KOSPI Plummets Over 4% Amid U.S. Tech Stock Correction and Foreign Selling The South Korean stock market opened sharply lower, dropping over 4% due to a correction in U.S. tech stocks and significant foreign selling. The early trading session saw the activation of a sell-side circuit breaker, indicating a marked decline in investor sentiment. As of 9:04 a.m. KST, the KOSPI index was down 355.50 points (-4.11%) at 8,283.91. The index opened at 8,323.20, down 316.21 points (-3.66%), before extending its losses. At 9:08:25 a.m., a sell-side circuit breaker was triggered due to a sharp drop in the KOSPI 200 futures index, pausing program sell orders for five minutes. This circuit breaker activates when the KOSPI 200 futures index falls more than 5% for one minute. In the U.S. markets overnight, the three major indices closed mixed. The Dow Jones Industrial Average and the S&P 500 rose by 1.73% and 0.41%, respectively, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite fell by 0.09%. Notably, Broadcom saw a significant drop of 12.59%, while other memory-related stocks like Micron Technology (-7.74%), SanDisk (-3.92%), and Western Digital (-3.13%) also experienced declines. Market analysts suggest that this correction is more about profit-taking than a deterioration in fundamentals. Han Ji-young, a researcher at Kiwoom Securities, stated, "The adjustment in leading stocks is not due to worsening fundamentals or macroeconomic issues, such as an impending memory down cycle or increased discount rate pressure from rising interest rates. Rather, it appears to be a temporary surge of investors looking to realize profits following consecutive record highs, leading to a brief influx of selling after specific events." In terms of market supply and demand, foreign investors are engaging in large-scale net selling. In the securities market, individual and institutional investors have net bought 447.2 billion won and 75.7 billion won, respectively, while foreign investors have net sold 550.8 billion won. Most of the top market capitalization stocks are also in decline. Samsung Electronics (-5.97%), SK Hynix (-7.57%), SK Square (-9.04%), Hyundai Motor (-4.00%), Samsung Electro-Mechanics (-3.85%), LG Energy Solution (-1.66%), Samsung Life Insurance (-6.74%), and Samsung C&T (-12.34%) are all experiencing losses, with only HD Hyundai Heavy Industries showing an increase of 3.53%. The KOSDAQ index is also down. At the same time, the KOSDAQ index recorded a decline of 25.27 points (2.41%) to 1,024.46. The index opened at 1,035.22, down 14.51 points (1.38%), and continued to widen its losses. In the KOSDAQ market, individuals have net bought 28.8 billion won, while foreign and institutional investors have net sold 27.2 billion won and 1.8 billion won, respectively. Most of the top KOSDAQ stocks are also declining. EcoPro BM (-4.00%), Alteogen (-0.43%), EcoPro (-3.96%), Rainbow Robotics (-4.62%), Juseong Engineering (-10.53%), Kolon TissueGene (-0.18%), Rino Industry (-2.71%), Samchundang Pharmaceutical (-2.42%), HLB (-0.57%), and Peptron (-0.19%) are all showing downward trends. Meanwhile, analysts suggest that the upcoming visit of Jensen Huang, CEO of NVIDIA, and discussions on collaboration with domestic companies could impact related stocks. Seo Sang-young, a researcher at Mirae Asset Securities, noted, "While there are still concerns about the dollar/won exchange rate and ongoing foreign selling, the CEO's visit and expectations for collaboration with major companies could lead to concentrated interest in specific stocks rather than overall market indices."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-05 09:33:00

[[Video]] Police Clash with Citizens Over Voting Issues in Seoul The aftermath of the "ballot shortage" incident during the June 3 local elections continues to unfold. Tensions escalated as clashes between citizens protesting at polling stations in Songpa District, Seoul, and police were widely shared online, sparking controversy. On June 5, images and videos reportedly taken near the second polling station in Jamsil 7-dong circulated on social media. The footage shows police engaging in physical confrontations with some residents, including a shocking moment where an elderly man appears to be forcibly taken away by officers. One user who shared the images claimed, "They forcibly removed citizens protesting against the deprivation of voting rights," adding, "This is unacceptable in a democratic society." Another user, identifying as a resident of the apartment complex, stated, "Many citizens were forcibly dispersed at the scene," and mentioned hearing reports of injuries among some residents. As a result, political debates surrounding issues of "voting rights deprivation," "evidence destruction," and "forced suppression" have emerged online. Some users expressed sentiments such as, "This is a matter that should be reported by foreign media," and "This is a scene that belongs in a history book," highlighting the involvement of public authority in citizens' protests against voting rights violations. One user remarked, "During Yoon Suk Yeol's martial law, ordinary citizens were not harmed," expressing dismay at the current situation. Earlier, on the day of the June 3 local elections, some areas, including Songpa District, experienced delays and temporary suspensions of voting due to a shortage of ballots. This led to claims that voters had to wait for extended periods or even gave up on voting, further intensifying concerns over election management failures. Meanwhile, police and the National Election Commission are reportedly investigating the circumstances surrounding the ballot shortage and the overall situation at polling stations. 2026-06-05 09:33:00

