North Korean Women's Soccer Team 'Naegohyang' Arrives in South Korea After 8 Years The Naegohyang Women's Soccer Team from North Korea arrived in South Korea on May 17, 2026, for the semifinals of the 2025-2026 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Women's Champions League (AWCL), marking their first visit in eight years. According to Yonhap News, the team landed at Incheon International Airport around 2:20 PM via a China International Airlines flight. The delegation consists of 23 players and 12 staff members, totaling 35 people. Initially, 39 individuals had received approval to visit South Korea, but four reserve players did not enter the country. The team underwent entry inspections in accordance with the Inter-Korean Exchange and Cooperation Act, with North Korean residents verifying their identities using a 'South Korea Visit Certificate' instead of a passport. The North Korean passports presented by the team were used for reference only. At the airport, groups including the Incheon North Korean Refugee Assistance Association and the Incheon Hamgyeong Province Association gathered to welcome the team, holding banners that read, "Welcome, Naegohyang Women's Soccer Team." Approximately 100 journalists and supporters were present, and around 50 security personnel were deployed to maintain order. However, the Naegohyang players and staff, dressed in dark blue suits, did not respond to greetings or questions from the media, maintaining serious expressions as they quickly moved through the airport. They exited the terminal in just over a minute, ignoring the welcoming crowd, and boarded their waiting vehicles. The bus carrying the team arrived at their hotel in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, at 4:06 PM, escorted by police. The windows of the vehicle were heavily tinted, preventing visibility inside, and access to the hotel area was strictly controlled with police lines set up. Outside the hotel, some civic groups held banners supporting the Naegohyang team, but the players did not acknowledge them and proceeded directly to their rooms through the lobby. The check-in process was conducted separately, following a controlled route. Afterward, the team moved to a nearby outdoor training facility for a closed practice session. A privacy screen approximately 2.5 meters high was erected to block outside views, and police patrolled the area to ensure security. Some players appeared to relax slightly during training. Naegohyang is set to compete in the AWCL semifinals on May 20 at Suwon Sports Complex. On the same day, Melbourne City FC (Australia) will face Tokyo Verdy (Japan), followed by a match between Suwon FC Women and Naegohyang at 7 PM. The final will take place at the same venue on May 23. The championship prize is $1 million (approximately 14.7 billion won), while the runner-up will receive $500,000. Naegohyang is considered one of the strong contenders for the title.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-17 19:16:07

Jang Dong-hyuk Highlights 26-Year-Old 'New Millennium NHK' Incident Ahead of May 18 Commemoration On May 17, one day before the 46th anniversary of the May 18 Democratic Uprising, the People Power Party targeted the Democratic Party's 'May 18 Risk.' Jang Dong-hyuk, the party leader, referenced the 2000 New Millennium NHK incident in a Facebook post, stating, "26 years ago tonight, an incident occurred at a karaoke bar in Gwangju on the eve of May 18." The New Millennium NHK incident, revealed by former lawmaker Lim Soo-kyung, involved politicians attending a pre-May 18 event in Gwangju who were criticized for holding a drinking party at an entertainment venue. Jang noted, "I will quote Lim's revelations directly," mentioning Democratic Party candidates Song Young-gil, Woo Sang-ho, and Kim Min-seok, who were present at the gathering. He expressed concern, saying, "These individuals still occupy positions in the Democratic Party while discussing the spirit of May 18. It is disheartening," and added, "Jung Won-oh (the Democratic Party's Seoul mayoral candidate) assaulted citizens and police at a bar with hostesses. He could not answer whether there was coercion to stay overnight, and his only defense is 'May 18.'" Song Eon-seok, the party's floor leader, also mentioned the New Millennium NHK incident on his Facebook, criticizing, "The activist group gathered in Gwangju, partying with hostesses while ignoring the spirits of May. They continue to enjoy privileges while discussing 'democracy' and 'judgment' in relation to May 18." He specifically targeted Jung, stating, "The person who assaulted innocent police officers and citizens at the entertainment venue 'Ga-ae' claims he will be the mayor of Seoul while hiding behind May 18 as a righteous assailant. Today, the activist forces may still be holding drinking parties, determined to maintain their privileges." Park Chung-kwon, head of the People Power Party's central election campaign committee, condemned Jung's claim that his past assault charges were due to differing views on May 18, labeling it 'shameless.' He stated, "Hiding his crimes behind 'May Gwangju' and packaging violence as struggle is an affront to the noble sacrifices made during that time."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-17 19:09:56

