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bhc Opens First Store in the Philippines with Localized Menu bhc has opened its first store in the Philippines, focusing on local consumers with a menu that includes Chicken Rice and other tailored offerings.The Dining Brands Group announced on August 3 that its chicken brand bhc has opened its first Philippine location in the SM North EDSA mall in Quezon City, Manila. The opening ceremony, held on July 29, was attended by Song Ho-seob, CEO of Dining Brands Group.The new store spans approximately 1,700 square feet and features 86 seats. Considering the malls characteristics, it has adopted a Limited-Service Restaurant (LSR) model for quick preparation and service.The menu includes fried and seasoned chicken, as well as signature items like Bburinkle, Machoking, and Red King, organized by chicken parts. Notably, it offers meal combos centered around chicken pieces and the Chicken Rice combination, along with a sweet Filipino-style spaghetti that reflects local culinary preferences. Additionally, the menu features three types of chicken burgers, cheese balls, japchae, and tteokbokki, among other K-food items.bhc signed a lease agreement with SM Supermalls, the largest mall operator in the Philippines, in July of last year and established a master franchise agreement with local retail company Suyeon Corporation before analyzing the market to open this store. Currently, bhc operates a total of 49 stores across nine countries, including the Philippines, Hong Kong, Thailand, Taiwan, Singapore, and the United States.Nam Hwa-yeon, head of the overseas business division at Dining Brands Group, stated, The Philippines is a vibrant market for dining and chicken consumption. We aim to expand our brand presence in the Philippines with a strategically designed menu that reflects local food culture.* This article has been translated by AI. August 3, 2026 10:2 -
New Book Explores How Local Communities Build Competitiveness Where does a regions competitiveness begin? A new book argues that solutions should be found not just in large-scale development or increasing tourist numbers, but in the long-accumulated culture, lifestyle, and relationships of its people. Co-authored by eight PR experts, Local Shift introduces various case studies on how regions can create their own value and establish sustainable relationships.Publisher Saeroun Saram announced on August 3 that the book Local Shift was released, featuring contributions from certified PR professionals (KAPR) including Jeon Ye-ji, Park Ji-young, Seo Soo-hyun, Jeong Gi-yun, Jeon Min-cheol, Jo Cheol-je, Yoon Han-deuk, and Kim Yoon-mi. The authors, who have experience in various industries such as distribution, tourism, IT, and construction, spent about a year collaborating to explore local branding, storytelling, local food, tourism, transportation, IT, climate change, and community from a PR communication perspective.The book goes beyond viewing regions solely through the lens of crisis of extinction. It interprets the culture, history, food, lifestyle, and relationships that each region has built over time as unique assets, proposing ways to connect these to new competitive advantages.Amid growing global interest in Korean lifestyles, the authors believe that the accumulated ways of life and culture in each region can become competitive content in the world market.The authors assert that the future of regions will not be determined solely by large-scale development projects or competition for tourist attraction. They emphasize the importance of reinterpreting the everyday cultural practices and memories of communities and developing them into unique regional narratives.They also suggest that promotional methods for regions need to change. Rather than one-sided promotion led by administrative agencies, a collaborative process involving residents, merchants, and visitors in creating regional value can lead to long-term competitiveness.The book consists of eight chapters, starting with local branding and storytelling, and examines the potential of regions across various fields, including local food, tourism, transportation, IT, sustainability, and community.In the tourism sector, it introduces a model where residents become the main players in tourism, moving away from a focus solely on increasing visitor numbers. It also addresses various challenges related to regional sustainability, including transportation infrastructure, digital technology, artificial intelligence (AI), climate crisis response, and community recovery.The book features domestic case studies from places like Gangneung, Jeonju, Seongsu, Bukchon, and Mangwon-dong, showcasing local food, tourism, transportation, AI, climate action, and community projects. It connects PR theories such as place branding, experience economy, relationship management, social capital, and two-way symmetrical communication with real-world examples.Jo Young-seok, president of the Korean PR Association, praised the book in a recommendation, stating, Helping regions speak for themselves is PR, and noted that it demonstrates how accumulated PR expertise can create change by connecting with the unique values of local areas.Additionally, Kim Joo-ho, honorary president of the Korean PR Association, highlighted the significance of PR professionals addressing public issues beyond organizational promotion, while Kim Kyung-dal, director of Blue Dot AI, described local areas as future media assets that need to be reinterpreted and connected.To celebrate the books release, the authors will hold a book talk on the 26th at Chosun Salon in Jongno, Seoul, where they will share key insights and the writing process of Local Shift with readers.* This article has been translated by AI. August 3, 2026 10:0
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Ministry of Culture and Korea Tourism Organization Launch 'K-Global Festival' Initiative The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Tourism Organization announced on August 3 that they launched the Global Festa Check-in 2026 campaign for foreign tourists at the Boryeong Mud Festival in South Chungcheong Province on July 31.This campaign aims to provide reliable food options and related information for foreign tourists, coinciding with the opening of the Boryeong Mud Festival, which has gained global recognition. Officials from the Ministry, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, the Korea Tourism Organization, and representatives from Boryeong, Suwon, Andong, Jinju, and Hwacheon attended the event, where they presented three key tasks: fair pricing, hospitality for foreigners, and unique local experiences. Participants also engaged in in-depth discussions on collaborative improvements for foreign-friendly global festivals.On-site inspections were conducted, where attendees reviewed food pop-ups and promotional booths for global festivals. They specifically compared the information provided by the Food Alio service, which shares details about festival food options, including menu, prices, and weight, with actual offerings at the festival to ensure reasonable food services.Additionally, the Korea Tourism Organization