U.S. Defense Secretary Confirms Strong Iran Maritime Blockade Amid Military Actions U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth reaffirmed the commitment to maintaining a maritime blockade against Iran, stating that military intervention could resume if peace negotiations fail. On May 30, during a press conference at the U.S. Embassy in Singapore following the Shangri-La Dialogue, Hegseth emphasized, "We have the capability to resume operations if necessary, and our resources are more than adequate both there and globally." He added, "This reflects how we balance precision weapons with ample ammunition." Hegseth noted that the blockade operations against Iran are "firmly in place" and mentioned that the issue of the Strait of Hormuz was frequently discussed during bilateral meetings at the conference. He stated, "The Strait of Hormuz will be an open waterway, a toll-free passage for the world, as it should be." On the same day, the U.S. military launched missiles at a Gambian-flagged cargo ship heading for an Iranian port, according to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). CENTCOM reported that the vessel was observed transiting international waters toward the Iranian port in the Gulf of Oman and that it had received over 20 warnings regarding violations of the U.S. maritime blockade. Military authorities confirmed that the ship was incapacitated by the missiles and is no longer heading to Iran. No information on casualties has been released. When asked whether the U.S. is considering a permanent withdrawal of troops from Middle Eastern bases attacked by Iran, Hegseth responded, "That is a decision for President Trump to make," adding that such decisions will be based on the final outcomes of peace negotiations with Iran. He concluded, "Currently, we are focused on maintaining our readiness to re-engage militarily if necessary."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-31 14:30:00

SoftBank to Build Europe's Largest AI Data Center in France SoftBank Group will invest up to 75 billion euros (approximately 131 trillion won) to build the largest artificial intelligence (AI) data center in Europe in France. This initiative aims to expand AI computing infrastructure, which is currently concentrated in the United States, while establishing France as a new base due to its high reliance on nuclear power for stable electricity supply. Nihon Keizai Shimbun (Nikkei) reported on May 31 that SoftBank Group plans to construct a total of 5 gigawatts of data center capacity in France. The total investment is expected to reach 75 billion euros (about 14 trillion yen), making it the largest AI data center project in Europe if all goes according to plan. Masayoshi Son, chairman of SoftBank Group, will officially announce this plan at the investment promotion event "Choose France" hosted by the French government on June 1. This follows a request for investment made by President Emmanuel Macron during his visit to Japan from late March to early April. This marks SoftBank's first establishment of an AI base in Europe. In the first phase, the company plans to invest 45 billion euros (approximately 8.4 trillion yen) over the next five years to build data centers exceeding 3 gigawatts in the Hauts-de-France region, including Dunkirk and Bosquel. They are also considering options to lease computing resources not only within France but also to neighboring countries. However, not all of the 75 billion euros will come from SoftBank's direct investment. According to Nikkei, SoftBank will oversee the project while its own investment will be limited. The servers and AI semiconductors used in the data centers will be supplied directly by clients such as cloud service providers, and SoftBank will secure funding through project financing. According to the German research firm Statista, the number of data centers in the U.S. exceeds 4,000, far surpassing other countries. The UK and Germany each have over 500, but they still lag significantly behind the U.S., while France has only about 300. SoftBank is also building a supply chain. In partnership with French electrical equipment company Schneider Electric, it will establish a power supply facility for data centers at the port of Dunkirk. This move aims to expedite the construction of data centers by securing equipment directly. AI data centers require substantial capital, power, cooling systems, and land. While the competition for AI has previously centered around securing advanced semiconductors like NVIDIA's graphics processing units (GPUs), the focus is now shifting to where and how these semiconductors will be powered. The choice of France is also influenced by its stable electricity supply due to a high proportion of nuclear power. Additionally, the cost of building data centers in France is lower than in the U.S. The French government announced last February as part of its "AI National Strategy" that it would invest over 100 billion euros in public and private funds in the AI sector over several years. There is also a growing movement to collaborate with India and Global South countries in AI development and utilization, aiming to establish a distinct "third pole" in AI separate from the U.S. and China. AI computing resources are not merely private facilities; they are directly linked to national competitiveness. Without large-scale data centers in their own countries or regions, businesses and research institutions have no choice but to rely on the infrastructure of American cloud companies, making it imperative for Europe to secure its own AI infrastructure for data sovereignty and industrial competitiveness. U.S. tech giants also view France as a promising investment destination. Amazon Web Services (AWS) plans to invest over 15 billion euros in AI infrastructure from 2026 to 2028, while Microsoft has announced a 4 billion euro investment in AI-related fields in 2024. Son's AI investments are also ongoing in the U.S. SoftBank is planning to build a data center in Ohio worth 80 trillion yen. However, as SoftBank continues to announce large-scale investments in AI, its debt is increasing, raising concerns that if AI demand does not grow as expected, recovering investments may become challenging.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-31 14:27:00