South Korean Foreign Minister Discusses Ship Safety with Iranian Counterpart On May 17, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun held a phone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi to discuss the recent situation in the Middle East, bilateral relations between South Korea and Iran, and the safety of South Korean vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. According to the Foreign Ministry, Minister Cho explained that the South Korean government is currently conducting further investigations into the recent attack on the HMM Namoo vessel. He requested Iran's position on the facts surrounding the incident and emphasized the importance of safety and freedom of navigation for all vessels, including those from South Korea, in the Strait of Hormuz. Minister Araghchi shared Iran's perspective on the current Middle Eastern situation and expressed agreement on the need to restore safe passage in the Strait of Hormuz, stating that the standoff in the area should be resolved promptly, the ministry reported. Both ministers agreed to maintain ongoing communication to ensure the safety of South Korean vessels and crew in the Strait of Hormuz. On May 4, an explosion and fire occurred on the South Korean vessel HMM Namoo while it was in the Strait of Hormuz. Investigations revealed that the incident was caused by two unidentified projectiles. The government is currently conducting an investigation. Debris from the projectiles that struck the South Korean vessel was transported to South Korea on May 15, packed in a diplomatic pouch aboard a commercial flight from Abu Dhabi to Incheon. Separately, the government has dispatched a technical analysis team from the Ministry of National Defense, consisting of experts from ADD, to Dubai, where the HMM Namoo is being towed, to conduct a detailed examination of the hull damage. On May 13, Suh Wook, head of the National Security Office, stated during a meeting with the Editors' Association that regarding the projectiles that collided with the Namoo in the Strait of Hormuz, "We need to consider the results of the investigation so far and conduct further inquiries. It could be a drone or a missile; various possibilities are open at this stage." In response to concerns about why Iran has not been specifically identified as responsible, he explained, "Just because there are circumstances or suspicions does not mean we can blame another country. We need to conduct more investigations and avoid making assumptions. It is customary not to speculate."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-17 18:22:52

Korea Leverages Manufacturing Strengths in Physical AI Development As the United States and China advance in physical artificial intelligence (AI), experts agree that South Korea must actively leverage its existing industrial assets to develop physical AI technologies and utilize competitive manufacturing test beds to lead in validation and commercialization. According to industry sources on May 17, both the U.S. and China are focusing on the potential of physical AI to counteract declining manufacturing competitiveness due to high labor costs and low birth rates, consolidating national resources for technology development and commercialization. Reports from Japan's Nikkei Business and the U.S. Nexis Lexis estimate that South Korea ranks third in physical AI competitiveness, significantly behind the U.S. and China. While it possesses independent humanoid robot technology that is commercially viable and maintains strong competitiveness in industrial robotics, it lacks the extensive physical AI platforms of the U.S. and China and faces fierce competition from Japan, which has overwhelming industrial robot capabilities. The U.S. leads the market with major tech companies like NVIDIA, Tesla, Figure AI, and Amazon, while firms like Google and Microsoft, which previously focused on language model-based AI, have accelerated their research and development in physical AI and robotics since last year. In China, companies such as Baidu, Huawei, and Tencent ranked first to third in global physical AI patent applications last year, while startups like Unitree, Agibot, and Ubitech are commercializing various forms of robots, including humanoids, supporting the industrial ecosystem. In South Korea, companies like Boston Dynamics (Hyundai Motor), Rainbow Robotics (Samsung Electronics), LG Electronics (LG AI Research), HD Hyundai Robotics, Hanwha Robotics, and Doosan Robotics are investing heavily in physical AI development to enhance global competitiveness. The Software Policy Research Institute (SPRi) classifies physical AI into four categories: humanoids, autonomous vehicles, drones, and AGVs & AMRs (collaborative and mobile robots). Among these, humanoids have the advantage of being able to work alongside humans or replace them directly in labor settings, unlike other physical AI that requires dedicated robotic spaces. Morgan Stanley predicts that humanoids based on physical AI will expand beyond manufacturing and logistics into services and homes, forecasting that the related market will grow at an annual rate of 63%, reaching $38 billion (approximately 57 trillion won) by 2035. SPRi and the Korea Intelligent Information Society Agency view South Korea as having the potential to stand shoulder to shoulder with leading countries like the U.S. and China in the physical AI industry. The country boasts world-class manufacturing facilities in sectors like semiconductors, automotive, and shipbuilding, enabling the real-time collection and refinement of vast