showcased various experiential programs to promote global festivals and related tourism content. Activities included a Wheres Wally? stamp tour to encourage visits to the six global festivals, an event to promote safety culture in sea travel, and a verification event for the Food Alio service, attracting visitors to the festival.Park Jeong-woong, head of the Korea Tourism Organizations National Tourism Division, stated, We will develop local festivals, including the six global festivals, into tourism content that attracts people from around the world, enhancing the competitiveness of local tourism. We aim to expand trust-based services like Food Alio and create a festival environment where pricing, hospitality, and experiences harmonize to boost the global competitiveness of Korean festivals.The Global Festival initiative, promoted by the Ministry and the Korea Tourism Organization, is a three-year concentrated support project aimed at developing local festivals into global tourism content. The six festivals included are the Boryeong Mud Festival, Incheon Pentaport Rock Festival, Andong International Mask Dance Festival, Jinju Namgang Lantern Festival, Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival, and Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival (January 2027).Furthermore, the Korea Tourism Organization is also focusing on promoting four preliminary global festivals: the Daegu Chimaek Festival, Jeongnamjin Jangheung Water Festival, Busan International Rock Festival, and Suncheon Jangyu Festival.Meanwhile, bolstered by the development of K-festivals and enhanced tourism infrastructure, the number of foreign tourists visiting Korea and their spending has significantly increased. According to the Ministry, as of June 28, the total number of foreign tourists who visited Korea in June reached 1.99 million, a 23.1% increase compared to the same month last year. This brings the total number of visitors for the first half of the year to 10.71 million.Foreign tourists have also increased their spending. From January to June this year, the cumulative credit card spending by foreign tourists reached 10.39 trillion won, a 50.8% increase compared to the same period last year, which recorded 6.67 trillion won.* This article has been translated by AI. August 3, 2026 09:3
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Koreans Experience Double the Travel Time Pressure Compared to Asia-Pacific Average While the anticipation of travel brings joy, many South Koreans feel pressured by time during their trips. Notably, the percentage of Koreans experiencing time pressure and fatigue while traveling significantly exceeds the Asia-Pacific average.Global travel platform Booking.com recently released findings from its Travel Happiness Index survey, which included responses from 1,010 South Koreans among 10,136 travelers across the Asia-Pacific region. The survey examined factors contributing to travelers satisfaction and the burdens they face during their journeys.According to the survey, 88% of Koreans reported feeling happier simply knowing they have a trip planned. Additionally, 76% indicated that the anticipation of travel helps them cope with everyday stress, while 69% enjoy the process of planning their trips, surpassing the Asia-Pacific average of 60% by 9 percentage points.However, the actual travel experience brings increased burdens. Fifty-two percent of Koreans reported feeling tired or exhausted during their trips, which is 23 percentage points higher than the Asia-Pacific average of 29%. Furthermore, 39% of respondents felt pressure to make the most of their travel time, nearly double the Asia-Pacific average of 20%. Additionally, 79% of Koreans reported experiencing at least one negative emotion during their travels, the highest among the surveyed countries.Korean travelers identified natural scenery, food, and time spent with companions as their greatest joys while traveling. The enjoyment of appreciating natural landscapes was reported by 45% of Koreans, exceeding the Asia-Pacific average of 35%. Time spent with travel companions was valued by 35% (Asia-Pacific average 28%), and 32% enjoyed delicious food and drinks (Asia-Pacific average 26%). Sixty-five percent of respondents indicated that traveling with family is the most enjoyable, higher than the average of 59%.This preference is reflected in travel planning as well. Seventy-one percent of Koreans prioritize including local cuisine and meaningful experiences in their itineraries, while 70% are willing to adjust their travel timing or destination based on discounts or promotions. Additionally, 66% expressed a desire to extend their trips for relaxation and rejuvenation.When selecting accommodations, travelers tend to consider both cost and experience. Among those choosing various types of lodging, 34% cited value for money, while 21% appreciated the opportunity to experience local culture and communities more closely.Despite concerns about safety and costs, travelers are not giving up on their trips. The main worries for Koreans include safety (43%), health and hygiene (40%), climate change and environmental risks (36%), rising prices (30%), and political instability (32%). Only 32% felt more confident about affording travel expenses compared to last year, lower than the Asia-Pacific average of 46%.Nevertheless, 88% indicated they would prefer to adjust their plans rather than cancel their trips in the face of unexpected situations. The most common response was to choose a similar destination, with 29% opting for this, while 19% would postpone their trips, and 17% would adjust the timing or duration of their travels.The survey also revealed that digital technology enhances the convenience of travel planning. Eighty-seven percent of Koreans believe that search engines, booking platforms, and AI-based tools make planning and booking travel easier. Seventy-two percent found these tools helpful for finding and comparing travel products, while 66% said they inspire the discovery of new destinations and experiences.Trust emerged as a crucial factor during the booking phase. Ninety-one percent of Koreans feel more secure when booking through reliable platforms. Factors contributing to their sense of security include safe and trustworthy payment methods (40%), transparent pricing without hidden fees (36%), and user-friendly booking platforms (32%).Laura Holdsworth, Managing Director for Booking.com in the Asia-Pacific region, stated, The happiness of travel comes not only from where you go but also from the anticipation before departure, the people you travel with, and the confidence to adjust plans in unexpected situations. We aim to help travelers reduce the burdens of the planning process and focus more on their experiences at their destinations.* This article has been translated by AI. August 3, 2026 08:3
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Book Review: Johan Cruyff's Insights for Korean Football "The biggest reason I play football is to entertain the audience. Winning was not the only thing that mattered to me." (p. 151)Johan Cruyff (1947-2016) transformed modern football as a player, coach, and administrator. He led Ajax in the Netherlands to eight league titles and three consecutive European Cup victories, and he ushered in a golden era at Barcelona as both a player and coach. He perfected the concept of total football, a modern tactical approach emphasizing fluidity in attack and defense, and is regarded as a major influence on contemporary coaches like Pep Guardiola.His autobiography, Johan Cruyff (written by Johan Cruyff, translated by Lee Seong-mo, Knowledge Factory), reads more like a treatise on organization, leadership, and education than a typical sports heros memoir. It covers entertaining football, a culture of learning from failure, teamwork that supports one another, and the importance of placing the right talent in the right positions. His messages extend beyond football to all organizations.For Cruyff, winning was a goal but not the entirety of the game. He envisioned a style of play that was technical, creative, and left fans wanting more. He constantly urged his players to think critically: create space when in possession and close gaps to apply pressure when out of it. The key was not just running a lot, but knowing where to run. He believed that football is a sport where understanding space and team movement takes precedence over physical fitness.This philosophy later culminated in total football, where all players engage in both attacking and defending, and when one moves, all ten follow. He emphasized that creating the best combination of players who complement each other is more important than simply gathering eleven outstanding athletes. His belief that "football is a game played with the head" was realized through meticulous calculations of distance, spacing, and timing. A lover of numbers and mental calculations, he viewed football as an art of space and a sport of logic.Cruyffs football philosophy also translated into his approach to life. He valued maintaining a clean dressing room, personally polishing his boots, and managing his belongings. He believed one must be a good person before becoming a good player. He learned from coach Jack Reynolds not to fear mistakes, from coach Rinus Michels about player protection and discipline, and from baseball, the importance of reading the game as a whole. He stated, "My life has always been a process of doing better and improving," accepting even failures as assets for growth.Notably, his role as a leader and administrator was impressive. Even after becoming a coach, he did not assume he knew everything. He brought in specialists like goalkeeper coaches and emphasized that "a leader is someone who places the right person in the right position." After retiring, he pushed for reforms at Ajax, aiming to change the structure where administrators without football experience dominated decision-making, advocating for a system where a committee of former players participated in decisions.Reading Cruyffs autobiography naturally brings to mind the current state of Korean football. Recently, Korean football has disappointed fans with underwhelming performances in the World Cup and ongoing administrative controversies. Cruyff consistently emphasized the importance of appointing the most suitable individuals and that those who understand the field should determine the direction of football.Of course, Cruyff is not the only answer. However, he demonstrated through his football career that tactics without philosophy cannot endure, and strong teams cannot exist without a system. One of Cruyffs statements lingers: "Winning is not everything. What matters more is how you win." (p. 106) August 3, 2026 00:0
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President Lee Marks 60th Anniversary of Korean Nurses in Germany President Lee Jae-myung met with Korean expatriates in Germany on August 2, promising to ensure that their voices lead to real policy and institutional changes.During a luncheon meeting at a hotel in Frankfurt, President Lee stated, I will make sure that you can trust the government to listen to your stories and take action, no matter where you are in the world.According to a written briefing by Chief Spokesperson Kang Yu-jeong, about 150 members of the Korean community from the southern region of Germany, including leaders from Korean associations, economic organizations, and professionals, attended the meeting.After completing a tour of San Francisco and three South American countries, President Lee, accompanied by First Lady Kim Hye-kyung, met with Korean workers, businesspeople, and representatives from Korean associations and senior citizen groups.President Lee mentioned a survey of overseas Koreans grievances that began earlier this year, noting that approximately 42 complaints had been reported from Germany. He added, There are likely many more, and I expect to hear a lot today. Some issues may be difficult to resolve immediately, but others can be addressed easily.He explained the background of the meeting, saying, I had to refuel somewhere after my trip to South America, and I thought it would be meaningful to stop here. I felt that Frankfurt was the most important place to meet you quickly.President Lee acknowledged that official visits to Germany typically lead him to Berlin, making it difficult to meet with the community. He expressed a desire to connect with overseas Koreans whenever possible.He emphasized the significance of the meeting, stating, This gathering was created to share the situation in our homeland and to reflect your voices in the governance of South Korea as much as possible.Notably, President Lee highlighted that this year marks the 60th anniversary of Korean nurses stepping foot at Frankfurt Airport in 1966.He remarked, Korea and Germany have risen from the pains of war and division, astonishing the world with the miracles of the Rhine and the Han rivers. Your lives are reflected in that history.President Lee noted that the contributions of those who dedicated their youth as miners and nurses extend beyond economic achievements. He praised them for demonstrating the diligence and responsibility of Koreans in German society, fostering trust in South Korea.He expressed gratitude to the first-generation Korean nurses for establishing Korean language schools and passing on their language and culture to their children. Korean language schools are spaces that connect generations and serve as a focal point for the expatriate community. I extend my deep respect and gratitude for your sacrifices, dedication, and remarkable efforts, he said.The role of Korean businesses and expatriate entrepreneurs in Germany was also highlighted. President Lee stated, Korean companies in Frankfurt and throughout Hesse are proving South Koreas competitiveness in the automotive, electronics, finance, logistics, bio, and high-tech sectors.He added, The true competitiveness of a company is realized when it earns deep trust within the local community. You, who are building that trust, are the core of South Koreas competitiveness.President Lee noted that interest in Korean culture, which began with K-pop, films, dramas, and food, is expanding in German society to include the Korean language, studying abroad, employment, and Korean companies and technology.He