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Kumho Construction Launches Employee Walking Challenge to Promote Healthy Culture Kumho Construction has launched a walking challenge aimed at promoting employee health and practicing carbon neutrality in daily life.On September 11, Kumho Construction announced that its employee walking challenge, JUST WALK Season 5, will take place from today until the 17th, lasting a total of seven days.JUST WALK is an annual internal eco-friendly challenge program initiated by Kumho Construction since 2022. The initiative encourages walking as a daily habit to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.This years challenge has seen participation from 270 individuals and 28 teams, marking a 2.5-fold increase compared to Season 1, which had 104 participants, and the highest participation ever following Season 4, which included 183 individuals and 21 teams.The challenge consists of a personal mission to achieve 10,000 steps per day and a group mission where teams of 3 to 8 can freely form and measure their average step count.To enhance bonding and communication among employees, a group self-introduction event will be held, and bonus points will be awarded based on the number of team members who complete the daily 10,000 steps. Employees who achieve 10,000 steps daily during the challenge, as well as those with the highest individual step counts and outstanding team members, will receive cash prizes.Last years challenge resulted in the donation of seedlings in the names of employees who completed the 10,000 steps daily for seven days. These seedlings were sent to the Yeongnam region, which suffered from wildfires in March, for reforestation efforts.A Kumho Construction representative stated, JUST WALK is an internal campaign that allows employees to take light walks in their daily lives while participating in health and eco-friendly carbon neutrality activities. We will continue to create diverse programs that encourage proactive employee participation to foster a healthy and vibrant organizational culture.* This article has been translated by AI. September 11, 2026 -
National Railroad Corporation Launches Public Safety Campaign The National Railroad Corporation has enhanced safety awareness among rail passengers and the public while promoting a culture of rail safety.On September 11, the National Railroad Corporation announced the conclusion of its Public Rail Safety Campaign, which ran from August 14 to September 11 across six regional offices nationwide.This campaign aimed to directly inform the public about safety rules to follow when using railways, such as at train stations and level crossings, and to encourage voluntary safety practices.More than 140 employees from the six regional offices, including those in the metropolitan area, GTX, Yeongnam, Honam, Chungcheong, and Gangwon, participated in safety promotions tailored to the local rail environment and passenger characteristics.They provided guidance on key safety rules, such as stopping at level crossings, checking for trains in both directions, and prohibiting unauthorized access to tracks and overhead lines, while distributing informational materials to rail users and pedestrians at crossings.Jung Jin-hyuk, the Commissioner of the National Railroad Corporation, stated, Rail safety begins with the attention of all citizens and the practice of basic safety rules. We will continue to promote safety at train stations and level crossings, focusing on establishing a proper rail usage culture and preventing accidents.Additionally, Commissioner Jung declared upon taking office on September 1 that he would prioritize safety in all decision-making and strengthen a data-driven, preventive safety management system.* This article has been translated by AI. September 11, 2026
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Dongin Law Firm Receives Seoul City Council Chair Award for Social Contributions Dongin Law Firm announced that it has received the Seoul City Council Chair Award for its contributions to the promotion of community sharing culture and social welfare.The award was presented during the 2026 Seoul Welfare Conference held on September 10 at the Seoul Womens Plaza International Conference Hall in Daebang-dong, Seoul, in celebration of the 27th Social Welfare Day.Dongin received this honor based on a recommendation from the Seoul Womens Protection Center, which it has supported since 2017. The firm has been donating funds annually to assist in the protection and empowerment of marginalized women. Attorneys Oh Se-bin and Kim Kwang-hoon from Dongin participate as members of the centers human rights guardianship team, providing legal advice and support to enhance the rights and welfare of residents in the facility.Park Bo-young, chair of Dongins Public Interest Committee, expressed her joy at the recognition, stating, I am pleased that our small acts of sharing for neighbors in need have led to this meaningful award. We will continue to fulfill our social responsibilities and engage in activities that provide tangible help to marginalized communities.* This article has been translated by AI. September 11, 2026
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KakaoMap Launches Dedicated Map for Oktoberfest Seoul 2026 Kakaos mapping service, KakaoMap, will provide a digital map for the Oktoberfest Seoul 2026 event.Kakao announced on the 11th that it has collaborated with Deutsche Oktoberfest Korea to offer a dedicated map of the Oktoberfest Seoul 2026 festival on KakaoMap.Oktoberfest Seoul 2026 is designed to allow attendees to experience the traditions and culture of Germanys iconic folk festival. The event will take place from September 12 to 21 at the Cultural Storage Base in Mapo-gu, Seoul.This festival is the first in Korea to receive official approval from the city of Munich, Germany, and will feature ten German beer brands, including Paulaner and Kronbacher.The festival-specific map on KakaoMap will provide essential information for attendees, including the layout of the venue, booth locations, menus, and facilities.KakaoMap will also offer a community feature called On-Site Talk. This function allows users to share real-time information and experiences related to the festival. Attendees can exchange information about booth wait times and the availability of popular menu items.Users can also share reactions to major programs, such as live performances by authentic German bands, through On-Site Talk.A KakaoMap representative stated, The dedicated festival map is a service designed to help attendees easily access key information and enjoy the event more conveniently. We will continue to enhance our services in collaboration with various events to enrich users experiences on-site.* This article has been translated by AI. September 11, 2026
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Korean shamanism finds new life in pop culture SEOUL, September 11 (AJP) - Drums pound, bells shake and chants rise as a mudang, or Korean shaman, appears to slip between worlds, communicating with spirits through an electrifying ritual of music, dance and trance. For millions of moviegoers, the spectacle became familiar through a famous gut scene in director Jang Jae-hyun's 2024 occult blockbuster "Exhuma." Gut, an ancient Korean shamanic ritual performed to communicate with spirits, comfort the dead, seek blessings or ward off misfortune, has traditionally taken place largely away from public view. Now it is moving onto the stage. The Seoul Metropolitan Dance Theatre's "Gut: Whispering Steps," running at the Sejong Center in Seoul through Sunday, takes its central motif from mugamseogi, a practice found in Seoul gut in which the person for whom the ritual is held puts on a shaman's robes and dances spontaneously near its climax. Onstage, the ritual is dismantled and rebuilt in a contemporary language. The shaman's fan and bells become theatrical objects, while obangsaek, the traditional five-direction colors, runs through the costumes and choreography. Contemporary music and cinematic imagery push the ritual into a new artistic form. The production arrives as Korean shamanism is appearing far beyond ritual space. It has driven a box-office blockbuster, supplied the premise for a dating show and helped shape the spiritual world behind the