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Kim Hye-kyung: Rapa Nui Sculpture Resembles Korean Jangseung Kim Hye-kyung visited the Pre-Columbian Art Museum in Santiago on July 30, local time, with Chilean First Lady María Pia Adriasola to explore Chilean cultural heritage.According to a written briefing from Deputy Spokesperson Ahn Gyu-ryeong, the two women discussed the commonalities between their cultures, broadening their understanding of history and tradition. After the visit, Kim remarked, It felt like a special time, as if I had traveled back 3,000 years. The Pre-Columbian Art Museum, which opened in 1981, houses around 10,000 artifacts from pre-Columbian cultures across Latin America, including the Mapuche and Rapa Nui, as well as Inca, Maya, and Aztec civilizations.Kim expressed her gratitude for being invited to a museum that is not only significant in Chilean history but also showcases prehistoric and ancient cultures from across Latin America.Adriasola responded, I am happy to visit one of my favorite places with you. It is meaningful to introduce the culture and artistry of Indigenous Americans through artifacts of historical value and beauty. The two women then visited the museums main permanent exhibition, Chile Before Chile, where they examined the lives and cultures of various Indigenous communities before the formation of modern Chile.Kim viewed the Chinchorro mummies, known as the oldest artificial mummies in the world, and wooden sculptures from the Mapuche, the largest Indigenous group in Chile. She noted, The artifacts not only possess outstanding artistic quality but also reflect a worldview that respects nature and community, which is very impressive. In front of the Rapa Nui wooden sculptures, the topic of Koreas jangseung arose. After hearing that these sculptures represent the spirits of ancestors and spiritual beings, Kim remarked, In Korea, we also have jangseung that serve as guardian deities at village entrances, and they seem to have similar eyes and expressions. Kim also examined turbans, hats, and helmets used by Indigenous people to protect themselves from the harsh climate of the Atacama Desert, stating, They seem beautiful and well-preserved enough to sell today. Adriasola explained, We are continuously working to systematically preserve and exhibit cultural heritage to pass it on to future generations. The two then moved to the Central Andes exhibition, where they viewed traditional musical instruments such as flutes, trumpets, drums, and metal bells. Adriasola played audio recordings on her phone to introduce the sounds of each instrument.While examining metal crafts from the Moche culture, Kim asked, It looks similar to the materials used in Korean mother-of-pearl inlay; is it seashell? Adriasola confirmed that it was indeed seashell, and they discussed the similarities in the craft cultures of their countries.After exploring the textile arts of Andean civilization, Kim remarked, It is hard to believe these works were made thousands of years ago; they are so delicate and beautiful. I could feel the high cultural level and creativity of that civilization. She added, It seems that Korea and Chile share common values in preserving their long histories and cultures and passing them on to future generations. Adriasola expressed her hope that Kim would visit Chile again and return to the museum.As they left the museum, children and tourists greeted the two women. Adriasola introduced Kim as a guest from Korea, and Kim warmly greeted the citizens.Deputy Spokesperson Ahn stated, This visit served as an opportunity for Korea and Chile to understand and empathize with each others history and traditions, reaffirming both countries commitment to expanding cultural exchanges and cooperation. * This article has been translated by AI. July 31, 2026 05:08 -
President Yoon Seok-youl: Chile and South Korea as True 'Amigos' Working Together for Shared Prosperity President Yoon Seok-youl stated on July 30 that he hopes South Korea and Chile can join hands as true friends, or amigos, to create a better future for both nations.Following a summit with Chilean President José Antonio Kast in Santiago, Yoon emphasized that South Korea and Chile share a special and valuable history as long-time allies and neighbors facing the Pacific. The two countries agreed to reactivate the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) committee for the first time in a decade and to expand cooperation in key mineral supply chains, infrastructure, defense, maritime security, Antarctic research, and cultural exchanges.Yoon noted that Chile was the first South American country to recognize South Korea in 1949 and became its first FTA partner in 2004. He highlighted that trade between the two nations has quadrupled in the past 20 years since the FTA was established. He also mentioned plans to enhance cooperation in lithium and copper supply chains based on a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on mineral resources, and expressed support for the Chacao Bridge, a landmark project led by a consortium headed by Hyundai Engineering & Construction. Yoon invited President Kast and his wife to visit South Korea soon.Below is the full text of President Yoons joint press statement with President Kast.Esteemed President Kast,And the people of Chile,I sincerely thank you for the warm welcome extended to me and our delegation.As the President of South Korea, I am very pleased to visit Chile again after 11 years.Although South Korea and Chile are geographically distant, we are long-time allies with a special and valuable history, and we are neighbors facing the Pacific.In 1949, Chile was the first South American country to recognize South Korea. In 2004, South Korea chose Chile as its first FTA partner. Since the FTA was signed, trade between our two countries has quadrupled in 20 years, proving that our strategic choices were correct.Since establishing diplomatic relations in 1962, South Korea and Chile have expanded cooperation in various fields, including trade, investment, minerals, infrastructure, Antarctic research, and culture, based on our complementary strengths. We have also closely collaborated on the international stage, grounded in shared values such as democracy.During our meeting today, President Kast and I reaffirmed our joint commitment to further strengthen our bilateral relationship and discussed specific cooperation measures.I would like to highlight the key outcomes of our discussions today.First, we agreed to further expand trade and investment cooperation for mutual growth.To this end, we will reactivate the Korea-Chile FTA committee for the first time in a decade to review trade and investment issues and discuss ways to enhance our trade relations, including improvements to the FTA.Based on the Investment Cooperation MOU signed today, we will actively support efforts to discover investment opportunities and exchanges in strategic sectors such as key minerals and energy.We also exchanged in-depth views on cooperation in major economic frameworks such as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), the Pacific Alliance (PA), and the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement (DEPA).Second, we agreed to actively pursue mutually beneficial and forward-looking cooperation in strategic areas such as key mineral supply chains, infrastructure, public safety, and defense industries.As the worlds top producer of copper and lithium, Chile is clearly a natural and ideal partner for South Korea, a leader in advanced industries such as semiconductors and batteries, in building key mineral supply chains.We will expand the scope of our cooperation based on the Mineral Resources Partnership MOU to cover the entire mineral supply chain and enhance specific cooperation in information exchange, technology collaboration, and human exchanges.South Korean companies have actively contributed to infrastructure development in Chile over the past 20 years, and they are currently constructing the Chacao Bridge, the largest national project in Chile and the first four-lane suspension bridge in South America.Both leaders agreed to ensure the smooth progress of the Chacao Bridge construction, establishing it as a landmark project of our cooperation while also benefiting the daily lives and economic activities of the Chilean people through government-level support and active collaboration.We share the understanding that the primary responsibility of our nations is to protect the lives and safety of our citizens, and we agreed to expand cooperation between our police and coast guard authorities to combat transnational crime and eliminate illegal maritime activities.Furthermore, we recognized the importance of establishing a solid foundation for deepening cooperation in defense and shipbuilding and agreed to continue discussions on this matter.Third, we agreed to further expand scientific and technological cooperation and human and cultural exchanges between our two countries.We have explored Antarctica together, a shared heritage of humanity. We have also conducted astronomical research while observing the universe from the Atacama Desert in northern Chile.I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to Chile for its active support of South Koreas Antarctic base activities. I look forward to continued active and sustained cooperation from Chile to ensure the safety of our researchers.We agreed that it is important to strengthen human and cultural exchanges, which form a solid foundation for Korea-Chile relations, and we will double our efforts in this regard.Recently, there has been a growing interest in Korean culture in Chile, with K-Pop, K-dramas, and high-quality, competitive K-food and K-beauty becoming trends.We will continue to expand government-level support to enhance the Chilean peoples interest in our culture, which can foster cultural intimacy and further activate exchanges between our two countries.Finally, we agreed to closely cooperate for peace, stability, and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula and in the international community.During our meeting today, I requested Chiles unwavering support for resolving the North Korean nuclear issue and establishing peace on the Korean Peninsula.President Kast expressed his commitment to work together for peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.We also agreed to closely cooperate for the successful hosting of the 4th United Nations Ocean Conference in 2028 and the 2032 APEC Summit in Chile.In particular, the 4th United Nations Ocean Conference, which our two countries will co-host, will be a very important venue for gathering international consensus on marine governance, including the conservation and sustainable use of marine environments and resources.Distinguished guests,I hope that South Korea and Chile can join hands as true friends, amigos, to create a better future for both nations.Once again, I thank you on behalf of the people of South Korea for your warm hospitality. I hope that esteemed President Kast and our First Lady will visit South Korea soon, and I look forward to seeing you again in Korea, where we can extend similar hospitality.Let us work together for the shared prosperity of South Korea and Chile and for our everlasting friendship.Thank you. Muchas Gracias!* This article has been translated by AI. July 31, 2026 03:08
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Korean Companies Expand in Mongolia's Mining and Tourism Sectors As Mongolia rises as an alternative source for strategic minerals, competition among global resource development companies for local mining exploration and development intensifies. The infrastructure built for mineral transport has lowered barriers to accessing tourist sites, solidifying a national virtuous cycle of growth in both the mining and tourism sectors.Mongolias mining industry has a history spanning over a century, with foreign companies mining gold and entering profit-sharing agreements with the Mongolian government since the 1920s. From the 1930s to the 1990s, geological surveys were conducted across the country in collaboration with the former Soviet Union. Today, Mongolia is modernizing its mining sector by adopting international standards. Currently, only about 5% of the country has been explored, with actual mining occurring in just 0.05%, indicating vast development potential. Mining is regarded as a key industry and the primary driver of economic growth by the Mongolian people.Recognizing this potential, South Korean resource development companies are moving beyond importing resources to directly engage in mining exploration and infrastructure development in partnership with local firms and capital, accelerating their efforts to secure control.◆ Bayannur Deposit Confirmed; Bolor Geo Accelerates Detailed ExplorationOne prominent South Korean company is Bolor Geo, which operates a local subsidiary and an office in Seoul. Bolor Geo is a foreign-invested limited liability company officially registered with the Mongolian government, having secured exclusive exploration rights for a quartz and gold deposit covering approximately 20 million pyeong (about 6,481 hectares) near Bayannur. Recently, the company passed the environmental impact assessment, a crucial requirement for exploration permits in Mongolia, and has begun resource development in partnership with ALS, the worlds largest international mineral testing and certification organization, and Switzerlands SGS. They are also preparing to issue a JORC-compliant report for economic feasibility assessment.The Bayannur deposit has distinct advantages in terms of economic viability. While infrastructure is lacking outside the capital, Ulaanbaatar, Bolor Geos site is located about 190 kilometers west of the capital, reachable by car within 1.5 hours. A village with 120 households resides near the mine, providing basic infrastructure such as electricity and water. Notably, quartz veins, which serve as a raw material for semiconductors, are visibly exposed at the surface, suggesting high mining efficiency.This area is reported to contain various high-value strategic minerals for advanced industries, including high-purity silicon for semiconductors, lithium (pegmatite) for electric vehicles and batteries, tungsten for aerospace applications, and rare earth elements. Additionally, it is believed to have abundant mica, used in cosmetics and electrical products, as well as gold.Choi Byung-ho, Vice President of Bolor Geo, stated, Before analyzing samples, we reviewed reports from Russia and the Mongolian government, as well as documents from Chinese institutions and SGS for several months before commencing development. We have sent 1,200 ore samples to ALS and have received some preliminary results indicating potential for lithium, tungsten, and quartz, as well as rare earth deposits. We believe we can successfully develop strategic minerals through collaboration with internationally recognized institutions.