has been a notable increase in foreign tourists. According to Busan City, 2.42 million foreign visitors came to the city from January to June this year, marking a 43.9% increase compared to the same period last year, which saw 1.68 million visitors. Notably, June recorded the highest monthly total this year, with 484,057 visitors. The largest groups of tourists came from Taiwan (477,606), China (468,876), Japan (291,141), and the United States (219,147).The influx of tourists has also contributed to the revitalization of the local economy. According to an analysis of credit card big data by the Korea Tourism Organization, foreign tourist spending in Busan reached 591.4 billion won in the first half of the year, a 63% increase from 362.1 billion won during the same period last year, surpassing the national average growth rate of 55%.* This article has been translated by AI. August 10, 2026 16:
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Hana Bank Partners with the Korean Liberation Association to Support Independence Activists and Their Descendants Hana Bank is taking steps to support independence activists and their descendants as South Korea marks the 81st anniversary of its liberation.On August 10, Hana Bank announced that it has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Korean Liberation Association to promote support initiatives for independence activists and their descendants.This agreement aims to utilize the profits generated from the National Love Public Trust, which Hana Bank established in 2015 to commemorate the 70th anniversary of liberation. After returning the principal amount to the contributors upon maturity, Hana Bank plans to allocate the remaining trust profits to various support initiatives for independence activists.The two organizations will also collaborate on projects commemorating the 150th anniversary of Kim Gus birth. They plan to provide scholarships and living expenses to descendants of independence activists, as well as support for field trips to historical sites related to the independence movement, academic research, and initiatives for independence activist organizations.The Korean Liberation Association will identify and recommend descendants of independence activists who require economic and educational support, while Hana Bank will fund related projects based on the profits from the National Love Public Trust.The National Love Public Trust was established in 2015 to support independence activists. Through this initiative, Hana Bank aims to continue its charitable contributions and social responsibility efforts utilizing public trusts.Lee Ho-sung, President of Hana Bank, stated, It is meaningful to engage in projects that can provide practical assistance to independence activists and their descendants on the occasion of the 81st anniversary of liberation and the 150th anniversary of Kim Gus birth. We will continue to fulfill our social role in finance by promoting a culture of giving through public trusts.* This article has been translated by AI. August 10, 2026 16:
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Debate Erupts Over Wearing Swimwear in Public Spaces in Haeundae As summer vacation season approaches, an increase in visitors to Haeundae, Busan, has sparked a debate online about the appropriateness of wearing swimwear in public spaces such as supermarkets and cafes, away from the beach. Reports of individuals traveling in bikinis and swimsuits to large supermarkets and residential areas have led to divided opinions, with some arguing that it is a natural sight in a resort area, while others insist on the need for appropriate attire.On July 29, a post on social media asked, Is it unacceptable to enter a cafe in front of Haeundae wearing a bikini? The author, identified as A, recounted, I went into the cafe to place a takeout order, but the staff pointed out my attire and offered to bring my drink outside. A added, I was wearing a large beach towel over my shoulders and had not yet entered the water, so I was neither wet nor sandy.According to Yonhap News, the post included a map showing a walking route from Haeundae Beach to a nearby large supermarket, which takes about 22 minutes. Eyewitness accounts of seeing beachgoers in bikinis at the supermarket further fueled the debate. The supermarket stated to Yonhap, During the vacation season, we see about two to three customers a day in swimwear, and we do not currently restrict entry based on attire.Reactions from netizens have been mixed. Some expressed that traveling in swimwear to a supermarket, which is not directly on the beach, is excessive. They argue that the nature of the space differs between enjoying water activities at the beach and shopping in a supermarket frequented by families and seniors. One commenter noted, While wearing a bikini at the beach is normal, a supermarket is a communal space for everyone.Others suggested that wearing a shirt or shorts over swimwear is not too difficult and that at least some consideration for the locations dress code is necessary. Concerns were also raised about the potential discomfort for other customers if wet swimwear is used on supermarket seating or facilities. One opinion stated, The issue is not just exposure, but bringing wet clothes or sand indoors.Conversely, there are arguments against overly