and precise data for robotic learning. Hyundai and Kia are accelerating the commercialization of unmanned factories utilizing Boston Dynamics' humanoid Atlas, a level of advancement achieved only by Hyundai and Tesla. Unlike generative AI, which requires high intelligence for white-collar job replacement, physical AI relies on cognitive AI technologies to accurately assess and respond to on-site conditions. Advanced sensor technology is crucial for this purpose. The LG Group is consolidating its capabilities in sensor technology for physical AI through collaboration among LG Electronics, LG Innotek, and LG CNS. The focus is on equipping robots with cameras and LiDAR sensors to analyze data, enabling AI to make optimal decisions. To achieve precise movements similar to humans, humanoids require a large number of servo motors. Servo motors are ultra-precise motors capable of controlling position, speed, and acceleration according to AI commands. While this field is primarily led by Japanese materials, components, and equipment manufacturers, many South Korean companies, led by LS Electronics, are also accelerating their efforts to secure competitiveness in this area.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-17 18:16:55

South Korea's Defense Industry Struggles in Attack Drone Market The presence of the Iranian Shahed-136 kamikaze drone is increasingly felt on the global battlefield. Recent reports suggest that this low-cost drone may have been used in a recent attack, highlighting the renewed threat posed by such drones. As drones emerge as a key element in modern warfare, South Korea's defense industry is still in the early stages of responding to the attack drone market. According to the defense industry on May 17, major companies and startups in South Korea, including Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), are developing small attack drones. At the Drone Show Korea 2026 earlier this year, KAI unveiled its I-type small kamikaze drone designed for armored targets and II-type small kamikaze drone for personnel. LIG Defense and Aerospace showcased an AI-based swarm drone under development in collaboration with the Defense Science Research Institute. These drones represent a step forward from existing interception and anti-drone systems to more offensive capabilities. However, industry insiders cite a significant limitation in the development of attack drones: a lack of market viability and profitability. This year, the Ministry of National Defense allocated approximately 148.4 billion won ($112 million) for drone projects out of a total defense budget of 19.9653 trillion won ($15 billion). A substantial portion of this budget is earmarked for reconnaissance and surveillance, leaving limited investment for attack and expendable drones. The role of attack drones in defense projects remains minimal. One industry official stated, "We are focusing on developing unmanned systems that can be used in manned-unmanned hybrid systems, but we still face limitations in terms of mass production and price competitiveness." Smaller startups are facing similar challenges. Nears Lab, a maker of swarm AI drones, reported a revenue of 6.6 billion won ($5 million) and an operating loss of 16.6 billion won ($12.5 million) last year. The company recently secured a $10 million contract in the Middle East, seeking a turnaround, but profitability remains elusive. Another startup, Pablo Aviation, recorded a revenue of 10.9 billion won ($8 million) and an operating loss of 14.5 billion won ($11 million) last year. Moreover, South Korea's drone industry still relies heavily on Chinese components. Currently, many parts used in domestic drones, including batteries, motors, controllers, GPS, and cameras, are sourced from China, except for flight controllers. If these components were to be localized, they might lose price competitiveness compared to Chinese products. The government has secured a budget of 33 billion won ($25 million) this year to train 500,000 drone operators. The Ministry of National Defense plans to purchase 11,265 commercial small drones for training, distributing at least one to each squad in major army field units and training institutions. However, industry experts point out that the actual operational systems and regulations for battlefield use are still in their infancy. Kim Seung-yeon, president of the Korea Drone Utilization Association, remarked, "The domestic drone industry is realistically expanding primarily in the fields of information verification and surveying. For drones to be effectively utilized in combat, there needs to be an expansion of business scale and the establishment of conditions for soldiers to obtain drone operation certifications."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-17 18:15:00