Can Gyeonggi Province Compete in the Global AI Semiconductor Arena? "Governor, Gyeonggi Province is the world's largest semiconductor production base. However, in the age of AI, the winners will not be the producers but the regions that create ecosystems. Will you have Gyeonggi remembered as a 'semiconductor factory' or as the 'heart of AI innovation'?" (ABC AI Era's Question) Where is the heart of South Korea's economy in the 21st century?In the past, it was Ulsan, known for its automotive and shipbuilding industries. In the 1990s, it was Yeouido in Seoul, the hub of finance and home to major corporations. But now, the world has entered a completely different competition. It is no longer about how many cars are produced, but how well AI is utilized. It is no longer about how many factories are built, but how much data is secured. The AI revolution is redrawing the industrial map, with Gyeonggi Province at its center. Samsung Electronics is located in Pyeongtaek, and SK Hynix is in Icheon. Yongin hosts the world's largest semiconductor cluster, while Pangyo is home to South Korea's top digital companies. Gyeonggi Province is where the seeds of the country's AI industry have been most widely sown. The 'Gyeonggi Transformation' proposed by newly elected Governor Choo Mi-ae ultimately leads to the same question: Can Gyeonggi Province become the heart of South Korea's AI industry, beyond just being part of the metropolitan area?Semiconductor power and AI power are not the same. South Korea is a global semiconductor powerhouse. Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix lead the global market and maintain unmatched competitiveness in the memory semiconductor sector. However, it must be acknowledged that being a semiconductor powerhouse is not the same as being an AI powerhouse.In the 20th century, industrial competition was about production volume. The country that produced more and cheaper won. But competition in the AI era is different. The outcome is determined by who secures more data, who creates stronger algorithms, and who attracts more talent. NVIDIA is not a company with many factories. OpenAI is not a manufacturing company either. They dominate the world because they control the AI ecosystem. This presents an opportunity for Gyeonggi Province.Gyeonggi is already South Korea's top semiconductor production base. The question is whether it will remain just a production base or become the center of the AI ecosystem.If the Yongin semiconductor cluster is merely an industrial complex, its significance is limited. However, if it evolves into an innovation city where AI researchers, startups, investors, and universities come together, the narrative changes. The world is currently competing for AI supremacy. Gyeonggi Province must lay the foundation for an AI civilization. Can Pangyo become South Korea's Silicon Valley? The strength of Silicon Valley is not in its buildings.It is in its people.The world's top engineers gather there, along with the best investors. There is a culture that encourages retrying after failure. Universities and companies are interconnected, as are research institutes and markets. Pangyo is the closest place in South Korea to Silicon Valley.Naver and Kakao are located there, along with thousands of startups. The gaming and platform industries have flourished, and recently, AI companies have been rapidly increasing.However, there is still something lacking. Global reach. Silicon Valley attracts talent from around the world. Pangyo still primarily attracts talent from South Korea. Silicon Valley draws global capital, while Pangyo is still centered on domestic investment. Silicon Valley aims to solve global market issues, while Pangyo has yet to fully break away from a domestic market mindset. For Gyeonggi Province to become the heart of AI, Pangyo must be developed into a global innovation city. Pangyo, Seongnam, Suwon, Yongin, Icheon, and Pyeongtaek must be connected into a single AI belt. Only when the semiconductor production base meets the startup ecosystem and universities connect with research institutes can new innovations emerge. Competitiveness in the AI era lies in connectivity. Who connects more talent? Who connects more data? Who connects more ideas? That will determine the future. Gyeonggi