scrutinizing swimwear. Given Haeundaes status as a prominent summer resort, some believe that a certain level of relaxed dress culture should be accepted in commercial areas near the beach. Some netizens pointed out, In famous overseas resorts, it is common to see people in swimwear walking into shops or on the streets, and If Haeundae aims to be a global tourist destination, we shouldnt view this too negatively. They also argued, Not covering the body completely does not directly harm others, and Standards for exposure vary by individual, so we should be cautious about restricting entry based solely on discomfort.Ultimately, opinions among netizens are divided on where the boundary lies for what constitutes the beach area. Many agree that wearing swimwear is acceptable at convenience stores or restaurants directly on the beach, but applying the same standard to supermarkets and residential areas located 20 to 30 minutes away on foot is more contentious.In some famous overseas resorts, there are restrictions on wearing swimwear outside the beach. According to Yonhap, Sorrento in Italy prohibits going shirtless or in a bikini outside designated areas, with fines of up to 500 euros for violations. Some regions in France also have signs requiring appropriate attire outside the beach.However, in South Korea, there is a consensus that simply wearing swimwear does not immediately warrant legal penalties. It is difficult to classify typical swimwear as excessive exposure or a minor offense. Therefore, establishing dress etiquette at tourist sites or guidelines for individual stores is seen as a more practical solution than legal restrictions.Experts also suggest that rather than imposing uniform penalties, there should be guidelines tailored to the characteristics of tourist areas. In places like Haeundae, where beaches, commercial areas, and residential neighborhoods are closely situated, establishing criteria for what constitutes beach living space could help reduce unnecessary conflicts.Ultimately, this debate extends beyond the question of Is it acceptable to wear a bikini? It raises issues about the balance between tourist freedom, the rights of local residents, and the dress etiquette expected in public spaces. As the summer vacation season begins, the discussion surrounding the boundaries of swimwear in Haeundae is likely to continue.* This article has been translated by AI. August 10, 2026 15:
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Korean gaming industry's love-hate affair with AI SEOUL, August 10 (AJP) - South Korean gamers are famously hard to please, putting almost anything new through a punishing stress test. Few newcomers have received a colder welcome than artificial intelligence — loathed when players can see it, yet increasingly indispensable to the people making the games. Korean game developer Shift Up posted a music video for one of its own titles on July 31. Within days, fans had a word for it: slop. The clip for "Wanna Be in Love," from the soundtrack of Stellar Blade: Blood Rain, leaned on AI-generated footage of protagonist Evie and even included a fabricated behind-the-scenes sequence. YouTube labeled it altered or synthetic content. Shift Up said it had reconstructed existing game assets with AI used as a supporting tool and hoped the video would help fans reconnect with the character. The comment section was not persuaded. The episode exposed a divide now running through South Korea's game industry. Artificial intelligence has become deeply embedded in how games are made — and deeply unwelcome the moment players notice it. Generative AI was used by 70 percent of Korean game companies in the fourth quarter of last year, the highest rate of any content sector and more than double the overall average of 32.1 percent, according to the Korea Creative Content Agency. That was up from 41.7 percent in the first half of 2025. With industry surveys inevitably trailing adoption, actual usage is likely higher by now. "Programming, planning, art, running the company — using AI across all of it is where the industry is," said Yeom Seong-ho, a professor of game graphic design at Tongmyong University. "When it cuts a development cycle from a week to a day, there is no way not to use it." The technology appears to work best where nobody is watching. Krafton has operated an AI-powered anti-cheat system for more than a year across a service with more than 20 million users, the head of its AI for Game research unit said at a Seoul policy seminar on July 14. Its "co-playable character" Ella, built on an on-device model using Nvidia's ACE toolkit, entered beta testing on PUBG's Sanhok map on June 17, speaking Korean, Chinese and English. Streamers spent the next fortnight bombarding her with absurd questions. That was arguably part of the point: every exchange provided more interaction data. Yet the people building games are considerably less relaxed about where all this leads. A survey of 1,078 unionized workers at Nexon, NC and Netmarble found 77.3 percent anxious about the effect of AI on their jobs, even as 80.3 percent said the technology made them more productive. "A user's day is still 24 hours," Nexon Korea co-chief executive Kang Dae-hyun told developers in June, arguing that attention rather than technology remains the industry's ultimate constraint. The