◆ Overcoming Local Conflicts with Tailored Community ProgramsThe biggest barrier for foreign investment companies in Mongolian mining development is conflict with local residents, often citing environmental protection concerns. In fact, Bolor Geo is the first company to overcome local opposition and proceed with development among five exploration rights in Bayannur.Bolor Geo addressed this challenge through a tailored community engagement program (ESG). Before commencing development, the company donated funds and blueprints for establishing a kindergarten in the area and employed local residents as on-site workers. They also signed water usage contracts with local residents who own wells and purchased food supplies at local market prices, contributing to the local economy.Local authorities are optimistic about increased tax revenue and infrastructure expansion. In Mongolia, 30% of taxes paid during mining development are allocated to the local budget. A government official noted, The annual budget for Bayannur is limited, and relying solely on government funding has its limits, so there are high expectations for Bolor Geos development. Thanks to donations for local residents even before development began, the bond between the community and Bolor Geo has deepened. This could set a positive precedent for collaboration between foreign investment companies and Mongolian residents.◆ Mining Development Opens Doors to Remote TourismThis trend in mining development is closely linked to the explosive growth of Mongolias tourism industry. In the past, the development of foreign-invested mines, such as the Oyu Tolgoi copper mine, has led to significant expansion of infrastructure, including airports, hotels, and restaurants in the region. The roads and transportation networks established by mining capital have opened up access to previously hard-to-reach natural landscapes, creating a path for tourists and lowering the barriers to remote tourism.Indeed, Mongolias tourism industry is experiencing rapid growth, bolstered by these infrastructure improvements. According to government statistics, 292,063 foreign tourists visited in the first five months of this year. As of July 1, the cumulative number of arrivals reached 418,732, marking an approximately 19.8% increase compared to the same period last year. This indicates Mongolias emergence as a key destination for adventure and eco-tourism.To sustain the growth of the tourism industry, the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism is focusing on improving service quality across the sector in collaboration with its affiliated agencies. The strategy includes enhancing road networks and airport capacity, as well as raising standards for accommodation, hospitality, and tourism services to increase visitor satisfaction and encourage repeat visits.* This article has been translated by AI. July 31, 2026 00:04
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Hong Myung-bo Calls on Young Footballers to Drive Change in KFA Hong Myung-bo, the former head coach of the South Korean national football team, urged young footballers who have criticized the Korea Football Association (KFA) through platforms like YouTube to take action and drive change from within.On July 30, Hong appeared as a witness at a hearing held by the National Assemblys Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee regarding issues related to the KFA. The hearing lasted approximately 12 hours and included questions from lawmakers about the cartel and organizational culture controversies raised by former national team players through external media.During the hearing, ruling party lawmaker Jo Eun-hee referenced comments from former national team goalkeeper Kim Young-kwang, who stated, Many issues have been covered up due to the culture of connections and seniority, and from Lee Chun-soo, who said, We need to remove the five influential figures who control the KFA. Changing the president alone will not change the KFA. She asked for Hongs perspective on these statements.In response, Hong emphasized the need for the KFA to accept external criticism. He stated, The KFA should not take such voices lightly. Those individuals have worked within the KFA and likely understand what the problems are.Hong also acknowledged that reforming the KFAs organizational culture is a challenging task. He remarked, I dont believe that it can be changed by just one person doing well. It is a structure that will not change easily unless all footballers work together and put in the effort to change it.However, he stressed that addressing these issues requires more than just external criticism; it necessitates a commitment to change from within the KFA and the football community. He said, If you know the problems, you should come into the field and create a structure where you can work to change things. It is indeed a difficult task, but I hope that young people will come in and help change the challenging aspects.He added, It is good to play a positive role from the outside, to speak out, and to provide constructive criticism. But once they realize how difficult the reality is from within, they may feel a sense of responsibility and be able to drive more change themselves. The people who are struggling in Korean football are the coaches who are working hard on the ground, enduring sweat and dust.* This article has been translated by AI. July 31, 2026 00:04
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Jung Mong-kyu Faces Controversy Over Text Messages During National Assembly Hearing Jung Mong-kyu, former president of the Korea Football Association, is facing scrutiny after text messages exchanged with a ruling party lawmaker were revealed during a National Assembly hearing. The Jung Sunbae mentioned in the messages has been identified as Jeong Jin-seok, a former chief of staff to the president.On July 30, during a hearing held by the National Assemblys Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee to examine issues surrounding the Korea Football Association, a screen displaying the text message conversation between Jung and ruling party lawmaker Yoon Yong-geun was captured by media cameras.According to the Seoul Shinmun, Yoon sent a message to Jung during the hearing stating, Hello, this is Yoon Yong-geun from the People Power Party. I received a call from Jung Sunbae yesterday. I should have been more considerate... I apologize. Jung replied, Thank you for your consideration. I will greet you in another setting.Following the report, opposition lawmakers quickly raised concerns. Lee Jae-jung, a member of the committee, asked Jung, Did you contact committee members for lobbying purposes while preparing for the hearing? Were you trying to establish connections through various channels since you couldnt reach them directly?When questioned about the identity of Jung Sunbae, Jung avoided giving a specific answer, stating, Its a matter of privacy. Do I have an obligation to disclose this? He is just someone who is currently not active.However, when Democratic Party lawmaker Noh Jong-myeon pressed him, asking if Jung Sunbae was indeed Jeong Jin-seok, Jung confirmed the connection, noting that both he and Jeong are alumni of Korea University.Jung explained, We share the same department, but he is my senior by year. We dont meet often.As the controversy grew, both Yoon and Jung issued clarifications.During the hearing, Yoon stated, In fact, I had a personal relationship with him, and I sent a message saying, I cannot be considerate, and I apologize. There was no exchange beyond that. I dont understand why this is an issue in the hearing.Jung also described the situation as a misunderstanding during the preparation for the hearing. He said, I did not consider that asking what they were curious about could lead to significant disappointment for the public. If that is the case, I sincerely apologize. I assure you that I did not request any special favors or conveniences related to the hearing.* This article has been translated by AI. July 30, 2026 22:24
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Gwangmyeong Mayor Shin Gye-yong Highlights Youth Festival as Key Cultural Event Gwangmyeong Mayor Shin Gye-yong emphasized on July 29 that the Gwangmyeong Youth Festival is becoming a representative cultural event for the region, driven by the participation and ideas of local youth. On this day, Mayor Shin announced the launch of the Third Gwangmyeong Youth Festival Planning Group during a ceremony at the youth space, Flying Zone, marking the beginning of their activities. The mayor is accelerating efforts to create a city where young people can thrive by expanding participatory youth policies that allow them to plan and operate local festivals. The new planning group consists of nine local youths selected through an open recruitment process in May. They will be involved in all aspects of the upcoming 5th Gwangmyeong Youth Festival, scheduled for October 3, including planning, promotion, and operations. This initiative aligns with Mayor Shins vision of positioning youth not just as beneficiaries of policies but as active contributors to policy-making and local culture. During the ceremony, participants received their appointment letters and discussed the festivals operational direction and roles, as well as various ideas from the youth. Notably, the second planning group, which operated last year, successfully laid the groundwork for a youth-led festival through effective program planning, on-site management, and promotion. This year, the third planning group aims to focus on developing enhanced content and citizen participation programs. Before the festival, the planning group will conduct expert training, workshops, benchmark successful festivals from other municipalities, and create promotional content to ensure a festival that is collaboratively built by youth and citizens. Since taking office, Mayor Shin has consistently pursued various youth policies, including the establishment of youth spaces, expanding youth participation, and developing youth policies, to create a foundation for young people to become key players in local development. The operation of this youth festival planning group is also being recognized as a prime example of effectively expanding youth participation in policy-making. Gwangmyeong citizens have responded positively to the approach of having youth directly create local events. One citizen remarked, If young people are generating ideas and running the festival, it will be much more innovative and enjoyable for the community. Another citizen noted, Mayor Shins ongoing efforts to actively incorporate youth opinions into governance are commendable. I hope Gwangmyeong evolves into a cultural city where young people want to stay and where all citizens can participate together. Local youth expressed optimism, stating, Opportunities for youth to directly create policies and festivals are increasing beyond administrative boundaries. We hope to see more diverse youth participation policies in the future. Meanwhile, Mayor Shin Gye-yong added, I will actively support the 5th festival to ensure it becomes a meaningful event where both youth and citizens can enjoy and communicate together.* This article has been translated by AI. July 30, 2026 19:16
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K-pop trains idols for debut, but not for what comes after SEOUL, July 30 (AJP) - If surviving South Korea's fiercely competitive education system seems difficult, try becoming a K-pop trainee. "Once school ends, you go straight to the practice room," one trainee recalled. "There's no time to see friends or even grab something to eat together." For thousands of teenagers, that routine is the price of pursuing one of the country's biggest dreams. K-pop has built one of the world's most sophisticated talent factories. It knows how to train young performers to sing, dance and captivate audiences before millions of fans around the world. What it has been far less successful at is preparing them for the outcome most trainees ultimately face: never making their debut. That imbalance is becoming increasingly visible as entertainment agencies pour more money into developing globally competitive acts while the number of trainees narrows. According to the latest nationwide figures cited in a doctoral dissertation by Clon member Kang Won-rae, the number of registered trainees in South Korea's popular-culture industry fell from 1,895 in 2020 to 1,170 in 2022. Of those, 752 — or 64.3 percent — were training to become singers. The figures do not show whether the decline continued after 2022. They do, however, suggest that the formal trainee pool was shrinking even as K-pop expanded into a truly global business. The financial rewards for those who succeed have rarely been larger. HYBE reported record second-quarter revenue of 1.45 trillion won ($1.04 billion) and operating profit of 170.9 billion won in 2026, buoyed by BTS's long-awaited return. Concert revenue surged 630 percent from the previous quarter to 647.7 billion won. BTS's album ARIRANG topped the Billboard 200 for three consecutive weeks, while its lead single SWIM remained on the Billboard Hot 100 for 17 weeks. HYBE's newer group CORTIS also surpassed three million cumulative album sales with its second EP and debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200. Those results demonstrate what the trainee system can produce. Kang's research asks a different question: what happens to the far larger number of trainees who never reach the stage? Drawing on interviews with nine current or former trainees and three industry professionals, Kang explores the realities of education, health care, personal autonomy and career preparation inside South Korea's trainee system. The sample is too small to represent the entire industry, a limitation acknowledged in the dissertation, but the interviews provide an unusually detailed glimpse into a world that largely operates behind closed doors. One trainee described entering the system convinced that success was simply a matter of working harder. "Everyone wants to become BTS or BLACKPINK," the participant said. "But only a small number of trainees debut. There needs to be a safety net for those who succeed and those who do not." Built to debut The modern trainee system emerged during the 1990s as entertainment companies began recruiting teenagers years before their public debut. The success of H.O.T. established the blueprint of carefully selecting members, refining their vocal and dance skills and launching them as a coordinated group. BoA later demonstrated how foreign-language instruction and cultural education could prepare artists for overseas markets. Over time, casting, training, music production, image management and marketing evolved into an integrated company-led development process. A 2021 study by Chung-Ang University researcher Lee Ye-il described South Korea's approach as producing "full-fledged" idols expected to perform at a professional level from their first appearance. Japan's idol industry, by contrast, has traditionally emphasized performers whose growth unfolds in public after debut. That distinction helps explain why Korean idols are often admired for their polish. Trainees can spend years studying singing, dancing, acting, foreign languages, fitness, communication and media skills before audiences ever see them. Yet while the goal is standardized, the path is not. One participant recalled spending long days inside an agency with little structured instruction. "It was basically, 'Show up at one in the afternoon, leave at eleven at night, and figure it out yourself,'" the trainee said. "I expected manuals and teachers. That wasn't what happened." The system has become remarkably efficient at preparing performers for debut. The quality of training and support they receive before reaching that point, however, varies widely from one agency to another. Where artist training and education diverge Many trainees enter agencies while still attending middle or high school. Kang's interviews found that balancing education with training often proved difficult. Some participants regularly arrived late to class or left school early. Others became isolated from classmates or were simply too exhausted to participate in school life. Several interviewees said the uncertainty surrounding debut was harder than the demanding schedule itself. Trainees rarely know when — or whether — they will debut, how long they will remain under evaluation or what will happen if they are released. Some agencies help trainees attend arts schools, enroll in online classes or prepare for South Korea's high-school equivalency examination. Such support, however, depends largely on individual company policies. Career preparation for trainees who fail to debut is even less developed. That exposes a structural weakness in the current model. K-pop's trainee system excels at preparing teenagers for one highly competitive career. It provides far less preparation for the career most trainees will ultimately need — the one after they leave the agency. Years spent training may leave former trainees outside conventional education pathways while providing no formal qualification recognizing the skills they acquired. Health and autonomy Education is only where the imbalance begins. Participants described severe dieting, nutritional deficiencies and menstrual irregularities among female trainees. One interviewee said disrupted menstrual cycles were common and that agencies remained primarily focused on maintaining a particular appearance. Others reported anxiety, panic attacks, depressive symptoms and breathing difficulties under the pressure of constant evaluations. The interviews cannot establish how widespread such experiences are across the industry. They do, however, illustrate how intense performance expectations can conflict with adolescent physical and mental health. Access to counseling also varied significantly. While larger companies often offered psychological support, several participants questioned whether seeking help might influence future evaluations. Interviewees also described restrictions on mobile-phone use, social media and personal relationships. Some reported having messages monitored, while others said they experienced pressure regarding cosmetic procedures. Questions over fairness surfaced repeatedly. One trainee pointed to Mnet's Produce series. "If I don't make it because someone else is better, I can accept that," the trainee said. "What hurts is thinking the result may already have been decided while everyone is told it's a fair competition." That concern is not without precedent. South Korean courts later confirmed that producers manipulated the final lineups in two seasons of the Produce franchise regardless of audience votes. Agencies, however, also face commercial realities. Industry participants interviewed by Kang estimated that training costs can reach roughly 15 million won per trainee each year and exceed 200 million won to prepare a five-member group over three years. From the company's perspective, every trainee represents a significant investment with no guarantee of financial return. That creates a structural contradiction. Trainees are simultaneously students, audition participants and commercial investments. Yet legally they fall neatly into none of those categories. South Korean labor authorities have generally regarded entertainers as parties to specialized contracts rather than employees protected under labor law, leaving trainees in particular without clearly defined legal status. Establishing a common floor The government has begun strengthening protections. On Jan. 1, 2026, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism introduced revised standard contracts for trainees and minor entertainers following amendments to the Popular Culture and Arts Industry Development Act. The revisions prohibit specific misconduct toward minors, require agencies to appoint youth-protection officers from the beginning of every contract and make access to mental-health treatment easier by removing the previous requirement that depressive symptoms be deemed "severe." The reforms establish a stronger legal framework. Whether they transform trainees' daily experiences, however, will depend largely on how individual agencies implement them. Kang proposes four additional reforms: requiring agencies to establish internal education policies for minors, introducing income-protection measures modeled on California's Coogan Law, making career education and health examinations mandatory parts of trainee contracts, and creating an independent entertainment-industry ombudsman to investigate complaints before problems escalate. K-pop's weakness has never been a lack of training. Its blind spot is that the industry has invested farmore systematically in creating stars than in protecting the young people trying to become them. The next stage of K-pop's global evolution, therefore, may have less to do with producing better performers than with building a system that values education, health care and life after training as essential parts of artist development itself. Until then, South Korea's trainee system will remain exceptionally good at preparing a handful of teenagers for the spotlight — and far less prepared for the many whose dreams end before the curtain ever rises. July 30, 2026 17:46 -
Chinese Mathematician Wang Hong Wins Prestigious Fields Medal Wang Hong, a 35-year-old professor at the Institut des Hautes Études Scientifiques in France, has become the first Chinese recipient of the Fields Medal, often referred to as the Nobel Prize of Mathematics. His life story has resonated deeply within Chinese society.According to local media reports on July 30, the Guangxi Daily, the official newspaper of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, sold out its July 25 edition, which featured Wangs story on the front page.Speculators resold copies of the newspaper, originally priced at 1.35 yuan, for as much as 99 yuan. In response to a surge in inquiries about purchasing the newspaper, Guangxi Daily printed additional copies and began selling them online on July 28, limiting purchases to three copies per person. However, the influx of buyers temporarily overwhelmed the system.While specific sales figures were not disclosed, the print run was approximately 250,000 copies. Chinese netizens expressed great interest in the article, dubbing it a modern-day Luoyang paper.The article titled Wangs Conjecture has been praised for its simplicity and significance, with comments highlighting its powerful title that transcends gender stereotypes. Wang refers to Wang Hongs surname and symbolizes his status in the mathematical community, while conjecture alludes to his research achievements and metaphorically represents his journey of pursuing dreams amid self-doubt.Furthermore, the article focuses on Wangs academic journey and growth, avoiding framing him as a country girl based on his background or gender.Through interviews with Wangs hometown residents, teachers, and acquaintances, the article traces his path from a small village in Guilin, Guangxi, to a world-class research institution. It recounts anecdotes, including how Wangs father sacrificed career advancement for his childrens education and an experience during middle school when he faced criticism for being a girl who asked too many questions.Guangxi Daily noted on its official Weibo account that the articles popularity stems not only from Wangs prestigious award but also from its portrayal of a genuine life that took a little longer and a little more time to reach the finish line.The publics interest in Wang extends beyond the article. A recently released video of his acceptance speech for the Fields Medal has resonated with many young people in China.In the video, he reflected on his undergraduate years at Peking University, admitting he felt discouraged, which sparked discussions about the culture of meritocracy in Chinese education.The Chinese media outlet Takan, which focuses on social issues and womens rights, remarked on July 27 that Wang Hong is emerging as a new role model for Chinese youth. Takan noted that his use of the word discouraged accurately names the pain many young Chinese have felt but struggled to articulate.Indeed, social media platforms like Weibo and Xiaohongshu have seen a flood of posts criticizing Chinas meritocratic system. Many expressed that poor academic performance leads to a denial of their existence, with teachers publicly belittling students and professors criticized for prioritizing selection over teaching. Wangs admission of feeling discouraged has prompted many exhausted Chinese youth, caught in relentless competition, to reflect on their own anxieties and frustrations. July 30, 2026 17:28
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NH Nonghyup Financial Expands Financial Support for Safe Management in SMEs NH Nonghyup Financial Group is taking steps to establish a model for environmental, social, and governance (ESG) collaboration focused on workplace safety.On July 30, NH Nonghyup Financial announced that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency to enhance support for industrial safety in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).This agreement aims to align with the governments comprehensive workplace safety measures.The two organizations plan to create a public-private partnership support system that fosters a virtuous cycle from corporate safety management investments to tangible economic benefits and the internalization of ESG management.The agency will be responsible for identifying exemplary companies engaged in safety management activities.NH Nonghyup Financial will offer preferential loan products to those companies recommended by the agency for their outstanding safety management practices.Additionally, both organizations plan to collaborate to address safety blind spots in agricultural sites and food businesses, which are relatively vulnerable to disasters.Lee Chan-woo, Chairman of NH Nonghyup Financial, stated, This agreement will not only support the industrial safety system in our society but also serve as a catalyst for enhancing the ESG capabilities of SMEs. We will contribute to fostering a culture where industrial safety becomes a core competitive advantage for businesses.* This article has been translated by AI. July 30, 2026 17:04
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NH Nonghyup and Kakao Bank Expand Financial Support for SMEs and Small Businesses Financial institutions are stepping up support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and small businesses through public-private partnerships.NH Nonghyup Financial Group announced on July 30 that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency to enhance support for industrial safety in SMEs and mid-sized companies.This agreement aims to align with the governments comprehensive workplace safety measures. The two organizations plan to establish a public-private support system that fosters a virtuous cycle from investment in safety management to tangible economic benefits and the internalization of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) management.The agency will identify exemplary companies engaged in safety management activities. NH Nonghyup will offer preferential loan products to these recommended companies. Additionally, both organizations plan to collaborate to address safety blind spots in agricultural fields and food businesses that are relatively vulnerable to disasters.Lee Chan-woo, Chairman of NH Nonghyup Financial Group, stated, This agreement will not only support the industrial safety system in our society but also serve as a catalyst for enhancing the ESG capabilities of SMEs and mid-sized companies. We will contribute to creating a culture where industrial safety becomes a core competitive advantage for businesses.Kakao Bank is also expanding its co-prosperity finance initiatives. The company has decided to increase financial support for small businesses in six districts, including Mapo, Seocho, Seongbuk, Songpa, Yangcheon, and Eunpyeong, in collaboration with the Seoul Credit Guarantee Foundation.Kakao Bank will provide a total of 17 billion won in loans, including a special contribution of 5 billion won and additional contributions from each district. Small businesses located in these districts can borrow up to 100 million won. Kakao Bank aims to expand its collaboration to all 25 districts in Seoul in the future. Since 2024, Kakao Bank has supported various co-prosperity finance products, including Safe Deposit Accounts and Quick Dream Loans, with a total guarantee loan supply amounting to 700 billion won.* This article has been translated by AI. July 30, 2026 17:04
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Hong Myung-bo Denies Team Discord Over Interview Boycott, Explains Tactical Decisions Hong Myung-bo, the head coach of the South Korean national soccer team, stated that there was no internal conflict within the team regarding the alleged interview boycott that arose during the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North and Central America.On July 30, Hong appeared as a witness at a hearing held by the National Assemblys Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee, where he denied allegations surrounding media interactions and player selections during the tournament.Previously, during a training session at the teams base camp in Guadalajara, Mexico, on June 8, some media members made inappropriate remarks towards the players, leading the team to refrain from participating in press conferences and interviews.During the hearing, lawmaker Jeong Yeon-wook from the People Power Party questioned Hong about rumors that he instructed players to end the interview boycott after the teams 1-0 loss to Mexico in the group stage, and that this led to conflicts with Son Heung-min (LAFC) and Lee Jae-sung (Mainz).In response, Hong firmly denied giving such an order, stating, That is not true. I have never instructed the players to conduct interviews. While the players had differing opinions, I believe the gap was not significant enough to affect the team. He added, Some players wanted to do interviews, while others felt they should wait until issues were resolved. Although there was no consensus, I hoped the matter would be resolved quickly through dialogue.He also dismissed claims that Son and Lees exclusion from the starting lineup in the third group match against South Africa (which ended in a 1-0 loss) was related to the controversy.That is completely false. The decision not to include the two players was a tactical judgment, Hong explained. I stood by the players and understood their perspectives well. He expressed disappointment that the issue originated from outside the team.Kim Jin-kyu, a former assistant coach who also testified, emphasized that the decision to exclude key players for the match against South Africa was not a retaliatory measure. When asked by lawmaker Choi Min-hee from the Democratic Party whether the exclusions were punitive, Kim replied, There was absolutely none of that. The exclusion of Son Heung-min and Lee Jae-sung was a tactical decision for game management. I do not believe their absence led to our loss in the match. July 30, 2026 16:24
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Yongin City Discusses Welfare Policy Cooperation with Da Nang's Quang Phu District Gyeonggi Yongin City (Mayor Lee Sang-il) welcomed a delegation from Quang Phu District in Da Nang, Vietnam, for a meeting on July 30 in a video conference room. Attendees included First Deputy Mayor Ryu Kwang-yeol, city officials, Quang Phu Secretary Bui Ngoc An, and International Lotus Village Association President Jo Dang-ho. Participants watched a promotional video about Yongin City and shared local conditions before discussing ways to enhance exchanges. The Quang Phu delegation specifically requested cooperation in welfare policy exchanges to develop Quang Phu as a center for elderly welfare in central Vietnam. Secretary Bui expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and thanked Yongin City for supporting the Yongin Public Digital Library in Da Nangs Quang Phu District, which residents are utilizing well. Deputy Mayor Ryu stated, I hope this visit will lead to expanded cooperation in areas such as digital library operations, youth exchanges, education, and culture, and serve as a meaningful opportunity to further develop the friendly relations between our two cities. In July 2024, Yongin City supported a budget of 200 million won for the construction of the Yongin Public Digital Library in Da Nangs Quang Phu District after receiving final approval from the International Development Cooperation Committee under the Prime Ministers Office. The library, built on a site within the International Lotus Village Comprehensive Welfare Town, spans approximately 1,686 square meters and includes digital learning spaces, reading rooms, and a promotional hall for Yongin City. Meanwhile, the Lotus Village Social Welfare Corporation is located in Baegam-myeon, Yongin City, and operates the Cheoin-gu Elderly Welfare Center under a city contract. Jo Dang-ho, president of the International Lotus Village Association, has been working to establish a Korean-style Buddhist welfare town in Vietnam.* This article has been translated by AI. July 30, 2026 16:20
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Former KFA President Chung Mong-kyu and Coach Hong Myung-bo Deny Allegations at National Assembly Hearing Chung Mong-kyu, former president of the Korea Football Association (KFA), and Hong Myung-bo, former head coach of the South Korean national football team, faced intense criticism following their teams exit from the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. They appeared at a National Assembly hearing on July 30, where they acknowledged the disappointing performance but denied allegations of opaque administrative practices and favoritism regarding the appointment of the head coach.The National Assemblys Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee convened the hearing to examine the KFAs operations, including the process of selecting the national team coach. Alongside Chung and Hong, witnesses included KFA vice presidents Lee Yong-soo and Kim Byung-ji, executive director Kim Seung-hee, and national team coach Kim Jin-kyu.During their opening statements, both Chung and Hong expressed regret over the teams World Cup results. Chung stated, I feel deeply sorry for the series of controversies and the unsatisfactory outcome of the World Cup. As the KFA president, I take full responsibility and apologize for not meeting the expectations of the public and football fans.Hong echoed this sentiment, saying, I want to first apologize to the public for not meeting their expectations