Province's competitor is not Seoul. Many people view Gyeonggi Province as a satellite city of Seoul. However, such thinking is outdated in the AI era. Gyeonggi's competitor is not Seoul; it is Silicon Valley. AI is ushering in an era of urban competition. The strength of the United States lies in Silicon Valley. The strength of China lies in Shenzhen. For South Korea to become an AI powerhouse, Gyeonggi Province must be at the forefront. Gyeonggi must become the center of industry and technology. If Seoul and Gyeonggi can be united into a single AI mega-cluster, South Korea can establish the strongest AI ecosystem in Asia. This is where the role of Governor Choo Mi-ae becomes crucial.In this election, Choo presented semiconductors and AI as key growth engines.What matters now is not the promises made, but their execution. The AI industry thrives on speed. Five years from now may be too late. Ten years from now, opportunities may vanish.This is why Choo must act now. : SWOT Analysis :StrengthGyeonggi Province has a world-class semiconductor production base. Pyeongtaek's Samsung Electronics, Icheon's SK Hynix, and the Yongin semiconductor cluster form a strong axis. Pangyo and Seongnam host the largest IT and AI ecosystems in the country. A massive market of 14 million people, along with excellent universities and research institutions, is also a strength. WeaknessDespite its semiconductor production capacity, there is a lack of global AI platform companies. While Pangyo is among the best domestically, it has not achieved the international stature of Silicon Valley. The north-south gap and transportation issues remain burdensome. OpportunityThe AI revolution presents a historic opportunity for Gyeonggi Province. As AI and semiconductors converge, Gyeonggi can leap from a manufacturing-centered economy to an AI-centered economy. The Lee Jae-myung government's AI national strategy is also a favorable factor. ThreatThe United States has companies like NVIDIA and OpenAI. China is expanding its national-level AI investments. Global competition is extremely fierce. The reorganization of the semiconductor supply chain and the competition for technological supremacy also pose ongoing risks. ABC asks Governor Choo Mi-ae * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-05 09:30:00

Bae Jae-kyu: Pioneer of Korea's ETF Market and Advocate for Investment Democracy A pioneer has transformed the financial industry landscape, and Bae Jae-kyu, president of Korea Investment Trust Management, is a key figure in the story of Korea's ETF market. He opened a new era in the Korean capital market by introducing the country's first ETF, KODEX200, in 2002. Subsequently, he launched Asia's first leveraged and inverse ETFs, laying the foundation for the growth of the ETF industry. Today, it is no exaggeration to say that the domestic ETF market, which has surpassed 500 trillion won, has grown on the spirit of challenge embodied by Bae Jae-kyu. His entrepreneurial spirit in finance has not only created products but has also democratized investment, allowing individual investors to achieve diversification similar to that of institutional investors. The history of Korea's asset management industry is divided into the era before and after ETFs, with Bae Jae-kyu at the center. A Pioneer in the Korean ETF Market The essence of entrepreneurship lies in the ability to foresee a future that others cannot see. Bae Jae-kyu recognized this future over 20 years ago when the Korean asset management market was dominated by active funds, where the stock-picking abilities of fund managers determined returns. However, after encountering John Bogle's index investing philosophy in the U.S., he reached a different conclusion: "In the long run, low-cost index investing outperforms active funds." At that time, this assertion was quite unfamiliar in the domestic financial market. Nevertheless, he was convinced and took action. He persuaded financial authorities and exchanges about the necessity of introducing ETFs and actively participated in establishing related systems. Ultimately, the KODEX200, Korea's first ETF, was born in 2002. Today, ETFs have become a core tool for personal finance. Individual investors can now invest in the U.S. Nasdaq, S&P 500, semiconductor stocks, AI, dividend stocks, gold, and bonds with just a click. However, at that time, no one could have predicted the growth of ETFs. Bae Jae-kyu's entrepreneurial spirit is evident here. Entrepreneurs look at future markets rather than current ones. While investors seek visible opportunities, entrepreneurs create invisible ones. ETFs are not merely financial products created by Bae Jae-kyu; they represent a new infrastructure for the Korean capital market. He is not just an operator but a market designer, which is why he is often referred to as the "Father of ETFs" and the "Evangelist of ETFs." Creating a Culture of Investment, Not Just Products Bae Jae-kyu's entrepreneurial spirit extends beyond product development to the innovation