Naver Cloud Showcases 'Naver Care Call' at Japan's Public Sector Week 2026 Naver Cloud announced its participation in the 'Local Government & Public Sector Week Japan 2026' held in Tokyo, where it showcased its artificial intelligence (AI) welfare phone service, 'Naver Care Call.' The company aims to strengthen its presence in the Japanese public market through this initiative. The Local Government & Public Sector Week is Japan's largest exhibition in the smart city and public digital transformation (DX) sectors, sponsored by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. Last year, approximately 21,000 officials from 554 local governments attended the event. This year's exhibition took place from May 13 to 15. At the exhibition, Naver Cloud operated a booth where visitors could experience the Care Call service firsthand. Attendees received Care Call phone calls on their smartphones, engaging in conversations with AI about daily well-being and health status. The booth also demonstrated the interactive capabilities of the Care Call's conversational AI technology. A Naver Cloud representative stated, "We received positive feedback from key local government officials in Japan, who recognized the interactive features as practical solutions that can be implemented immediately." During the exhibition, Naver Cloud conducted consultations with several local governments interested in adopting Care Call, expanding its business connections nationwide. According to the company, Naver Care Call is characterized by its natural Japanese language proficiency and has been in use since June of last year in Izumo City, one of Japan's super-aged cities. The AI infrastructure is utilized to alleviate the burden of repetitive tasks for welfare personnel, addressing gaps in care due to workforce shortages. Additionally, Naver Cloud held a seminar during the exhibition focused on 'Digital Transformation in Elderly Care' in collaboration with Izumo City, sharing the results and operational processes of the Care Call pilot program. According to statistics from Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, approximately 2.4 million care workers will be needed this year. Industry reports indicate that Japan's senior market is expected to reach 100 trillion yen (over 900 trillion won) by 2025, driving rapid growth in the country's age tech market. In response to workforce shortages, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare is promoting 'Care DX' policies, heavily investing in pilot projects that incorporate AI, Internet of Things (IoT), and robotics into care settings to address issues such as the aging population and solitary elderly individuals. The local government market in Japan presents high entry barriers, but once a product's performance is validated locally, there are significant opportunities for nationwide expansion. Naver's recent success in Izumo City has positioned it favorably at this exhibition. Kim Yoo-won, CEO of Naver Cloud, remarked, "Last year, we took our first step into the Japanese public market through our collaboration with Izumo City, and this time we have expanded our connections by meeting with local government officials from across the country. As the demand for care in Japan continues to rise, we aim to strengthen our foothold in the public market as a partner that addresses practical issues with AI technology."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-18 12:18:17

Kia Launches Updated 2027 Morning Model with Enhanced Features Kia has launched the updated 2027 Morning model, incorporating popular features such as LED map lamps as standard equipment. On May 18, Kia announced the official start of sales for the 2027 Morning, a compact car that has consistently garnered consumer popularity. Last month, Morning sales reached 3,186 units, making it one of the top two models in Kia's passenger car segment alongside the Ray, which sold 4,877 units. The 2027 Morning is characterized by its enhanced safety and convenience features, with new specifications and interior color options that improve overall product appeal. All trims, including the van model, now come standard with LED map lamps to enhance visibility inside the vehicle. Additionally, the 1.0 gasoline passenger model includes a driver's knee airbag as standard across all trims, further boosting safety. Starting from the signature trim, a new 10.25-inch cluster is now standard, and a bright green interior color option called 'Ice Green' has been added throughout the cabin, including the seats. A Kia representative stated, "The 2027 Morning is a model that enhances product appeal by focusing on features that customers prefer. It will offer a more competitive product while maintaining the economic advantages inherent in compact cars."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-18 12:16:25

Global Risk Aversion Amid Inflation Concerns Keeps Won-Dollar Exchange Rate Above 1500 The won-dollar exchange rate remains above 1500 won amid rising global government bond yields. As of 9:28 a.m. on May 18 in the Seoul foreign exchange market, the exchange rate stood at 1501.0 won per dollar, opening at 1501.2 won, an increase of 0.4 won from the previous trading day. The rise in global interest rates appears to have dampened the appetite for riskier assets. On May 15, yields on government bonds in major countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Japan, surged to their highest levels in decades. On this day, the yield on the 10-year U.S. Treasury rose by 13.8 basis points to 4.597%. The yield on the 30-year U.S. Treasury reached 5.12%, the highest level since July 2007. The yield on the UK 10-year government bond briefly exceeded 5.18%, while the 30-year bond yield surpassed 5.86%, marking the highest levels in decades. Similarly, the yield on Japan's 10-year government bond rose to the 2.7% range, the highest since 1997. Concerns are growing that inflation shocks from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East could persist, contributing to rising bond yields. As risk aversion increases, foreign investors have been net sellers in the securities market, offloading 694.7 billion won in the early trading session. Min Kyung-won, an economist at Woori Bank, stated, "The rise in global government bond yields, sparked by renewed inflation concerns, inevitably adds pressure to stock market valuations. The accelerated outflow of foreign capital from the KOSPI will likely heighten upward pressure on the exchange rate due to some reverse remittances and speculative long positions offshore."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-18 12:14:46

