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Song Mi-ryung: Expanding Organic Produce Packages for Pregnant Women Song Mi-ryung, the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, stated on August 5 that the government will expand the supply of organic produce packages for pregnant women and ensure strict quality and hygiene management.During her visit to the Organic Culture Experience Center in Gwangju, Gyeonggi Province, Song participated in a baby food-making experience with pregnant women and gathered various opinions to promote the consumption of organic produce.This visit aimed to assess the public response to the organic produce package initiative for pregnant women, which began in earnest in July. The program is part of a national project designed to deliver organic produce to pregnant women, who are particularly sensitive to food quality, alleviating the burden of childbirth and childcare while securing stable sales channels. The initiative was relaunched this year after receiving high satisfaction ratings during a previous pilot program.Song actively engaged in making baby food snacks using organic produce such as pesticide-free pumpkins and carrots. She emphasized the public value of organic food and the necessity of providing safe ingredients for pregnant women and their children.Additionally, she promised to take strict action against suppliers that violate compliance requirements for the organic produce packages.The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs plans to regularly monitor the supply status of organic produce in collaboration with local governments, organic agricultural producers, and package suppliers. Furthermore, it aims to enhance quality and hygiene management through joint inspections of suppliers with relevant agencies.* This article has been translated by AI. August 5, 2026 13:0 -
Debate Over Casino Regulations: Investment Threat or Necessary Reform? The debate surrounding casinos is intensifying. The tourism industry is pushing back against the governments proposal to increase the burden rate of the tourism development fund and introduce a five-year renewal permit system, arguing that these measures will stifle investment and undermine the industrys competitiveness. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism contends that many of the industrys claims are inaccurate.Following a National Assembly forum last month, a policy meeting was held on August 4, where industry and academic representatives discussed directions for regulatory improvement.The crux of the debate is not merely about the intensity of regulation. The key issue is how to create a system that maintains the public nature of the casino industry while not compromising investment and competitiveness.There is likely broad agreement on the need to revise casino regulations. The foreigner-only casino market has seen the emergence of large-scale integrated resorts, with business sizes and investment amounts that are difficult to compare with the past. However, the system for regularly verifying whether casino operators continue to meet licensing requirements has been insufficient. The payment system for the tourism development fund has also remained unchanged since its introduction in 1995, maintaining a basic framework that imposes a maximum of 10% based on revenue brackets.The governments rationale for regulatory reform is understandable. Unlike general tourism businesses, the casino industry is one that the state permits only under limited circumstances. There is a need for mechanisms to continuously assess operators qualifications, financial soundness, and management transparency. The argument that as the industry grows, its social responsibilities and public contributions should be adjusted to reflect reality is also valid.The Ministry explains that even if the fund burden rate is raised to a maximum of 15%, it will not apply uniformly to all revenues. They are considering a progressive system that would create new high-revenue brackets, applying the 15% rate only to amounts exceeding those thresholds. They noted that revenue-based assessments for fund contributions are also used in major casino-operating countries like the U.S., Singapore, and Macau.Similarly, the five-year renewal permit system is described not as a complete re-selection of operators but as a mid-term evaluation to check whether they continue to meet licensing requirements. According to the government, this reform is more about refining a long-standing management system than erecting new barriers.However, it is problematic to dismiss the industrys concerns as mere self-interest. Integrated resorts are long-term investment projects that develop not only hotels and casinos but also performance venues, exhibition and conference facilities, and shopping and dining options. These projects can require investments of trillions of won, and even after opening, ongoing funding is needed for facility expansion and content development. The structure relies on loans from financial institutions and external investments to recover capital over an extended period.In such ventures, the stability of permits is directly linked to investment decisions. Even if the government describes the renewal permit system as a mid-term evaluation, it cannot be assumed that financial institutions and investors will interpret it the same way. Increased uncertainty about business continuity could lead to more conservative lending assessments and investment decisions.Concerns about this were specifically raised during the August 4 meeting. Lotte Tour Development reported that amid ongoing discussions about regulatory changes, its major lenders expressed negative reactions regarding loan extensions, and it received early repayment requests from convertible bond investors.However, early repayment of convertible bonds is a right that investors can exercise under the terms of their contracts. It cannot be definitively concluded that the discussions about regulatory changes were the direct cause. Nevertheless, the government should consider how its policies may be perceived by financial markets and investors.The issue of increasing the tourism development fund is similar. The industry argues that casinos pay the fund based on revenue rather than profit, which imposes a burden even on operators that are operating at a loss.Lee Jang-seong, the financial officer at Lotte Tour Development, stated that despite generating over 470 billion won in casino revenue last year and contributing 51.5 billion won to the fund, the company recorded a pre-tax loss of 4.5 billion won. He argued that if the burden increases by hundreds of billions more, it could severely impact management.Inspire also noted that if the fund burden increases, it could reduce the capacity for follow-up investments in cultural and tourism facilities, including the arena, where casino profits are reinvested.The Ministrys explanation should not be taken lightly. The tourism development fund is used for attracting tourists, expanding tourism facilities, providing loans to tourism businesses, and training personnel across the tourism industry. Given that the casino industry has grown based on tourism infrastructure, it is difficult to overlook the intent to share its successes with the entire industry.The government must clearly disclose the actual burdens resulting from the regulatory changes. It should specify how much fund contributions will increase based on revenue brackets for each business and clarify what will be evaluated during renewal assessments and under what circumstances permits may be revoked. The timing of implementation and transitional measures should also be thoroughly discussed. If the criteria are unclear, market anxiety will inevitably grow.The industry should not simply reject the changes to the regulations. It must strengthen management transparency and internal controls and present practical measures for responsible gambling and user protection. To argue the impact on employment and investment, it should also provide objective data. It will be difficult to persuade public opinion by prioritizing investment and competitiveness while avoiding social responsibility.Time is also of the essence. In Osaka, Japan, a project is underway to open the Yumeshima integrated resort around the fall of 2030. Once a large-scale resort with global casino operators and significant capital opens, competition for attracting foreign tourists in Northeast Asia will become even more intense.While South Korea is mired in internal regulatory debates, its competitors are enhancing their facilities, content, and marketing capabilities. However, this does not justify loosening management and oversight or demanding special privileges in the name of international competitiveness.What is needed is a framework that allows investors to predict the future of their businesses and for the public to trust the casino industry. It is the governments responsibility to create and uphold that framework. Regulations should exist for the benefit of the industry, and the industry can only grow on the foundation of public trust.* This article has been translated by AI. August 5, 2026 10:2