praised the expatriates, saying, If businesses showcase South Koreas capabilities and culture broadens the goodwill towards our country, you can connect that capability and goodwill with strong trust. You are true ambassadors of private diplomacy.During the open discussion, four expatriates, including Park Hwa-ja, a representative of the first-generation nurses, shared their experiences settling in Germany and their hopes for their homeland.Reflecting on her 60 years in Germany, Park expressed pride in being a small root in the Korean community. She added, I hope that South Korea continues to develop into a country that values its citizens and expatriates, earning the trust and respect of the world.Kim Byung-hak, president of the European Korean Intellectual Property Association and son of a former miner, paid tribute to the laborers who dedicated their youth in Germany.He requested, I ask the President to establish policies that allow all Koreans, both domestically and abroad, to unite and contribute to building a proud and strong South Korea.Dr. Kim Soo-ji, a dentist, stated that she is committed to her profession to honor her parents diligence and pride as laborers, urging, Please create a South Korea where citizens can feel pride no matter where they are.Go Ye-chan, a civil servant in Hesses labor department, remarked, The German government also considers Korea a strategic partner. I take pride in having roots in South Korea as I witness its changing status.After listening to the expatriates remarks, President Lee acknowledged, The Korean community in Germany has been deeply involved in the development of Korean democracy.He emphasized the need to uncover the truth about past pains and to continue establishing measures to prevent their recurrence.President Lee urged the expatriates to maintain their interest in their homeland, stating, You can view South Korea more objectively from afar.Earlier, Jo Yoon-sun, president of the Southern Germany Korean Association, welcomed the attendees, stating, The Korean community in Germany has a deep history of over 100 years, starting from independence activists like Im Lee-ryeok during the Japanese occupation to the Korean laborers who followed.Jo described the Korean community in Germany as one that intertwines past dedication, present challenges, and future hopes, expressing hope that the Presidents visit would comfort the expatriates and strengthen their connection to their homeland.In a cultural performance, the Frankfurt Korean Choir, led by the first-generation nurses, sang songs such as Meeting, In the Flower Garden, and Longing for Geumgangsan, marking its 40th anniversary.With this expatriate meeting, President Lee concluded his official schedule during his tour of the United States, Brazil, Chile, and Argentina, and began his journey back home.* This article has been translated by AI. August 2, 2026 22:0
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President Lee Marks 60th Anniversary of Korean Nurses in Germany President Lee Jae-myung promised on August 2 to ensure that the voices of Koreans abroad lead to real changes in policies and systems. Speaking at a luncheon with the Korean community in a hotel in Frankfurt, he stated, I will make sure that you can trust the government to listen to your concerns and take action, no matter where you are in the world.After completing visits to San Francisco and three South American countries, President Lee, accompanied by First Lady Kim Hye-kyung, met with over 100 attendees, including Korean workers, businesspeople, and representatives from Korean associations and schools.He referenced a survey of overseas Koreans grievances initiated earlier this year, noting that about 42 complaints had been reported from Germany. He added, There are likely many more, and I expect to hear a lot today. While some issues may be difficult to resolve immediately, there are also many that can be addressed easily.President Lee explained the background of the meeting, saying, After visiting South America, I had to refuel somewhere, and I thought it would be important to stop here. I felt that Frankfurt was the right place to meet you all quickly. He acknowledged that official visits to Germany typically lead him to Berlin, making it harder to meet with the community.He emphasized that this year marks the 60th anniversary of Korean nurses stepping foot at Frankfurt Airport in 1966. Korea and Germany have risen from the pains of war and division, each astonishing the world with the miracles of the Rhine and the Han River. Your lives are reflected in that history, he said.President Lee noted that the achievements of those who dedicated their youth as miners and nurses extend beyond economic success. You have demonstrated the diligence and responsibility of Koreans to German society, building and solidifying trust in Korea, he remarked.He expressed gratitude for the first generation of overseas Koreans who established Korean language schools to pass on their language and culture to their children. Korean schools are spaces that connect generations and serve as a focal point for the community, and I extend my deep respect and gratitude for your sacrifices, dedication, and remarkable efforts, he said.The role of Korean businesses and entrepreneurs in Germany was also highlighted. Korean companies in Frankfurt and throughout Hesse are proving Koreas competitiveness in the automotive, electronics, finance, logistics, bio, and high-tech sectors, he stated.He emphasized that true corporate competitiveness is achieved when trust is built within the local community, stating, You, who are building trust locally, are the core of Koreas competitiveness.President Lee noted the growing interest in Korea within German society, which has expanded from K-pop, films, and food to include the Korean language, study abroad, employment, and Korean companies and technology.He concluded by saying, If businesses showcase Koreas capabilities and culture broadens the goodwill towards Korea, you can connect that capability and goodwill with strong trust. You are the true civilian diplomats.Joo Yoon-sun, president of the Korean Association in Southern Germany, welcomed the president, stating, The Korean community in Germany is a collective where past dedication, present challenges, and future hopes are intertwined. I hope the presidents visit will comfort the hearts of our community and strengthen our connection with our homeland.With the conclusion of the luncheon, President Lee wrapped up his official schedule, which included visits to San Francisco, Brazil, Chile, and Argentina, and began his journey back home.* This article has been translated by AI. August 2, 2026 21:3
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President Lee Marks 60th Anniversary of Korean Nurses in Germany President Lee Jae-myung met with the Korean community in Germany on August 2, promising, I will ensure that your voices lead to real changes in policies and systems.During a luncheon held at a hotel in Frankfurt, he stated, I will pay closer attention so that overseas Koreans, no matter where they are in the world, can believe that the government listens to their concerns and takes action.On his way back from a tour of San Francisco and three South American countries, President Lee, accompanied by First Lady Kim Hye-kyung, met with over 100 attendees, including Korean workers, businesspeople, and representatives from Korean associations and schools.He mentioned a survey of overseas Koreans grievances conducted earlier this year, noting, I have been informed that about 42 complaints have been received from Germany.He added, There are likely many more, and I expect to hear a lot today. Some issues may be difficult to resolve immediately, but there are also those that can be addressed easily.Explaining the background of the meeting, President Lee said, I had to refuel somewhere after my trip to South America, and I thought it would be inappropriate to just pass by. I considered where I needed to meet quickly, and it seems Frankfurt was the chosen location.He noted that official visits to Germany usually take him to Berlin, making it difficult to meet with the community, and expressed his desire to connect with overseas Koreans whenever possible.President Lee emphasized that this year marks the 60th anniversary of Korean nurses stepping foot at Frankfurt Airport in 1966.He remarked, Korea and Germany have risen from the pains of war and division, astonishing the world with the economic miracles of the Rhine and the Han rivers. Your lives are reflected in that history.He acknowledged the contributions of those who dedicated their youth as miners and nurses, stating, What they achieved is not just economic success; they showcased the diligence and responsibility of Koreans to German society and built trust in Korea.President Lee also expressed gratitude for the efforts of the first generation of overseas Koreans who established Korean language schools to pass on the language and culture to their children. He said, Korean schools are spaces that connect generations and serve as a focal point for the community, and I express my deep respect and gratitude for their sacrifices, dedication, and remarkable efforts.He highlighted the role of Korean companies and businesspeople in Germany, stating, Korean companies in Frankfurt and throughout Hesse are proving Koreas competitiveness in the automotive, electronics, finance, logistics, bio, and high-tech sectors.He emphasized, The true competitiveness of a company is realized when it earns deep trust in the local community, and you, the overseas Koreans building that trust, are the core of Koreas competitiveness.Additionally, he noted that interest in Korean culture, starting from K-pop, films, dramas, and food, is expanding in German society to include the Korean language, studying abroad, employment, and Korean companies and technology.President Lee stated, If companies showcase Koreas capabilities and culture broadens goodwill toward Korea, you can connect that capability and goodwill with strong trust. You are the true civilian diplomats.In her welcoming remarks, Jo Yoon-sun, president of the Korean Association in Southern Germany, said, The Korean community in Germany is a collective where past dedication, present challenges, and future hopes are intertwined. I hope the presidents visit will comfort the hearts of the community and strengthen the connection with our homeland.President Lee concluded the meeting with the Korean community, marking the end of his official schedule during his tour of the United States, Brazil, Chile, and Argentina, as he began his journey back home.* This article has been translated by AI. August 2, 2026 21:3
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K-AI Project's Second Evaluation Approaches, SKT and Upstage Lead The second phase evaluation of the Independent Artificial Intelligence (AI) Foundation Model (IndepAI) project, promoted by the Ministry of Science and ICT, is approaching. While participating companies have demonstrated competitiveness in specialized fields such as Korean language, mathematics, and science, significant gaps remain in operating large-scale models and inference efficiency compared to global frontier models.According to industry sources on August 2, SK Telecom, Upstage, and LG AI Research Institute, which are part of the IndepAI project, unveiled their models on Hugging Face last month. Additionally, Motif Technologies, which joined later, also showcased a preview version.An analysis of the model cards released on Hugging Face revealed seven benchmarks with similar names: mathematical reasoning, scientific reasoning, advanced comprehensive reasoning, instruction execution, long-form reasoning, Korean knowledge, and Korean culture and common sense. The common benchmarks include evaluations specialized in Korean language and cultural understanding.SKTs A.X K2 achieved the highest scores among the three models in four benchmarks: Korean culture and common sense (91.6 points), Korean knowledge (80.5 points), long-form reasoning (66.0 points), and mathematical reasoning (97.1 points). Upstages Solar Open 2 scored relatively high in three benchmarks: scientific reasoning (86.3 points), advanced comprehensive reasoning (28.8 points), and instruction execution (80.0 points).In contrast, LG AI Research Institutes K-EXAONE 2.0, which ranked first in the initial evaluation, did not achieve the highest score in any of the seven common benchmarks.LG AI Research Institute leads in model size, with K-EXAONE boasting 750 billion parameters, the largest in the country. The institute plans to enhance data quality and employ reinforcement learning to develop a globally competitive model.Im Woo-hyung, co-research director at LG AI Research Institute, stated, The current model is not a finished product but a starting point for developing a frontier-level model. We will enhance K-EXAONEs performance through data quality improvement, follow-up learning, reinforcement learning, and refining inference technology.However, experts note that the models released are preview versions and not the final submissions, indicating limitations in assessing global competitiveness. The public benchmarks also heavily emphasize specialized areas such as Korean language and cultural understanding, suggesting that the results primarily highlight each companys strengths and technological direction rather than a direct comparison with global models.Bong Gang-ho, a senior researcher at the Software Policy Research Institute, remarked, The results are significant in confirming whether global frontier-level competitiveness has been secured in certain areas rather than evaluating if all performance metrics surpass global models. The technologies and development experiences accumulated through the IndepAI project will serve as a foundation for future domestic AI competitiveness.The competition among global frontier models is intensifying, not only in terms of model size but also in inference efficiency. Recently, Chinas Moonshot AI unveiled the Kimi K3, which has a total parameter size approximately 3.7 times larger than K-EXAONE and integrates long-form processing, multimodal capabilities, and agent functions.Notably, Kimi K3 employs a sparse (MoE, Mixture of Experts) structure, selecting only 16 out of 896 experts for computation, reducing the active parameter ratio to about 3.7%. This approach maintains a large model while lowering computational load and costs, thereby enhancing inference efficiency. In contrast, the active parameter ratio for domestic models is around 4.1% to 6.0%, indicating that the technological competition to improve inference efficiency in large models is gaining momentum.* This article has been translated by AI. August 2, 2026 18:3
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Second Phase of Public Institution Relocation Faces Challenges in Regional Settlement The second phase of public institution relocation, aimed at alleviating congestion in the capital region and promoting balanced national development, is becoming more visible. However, the first phase has been criticized for falling short in terms of employee and family settlement, attracting related businesses, and fostering an industrial-academic-research ecosystem. Experts argue that the second phase requires measures that go beyond mere office relocations to facilitate genuine regional settlement.According to relevant authorities, the government initiated the public institution relocation project in 2003 with a basic plan and designated institutions for relocation in 2005, targeting the alleviation of overcrowding in the capital region and promoting balanced national development. The first phase began in earnest in 2012 with the relocation of the Korea Transport Institute to Jeju Innovation City and concluded in 2019 with the move of the Korea Institute of Science and Technology Evaluation and Planning to Chungbuk Innovation City.A total of 153 institutions and approximately 52,000 personnel relocated to ten innovation cities across the country, including Sejong City. The National Assembly Budget Office separately analyzed 105 public institutions under the Public Institutions Management Act.The analysis revealed that the relocation of public institutions contributed to population growth in innovation cities and an increase in local tax revenue. As of the end of 2025, the population in innovation cities nationwide reached 234,684, and the public institutions that relocated paid a total of 25.072 trillion won in local taxes from 2016 to 2024. The introduction of a mandatory local talent recruitment system also expanded employment opportunities for local university graduates.However, the evaluation indicates that actual settlement remains incomplete. The family relocation rate, including single and unmarried individuals, was 71% as of 2025, falling short of the government’s target of 75%. Satisfaction with living conditions in 2024 was rated at only 69.4 out of 100. Although the occupancy rate of the industrial-academic-research cluster in innovation cities was 81.8% based on planned sales, the actual occupancy rate was only 56.6% based on the area sold.Connections to the capital region have not been severed. Among the 104 institutions that submitted data, 60 operated shuttle buses to the capital region, with a total budget of 198.99 billion won allocated from 2010 to 2025. Additionally, 47 institutions were found to have separate personnel or facilities in the capital region with approval from the Local Era Committee. This raises concerns about the continued presence of employees families in the capital and the issue of weekend hollowing out in innovation cities.Delays in relocation schedules and increased project costs have also posed challenges. The average relocation schedule for the surveyed institutions was delayed by 28.6 months compared to initial plans, and the total relocation costs increased by 645.62 billion won from the original estimates.The approach of establishing new innovation cities on the outskirts has also been criticized. The National Assembly Future Research Institute noted that some new city-type innovation cities have exacerbated the hollowing out and decline of existing urban centers by absorbing surrounding populations.The effectiveness of dispersing the capital regions population to rural areas has also been limited. An analysis of domestic population movement statistics from 2005 to 2024 by the National Assembly Future Research Institute found that most of the population influx to innovation cities came from nearby cities and provinces rather than the capital region.For instance, in 2024, Daegu Innovation City saw an influx of 3,310 people from the capital region, while 9,014 people moved from nearby areas such as Gyeongbuk, Gyeongnam, Busan, and Ulsan. Similarly, Busan Innovation City recorded 6,983 new residents from the capital region, compared to 13,504 from neighboring cities and provinces. This suggests that the relocation has primarily involved redistributing populations within non-capital regions rather than dispersing the capital regions population.Some areas have even experienced net outflows of population after the relocations were completed. According to the National Assembly Future Research Institute, regions where new city-type innovation cities were established, such as Gyeongbuk and Jeonbuk Innovation Cities, have seen outflows surpassing inflows, with Ulsan Jung-gu and Jinju in Gyeongnam also experiencing net outflows.Concerns have also been raised that the benefits of expanding local talent recruitment have been concentrated in a few universities. An analysis of local talent recruitment trends at major relocating institutions from 2018 to 2024 revealed that 71.2% to 81.0% of local hires at institutions like the Korea Asset Management Corporation and the Korea Land and Housing Corporation came from the top two regional universities in terms of recruitment volume.To avoid repeating the limitations of the first phase, experts suggest that the second phase should focus on enhancing the foundations for settlement, including education, healthcare, childcare, culture, and transportation, as well as encouraging the concurrent relocation of related businesses and research and development personnel.Min Bo-kyung, a researcher at the National Assembly Future Research Institute, stated, If the first phase represented a paradigm of equal distribution during a time of overall population growth and the expansion of large cities, the policy environment must fundamentally change in the era of significant population decline. The government should establish a strategy to strengthen hubs through selective concentration in line with its spatial policy of five poles and three specialties.* This article has been translated by AI. August 2, 2026 18:0
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President Lee Resumes Second Round of Departmental Reports Following Return from Trip On August 3, President Lee Jae-myung will return from a diplomatic trip and will resume the second round of departmental reports starting on August 4. According to the Blue House on August 2, President Lee will hold the second round of departmental reports over two days, from August 4 to 5. On August 4, he will begin with reports from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the Ministry of Climate and Energy (Korea Meteorological Administration), and the Nuclear Safety Commission. He will also receive reports from the Ministry of Employment and Labor, the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises and Startups, and the Fair Trade Commission on the same day. The following day, August 5, he will preside over morning reports from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Overseas Koreans Agency), the Ministry of Unification, the Ministry of National Defense (Military Manpower Administration, Defense Acquisition Program Administration), and the Ministry of Veterans Affairs. In the afternoon, he will receive reports from the Ministry of Education, the National Education Commission, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (Cultural Heritage Administration), the Ministry of the Interior and Safety (National Police Agency, National Fire Agency), the Ministry of Personnel Management, the Ministry of Justice (Prosecutors Office), the Legislative Affairs Office, and the Office for Government Policy Coordination. The total number of agencies involved in this round of reports includes 19 ministries, 6 offices, 18 agencies, and 7 committees, totaling 140 public institutions. Previously, President Lee received departmental reports from the Ministry of Economy and Finance, the Ministry of Science and ICT, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, and the Ministry of Health and Welfare at the Blue House on July 15 and 16.* This article has been translated by AI. August 2, 2026 18:0
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Jangheung Water Festival Attracts 448,000 Visitors, Blends K-Culture Over Nine Days The 19th Jeongnamjin Jangheung Water Festival, a major summer event in Jangheung County, South Jeolla Province, concluded successfully on August 2 after nine days of festivities. According to Jangheung County, the festival, held from July 25 to August 2 at the Tanjin River, the Cypress Forest Woodland, and Papillon Zip, attracted approximately 448,000 visitors. This years festival, themed Healing Water, Summer Water, Exciting Jangheung, expanded beyond traditional water play to include healing, culture, and K-Culture content, transforming it into a stay tourism festival. The opening Water Battle Parade turned the streets of Jangheung into a vibrant scene where tourists and locals participated in a street festival featuring traditional cultural performances from various countries and water-based performances that set the festive mood. At the Tanjin River, activities included the worlds largest water fight, golden fish catching, wooden boat rides, banana boat rides, and water cycling, drawing families to the event. This year also featured programs linked to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourisms MyK FESTA, which included K-POP performances, the Jangheung Rock Festival, and Water Beat performances, successfully engaging younger audiences and foreign tourists. New attractions like Papillon Zip became another highlight of the festival, offering content based on film and drama shooting locations, AR mission tours, and experiential programs that appealed to families and young visitors. Stay tourism programs were also expanded, with nighttime activities such as the Starlight Moonlight Youth Zone, Jangheung Water Light Night, and Exciting Jangheung Camping Stay designed to extend visitors stay and encourage them to explore local businesses. Changes were made to the food offerings as well. Instead of a separate local food hall, the festival collaborated with the Jeongnamjin Jangheung Saturday Market and local restaurants to provide regional specialties like Jangheung Hanwoo Samhap and Doenjang Mulhoe, promoting the local economy. During the festival, Jangheung County implemented safety measures, including shuttle bus services, a joint disaster safety control center, and an emergency medical system, with the participation of residents, volunteers, and related organizations contributing to the smooth operation of the event. Even after the festivals conclusion, the Tanjin River water park will remain open until August 11 for summer tourists. Jangheung County Mayor Sa Soon-moon stated, This years water festival was created together by residents, tourists, and volunteers. We will continue to expand community participation to grow it into a global festival that combines K-Culture and healing tourism, beyond being a representative summer festival of Korea. Additionally, Jangheung County donated 50 million won from the festivals proceeds to the Jeonnam Community Chest of Korea, sharing the festivals success with the local community.* This article has been translated by AI. August 2, 2026 17:2
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Global Cruise Crew Experience Highlights Attractions in Gwangju, South Korea Crew members from the Chinese global cruise line Adora Cruises experienced key tourist attractions in Gwangju, South Korea, confirming the competitiveness of local tourism offerings.On August 1, the Gwangju Metropolitan City invited crew members from the Adora Magic City, which docked at Yeosu Port, for a familiarization tour aimed at developing shore excursion programs in the Jangheung and Boseong areas.This familiarization tour was designed to identify shore excursion products that reflect the preferences of international cruise tourists and to gather feedback from cruise line representatives to enhance product appeal.Participants visited the Jungnamjin Jangheung Water Festival, a major summer event in Jeonnam, where they engaged in various experiential programs and festival activities. They also toured the Boseong green tea fields, taking in the natural beauty and key tourist resources of the region.Crew members expressed high satisfaction with the experiential tourism content and the unique natural environment, noting significant potential for developing seasonal shore excursion products.Based on the results of this familiarization tour, Gwangju Metropolitan City plans to continuously develop tourism content that reflects the travel preferences and latest trends of cruise tourists. They aim to expand customized shore excursion programs that integrate culture, nature, and festivals to attract international cruise visitors.Yeosu Port, in particular, is rapidly establishing itself as a hub for marine tourism on the southern coast, with a significant increase in international cruise arrivals. This year, Yeosu Port is expected to host a total of 24 cruise calls, bringing in approximately 65,000 visitors. By the end of June, 25,000 tourists had already visited Yeosu through nine cruise calls, marking the highest number of international cruise arrivals since the port opened. This surge is raising expectations for the recovery of the cruise tourism market and revitalization of the local tourism industry.Choi Young-joo, head of the Gwangju Metropolitan City Tourism Bureau, stated, This familiarization tour was a meaningful opportunity to showcase Gwangjus diverse tourism resources to representatives of overseas cruise lines and confirm the competitiveness of shore excursion programs. We will continue to strengthen cooperation with international cruise lines and focus on strategic tourism marketing and content development to expand cruise calls and attract foreign tourists.Meanwhile, Gwangju Metropolitan City plans to accelerate the development of stay-type tourism products that link local festivals with cultural, ecological, and culinary tourism in response to the growing demand for international cruise tourism, particularly centered around Yeosu Port.* This article has been translated by AI. August 2, 2026 17:1