Israeli Military Reports Shortage of 12,000 Troops Amid Ongoing Conflicts The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have publicly acknowledged a significant shortage of troops and increasing fatigue among reservists. As the conflict in Gaza and tensions with Iran continue, both the standing army and reserve forces are nearing their limits. On May 17, The Times of Israel reported that the IDF currently lacks approximately 12,000 troops based on standing army standards, with a shortfall of about 7,000 combat soldiers. A senior IDF officer stated, "The security needs are great and urgent, and the fatigue among soldiers is much greater than expected." The IDF warned that the troop shortage could worsen starting next year. Israel reduced the mandatory service period for men from 36 months to 30 months, effective August 2024. The first cohort under this new system is set to be discharged in January 2027. The IDF believes that unless existing laws are amended, the shortage of combat and non-combat personnel could increase by thousands. IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir has repeatedly called for an extension of the mandatory service period back to 36 months. However, the government has yet to approve this request. The IDF also sees a need for effective conscription legislation and adjustments to the duration and methods of reserve call-ups. However, the government's response has not aligned with military needs. The administration is prioritizing the passage of a Haredi conscription bill over extending mandatory service. This bill aims to increase Haredi participation in the military, but the IDF views it as insufficient to address the immediate troop shortage. Although there are about 80,000 eligible Haredi conscripts, actual enlistment numbers are limited, and even if the bill's goals are fully met, the annual increase in Haredi combat soldiers may only reach a few hundred. Actual enlistment figures also fall short of military demands. Approximately 1,850 Haredi soldiers enlisted during the first half of the 2025-2026 conscription period, with projections suggesting over 3,000 for the entire period. While this represents a record high, it still falls short of the IDF's target of 4,800 annually. Moreover, the IDF has indicated an immediate need for 7,000 additional combat troops, highlighting that expanding Haredi enlistment alone will not fill the gap. The burden on reservists is also rapidly increasing. The IDF initially set the reserve duty period for 2026 at 55 days, but many reservists have already served 80 to 100 days due to the ongoing conflict with Iran. Critics point out that the current system relies heavily on emergency call-up orders, which limits its effectiveness in prolonged warfare. A senior IDF officer warned, "If legislative measures are not taken now, the situation will worsen and shake the entire system," adding that there remains a "last legislative opportunity" to address the troop crisis before the upcoming elections.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-18 12:13:16

Official Campaigning for Local Elections Begins May 21 Political parties are set to commence official campaigning for the June 3 local elections and National Assembly by-elections this week. Until then, candidates may only engage in election activities as unofficial candidates. According to the National Election Commission on May 18, candidates will begin their official campaign period from May 21 to June 2, lasting 13 days. During this time, they are permitted to conduct vehicle rallies, speeches, distribute campaign materials, and post election posters and banners. Additionally, debates organized by the Election Broadcasting Debate Commission will take place, as required by the Public Election Act. Candidates for local government and National Assembly elections must participate in at least one debate. If a candidate fails to attend without a valid reason, the commission will publicly disclose the candidate's name, party affiliation, and absence on broadcasts and online platforms. Furthermore, the law mandates a complete halt on the publication of opinion poll results starting May 28, marking the beginning of the so-called polling blackout period. The trends during this period are expected to influence the election outcomes. Early voting will occur over two days, starting May 29. The main voting will take place on June 3, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. This election marks the first nationwide election since the inauguration of the Yoon Suk Yeol administration, with new elections for 16 local government heads, education superintendents, and 14 National Assembly members. Additionally, voters will select 4,227 local representatives, including 227 heads of basic local governments, 933 local council members, and 3,035 basic council members.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-18 12:12:00