trouble begins when the seams show. Pearl Abyss apologized on March 22 after players on Reddit and Bluesky spotted melted faces and anatomically impossible horses in decorative paintings inside Crimson Desert, two days after its launch. The studio said experimental generative-AI tools had been used on some two-dimensional props early in development and that the assets were supposed to have been replaced. It acknowledged that this did not excuse the failure to disclose their use. That is the line the industry keeps tripping over. "AI output still reaches only about 90 percent of human quality," Jung Nae-hun, a professor at the Tech University of Korea, said earlier this year, noting that the remaining gap tends to appear exactly where players are looking. "Design is still the problem," Yeom said. "In genres where character visuals carry the game, like Genshin Impact, demand is constant, but players simply do not like knowing AI was involved." "A lot of them still want a human artist. Using AI on anything that shows on the surface is a stretch." Shift Up chief executive Kim Hyung-tae has argued that Chinese studios can deploy 1,000 to 2,000 people on a single title and that "AI capabilities will determine industry competitiveness." His fans offered a different verdict: competitiveness is not the same thing as watchability. Developers counter that AI is often judged by its most conspicuous failures rather than the less visible work it already performs well. A Varco business team leader at NC AI told the July seminar that internal resistance had faded as the tools spread and that time saved through AI "is spent making things better, not making more." Player irritation, however, is becoming harder to dismiss as mere noise. About 31 percent of nearly 4,000 core Steam users surveyed between June 25 and July 2 viewed AI use negatively, while 8 percent said they would refuse to buy a game if its use of AI were disclosed. That stigma now sits on top of a legal requirement. South Korea's Framework Act on the Development of Artificial Intelligence, in force since January, requires disclosure of AI-generated content, while Valve has revised Steam's rules to exempt behind-the-scenes development tools and focus disclosure requirements on material players can see, hear or interact with. Roughly one in five new Steam releases now carries an AI disclosure. Exactly how Korean law should apply to games — where images, dialogue, code and player interaction can be generated or combined in real time — remains unsettled. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism is drafting separate legislation for the content industry to clarify the rules. "The issue is no longer the tool itself," said Im Chung-jae, a professor of game software at Keimyung University, arguing that responsibility increasingly lies with the people who design the systems and write the commands. None of the resistance has stopped the industry from moving faster. OpenAI is set to hold its first Codex-based game development event anywhere in the world in Seoul on Aug. 31, backed by Com2uS, with 40 teams building games on the Hive backend. The next phase of AI in games may be far less visible than synthetic artwork or dialogue. An AI system capable of fully understanding a game's mechanics could eventually handle customer service, interpret player complaints and relay useful feedback directly to developers, Yeom said — effectively becoming a game master. That may prove the industry's safest place for AI: everywhere inside the machine, and nowhere players can see it. AJP Takeaway • What happened: Shift Up's AI-generated music video for "Wanna Be in Love," released July 31, 2026 and promoting Stellar Blade: Blood Rain, was widely criticized by fans as "AI slop," the latest South Korean game industry backlash over visible AI content after Pearl Abyss apologized on March 22, 2026 for undisclosed AI artwork in Crimson Desert. • Why it matters: South Korean studios have made generative AI standard in development while players continue to reject it in anything they can see, leaving publishers to use the technology extensively but quietly. • By the numbers: Generative AI was used by 70 percent of South Korean game companies in the fourth quarter of 2025, against a 32.1 percent average across all content sectors, according to the Korea Creative Content Agency, up from 41.7 percent in the first half of 2025. • The bigger picture: Disclosure has become a commercial risk as well as a legal duty. South Korea's Framework Act on Artificial Intelligence has required disclosure of AI-generated content since January 2026, Valve narrowed Steam's disclosure rules to cover only AI content players see or hear rather than development tools, and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism is drafting a separate bill to define how the rules apply to games. August 10, 2026 15: -