Boston Dynamics Accelerates Industrial Robot Market Push with Atlas Hyundai Motor Group's robotics subsidiary, Boston Dynamics (BD), is ramping up its efforts to penetrate the industrial robot market with its humanoid robot, Atlas. The company has built a competitive edge through its operational experience gained from the commercialization of its quadrupedal robot, Spot, and logistics robot, Stretch, as well as its extensive testing facilities within the group. However, establishing a mass production system for Atlas and improving profitability remain significant challenges.According to industry sources, BD is focusing on enhancing the technology needed to deploy the development model of Atlas, which garnered attention at CES 2026 in January, into manufacturing environments.The foundation of BD's commercialization strategy lies in decades of accumulated expertise in robot hardware and motion control, along with operational experience in industrial settings. While Chinese startups excel in cost and production speed, and American AI firms have strong software capabilities, BD's greatest strength is its ability to translate diverse technologies into products that have been tested in real production processes. Notably, Spot and Stretch have already been supplied to several companies, demonstrating their practical applications.Another advantage is BD's high accessibility to manufacturing sites. The company plans to utilize major production hubs, such as Hyundai Motor Group's Meta Plant America in Georgia in 2028 and the Kia plant in Georgia in the second half of 2029, as initial testing grounds for Atlas. This could serve as a foundation for expanding its external customer base.However, there are considerable hurdles to overcome before Atlas can be fully commercialized. BD aims to establish a production system capable of manufacturing 30,000 units annually by 2028, but it has yet to create a stable profit structure. Last year, BD's revenue reached 150.1 billion won, a 30% increase from the previous year, but it recorded a net loss of 528.4 billion won, widening the loss by approximately 20% compared to 2024's 440.5 billion won.Additionally, the possibility of an initial public offering (IPO) next month has heightened concerns about management transparency. The IPO is intended to secure investment for establishing Atlas's mass production system, but if the company fails to transition to profitability post-listing, its valuation could plummet.When Hyundai Motor Group acquired BD from SoftBank in June 2021, a put option clause was included. If BD does not go public within four or five years after the acquisition, Hyundai Motor Group is obligated to buy back the 20% stake held by SoftBank at a pre-agreed price. The deadline for this option is next month, and if exercised, it could increase Hyundai's burden of additional share purchases.Ultimately, for BD to dominate the humanoid market, it must convert its strong brand recognition and technological prowess into actual profits. A key factor will be how quickly it can secure external customers to integrate Atlas into manufacturing environments. An industry insider noted, "Stably deploying Atlas in the field and converting that into recurring revenue is essential. The results from testing at Hyundai's production sites will be a turning point for securing external customers."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-17 18:13:15

K-Physical AI: Concerns Grow Over South Korea's Position in US-China Tech Race Global attention is focused on an experiment by a prominent physical artificial intelligence (AI) startup, which aims to demonstrate that humanoid robots can replace human labor in manufacturing and logistics. As competition in physical AI technology intensifies among major countries, experts warn that South Korea has limited time to secure a leading position. According to industry sources, FigureAI, recognized as one of the top three humanoid robot companies alongside Tesla and Boston Dynamics (a Hyundai Motor Group subsidiary), has been conducting an experiment since May 13, 2026, to perform logistics sorting tasks solely with robots, without human intervention. The humanoids at FigureAI have worked continuously for 24 hours, sorting over 100,000 packages in 82 hours. Three robots, named Gary, Bob, and Rose, operated in shifts, working for 8 to 20 hours before undergoing charging and maintenance before returning to work. The duration of the experiment remains uncertain. Brett Adcock, CEO of FigureAI, stated on social media platform X, "We plan to run them until they break down. Watch the robots work autonomously 24/7." Adcock also mentioned plans for a future project comparing efficiency between humans and robots in the same tasks. However, some shortcomings have been noted. The robots achieved only half the efficiency of skilled human workers and occasionally dropped items during sorting. Nevertheless, experts have expressed astonishment at the level of physical AI technology in the U.S., noting that the robots performed naturally in a real working environment, not just in a lab setting. They do not take breaks for meals or smoking, and notably, they do not strike. The implications of this experiment are expected to be significant, comparable to the historic Go match between Lee Sedol and AlphaGo. It confirms the potential for physical AI and humanoid robot technology to replace blue-collar jobs. As the U.S. and China lead the physical AI competition, the need for the South Korean government and businesses to unite in enhancing technological competitiveness and accelerating commercialization has become increasingly urgent.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-17 18:12:31