Vietnam's Durian Exports to South Korea Surge Amid Inspection Challenges Vietnam's durian exports are rapidly increasing, particularly in the South Korean market, showing a clear growth trend. However, in the Mekong Delta, the largest production area, delays in residue testing are causing both price drops and shipping disruptions. While export figures continue to rise, a lack of inspection infrastructure remains a significant constraint. According to various Vietnamese media reports on May 30, customs data shows that from January to April, durian exports reached $293 million (approximately 442 billion won), a 60% increase compared to the same period last year. Of this, exports to China accounted for $257 million (about 388 billion won), marking a 142.7% increase, while South Korea recorded a 201.5% growth, entering the top 10 markets. ◆ South Korean Market Sees 201.5% Surge, Frozen Products Offer a Breakthrough The South Korean market demonstrated the most significant growth rate. However, the export value remains just over $1 million, indicating that the absolute scale is still small. Nguyen Duy Phuc, Secretary-General of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, stated, "Vietnam has not yet been able to export fresh durians to South Korea; currently, we are only exporting frozen whole fruit or separated flesh." He noted that the recent export growth rate to South Korea had even reached 500%, attributing this to the expanding demand from the Vietnamese community, students, and workers in Korea. Additionally, the perception of durian as a unique fruit in South Korea contributes to its growth. South Korea has strict food safety standards, including the Pesticide Residue Management System (PLS). As a result, frozen durians are being used as an alternative to reduce the risk of spoilage during logistics. Nguyen emphasized, "South Korea has high purchasing power and long winters, presenting opportunities not only for durians but for all Vietnamese agricultural products." ◆ Dong Thap Province, a Major Production Area, Struggles with Inspection Shortages However, the situation in production areas contrasts sharply with export statistics. Dong Thap Province, located in the Mekong Delta and a key cultivation area producing hundreds of thousands of tons of durians annually, is facing challenges in shipping due to a lack of facilities for testing cadmium and Aflatoxin O residues. According to the Dong Thap Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the area dedicated to durian cultivation spans 32,100 hectares, with an expected production of about 111,221 tons in May and June. Despite this, the price of the Ri6 variety has recently dropped to around 30,000 dong per kilogram, a 46% decrease compared to after the 2026 Lunar New Year. Although durian exports exceeded $221 million in the first quarter, local farmers and purchasing companies are struggling to prepare export documents on time due to inspection delays. The Dong Thap Durian Association has received complaints that some inspection centers have refused to accept samples or have extended processing times. ◆ Limited Certified Laboratories and Canceled Approvals There are only 12 cadmium testing laboratories and 8 Aflatoxin O testing laboratories recognized by China in Vietnam. In the Mekong Delta, there are 8 certified facilities, but only 5 can conduct cadmium testing. Nguyen Khanh Ngoc, Deputy Director of the Can Tho Technical Standards and Quality Center, stated that the center currently only performs Aflatoxin O testing, as cadmium testing has been suspended due to the cancellation of approval by Chinese authorities. He mentioned that a supplementary application was submitted in December 2025, and they are awaiting re-approval, adding, "If operational, we have the capacity to process 50 to 60 containers a day, which would greatly benefit the region." The Regional Center No. 5 for Agricultural and Fishery Quality in Ca Mau has laboratories capable of testing both substances but has not yet resumed operations. Reasons cited include the review of new regulations, distance from production areas, and a lack of concentrated cultivation areas for exports. According to the Crop Protection Bureau under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, as of early May, 16 out of 21 cadmium testing laboratories and 19 out of 22 Aflatoxin O laboratories were operational, while the rest were temporarily suspended. Deputy Director Nguyen Quang Hieu emphasized, "Export companies must conduct food safety and cadmium testing before loading containers." Meanwhile, netizens have expressed strong dissatisfaction with the recurring lack of inspection infrastructure. One user remarked, "It's unfortunate that no one is held accountable in these articles, and the expression 'we will do it' is repeated without any real intention to solve the problem." Another user pointed out, "With such a large production area lacking testing facilities, equipment is stalled due to a shortage of technicians and processing technology." Some argued, "The failure of state management to keep pace with industrial growth has resulted in a need for a clear management system to determine who is responsible for what."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-31 14:21:00