LG Energy Solution Honors 12 Researchers to Strengthen Global Technology Leadership LG Energy Solution held an awards ceremony to honor researchers who secured intellectual property rights in key technology areas essential for dominating the future market of secondary batteries, aiming to enhance its global technology leadership. On May 18, LG Energy Solution announced that it hosted the '2026 Inventor and Application King Awards' at its headquarters in Yeouido Park One, recognizing 12 individuals for their outstanding research achievements. The event was organized to reward talents who have filed innovative patents across various fields, including LMR (Lithium Manganese Rich) batteries, cylindrical 46-series batteries, and next-generation pack designs, which are expected to reshape the future battery market. This year's gold award for Inventor of the Year went to Park Byeong-cheon, who secured a key patent in the 'LMR Cell Chemistry' field. The LMR battery technology enhances price competitiveness by increasing the manganese content while achieving high energy density. Park focused on the technical potential of combining LMR cathodes with silicon anodes, establishing patent barriers before the industry began development. LG Energy Solution praised this achievement for securing strong proprietary technology that competitors would find difficult to bypass. Other awardees included: △ Eun-sang, Jeong In-hyeok for the core structure of the CAS (Cell Array Structure) applied to the 46-series cells (silver award) △ Lee Jae-hwan for tracking technology for electrode process quality management (silver award) △ Lee Jeong-min for additives to improve the high-temperature durability of LMR batteries (bronze award) △ Jo Min-ki for the insulation structure of cylindrical 46-series batteries (bronze award) △ Choi Soon-joo for non-destructive cell lifespan status verification technology through charge and discharge signals (bronze award). The gold award for Application King was awarded to Jang Hyuk-kyun, who filed numerous key patents in dual cooling for battery packs and upper and lower venting. Jang was recognized for his contributions to developing pack design technologies that enhance battery safety, including thermal transfer delay and gas-spark control structures. Additionally, Kim Gwang-mo (silver award), Lee Hyun-hee (silver award), Kim Dae-cheon (bronze award), Ko Gil-nam (bronze award), and Lee Soo-ho (bronze award) were also recognized as Application Kings. Kim Dong-myung, CEO of LG Energy Solution, stated, "In the battery industry, patents are a powerful weapon for maintaining a global competitive edge and a source of customer value. We will fully support our members' creative challenges in R&D to ensure we maintain overwhelming technological leadership." Meanwhile, LG Energy Solution appointed 17 new research and technical experts in April to enhance the development of next-generation products and strengthen technological competitiveness. The company has operated a research and technical expert system annually since 2008, with the average age of new appointees being 44, significantly increasing the proportion of young researchers while also ensuring diversity by including global and female talents.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-18 12:05:03