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Interview: 'What We Need Now is Content Competition, Not Discounts... Korean Tourism Must Charge Its Worth' 30 million.This figure follows Park Sung-hyuk, president of the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO). During his inaugural meeting, he set a target of attracting 30 million foreign tourists by 2028. While some have expressed concerns that this focus on quantity may overshadow quality, Park emphasized the importance of expanding the market size.In an interview on July 28 at the KTOs Seoul Center, Park reiterated, We need to create a market of 30 million. He explained that a larger market would lead to increased tourism infrastructure, such as airlines and accommodations, and would attract private investment. This surge in tourism demand would subsequently boost local consumption and investment.Since taking office in early January, Park has traveled extensively across the country to observe tourism sites. His 30 years of experience in global marketing at Cheil Worldwide has given him a unique perspective on the tourism industry as a vast ecosystem.Park noted that he has come to appreciate the complexities of the tourism industry. From the outside, tourism seems like a joyful and happy industry. However, I found it to be a very complex sector intertwined with numerous fields such as aviation, accommodation, content, and services. It might even be more complicated than semiconductors, he said.He emphasized that the growth of one sector alone does not drive the entire industry forward. Collaboration among various stakeholders, including airlines, hotels, travel agencies, content creators, transportation, and local governments, is essential. The concept of an ecosystem was one of the first topics he introduced to KTO employees after his appointment.The KTO must play a central role in the tourism ecosystem. It is rare for a public institution to have a sales mission. The organization must now expand its role beyond promotion to include sales efforts, he stated.Sales, Not Promotion: Growing the Market to Drive InfrastructurePark is applying his private sector marketing experience to KTOs operations. In the private sector, we do not simply wait for customers after building infrastructure. The most common feedback I received while traveling was that we need tourists to expand transportation and build accommodations, he said.He likened the goal of attracting 30 million tourists to the center pin in bowling, explaining that a clear central goal is necessary for other achievements to follow.The inbound tourism market is continuing to grow this year. In the first half of the year, 10.71 million foreign tourists visited Korea, a 21.3% increase compared to the same period last year. If this trend continues, it is possible that this years target of 23 million could be reached, surpassing last years record of 18.94 million.Park stated, I believe we will comfortably exceed 22 million, and personally, I think we can reach 23 million. He closely monitors indicators that reflect market changes, including the number of arrivals, the growth rate of regional airport visitors, international flight seat availability, and cruise arrivals.Korean Tourism Must Charge Its WorthHe also addressed the challenges facing Korean tourism amid its growth. The most pressing issues are the concentration of tourists in the capital region and price competitiveness.While Seoul faces concerns of overtourism due to large crowds, regional areas lack sufficient infrastructure for overnight stays. A significant issue is the practice of offsetting low-cost product revenues with shopping itineraries.Korean tourism must now confidently charge its worth. What we need is not a cutthroat discount competition but a competition based on overwhelming content, he asserted.This year, KTO has established a new system for evaluating tourism services with public participation. A group of 50 inspectors, called the Nuri Salpimdan, has been selected to assess the readiness of major tourist sites across the country. The findings will be shared with local governments for on-site improvements.Connecting K-Culture, Medical Tourism, and MICE to Enhance Regional StaysPark emphasized the need to connect K-Culture, medical tourism, and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) with regional tourism. The goal is to encourage visitors attending performances, medical treatments, or international conferences to experience the surrounding areas and extend their stays.K-Pop is now close to the mainstream. However, countries around the world are learning from K-Pops production system to develop their own content, so we could face challenges at any time, he noted.His proposed solutions include cross-selling related products to increase consumption and upselling to enhance service quality and customer spending.Visitors should not just attend performances but also enjoy local cuisine, streets, and unique stories. This is why KTO is collaborating with entertainment companies to plan regional tourism content.Medical tourism and MICE are also identified as areas that can increase regional stays and spending. Park stated, The era when medical tourism was synonymous with plastic surgery is over. The scope has expanded to include serious treatments, health check-ups, and dental care, with medical tourists surpassing 2 million for the first time last year. KTO recently completed a roadshow in Central Asia and is preparing a briefing for Mongolian financial and mining companies in September.Including medical tourism, wellness and beauty tourism is rapidly growing. Last year, spending in this sector reached 2.5662 trillion won, nearly three times the 928.9 billion won recorded in 2023. KTO attributes the increase in individual travelers (FIT) as a key factor driving this growth.He recounted witnessing the impact of the Mobile World Congress (MWC) on the local economy in Barcelona during his time at Cheil Worldwide.I saw firsthand how MICE can revitalize a city. It can be a crucial key to overcoming the crisis of regional extinction, he said.This year, KTO has established a collaborative system with eight regional convention bureaus, including Seoul, Gyeonggi, Incheon, Busan, Daejeon, Daegu, Jeju, and Goyang, and is creating a platform to share information about international conferences discovered abroad with local areas.Expanding Access Through Airports, Ports, Cruises, and FerriesIn the realm of regional tourism, KTO is focusing on utilizing local airports and ports as gateways.The Local Airport International Tourism Hub Task Force, launched in April, is working to attract international flights and develop tourism products, using Cheongju and Daegu airports as pilot models. They have supported the introduction of 11 irregular international routes and 356 flights, with Cheongju Airport seeing a 109% increase in arrivals in the first half of the year, totaling about 62,000, while Daegu Airport recorded approximately 57,000.If tourists arrive at Cheongju Airport and immediately take the SRT to Seoul, nothing remains in the region, he said.To prevent this, KTO is developing 35 ultra-regional tourism courses connecting the Chungcheong and Yeongnam