Culture ministry, YouTube pledge closer ties on Korean creator content SEOUL, August 10 (AJP) - Korea's culture ministry and YouTube agreed Monday to strengthen cooperation around Korean creators, signaling that short-form and creator-led video are being treated less as a side channel and more as a growing part of the country's content industry. Kim Young-soo, first vice minister of culture, sports and tourism, met with YouTube Vice President of Product Woojin Kim at the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Seoul to discuss ways to support YouTube's creator ecosystem and expand the global reach of Korean content, according to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. YouTube said Korean channels are already drawing a substantial overseas audience, with 30 percent of total watch time for Korean YouTube channels coming from outside South Korea. Kim Woojin said the platform has played a role in spreading K-content globally and will keep supporting Korean creators as they expand their influence in overseas markets and generate economic value. Kim Young-soo said YouTube has helped Korean creators work across different fields and introduce K-culture to global audiences, adding that the ministry hopes to continue active exchanges with the platform. The two sides also discussed policy direction for what the ministry calls "new media video content," including YouTube videos and short-form content, and agreed that the industry's continued growth requires a promotion-oriented approach that puts innovation and growth ahead of regulation. The framing matters because creator-led video has increasingly become part of how Korean music, food, beauty, travel and lifestyle content reaches viewers abroad, often outside the traditional broadcast or studio system. Rather than treating creators as separate from the mainstream content industry, the ministry's statement placed them within the broader K-content ecosystem, saying the two sides will strengthen communication and cooperation so the creator industry can grow as one axis of that ecosystem. The two sides also discussed the responsibility of major new media platforms to provide safe and appropriate content for all viewers, including minors. YouTube said it will continue efforts to meet that responsibility as a leading platform for new media video content, while the ministry asked for continued cooperation in supporting the sustainable development of the creator ecosystem. AJP Takeaway: ▲ South Korea’s culture ministry and YouTube agreed on Aug. 10 to deepen cooperation on Korean creators and new media video, positioning creator-led and short-form content as a growing part of the country’s K-content industry. ▲ About 30 percent of watch time for Korean YouTube channels comes from viewers outside South Korea, according to YouTube, underscoring the platform’s role in carrying Korean content to global audiences. ▲ The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism said policy for “new media video content,” including YouTube and short-form video, should prioritize innovation, growth and industry promotion rather than regulation alone. ▲ The talks also framed Korean creators as part of the broader K-content ecosystem, alongside music, food, beauty, travel and lifestyle content that increasingly reaches overseas audiences through digital platforms. ▲The ministry and YouTube also discussed platform responsibility for safe and appropriate content, including protections for minors, as part of efforts to support the creator industry’s sustainable growth. August 10, 2026 14: -
Police Consider Investigation into Allegations of Sexual Services for Referees by Korean Football Association The police are examining procedural violations in the appointment of former South Korean national football team coach Hong Myung-bo and are also considering investigating past allegations of sexual services provided to referees. However, they emphasize that they must first assess basic investigative requirements, including the statute of limitations, since the incidents occurred 15 years ago.According to a report from Yonhap News on August 10, a Seoul police official stated during a regular briefing that when asked about the possibility of investigating the sexual service allegations involving the football association, If we begin an investigation, we will consider it. We have not started yet.The official added, It seems necessary to review the prosecutorial requirements, but we have not confirmed the details yet. This suggests that they need to evaluate the basic conditions for criminal prosecution, including the statute of limitations, before proceeding with any investigation.A report from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, made public on August 7, revealed that the Korean Football Association provided sexual services to about ten foreign referees and supervisors during seven A matches and Olympic team games held in South Korea from March 2011 to March 2012. Payments were made using the associations corporate credit cards at massage parlors in Seouls Gangnam district, Changwon in Gyeongnam, and Ulsan, ranging from hundreds of thousands to over one million won.For the police to initiate a formal investigation, there are numerous factors to consider. Under current law, they may contemplate charges of breach of trust or violations of the law on the punishment of prostitution. However, the statute of limitations of over 15 years typically applies only to serious crimes. If the allegations are proven true, but the statute of limitations has expired, compulsory investigations based on potential penalties would not be possible.Currently, the police are focusing their investigation on the process of appointing former coach Hong Myung-bo. They are closely examining whether