Labor Ministry Offers 24 Free AI Training Courses with Sign Language Interpretation 정부가 인공지능(AI) 기초 소양부터 반도체·바이오·광고 등 산업 현장의 실무 활용법까지 배울 수 있는 공공 직업훈련 과정을 운영한다. 고용노동부와 한국기술교육대학교 온라인평생교육원은 온라인 기반 스마트 직업훈련 플랫폼 'STEP'을 통해 AI 기초역량과 산업별 AI 융합 역량을 높이기 위한 교육과정 24개를 제공한다고 26일 밝혔다. 지난 5∼6월 바이오의약품 생산과 기계 안전 관리 등 13개 직무과정을 공개한 데 이어 이달 반도체 제조 공정 자동화와 AI 예측, 기계 요소 설계와 AI 기반 분석 등 11개 과정을 추가했다. 이에 July 26, 2026

People Power Party Expands Front Against Government Over Voting Rights and Investigative Powers The leadership of the People Power Party is broadening its front against the government, focusing on issues of voting rights infringement and the abolition of supplementary investigative powers.On July 26, Jang Dong-hyuk, the party leader, stated on his Facebook page, "The claim that manipulation of the Central Election Management Commission's systems is impossible has been proven false. We must expedite a special investigation."During his visits to Gimhae and Daegu the previous day, Jang emphas July 26, 2026

China's CXMT Plans Record $15 Billion IPO Amid AI Investment Boom Changxin Memory Technologies (CXMT), known as China's equivalent to Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, is set to launch the largest initial public offering (IPO) in Chinese history on July 27, fueled by a boom in AI investments.On July 14, CXMT announced through a disclosure to the Shanghai Stock Exchange that it plans to issue up to 6.688 billion shares at a price of 8.66 yuan per share, representing 10% of its total shares. Local media, including the China Securities Journal, reported this on J July 26, 2026

Lee Discusses AI Collaboration with Global Tech CEOs in San Francisco President Lee Jae-myung met with Jensen Huang, CEO of NVIDIA, and other leaders from U.S. and Korean tech companies to discuss artificial intelligence (AI) collaboration during a dinner in San Francisco. On July 24, local time, President Lee hosted a dinner at The Ramp restaurant with business leaders from both countries. The group enjoyed mini burgers, fish and chips, fried squid, and clam chowder while sipping Budweiser beer at an outdoor terrace table overlooking the San Francisco Bay. July 26, 2026

Korean Pavilion in Busan Showcases Living Heritage On July 24, visitors to the Korean Pavilion at BEXCO in Busan experienced the vibrant essence of 'K-heritage.'The exhibition, titled 'Living Intangible Heritage,' featured artisans demonstrating their crafts, allowing attendees to engage with traditional culture. The expressions of those watching the artisans at work were serious, as they observed the delicate techniques. If there is a term for gazing at artifacts, the Korean Pavilion offered a similar experience called 'artisan gaze,' where vis July 26, 2026

Park Ji-won Urges Cooperation Amid Controversy Over Lee's U.S. Trip Park Ji-won, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea representing Jeonnam Haenam, Wando, and Jindo, emphasized the importance of supporting President Lee Jae-myung's recent achievements during his trip to the United States, urging both the Democratic Party and the People Power Party not to obstruct progress.In a Facebook post, Park stated, "President Lee met with global tech CEOs such as Jensen Huang and Sam Altman in San Francisco, leading to business cooperation worth 1,375 trillion won."He July 26, 2026

Trump Orders Halt to U.S. Airstrikes Against Iran After 13 Days President Donald Trump has ordered U.S. forces to cease airstrikes against Iran, bringing to an end 13 consecutive days of attacks. Axios reported on the 25th, citing multiple sources, that Trump received a report on airstrike plans from the military the previous day but did not approve them, instructing the military to refrain from conducting any attacks. As a result, the U.S. airstrikes against Iran were halted for the day on the 24th. However, it remains uncertain whether this directive is a July 26, 2026

Hong Kong Reopens Export Routes for K-Chicken and Eggs; 36 Regions Resume Shipments The export of fresh poultry products from South Korea to Hong Kong has resumed after being halted due to the impact of highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI).The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced on July 26 that quarantine negotiations for the resumption of exports of fresh poultry products, including chicken and eggs, were completed on July 20.Exports of poultry products to Hong Kong had been suspended since June of last year due to the outbreak of AI, which affected var July 26, 2026

South Korea Leads International Standards Discussion on Drone Cybersecurity 한국이 기체 탈취와 영상정보 유출, 위치 교란 등에 대응하기 위한 드론 사이버보안 국제표준 논의를 주도한다. 국가기술표준원은 국제표준화기구(ISO)가 지난 24일 벨기에 브뤼셀에서 열린 무인기 분과위원회(ISO/TC20/SC16) 제21차 총회에서 드론 사이버보안 표준 작업반(WG10) 신설을 승인했다고 26일 밝혔다. 신설 작업반의 초대 의장에는 이종혁 세종대 정보보호학과 교수가 선임됐다. 무인기 분과위원회에는 한국과 미국, 중국, 일본, 영국 등 27개 정회원국과 9개 준회원국이 참여하고 있다. 드론 활용 영역이 안보와 공공서비 July 26, 2026

KOTRA Expands Support for Middle East Export Routes Amid Shipping Disruptions As tensions between the U.S. and Iran have led to a significant decrease in shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, coupled with threats of maritime blockades from Yemen's Houthi rebels, South Korean export companies are facing increased logistical burdens in the Middle East. KOTRA has decided to expand its support by providing information on alternative ports and transportation cost assistance to mitigate export disruptions. The Houthis have declared a maritime blockade against Saudi Ara July 26, 2026