regions and has identified 333 region-specific content pieces to distribute as marketing guides to overseas branches. KTO is also focusing on attracting tourists through cruises and ferries.The gateways to Korea are airports, cruises, and ferries. We are simultaneously enhancing these three channels, he stated.Recently, negotiations were held with representatives of five ferry companies in Qingdao, China, and a new tourism council centered around Yeosu is being established. The regional tourism council that started in Cheongju and Daegu is planned to expand nationwide by the end of the year.The Half-Price Travel initiative, aimed at promoting local tourism, has seen about 200,000 applicants this year, with 81.2% of participants stating they would not have visited the area without the program. The digital tourism resident card also generated approximately 40.9 billion won in local spending last year. However, Park emphasized, Promotions are merely a trigger for visits; the true power to bring people back lies in the content.Tourism Ventures and AI: The Next StageKTO is assisting domestic tourism companies in expanding overseas through support centers in Singapore, Tokyo, and Bangkok, with plans to extend to Vietnam and Malaysia. Overseas expansion should not be a one-time achievement. Establishing a sustainable revenue model locally is key, he said.He expressed disappointment that there are currently no global unicorn companies in the domestic tourism industry. He proposed a Lifecycle Nurturing Master Plan as a solution, aiming to integrate previously fragmented support programs into a systematic nurturing process.Park emphasized, We need a lifetime care approach that connects everything from discovering companies to initial space and funding support, pilot projects through inter-company matching, investment attraction, and finally, support for establishing overseas branches.KTO plans to share a blueprint for nurturing global unicorn companies at the upcoming tourism venture networking event, I-eum Week, in September.Park is also accelerating efforts in artificial intelligence (AI) and data utilization. The goal is to enhance the Data Lab so that when users ask questions in natural language, AI can find and combine relevant data and present it in an easily understandable format. The beta version is expected to be launched by the end of 2027.Additionally, KTO plans to consolidate various membership services under Visit Korea. The integration of 13 B2C sites is set to be completed by the second half of 2027, with a goal of increasing the current membership from approximately 1.6 million to 10 million.Park views the Data Lab and integrated membership information as core assets of Korean tourism. He believes that as data on tourist interests and behaviors accumulates, it will enable more sophisticated tourism marketing and personalized guidance. KTO aims to establish an AI-based next-generation integrated tourism information platform by 2028.As membership data accumulates, Visit Korea and the Data Lab will become indispensable assets of Korean tourism, he concluded.* This article has been translated by AI. August 5, 2026 00:0
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Tourism Industry Pushes Back Against Casino Regulation Changes The tourism industry is expressing growing concerns over proposed regulatory changes to the casino sector. The governments plans to increase the upper limit of tourism development fund contributions and introduce a five-year license renewal system are seen as threats to the survival of the casino industry and could halt significant private investments.On August 4, a policy discussion on improving laws and regulations for the casino industry was held at the Korea Press Center in Jung-gu, Seoul, hosted by the Korea Tourism Association. Attendees from the casino sector unanimously urged that investment stability and industry development policies should take precedence over regulatory tightening.During the meeting, urgent voices were raised, stating, If the fund contributions increase, investments will inevitably stop. The integrated resort sector, which has already made large-scale investments in the trillions of won, warned that raising the fund contribution limit from the current 10% to 15% would make it virtually impossible to turn a profit and would obstruct future investments.Kim Ho-yeon, a strategy director at Inspire, emphasized, Inspire is not just a casino operator; we are investing in the K-culture ecosystem by establishing the largest arena in the country with an investment of 400 billion won. Our structure reinvests casino profits into cultural facilities and tourism infrastructure, but an increase in fund contributions will significantly worsen our capacity for private investment.Concerns about financial crises stemming from the 15% contribution rate increase were also significant. Lee Jang-seong, a finance director at Lotte Tour Development, noted, Despite generating over 470 billion won in casino revenue last year, we paid 51.5 billion won in contributions, resulting in a pre-tax loss of 4.5 billion won. If we are required to pay hundreds of millions more, the impact will be tremendous.He added, Since the controversy over this policy reform, our lenders have been inquiring negatively about refinancing options. Some investors have sent early repayment demands.Criticism was also directed at the revival of the five-year casino license renewal system, which has not been in place for over 30 years. Concerns were raised that this could disrupt business continuity and significantly undermine job security for employees.Bang Sang-hoon, a human resources director at Lotte Tour Development, stated, This will lead to various side effects, including job insecurity for employees and uncertainty for operators regarding the continuity of their businesses. The labor union at Paradise SegaSammy Casino also expressed that the increased costs from fund hikes would ultimately be passed down to workers in the form of reduced wages and job security.Despite the industrys strong pushback and expressions of crisis, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism responded to claims of excessive regulation, stating that many aspects of the industrys assertions are inaccurate.On August 3, the ministry explained the background for the proposed tourism fund contribution system and license renewal system, clarifying that the plan is not to apply a flat 15% rate but to consider a progressive system that would only apply the 15% rate to excess revenue above a newly established high-revenue threshold, suggesting that the actual additional burden would be much lower than industry estimates.In response to criticisms that basing fund contributions on revenue rather than operating profit is unfair, the ministry pointed out that major casino-operating countries like the U.S., Singapore, and Macau also base their contributions on revenue. It noted that a 1999 Constitutional Court ruling found that imposing fees based on total revenue does not violate equal rights.Furthermore, regarding the five-year license renewal system, the ministry clarified that it is not a re-licensing process that would start from scratch for existing operators but rather a system that regularly assesses whether they continue to meet licensing conditions. The ministry stated, Major countries worldwide also conduct periodic reviews of the casino industry. It is rare to find a system that grants licenses without an expiration date for a patented business like casinos.* This article has been translated by AI. August 5, 2026 00:0