there was any undue interference in the decision-making structure of the football association, from the recommendation by the Strengthening Committee to the boards approval.A police official stated that they had conducted searches at the Football Association headquarters in Jongno, Seoul, and in Cheonan, South Chungcheong Province, on August 6, and that the materials obtained are significant. The Strengthening Committee recommends candidates, and the board makes decisions, so those documents are meaningful. We will assess the presence of any charges based on testimonies from related individuals, the official said.The police have summoned several figures from the football community who were part of the Strengthening Committee at the time and have also questioned Hong Myung-bo, who is under investigation, along with Lee Im-sang, the former technical director of the football association.Additionally, they have secured the mobile phone of former Football Association President Chung Mong-kyu. In response to allegations regarding the replacement of Chungs phone, the police emphasized, We will thoroughly investigate that aspect as well.* This article has been translated by AI. August 10, 2026 14:
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Police Raid Highlights Scandal Involving Sexual Services for Referees in South Korean Football The Korea Football Association is under scrutiny following a police raid related to allegations of misconduct in the hiring process of former national team coach Hong Myung-bo. The situation has intensified with revelations that the association provided sexual services to foreign referees in the past.A report from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, made public on August 7, revealed that from March 2011 to March 2012, the Korea Football Association offered sexual services to over 10 foreign referees and officials during seven A matches and Olympic team games held in South Korea.The referees came from various countries, including Japan, the United Arab Emirates, Iran, Bahrain, and Uzbekistan. Payments were made using the associations corporate credit cards at massage parlors in Seouls Gangnam district, Changwon, and Ulsan, ranging from hundreds of thousands to over one million won.During the seven matches officiated by these referees, the South Korean football team achieved five wins and two draws, remaining undefeated. This included victories in the final qualifiers for the 2012 London Olympics against Oman (2-0) and Qatar (0-0), as well as wins in the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Kuwait (2-0) and Honduras (4-0), and draws against Serbia (2-2) and Poland (1-1), along with a win against the Chinese Olympic team (1-0).However, it is unlikely that this scandal will lead to direct disciplinary action from FIFA, as the statute of limitations for general violations under FIFAs ethics code is limited to 5 to 10 years. Given that these events occurred nearly 15 years ago, retroactive application of penalties is structurally challenging.Nonetheless, the fallout is expected to damage the associations credibility both domestically and internationally. Foreign media outlets are closely covering the controversy surrounding the Korea Football Association.The Japanese football media outlet The World described the allegations of sexual services as actions that undermine the fairness and ethics of sports, warning that the issue could have repercussions not only for the Korea Football Association but for the entire international football community.Japanese-language AFP and other outlets expressed shock at the involvement of Japanese referees in the scandal.The police raid conducted on August 6 has also drawn significant attention from foreign media. Major outlets, including Reuters, the Associated Press, The Washington Post, and Al Jazeera, reported on the polices search of the Korea Football Association headquarters in Seoul and the Chungnam Football Center in Cheonan as part of the investigation into allegations of misconduct in Hongs hiring.The search warrant executed that day reportedly included charges of obstruction of business. This marks the first time police have conducted a forced investigation into the Korea Football Association regarding this matter.Global football media outlet Goal.com highlighted the core allegation of the Bakery Scandal, which involves an unauthorized individual offering the coaching position near the coachs home. Reports noted that the disappointing outcome of South Koreas elimination from the group stage of the 2026 North and Central America World Cup reignited public anger and revived an investigation that had stalled for over two years.AFP noted that the decision to bench Son Heung-min during the first half of the pivotal match against South Africa sparked outrage among fans, who jeered at Hong upon his return to the airport.Additionally, the Yomiuri Shimbun pointed out that questions about the transparency and fairness of the hiring process have arisen due to the connection between former Korea Football Association President Chung Mong-kyu and Hong, who graduated from the same university, especially following the criticism that erupted after the teams group stage exit from the North and Central America World Cup.* This article has been translated by AI. August 10, 2026 14:
