Ruling Coalition Proposes Overhaul of Criminal Procedure Law Members of the ruling coalition and Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Young-ho called on June 5 for a complete abolition of the prosecution's investigative and directive powers, as well as a ban on excessive repeated summons, as part of a proposed overhaul of the criminal procedure law. During a press conference at the National Assembly, lawmakers Kim Yong-min, Kim Young-ho, Park Eun-jung of the Justice Reform Party, and independent lawmaker Choi Hyuk-jin stated, "We stand at a new starting point to realize complete democracy and the rule of law. We aim to propose a new criminal procedure law that fully implements the principles of separation of powers and due process in practical settings." They explained that the need for this amendment arose from the recent special committee investigation into allegations of politically motivated prosecutions, which highlighted the reality of prosecutorial abuse of power. They emphasized that demands to structurally control targeted investigations, information monopolization, and planned investigations that bypass due process have grown stronger. The proposed amendment advocates for the complete separation of investigative and prosecutorial powers by abolishing the prosecution's investigative and directive authority. They stressed that with the establishment of the Public Prosecution Office and the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency, it is essential to revise the provisions related to the prosecution's direct investigative powers, with the core principle being the separation of powers and mutual checks. Additionally, they aim to prevent attempts to transfer all cases to prosecutors under the 'complete case transfer principle' and to exercise 'investigative directive authority' over special judicial police officers. The new criminal procedure law would also include provisions to enhance practical human rights protections, such as banning excessive repeated summons and reducing detention periods to seven days. They proposed measures to curb the abuse of the prosecutor's warrant application and indictment powers, including the introduction of an objective duty for prosecutors, a citizen-led prosecution review committee, and strengthened provisions for dismissal of charges in cases of significant deviation. Furthermore, Kim Yong-min reiterated the need for the party to draft a new criminal procedure law amendment before the government proposal is released. He stated, "I suggested that the party create a separate proposal before the government plan was prepared, but I received feedback that it would be difficult before the local elections, so we created a separate proposal. This way, the National Assembly can quickly amend the government proposal during the legislative process."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-05 11:30:00

Jang Dong-hyuk Calls for Investigation into Election Ballot Shortage Jang Dong-hyuk, leader of the People Power Party, demanded a national investigation and a special prosecutor's inquiry into the ballot shortage that occurred during the June 3 local elections. In a post on his Facebook page, Jang stated, "We must uncover the truth and hold those responsible accountable." He emphasized, "The ballot shortage undermined the fairness of the election. It poses a serious threat to our liberal democracy," adding that the outcome of this situation could determine the future of democracy in South Korea. Jang criticized Lee Jae-myung, saying, "He referred to it as a 'hard-to-understand flaw' and expressed 'great regret.' Yet, he deployed police to forcibly remove citizens and ballots." He expressed his deep disappointment regarding the situation. He stated, "The counting should have been halted. The removal of ballots should have been prevented. I am sorry and ashamed that nothing was done to stop this reality," pledging to fight alongside the citizens until the end. Additionally, he strongly called for a swift national investigation and the appointment of a special prosecutor, insisting that Na Tae-ack, the chairman, the secretary-general, and all members of the Election Commission should resign in light of this incident. He warned that if they refuse, the party would pursue impeachment immediately. He also urged the formation of a parliamentary special committee for Election Commission reform, stating that it has surpassed the level of being entrusted to the Commission itself.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-05 11:30:00