of investment philosophy. He has long emphasized that "investment is not about prediction but diversification." Most investors try to predict which stocks will rise, but Bae Jae-kyu believes that investing in entire industries rather than specific companies is more rational in the long term. ETFs are the result of this philosophy. During his time at Samsung Asset Management, he successively launched Korea's first overseas ETF, the first gold ETF, and Asia's first leveraged and inverse ETFs. At that time, financial companies viewed launching new products as risky. However, Bae Jae-kyu embraced change rather than fearing risk. As a result, KODEX became the leading ETF brand in Korea, and Samsung Asset Management emerged as a dominant player with over 50% market share in the ETF sector. Interestingly, he has also played an educational role, giving lectures, participating in interviews, and appearing in YouTube content. He has continuously explained why ETFs are necessary, why long-term investing is important, and why diversification is essential. He believes that the essence of the financial industry lies not in selling products but in educating investors. This distinction is crucial in differentiating between ordinary financial professionals and financial entrepreneurs. Financial entrepreneurs are not just sellers of products; they are creators of investment culture. Bae Jae-kyu has fundamentally changed the investment habits of Koreans through ETFs. Leading the Transformation of Korea Investment Trust Management In 2022, Bae Jae-kyu left Samsung Asset Management to become the president of Korea Investment Trust Management. At that time, Korea Investment Trust Management was a latecomer in the ETF market, with a significant gap in ETF net assets compared to the top players. However, Bae Jae-kyu clearly outlined his direction immediately upon taking office: "We will maintain the strengths of active funds while growing ETFs, TDFs, and OCIOs as future growth pillars." He first completely rebranded the ETF line from KINDEX to ACE. A brand is not just a name; it is a declaration of corporate strategy. ACE signifies the ambition to become the ace in the ETF market. He also restructured the organization, establishing a digital ETF marketing team and strengthening product strategy functions, viewing product development and marketing as core competencies in asset management. The results were swift. Korea Investment Trust Management significantly expanded its ETF market share, entering the top three in the industry. ETF net assets surpassed 16 trillion won, and flagship products like ACE U.S. S&P 500, ACE U.S. Nasdaq 100, and ACE Global Semiconductor TOP4 Plus gained market attention. Notably, the semiconductor ETF strategy reflects his insights into future industries. He emphasizes that semiconductors and power are key infrastructures in the AI era. Indeed, the ACE Global Semiconductor TOP4 Plus ETF has achieved high returns and emerged as a flagship product. Preparing for the Future of Pensions and Asset Allocation in the AI Era Bae Jae-kyu's recent focus extends beyond ETFs to pensions and AI. He believes that the future of investing lies not in simply selecting stocks but in asset allocation. In an era where AI reduces information asymmetry, how one constructs a portfolio becomes more important than what stocks to buy. This philosophy is evident in the expansion of TDF and OCIO businesses. Since his appointment, he has nurtured TDF and OCIO as core growth areas, particularly enhancing long-term asset management services in line with the expansion of the retirement pension market. Recently, he also launched 'KimRobo,' an AI-based retirement pension asset management service. This service uses AI algorithms to suggest asset allocations tailored to investors' preferences and goals. It is not just a digital service; it illustrates the future direction of asset management. While traditional financial companies once sold funds, the future will see AI providing personalized portfolios. Bae Jae-kyu is already preparing for this change. He describes investing as "the act of deferring current consumption for future consumption." This philosophy aligns with the essence of financial entrepreneurship. Finance is not merely an industry for gathering money; it is an industry for designing people's futures. Bae Jae-kyu created the ETF market and is now preparing for the era of AI-based asset management. His entrepreneurial spirit in finance can ultimately be summarized in one sentence: "Making it easier, cheaper, and safer for investors to invest." This has been the essence of his financial innovation for over 20 years. SWOT Analysis:Strengths: A symbolic figure who created the domestic ETF market, introducing Korea's first ETF and Asia's first leveraged and inverse ETFs. A rare CEO with deep understanding of product development, marketing, and asset allocation.Weaknesses: The strong symbolism of the ETF field may overshadow the presence of active management and alternative investments. Korea Investment Trust Management's ETF market share still lags behind Samsung and Mirae Asset.Opportunities: The domestic ETF market will continue to grow beyond 500 trillion won. The expansion of retirement pensions, TDFs, OCIOs, and AI-based asset management are areas where Bae Jae-kyu has significant strengths.Threats: Intensifying competition in ETF fees, market share competition with Samsung, Mirae Asset, and KB, and the potential reduction of traditional asset managers' roles due to the emergence of AI investment platforms are major risks. 2026-06-05 09:27:00