Son Heung-min Scores Twice as South Korea Defeats Trinidad and Tobago 5-0 Hong Myung-bo's squad achieved a decisive victory in their first warm-up match ahead of the 2026 FIFA North and Central America World Cup. The South Korea national football team, led by coach Hong Myung-bo, defeated Trinidad and Tobago 5-0 in a friendly match held on May 31 at Brigham Young University's South Field in Provo, Utah. After suffering consecutive losses to Ivory Coast (0-4) and Austria (0-1) during a European tour in March, this victory marked South Korea's first win in three matches since their 1-0 victory over Ghana last year. Son Heung-min (Los Angeles FC) and Cho Gue-sung (Midtjylland) each scored two goals to lead the team to victory. Notably, Son scored his 55th and 56th career goals in international matches, narrowing the gap to just two goals behind former coach Cha Bum-kun, who holds the record for the most goals by a South Korean player in international matches with 58. Coach Hong employed a three-back formation against Trinidad and Tobago, with Son positioned at the forefront, supported by Bae Jun-ho (Stoke City) and Lee Dong-kyung (Ulsan Hyundai) in the attacking midfield. Kim Jin-kyu (Jeonbuk Hyundai) and Baek Seung-ho (Birmingham City) coordinated in the midfield, while Jens Castrop (Borussia Mönchengladbach) and Kim Moon-hwan (Daejeon Hana Citizen) played as wing-backs. The three-man defense consisted of Lee Gi-hyeok (Gangwon FC), Jo Yu-min (Sharjah), and Lee Han-beom (Midtjylland). The goalkeeper was Jo Hyun-woo (Ulsan Hyundai). South Korea took the lead in the 40th minute, with Son scoring after receiving a cross from Kim Moon-hwan. Just three minutes later, he converted a penalty kick awarded to Bae Jun-ho, completing his brace. In the second half, Coach Hong actively utilized substitutions, bringing in Lee Jae-sung (Mainz), Hwang Hee-chan, Eom Ji-sung (Swansea City), Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich), Seol Young-woo (Crvena Zvezda), and Hwang In-beom (Feyenoord) for Kim Jin-kyu, Bae Jun-ho, Son, Lee Han-beom, Baek Seung-ho, Castrop, and Kim Moon-hwan. A third goal came in the 65th minute when Cho Gue-sung headed in a cross from Lee Dong-kyung. South Korea added two more goals with a penalty kick from Hwang Hee-chan in the 75th minute and another goal from Cho Gue-sung in the 77th minute, sealing the 5-0 victory. Despite the impressive win, South Korea faced injury concerns as Jo Yu-min and Bae Jun-ho were substituted in the second half due to potential injuries. The team will face El Salvador in their second warm-up match on June 4 at 10 AM at the same venue before moving to Guadalajara for their training camp.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-31 14:21:00

NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang Faces Controversy Over Taiwan Night Market Incident NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang has sparked debate after a video surfaced showing him suggesting he would pay for everyone’s food at a night market in Taiwan to skip the line. The video, which circulated on social media and online communities, features Huang at the Raohe Night Market in Taipei, where he was surrounded by fans and tourists eager to see him. In the footage, Huang, upon seeing the long queue, proposed, "I buy everybody's, can I get the first one?" Many online users viewed this as a lighthearted moment, interpreting it as a humorous gesture from a prominent CEO buying corn at a night market. The video shows onlookers laughing and cheering in response. However, Indian media outlet NDTV reported criticism of Huang's actions, describing them as an example of "wealth privilege." Critics argued that attempting to change the order of the queue with money disregards the cultural norm of waiting in line. Some social media users likened the incident to a "pay-to-win" scenario, highlighting issues of privilege. This has led to a lively online debate, with some arguing that Huang's offer to pay for everyone’s food was harmless, while others contended that trying to bypass social rules with money was inappropriate. Meanwhile, Huang's recent visits to night markets and restaurants in Taiwan have garnered attention. He referred to Taiwan as the "epicenter of the AI revolution" and announced that NVIDIA plans to invest $150 billion in the country annually.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-31 14:18:00

Life and Non-Life Insurance Associations Select 22,305 Certified Advisors The Life Insurance Association and the Non-Life Insurance Association announced on May 31 that they have selected a total of 22,305 certified advisors for this year. The certification period will begin on June 1 and last for one year. The certified advisor program has been in operation since 2008, aimed at enhancing the professionalism of insurance advisors and establishing a culture of consumer protection. To qualify as a certified advisor, individuals must have worked for the same insurance company for at least three years and have no cases of incomplete sales. They must also meet criteria such as a contract retention rate of over 90% for the 13th month and over 80% for the 25th month. Additionally, there should be no history of sanctions related to violations of insurance laws in the past three years. This year, the certified advisors include 11,460 from life insurance and 10,845 from non-life insurance, representing 9.5% of the total candidates and 6.9% of non-life insurance agents. The average tenure for life insurance certified advisors is 17.7 years, with a retention rate of 97.4% for the 13th month and 91.0% for the 25th month. Their average annual income is 142.63 million won. For non-life insurance certified advisors, the average tenure is 19.3 years, with retention rates of 95.8% for the 13th month and 88.2% for the 25th month, and an average annual income of 120.05 million won. The associations explained that the total number of selected advisors has decreased compared to last year (30,778) due to stricter certification criteria implemented this year. Starting this year, the retention rates from the 'e-Clean Insurance Service,' which allows consumers to directly check advisors' incomplete sales rates and contract retention rates, have been applied. A representative from both associations stated, "We plan to continuously enhance the fairness and reliability of the program so that the certified advisor system can become a symbol of trust in the insurance industry."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-31 14:06:00

US says Iran blockade holds firm as warship disables Iran-bound vessel SEOUL, May 31 (AJP) - U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said that the U.S. naval blockade of Iran remains firmly in place and that American forces stand ready to resume combat operations should ceasefire negotiations collapse. Speaking to reporters in Singapore on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue security summit Saturday (local time), Hegseth said the matter of the Strait of Hormuz had surfaced repeatedly in his bilateral talks. "The blockade is very much still in place," he said, adding that the waterway would become "a toll-free strait that the entire world can use, which is the way it should be." Hours earlier, U.S. Central Command said its forces had fired a missile at the Gambian-flagged merchant vessel M/V Lian Star, which was steaming through international waters in the Gulf of Oman toward an Iranian port. The command said the crew was warned more than 20 times before the strike disabled the ship. The vessel was knocked out of action and is no longer bound for Iran, military officials said. They did not disclose whether anyone aboard was hurt. It was the fifth commercial ship CENTCOM has disabled since the blockade began about mid-April. Asked whether Washington might permanently pull troops from Middle Eastern bases struck by Iran, Hegseth deferred to the White House, saying such calls rested with President Donald Trump and would hinge on the outcome of the talks. For now, he said, the focus was on staying postured to strike again if needed. On Taiwan, Hegseth said U.S. policy was unchanged even as he acknowledged China's military buildup, reiterating Trump's line that Washington stood in its strongest position yet across the Pacific. Trump has said he discussed arms sales to the island with Chinese leader Xi Jinping but has not approved further transfers. Pressed on whether the United States would deliver Virginia-class submarines to Australia on schedule under the AUKUS pact, due to begin in 2032, Hegseth said he believed it would, despite domestic doubts over whether the boats would meaningfully deter China's navy. 2026-05-31 14:05:37

Trump Delays Approval of Iran Ceasefire MOU, Sends Revised Proposal President Donald Trump has reportedly withheld approval for a draft memorandum of understanding (MOU) aimed at ending hostilities between the United States and Iran. According to a report by The New York Times on May 30, citing three officials, Trump did not approve the draft MOU intended to formalize the cessation of war between the two nations. The report indicates that Trump has strengthened the terms of the ceasefire agreement and sent a revised document back to Iran. The specific changes made to the proposal have not yet been disclosed. However, officials noted that Trump has expressed concerns regarding the inclusion of measures to release Iran's frozen assets in the preliminary agreement. Additionally, he has voiced frustration over Iran's slow response to the U.S. proposals. One official suggested that Trump's issuance of a tougher new proposal might be aimed at pressuring Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei to swiftly accept the existing offer. Earlier, Trump discussed the approval of the ceasefire MOU during a meeting in the White House Situation Room on May 29, but the meeting concluded without any announcement. The draft MOU reportedly includes provisions to extend the ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran for an additional 60 days, fully open the Strait of Hormuz, and reach agreements on Iran's denuclearization during the extended ceasefire period.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-31 14:00:00

Thousands explore South Korean palaces during central Seoul walking event SEOUL, May 31 (AJP) - More than 2,000 people walked through the historic royal palaces of central Seoul on Sunday to experience South Korean traditional culture. The event aimed to showcase the harmony between the capital city's modern landscape and its historical sites. The 2026 Seoul Foreigner Palace Walking Contest, hosted by Aju News Corporation, brought together about 1,200 foreign nationals and 800 local citizens. The seven-kilometer circular route started at Gwanghwamun Plaza and guided participants through Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung and Changgyeonggung palaces before passing Jogyesa temple. Organizers expanded the event this year to include K-culture photo zones and cultural performances. Participants tried on traditional royal garments and interacted with setups replicating a royal clinic and historical palace guards. Lim Kwu-jin, president of Aju News Corporation, said the event serves as a meaningful time for people from various countries to naturally mingle with the history and culture of Seoul. "The palaces are Seoul's most precious cultural heritage and symbolic spaces that show the history and dignity of South Korea," Lim said. The event drew attendees from countries including China, Japan, the United States, France, India, Vietnam and Mexico. Several foreign diplomats participated in the trek and noted the visual impact of the preserved architecture. Jacques Flies, the Ambassador of Luxembourg to South Korea, said the curated walk gave him a deeper connection to the country's history. "I especially liked seeing the old palaces surrounded by the modern city," Flies said. "It creates a very nice bridge between the past and the present, and actually between the history of South Korea and the current state and future of South Korea." Wray Mulendema Hamweene, minister counsellor at the Embassy of Zambia in South Korea, highlighted the structural longevity of the traditional buildings. "Today, I had the opportunity to appreciate South Korea's rich culture," Hamweene said. "The many people wearing hanbok in the palace were very impressive." "Where else in the world can you find palaces like these? They are truly unique," Hamweene said. "Although these palaces were built hundreds of years ago, they look as if they were built only yesterday. The architectural technology of the past is truly astonishing." 2026-05-31 13:57:43

Naver Labs and Lotte Innovate Expand Physical AI Business As the market for Physical AI, which enables artificial intelligence to perceive and interact with the real world, continues to grow, Naver Labs and Lotte Innovate are enhancing their related businesses. Naver Labs is focusing on building infrastructure that allows robots to navigate spaces, while Lotte Innovate is accelerating the commercialization of service robots and humanoids based on its retail and logistics operations. Naver Labs is concentrating on creating a robot-friendly environment using spatial data technologies such as digital twins, autonomous robots, and high-precision indoor mapping. This infrastructure-based Physical AI strategy supports AI in understanding and moving through real spaces. The key lies in accurately replicating real-world spaces in digital form. Naver Labs is advancing technology that allows robots to autonomously navigate buildings and recognize their surroundings, relying on high-precision indoor maps and location recognition technologies. This foundation enables AI and robots to understand and move through spaces without human intervention. At Naver's second office, known as '1784', autonomous robots are already handling in-house deliveries and logistics tasks. The integration of robots, cloud technology, and digital twin technology has successfully created an environment where AI operates smoothly in real spaces. Lotte Innovate is focusing on the commercialization of AI robots in retail and logistics. Its unique strength lies in the ability to immediately apply AI robots in real-world settings by leveraging the vast infrastructure of its group affiliates. With diverse business sectors including retail, logistics, hotels, and entertainment, the company can quickly validate tailored Physical AI services across industries. Lotte Innovate is expanding its Physical AI business around its integrated AI platform, 'iMember'. This platform combines generative AI, vision AI, and voice AI with group service data to provide customized services. Recently, the company has enhanced the AI agent functionality, further extending its business into the realm of Physical AI that recognizes and interacts with real spaces. A notable example is the humanoid robot 'Roy', which is linked to convenience stores. Utilizing vision AI, Roy can autonomously recognize products on shelves and guide customers with information about product locations and details. It can learn new location information even when product arrangements change. Currently, a proof of concept (PoC) is being conducted in the first-floor store of the Seoul headquarters. At the recent World IT Show (WIS), Roy demonstrated its ability to accurately recognize snacks and beverages in a simulated convenience store environment and respond to customer inquiries. For instance, when a user requests, "Recommend a snack I can buy for 6,000 won," the robot analyzes the shelf with vision AI and provides recommendations based on price and product information, including their locations. It can also assist in finding specific product locations or checking for promotional items at a practical level. Lotte Innovate recently showcased Roy at the Lotte World Tower Sky Run event, demonstrating its humanoid technology. The company plans to expand its application to actual group locations, such as Lotte Mart and logistics centers, to enhance roles in inventory management, product recommendations, and logistics automation. The company is also accelerating efforts to secure global-level AI technology competitiveness. In February, it obtained the international standard certification for AI system quality, 'ISO/IEC 25058', and recently followed up with the certification for the international standard for AI management systems, 'ISO/IEC 42001'. Industry insiders note, "The Physical AI market has transcended simple robot development. Various technological domains, including spatial data, autonomous driving, vision AI, and logistics automation, are organically combining, leading to rapid market expansion." 2026-05-31 13:54:00