Semiconductors Become a Hot Topic in Local Elections Semiconductors have emerged as a critical issue in the upcoming local elections. With stocks of semiconductor companies like Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix soaring, public interest has surged around topics such as national dividends, union strikes, and the implementation of a special semiconductor law. On May 17, candidates for Gyeonggi Province’s local and district offices from the People Power Party held a press conference at the party's headquarters in Suwon. They voiced strong criticism regarding the government's proposed implementation guidelines for the special semiconductor law, which reportedly includes a requirement that semiconductor clusters be located outside the Greater Seoul area. This has sparked complaints of "discrimination against the Greater Seoul area" from candidates representing southern Gyeonggi cities such as Icheon, Yongin, Suwon, Hwaseong, Pyeongtaek, and Ansung. The southern Gyeonggi region is a key hub for the domestic semiconductor industry, housing significant manufacturing, materials, components, equipment, research and development (R&D), specialized personnel, and infrastructure. Yang Hyang-ja, the People Power Party candidate for Gyeonggi Governor, stated, "Semiconductors are not just an industry; they are the future of South Korea and a core national security industry. We need to achieve balanced development by enhancing existing industrial bases while also nurturing new ones." Yang, who began her career as a research assistant in Samsung's semiconductor memory design department in 1985 and rose to an executive position in 2014, warned that excluding the Greater Seoul area from the semiconductor cluster could disrupt the supply chain concentrated there. She noted, "Countries like the U.S., Taiwan, and Japan are consolidating national resources around existing semiconductor hubs. If we exclude Gyeonggi Province, we cannot maintain our global competitiveness." Participants at the press conference issued a joint statement calling for the removal of the clause excluding the Greater Seoul area from the semiconductor cluster, the realistic establishment of criteria for semiconductor cluster designation, the application of regulatory exceptions for national strategic industries to existing semiconductor production bases, and a dual strategy of enhancing existing semiconductor production bases while developing new ones. Political analysts suggest that semiconductor issues are heating up the local elections. The significant profits generated for shareholders by semiconductor companies like Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, which have driven growth in the domestic stock market, are seen as a key factor. Many individual investors hold shares in these companies, making any factors affecting their stock prices a nationwide concern. Given the economic impact of semiconductor factories on Gyeonggi Province, the proposed guidelines could significantly influence public sentiment in the region. The demands from candidates like Yang for clear positions from Democratic Party candidates are closely related to this context. Additionally, political disputes over accountability for recent setbacks in the semiconductor industry have been recurring. On May 12, Kim Yong-beom, head of the Presidential Policy Office, suggested returning excess corporate tax revenue from the semiconductor boom to the public in the form of national dividends, which drew criticism from conservative factions. Park Chung-kwon, spokesperson for the People Power Party's central election committee, condemned the proposal as a "state-led declaration of plunder," arguing that it undermines the foundations of a market economy and threatens to regress South Korea into a communist-style distribution system. The ongoing tensions between Samsung Electronics and its union, which has announced a strike, could also impact voter sentiment in the local elections. Given the nature of the semiconductor industry, the losses from a strike could be substantial. Concerns are rising in the industry that a disruption in supply stability could lead to diminished customer trust and weakened global competitiveness. If this results in a drop in stock prices, it could lead to a loss of shareholder confidence nationwide. A political insider remarked, "Given the recent stock market trends, a decline in Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix stock prices could directly affect public sentiment. If these events lead to a significant drop in stock prices, it could shift the focus from political disputes to fundamental economic issues, influencing voter behavior."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-17 18:11:21

Kim Jung-soo Takes Helm at Samyang Foods, Aiming for Second Growth Phase Kim Jung-soo, who spearheaded the success of the Buldak brand, is now focusing on the next growth strategy for Samyang Foods as he steps into the role of chairman. The company, which rose to prominence as a global food enterprise largely due to its Buldak Bokkeumyeon, is now preparing for a second leap forward by establishing local production facilities in China and expanding its global supply chain. On May 17, Samyang Foods reported that its revenue last year reached 2.3517 trillion won. This figure represents more than a 3.5-fold increase compared to the 642 billion won recorded in 2021 when Kim became vice chairman. During the same period, the operating profit margin surged from around 10% to 22%. Given that most food companies struggle to maintain single-digit profit margins amid rising costs and intensified competition, this achievement is remarkable. At the center of this growth is Kim Jung-soo. He drew inspiration for the development of Buldak Bokkeumyeon in 2011 after