South Korea extends current account surplus streak to 36 months SEOUL, June 5 (AJP) - South Korea extended its current account surplus in April, boosted by strong semiconductor exports, according to preliminary data released by the Bank of Korea on Friday. The country's current account surplus reached US$28.29 billion in April, the second-largest on record, after hitting an all-time high of US$37.93 billion in the previous month. South Korea has now recorded monthly current account surpluses for 36 consecutive months, the second-longest such streak since 2000. The central bank attributed the surplus to a surge in exports driven by strong demand for information technology products, led by semiconductors and computer peripherals. Non-IT exports also rose, as higher global oil prices boosted shipments of petroleum products. "IT products led export growth, while pharmaceuticals, petroleum products and ships also showed high growth rates," Yoo Sung-wook, director general of the BOK's financial statistics department, said during a press briefing. Exports climbed 54.5 percent from a year earlier to $90.59 billion, while imports rose 16.1 percent to $56.70 billion. Exports to Southeast Asia rose 74.2 percent from a year earlier, while shipments to China and the U.S. increased 62.6 percent and 54.0 percent, respectively. Imports also continued to increase, driven by higher crude oil prices amid the prolonged conflict in the Middle East and robust demand for semiconductors and chipmaking equipment. The goods account remained the main driver of the surplus, posting a $33.88 billion surplus, also the second-highest on record. The primary income account, however, swung back into deficit in April, turning into a $2.53 billion shortfall from a US$3.59 billion surplus in March as dividend payments to foreign investors increased. The services account also posted a deficit of $2.42 billion, driven largely by shortfalls in other business services and manufacturing services. Investment income remained in deficit at $2.38 billion, while equity income posted a larger deficit of $3.02 billion. The BOK attributed the deterioration largely to the seasonal concentration of dividend payments in April, with higher payouts among major Korean firms widening the deficit further by increasing outflows to foreign shareholders. Yoo said the April deficit in the primary income account was not unusual, as dividend payments are typically concentrated in April. He added that the shortfall was the largest for any April since 2022, when the deficit reached $3.62 billion. The financial account posted a net asset increase of $25.46 billion during the month. Portfolio investment liabilities rose by $3.51 billion after a sharp decline in March, as foreign investment in Korean debt securities rebounded following South Korea's inclusion in the FTSE World Government Bond Index (WGBI), according to the BOK. 2026-06-05 09:24:21

Former U.S. Ambassadors Reject Claims of Anti-Americanism in Yoon Administration Former U.S. ambassadors to South Korea have countered claims made in a Wall Street Journal op-ed that labeled the Yoon administration as 'radical left' and suggested it leans more toward China than the United States. They argue that President Yoon understands the value of the Korea-U.S. alliance and that it is inappropriate to label South Korean politics as anti-American. According to Yonhap News, Philip Goldberg and Catherine Stevens, former U.S. ambassadors, made these statements during a seminar held by the Korea Economic Institute (KEI) in Washington, D.C., on June 4. Goldberg stated, "I do not agree with the assessment that views President Yoon as a radical figure." He emphasized that the president has a strong understanding of the alliance with the U.S., particularly regarding the value of the U.S. nuclear umbrella. Stevens also distanced himself from the perception of the Yoon administration as anti-American. He noted, "Support for the Korea-U.S. alliance remains bipartisan in South Korea," adding that President Yoon is aware that a significant portion of the South Korean public desires a strong relationship with the United States. He pointed out the need to distinguish between opposition to specific U.S. policies and anti-American sentiment. Earlier, the Wall Street Journal published an op-ed on June 1 by Nicholas Eberstadt of the American Enterprise Institute and Lawrence Peck of the North Korea Freedom Coalition, asserting that the Yoon administration exhibits a radical leftist inclination and favors China over the U.S. They argued that certain diplomatic and security issues could pose challenges to the Korea-U.S. alliance.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-05 09:24:00