during the World Cup. I take the responsibility seriously for not delivering on the hopes placed in the national team.A key focus of the hearing was the controversy surrounding Hongs appointment as head coach, which emerged in July 2024. At that time, the KFA had entrusted the appointment authority to Lee Im-sang, the former technical director, despite the Performance Enhancement Committee being ineffective. Lee conducted a late-night interview near Hongs home without any observers or a formal questionnaire, raising concerns about procedural legitimacy.Lawmakers scrutinized the opaque decision-making process that led to the final selection of the head coach, questioning the KFAs governance. When Representative Bae Hyun-jin of the ruling People Power Party pointed out procedural issues, Hong dismissed the allegations of favoritism. He responded, When I received the offer, I believed the process was normal. I understand that meeting near my home might seem opaque to the public, but I never requested any special treatment or benefits.Chung also defended the legitimacy of the appointment process, stating, I am not rejecting the results of the special audit by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, but there are aspects that differ from the facts among various opinions. All coaches, including Hong, Jurgen Klinsmann, and Paulo Bento, were appointed through the same process.When Representative Lim Ok-kyung of the Democratic Party asked if the hearing would have taken place had the team advanced to the Round of 16, Chung replied, I believe this hearing would not have occurred if we had reached the Round of 16.Additionally, Hong addressed allegations regarding his high salary. In response to a claim by Democratic Party Representative Jeong Joon-ho that he earned 3.8 billion won, Hong clarified, Due to various legal clauses in the contract, I cannot disclose the exact amount, but it is definitely not 3.8 billion won. The amount was mutually agreed upon, and I never asked for more. I accepted the proposed amount as is.Meanwhile, Son Heung-min, who was excluded from the squad for the World Cup match against South Africa, made headlines by scoring multiple goals and being named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) at the Major League Soccer (MLS) All-Star Game held in North Carolina, USA, on the same day. July 30, 2026 16:04
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Lotte Department Store to Install Giant Media Facade at Young Plaza in Seoul Lotte Department Store is set to install a massive media facade on the exterior of Young Plaza in Myeongdong, Seoul. This initiative aims to transform the flagship store into an urban landmark that combines shopping, tourism, and content, as foreign sales have surged to 30% of total revenue.Following Shinsegae Department Stores announcement of its own large media facade, Shinsegae Square, scheduled for 2024, competition among department stores in the Myeongdong area is expected to intensify. On July 30, Lotte Department Store revealed plans for Lotte Town Light, which will be unveiled in December. The facade will measure 77 meters wide and 21 meters high, covering an area of 1,614 square meters, nearly the size of four basketball courts, and will feature high-performance LED panels capable of displaying 4K video. This installation will surpass the 1,292.3 square meters of Shinsegae Square, which will open in November 2024 and will showcase Christmas videos as well as K-culture and media art content year-round. Lotte Town Light will serve as an urban entertainment screen, showcasing seasonal campaigns, events, and cultural, artistic, and entertainment content. The company has enhanced daytime visibility and viewing angles so that the screen can be seen from up to 1 kilometer away. In November, Lotte Department Store will first release a teaser video based on Goethes novel The Sorrows of Young Werther. Once officially operational in December, it will also be used to enhance the Christmas display connecting the main building, Avenue L, and Young Plaza. The basement area will also undergo changes. Starting in August, Lotte Department Store will renovate the Cosmo Energy Plaza on the first basement level. This space, created with the opening of the new building in 1988, serves as a key passage connecting the Euljiro-1-ga subway station and the flagship store. The 840-square-meter plaza, which sees an average of about 20,000 visitors daily, will feature symbolic sculptures showcasing the history of Lotte Town Myeongdong and new content related to Seoul. The renovated space is expected to be revealed by the end of this year. The motivation behind Lotte Department Stores spatial innovation is the rapidly increasing number of foreign customers. In the first half of this year, foreign sales at the flagship store rose by 140% compared to the same period last year, accounting for 30% of total sales. Jung Hyun-seok, CEO of Lotte Department Store, stated, Lotte Town Myeongdong will continue to expand differentiated spatial innovations and content, including the media facade, to become the top shopping and tourism landmark in the country that both domestic and international customers prioritize visiting.* This article has been translated by AI. July 30, 2026 15:32
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South Korea to field about 1,100 athletes at Asian Games in Japan this fall SEOUL, July 30 (AJP) - South Korea will field about 1,100 athletes in 41 disciplines at the upcoming Asian Games in Japan this fall, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism said on Thursday. According to the ministry, an intra-agency task force formed to prepare for the 20th Asian Games is holding its first meeting ahead of the quadrennial sporting event, slated to take place in Aichi Prefecture and its capital city of Nagoya from Sept. 19 to Oct. 4, which would bring together more than 15,000 participants from 45 countries. The task force, consisting of sports experts, officials and other organizers, is discussing overall preparations as well as detailed administrative and medical support measures to help athletes maintain their performance and ensure their safety. It is also making arrangements to accommodate athletes, as this year's Asian Games will be held across multiple venues in Aichi, with some competitions taking place in other cities such as Shizuoka and Tokyo. Athletes may need to stay at several sites rather than in a single athletes' village. The ministry also plans to hold various events and exchange programs as part of efforts to promote Korean culture and tourism by leveraging strong interest in South Korean popular culture in Japan. During the ensuing Asian Para Games, which run from Oct. 18 to 24, drawing about 4,000 participants from 45 countries including some 300 South Korean athletes competing in 18 disciplines, similar events are also planned. "We will work with relevant agencies to proactively address any potential challenges and issues while providing the necessary support to help national team athletes compete at their best," said Kang Dae-geum, a ministry official. July 30, 2026 14:40