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Profile: Marketer Expands South Korea's Tourism Market Park Seong-hyeok, president of the Korea Tourism Organization, is a private sector expert with over 30 years of experience in global brand strategy. He has made a name for himself more in corporate settings than in the tourism industry.He graduated from Hankuk University of Foreign Studies with a degree in journalism and earned a masters degree in media studies from Chung-Ang University. He also completed a doctoral program in media communication at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies. For more than 30 years, he worked at Cheil Worldwide, handling global marketing and leading brand campaigns for major domestic companies. He held various positions, including head of the German branch, European general manager, North American general manager, and vice president of the global division, where he directed brand strategies in overseas markets.When he was appointed president of the Korea Tourism Organization in December last year, many in the tourism sector were intrigued by his background in global marketing. Park believes that his experience is beneficial in his current role.He frequently emphasizes the term market when discussing tourism. Throughout the interview, he stressed that 30 million is not just a number; it represents a market. An increase in foreign tourists leads to expanded flight routes, investments in accommodation facilities, and tourism content, which in turn attracts more visitors to the region. His perspective prioritizes the growth potential of the market over the number of tourists.Interest naturally shifts toward this area. He aims to integrate K-culture, medical tourism, MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions), and regional tourism content to extend visitors stay and increase spending. He is focused on creating an environment where tourists return and spend more time in the region.A marketer who has spent over 30 years growing brands in the global market is now tasked with expanding South Koreas tourism market. When asked how he wants to be remembered at the end of the interview, he paused for a moment before responding.I want to be remembered as someone who is genuinely passionate about tourism, who helped expand our countrys global tourism territory and fostered a healthy ecosystem.* This article has been translated by AI. August 5, 2026 00:0
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OpenAI Hosts First Codex Game Development Hackathon in South Korea OpenAI is set to host a game development hackathon utilizing its coding agent, Codex. This event marks the first global gathering focused on game development using Codex, aiming to showcase the potential of AI-driven game development with South Koreas robust developer community and thriving gaming industry.The OpenAI Game Builders Seoul event will take place on the 31st in Seoul, supported by Com2us, under the theme Build with Codex, Play on Hive.Codex is OpenAIs coding agent that assists in software development by writing, modifying, and testing code based on natural language instructions. Hive, developed by Com2us, is a game backend platform that integrates AI plugins for essential functions such as login, payment, user analytics, and security, facilitating game launch and operation.Participants will develop games using Codex and then integrate essential features for launch and operation through Com2uss Hive platform via the Codex plugin.From the applicants who submit game prototypes and development experiences using Codex, 40 teams will advance to the main event.The event will feature prominent local developers sharing their experiences in game development with Codex. Notably, Song Jae-kyung, a leading developer of the MMORPGs Baram-ui Nara and Lineage, will participate throughout the event.The hackathon will operate in two tracks. Track 1, titled Turning Ideas into Reality: Making Games with Codex, will include presentations where participants introduce games developed in advance with Codex. Track 2, the 5-Hour Challenge, will challenge participants to develop AAA-quality games using the latest version of Codex within a limited timeframe on the day of the event.Winners from Track 1, determined by popular vote, will receive a total of $50,000 in OpenAI API credits and a one-year subscription to ChatGPT Pro. Outstanding teams in Track 2 will also receive a one-year subscription to ChatGPT Pro. All participants in the main event will receive $100 in OpenAI API credits.Oliver Jay, OpenAIs Head of International Business, stated, South Korea is an ideal place to explore the new possibilities at the intersection of gaming and AI, given its world-class game development capabilities and creative developer community. I hope this event allows seasoned developers who have led the Korean gaming industry to share their experiences and ideas with a new generation of developers, expanding the culture of game development with AI.He added, We aim to support more developers in turning their ideas into actual games with Codex, discovering new creative and development possibilities that were previously difficult to pursue. August 4, 2026 18:4
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Three Temple Toilets Designated as National Folk Cultural Heritage The Cultural Heritage Administration announced on August 4 that it has proposed the designation of three temple toilets, including the Suncheon Seonamsa Chikgan, the Yeongwol Bodeoksa Haewuso, and the Haeinsa Gukilam Haewuso, as national folk cultural heritage.These three sites are traditional toilets that have clear construction dates and original forms, still in actual use today, showcasing the rarity and historical value of temple lifestyle culture. The term haewuso was first used by Monk Gyeongbong of Tongdosas Geunrakam after the Korean War, symbolizing the act of letting go of worries. It later became a common term for temple toilets.The construction dates of the three haewuso are confirmed through inscriptions on the roof beams. The Bodeoksa haewuso was built in 1882, the Gukilam haewuso in 1910, and the Seonamsa Chikgan before the 1920s. All three have maintained their original locations and forms for over a century, underscoring their historical significance. Additionally, traditional haewuso are rapidly disappearing, making these proposed designations particularly valuable as they represent endangered cultural heritage.The Cultural Heritage Administration stated, This proposed designation is significant as it expands the scope of national heritage to include not only sacred spaces like temples and pagodas but also areas that reflect the lifestyle culture of the monastic community. We expect this will serve as a foundation for preserving lifestyle folk heritage closely tied to the lives of the people.After a 30-day public comment period, the final decision on the designation as national folk cultural heritage will be made following a review by the National Heritage Committee.* This article has been translated by AI. August 4, 2026 17:3
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Cheap currencies bring two neighbors closer than ever SEOUL, August 04 (AJP) - Cheap currencies, short flights and a growing fascination with each other's culture are bringing South Koreans and Japanese closer than at any time in decades, quietly reshaping one of Asia's most complicated relationships one weekend trip at a time. For 23-year-old South Korean college student Kim Yi-hyun, the favorite destination over the past year has been Japan. "As a student, I don't have much money," Kim said. "Japan is close, affordable and has so many things I like." Across the Korea Strait, 33-year-old Tokyo resident Takuya Emonato has been making the journey in the opposite direction. He has visited Seoul, Busan and Jeju and frequently travels to South Korea with his girlfriend for its nightlife, cosmetics and food. They are already planning another trip this winter for a ski holiday. "Korea is fun, joyful and very lively," Emonato said. "A lot of places stay open late, and the cosmetics scene is crazy. My girlfriend goes wild." Historical grievances have long defined relations between South Korea and Japan. Colonial-era disputes, wartime history and competing claims over the Dokdo islets still periodically inflame politics, while sporting contests often rekindle old rivalries. Yet those tensions are increasingly absent from the travel experiences of younger generations, who are crossing the Korea Strait in record numbers. Several forces have converged this year. Weak exchange rates have made travel more affordable on both sides, while higher fuel costs have pushed up long-haul airfares. At the same time, Japan's shopping, food and anime culture and South Korea's K-pop, beauty products