Andong Yean Hyanggyo Daejeong Designated as National Treasure The Andong Yean Hyanggyo Daejeong in Andong, Gyeongsangbuk-do, has been tentatively designated as a national cultural heritage treasure, the National Heritage Administration announced on June 5. Despite the threat of submersion due to the construction of the Andong Dam, the Daejeong has maintained its original location, preserving the community's identity. It is a historically significant architectural heritage that played a key role in Confucian education and the organization of rural society during the Joseon Dynasty. According to documents such as "Yean Hyanggyo Ji" and "Chucheon Jip," the Yean Hyanggyo was established in 1411. The Daejeong was first built in the same year and underwent renovations in 1569 and 1723. Notably, dendrochronological analysis of wooden materials found in the Daejeong has scientifically confirmed that some of the materials date back to the 1569 renovation, showcasing traces from the 16th to early 18th centuries. Renovation refers to the repair of worn or damaged parts of a building. The layout of the Yean Hyanggyo features a unique arrangement of the educational space of Myeongnyundang and the ritual space of Daejeong, following the geographical conditions, with two axes: Jeonhakhu-myo (前學後廟) and Jwahakhu-myo (左學右廟). Additionally, the Daejeong has a scale of three bays in the front and three in the side, with an open front space. The outer columns of the front bay are installed as square columns, while the inner columns are round, creating a distinctive architectural feature unique to the Andong Yean Hyanggyo Daejeong. The configuration of the window frames and other components reflects a construction technique not found in other hyanggyo buildings, adding to its scholarly value. The Daejeong utilizes well-crafted straight timber for its main components, omitting decorations in the part connecting the column heads and beams that bear the roof load. It employs a simple, undecorated construction technique seen in other historical sites like Dosan Seowon and Sangdeoksa, enhancing its architectural significance. The National Heritage Administration stated, "The clear dates of construction and renovation contribute to its historical value, while the window configurations and the construction technique reflect regional characteristics and changes over time. It possesses high scholarly value, and its unique structural composition, devoid of embellishments, warrants its designation as a national cultural heritage treasure." The administration plans to gather public opinions for 30 days before submitting the designation for review by the National Heritage Committee.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-05 09:18:00

Woojin Industrial Systems to Ship Upgraded LA Metro Trains by Year-End Woojin Industrial Systems, a South Korean railway company, is making significant progress on its project to upgrade aging trains for the Los Angeles Metro. The first batch of upgraded trains is set to be shipped to the United States by the end of this year. On June 5, Woojin Industrial Systems announced that it will ship the initial set of upgraded LA Metro A650 trains, a project commissioned by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA). This project involves a comprehensive upgrade of the A650 trains, which have been in service for over 30 years. Woojin secured the contract, valued at approximately $220 million, in May 2024. The company has established a dual production system linking South Korea and the U.S. to manage the LA Metro upgrade project. The first four upgraded train sets will undergo test operations at the Chungbuk Osong Railway Comprehensive Test Center before being shipped to the U.S. later this year. The remaining 33 train sets will be upgraded at a newly completed facility in Carson, California. Key components such as propulsion control systems, train control monitoring systems, heating and cooling systems, and passenger information displays will be replaced. The upgraded trains are expected to begin operations in time for the opening of the 2028 LA Olympics. Woojin plans to leverage its local production capabilities to pursue additional contracts in the U.S. A Woojin representative stated, "This upgrade project is a large-scale initiative that involves a complete overhaul of the train's exterior and interior, as well as the propulsion control and auxiliary power systems, and train control systems. We aim to use this project as a stepping stone to accelerate our entry into overseas markets." According to the Financial Supervisory Service's electronic disclosure system, Woojin Industrial Systems reported a revenue of 556.4 billion won last year, a 2.1% increase from 544.8 billion won the previous year. Operating profit was recorded at 48.1 billion won. 2026-06-05 09:18:00

