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Big Pharma Competes in mRNA Cancer Vaccine Development as South Korea Advances Domestic Production The global competition in messenger RNA (mRNA) platform development has entered a critical phase. Major pharmaceutical companies are investing heavily in new indications for vaccines targeting diseases like influenza and cancer, achieving visible results. In South Korea, the government and biotech firms are collaborating to advance domestic production efforts.According to industry sources, mRNA cancer vaccines, which have shown potential for personalized treatment, are emerging as a new battleground amid competition surrounding next-generation platforms like antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), bispecific antibodies, and cell therapies. Recently, a personalized mRNA cancer vaccine jointly developed by U.S. pharmaceutical companies Moderna and Merck (MSD) has gained attention as a game changer after positive results in Phase 3 trials for melanoma.The competition among major pharmaceutical companies utilizing mRNA technology is expected to intensify. Last year, German biotech company BioNTech signed a $1.25 billion deal to acquire its competitor CureVac in an all-stock transaction to expand its mRNA cancer pipeline. This acquisition aims to strengthen research, manufacturing, and commercialization of mRNA-based cancer immunotherapies.Sanofi also invested in mRNA technology by acquiring the U.S. venture Translate Bio for $3.2 billion in 2021, focusing on developing new mRNA vaccines for influenza and other diseases. Pfizer and BioNTech are advancing their mRNA influenza vaccine into Phase 3 trials, closely following Moderna, which received FDA approval in August for its mRNA-based influenza vaccine, EmplusiVa, marking a first in this category. GSK recently announced Phase 2 results for its mRNA seasonal influenza vaccine candidate and plans to initiate Phase 3 trials.An industry insider noted, The fact that mRNA technology has moved beyond COVID-19 to the seasonal influenza market signifies its commercialization stage. If GSK proves competitive in Phase 3 trials, the competition between traditional technologies and mRNA platforms in the influenza vaccine market will intensify further.The South Korean governments push for mRNA domestic production is also gaining momentum. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency has increased the budget for next years Pandemic Preparedness mRNA Vaccine Development Support Project by 53.4% to 40.5 billion won, up from 26.4 billion won this year. The government previously announced plans to invest a total of 505.2 billion won by 2028 to localize currently imported mRNA vaccines and secure rapid development platforms. The goal is to support development from preclinical to Phase 3 trials, aiming for product approval by 2028.GC Pharma is a leading candidate for domestic production. The company submitted an Investigational New Drug (IND) application for its COVID-19 mRNA vaccine candidate last month and plans to enter Phase 2 trials this fall. GC Pharma stated, We aim to establish a proprietary mRNA-lipid nanoparticle (LNP) platform that can be used broadly, not limited to specific vaccine development, and create a structure that allows us to expand into contract development and manufacturing (CDMO) services beyond mere technological independence.In addition to vaccine developers, movements toward domestic production are also evident in the CDMO sector. ST Pharm has announced its transition from an oligonucleotide CDMO business to an integrated RNA CDMO model, expanding into mRNA and LNP formulation.Jeong I-soo, a researcher at IBK Investment & Securities, commented, As global latecomers accelerate their mRNA cancer vaccine development, the demand for CDMO services for early clinical supplies is expected to rise. Interest in domestic companies with mRNA delivery and platform technologies will also increase.* This article has been translated by AI. September 9, 2026 1 -
LIV Golf Files for Bankruptcy Protection Amid Financial Struggles LIV Golf, which once disrupted the PGA Tour with substantial funding from Saudi Arabia, has filed for bankruptcy protection. The league is facing financial difficulties after the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) withdrew its support.According to Yonhap News, LIV Golf submitted its Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing to a court in New Jersey on September 9. Chapter 11 allows companies to restructure their debts under court supervision while continuing operations.AP reports that LIV Golfs debt exceeds $500 million. Court documents estimate its assets between $100 million and $500 million, with liabilities ranging from $500 million to $1 billion. Four companies that have not received payments have already filed lawsuits against LIV.Alongside its bankruptcy filing, LIV announced plans for a restructuring with new investors. According to AP, British investment firm BC Partners will play a key role in funding LIVs restructuring efforts. The PIF has also agreed to provide $49.6 million in debtor-in-possession financing, pending court approval.LIV aims to maintain its league while transforming into a new format. CEO Scott ONeil stated in a letter to fans that this process is aimed at creating a “stronger and more sustainable future,” assuring that tournaments will continue.In upcoming events, the number of players will increase from 57 to 75, and for the first time, a cut will be applied in 54-hole tournaments. A qualifying system will also be introduced on Mondays. While the team-based format will remain, LIV plans to focus on proven markets such as Australia, South Africa, and Asia. The league aims to launch its new iteration, dubbed LIV 2.0, by 2027.However, the retention of star players remains a critical factor. According to AP, key players such as Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, Dustin Johnson, and Cameron Smith are listed as major creditors in the bankruptcy filing. Among the unpaid debts, Rahms amount is the highest at approximately $7.5 million.Rahm and DeChambeaus future with LIV is seen as a significant variable. In a recent interview with the BBC, Rahm stated, “I am still under contract with LIV 1.0 and intend to fulfill it,” but added that “time will tell” regarding his future.Since its launch in 2022, LIV has attracted numerous players from the PGA Tour by offering substantial signing bonuses and prize money. AP reports that LIV has spent over $5 billion since its inception. However, the league has faced a sharp decline after the PIF decided to halt its support this year.Once launched with the ambition to change the game of golf, LIV now finds itself in a position of downsizing for survival, raising questions about how it will compete or coexist with the PGA Tour post-bankruptcy.* This article has been translated by AI. September 9, 2026 1
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Nexspace Reports $30.98 Million in Revenue from MapleStory Universe in First Half of 2026 Nexspace generated approximately 30.98 million NXPC in revenue from the blockchain gaming ecosystem MapleStory Universe in the first half of 2026. This figure surpasses the 28.14 million NXPC distributed as rewards to players of the blockchain-based MMORPG MapleStory N during the same period. Nexspace is accelerating the expansion of the MapleStory Universe ecosystem by incorporating user-generated content.On September 9, Nexspace, a blockchain subsidiary of Nexon, released its 2026 First Half Report detailing the on-chain economic status of the MapleStory Universe ecosystem.According to the report, the revenue generated in the first half of 2026 from the MapleStory Universe totaled approximately 30.98 million NXPC, with about 95% of this revenue coming from core gameplay content, which includes user-initiated spending on item enhancements and synthesis.As of June 30, the cumulative protocol revenue generated within the MapleStory Universe ecosystem reached 58.22 million NXPC.Nexspace conducted two rounds of NXPC burns in connection with its first-half revenue. On May 21, approximately 2.8765 million NXPC were burned, followed by another 3.3255 million NXPC on July 16. Since the launch of the ecosystem, the total amount burned has reached approximately 11.65 million NXPC.The amounts burned were calculated based on a quarterly burn policy introduced by Nexspace in November of last year. The company has made all burn records publicly available on-chain for external verification.Transactions within the MapleStory Universe continued in the first half of the year, with a total of 2.74 million transactions recorded in the MSU Marketplace, amounting to approximately 32.10 million NXPC in transaction value (GTV).Since the launch of the ecosystem, approximately 855,500 active wallets have been recorded, with about 66%, or 564,700 wallets, participating in at least one on-chain content transaction.Nexspace is also expanding the ecosystem centered around MapleStory N to include user-generated content. Last month, during the MapleStory Vibe Camp in collaboration with the AI-based game development platform Burst Eight, users created a total of 693 games using official assets from the MapleStory Universe, including characters, monsters, items, and backgrounds.Of these, 435 games passed the review process and are now available for service. The created games encompass various genres, including real-time strategy (RTS), trading card games (TCG), idle role-playing games (RPG), and tycoon simulations.According to Nexspace, users from 114 countries participated in the Vibe Camp, with a total of 29,015 individuals recording 88,037 plays. This initiative has broadened the scope of MapleStory IP utilization from traditional games to user-generated content.Nexspace plans to allocate 20% of its quarterly revenue to NXPC burns in the second half of the year, in line with its existing burn policy. The company aims to improve the NXPC economic structure and strengthen systems for protecting the open economy and major content updates for MapleStory N.Additionally, Nexspace will continue to implement strategies to expand the overall MapleStory Universe ecosystem, including user-generated content, and will regularly disclose related information.* This article has been translated by AI. September 9, 2026 1
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OpenAI's GPT-6 Astra Passes CAPTCHA, Experts Warn of AI Control Issues OpenAIs latest artificial intelligence (AI) model has reportedly passed all stages of the CAPTCHA test, which is designed to distinguish between humans and robots.As AI successfully navigates the CAPTCHA challenge, earning what some are calling a human certificate, global AI researchers have warned that AI could become uncontrollable by the end of next year.According to a report by Yonhap News on September 9, OpenAI developer Sharif Shamim announced on X (formerly Twitter) that the new AI model, GPT-6 Astra, has solved all 48 stages of the I’m Not a Robot CAPTCHA game.CAPTCHA is a technology used online to prevent automated programs from accessing services. It typically involves tasks such as reading distorted characters, distinguishing between images of dogs and cookies, or identifying traffic lights and specific objects in pictures. Some of these tasks can be complex enough to confuse even human users.The fact that GPT-6 Astra has passed all stages indicates that it can process information in ways similar to humans, including reasoning about time and space, understanding context, and following instructions.With AI now able to bypass CAPTCHA, a key tool for distinguishing between humans and automated programs, experts suggest that this identification technology may require fundamental changes.Artificial Analysis, a company that evaluates AI performance, has also updated its rankings for Astra. Initially ranked fifth at launch, Astra has now risen to a tie for first place alongside Anthropics Claude Table 5.1 due to new evaluation criteria.However, on the same day, a report from Yonhap News, citing The Wall Street Journal, revealed that Anthropic researcher Jacob Coxon resigned, raising concerns about AI safety. The 27-year-old had been working on training new AI models using large datasets but expressed worry that companies focused on enhancing their systems might neglect safety issues.Coxon warned that self-improving AI could lead to scenarios where it escapes human control and refuses commands. He stated, Many of the most aggressive scenarios are moving toward reality, adding that by the end of next year, the situation could become uncontrollable.Initially, Coxon had joined Anthropic, hoping to contribute to a culture that prioritizes AI safety after leaving OpenAI. However, he concluded that individual companies alone cannot manage AI risks. He described entrusting the development of AI, which could significantly impact humanitys future, to a small group of engineers as a kind of madness, advocating for government intervention or a collective industry response.As AI passes tests proving its human-like capabilities, there is an urgent need to establish safeguards to ensure that humans can maintain control over AI systems. September 9, 2026 1
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Kakao Games to Officially Launch 'World of Goblins' on October 8 Kakao Games will officially launch its new MMORPG, World of Goblins, on October 8.On September 8, Kakao Games held an online showcase to announce the official release date, key content, combat system, and service plans for World of Goblins.World of Goblins is developed based on the popular Naver web novel and webtoon Myeolgisudojeon. It features a hybrid 2.5D graphic style that combines 2D pixel characters with 3D backgrounds, creating a retro feel and a three-dimensional spatial experience. The game expands the originals world, which blends traditional Korean folklore with Eastern fantasy elements, and enhances the IPs quality through collaboration with webtoon production company Redice Studio.Lee Si-woo, CEO of Kakao Games, stated in his welcoming remarks, The game features a Korean-inspired worldview and unique pixel graphics. We aim to provide a sustainable service that allows users to enjoy the core fun of MMORPGs, focusing on growth and cooperation.The showcase revealed a combat system utilizing 12 styles of magic. Players can mix and match various magic styles without being restricted to fixed classes, allowing for personalized combat strategies. This system enables diverse gameplay by combining the characteristics and skills of each style based on the situation.The game also emphasizes a cooperative growth structure over competition. It strengthens cooperative content without making player competition a mandatory element, allowing users to enjoy PvP content selectively. Regular communication among users will be facilitated through operational content such as the Goblin Assembly.The AI system Myeorong will provide user-friendly features and service direction. The showcase included actual gameplay footage and detailed service policies, along with a Q&A session where influencers posed questions to the development team on behalf of users.Before the official launch, Kakao Games will host a live demonstration on September 18, showcasing gameplay and key content, along with real-time commentary from the development team. September 9, 2026 1
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Han Dong-hoon Threatens Legal Action Against Kim Min-seok for Spreading False Information Independent lawmaker Han Dong-hoon announced on September 9 that he plans to take legal action against Kim Min-seok, the leader of the Democratic Party, for allegedly spreading false information about him.In a post on his Facebook page, Han stated, I will pursue criminal charges against Kim for disseminating false information, adding, I have never received any similar materials from the prosecution. I will hold Kim accountable for his baseless lies.He indicated that he would continue to respond strictly to the dissemination of false information. Han criticized, The Democratic Partys attempts to deflect attention with claims about poison lobbying will not erase the issue at hand. He also admonished Democratic lawmaker Song Young-gil, saying, At least in the case of the Democratic Partys scandal, you should exercise restraint. Arent you also a member of the overseas faction?Han has been focusing on allegations surrounding Kim Seung-won, the nominee for Minister of Justice, regarding lobbying for new drugs. The Democratic Party has demanded that Han disclose the sources of the materials he is using, claiming he is launching a political offensive with illegally obtained information.In response, Han questioned, Are you trying to threaten the whistleblower with murder threats if I reveal their identity? I will protect the public interest whistleblower at all costs. I will break the drum politics of the Democratic Party brothers.He asserted, Kim was aware that broker Yang received millions of won from CEO Kang of Genensel in exchange for lobbying the Food and Drug Administration. In fact, Yang did receive millions of won, insisting that Kim should be investigated and punished for bribery and related charges.Additionally, Han released details from a phone call between Kang and Yang from September 2021, which mentioned commissions related to investment attraction, criticizing, Is this money game what the Democratic Party calls public interest and preventing national wealth outflow?Meanwhile, lawmakers from the Democratic Party, Justice Party, and Progressive Party held a press conference on the same day, condemning Han for allegedly leaking internal investigation materials that he obtained illegally, claiming he is distorting and inciting public opinion through malicious editing and manipulation.They pointed out that Han has deleted key content, edited unrelated information, and inflated other details, warning, We will thoroughly investigate the circumstances of the data leak and the truth behind Hans distortions and incitements. The price for deceiving the public will be paid.* This article has been translated by AI. September 9, 2026 1
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Nexon Games Shares Rebound After Initial Drop Following Project DX Development Halt Nexon Games experienced a decline in its stock price following the announcement of the halt in development of the sequel to Durango: Wild Lands, but the shares rebounded in the afternoon.According to the Korea Exchange, as of 12:43 PM, Nexon Games stock was trading at 11,440 won, up 90 won (0.79%) from the previous trading day. The stock opened at 10,960 won and fell to 10,830 won in early trading, a drop of 4.58%, but later recovered.The initial drop in stock price is attributed to the notification given to studio members about the cessation of development for Project DX, the sequel to Durango: Wild Lands.Project DX was first revealed at Nexons pre-G-Star briefing in October 2024 and was based on Durango: Wild Lands, which was released in 2018 and discontinued after about a year. It had been considered one of Nexons key upcoming titles. However, since its announcement, there has been no detailed information regarding its development progress or release schedule.This development halt aligns with Nexons recent strategy to reorganize its game portfolio, focusing on profitability and development progress.Nexon Chairman Patrick Söderlund stated during a capital market briefing in March that the companys product portfolio was too broad and indicated plans for adjustments.* This article has been translated by AI. September 9, 2026 1
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'Dave the Diver' tops 10 million in a Korean first SEOUL, September 09 (AJP) - South Korean studio Mintrocket said that its diving-and-sushi adventure "Dave the Diver" has sold more than 10 million copies worldwide, the first domestic single-player packaged game to cross that mark. The milestone announced Tuesday comes as Korean developers, long dominant in free-to-play online titles, increasingly bet on premium single-purchase games for console and PC. "Dave the Diver," released in full in mid-2023, casts players as a diver who harvests marine life by day and runs a sushi restaurant by night, blending exploration, collection and management. Sales have kept climbing three years after launch on the strength of new content, platform expansion and outside collaborations, Mintrocket said, evidence that the title has matured into a durable franchise rather than a one-off hit. The game debuted on PC before reaching PlayStation, Nintendo Switch and Xbox, and a mobile version launches globally on Apple's App Store and Google Play on Sept. 17. The "In the Jungle" downloadable content released in June sold about 1 million copies in roughly two months, while cameo appearances in "Fortnite" and franchise collaborations with China's KFC and Sushiro have widened the game's reach. The success arrives amid a broader shift that has drawn government notice, following Pearl Abyss's "Crimson Desert," which sold 5 million copies within 26 days of its March release, and earlier console breakthroughs from Neowiz's "Lies of P" and Shift Up's "Stellar Blade." Nexon, Mintrocket's parent, has separately leaned into single-player development with titles including "The First Berserker: Khazan." AJP Takeaways - Mintrocket, a Nexon studio, said on Sept. 8, 2026, that "Dave the Diver" has sold more than 10 million copies worldwide, the first South Korean single-player packaged game to reach that level. - The game's "In the Jungle" expansion sold about 1 million copies in roughly two months after its June 2026 release, and a global mobile version arrives Sept. 17, 2026. - The milestone reinforces a Korean industry pivot toward premium console and PC games, alongside Pearl Abyss's "Crimson Desert," which sold 5 million copies within 26 days of its March 2026 launch. September 9, 2026 1 -
Korean Basketball Aims for Joint Gold Medal at 2026 Asian Games Korean basketball is set to challenge for a joint gold medal in both mens and womens categories at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, aiming for a feat not achieved in 12 years. The mens team, which finished with the lowest ranking in its history at the last tournament, seeks to restore its honor, while the womens team, facing key player absences, aims to secure a medal to uphold its pride.Basketball is the first event to take place in this tournament. The mens team, led by coach Nikolajs Madzulis, will begin the group stage on the 10th and compete in the finals on the 20th, the day after the opening ceremony on the 19th. The womens team, under coach Park Soo-ho, will start its group stage on the 17th and play in the finals on the 26th.Historically, Korea has won four gold medals in mens basketball (1970, 1982, 2002, 2014) and four in womens basketball (1978, 1990, 1994, 2014). The 2014 Incheon Games marked the only time both teams achieved gold simultaneously. Korea ranks second in total gold medals, following China, which has eight in mens and seven in womens categories.However, the mens team is coming off a disappointing performance at the 2023 Hangzhou Games, where it recorded its lowest finish ever, ending up in seventh place after losing to China in the quarterfinals. This broke a streak of medals that included a silver in 2010, gold in 2014, and bronze in 2018.The current team is coached by Latvian Nikolajs Madzulis, the first foreign head coach in Korean basketball history. The teams performance has not yet met expectations, with a record of four wins and six losses, falling below a 50% win rate. In recent exhibition games in Japan, the team suffered defeats by margins of 20 and 29 points.In addition, the roster is stretched thin. Key players Ahn Young-jun (Seoul SK), the MVP of the KBL, and Ha Yoon-ki (Suwon KT) are sidelined due to injuries, and the absence of naturalized players has left the team at a height disadvantage.There are signs of potential improvement. On August 31, Korea defeated Saudi Arabia 85-72 in the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian qualifiers. This was followed by victories over the Philippines in two exhibition games on September 4 and 6, winning 81-55 and 69-42, respectively.Expectations are high for ace Lee Hyun-jung, who averaged 14 points and 12.7 rebounds in the last three games against Saudi Arabia and the Philippines. He scored a team-high 25 points in the Saudi Arabia game and grabbed 15 rebounds in both exhibition matches against the Philippines.Korea is placed in Group A and will face Saudi Arabia on the 10th, Indonesia on the 11th, and host nation Japan on the 13th. The match against Japan is particularly anticipated as the team seeks to avenge a previous defeat.The womens team has never missed a medal at the Asian Games. After winning its first gold in Bangkok in 1978, it secured gold again in Beijing in 1990, Hiroshima in 1994, and Incheon in 2014. The team earned a silver medal as a unified team with North Korea in the 2018 Jakarta-Palembang Games and a bronze at the last Hangzhou Games.However, the lead-up to this tournament has been challenging. The team lost both exhibition games against Japan on August 13 and 14, suffering an 18-point defeat in the first game and narrowly losing the second by one point after leading for much of the match.Injuries have also taken a toll. Key guard Park Ji-hyun, who plays for the Los Angeles Sparks in the WNBA, is unavailable due to scheduling conflicts. The participation of national treasure center Park Ji-soo (Cheongju KB), who is recovering from an ankle injury, remains uncertain.The womens team is currently competing in the 2026 FIBA Womens World Cup in Germany and will travel to Japan after completing their schedule. In the group stage of the Asian Games, they will compete in Group C against Taiwan, Malaysia, and Mongolia for a chance to advance to the quarterfinals.* This article has been translated by AI. September 9, 2026 0
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KIA's Kim Do-young Hits 40 Home Runs This Season, First Domestic Player Since 2018 Professional baseball player Kim Do-young of the KIA Tigers has achieved 40 home runs this season. On September 8, during a game against the Samsung Lions at Daegu Lions Park, Kim hit a solo home run in the sixth inning, bringing the score to 1-4. Leading off the inning, Kim targeted the first pitch fastball from Samsungs second pitcher, Satoshi Miyamori, sending it soaring over the left field fence. Having hit his 39th home run against the Lotte Giants on August 26, Kim reached this milestone after just seven games. This marks the first time in his career that he has hit 40 home runs in a single season. While he missed the record for the youngest player to reach 40 home runs in the KBO League, held by Lee Seung-yeop (Yomiuri Giants coach), this home run allowed him to set several other records. Kim became only the second player in KIA history to hit 40 home runs, following Tracy Sanders in 1999, and he is the first domestic player to achieve this feat. In the KBO League overall, he is the first domestic player to reach 40 home runs since 2018, when Kim Jae-hwan (Doosan Bears) hit 44, Park Byung-ho (Nexen Heroes) hit 42, and Han Yoo-seom (SK Wyverns) hit 41. Leading the league in home runs, Kims latest home run increased his lead over LG Twins Austin Dean, who has 36 home runs, to four.* This article has been translated by AI. September 8, 2026 2
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Korean Game Companies Showcase Subculture Titles at Tokyo Game Show 2026 Major Korean game companies are set to unveil new subculture titles at the Tokyo Game Show 2026 (TGS 2026), catering to local user preferences. They also plan to introduce games based on popular Japanese intellectual properties (IPs).According to the gaming industry on September 8, the 3N—Nexon, NC, and Netmarble—along with Smilegate and NHN, will participate in TGS 2026, taking place from September 17 to 21 at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan, to showcase their new subculture games.The decision by these major Korean game companies to present subculture games, aside from their main genres, is driven by an annual growth rate of 15-16% and a solid fan base. This genre tends to thrive even during market downturns.NC, which has set up a dedicated booth at TGS, is responsible for the global publishing of Astraea Oratio, a subculture role-playing game (RPG) developed by Dynamis One. They will debut a demo version, showcasing the games scenario and combat build.Nexon Games will leverage its experience from Blue Archive to introduce a new title. The RX Studio, part of the IO division that developed Blue Archive, has officially named its project Paralydia, which will also be showcased for the first time at TGS. Paralydia is a game featuring beautiful girls, available on PC, console, and mobile platforms.Netmarble will prominently feature Pearl in Blue, developed by its subsidiary. Since the launch of Fate/Grand Order in 2017, Netmarble has been expanding its subculture game offerings. Recently, they released Monster Taming: Star Dive, a reinterpretation of their own IP Monster Taming tailored to subculture sensibilities.Smilegate will present the subculture collection RPG Future City: The Invisible Future. The event will include game demonstrations and a stage featuring popular Japanese cosplayers Iori Moe and Enako. Additionally, while not classified strictly as subculture, Shift Ups Stella Blade Complete Edition will be released for the Nintendo Switch 2, drawing attention.Numerous games optimized for local audiences using Japanese manga and anime IPs will also be showcased. Netmarble will demonstrate Shangri-La Frontier: The Seven Strongest, based on a popular Japanese IP, and host a talk show featuring the original animes voice cast. Smilegate will present Dead Account: Two Blue Flames, a team roguelite RPG based on the work of Japanese manga artist Watanabe Shizumu. Netmarble will also unveil Solo Leveling: Karma, an action RPG that has been animated simultaneously in Japan and Korea.NHN will return to TGS for the first time in eight years through its local subsidiary NHN PlayArt. NHN PlayArt plans to showcase seven titles, including three new games, to expand its engagement with Japanese users.* This article has been translated by AI. September 8, 2026 1
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Park Ji-hyun Joins Global Basketball League 'Project B' with First Camp in Seoul The global tour-based professional basketball league Project B, set to launch in 2027, has announced the addition of South Korean star Park Ji-hyun, who currently plays for the Los Angeles Sparks, marking the start of its first season in Seoul.On September 8, Project B revealed that it will hold its inaugural official training camp in Seoul from January 6 to 12, 2027. The camp will gather players from around the world, along with coaching staff and officials, to begin preparations for the leagues first season.Project B aims to create a player-centered structure that allows athletes to directly participate in the leagues long-term value. Unlike traditional location-based professional leagues, it will feature top players forming teams that compete in major cities across Asia, Europe, and the Americas. The league plans to combine high-level basketball games with local culture and entertainment, expanding into a global sports platform.The first season will tour seven cities, with each event lasting around ten days. Tokyo, Japan, and Valencia, Spain, have been confirmed as host cities. The Tokyo event will take place from March 26 to April 4, 2027, at the Toyota Arena, while the Valencia event is scheduled for March 12 to 22, 2027, at the La Fonteta Arena. Additional host cities have yet to be announced.The training camp will be based at the Park Hyatt Seoul in Gangnam. Project B plans to go beyond simple preseason training by launching various content, cultural, and community programs in Seoul, showcasing a new global basketball experience.Park Ji-hyuns participation is particularly noteworthy. As the third South Korean player to compete in a regular season game in the WNBA, she is currently with the Los Angeles Sparks and will engage in her first official activities with new teammates during the training camp in Seoul.The fact that Project B is holding its training camp in Seoul is especially meaningful to me, Park said. Korea is my hometown. I am proud that my fellow players from around the world will experience the energy, culture, and passion for basketball in Korea. I look forward to welcoming everyone in Seoul and starting this new journey together.Parks involvement and the training camp in Seoul reflect Project Bs focus on the Asian market.Jeff Prentice, co-founder and CEO of Project B, stated, Deciding to start Project Bs new journey in Seoul demonstrates our long-term commitment to Korea and our belief that Asia will be a crucial hub for the future of global basketball. We are very proud to have the worlds best players and Koreas top talent come together in a country with a deep passion for basketball. He added, Korea is currently leading global culture. The music, fashion, beauty, food, and entertainment emerging from Seoul are influencing people worldwide, and our players will have the opportunity to experience this rich culture firsthand.* This article has been translated by AI. September 8, 2026 1
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Will Korea's most-loved game StarCraft become a K-game? SEOUL, September 08 (AJP) - South Korean game publisher Nexon is moving to bring the iconic StarCraft franchise under its arm through a licensing deal with Blizzard Entertainment, aiming to roll out the first new mainline installment of the battle game loved for nearly three decades in 16 years. The Chosun Ilbo reported that the deal was "on the verge of being finalized," after which Nexon would hold development rights to a successor to the existing series. "We can't say anything at all about anything related to StarCraft," a Nexon spokesperson said when asked about the report. The California-based Blizzard has not commented publicly. Yet Blizzard's official StarCraft website has begun behaving strangely. Text reading "Transmission Failure!" flickered across the site, background art distorted and the screen turned red as if sending a hidden message to its global fan base. The kind of malfunction that arrives suspiciously close to BlizzCon, which opens Sept. 12. Fans pulled the site apart. A Reddit user posting as beyond1sgrasp dug eight hidden messages out of the developer console, and the community decoded them within hours. They read like the opening reel of a horror film: a Terran unit called Theta Squadron is en route to the Roxara Lunar Mining Complex, carrying cargo described as pivotal to research. One message is dated Aug. 8, 2575, roughly 70 years after the events of StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void, the latest major installment in the series apart from the remastered original. Roxara is not new. The moon appears in older StarCraft lore tied to Dominion bioweapon experiments and StarCraft: Ghost, the shooter whose development effectively ground to a halt in 2006. And the clues all seem to point toward BlizzCon at the Anaheim Convention Center. The published main-stage schedule leaves a conspicuous one-hour gap between the first World of Warcraft panel and the Diablo developer update, giving fans another opening for speculation over a possible StarCraft announcement. Blizzard has reportedly also been incubating a StarCraft shooter under Dan Hay, the Ubisoft veteran who previously ran the Far Cry franchise before joining Blizzard as a vice president. In April, Blizzard posted a job opening for a design director for an unannounced AAA open-world shooter being built in Unreal Engine, a notable departure for a studio known for developing much of its technology in-house. For Nexon, a deeper Blizzard partnership would not come out of nowhere. The two companies have already tested the commercial logic through Overwatch. Nexon signed a Korean PC publishing agreement with Blizzard in March and took over the Korean PC service on Aug. 12, handling localized services and live operations while Blizzard retains the intellectual property and leads development. Walter Kong, Blizzard's senior vice president and head of development for live games and mobile, said at a news conference in Busan on Aug. 23 that the groundwork for the partnership had been laid as far back as 2022. Nexon scored highly against Blizzard's checklist for live-service operating experience, genre expertise and familiarity with Korean players, he said. "The whole goal of this partnership is to get closer to our fans," said Ben Bell, executive producer and senior vice president for Overwatch. Nexon's reach among Korean PC players, he said, lets Blizzard listen more closely to what would make the game better in the region. Media reports have suggested since April 2025 that Nexon emerged as the preferred bidder for StarCraft rights after competing with Krafton, Netmarble and NC. Founded in South Korea by Kim Jung-ju in 1994, Nexon moved its headquarters to Tokyo in 2005 and listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange in 2011. Its main development and operating base remains deeply rooted in South Korea. Korea is also where StarCraft never really died. StarCraft arrived in 1998 alongside the country's broadband boom, filled its PC bangs and helped turn competitive gaming into a professional occupation years before esports became a global industry. After StarCraft: Remastered, Blizzard gave the Korean server its own warning. "The Land of the Calm Dawn has mastered the art of war, and emerged as home to the most renowned StarCraft players on Earth. Do not arrive idle to this melee." Korean players often describe StarCraft as a folk game — one that has survived long enough to be played across generations, from older players who discovered it in the late 1990s to their children and younger relatives. "It’s just one of those games you can play together with your nephews or relatives on national holidays like Chuseok," said Kim Jong-chul, a 55-year-old businessman. "Plus, the computer requirements are quite low, so any kind of computer or laptop can run it. Gather round any computers on a holiday, and you’re set." That audience is Nexon's biggest asset if it gets StarCraft. It is also the risk. Nexon has taken on major outside franchises before without always turning them into lasting successes. Its planned mobile adaptation of Final Fantasy XI, announced with Square Enix in 2015, was ultimately cancelled. Blizzard itself has an even longer history of struggling to expand StarCraft beyond its real-time strategy roots, cancelling or shelving at least two shooter projects. A new StarCraft therefore would arrive carrying more than the expectations normally attached to a sequel. For Korean players who have kept the original alive for nearly three decades, whoever takes control of StarCraft's next chapter would inherit not merely a valuable game license, but one of the country's most enduring pieces of gaming culture. AJP Takeaways - Nexon is nearing a licensing deal with Blizzard Entertainment for development rights to a new StarCraft title, the Chosun Ilbo reported on Sept. 2, citing a senior games industry official. Blizzard and parent Microsoft would retain ownership of the intellectual property. - Blizzard's official StarCraft website began displaying deliberate glitch effects, and fans decoded eight hidden lore messages set in the year 2575, nine days before BlizzCon 2026 opens in Anaheim, California, on Sept. 12. - Nexon took over Korean PC publishing of Blizzard's Overwatch on Aug. 12 under a March 29 agreement, and was named preferred bidder for StarCraft rights over Krafton, Netmarble and NCSoft in 2025. - A Nexon spokesperson declined to discuss anything related to StarCraft when asked about the report, and Blizzard has not commented publicly. No title, genre, platform or release window has been announced. September 8, 2026 1 -
Jung Jeom-sik Criticizes 820 Trillion Won Budget and Corporate Regulations Jung Jeom-sik, the floor leader of the People Power Party, intensified his criticism of the Lee Jae-myung administrations key economic policies on September 8. He labeled the Honam semiconductor cluster and next years budget as plunder and described the governments real estate policies as promise fraud. During his speech at the National Assembly, Jung stated, The government is infringing on the peoples rights to life, safety, participation, and property. He characterized the governments push for the Honam semiconductor cluster as corporate plunder, asserting, The worst corporate plunder committed by the government is the Honam semiconductor project, and criticized the disregard for procedural fairness. In this context, the government is promoting the new semiconductor cluster in the Honam region as a key project among its three mega-projects. The day before, Kim Min-seok, the leader of the Democratic Party, emphasized the passage of a special law to support mega-projects as a top legislative priority during his speech. Jung also criticized the proposed budget of 820 trillion won, calling it populism. He remarked, Managing finances with a live for today mentality shifts the burden of debt onto future generations. This is not future preparedness but future plunder. The state is deceiving the people with a shell game. Regarding real estate policies, he labeled them as promise fraud and called for their complete abolition. He stated, The president promised during the campaign not to use taxes to control real estate, but the policies implemented after taking office are the opposite. This is promise fraud. I urge the complete abolition of real estate policies that plunder the lives of the people. Jung also proposed alternatives for real estate at the party level, stating, We will eliminate regulations on private redevelopment and reconstruction to significantly increase housing supply, and added, We will ensure that single-homeowners do not have to worry about taxes. He further announced plans to reduce acquisition taxes for first-time homebuyers and support ultra-low-interest loans for young couples. Additionally, regarding the constitutional amendment mentioned by Kim the previous day, Jung made it clear that there will be no amendments under this government. During the speech, there were several interruptions due to loud exchanges among lawmakers. National Assembly Speaker Cho Jung-sik intervened, urging cooperation to maintain a respectful atmosphere for the proceedings, after which Jung continued his remarks. Following his speech, Jung reiterated on his Facebook that he presented the People Power Partys alternatives to correct the governments mismanagement and improve the lives of the people, emphasizing that they would be implemented through legislation, policy, and budget.* This article has been translated by AI. September 8, 2026 1
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Jung Jeom-sik Criticizes Lee Government, Calls South Korea in a 'Jamdemic' Jung Jeom-sik, the floor leader of the People Power Party, criticized President Lee Jae-myung on September 8, stating, No government has ever caused such rapid and devastating collapse in South Korea since its founding. He referred to the term jamdemic, a blend of jam and pandemic, to target the ruling partys policies on real estate, finance, and justice, launching a broad offensive. He also distanced himself from discussions on constitutional amendments proposed by Kim Min-seok, the leader of the Democratic Party, the previous day.In his representative speech at the National Assembly, Jung stated, Currently, South Korea is in a state of collapse across all areas, including public safety, real estate, stock markets, rule of law, national defense, and state finances.Regarding real estate policy, he labeled it a promise fraud and called for its complete abolition. Jung criticized, The president promised during his campaign not to control real estate through taxes. However, after taking office, the policies have been the exact opposite. This is a promise fraud against the people.He also attributed the volatility in the stock market to the government, stating, The government is the cause of stock market volatility, and criticized the administration for managing financial policy like a stock leading room, which has exacerbated volatility. He emphasized the need for a national investigation and special prosecution regarding the introduction of single-stock leveraged exchange-traded funds (ETFs).On the constitutional amendment mentioned by Kim the previous day, Jung stated, There will be no constitutional amendment under this government, asserting, I will never discuss amendments with those who clearly commit unconstitutional acts for personal gain. He urged the judiciary to resume the trial of President Lee.Full Text of Jungs Representative SpeechDear citizens,Honorable Speaker of the National Assembly Jo Jung-sik and fellow lawmakers,Prime Minister Han Seung-sook and cabinet members,This is Jung Jeom-sik, the floor leader of the People Power Party.It has been 1 year and 3 months since the Lee Jae-myung government was inaugurated. Recently, the presidents approval rating has fallen below 40%, with some polls showing it as low as 34.7%.The publics expectations have turned into disappointment, and disappointment has morphed into anger. When approval ratings plummet, the government must change its policies. However, the Lee Jae-myung administration continues to turn a blind eye and block its ears, pursuing its own path.Take a look at the recent cabinet reshuffle. The head of the presidents prosecution cancellation group, who is implicated in new drug fraud allegations, has been nominated as the Minister of Justice.A person who has served as a proportional representative twice and is a symbol of privilege and unfairness, seeking to hold both ministerial and legislative positions, has been nominated as the Minister of Gender Equality and Family.The candidates for the Minister of Economy and the Minister of Land are both former vice ministers responsible for policy failures. This indicates a continuation of failed economic and real estate policies, suggesting a willingness to fight against the people.Appointments send a clear message from the government: We will definitely clear the presidents name, We will give up on the youth, and We will continue populist policies on real estate regulation.Recently, the term jamdemic has become popular. It combines President Lees name with pandemic, implying that everything he touches brings disaster.Currently, South Korea is in a state of collapse across all areas, including public safety, real estate, stock markets, rule of law, national defense, and state finances.Since the founding of South Korea, no government has caused such rapid and devastating collapse.Government and Ruling Party Open the Gates to Hell in Public SafetyThe government and ruling party have opened the gates to hell in public safety. Citizens are expressing their anxiety and doubting the capabilities and will of investigative agencies.With the abolition of supplementary investigative rights, police may have to divert public safety personnel to fill gaps in investigative capabilities. Investigations will become inadequate, and public safety will be compromised.In Gwangju, police concealed evidence in a murder attempt case. In Jeju, a missing persons case was falsely concluded. In Gangnam, Seoul, a suspect was disguised as a witness.The polices mishandling of cases is shocking. If supplementary investigative rights are abolished, it will not only prevent concealment but also make it difficult to uncover the truth later.I have warned the Democratic Party not to open the gates to hell by abolishing supplementary investigative rights.However, driven by hatred and revenge against the prosecution, and greed for votes in the party convention, the Democratic Party has opened the gates to hell by abolishing supplementary investigative rights.By October, both the prosecution and supplementary investigative rights will disappear. The Special Investigation Agency has not even been able to recruit investigative personnel.In this situation, the president suddenly ordered the establishment of a police reform organization, calling for self-correction with a determination to make sacrifices. The Democratic Party claims it will root out the six major evils of the police.This is akin to a thief ordering the barn to be fixed after losing the cow.The distortion of the judicial system will lead to inadequate investigations, which will return as suffering for the people. The government and ruling party bear full responsibility for this. Please remember this clearly.Citizens Cry Over Real Estate and Are Deceived by StocksThere is one rule in the South Korean real estate market: when the left takes power, real estate prices soar. The Lee Jae-myung government has proven this rule without exception.Within a year of taking office, apartment prices in Seoul have risen by 11%, surpassing the 8.2% increase during the Moon Jae-in administration. Since February of last year, apartment prices have risen for 82 consecutive weeks.As apartment prices soar, rental properties are dwindling. In Jungnang-gu, there are only two rental listings in a new apartment complex with over 1,500 units. In Gangbuk-gu, there is only one rental listing in a large complex of 3,830 units.With the barriers to buying and renting rising, citizens are reluctantly forced into monthly rentals. As demand for monthly rentals increases, prices naturally rise. In areas like Nowon-gu, Dobong-gu, and Gangbuk-gu in Seoul, monthly rents for a standard apartment (84 square meters) exceed 3 million won.Earlier this year, the president claimed that controlling real estate would be easier than managing valleys. However, now we are witnessing a triple increase in sales, rentals, and monthly rents, sweeping across the metropolitan area like a domino effect. The president has not captured real estate but the people.Believing that speculation is the reason for rising real estate prices, the government has blocked private redevelopment and reconstruction while imposing loan restrictions and tax burdens.They have treated multiple homeowners as devils. These individuals are suppliers in the housing market. By blocking supply, price surges are inevitable.They have forced non-resident homeowners to live in their properties. This forces tenants to seek other homes. The state is forcing citizens to play a game of musical chairs.In the face of angry public sentiment regarding real estate, the government announced it would maintain the current basic deduction for comprehensive real estate tax for non-resident homeowners.However, while government policies waver, tenants have already been pushed elsewhere.Please think before announcing policies. The government can change its words, but the lives of the people collapse with each statement.Above all, the leftist mindset regarding real estate must be discarded. The Democratic Party has long used the phrase that a house is not for buying but for living.The Chinese Communist Party used the expression housing is for living, not for speculation while implementing real estate regulations.How can the real estate policies of a country that has chosen a market economy be the same as those of the Chinese Communist Party? This alone shows how extreme the Democratic Party is.Furthermore, the president has stated that if housing auctions surge due to loan defaults, the government will purchase them in bulk for public housing purposes.This means the state will pressure citizens with interest rates and taxes to hoard homes. The state wants to act as a landlord while binding citizens as tenants.This is a predatory policy disguised as a plan.The president promised during his campaign not to control real estate through taxes. However, after taking office, the policies have been the exact opposite. This is a promise fraud against the people.The fraud against the common people in rental housing has faced legal judgment. The fraud against the public through broken promises will face the judgment of public sentiment. September 8, 2026 1