Concerns Rise Over the Impact of Abolishing Prosecutorial Investigative Powers
On July 31, the National Assembly passed an amendment to the Criminal Procedure Law, led by the ruling party, which abolishes the supplementary investigative powers of prosecutors. This marks the end of a 78-year era of prosecutorial investigative authority in South Korea, which has been in place since the establishment of the government. However, concerns about the potential negative effects of this change are being voiced by legal and political circles, indicating that debates over the aboliti
Severance Hospital Leverages AI to Accelerate Infectious Disease Drug Development
Severance Hospital is establishing an AI-based digital preclinical platform to accelerate the development of treatments and vaccines for emerging infectious diseases. The goal is to predict and validate the efficacy and safety of candidate substances in the preclinical stage, thereby shortening the drug development timeline and increasing the likelihood of success.On August 4, Professor Nam Ki-taek of the Department of Biomedical Science at Yonsei University announced that his research team has
Six Major Pork Suppliers Charged with Price Fixing in South Korea
Six major pork distribution companies have been charged with colluding to raise pork supply prices by at least 20% over a six-year period. The Seoul Eastern District Prosecutors' Office announced on August 4 that it has indicted six companies, including Dodram Food, Dihus Korea (formerly CJ Feed & Care), Daesung Industrial, Daejeon Chungnam Livestock Association, Bukyeong Livestock Association, and Bodam, along with 12 employees, for violating fair trade laws. The collusion occurred between Augu
Justice Ministry to Ensure Follow-Up Measures After Criminal Procedure Law Revision
The Justice Ministry announced on August 4 that it will take thorough follow-up measures after the partial revision of the Criminal Procedure Law was approved at the Cabinet meeting. In a press release that afternoon, the ministry stated, "We will continuously monitor to ensure that the new criminal justice system is effectively implemented to achieve justice and protect victims." The revised bill primarily abolishes the prosecutor's supplementary investigation authority and instead aims to
Government Launches $1.6 Trillion Mega Projects and Establishes Resource Security Fund
The government will conduct monthly reviews of three major mega projects to translate a $1.6 trillion local investment plan into actual investments. It is also moving to establish a resource security fund to manage supply chains for key minerals, crude oil, and gas.On August 4, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy presented ten key initiatives, including the three mega projects and a major shift towards manufacturing artificial intelligence (M.AX), during its second-half work report.The mi
South Korea Accelerates 'Electro-state' Initiative with New Electricity Pricing for Industries
The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment is moving forward with its 'Electro-state' initiative by introducing a regional differential electricity pricing system for industries and establishing a dedicated pricing structure for artificial intelligence data centers (AI DC). The goal is to provide stable electricity and water supply to advanced industries while enhancing national competitiveness in the AI era through decarbonization, circular economy, and climate disaster response. ◆Accele
Musical Actors Kim Tae-o and Kim I-hu to Marry on August 8
Musical actors Kim Tae-o and Kim I-hu have announced their upcoming marriage. On August 4, Kim Tae-o shared on his social media that he will marry someone he wishes to spend his life with on August 8. He expressed, "I wanted to personally inform those who have supported me for a long time as an actor." He added, "I still have much to learn and improve, but I feel grateful and reassured to have someone to walk with now." Kim Tae-o also mentioned, "These days, I am beginning to see not just my l
PharmaResearch Targets Gynecology Market with Launch of 'Gyner' Wound Dressing
PharmaResearch has made its first entry into the gynecology market, focusing on women's health. On August 4, the company announced that it showcased its inaugural gynecological product, 'Gyner,' at the Summer Academic Conference of the Korean Society of Women's Sexual Medicine, held on July 26 at the Plenty Convention Center in Seoul.The Korean Society of Women's Sexual Medicine is an academic organization dedicated to improving women's quality of life and advancing the field of women's sexual h
Heat Wave Causes Livestock Deaths; Agriculture Ministry Activates Emergency Response
폭염으로 가축 피해가 계속되면서 정부가 비상 대응 체계를 강화했다.농림축산식품부는 4일 박정훈 식량정책실장 주재로 지방정부, 농협, 생산자단체, 가금 계열사업체 등이 참석한 가운데 '폭염 대응 추진상황 점검회의'를 개최했다. 이번 회의는 폭염 장기화에 따른 기관별 대응 상황을 공유하고 가축 피해 최소화를 위한 추가 대책을 논의하기 위해 마련됐다.지난 3일까지 폭염으로 인한 가축 폐사는 총 49만3497마리(돼지 3만3759마리, 가금 45만9738마리)로 전년 동기의 31% 수준이다. 관계기관과 농가의 적극적인 대응으로
Hekto Healthcare Launches New Omega-3 Product for Infants
The baby and kids health supplement brand Kim Seok-jin LAB has launched a new Omega-3 product designed to support DHA intake from infancy through childhood.On August 4, Kim Seok-jin LAB announced the release of its new product, 'Our Child DHA Smart Drops.'Our Child DHA Smart Drops is an oil-based Omega-3 product containing plant-based DHA, a key component for brain and retinal development in growing children. It adheres to the ingredient standards used in infant formula production and utilizes D