most-watched original title in Netflix history. The convergence raises a question: After K-pop opened one of the world's biggest gateways into Korean culture, could the country's much older spiritual traditions become another? For artistic director Yoon Hye-jung, the attraction of mugamseogi was not primarily supernatural. Yoon said she encountered the practice while researching shamanic dances from five regions of Korea. What caught her attention was the shift in agency. A person may commission a gut in hopes of comfort or good fortune, but in mugamseogi, that person ultimately puts on the shaman's clothes and moves. "If our ancestors had a process of finding themselves through mugamseogi, I thought we also need that process today," Yoon said at a press call Thursday. In popular culture, Korean shamanism is increasingly moving beyond its long association with fortune-telling and superstition. Director Jang Jae-hyun's "Exhuma," centered on two young shamans, a feng shui expert and a mortician, sold 11.91 million tickets in South Korea and became the country's most-watched film of 2024. Its appeal did not stop at Korea's borders. By the end of March 2024, the film had drawn more than 2.23 million moviegoers in Vietnam and 2.3 million in Indonesia, setting records for a Korean film in both markets at the time. The numbers suggested that rituals, spirits and beliefs deeply rooted in Korean culture were not necessarily barriers for audiences elsewhere. Television took another route. SBS reality show "Possessed Love" placed young fortune tellers and spiritual practitioners inside a dating program, mixing romance with saju readings, tarot cards, shamanic practices and questions of fate. Its second season was sold to 62 countries. Then the imagery went fully global through "KPop Demon Hunters." The Netflix animation combines K-pop with Korean folklore and supernatural imagery in the story of three pop stars who fight demons. Since its June 20, 2025 debut, it has amassed more than 600 million views, becoming Netflix's most popular original title ever and the first to remain in its Global Top 10 for 52 consecutive weeks. It entered the Top 10 in all 93 countries where Netflix publishes rankings and reached No. 1 in 76. Those numbers do not mean hundreds of millions of viewers suddenly became interested in Korean shamanism. But they do mean imagery drawing partly on Korea's older spiritual traditions has reached a global audience on an extraordinary scale. Angie Heo, an associate professor of the anthropology and sociology of religion at the University of Chicago, has linked the spectacle of K-pop in the film with the performative character of Korean shamanism. "Shamanism is also a performance. It's dancing, it's a lot of music," Heo said in an interview published by the University of Chicago. She cautioned, however, against equating the film's demon hunters with actual Korean shamans, whose role traditionally involves dealing with restless spirits rather than hunting demons. For some Korean viewers, the film's success has nevertheless changed the scale at which they imagine such stories can travel. Jeong Je-hyeon, a 36-year-old office worker in northern Gyeonggi Province, said Korean occult films including "The Priests," "The Wailing," "Svaha: The Sixth Finger" and "Exhuma" gradually drew him into the genre. "It no longer feels like movies such as 'Exhuma' are the ones introducing Korean shamanism or occult culture to the world," Jeong told AJP. "After 'KPop Demon Hunters' became such a big hit, it almost feels like it is now leading the way in introducing Korean occult stories overseas." "I don't think Korean shamanism is any less compelling than zombies or jiangshi," he added. "The stories themselves are strong and they have a clear narrative arc. I think they could go much further." Still, a string of successful productions does not establish the arrival of a new genre called "K-shamanism." K-pop is an identifiable commercial industry backed by entertainment companies, training systems, distribution networks and global fandoms. Korean shamanism, by contrast, is a living religious and folk tradition with regional variations that cannot be reduced to demons, colorful costumes or supernatural spectacle. What appears to be happening instead is that shamanism is becoming a cultural vocabulary translated into different forms — an occult mystery in "Exhuma," a reality-TV premise in "Possessed Love," a pop fantasy in "KPop Demon Hunters" and now contemporary dance in "Gut: Whispering Steps." Yoon said the dance company deliberately avoided reproducing an actual gut. Instead, it selected recognizable elements including obangsaek, the shaman's fan and bells, and amplified them for the stage. The point, she said, was not to celebrate shamanism as a belief system. It was to recognize gut as part of the lives of earlier generations and use fragments of that tradition to tell a story for audiences today. That tension between tradition and reinvention may help explain why gut has become fertile material for contemporary creators. The ritual already contains music, dance, costumes, storytelling and collective performance. Its themes of grief, fortune, death, healing and release can travel even when audiences know little about the tradition behind them. But the further shamanic imagery moves from the ritual itself, the greater the risk that a complex living tradition is flattened into bright robes, demons and spectacle. For decades, K-pop gave audiences abroad a distinctly modern entry point into South Korea. Now Korean creators are increasingly looking in the opposite direction — toward rituals, spirits and worldviews that existed long before K-pop. Whether that eventually becomes something recognizable as "K-shamanism" remains an open question. What is already visible is the translation: a door widened by K-pop is now leading some audiences deeper into Korea's cultural past. AJP Takeaways - Korean shamanism is moving beyond ritual spaces into mainstream culture, appearing in films, reality TV, animation and contemporary dance. - "Exhuma" drew 11.91 million admissions in South Korea, while "Possessed Love" was sold to 62 countries, showing that shamanic themes can travel across formats and markets. - Netflix's "KPop Demon Hunters" pushed Korean supernatural imagery onto a far larger global stage, surpassing 600 million views and reaching the Top 10 in all 93 markets tracked by Netflix. September 11, 2026 -
President Lee Calls for Expanding Diplomatic Efforts Amid Global Multipolarity President Lee Jae-myung emphasized on September 11 that the current global order is rapidly becoming multipolar and called for an expansion of diplomatic efforts to include more countries and regions. Following his state visit to France, he plans to accelerate diplomatic diversification centered on national interests through the upcoming first Korea-Central Asia summit.During a meeting with senior aides at the Blue House, President Lee stated, Now is the time to partner with more countries and expand our diplomatic reach to diverse regions. He reflected on his recent state visit to France, which marked the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, noting that it strengthened partnerships across politics, economics, advanced industries, and culture.He added, By broadening our perspective, strengthening cooperation with France, a key country in the European Union, will also expand our diplomatic horizons in Europe.President Lee also highlighted the significance of the Korea-Central Asia summit scheduled for September 16 in Seoul. He described Central Asia as a geopolitical center of the Eurasian continent, rich in energy and key minerals, with substantial growth potential, while also referencing historical and cultural ties with Korea.He stated, This summit will solidify Korea-Central Asia relations into a high-level multilateral cooperation framework and further energize our New Northern Policy, allowing us to secure a new economic and cultural Silk Road connecting Europe and the Middle East.Amidst the current chaotic international order, President Lee stressed the need to strengthen national capabilities, broaden diplomatic horizons, and work closely with the international community to address various issues. He urged, We must quietly forge a path with the better future of our people and national interests in mind, appealing for public interest and support.Additionally, President Lee addressed the ongoing search and rescue efforts for missing persons in Nepal, now 17 days after the devastating floods, noting that there has been little progress. He directed a swift and thorough response, mentioning that a second emergency relief team was dispatched to Nepal early that morning. He expressed gratitude to the first team for their efforts despite many challenges.He instructed relevant agencies to ensure that there are no gaps in the search and rescue operations during the transition of personnel, urging close cooperation with the Nepalese government, businesses, and local officials. He also advised that if additional personnel are deemed necessary, they should consider direct transitions on-site.President Lee emphasized the importance of supporting and communicating with the families of the missing. He stated, Above all, it is crucial to conduct thorough and prompt search and rescue activities while caring for the families of the missing, who are suffering greatly. We must ensure that they do not feel abandoned or wronged by the state and do our utmost in both search efforts and communication with the families.