Robots Redefining Work: Humanity at a Crossroads The recent demonstration of a humanoid robot by the American startup Figure AI, which sorted packages for over 80 hours without stopping, marks a significant shift in the concept of labor. The robot autonomously recharged when its battery was low, allowing another robot to immediately take over its tasks, symbolizing a fundamental change in the nature of work. This event illustrates that the realm of repetitive tasks traditionally handled by humans is no longer solely theirs. The key aspect of this demonstration is 'continuity.' Humans require rest, experience fatigue, and make mistakes, while robots can work continuously for 24, 48 hours, or even longer if conditions are met. Since the Industrial Revolution, machines have assisted human labor, but they are now moving beyond assistance to replacement. This trend will extend beyond factories to logistics, distribution, and even offices. Similar changes are already underway globally. Amazon's logistics centers in the U.S. employ hundreds of thousands of robots to enhance efficiency, while China's JD.com operates unmanned warehouses with minimal human intervention. Japan's Fanuc has realized a factory where 'robots make robots.' The question is no longer whether this technology is possible, but when it will be fully adopted. This transformation is not merely an evolution of automation; it represents a structural shift that reduces the need for human labor. Moreover, this trend is irreversible. Efficiency Drives Market Choices Perspectives on technological advancement often oscillate between optimism and pessimism. While some hope that robots will take on dangerous and laborious tasks, allowing humans to engage in more creative work, others fear that jobs will vanish entirely. However, this debate overlooks a crucial premise: the market operates on efficiency, not ethics. From a corporate standpoint, robots are the 'ideal workers.' They do not require wages, do not strike, and make fewer mistakes. If companies can manage maintenance costs, robots are far more economical than human workers. Under these conditions, the incentive for companies to retain human labor diminishes. The assertion that 'technology should complement humans' is morally sound but lacks persuasive power in the real market, as businesses are unlikely to choose inefficiency voluntarily. Thus, the essence of the issue lies not in technology but in structure. Technology merely indicates direction, while institutions and policies make choices. Without a social consensus on how to distribute the excess profits generated by robots and AI, maximizing efficiency is likely to lead to increased inequality. Concepts like 'robot tax' or 'technology dividend,' discussed in some European countries, stem from this awareness. They advocate for sharing the costs saved and productivity gains from automation across society. This approach does not aim to regulate businesses but seeks to alleviate the concentration of technological benefits among specific groups. Ultimately, the core question remains: Should the direction of technology be left solely to the market, or should society intervene to adjust it? The answer to this question will shape the future structure of labor. Disappearing Jobs, Divided Humanity: Education Alone Is Not Enough Many experts emphasize education as a solution in the age of AI, arguing that fostering creativity and problem-solving skills can create new jobs. However, this approach has significant limitations, as not everyone can become a highly creative talent. The labor market is already polarizing. In the U.S. and Europe, wages for highly skilled workers are soaring, while mid-level office jobs and repetitive tasks are rapidly disappearing, leading to the phenomenon known as the 'collapse of middle-class jobs.' This is not merely a cyclical change but a structural transition. Reforming education alone will not resolve this issue. While education can broaden opportunities, it cannot change the distribution of abilities. Ultimately, some will transition to high-value sectors, but many may struggle to find new roles. Therefore, solutions must be more pragmatic. Rather than converging human roles into 'high-level creative labor,' they should be restructured across various levels. Sectors where human interaction is crucial, such as caregiving, healthcare, education, culture, and services, need to be expanded. This involves strategically developing areas that are difficult for technology to replace. Japan is actively fostering the caregiving industry in response to its aging society, while Europe is creating jobs in cultural and welfare sectors. This is not merely a welfare policy but a reconfiguration of labor structures. The value of humanity is increasingly shifting from 'how much one produces' to 'what experiences and relationships one creates.' In a Post-Labor Society, What Will Humanity Become? A more fundamental question arises: In a society where labor diminishes, what will humanity's role be? In industrial society, work was not just a means of livelihood but a core aspect of identity. Occupations signified personal value and social standing. However, this structure is now unstable. In a society where robots handle production, 'non-working humans' could become the norm rather than the exception. This necessitates a new distribution structure, which is why concepts like universal basic income are being discussed. Finland's basic income experiment, though limited, offers meaningful insights. Ensuring a minimum income can enhance individual life stability and create opportunities for new activities. However, expanding this to a national level presents financial challenges. Therefore, an approach that simultaneously designs for growth and distribution is essential. How to share the wealth generated by AI and robots, and what kind of society to build on that wealth, are critical questions. If technological advancement operates solely to maximize the wealth of a few, social conflicts will inevitably intensify. Conversely, if a structure is created to share the benefits of technology, the reduction of labor could enhance the quality of human life. Here, redefining humanity is crucial. Defending human fatigue and errors in industrial settings as part of being human is less convincing, as such inefficiencies can lead to accidents and losses. Instead, human value should be rediscovered outside of labor, in areas such as relationships, creativity, empathy, and community activities. Some countries are already shifting policies to reduce working hours and enhance quality of life. Discussions around a four-day workweek are gaining traction, and the value of leisure and self-development is being emphasized. This signals not just a change in working conditions but a transformation in the standards of human life. Ultimately, we stand at a crossroads. Will technology create a society that displaces humans, or will it foster a society that enhances human life? The sight of robots working tirelessly for 80 hours is not an endpoint; it is a question. How we answer that question will determine whether the post-labor era becomes a crisis or an opportunity. Now is the time to decide the direction.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-18 12:03:19

Ministry of Science and ICT Showcases K-AI Applications Across Industries The Ministry of Science and ICT is accelerating the disclosure of applications for its proprietary AI foundation model to promote its use in various industries. Domestic AI models are being integrated into real services across sectors such as law, gaming, cosmetics, translation, and education, marking a significant step in building the 'K-AI ecosystem'. On May 18, the ministry unveiled examples of the K-AI ecosystem centered around companies participating in the proprietary AI foundation model initiative. Upstage's proprietary AI model, 'Solar Open', is being utilized in the legal AI service 'Super Lawyer' in collaboration with the legal tech firm Law & Company. Super Lawyer supports essential tasks for lawyers, including case law searches, legal reviews, and document drafting, aiming to enhance efficiency and productivity in complex legal work. Krafton showcased its use of SK Telecom's proprietary AI model 'A.X K1' to improve the Korean communication capabilities of in-game characters in 'PUBG'. The company explained that it is enhancing data sophistication to boost the communication quality of the Ally model within the game. Kim Hyun-seung, head of AI application research at Krafton, stated, "The gameplay of PUBG Ally is collaborative and proactive, unlike traditional NPCs. We are leveraging SKT A.X K1, which excels in understanding Korean language and cultural context, to improve the quality of Korean dialogue for PUBG Ally." Cheon Seong-jun, technical project manager for SKT's Omnimodal Foundation Model team, expressed hope that the collaboration would support more natural and immersive AI interactions in the gaming environment. An example of AI-driven cosmetic ingredient development was also presented. LG AI Research's AI model 'ExaOne Discovery' has learned from extensive molecular structure and chemical reaction data, reducing the time required for cosmetic ingredient development from 22 months to just one day. The Ministry of SMEs and Startups and the Korea Startup Promotion Agency are building an ecosystem that enables startups to leverage AI for commercialization based on a proprietary AI model developed by NC AI, facilitating the development of AI solutions tailored to businesses and industrial settings. Additionally, on May 11, the Ministry of Science and ICT revealed more K-AI application cases. Notable examples included LG Uplus's lifestyle AI agent 'Exio' utilizing LG AI Research's 'ExaOne', Flitto's translation AI service based on Upstage's 'Solar Open', SKT's vehicle AI agent 'A.X Auto', and Motif Technologies' AI math learning service 'Qanda'.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-18 12:00:57