Spiritual Asia: Daejonggyo, Hongik Ingan, and the Future in the AI Era Throughout the history of human civilization, great cultures have always developed on two pillars: material civilization and spiritual civilization. While material civilization has enriched human life, spiritual civilization has provided answers to fundamental questions about existence, the purpose of society, and the direction of nations. The roads and legions of Rome built an empire, but it was the law and philosophy that defined what it meant to be Roman. Similarly, China was supported not only by the Yellow and Yangtze Rivers but also by the spiritual culture created by Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism. India is remembered more for the philosophical legacies of the Vedas, Upanishads, and Bhagavad Gita than for its vast territory. Today, humanity is navigating another significant civilizational shift. Artificial intelligence is learning human language, robots are taking over human labor, and algorithms are encroaching on human judgment. However, as technology advances, humans are confronted with even more fundamental questions. Who are we?Where do we come from?Where are we going?And what should we live for?Religion, philosophy, and sacred texts have sought to answer these questions. The Korean people have also addressed these inquiries in their own way over the centuries. The Cheonbugyeong explains the order of the universe, the Samil Sin-go discusses the heaven within humanity, and the Chamjeong Gyeong teaches how humans should live. A significant movement that aimed to carry on this tradition of spiritual culture into modernity was Daejonggyo. Understanding Daejonggyo merely as a religion may overlook its historical significance. It emerged as a spiritual movement to preserve the national spirit during a time of losing sovereignty, served as an important ideological foundation for the independence movement, and sought to modernize the unique Korean ideal of Hongik Ingan. The revival of Daejonggyo by Na Cheol in 1909 was no coincidence. The Korean Empire was on the brink of collapse, and the fate of the nation hung by a thread. Japan was exerting military pressure on Korea, and national self-esteem was crumbling. Na Cheol viewed this crisis not merely as a political one but as a crisis of national spirit. He believed that while territory could be seized by force, the spirit of the nation could not be taken away. Thus, he reinterpreted Dangun not as a mythical figure but as a symbol of Korean spiritual history. Following this, Daejonggyo transcended being a mere religious organization to become a spiritual stronghold of the independence movement, particularly in Manchuria and the northern Gando region. Daejonggyo established schools, educated youth, and taught national identity. It posed the question, "Who are we?" to a people who had lost their country, seeking answers in the spirit of Dangun and Hongik Ingan. Seoil, who succeeded Na Cheol, further developed this movement. He was deeply involved in the Declaration of Independence and the activities of the Northern Military Government, dedicating himself to training independence fighters and promoting national education. General Kim Jwa-jin, a hero of the Battle of Cheongsanri, also grew in this spiritual environment. The independence fighters' ability to endure the harsh winters of Manchuria was not solely due to weapons; they were driven by a sense of mission and spiritual conviction to reclaim their nation. Yoon Se-bok, a leader of Daejonggyo, is another key figure. He dedicated his life to the revival of national culture alongside the independence movement. Yoon believed that political independence alone was insufficient; true national revival required both spiritual independence and cultural self-reliance. This perspective later significantly influenced the study of history and national culture in Korea. At this point, we recall Dasuk Yoo Yeong-mo. Dasuk was not a thinker confined to a specific religion. He explored Christianity, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, and the traditional spirit of the Korean people. What Dasuk pursued throughout his life was the heaven that resides within humanity. He viewed awakening human nature and restoring inner spirituality as essential tasks of life. One of Dasuk's frequently emphasized ideas was that truth is one, but the paths to it are many. This resonates with the Cheonbugyeong's concept of 'Ilshi Musil.' The teachings of Daejonggyo, which speak of the universe's order starting from one and returning to one, the divinity within humanity, and a life that benefits the world, share significant common ground with Dasuk's thoughts. While Yoon Se-bok spoke of the spirit of the nation, Dasuk spoke of the spirit of humanity. However, both sought to find fundamental values that make humans truly human. Even after the founding of the Republic of Korea, the spirit of Daejonggyo continued in various forms. The first Minister of Education, Ahn Ho-sang, played a crucial role in establishing Hongik Ingan as the educational philosophy of South Korea. The spirit of Hongik Ingan, as enshrined in the current Education Basic Act, is not merely rhetoric; it represents the core values of the spiritual culture accumulated by the Korean people over the years, institutionalized as national educational philosophy. Hongik Ingan is not just a nationalistic slogan. This spirit of benefiting humanity widely encompasses universal values of human dignity, community ethics, freedom, and responsibility. In this regard, Hongik Ingan can also be connected to the sustainability pursued by today's global civil society. Recently, the Hongshan culture relics discovered in the Liaoning region of China and Inner Mongolia have sparked new interest in the study of ancient civilizations in Northeast Asia. Some researchers believe that Hongshan culture may provide important clues for studying the ancient culture of the Korean people. However, the direct connection between Hongshan