South Korea's Semiconductor Industry Bets Big on AI, Expanding Beyond Pyeongtaek
Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix achieved impressive operating profit margins of 70% and 76%, respectively, in the second quarter. However, as of July 30, their stock prices have fallen nearly 40% and 50%, respectively, from their June peaks. Both companies and experts agree that a memory supply shortage will persist until 2028, but concerns about overproduction following their announcements of multi-trillion won expansions remain.Nevertheless, the die has been cast.In Pyeongtaek, dozens of towe
Yuhan Corporation Launches Blood Sugar Management Probiotic 'DangQLac' in Mexico
Yuhan Corporation has entered the Mexican market with its blood sugar management probiotic, DangQLac, marking a significant expansion into Latin America.On July 30, Yuhan Corporation announced the official launch of DangQLac in Mexico, where it will be marketed under the name Glucobiotic.Mexico is considered one of the largest health supplement markets in Latin America. According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), the diabetes prevalence rate among Mexican adults aged 20 to 79 is ap
KAIST Develops Technology to Identify AI Vulnerabilities Seven Times More Effectively
The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) has developed a safety verification technology that identifies hidden vulnerabilities in artificial intelligence (AI) systems with approximately seven times more diversity than existing methods.On July 30, KAIST announced that a research team led by Professor Kim Jun-mo of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering has created a new framework called Stable-GFlowNet, which improves upon the limitations of red team technol
Two Major Debates: Seeking Conclusions, Not Just Ideas
The real estate market is difficult to navigate, and so are government policies.‘Only once in a lifetime.’ A proposal to limit the capital gains tax exemption for one household to a single instance emerged during a real estate debate. The concern is whether it is fair to continue enjoying tax benefits while profiting from each home sale. President Lee Jae-myung also expressed interest, suggesting that unlimited tax exemptions may pose issues.At first glance, this seems equitable. However, the id
Korean Government and IITP Launch Development of Agentic AI Technologies with $15 Million Investment
The Ministry of Science and ICT has officially launched a research and development project aimed at developing core technologies for agentic artificial intelligence (AI). The initiative seeks to cultivate the domestic agentic AI industry by securing technologies that enable AI to make decisions and act independently in real-world environments without human intervention.On July 30, the Ministry and the Institute for Information and Communications Technology Planning and Evaluation (IITP) held a k
Samsung SDI Returns to Profit for the First Time in Seven Quarters
Samsung SDI has returned to profitability for the first time in seven quarters, driven by increased sales of batteries for AI data centers and European electric vehicles. The company achieved this turnaround earlier than expected, recording a cumulative operating profit for the first half of the year.On July 30, Samsung SDI reported consolidated revenues of 3.7688 trillion won and an operating profit of 203.8 billion won for the second quarter of 2026. This represents an 18.5% increase year-on-y
Hana Financial Leads $3.4 Billion Project Financing for Jamsil Development
하나금융그룹이 서울 잠실종합운동장 일대를 복합시설로 개발하는 민간투자사업의 4조원 규모 프로젝트파이낸싱(PF)을 이끈다. 하나금융은 '잠실 스포츠·마이스(MICE) 복합공간 조성 민간투자사업'의 PF 금융 조달을 추진한다고 30일 밝혔다. 이번 사업은 잠실종합운동장 일대 약 35만㎡ 부지에 전시·컨벤션시설과 돔 야구장, 스포츠콤플렉스, 숙박·상업·업무시설 등을 짓는 사업이다. 하나금융은 한화 건설부문, IPARK현대산업개발 등과 컨소시엄을 구성해 2021년 12월 우선협상대상자로 선정됐다. 이후
Han Byeong-do Calls for End to Opposition's Filibuster as Criminal Procedure Bill is Introduced
Han Byeong-do, acting leader of the Democratic Party and floor leader, stated that a bill aimed at abolishing supplementary investigation rights will be introduced in the National Assembly today. He urged the People Power Party to stop inciting support for the prosecution and to join efforts to establish a criminal justice system for the people.During a party meeting, Han noted, "The People Power Party is also planning a filibuster today." He added, "The Democratic Party will work to reform the
Supreme Court Upholds Fine for Dealer Refusing Reinstatement After Unlawful Dismissal
The Supreme Court ruled that employers must comply with reinstatement orders from labor committees, even if the original contract period has ended. Refusing reinstatement on the grounds of contract expiration is deemed illegal.According to legal sources on July 30, the Supreme Court's second division, led by Justice Eom Sang-pil, upheld a lower court's decision to impose a fine of 1.5 million won on Jo, the representative of a car dealership, for violating labor laws.Jo notified sales representa
KT Fined $40 Million for Data Breach and Unauthorized Charges
The Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) has imposed a fine of approximately 54 billion won (about $40 million) on KT for a data breach and unauthorized small payments resulting from illegal femtocells. The PIPC evaluated the actual financial damage heavily, while also considering the scale of the breach, the types of information involved, compensation for victims, and corrective measures in determining the fine.On July 29, the PIPC announced in a meeting that it had decided to impo