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KB Financial Group Releases First 'Commercial District Revitalization Insights' A new data analysis model has emerged that assesses the competitiveness of local commercial districts not just by sales figures, but through the flow of consumption, population, and capital.On August 10, KB Financial Group announced the release of the 2026 KB Commercial District Revitalization Insights, which analyzes the growth factors and characteristics of major local commercial districts across the country. The analysis utilized the KB National Commercial District Revitalization Index, developed in collaboration with KB Kookmin Bank, KB Kookmin Card, and Korea Data Bank.This index combines approximately 25 data points, including financial assets, sales revenue, rental fees, and vacancy rates, to comprehensively analyze the sustainability, profitability, stability, attractiveness, and growth potential of commercial districts. It goes beyond merely comparing sales figures or foot traffic by also examining the interconnected structures among small business owners, customers, underlying demand, and external capital.For instance, areas like Jejus Yeondong and Gangneungs Gyodong demonstrated the potential for a hybrid commercial district that combines local residents consumption with tourist spending. Meanwhile, Jeonjus Gyeonggijeon Street, Yeosus Marine Park, and Daejeons Dunsan area exhibited characteristics of a capital transfer commercial district, where tourism, culture, and retail resources attract external visitors and spread consumption to surrounding businesses and areas.KB Financial anticipates that the KB National Commercial District Revitalization Index can serve as a data-driven forecasting system for local commercial districts. The plan is to develop it into a common data analysis model that supports policy formulation, management decisions for small businesses, and financial and private investments, rather than merely diagnosing the current state of commercial districts.A KB Financial representative stated, The vitality of local commercial districts is a driving force behind the growth of small businesses, local job creation, and the livelihood of residents. We will continue to provide insights necessary for strengthening the self-sustainability of local commercial districts and promoting balanced regional development based on financial data and analytical capabilities. August 10, 2026 10:
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Eugene Group's Eugene ENT Hosts Second EUCON to Promote K-Industry and K-Culture Eugene Groups Eugene ENT announced on August 10 that it will hold the second EUCON competition, aimed at supporting video content production and distribution while discovering new creators.The competition will focus on two themes that have garnered significant interest both domestically and internationally: K-Culture from an industrial and economic perspective and K-Industry.The K-Culture category invites video content that explores the expansion of Korean culture—encompassing music, drama, entertainment, webtoons, and food—into industries such as intellectual property (IP), tourism, performance, and commerce.The K-Industry category will spotlight video content that highlights how South Korean industries, including semiconductors, shipbuilding, defense, materials, components, and equipment, are gaining competitiveness and growing in the global market. Eugene ENT plans to select outstanding video content in both categories for production and distribution support.The application period runs from August 10 to September 4 at noon. Applicants must submit a proposal, script or outline, storyboard, production timeline, budget, and portfolio.Teams selected through external judging will begin production after signing an agreement, with a mid-term review scheduled for December. Final submissions are expected between January and February 2027. The submitted works will be evaluated for quality, technical specifications, and rights management, with plans to negotiate broadcasting on domestic and international channels and digital platforms starting in the first half of next year.The total production support fund amounts to 120 million won, with up to two teams selected to receive a maximum of 60 million won each, depending on their project plans and budgets.Seventy percent of the production funding will be disbursed upfront after the agreement is signed, with the remaining 30% provided after passing a mid-term review of the production process and rough cut. Producers must cover at least 10% of the total project cost themselves.EUCON is open to domestic production companies with capabilities in producing educational video content, as well as independent creators or production groups.Selected producers will be required to create one educational video of approximately 25 minutes in length during the agreement period and submit subtitle or dubbing files for international distribution.The final product must possess purposefulness and structure as educational content, with no restrictions on format, including documentaries and infographic-based knowledge videos.This years EUCON has expanded beyond simple production funding to include actual broadcasting and distribution of content. The production period will be approximately 5 to 6 months