Police Clash with Protesters at Jamsil Polling Station Amid Election Tensions A shortage of ballots occurred at the second polling station in Jamsil 7-dong, Songpa District, Seoul, leading to a clash between police and protesters as officers attempted to retrieve ballot boxes. According to Yonhap News, around 1,000 police officers from 18 riot control units were deployed to the scene starting at 7:30 a.m. They attempted to enter the polling station through a back door at approximately 8:20 a.m., but about 50 protesters formed a human barricade to block their access, resulting in a physical confrontation. Police have been removing protesters one by one and are controlling access to the roads surrounding the polling station to prevent additional demonstrators from joining. The protesters have reportedly been singing the national anthem in protest against the police actions. By around 8 a.m., Hwang Kyo-ahn, the leader of the Liberty Korea Party, and lawmaker Kim Eun-hye arrived to support the protesters and voice their objections to the police. However, police operations continued. The Songpa Police Station stated that the actions were taken at the request of the Seoul Election Commission to ensure the safe transport of ballot boxes and maintain order at the site. They warned that acts of violence, threats, or confinement against election officials, as well as damage to election facilities, could lead to penalties under the Public Official Election Act. The police also informed the crowd that assaults on officers or obstruction of their duties could result in legal consequences and urged them to disperse, but the protesters appeared to be gathering more closely. The polling station is currently holding two ballot boxes containing approximately 2,000 ballots. Election authorities explained that the counting process for these boxes must be completed before the results of the mayoral election can be finalized.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-05 09:12:00

Anthropic: AI Could Eventually Develop Its Own Models, But Speed Must Be Managed Artificial intelligence (AI) company Anthropic has raised the possibility of AI systems eventually designing and developing their own models through a process known as recursive self-improvement. While the company acknowledges it has not yet reached this stage, it emphasizes the need to manage the pace of development. On June 4, Anthropic shared insights on its official blog, stating, "For most of AI history, humans have led every stage of the development cycle, but we are increasingly delegating more of this process to AI systems themselves." The blog post, titled "When AI Builds Itself," was co-authored by Marina Pavlov, head of Anthropic's internal research organization, and co-founder Jack Clark. Anthropic explained that combining computing resources with AI could lead to a stage where AI autonomously designs and develops its subsequent systems. The company claims that, based on internal data and public benchmarks, AI is already accelerating the pace of its own development. Currently, Anthropic engineers are deploying an average of eight times more code per quarter compared to the period from 2021 to 2025. As of last month, over 80% of the code merged into Anthropic's codebase was generated by Claude, the company's AI model. The scope of tasks performed by AI is also rapidly expanding. Anthropic noted that in March 2024, Claude Opus 3 completed a software task that typically takes humans about four minutes. Subsequent models have been able to handle tasks ranging from one and a half hours to twelve hours. The company added that model performance is improving quickly in coding benchmarks and research reproducibility tests. However, Anthropic cautioned that while Claude excels at executing given tasks or writing code, it still lacks the "research intuition" to determine which problems are significant, what experiments to conduct, and which results to trust—areas where humans currently hold an advantage. Looking ahead, Anthropic outlined several potential scenarios: a stagnation in AI advancement followed by the dissemination of current capabilities, continued improvement in the complex efficiency of AI research labs, and the complete achievement of recursive self-improvement in AI systems. The company noted that while reaching full recursive self-improvement could yield significant benefits in fields like science and medicine, it also raises the risk of humans losing control over AI systems. Anthropic argued that there is a need for international options to slow or pause the pace of frontier AI development. A unilateral halt by a single company would have limited effectiveness; instead, multiple countries and major AI research institutions should coordinate to manage the speed of development in a verifiable manner.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-05 09:00:00