and nightlife have given young travelers more reasons than ever to cross the narrow stretch of sea separating the two countries. To a growing share of younger people, the neighboring country is becoming less defined by politics and history than by restaurants, concerts, cosmetics, character stores and weekend getaways. A Korea-Japan public opinion survey released Aug. 3 by the East Asia Institute and the International House of Japan found that 54.3 percent of South Koreans held a favorable view of Japan, the highest level since the survey began in 2013 and up from 52.4 percent a year earlier. Japanese favorability toward South Korea remained lower but rose much more sharply, climbing 10.5 percentage points from 24.8 percent to 35.3 percent. The survey covered 3,099 adults in the two countries between July 17 and 21. The figures do not show equal levels of affection. Only about one in three Japanese respondents viewed South Korea favorably. What stands out is that sentiment improved simultaneously on both sides. A separate survey by Hankook Ilbo and Japan's Yomiuri Shimbun found that respondents aged 18 to 29 held the most favorable views of the other country in both nations, suggesting younger generations are driving much of the change. The same poll also found relatively unfavorable views of South Korea among supporters of Japan's emerging right-wing parties, underscoring that the improvement is neither universal nor immune to political tensions. The shift in sentiment has coincided with a tourism boom. South Koreans made 5.68 million visits to Japan in the first half of 2026, up 18.6 percent from a year earlier and the largest number among all foreign visitors, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization. Travel in the opposite direction is also rising. South Korea welcomed about 940,000 Japanese visitors in the first quarter, up 20.2 percent from a year earlier, according to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Currency has helped fuel the trend, particularly for South Koreans. The cost of 100 yen briefly fell below 890 won in late July, reinforcing Japan's appeal as an inexpensive destination just a short flight away. But exchange rates alone cannot explain why travelers keep returning. Lee Hoon, a professor at Hanyang University's Graduate School of International Tourism, said travelers generally choose destinations in two stages. Affordability, safety and cleanliness determine whether a country is considered a realistic destination, while food, culture, entertainment and distinctive neighborhoods determine whether people actually want to visit. "Exchange rates and travel costs create the basis for choosing a country people can afford to visit," Lee said. "But a destination needs cultural content and tourism appeal to become somewhere people genuinely want to go." Geography reinforces both factors. Neighboring countries naturally generate large tourism flows because they are easier and cheaper to reach, Lee said, pointing to travel among the United States, Canada and Mexico. The recent acceleration between South Korea and Japan, however, is also being driven by younger travelers and growing Japanese interest in Korean culture. BTS is one part of that attraction, Lee said, but only one element of a broader ecosystem that includes Korean music, food, cosmetics, television dramas and digital entertainment. Both countries' reputations for safety, efficient public transportation and digital convenience have also made travel easier and more appealing for young visitors. Kim initially chose Japan because it was close and affordable, but she kept returning for its character stores, food and sense of safety. Although she had heard reports of Korean tourists facing hostility, she said she had never experienced it herself. Restaurant staff often handed her Korean-language menus after realizing where she was from, making her feel welcome. Emonato recalled a similar experience in South Korea. During one visit, his phone battery died while he was trying to find a railway station. A stranger walking in the opposite direction stopped, walked him to the station and recommended other places to visit along the way. "I don't think he helped me because I spoke English," Emonato said. "I think he was just genuinely kind." He also said he felt comfortable walking around Seoul late at night with his girlfriend because of the city's busy streets and visible police presence. For South Koreans, Japan's appeal extends beyond sightseeing to character goods, anime merchandise, model kits and the vast selection at retailers such as Don Quijote, which has no real equivalent in South Korea. For Japanese consumers, South Korea has become synonymous with beauty products and digital entertainment. Korean cosmetics accounted for 30.8 percent of Japan's imported cosmetics market in 2025, keeping South Korea in first place for a fourth consecutive year after overtaking France in 2022, according to the Japan Cosmetic Importers' Association. Korean brands captured 43.3 percent of Japan's imported skincare market. Japan is also South Korea's largest overseas market for webtoons, accounting for 49.5 percent of exports, ahead of North America at 21 percent and Greater China at 13 percent, according to the Korea Creative Content Agency. The numbers do not prove that tourism alone has improved public sentiment, nor do warmer opinion polls erase historical and territorial disputes that can quickly return to the center of bilateral relations. But they do point to a quieter transformation beneath official diplomacy. Increasingly, young South Koreans and Japanese are discovering each other not through history textbooks or political rhetoric, but through weekend flights, cosmetics counters, anime shops, K-pop concerts, neighborhood restaurants and ordinary acts of kindness. Sometimes the shortest distance between two countries is not measured in kilometers, but in curiosity. August 4, 2026 17:2 -
Seoul targets Central Asia minerals at first summit SEOUL, August 04 (AJP) - South Korea is within 40 days of hosting the leaders of all five Central Asian states for the first time, and the government spent Tuesday afternoon checking whether the deliverables it wants on energy and critical minerals will actually be ready. The region matters to Seoul mostly because of what is under it. Kazakhstan produced 25,839 tonnes of uranium in 2025, roughly 40 percent of world output, and has been the largest producer since 2009, according to the World Nuclear Association. It also holds 14 percent of global uranium resources. South Korea, which runs 26 nuclear reactors, is one of the main Asian buyers alongside China and India. The five countries also sit on oil, natural gas and rare earths. Kazakhstan ranked third among South Korea's titanium suppliers and tenth for chromium as of 2022, with smaller shares of vanadium and nickel imports. Foreign Minister Cho Hyun chaired the second meeting of the preparatory committee for the summit at the Government Complex Seoul, and framed the timing in terms of supply disruption. "With the Russia-Ukraine war and instability in the Middle East deepening uncertainty in the international order and in energy supply chains, and with the strategic value of Central Asia growing given its abundant energy and critical minerals and its geopolitical weight, this is a very important summit for us," he said. He listed the commercial target directly. "We will strengthen cooperation on supply chains, customs and regulation to expand trade and investment, and promote mutually beneficial practical cooperation in energy, critical minerals and infrastructure," Cho said. That is one of five outcomes the ministry wants from September. The others cover institutionalizing the summit itself, securing Central Asian backing on the Korean Peninsula, opening cooperation on terrorism, transnational crime, narcotics and cyber threats, and expanding into artificial intelligence, digital, intellectual property and climate response. The fifth is people, and Cho spent more time on it than on any other single item. "In particular, we will support the community of roughly 320,000 Koryoin in Central Asia so that they can serve as a bridge