after selection and agreement signing, allowing creators to enhance the quality of their work. Support will also be provided for negotiations regarding broadcasting with both domestic and international networks.The competition encourages innovative attempts using generative AI during the production phase. A notable example is Jeonju Accident Ian Operation, produced with EUCON support in 2025 and aired on JTV Jeonju Broadcasting. AI technology can be utilized in various aspects of content production, including research, editing, graphics, subtitles, and dubbing, and points will be awarded during the judging process for plans or submissions related to AI utilization, such as trailers, demos, or pilot videos.A representative from Eugene ENT stated, EUCON is a project that supports both production and distribution to ensure that good ideas reach actual viewers. This year, we hope to discover excellent content that sheds new light on K-Industry and K-Culture from various perspectives, including industry, economy, technology, and society, as global interest continues to rise.They added, As educational content is a field with relatively challenging production conditions, it is important for creators to have sufficient time and resources to produce high-quality works. Eugene ENT will continue to support outstanding producers and small independent production companies in creating content and connecting with domestic and international audiences.* This article has been translated by AI. August 10, 2026 10:
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Jeju Air Sees Surge in Chinese Route Passengers Thanks to Visa-Free Policy Jeju Air has recently experienced a significant increase in passengers on its Chinese routes, driven by rising travel demand following the Korea-China visa-free policy. The airline is expanding its route capacity to meet this demand and is considering launching new routes by the end of the year.As of August 10, Jeju Air reported that it supplied over 494,300 seats on its Korea-China routes from January to July this year, a 26.8% increase compared to approximately 389,900 seats during the same period last year.During the same timeframe, the number of passengers reached over 427,300, marking a 37.4% rise from last years 311,000. The load factor improved from 79.8% last year to 86.4% this year, an increase of 6.6 percentage points.Jeju Air attributes the rapid recovery in travel demand to the visa-free policy between Korea and China, along with a growing preference for short overseas trips. The shift in travel patterns from group tours to individual and small group travel has also contributed positively, as travelers seek to enjoy local culture through culinary experiences and sightseeing.Notably, the increase in travelers from the 20s and 30s age groups has been pronounced. From January to July, over 158,500 passengers in this age group used the Chinese routes, accounting for 37.1% of total passengers. Popular routes among younger travelers included Busan to Shanghai (Pudong), Jeju to Beijing (Daxing), and Incheon to Qingdao, with load factors of 89.0%, 89.7%, and 93.5%, respectively.In response to the growing demand, Jeju Air is also considering expanding its Chinese routes. The airline plans to review the increase in flights and operations for routes from Busan to Guilin and Shanghai, Daegu to Shanghai, and Jeju to Chengdu and Chongqing, for which it received route allocations from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport in April.A Jeju Air official stated, We will enhance the competitiveness of our Chinese routes by flexibly operating based on travel demand from both Incheon and regional airports.As of August, Jeju Air operates 11 routes to China, including Incheon to Qingdao, Weihai, Yanji, Harbin, Jiamusi, Shijiazhuang, and Busan to Shanghai (Pudong), Shijiazhuang, Zhangjiajie, as well as Jeju to Beijing (Capital) and Beijing (Daxing).* This article has been translated by AI. August 10, 2026 09:
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NH Nonghyup Card Launches Premium VVIP Credit Card 'the Origins' NH Nonghyup Card has introduced a new premium credit card targeting high-net-worth individuals.On August 10, NH Nonghyup Card announced the launch of the Origins, a top-tier VVIP credit card. This card is the highest-rated product among NH Nonghyup Cards premium offerings.The card features unlimited rewards tailored for customers with high spending. Customers who meet a monthly spending requirement of 500,000 won will earn 1% in NH points for domestic transactions and 2% for international transactions.Travel and transportation services have also been enhanced. Customers who meet the monthly spending requirement can access premium chauffeur services for free up to four times a day, with a maximum of ten times per year. Additional benefits at the Martina Gold Lounge in Incheon International Airports Terminal 2 include advance room reservations and chefs special menus.A key benefit is the annual luxury voucher, which offers 19 options across five categories: hotels, golf, dining, spa, and culture.In the first year, customers can apply for the voucher upon paying the annual fee. From the second year onward, they must meet a combined spending threshold of 20 million won from the previous and current year to qualify.The card also incorporates the Mastercard World Elite service, the highest tier of Mastercard available in South Korea. This provides 24-hour concierge services and additional perks such as airport and hotel valet parking.An NH Nonghyup Card representative stated, We will continue to offer differentiated benefits and high-quality services that meet the expectations of South Koreas top VVIP customers. August 10, 2026 09:
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Editorial: Korea's football association scandal crosses the line The controversy surrounding the Korea Football Association has moved from damaging to deeply troubling. After disputes over the selection of the national team coach and the unprecedented police raid on the association, allegations have now emerged that foreign referees and match officials were provided sexual services around international matches in South Korea. According to reports citing a 2016 audit by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, around 10 foreign referees and match supervisors were taken to massage parlors before or after seven matches held in South Korea in 2011 and 2012, with some of the expenses allegedly paid using KFA corporate credit cards. Japan’s Kyodo News reported Sunday that the Japan Football Association has opened an investigation into four Japanese referees linked to the allegations and intends to make its findings public. Two of the four Japanese officials who worked a 2012 World Cup Asian qualifier between South Korea and Kuwait were reportedly among those who received massages. South Korea won the match 2-0 to advance to the final qualifying round. That result, and South Korea’s broader record of five wins and two draws in the seven matches concerned, inevitably invite questions. But those numbers alone do not constitute evidence that any match was manipulated or that refereeing decisions were influenced. There is, at present, no established basis for making such a claim. The central problem is not whether South Korea won those games because of improper officiating. It is that an organization responsible for protecting the integrity of football allegedly placed referees and match officials in situations that compromised — or at the very least appeared to compromise — their independence. Referees are among the people entrusted with guaranteeing that a match is fair. Providing them with inappropriate entertainment is therefore fundamentally different from ordinary corporate hospitality. Even if no decision on the field was affected, the conduct itself creates a conflict that should never have existed. And once that line is crossed, legitimate victories and properly conducted matches become vulnerable to suspicion through no fault of the players who earned them. The KFA issued an apology on Aug. 8, saying it had not been aware of the incidents, which occurred more than a decade ago, and stressing that tighter internal controls and corporate-card rules are now in place. It is important to explain what has changed. But saying the events happened long ago cannot be the end of the matter. The association must establish who arranged the entertainment, who authorized or knew about the spending, how corporate cards came to be used and whether anyone inside the organization raised objections at the time. If records remain available, they should be examined and disclosed as far as legally possible. The KFA’s credibility is particularly fragile because this is not an isolated controversy. Questions over the fairness and transparency of the national team coach selection process have already damaged confidence in the association and led to a police search. The alleged referee entertainment occurred years earlier and is separate in both timing and substance, but repeated controversies inevitably raise broader questions about governance and internal controls. That is why the response cannot stop with another apology. The KFA runs South Korea’s national teams and represents Korean football abroad. It demands discipline, fair play and compliance from players, coaches and referees. An institution with that role should hold itself to an even higher standard. If the body responsible for protecting fairness is itself accused of behavior that undermines confidence in that fairness, expressions of regret will not restore trust. The association should conduct a full review of the episode and accept independent scrutiny if its own investigation cannot establish the facts credibly. Corporate-card records, policies governing the treatment of international match officials and the organizational chain of responsibility should be examined. Japan’s decision to investigate its own referees makes transparency even more important. What might once have been treated as an old internal embarrassment has become an international integrity issue involving another national football association. The KFA does not need more carefully worded explanations. It needs facts. Those facts should determine whether rules were broken, who was responsible and what accountability is still possible after so many years. Trust in Korean football is not built only through victories on the pitch. It also depends on whether the institution running the game can demonstrate that the rules and standards it demands from everyone else apply equally to itself. August 10, 2026 09: