SK Telecom, NTT, and Chunghwa Telecom Establish $500 Million AI Investment Fund SK Telecom (SKT) is partnering with Japan's NTT and Taiwan's Chunghwa Telecom to establish a $500 million (approximately 760 billion won) artificial intelligence (AI) investment fund. On June 10, SKT held a press conference at NTT's headquarters in Otemachi, Tokyo, where it announced the joint creation of the 'IWON AI Fund' aimed at investing in next-generation AI technologies. The fund will total $500 million. Attending the press conference were SKT CEO Jeong Jae-hun, NTT CEO Akira Shim June 10, 2026

Seoul Foundation Launches Search for Outstanding Original Plays with 'Seoul Play Award' The Seoul Foundation is launching the 'Seoul Play Award' competition today, aimed at discovering outstanding original plays and revitalizing the theater ecosystem. The 4th Seoul Play Award competition will run from June 10 to September 14. This award has established itself as a leading initiative for original play submissions in South Korea. Last year, 256 unpublished original plays were submitted, reflecting a high level of interest from playwrights. Recently, at the 62nd Baeksang Arts June 10, 2026

Mexico Raises Concerns Over Higher Auto Tariffs in US Trade Talks Mexico has raised concerns in trade negotiations with the United States, arguing that its cars face a higher tariff burden compared to vehicles from South Korea and Japan. On June 9, Bloomberg reported that the Mexican government highlighted to U.S. officials that its cars exported to the U.S. incur an average effective tariff rate of 18.75%, which is higher than the 15% tariff applied to some vehicles from South Korea and Japan. Mexico contends that it is unreasonable for its cars, which June 10, 2026

Original Beer Company Launches First Canned Beer at GS25 Convenience Stores The Original Beer Company, known for its premium bottled craft beers, is entering the convenience store market with its first canned offerings. Starting June 11, the company will sell two types of canned beers, 'OBC Lager Helles' and 'OBC Lager Vienna,' at GS25 convenience stores nationwide. The price is set at 13,000 won for a pack of four cans. This marks the company's first foray into canned beer since its founding in 2019. Previously, it focused on premium channels such as departme June 10, 2026

Ryu Hyun-cheol: Strengthening Support for Small Businesses and Vulnerable Workers Ryu Hyun-cheol, head of the Industrial Safety and Health Agency at the Ministry of Employment and Labor, stated on June 10 that "a regional cooperation system is crucial for central government policies to take root on the ground," adding that efforts will be made to enhance tailored support for small businesses and vulnerable workers to reduce workplace safety disparities. Ryu made these remarks during the 'Jeonnam-Gwangju Industrial Safety and Health Governance Roundtable' held at the Kim June 10, 2026

Professor Im Gong-min of Bundang CHA Hospital Recognized for Pectus Excavatum Research Korean medical professionals have received recognition for their research that significantly aids in the treatment of chest wall deformities and severe thoracic diseases.CHA University Bundang Hospital announced that Professor Im Gong-min from the Department of Cardiovascular Thoracic Surgery has been selected as a recipient of the '2026 Annual Meeting Travel Award' from the American Association for Thoracic Surgery (AATS). Professor Im has demonstrated research capabilities in the fields of pec June 10, 2026

Taiwan Conducts First Live Fire Exercise with HIMARS Amid China Tensions The Taiwan military conducted its first live fire exercise using the U.S.-made High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) aimed at the Taiwan Strait facing mainland China. This training underscores Taiwan's commitment to self-defense amid concerns over a potential Chinese invasion and delays in U.S. arms support. According to the Wall Street Journal, on June 9, the Taiwan military launched 32 test rockets from truck-mounted HIMARS on the western coast of Taiwan. The launch site is near June 10, 2026

New Baby Panda Born at Everland, Joining Bao Family A new life has arrived at Everland's Panda World. The resort, operated by Samsung C&T, announced on June 10 that a female baby panda was born on June 3 to parents Ai Bao and Lu Bao. At birth, the cub weighed 171 grams. Both the mother and baby panda are reported to be in good health and are receiving care from zookeepers and veterinarians. This birth is considered a significant achievement in the history of panda conservation in South Korea. Following the birth of Fu Bao, the first natura June 10, 2026

Emerging Bio Startups Focus on Personalized Medicine and Innovative Treatments Seoul City is collaborating with major biotech firms to nurture promising bio startups, drawing attention to the technological capabilities of the selected companies. While biotechnology may seem complex, these innovative firms are focused on transforming injections into pills, developing new drugs without animal testing, and identifying personalized medications for patients in advance. One standout is EnbioCell, selected in the fourth round by Celltrion. The company is developing a tech June 10, 2026

Controversy Surrounds 2026 World Cup as Iranian Fans Face Entry Ban The 2026 North American World Cup is embroiled in unexpected controversy as tensions from military clashes between the U.S. and Iran spill into the sporting arena. While Iranian soccer players have received U.S. visas to participate in the tournament, reports indicate that Iranian fans have been barred from entering the stadiums. The Iranian Football Association claims that the FIFA World Cup organizing committee has canceled all tickets allocated to Iranian fans. Final verification of t June 10, 2026