linking the two regions," he said, "and, marking the 90th anniversary in 2027 of Koryoin settlement in Central Asia, we will pursue cooperation projects that shed new light on the diaspora community's historical contribution." Koryoin, or Koryo-saram, are the descendants of Koreans who moved into the Russian Far East from the late 19th century and were deported to Central Asia by Soviet authorities in 1937. Roughly 172,000 people were loaded onto trains and sent to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan over several weeks, and thousands died in transit or during the first winter. The 2027 anniversary marks 90 years since that deportation. Their descendants now form the largest Korean diaspora community in the region, and the ministry has treated them as a diplomatic asset. Cho also promised support on education, culture, Korean language teaching and exchanges of students and industrial workers. South Korea is the last significant player to build this format. The Central Asian five began holding their own regular leaders' meetings in 2018, and have since sat down at summit level with the United States, China, Japan, Russia and the European Union. "Central Asian countries have regularized their regional summits since 2018 and have held summits with major countries including the United States, China, Japan, Russia and the European Union," Cho said. "This time our government too, with Korea-centered pragmatic diplomacy and diversification of diplomacy as its keynote, seeks through this summit to inherit and develop the New Northern Policy and to build a new strategic partnership with Central Asia." The New Northern Policy dates to the Moon Jae-in administration, which used it to push economic engagement with Russia, Central Asia and Mongolia. Cho's phrasing keeps the label while attaching it to the Lee Jae Myung government's stated line on diversification. Seoul does have a track record to build on. The Korea-Central Asia Cooperation Forum has met at the foreign minister level every year since 2007. "We must now raise this ministerial-level basis for cooperation to the leaders' level and make it regular, developing Korea-Central Asia relations into a more strategic and future-oriented cooperation framework," Cho said. Tuesday's meeting was the last of its kind before the summit. "Today's meeting has the character of what is effectively the final preparatory meeting for the summit that opens on Sept. 16," Cho said at the outset, adding that remaining problems would be worked out at staff level from here. President Lee called each of the five leaders after taking office to explain the plan and issue the invitation, and all five confirmed attendance in December. About 600 delegates are expected, including ministers, business executives and press. Since the first preparatory committee meeting in February, a senior officials' meeting at vice-minister level has convened three times, in Seoul, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. Joint economic committees, policy consultations and consular talks have run with each country, and a private advisory committee supplied sector expertise. Not everything is settled. Cho told the ministries around the table that negotiations on deliverable projects remain open with barely six weeks left. "I ask each ministry to take an interest and see it through to the end, so that the deliverable projects under negotiation are concluded quickly and the side events are prepared without disruption," he said. August 4, 2026 17:1 -
Korean Law Firms Launch Pro Bono Support Center in Mongolia The advanced public interest activities and expertise of the Korean legal community have found new expression in Mongolia. The law firm Jipyung announced on August 4 that the Mongolian Bar Association, led by President Munkhbat Munkhdorjiin, held an opening ceremony for its Pro Bono Support Center in Ulaanbaatar on July 31, marking the start of its operations.The support center was established with the assistance of three major Korean law firms: DL Law Group, Jipyung, and Taepyeongyang. This initiative is being recognized as a significant first step in spreading the so-called K-Pro Bono model developed in Korea to international contexts.The opening ceremony commenced with a speech from President Munkhbat Munkhdorjiin, setting a lively tone for the event. Notable attendees included Khurelbaatar Baasanjargal, a member of the National Assembly and a human rights lawyer, and Gerel Dondovdorj, a member of the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, who congratulated the centers launch.Korean representatives also expressed their hopes for ongoing collaboration and the expansion of public interest legal culture between the two countries. Jipyungs Managing Partner, Im Seong-taek, emphasized the social responsibility of lawyers and the importance of public interest activities, stating, I congratulate the Mongolian legal community on taking meaningful steps to protect the rights of the socially vulnerable. I hope that Koreas experience will be a practical help in developing Mongolias pro bono culture.DL Law Groups attorney Kim Yong-hyuk remarked, As the saying goes, If you want to go far, go together, I hope the opening of this center will be a starting point for the legal communities of Korea and Mongolia to grow together.The second part of the ceremony featured a session sharing Koreas pro bono system and specific case studies. Attorney Kim Young-soo, from Jipyungs Public Interest Committee, presented exemplary cases from Jipyung and the public interest law organization Duru, demonstrating various ways to address social issues by leveraging the expertise and resources of law firms.Following this, attorney Yeom Hyung-guk, head of DL Law Groups Public Interest and Human Rights Center and chair of the Human Rights Committee of the Seoul Bar Association, delivered a presentation on The Current State of Pro Bono in Korea and the Role of the Legal Community. He highlighted the recent Law Firm Pro Bono Challenge held in Korea, stressing the importance of establishing public interest activities as a customary culture within the legal community, beyond individual goodwill.Odonjav Tsendjav, appointed as the first director of the Pro Bono Support Center by the Mongolian Bar Association, announced future operational plans and requested ongoing exchanges and cooperation with the Korean side. He expressed his aspiration to actively share the rich experiences, know-how, and knowledge of the Korean legal community.The Mongolian Pro Bono Support Center has identified three core areas of focus: childrens rights, disability rights, and social welfare. It has designated dedicated attorneys for each area. The center plans to expand its activities beyond simple legal consultations and litigation support to include legislative improvements and policy proposals aimed at protecting the rights of the socially vulnerable, based on the expertise of the legal community.Managing Partner Im Seong-taek remarked, The establishment of this support center is significant not only as a one-way transfer of Koreas advanced pro bono experience but also as a process of creating a new public interest legal model together with the Mongolian legal community. I hope that the continued collaboration between Korean and Mongolian lawyers will contribute to the protection of the socially vulnerable and the development of the rule of law.* This article has been translated by AI. August 4, 2026 17:0