* This article has been translated by AI. September 11, 2026
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Op-Ed: Uzbekistan's priorities in the new political cycle Editor's Note: The following opinion article was contributed by the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Seoul. The traditional annual Address of the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, delivered on the eve of the New Year, became an important programmatic statement summarizing the results of the outgoing year and outlining the country's strategic development priorities for the period ahead. As the Head of State emphasized, the past year marked a period of steady progress in reforms and the strengthening of Uzbekistan's socio-economic position, despite ongoing instability in the global economy and a complex international environment. In this context, the announcement of the coming year as the "Year of Mahalla Development and Society as a Whole" gained particular significance, signaling a transition toward a deeper focus of state policy on people's quality of life and the development of civil society. In his Address, the President noted that the national economy continued to demonstrate confident growth. The year 2025 concluded with landmark achievements: for the first time, the country's GDP exceeded 145 billion US dollars, exports increased by 23 percent to 33.4 billion dollars, and foreign exchange and gold reserves surpassed 60 billion dollars. Investment inflows totaling 43.1 billion dollars enabled the implementation of dozens of major projects in industry, energy, and infrastructure. International rating agencies upgraded Uzbekistan's sovereign credit rating from BB- to BB, opening more favorable conditions for external financing. It was particularly emphasized that these macroeconomic results were accompanied by positive changes in the social sphere. Owing to active employment policies, the unemployment rate declined from 5.5 percent to 4.9 percent, and around five million people gained sustainable sources of income. Significant attention was devoted to supporting low-income families, developing targeted social assistance mechanisms, and improving access to basic services. The poverty rate decreased from 8.9 percent to 5.8 percent within a year, lifting approximately 1.5 million citizens out of poverty. These outcomes were the result of consistent reforms aimed at enhancing economic resilience and creating a solid foundation for social development. Economic achievements expanded the state's capacity to address social challenges and implement long-term support programs for the population. The President noted that social policy has become more responsive to the concrete needs of citizens, which represents a fundamental achievement of the current reform agenda. Special attention in the Address was devoted to Uzbekistan's foreign policy course, which was characterized as pragmatic, open, and oriented toward long-term national interests. The President emphasized that an active and balanced foreign policy remains a key factor in ensuring sustainable development, expanding economic opportunities, and strengthening Uzbekistan's international standing. It was noted that in recent years the country has significantly expanded the geographical scope of its foreign economic relations, reinforced partnerships both with neighboring states and leading global centers, and consistently continued to promote regional cooperation initiatives. This course reflects Uzbekistan's aspiration to assume a more visible and responsible role in international affairs, guided by the principles of mutual benefit and respect. The Address also addressed the reform of the public procurement system as one of the key elements in enhancing transparency and efficiency in public administration. The President stressed that improving public procurement mechanisms is aimed at creating equal conditions for businesses, fostering competition, and ensuring the efficient use of budgetary resources. These measures are viewed as an important part of Uzbekistan's preparation for accession to the World Trade Organization. In this context, reforms in the field of public procurement acquire not only domestic but also external economic significance, as they contribute to aligning national procedures with international standards and rules. Thus, the outlined steps reflect a systemic approach to Uzbekistan's integration into the global trade and economic system. A separate section of the Address focused on anti-corruption efforts, which were identified as one of the key priorities for further development. The President underscored that the fight against corruption is regarded not as a one-time campaign, but as a long-term state policy aimed at establishing an honest, transparent, and accountable system of governance. "Allowing corruption is a betrayal of our reforms. We declare 2026 a year of 'extraordinary measures' to combat this scourge," the President stated. It was noted that the measures already being implemented-such as the digitalization of public services, increased transparency in decision-making, and strengthened public oversight—are producing tangible results, though they require further deepening. The emphasis on the anti-corruption agenda demonstrates a commitment to strengthening trust among citizens and international partners in state institutions. Considerable attention in the Address was also given to environmental issues and sustainable development. The President noted that the environmental agenda is becoming an integral part of state policy and is directly linked to the quality of life of the population and the country's long-term security. The importance of rational use of natural resources, the expansion of green technologies, and the implementation of programs to improve environmental conditions-especially in the most vulnerable regions-was underscored. Plans were announced to hold the next Assembly of the Global Environment Facility and the Central Asian International Environmental Exhibition in Samarkand in 2026. These events will create valuable opportunities to identify partners for industries, regions, and businesses, and to jointly launch new environmental projects. It was emphasized that environmental initiatives are viewed not only as a social necessity, but also as a key element of economic modernization and enhanced resilience. Taken together, these priorities demonstrate the comprehensive nature of the ongoing reforms. They indicate that the course toward socially oriented development is inseparably linked with institutional transformation and international integration. This approach reflects Uzbekistan's determination to build a balanced development model in which economic growth, social sustainability, and responsible governance mutually reinforce one another. Summarizing the results of the concluding year, the Head of State stressed that all these achievements became possible due to a well-structured reform system and the active participation of society. At the same time, he underlined that further development requires not only economic resources but also a stronger social environment, trust, and solidarity. It was within this logic that the proposal was made to declare the coming year the Year of Support for the Mahalla, as the institution closest to people and their everyday concerns. In the Address, the mahalla was characterized as a unique form of social organization that has absorbed centuries-old traditions of mutual assistance, responsibility, and respect. The President emphasized that the stability of the state begins with the stability of the mahalla, with an atmosphere of harmony and engagement at the local level. "If there is order and trust in the mahalla, there will be stability in society as a whole," this idea became one of the key messages of the Address, logically linking past achievements with future objectives. Support for the mahalla in the coming year is viewed as a systemic measure aimed at further strengthening social policy. The President pointed out that it is precisely at the mahalla level where family issues, employment challenges, education, social protection, and the prevention of social vulnerability can be identified most effectively. In this sense, the development of mahalla structures becomes a tool for increasing the targeting of state assistance and enhancing social justice. The economic achievements discussed earlier thus find their continuation in the social domain. A significant part of the Address was devoted to citizen participation and the development of civil society. The President stressed that a modern state is impossible without active and responsible citizens involved in decision-making and oversight of implementation. In this context, the mahalla is seen as a space for fostering civic initiative and dialogue between authorities and the population. "We must create conditions under which every person feels involved in the destiny of the country," the Head of State noted, outlining a strategic commitment to expanding public participation. Special emphasis was placed on the role of the mahalla in youth education and the strengthening of social values. The President noted that alongside economic indicators, the formation of a moral, educated, and socially responsible individual remains no less important. Support for projects in education, culture, and sports implemented at the mahalla level is regarded as an investment in the country's future. "The future of Uzbekistan depends on the environment we create for our children today." This quotation from the Address clearly reflects the long-term orientation of state policy. Thus, the declaration of 2026 as the "Year of Mahalla Development and Society as a Whole" demonstrates the state's intention to move from macro-level achievements toward deeper engagement with quality of life, human capital, and social institutions. It signifies a concentration of efforts on strengthening local communities, developing social infrastructure, and fostering an active and cohesive society. The President's Address sets a clear development vector for the year ahead: reliance on achieved economic successes, reinforcement of social policy, and the advancement of civil society through support for the mahalla. This approach reflects a strategic understanding that the sustainability of reforms and the country's long-term prosperity are impossible without strong communities, trust, and citizen participation. In this context, support for the mahalla emerges not only as a social priority, but also as a foundation for Uzbekistan's long-term development. The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the contributor and do not necessarily reflect the editorial position, analysis, or views of AJP, its editors, or its parent organization. AJP publishes contributed opinion pieces from governments, diplomatic missions, experts, and other external contributors as part of its commitment to presenting diverse international perspectives. Publication does not constitute endorsement of the opinions or factual claims contained in the article. September 11, 2026 -
In Korea's delivery republic, gratitude comes without the tip SEOUL, September 11 (AJP) - Any homebody knows the small thrill — the doorbell, footsteps outside and finally the arrival of dinner, groceries or the sneakers you have been waiting weeks for. In South Korea's delivery republic, that moment is woven deeply into everyday life. Increasingly, some customers are finding small ways to acknowledge the people who make it possible, whether through an iced drink, a snack, an extra meal or simply a note saying thank you and ride safely. The gestures stand out precisely because Korea does not have a tipping culture. A delivery rider is expected to bring the order, not to wait for an extra percentage on the bill. That can make an unexpected thank-you feel more personal. On Tuesday night, Seong YH, a delivery rider in his 30s, arrived at an apartment complex in Seoul's eastern Seongdong District during a blackout. Near the lobby, he stood with a bottle of soda in one hand and a bag of fried chicken in the other, illuminated only by nearby phone flashlights. He had come to drop off an order. The power had been out for some time, and the couple who placed it told him they were unlikely to eat the food. Instead, they asked him to take it. "They even gave me this drink and told me to take care of myself," he told AJP. The small gesture stayed with him. "I started doing delivery work because things were financially difficult," he said with a smile. "Moments like this make me feel that the world is still a warm place." Seong had been thinking about going abroad on a working holiday. Encounters like this, he said, had made him want to stay a little longer. For Korean delivery riders, gratitude rarely arrives as a percentage added to an app bill. Several similar stories have circulated online through a summer when heat and rain kept many Koreans indoors and made food and grocery delivery an even more familiar part of daily life. Earlier this month, a customer deliberately ordered two of the same meal and left one for the rider. According to an order slip posted by a delivery rider and later reported by several Korean news outlets, the customer wrote: "One set is for you. I ordered two of the same meal on purpose. Please leave mine at the door. Drive safely." The receipt also showed a separate 500 won surcharge for the rider, the type of additional payment platforms may offer depending on weather or delivery conditions. The distinction mattered. The 500 won was part of the delivery system. The second meal was not. Days earlier, another rider wrote in a Sept. 1 Threads post under the account mister.clothing_ that he had fallen on a wet road while making a delivery and damaged about a third of the food he was carrying. He went to the customer to apologize and offered to pay for the damaged food. Instead, she told him he reminded her of her son and handed him a 10,000 won bill. The rider wrote that he rode away with a sense of gratitude he would never forget, unsure whether the water on his face was rain or tears. The story was later picked up by Korean media and drew supportive reactions online. Commenters praised the rider for offering to make amends and the customer for responding with kindness. When gratitude becomes part of the bill The element of surprise helps distinguish Korea from countries where tipping has become part of the economics — and sometimes the friction — of ordering food. In the United States, major delivery apps such as DoorDash and Uber Eats allow customers to tip through the app, and tipping is widely expected. Bankrate's 2025 tipping survey found that 52 percent of Americans who use food delivery services said they always tipped. Yet the same survey captured growing frustration with tipping more broadly: 63 percent of U.S. adults held at least one negative view of tipping, 41 percent said tipping culture had gotten "out of control," and 38 percent said they were annoyed by pre-set tipping screens. The contradiction is increasingly familiar. A tip can remain a genuine expression of gratitude toward a worker while also feeling, to the customer, like another mandatory charge. Digital payment systems have amplified that tension by bringing tip prompts into coffee shops, takeout counters and other settings where they were once