observing young people relieving stress at a spicy food restaurant in Myeongdong. Despite initial concerns about its spiciness and skepticism, Kim steadfastly promoted the product's identity as a spicy noodle. The subsequent rise of the 'Fire Noodle Challenge' on YouTube helped propel Buldak Bokkeumyeon into a global mega brand. Samyang Foods has ensured that this global trend does not fade into a mere fad. By linking the challenge culture in digital spaces to its marketing strategy, the company has cultivated the Buldak brand into a worldwide fan favorite. This innovative cycle has established a structure where consumer experiences with the product lead to digital content consumption, which in turn stimulates strong product sales. As a result, the Buldak brand is on the verge of surpassing 10 billion units sold, following the achievement of 9 billion units last year. The growth in international markets is evident in the figures. Samyang Foods' overseas sales surged from 93 billion won in 2016 to 1.8838 trillion won last year, nearly a 20-fold increase over nine years. Starting with its first $100 million export award in 2017, the company has consistently broken records, achieving $900 million in exports last year. The share of overseas sales has expanded from 26% to 80% during this period, with exports now reaching over 80 countries. Currently, Samyang Foods accounts for 60% of South Korea's total ramen exports. Samyang Foods is now accelerating investments in large-scale infrastructure to support global demand. A key focus is the establishment of a local production facility in China, the company's largest export market. Construction began in July 2022 in Jiaxing, Zhejiang Province, with the factory expected to be completed in 2027, capable of producing up to 1.13 billion units of Buldak Bokkeumyeon annually. Domestically, the Milyang factories 1 and 2, completed in 2022 and 2025 respectively, support an annual production capacity of up to 1.3 billion units. The company is also considering establishing additional global hubs, including regional offices. Kim is also focusing on shifting the brand's direction. At the 2023 Samyang Round Square Vision Declaration ceremony, he introduced the concept of 'Food for Thought,' emphasizing that food should serve as a medium for presenting ideas and attitudes beyond mere sustenance, aiming to expand the brand into an experience-based food company. Meanwhile, on May 12, Samyang Foods held a board meeting where it resolved to promote Kim Jung-soo to chairman. This marks a promotion approximately five years after he became vice chairman in December 2021. His official start date is June 1. A company representative stated, "This personnel change is part of our efforts to strengthen responsible management for global market expansion and enhancing corporate value."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-17 18:09:00

Former Trade Negotiator Kim Hyun-jong Appointed Co-Chair of KADEX 2026 The organizing committee for the Korea Defense Industry Exhibition (KADEX 2026) announced on May 17 that it has appointed Kim Hyun-jong, who played a key role in the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement and the termination of the U.S.-Korea missile guidelines, as the co-chair of KADEX 2026. KADEX 2026 has received applications from over 450 companies across 21 countries, with confirmed participation from ten nations, including the United States, Saudi Arabia, India, Canada, the Netherlands, Finland, Sweden, Vietnam, Latvia, and Portugal. Internationally, 63 companies from 20 countries will participate with 350 booths. Additionally, the committee has recently signed a contract with GLOBSEC, one of the world's top five security forums, which will feature more than four speakers at the ministerial level. The KADEX organizing committee stated, "By appointing Kim Hyun-jong, one of our country's leading experts in trade and security, we aim to maximize the effectiveness of Korea's representative defense exhibition." Kim, the new co-chair of KADEX, previously served as the head of the international trade advisory group during Lee Jae-myung's presidential campaign. During Roh Moo-hyun's presidency, he was the head of the Trade Negotiation Bureau at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, where he designed and concluded simultaneous FTA negotiations with 45 countries, including the U.S.-Korea FTA. Under the Moon Jae-in administration, he aggressively concluded the renegotiation of the U.S.-Korea FTA, securing exemptions from tariffs on Korean steel. Later, as the second deputy director of the National Security Office, he is credited with fully terminating the 42-year-old U.S.-Korea missile guidelines through negotiations with both the Trump and Biden administrations, thereby restoring South Korea's sovereignty over missiles and space launch vehicles. Eom Gi-hak, co-chair of KADEX 2026, remarked, "As K-defense aims to become one of the world's top four defense exporters, the addition of someone who has actually led defense technology sovereignty recovery and U.S.-Korea security negotiations will elevate KADEX's international status and credibility. The new co-chair will oversee the attraction of official foreign delegations and the establishment of government cooperation channels with major defense importers, enhancing overall international exchanges."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-17 18:06:00