DeepSeek Halts Second Round of Funding Amid Controversial Comments Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) startup DeepSeek has reportedly paused its second round of funding following the online dissemination of comments made by founder Liang Wenpeng regarding the U.S.-China AI competition.Bloomberg News reported on July 25, citing sources familiar with the matter, that DeepSeek verbally informed some potential investors that it would not finalize any investment agreements for the time being.However, negotiations remain fluid, and there is still a possibility that July 26, 2026

AI Digital Restoration and Generative AI Search Create a New Future for K-Movie Heritage Film is the most vivid cultural heritage that records the times. However, as time passes, film deteriorates, and once lost footage is difficult to recover. AI is now opening a new era where old films can be restored, visual assets can be permanently preserved, and everyone can easily access them. Mo Eun-young, director of the Korean Film Archive, is drawing attention to whether AI can fully convey the memories of a century of Korean cinema to future generations. Film is National Heritage Film is July 26, 2026

Shin Min-a's 'Eye' Surpasses 1.5 Million Viewers, Continues Strong Box Office Performance The film 'Eye' has surpassed 1.5 million viewers.According to the integrated ticket sales network on July 26, 'Eye' exceeded 1.5 million cumulative viewers as of 11 a.m. today.Released on June 24, 'Eye' is a suspense thriller that follows Seo-jin, who is gradually losing her sight due to a genetic disease, as she investigates the mysterious death of her twin sister. Directed by Yim Ji-ho, the film stars Shin Min-a, Kim Nam-hee, Lee Seung-ryong, and Kim Young-a.'Eye' has attracted audiences based July 26, 2026

Calls Grow for City Buses to Be Designated as Essential Public Services During Strikes As city bus strikes lead to near-total service shutdowns, there is increasing demand for buses to be designated as 'essential public services' to protect citizens' mobility rights. Labor groups have pushed back against this designation, arguing it would restrict workers' rights to collective action. However, experts emphasize the need for a system that balances the right to strike with citizens' mobility rights. According to the Seoul city government, during a bus strike in March of last year, t July 26, 2026

GS Retail Sponsors Rainbow Box Orchestra's Participation in Pyeongchang Music Festival GS Retail announced that members of the Rainbow Box Orchestra, which it sponsors, participated in the Pyeongchang Music Festival held in Gangwon Province. From July 24, GS Retail organized a two-day cultural arts experience program for 26 members of the Rainbow Box Orchestra and their instructors. Participants enjoyed performances and attended a special lecture by mathematician Kim Min-hyung, immersing themselves in classical music and cultural arts.Since 2024, GS Retail has been a sponsor of th July 26, 2026

South Korea and U.S. Tech Giants Form $1.4 Trillion AI Alliance The announcement of a $1.4 trillion semiconductor and AI alliance between South Korean and U.S. tech giants is a welcome development for South Korea's struggling economy. Major South Korean companies, including Samsung Electronics, SK, Hyundai Motor Group, and Naver, have secured significant investments by partnering with global tech leaders like NVIDIA, Broadcom, and Anthropic. This achievement is attributed to a combination of advanced technology, fierce survival efforts from the private s July 26, 2026

President Lee Concludes AI Sales Agenda in the U.S., Begins South America Diplomacy 이재명 대통령이 미국 샌프란시스코에서 인공지능(AI)·벤처투자 협력 일정을 마치고 남미 순방에 돌입한다. 이 대통령은 브라질과 칠레, 아르헨티나를 차례로 방문해 정상회담을 갖고 교역·투자 확대와 핵심광물 공급망 다변화, 글로벌 사우스 외교 강화에 나선다. 이 대통령은 25일(현지시간) 실리콘밸리 벤처투자 밋업을 끝으로 샌프란시스코 방문 일정을 마무리하고 남미 순방 첫 방문국인 브라질로 향했다. 이 대통령은 미국 방문 기간 다리오 아모데이 앤트로픽 최고경영자(CEO), 샘 올트먼 오픈AI CEO, 젠슨 황 엔비 July 26, 2026

Is It Cheaper to Keep Your Air Conditioner Running All Day? As the heat wave continues, concerns about rising electricity bills due to increased air conditioner usage are growing. Online discussions frequently suggest that "keeping the air conditioner on all day is cheaper than turning it off and on."In short, this statement is only partially true. The power consumption of an air conditioner depends on whether it is an inverter type or a fixed-speed model, as well as how long the home is unoccupied.Most recently released home air conditioners are inverte July 26, 2026

Woori Bank Tightens Operations for Second Half of 2026 Jung Jin-wan, CEO of Woori Bank, urged employees to convert the customer base they have built into actual profits to narrow the gap with competing banks.On July 24, Woori Bank held its "2026 Second Half Management Strategy Meeting" at its headquarters in Hoehyeon-dong, Seoul, where it shared key sales strategies and execution directions for the second half of the year. Over 410 employees, including branch managers and above, attended the meeting.Jung emphasized, "With over 12,000 employees holdi July 26, 2026

Jung Cheong-rae Calls for Investigation into Shincheonji Allegations Jung Cheong-rae, a candidate for the leadership of the Democratic Party of Korea, has called for a thorough investigation into allegations of Shincheonji's involvement within the party, stating that such actions put the party at risk.In a Facebook post on July 26, Jung criticized the allegations as being unfounded and lacking evidence. He emphasized the need for severe disciplinary measures against those who raise such potentially damaging claims, which he believes could lead to the party's down July 26, 2026