uncommon, a phenomenon widely described as "tip creep." Korea largely avoids that ambiguity because the customer is generally not expected to calculate an additional payment for the rider. Other countries fall somewhere between the two models. In Britain, tipping food-delivery riders remains far less routine than in the United States. A March 2025 survey by consumer group Which? found that 46 percent of people who had used food-delivery services had not tipped a driver or courier at all over the previous year, while only 11 percent said they tipped every time. Australia also largely treats delivery tipping as optional despite the spread of tip prompts on digital payment screens. Japan sits even closer to Korea. Tipping is generally not expected in restaurants, hotels or taxis, although delivery platforms such as Uber Eats Japan allow customers to leave one voluntarily. The comparison helps put Korea's small acts of generosity in perspective. A Korean rider may receive extra compensation from a platform because of distance, demand, weather or a promotion. But that is fundamentally different from a customer deciding to buy an extra meal, hand over a cold drink or write a note asking a stranger to ride safely. Without an established tipping custom, gratitude tends to take a less standardized form. AJP Takeaways: - A 2025 Bankrate survey found that 52 percent of U.S. food-delivery users always tip, while 63 percent of U.S. adults expressed at least one negative view of tipping as “tip creep” spread to more services. - Food-delivery tipping remains more optional in Britain, Australia and Japan, where customers may be given the choice to tip but generally face less social pressure than in the United States. - In South Korea, delivery platforms may provide riders with extra pay for distance, demand or bad weather, but recent cases show customer appreciation often taking more personal forms, including food, cash, drinks and messages encouraging riders to stay safe. September 11, 2026 -
Japan looks to introduce Korea's AI-backed copyright system SEOUL, September 11 (AJP) - Japan has secured budget funding to introduce a system modeled on South Korea's AI-backed response to online copyright infringement, Seoul's culture ministry said Friday. Japanese officials saw a demonstration of the Korea Copyright Protection Agency's integrated response system at a bilateral seminar in 2024 and later secured funding to consider a similar system in Japan, according to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. The disclosure came as the ministry and Japan's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology held the 2026 Korea-Japan government copyright meeting and seminar in Seoul from Wednesday to Thursday. The countries have held the meeting annually, alternating locations, since signing a copyright cooperation agreement in 2011. At Wednesday's session, the two sides discussed how to balance copyright protection with wider use of creative works as AI technology advances rapidly. South Korea briefed Japan on its funding plans, including tripling next year's budget for opening public-sector copyrighted materials as AI training data and setting aside 3.1 billion won ($2.2 million) for research into AI copyright trust governance technologies. Japanese officials also asked about a Korean working group set up to shape AI copyright policy, including its discussions and policy guidelines. The two governments agreed to continue talks on AI-related copyright issues at next year's meeting. They also discussed copyright enforcement, royalty collection and distribution, and revisions to each country's copyright law. On Thursday, the Japanese delegation visited the Korea Music Copyright Association to discuss royalty collection and distribution. Japanese officials stressed the need for transparency in how royalties are collected and distributed, and showed interest in the association's standards and procedures for collecting performance royalties. Choi Young-jin, director general of the ministry's Copyright Bureau, said the talks helped the two countries share policy experience on AI-related copyright issues and online infringement response. AJP Takeaways - Japan has secured budget funding to consider a system modeled on Korea's online copyright infringement response system. - The issue was discussed during the 2026 Korea-Japan government copyright meeting and seminar in Seoul. - Korea briefed Japan on AI-era copyright policies, including AI training data and trust governance R&D. September 11, 2026 -
The Lifespan of Chips and the Enduring Nature of Art The lifespan of semiconductors is measured by performance metrics, while the lifespan of culture is gauged by human memory. Today’s fastest chips will soon give way to the next generation. However, the stories of Homer from thousands of years ago have found new audiences through Christopher Nolans film Odyssey. While old technologies may be replaced, the human experiences of love, loss, and the longing for return remain eternal. This raises a crucial question for South Korea in the age of AI: What will we create better? And what will we leave behind in the hearts of people around the world?Semiconductors represent a monumental achievement for South Korea, underpinning its economy and security while serving as the foundation for AI competition. However, while semiconductors make South Korea a necessary player on the global stage, culture fosters a nation that is loved and trusted. The next successful strategy for South Korea must begin with a dual focus on technology and culture.The Lumiere Summit, co-hosted by President Lee Jae-myung and French President Emmanuel Macron on September 7 in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, showcased this potential. The two countries announced the Lumiere Partnership, pledging to invest 500 million euros each over five years, totaling 1.6 trillion won, into the film and video industry. They also adopted the Lumiere Declaration, which emphasizes the protection of diversity in works and the prevention of piracy. Discussions included support for independent films, human-centered creation in the AI era, and the global expansion of local content. This focus on the future of culture in diplomatic relations deserves recognition. Now, we must ask a more important question than the amount of investment: Whose imagination will that investment nurture, and what kind of creative environment will it leave behind?The power of culture extends beyond box office revenues. Interest generated by a single work can spill over into food, tourism, fashion, and the learning of the Korean language. Most importantly, it transforms a foreign country into a familiar one, allowing people to understand the hopes and concerns of its citizens. This accumulated familiarity and trust also strengthen diplomacy and the economy. This is why cultural policy should not be evaluated solely on short-term sales and export figures.So why has the world listened to Korean stories? The underground setting of Parasite and the dalgona of Squid Game are distinctly Korean. Yet, the inequalities and survival struggles depicted resonate with global audiences. BTS has crossed borders by singing about youth anxiety and self-esteem in Korean. The success of Hallyu demonstrates that the most localized stories can garner universal empathy.The success of Hallyu cannot be attributed solely to a single national character or the efforts of any one government. It is infused with history, tradition, the scars of war and division, and the aspirations of rapid growth. The persistence of creators, combined with corporate planning and investment, has led to public selection of these works. International fans have voluntarily translated, shared, and distributed them, breaking down barriers in distribution. Hallyu has become a global shared culture nurtured by Korea and the world.What has enabled this growth? The answer lies in democracy. The freedom to challenge authority and expose societys darker sides has deepened storytelling. Works that do not shy away from issues like wealth disparity, social violence, and youth despair have fostered a deeper understanding of Korea. Trust has also been built in a society that allows criticism. Freedom of expression is not merely an ornament of culture; it is a protective barrier for the imagination of creators and a source of competitiveness for the cultural industry.Kim Dae-jung expanded that freedom and supported openness through policy. Even during the economic crisis, he viewed culture as a key industry for the 21st century. In 1999, he enacted the Cultural Industry Promotion Act and established the Korean Film Council. By 2000, the cultural budget exceeded 1% of the total government budget for the first time since the establishment of the government. His judgment was that the more difficult the situation, the more investment was needed for the next era beyond mere survival.The opening of Japanese popular culture exemplifies Kim Dae-jungs cultural confidence. At the time, there were significant concerns that an influx of Japanese culture would undermine Korean culture. However, Kim Dae-jung believed in the ability of Koreans to adapt and transform foreign cultures into their own. Following the joint declaration of the Korea-Japan partnership in October 1998, a phased opening began. Instead of locking the doors, he chose a path of becoming stronger through exchange and competition. The fears proved unfounded, as Korean popular culture expanded into the Japanese market. Openness became a catalyst for leapfrogging rather than dependency.The digital infrastructure also expanded during this time. While the ultra-high-speed information and communication network project began under previous administrations, the Kim Dae-jung government accelerated the second phase in 1998 and rapidly expanded internet access. By 1999, the number of internet users surpassed 10 million, and by 2002, households with high-speed internet exceeded 10 million. This environment fostered the growth of gaming and digital content, as the public began creating, evaluating, and disseminating works online. The intersection of cultural policy and information policy created fertile ground for the growth of Hallyu.At the center of this was the principle of support without interference. I had the privilege of closely assisting President Kim Dae-jung during this period. I remember the day in 2003 at the Chunsa Film Festival when filmmakers presented him with a lifetime achievement award, and I witnessed him tear up. Looking back, his greatest contribution was not in selecting successful works but in broadening the conditions for creators to challenge freely. The protagonists of Hallyu have always been the creators and the public. The governments role is to believe in their potential and provide a foundation that can withstand failure.AI makes this principle even more critical. AI assists in video and music production and reduces costs for translation and editing. Small production companies and emerging creators can now attempt expressions that were previously unaffordable. As language barriers diminish, the chances for Korean regional stories and independent works to reach global audiences increase. When used correctly, AI can become a tool that broadens the doors to creation.However, risks are evident. If existing works are used for training without permission, and creators names, styles, and voices are easily imitated, the benefits of technology will concentrate on platforms, leaving creators without a place. If recommendation algorithms only repeat familiar formulas for success, cultural diversity will diminish. Rapid and inexpensive production does not necessarily lead to quality culture. The questions of what life to capture, what to inquire about, and how to take responsibility for the results of expression remain human responsibilities.The Lee Jae-myung administrations cultural policy must establish four conditions. First, it must guarantee freedom of creation through the system. To ensure that works uncomfortable for the government do not face disadvantages in support, the independence of support organizations and transparency in evaluations are essential. Selection should be based on the originality of the work and the capabilities of the creator, not proximity to the regime, and the selection process should be made public, with no interference in the content of supported works. This will allow creators to question societal taboos without fear.Second, it must expand the foundation for independent films, basic arts, and young and regional creators to fail and try again. What seems unfamiliar and lacking marketability today may become tomorrows new trend.Third, it must establish fair contracts and transparent settlements among platforms, production companies, and creators. Even if industry revenues increase, if creators lives remain barren, success will not last long. Fourth, it must ensure that it is possible to verify what works AI has used for learning and creation, and establish principles of consent and fair compensation for rights holders. There is no reason to force a choice between technological innovation and copyright protection. Predictable rules are necessary for both creators and tech companies to invest sustainably.Cooperation with France should also lead to achievements in co-production, talent exchange, and cultural diversity. It should create pathways for not only large-scale works but also independent films, animation, and regionally based content to meet each others markets. The combination of Koreas production capabilities and Frances cultural policy experience can lead to collaborations that expand options in the global market.A nations cultural appeal does not emerge overnight. It requires a long accumulation of free creation and fair compensation to build a culture that the world trusts.The government cannot designate the next story that will captivate the hearts of people worldwide. However, it can ensure that those who create that story can speak without fear and rise again. The path of freedom and openness that Kim Dae-jung opened must be further expanded in the AI era. A country that possesses both the most advanced semiconductors and the most enduring stories. The lifespan of chips may be a few years, but the stories etched in the hearts of people can last for thousands of years across generations. That is South Koreas greater success strategy.* This article has been translated by AI. September 11, 2026
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Mad Engine Named 'Top Job Creation Company' in South Korea for Two Consecutive Years Mad Engine, a subsidiary of Wemade Max, has been recognized as a Top Job Creation Company in South Korea for the second consecutive year by the Ministry of Employment and Labor. This recognition comes as the company has expanded its workforce by approximately 150% over the past two years, particularly focusing on recruiting young talent.Wemade Max announced on September 11 that Mad Engine has received the 2026 Top Job Creation Company certification for the second year in a row. Co-CEO Son Myun-seok was awarded a presidential citation at the 2026 Job Creation Support Awards.The Top Job Creation Company program annually certifies 100 companies that contribute to quality job creation through employment expansion, work-life balance, and human resource development. The Job Creation Support Awards recognize individuals and companies that have contributed to job creation and employment advancement.Mad Engine has been acknowledged for its efforts in establishing a fair personnel system, flexible work environment, and systematic talent development, leading to its selection as a top job creation company for two years running.In fact, the companys workforce has significantly increased, with a 150% rise in employment over the last two years. More than half of its employees are young people, and the proportion of new hires from this demographic has also exceeded 50% in the past two years.This year marks the sixth anniversary of Mad Engine, which is accelerating the development of new projects. Following the success of its flagship title Knight Crow, the company is pursuing new projects such as Project Tal, Knight Crow W, and Project MO, while continuing to hire to secure development talent.Looking ahead, Mad Engine plans to maintain its recruitment efforts in line with the expansion of new projects, while strengthening its organizational culture based on a fair personnel system, systematic training programs, and a flexible work environment.Co-CEOs Son Myun-seok and Lee Jeong-wook stated, It is meaningful that the healthy organizational culture created by all members since our founding has led to such fruitful results. We will continue to create a work environment where talented individuals can thrive and invest in human resources to grow into a globally competitive development company.* This article has been translated by AI. September 11, 2026
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South Korea and Japan Discuss Copyright Policies in the AI Era South Korea and Japan exchanged information and discussed cooperation on various copyright policies, including those related to artificial intelligence.The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of South Korea and Japans Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology held the 2026 South Korea-Japan Government Meeting and Seminar in Seoul from September 9 to 10.During the meeting on September 9 at the Courtyard by Marriott Seoul Botanic Park, both sides engaged in in-depth discussions on copyright issues. They particularly focused on finding a balance between copyright protection and the promotion of usage amid the rapid advancement of new technologies such as artificial intelligence, while also examining the trends in international discussions.The Ministry of Culture announced plans to triple the budget for opening public copyright materials as AI training data by 2027 and introduced a new budget of 3.1 billion won for AI Copyright Trust Governance Technology Development (R&D) to prepare for the AI era.On September 10, the Copyright Exchange Seminar shared information on two main topics: copyright protection systems and copyright trust management systems. The Japanese delegation noted that, in relation to South Koreas Comprehensive Response System for Copyright Infringement, they secured funding to experience demonstrations of this system during the 2024 South Korea-Japan seminar and to introduce a similar system in Japan.* This article has been translated by AI. September 11, 2026
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Government to Develop Five Regional Tourism Zones to Diversify Foreign Visitor Destinations The South Korean government is taking steps to address the phenomenon of foreign tourists predominantly visiting Seoul by establishing five regional tourism zones centered around local airports. The initiative aims to promote unique tourism content that can only be experienced in these areas, rather than simply expanding administrative boundaries or infrastructure.On September 10, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced the confirmation of five regional international airports—Gimhae, Daegu, Cheongju, Yangyang, and Muan—as gateways for the new tourism zones. A total of 935 billion won (approximately $700 million) will be invested next year, with 187 billion won allocated specifically for the development of specialized tourism content. Additional funds will support overseas marketing (180 billion won), improvements to transportation and payment convenience (149 billion won), and airport and port linkage initiatives (143 billion won).The inbound tourism market has seen remarkable growth, with 12.8 million foreign visitors recorded from January to July this year, marking the highest level ever. However, the tendency for most foreign tourists to remain in the Seoul metropolitan area has been a persistent challenge, primarily due to the long travel times to regional attractions. It can take four to five hours to reach major tourist destinations after arriving at Incheon or Gimpo airports, creating barriers to the distribution of visitors across the country.The Ministrys focus on regional airports as a solution to invigorate local tourism stems from the potential to allow foreign tourists to enter directly into these areas, bypassing the inconvenience of traveling through the capital region.Data from the Korea Tourism Organization, presented at the recent 2nd Korea Tourism Data Seminar on August 27, revealed that 20.7% of foreign tourists who visited South Korea in the first half of this year used regional airports such as Cheongju, Daegu, and Gimhae. This means that one in five visitors entered through these airports, with Cheongju Airport experiencing a remarkable 109.1% increase in arrivals compared to the same period last year.To transform this positive trend into explosive demand, the key to success lies in developing differentiated regional tourism content. There needs to be compelling reasons for foreign tourists to fly into regional airports and then travel to other areas, as generic tourist attractions will not satisfy the expectations of todays discerning global travelers.Kim Han-kyu, head of the Korea Visit Year Promotion Preparation Team, emphasized the importance of killer content for regional tourism activation during the seminar. He suggested that instead of promoting all tourism content simultaneously, it would be more effective to focus on competitive offerings to create successful case studies that can then be expanded to other regions.The Ministry also recognizes the significance of unique regional tourism content and will concentrate on developing killer content that connects gateway cities (airports) with surrounding cities that possess specialized tourism resources. This includes promoting K-pop concerts and other Hallyu tourism initiatives, as well as highlighting stay-oriented content tailored to each regions characteristics.For instance, the southeastern region, combining K-Cultural Heritage and Urban Marine experiences, will focus on the Gimhae Airport tourism zone, which integrates Busans K-culture and urban marine and leisure content with Ulsans industrial tourism, Geoje and Tongyeongs scenic coastal views and wellness offerings, and Gyeongjus historical resources. The Daegu Airport tourism zone will synergize Daegus medical and modern historical tourism with Andongs Confucian cultural tourism and Gyeongjus Silla historical tourism. Notably, Gimhae and Daegu, which are physically close, will be developed as a continuous travel route linked through Gyeongju.The Cheongju Airport tourism zone will leverage the historical significance of Baekje and traditional culture. It aims to create a massive historical and cultural tourism zone representing the inland region by combining Cheongjus cultural, artistic, and shopping infrastructure with UNESCO World Heritage sites in Gongju, Buyeo, and Iksan, as well as Jeonjus traditional cultural resources. The well-developed transportation network also allows for the expansion of entry and exit routes to the southwestern region.The Yangyang Airport tourism zone will focus on comprehensive sports tourism that encompasses mountains, beaches, culture, and sports. It will highlight Yangyangs Seoraksan National Park, known for K-mountaineering, along with surfing on the East Coast, the legacy of the PyeongChang Winter Olympics, K-content filming locations, and marine tourism resources in Sokcho.The Muan Airport tourism zone will be based on a triangular belt connecting air and sea (cruise) with inland transportation (KTX). It aims to elevate the southwestern region as a stay-oriented tourism zone by uniting the Namdo culinary culture as a common resource with tourism in Muan and Mokpo along the west coast, cultural and artistic offerings in Gwangju, and island and leisure resources in Yeosu.The Ministry aims to improve transportation and shopping infrastructure and discover attractive content to achieve a target of 30 million inbound visitors and 5 million arrivals at regional airports by 2029.Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Choi Hwi-young stated, The current structure of inbound tourism centered on the metropolitan area is insufficient to reach the goal of 40 million visitors. We will focus on establishing a golden route for inbound tourism centered around regional airports to enhance our capacity and discover new tourism attractions.* This article has been translated by AI. September 10, 2026