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ARMY answers Grammys as BTS lets music speak Two sold-out nights at MetLife Stadium passed without a word from the stage about the group's Grammy withdrawal. The jumbotron told a different story. For two and a half hours at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Saturday night, the biggest band in the world played 23 songs and said nothing at all about the Grammy Awards. This was three days after the group had announced it would not submit its music to the 69th ceremony. The omission was noticeable enough that Billboard's reviewer flagged it, reporting that no direct extension of the statement came from the stage, and that RM instead told the crowd he wanted to stay positive and would never take their love for granted. The statement itself, posted on July 29 to all seven members' Instagram accounts, ran to three sentences. "We have decided not to submit to the Grammys this year," it read. "We hope that music can be heard and loved as music itself, rather than being divided by region or language. We thank ARMY and everyone who is always with us." No grievance was named, no condition set for returning, and no mention made of the new category that had prompted the decision. Whatever the group had to say on the subject, it had said, and evidently considered the matter closed. The audience did not consider it closed. Before the encore, when personalized signs from the floor went up on the stadium screens, the cameras lingered on messages that had nothing to do with love or gratitude. Fans held up placards and cardboards with messages written on them: "BTS Are Bigger Than the Grammys," "Who Needs a Grammy When You Have an ARMY?" and "ARMY's Winner Album of the Year, BTS, ARIRANG." One sign read, "Beyond categories, the music is ours." That last one is a more precise statement of the argument than anything produced by the institution it criticizes, and it was written by hand, on cardboard, by someone who paid for a ticket. Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. needed considerably more words to make his case, and made a weaker one. Responding on July 29 to the group's withdrawal, he said he was saddened but understood and respected the decision, then moved to correct what he saw as a misreading of the new Best Asian Pop Music Performance category. It was created to celebrate the depth and diversity of Asian pop, he said, and more categories mean more artists recognized, never to divide but to expand who is recognized by the Recording Academy's 15,000 voters. He added that submitting in a genre category does not exclude an artist from the General Field, and that recognition in one and recognition in the other are not mutually exclusive. He was defending the rulebook against an objection that was never about the rulebook. Nobody has claimed the Recording Academy formally bars Asian artists from Record, Song, or Album of the Year. The claim is that those 15,000 voters considered BTS five times between 2021 and 2023, during the group's commercial peak, and declined five times, and that the sorting has already been happening without any rule requiring it. A homemade sign got to the heart of this in six words. The chief executive took several paragraphs and arrived somewhere adjacent. This is what has changed in the week since the announcement, and it is why the story has not settled. The refusal is no longer in the group's hands, and the argument is being carried by people who did not clear it with anyone. That distinction matters because of the criticism the withdrawal drew in Seoul. Korean commentators noted quickly that this might be strategy rather than principle, pointing out that most of ARIRANG is in English and would not have qualified for the Asian pop category anyway, and that the General Field was never a realistic prospect. The reasoning is sound and worth taking seriously. HYBE has a communications department, and communications departments do not issue statements from seven accounts simultaneously by accident. What HYBE does not have is control over what people write on cardboard. Nobody approved "Who Needs a Grammy When You Have an ARMY?" and the camera operator who put it on a screen the size of a house was making an editorial choice in real time. A corporate statement can be walked back, clarified, softened in a follow-up interview. A stadium cannot. The venue itself supplied the rest of the argument without anyone needing to make it. BTS had already played MetLife once this year before Saturday, performing "Dynamite" at the first World Cup final halftime show on July 19 alongside Madonna, Shakira, Coldplay and Justin Bieber, in front of the largest television audience available on the planet. "Dynamite" is the song that earned the group its first Grammy nomination in 2021, and it is performed entirely in English, meaning it would not qualify for the Asian pop category the Recording Academy has now built for artists like them. The song that opened the door in 2021 would be turned away at the new one. The show that followed was not the work of a group seeking anyone's approval. Reviewing Saturday night, NJ Arts described members who looked visibly older and harder, dressed in black behind dark sunglasses, with tattoos and weathered faces visible on the overhead screens. The famous precision had loosened into something easier, the members lingering with one another and wandering the stage rather than holding formation. Thirteen of the 23 songs came from ARIRANG, an album built around Korean culture, and at one point the stage was ringed in light arranged to evoke the taegeuk at the center of the South Korean flag. Six weeks after the Recording Academy announced a category for music that makes meaningful use of an Asian language, BTS filled an American football stadium twice with a show that centers Korea and asked nothing of anyone. Submissions for the 69th Grammy Awards close on August 28, and nominations arrive in November. Whoever is named in the Best Asian Pop Music Performance category will be named without the participation of the largest act the category was designed to attract, and the Recording Academy will have to explain the absence to an audience that has already stated its position in marker on cardboard. BTS plays Gillette Stadium in Foxborough on Wednesday and Thursday, then Baltimore, Arlington, Chicago, and four nights in the Los Angeles area in September, where the ceremony itself will be held in February. August 4, 2026 16:3 -
Concerns Raised Over Oversight in $17 Million Muan International Language and Culture Center Project The Muan Office of Education has come under scrutiny for proceeding with a 17 billion won ($13 million) construction project for the Muan International Language and Culture Center without the required environmental notifications, raising concerns about oversight and management.Notably, construction continued on Sundays, a fact the contracting agency, the Office of Education, claimed it was unaware of, highlighting significant gaps in the project’s oversight system.According to the Muan Office of Education, the project involves remodeling the main building and dormitory, as well as reconstructing parking lots and playgrounds at the Glocal Education Center in Gojol-ri, Muan-eup, with a total budget of approximately 17.7 billion won. The construction began on March 4 and is scheduled to be completed by August 30.However, an investigation revealed that the relevant environmental department had not received any notifications regarding dust emissions or specific construction activities related to this project.A representative from the Muan County Environmental Department stated, As of now, there have been no reports submitted regarding dust emissions or specific construction activities related to this project.Despite the lack of notifications, construction has continued, including work on Sundays. Furthermore, the construction supervisor from the Muan Office of Education claimed to be visiting the site frequently but failed to recognize that essential environmental notifications had not been completed prior to the start of construction.The construction supervisor is responsible for ensuring the quality and safety of the work, as well as compliance with contractual obligations and relevant laws. The fact that the failure to report was not identified until after construction began raises questions about whether the review of construction documents and site management were conducted adequately.The head of the facilities team at the Muan Office of Education stated, We determined that there are no residential areas within 300 meters, so we considered it exempt. If it needs to be corrected in consultation with the county, we will take immediate action.Reporting dust emissions and specific construction activities is a legal requirement that must be fulfilled before starting construction for projects of a certain scale. The relevant administrative agency will investigate whether the project falls under the reporting requirements and whether any legal violations occurred before deciding on administrative actions.In light of this situation, local construction industry representatives have pointed out that the failure to confirm basic legal notifications in a public project worth 17 billion won is not solely the contractors issue but also raises concerns about whether the oversight system of the contracting agency is functioning properly. August 4, 2026 16:2