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Gwangju, South Korea Launches Workation Program in Seven Cities The Gwangju Metropolitan City is launching a workation program that allows participants to enjoy both work and leisure by utilizing natural and tourism resources in seven cities, including Yeosu, Naju, Boseong, Haenam, Hampyeong, Wando, and Jindo.Workation, a blend of work and vacation, is characterized by providing accommodation, workspace, and local experience content. The program is open to employees of central and local governments, public institutions, businesses, as well as individual entrepreneurs and digital nomads. Companies and institutions can use it for employee welfare and training programs, while participants can work in a new environment while experiencing local tourism and relaxation.A variety of experience programs reflecting local characteristics have been prepared.Boseong County will offer a healing program that connects Choru in Deungnyang-myeon, Jeamsan Natural Recreation Forest, the Jeonnam Environmental Disease Prevention Center, and the Yulpo Sea Green Tea Center.Wando County will provide experiences such as seaweed spa therapy and seawater healing pools centered around the Wando Marine Healing Center, along with local spaces that capture the regions essence.Yeosu City will feature romantic sea yacht experiences and marine tourism content, while Naju City will offer traditional hanok accommodations, Naju pear dining experiences, and eco-museum VR docent experiences.Haenam County will provide experiences at the Osiano Camping Site, bicycle tours, and cable car rides, while Hampyeong County will offer experiences at Dolmeori Camping Site, tidal flat experiences, and seawater sauna experiences. Jindo County will operate marine safety experience programs that showcase the regions unique content.Participants will receive welcome kits, and discounts on shared vehicle usage will be available in Boseong, Haenam, Hampyeong, Wando, and Jindo. Haenam will also provide additional discounts for campers.The Gwangju Metropolitan City will subsidize accommodation costs at 100,000 won per night for participants, with the program running for a minimum of two nights and a maximum of four nights, excluding weekends. Prices vary based on the region and program composition.Omikyeong, head of the Gwangju Metropolitan City Tourism Division, stated, We are creating an environment where work and relaxation can coexist through diverse accommodation and experience programs that leverage the regions strengths in marine healing, nature, and traditional culture. We will continue to discover unique content to develop Gwangju as a representative workation hub.Meanwhile, the workation program will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, and detailed schedules and application methods can be found on the Gwangju Tourism Foundations workation website and the operating companys website.* This article has been translated by AI. August 2, 2026 17:1
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Jinan County Accepts Nominations for 2026 Citizen's Award Jinan County in North Jeolla Province announced on August 2 that it is accepting nominations for the 2026 Jinan Citizens Award, aimed at recognizing individuals dedicated to local development and community service.The Jinan Citizens Award is the countys highest honor, with one recipient selected from each of seven categories: Leadership, Culture, Public Service, Industrial Labor, Patriotism, Filial Piety, and Sports, totaling seven awardees.Nominees should be individuals who have quietly dedicated themselves to the advancement of Jinan and the welfare of its residents.Eligibility criteria include: being a resident of Jinan County for at least one year as of the announcement date, having a registered domicile in Jinan County, having worked for at least one year at a local workplace, or being a graduate of a school located in Jinan County.Nominations can be submitted through heads of institutions, leaders of social organizations, or town and village heads.The submission period runs from August 3 to August 31.Required documents include a nomination letter, a record of achievements, a summary of contributions, a resident registration certificate or basic certificate, a color photo, and supporting evidence of contributions.After the submission deadline, the county will conduct on-site evaluations of the nominees contributions and select the final awardees through a rigorous review by the Citizens Award Review Committee.The awards ceremony will take place on October 12 during the 64th Jinan Citizens Day celebration.Jin Chun-sung, the county mayor, stated, The Jinan Citizens Award is a meaningful recognition of the efforts of those who have supported and developed our community. I encourage residents and relevant organizations to actively participate in nominating outstanding individuals who have dedicated themselves to Jinan.In 2025, the recipients of the Jinan Citizens Award included Shin Pal-bok (79) for Culture, Park Kwan-woo (60) for Public Service, Son Du-su (59) for Industrial Labor, Heo Hyun (69) for Patriotism, Jeon Yeong-ja (81) for Filial Piety, and Kim Man-seong (56) for Sports, totaling six awardees.Jinan Plateau Mai Mountain Pepper Market Opens on August 4This year, the Jinan Plateau Mai Mountain Pepper Market will operate from August 4 to October 4 at the Jinan Red Ginseng Herbal Center.According to the county on August 2, Jinan peppers are cultivated in a highland area above 400 meters, benefiting from significant temperature differences and a clean natural environment, resulting in vibrant colors, excellent aroma, and thick skins that yield a high amount of pepper powder.Additionally, the peppers maintain a balance of freshness and shelf life, preserving the traditional taste of Korean peppers.Due to their superior quality, they have garnered consistent popularity among consumers nationwide.This year, the pepper market will be relocated from the temporary parking lot of the existing Jinan Market to the area around the Jinan Red Ginseng Herbal Center.The market will operate on the 4th and 9th of each month from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m.Consumers will have the opportunity to purchase high-quality dried Jinan peppers directly from the farmers at reasonable prices.This years pepper market will introduce various measures to enhance trust. Farmers will wear identification badges while selling, and the packaging for the pepper market will feature the producers name and production area, implementing a real-name system for packaging. Additionally, a Jinan Pepper Production Confirmation Certificate will be included inside the packaging, allowing consumers to verify that the peppers were produced in Jinan.* This article has been translated by AI. August 2, 2026 17:0