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Dyson Launches $750 Smart Toothbrush with AI Technology The new toothbrush autonomously sprays water between teeth. When the brush head is moved against the teeth, a built-in camera identifies the gaps and sprays liquid toward them within 0.1 seconds. This device combines the functions of brushing and flossing into one product.The Dyson Camera Jet, Dysons first oral care product developed over six years, was introduced at a press conference on September 10 at Banpo Hangang Park in Seoul. Rich Bacon, head of Dysons new business division, explained the products core technology and operation, highlighting the integration of vision systems, artificial intelligence (AI), and precision fluid dynamics.Dyson has focused on addressing everyday inconveniences faced by consumers rather than limiting itself to specific business areas, Bacon said. We have long recognized the importance of inter-dental cleaning and have been dedicated to developing related technologies.He added, Our goal is to present a more convenient oral care method by integrating brushing and inter-dental cleaning into a single process. The Dyson Camera Jet embodies various engineering technologies, including vision systems, machine learning, and precision fluid dynamics that Dyson has developed over time.Addressing Unresolved Oral Care Issues with Advanced TechnologyDysons focus on oral care follows its success in vacuum cleaners and hair care products, driven by the need for effective inter-dental cleaning. Bacon noted, Oral care has remained a repetitive process for decades, involving squeezing toothpaste, brushing, rinsing, and using floss. Many people understand the importance of flossing but find it tedious and time-consuming, leading to low compliance with recommendations.In South Korea, a 2026 survey by Korea Research found that while 77% of 1,000 adult respondents reported using floss or inter-dental brushes, only 28% did so regularly. Dyson observed that although South Korea has better access to preventive dental care and a well-established brushing culture, the use of floss and inter-dental brushes has not yet become a regular habit.To address this, Dyson developed a key technology called Gap Optical Targeting. This AI machine learning algorithm was trained on 470,000 images of teeth. A 1mm², 100,000-pixel macro camera analyzes 28 images per second to predict gaps between teeth. Once a gap is detected, liquid is sprayed in a cone shape toward the target within 0.1 seconds.Identifying inter-dental spaces accurately while the vibrating toothbrush is in motion posed a significant challenge. Bacon likened it to taking a photo while shaking a smartphone. He explained that the AI algorithm was trained on approximately 500,000 images and that the product contains about 16 million lines of software code. The toothbrush captures images while in motion, combining them to ensure stable video and identify inter-dental spaces.The precise liquid spray is made possible by Dysons accumulated fluid dynamics technology. Instead of indiscriminately spraying water upon detecting a gap, the device assesses the tooth surface and sprays at the appropriate moment. The liquid is designed to spread in a cone shape, covering the surface between teeth while minimizing pressure on the gums and teeth.Dysons motor technology is also applied to the toothbrushs cleaning function. The sonic motor driving the three-dimensional sonic brush vibrates 245 times per second. The dual-bristle head is designed to adapt to the contours of uneven teeth, with stiffer bristles in the center and softer bristles on the outer edges to manage the tooth surface and gum line effectively.Enhancing Oral Care with Real-Time MonitoringThe event was designed to allow attendees to experience the Camera Jets operation firsthand. Upon passing through an entrance shaped like a cone jet spray, participants could see a media art display capturing the cameras ability to identify gaps between teeth. There were also tech zones to explore the product development process and demo zones to try the Camera Jet.In the demo zone, using the actual product, brushing began as the brush head was moved against the teeth, with water automatically spraying each time the camera recognized a gap. A manual mode is also available, allowing users to spray liquid at their discretion.Using a smartphone, users can view their oral cavity in real time. The Live View feature of the MyDyson app allows users to see the inside of their mouth as captured by the toothbrushs camera. The app also provides data on brushing time and habits to help users develop proper brushing practices.Bacon stated, You can see the same view that a dentist would see while brushing. The camera activates only when using the live view or automatic jet spray functions, and captured images are not stored on the device or in the cloud.Currently, there are no dedicated cleaning solutions or toothpaste for the Camera Jet available in South Korea. To use the device, users must fill the tank with water for inter-dental cleaning and apply regular toothpaste to the brush head.The Camera Jet is priced at 749,000 won in South Korea, including the main unit, two dual-bristle heads, a refill dock, and a USB-C cable.* This article has been translated by AI. September 10, 2026
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Glendronach Unveils Limited Edition Whiskies to Celebrate 200 Years Glendronach, known for its 200 years of sherry cask maturation, has introduced a new limited edition to mark its bicentennial. The distillery has released a special bottling aged in red wine casks, allocating approximately 3,000 bottles for the South Korean market. Additionally, the company is increasing the domestic supply of some key products that had previously been limited, targeting premium single malt consumers. On September 10, Brown-Forman Korea held a Glendronach 200th Anniversary Master Class at the Chosun Palace in Gangnam, Seoul. The event featured the single malt whiskies Glendronach 12 Year, 15 Year, and 18 Year, along with the 14-year Boinesmill House Edition created for the anniversary. Also showcased was the Glendronach 1968, distilled in 1968 and aged for 56 years, with only 3 bottles allocated to Korea out of a total of 200 worldwide. Founded in 1826 in the Scottish Highlands, Glendronach is celebrating its 200th anniversary with a variation on tradition. While over 90% of its production has been matured in Spanish sherry casks, this limited edition incorporates red wine casks. The Boinesmill House Edition is a 14-year-old whisky that has been finished in Claret red wine casks after maturing in Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez sherry casks, selected by Master Blender Rachel Barrie. It features prominent flavors of blackberry, raisin, and hazelnut. The suggested retail price is 180,000 won. The name of the product is derived from Boinesmill House, where founder James Allardice hosted gatherings for friends and notable figures of his time. While sherry casks symbolize the brands tradition, the red wine casks represent the culture of hospitality and celebration during those gatherings, according to the company. A significant allocation has been made for the South Korean market. Yoo Jung-min, Executive Director of Brown-Forman Korea, stated, Approximately 3,000 bottles of the Boinesmill House Edition have been allocated to Korea, reflecting Glendronachs importance in this market compared to others. The company is also increasing the supply of its core lineup products. While the 12-year-old whisky is the best-selling entry-level product in Korea, the 15-year and 18-year offerings have faced global allocation limits that have not met demand. This year, Brown-Forman Korea has expanded the domestic allocation for the 15-year product and introduced gift sets for the Chuseok holiday. The presence of single malt whisky in the domestic liquor market is growing. This trend is reflected in sales data, with single malt whisky becoming the top-selling category on GS25s liquor smart order platform Wine25Plus in the first half of this year, surpassing all other types including wine and blended whisky. Single malt whisky now accounts for 61% of whisky sales, a 15 percentage point increase from the previous year. Notably, sales of premium single malts priced over 100,000 won have surged by 126%. Additionally, Brown-Forman Korea is collaborating with Chosun Palace to run a promotional event for the 200th anniversary. The 1914 Lounge & Bar at Chosun Palace will offer programs for comparative tastings of Glendronach products, including the Boinesmill. * This article has been translated by AI. September 10, 2026