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Gunpo City Corporation Enhances Data Protection Amid Rise of Generative AI Gunpo City Corporation is enhancing its data protection capabilities through training for employees in response to the growing importance of personal data security amid the rise of generative AI.According to the corporation, on July 30, it conducted a 2026 Personal Data Protection and AI Security Training for personal data managers and handlers.This training was organized as part of mandatory periodic education under the Personal Data Protection Act, focusing on key aspects of the law, protective measures at each stage of data processing, and procedures for responding to data breach incidents.In particular, the training addressed the risks of personal data leaks that may arise during the use of AI, reflecting the rapidly expanding use of generative AI, and aimed to raise employees awareness of digital security.Attendees expressed that the training helped clarify standards for personal data protection as the use of AI in their work increases, with one participant noting, The training based on real cases was helpful for immediate application in the field.Citizens also responded positively to the expansion of personal data protection and AI security training.One resident of Gunpo stated, As public institutions utilize generative AI, training to manage personal data safely is essential. I hope ongoing education will allow citizens to use public services with confidence.Meanwhile, Baek Jae-guk, the corporations president, remarked, Protecting personal data is a fundamental responsibility to maintain citizens trust. He added, We will actively respond to evaluations of our data protection levels and continuously promote a culture of data protection and safe AI usage in line with the changing digital environment.* This article has been translated by AI. August 4, 2026 14:4
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Gunpo City Corporation Enhances Data Protection Skills in AI Era Gunpo City Corporation is enhancing its data protection capabilities amid the growing importance of safeguarding personal information in the era of generative AI. On July 30, the corporation conducted a training session for data protection managers and personnel handling personal data, titled 2026 Personal Data Protection and AI Security Training.This training was organized as part of the mandatory periodic education required under the Personal Information Protection Act, focusing on key aspects of the law, protective measures at each stage of data processing, and procedures for responding to data breach incidents.In light of the rapid proliferation of generative AI, the training also addressed the risks of personal data leaks during AI usage and safe practices, aiming to raise employees awareness of digital security.Attendees expressed their appreciation for the training, stating, As the use of AI in our work increases, it was a valuable opportunity to clearly understand the standards for personal data protection, and The training, based on real cases, will help us apply what we learned directly in the field.Citizens have also responded positively to the expansion of personal data protection and AI security training. One resident of Gunpo remarked, As public institutions utilize generative AI, training to manage personal data safely is essential. I hope ongoing education will allow citizens to use public services with confidence.Meanwhile, Baek Jae-guk, the corporations president, stated, Protecting personal data is a fundamental responsibility to maintain citizens trust. He added, We will actively respond to evaluations of our data protection levels and continue to promote a culture of data protection and safe AI usage education in line with the changing digital environment. August 4, 2026 14:4
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Taxpayer Funds Used for Cancun Trip During World Cup; Nine K-League Officials Reported to Police During the 2026 FIFA North and Central America World Cup, representatives from taxpayer-funded K-League clubs who traveled to the resort city of Cancun, Mexico, have been reported to the police by civic groups.On the morning of August 4, at a press conference held at the National Assemblys communication hall, Kim Jae-won, a member of the National Assembly from the Justice Party, announced that nine representatives from local soccer clubs were reported to the National Police Agency for allegations of breach of duty, embezzlement, and violations of local subsidy management laws.The individuals reported include Kwon Il, general manager of Gimpo FC; Kim Tae-joo, general manager of Gangwon FC; Lee Heung-sil, CEO of Gyeongnam FC; Jang Young-bok, general manager of Daegu FC; Kim Seong-nam, general manager of Bucheon FC; Jang Won-jae, CEO of Seongnam FC; Kim Jeong-taek, general manager of Ansan Greeners; Lee Woo-hyung, general manager of FC Anyang; and Joo Kwon-do, CEO of Incheon United.This controversy arose from the K-Leagues 2026 K-League Academy-CEO Course held from June 18 to 26. According to civic groups, a total of 25 individuals, including K-League executives and representatives from 21 clubs, traveled to Mexico for the World Cup. The total cost of the trip, shared equally between the league and the clubs, amounted to approximately 710 million won.The official itinerary provided to the clubs initially included attending three group stage matches of the Korean national soccer team; however, the actual schedule included a two-night stay in Cancun, a popular tourist destination. Participants reportedly utilized their free time in the afternoons after morning seminars for sightseeing at historical sites. The Cancun stay was not mentioned in the official documents distributed beforehand.Particularly controversial was the use of expensive business class tickets by representatives of taxpayer-funded clubs. Despite prior notifications from the league indicating that choosing economy class could save about 6 million won, the nine reported representatives opted for business class tickets costing 15,924,000 won each, charged to club budgets. The difference from the economy class fare of 9,995,000 won amounted to an additional 5,929,000 won per person, totaling over 53 million won in extra expenses for these nine individuals.In contrast, Kim Jin-hyung, general manager of Yongin FC, and the secretary general of Suwon FC, who was not eligible for business class under travel regulations, opted for economy class, highlighting a stark contrast in budget adherence. Civic groups pointed out that it was entirely possible to execute budget expenditures in compliance with regulations.The civic groups have requested a thorough investigation by the police into the travel expense regulations of each club, the sources of funding (contributions and subsidies), the circumstances surrounding the Cancun itinerary through the event management travel agency and the league, and the recovery of improperly spent funds.Additionally, they are considering filing a request for a resident audit with the relevant local governments, separate from the criminal complaint.Earlier, on July 30, during a National Assembly Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee hearing on the Korea Football Association, Kim Jae-won first raised the issue, stating, While there is a shortage of funds for players and youth development, the club representatives did not hesitate to spend taxpayer money on business class tickets and a stay in Cancun. This is not merely a moral hazard but a serious matter of wasting public resources for private gain.* This article has been translated by AI. August 4, 2026 14:2