Jeong Cheong-rae Calls for Judgment on 'Insurrection Nominations' at 5.18 Memorial Jeong Cheong-rae, the leader of the Democratic Party, stated that the People Power Party's nomination process ahead of the June 3 local elections will face severe judgment from the public for its support of insurrection. Speaking to reporters after attending the 46th anniversary ceremony of the Gwangju Uprising at the 5.18 Memorial Park, Jeong said, "I came here to plead for the spirits of the Gwangju martyrs to judge the insurrection nominations of the party that calls for insurrection. I believe that if there is a will from above, the insurrection nominations will be judged harshly in the name of history, the constitution, and democracy." Jeong also expressed regret over the failed constitutional amendment aimed at embodying the spirit of the Gwangju Uprising, which was thwarted by the People Power Party's lack of cooperation. He said, "I cannot help but feel ashamed and sorry to the spirits of Gwangju. However, we will not stop here." He declared, "We will do our utmost to ensure that the spirit of the Gwangju Uprising is included in the preamble of the constitution and to eliminate any thoughts of emergency rule by figures like Chun Doo-hwan and Yoon Suk Yeol." Additionally, Jeong paid tribute to the martyrs who participated in the Gwangju Uprising, stating, "I know very well that the existence of today's Yoon Seok-yeol government and the Democratic Party is thanks to the sacrifices of the democratic martyrs who fought for democracy. I express my deep gratitude to the democratic spirits."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-18 11:58:48

Cuba Acquires Over 300 Drones from Iran and Russia, Discusses Attacks on U.S. Bases Cuba has reportedly acquired over 300 drones from Iran and Russia and is discussing plans to use them to attack U.S. military bases. Axios reported on May 17, citing confidential information, that the Cuban military has begun planning attacks on the Guantanamo Bay U.S. military base, U.S. naval vessels, and Key West, Florida, using these drones. According to the report, since 2023, Cuba has been deploying various types of attack drones from Russia and Iran to strategic locations within the country. In the past month, Cuba has also requested additional drones and military equipment from Russia. U.S. intelligence agencies do not believe that an attack from Cuba is imminent or that Cuba is actively pursuing plans to target the United States. However, they are monitoring the situation closely, noting that the Cuban military is refining its drone tactics amid deteriorating relations with the U.S., which could lead to armed conflict. The expansion of Cuba's drone capabilities and the presence of Iranian military advisors in the country have raised significant concerns within the Trump administration. Axios reported that this information could serve as a justification for future U.S. military actions. A senior U.S. official stated, "It is concerning that a range of rogue actors, from terrorist organizations to drug cartels, Iran, and Russia, are utilizing such technology so close to home. This represents an escalating threat." In response, the Cuban embassy stated on X (formerly Twitter) that, like any nation, Cuba has the right to defend itself against external aggression. This right to self-defense is protected under international law and the U.N. Charter. The embassy further claimed, "Individuals in the U.S. who seek to subjugate and effectively destroy the Cuban nation through military aggression and war are not wasting a moment in fabricating excuses, spreading falsehoods, and distorting the necessary logical preparations for potential aggression as if it were something special." Recently, the U.S. has intensified its diplomatic and security pressure on Cuba. According to Axios, CIA Director John Ratcliffe visited Cuba on May 14, warning local officials against engaging in hostile actions. A CIA official noted that Ratcliffe conveyed that Cuba should not become a platform for hostile agendas from adversarial forces in the Western Hemisphere.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-18 11:58:04