culture and the Cheonbugyeong or Samil Sin-go remains an area requiring careful scholarly examination. What is clear is the need for more vigorous efforts to explore the roots of our ancient history and the origins of Northeast Asian civilization. History is a discipline that illuminates the past but also prepares for the future. Just as a tree that loses its roots cannot survive long, a nation that loses its history and spirit cannot endure. While South Korea has achieved industrialization, democratization, and informatization, it is now time to contemplate the advancement of spiritual culture. Today, Daejonggyo faces new challenges. It must not remain confined to commemorating the past. There is a need to reinterpret the spirits of the Cheonbugyeong, Samil Sin-go, and Chamjeong Gyeong in contemporary language and connect them to modern society. Especially in the age of AI, the question of why we use technology is becoming more important than how we use it. Artificial intelligence can mimic human intelligence, but whether it can replace human conscience remains uncertain. Technology is a powerful tool, but it does not set its own purpose. Ultimately, humans must determine the direction. One of the values that can guide that direction is Hongik Ingan. Creating a society where humans and AI work together to benefit humanity, rather than one where AI dominates humans, could be a new interpretation of Hongik Ingan for the 21st century. The future tasks of Daejonggyo lie here. It must restore the soul of the nation, explore the roots of history and culture, and provide future generations with a direction for a dignified life. This is not a return to the past but a creation of the future. The Cheonbugyeong speaks of the order of the universe, the Samil Sin-go speaks of the heaven within humanity, and the Chamjeong Gyeong speaks of a life that benefits the world. Ultimately, all these teachings culminate in the concept of Hongik Ingan. As the AI era deepens, humanity needs deeper philosophy rather than more technology. The questions left by our ancestors thousands of years ago remain relevant today. What is the universe?Who is humanity?How should we live? The answers ultimately converge into one: Illuminate yourself and benefit the world. Hongik Ingan.This may be the oldest future left by the Korean people and one of the most precious spiritual legacies that South Korea can contribute to the world.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-05 11:27:00

Audience Cheers as U.S. Congress Moves to Regulate Chinese Robot A Chinese humanoid robot captivated audiences on a popular U.S. talent show, receiving a standing ovation, while U.S. lawmakers simultaneously pushed for legislation labeling it a national security threat. According to China's state-run Xinhua News Agency and Hong Kong's SCMP, the humanoid robot G1 from the Chinese company Unitary made its debut on NBC's 'America's Got Talent' on June 2. The performance featured eight G1 robots alongside renowned Chinese dancer Wu Yifei, showcasing tumbling and synchronized dance routines. The robots executed intricate movements, changing formations and seamlessly coordinating with the lead dancer. Following the performance, both the audience and judges erupted in applause. Judges praised the act, with comments like, "It's unbelievable, but fantastic," and "Perfect," unanimously advancing the robots to the next round. The video posted on the official YouTube channel garnered over a million views within a day, sparking significant online interest. However, the following day, U.S. Congress introduced a regulatory bill targeting Chinese-made robots. According to Yonhap News Agency, the 'GUARD Act,' co-sponsored by Rep. John Molinaro, chair of the House China Special Committee, asserts that Chinese robots could pose threats to U.S. critical infrastructure and labor markets. Molinaro specifically warned that Unitary receives substantial subsidies from the Chinese government, which could represent an "existential threat" to the U.S. robotics industry. Experts suggest this incident highlights the contrasting perceptions of Chinese technology within American society. Kyle Chan, a researcher at the Brookings Institution, told SCMP, "The reactions surrounding Unitary illustrate the differing views between the general public and lawmakers regarding Chinese technology." Chan also noted that despite Chinese drone manufacturer DJI's dominance in the U.S. market, it has faced national security scrutiny, similar to the regulatory pressures on the video platform TikTok. Meanwhile, Unitary is actively pursuing global market expansion, recently announcing plans for a new humanoid robot in collaboration with NVIDIA.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-05 11:24:00

Special Prosecutors Investigate Former Presidential Secretary Yoon Jae-soon for Abuse of Power The special prosecutor team, led by Kwon Chang-young, is intensifying its investigation into allegations surrounding the relocation of the presidential residence by summoning former presidential chief secretary Yoon Jae-soon for questioning. On June 5, the special prosecutor's office announced in a media statement that it is investigating Yoon as a suspect for abuse of power, having summoned him for questioning starting at 10 a.m. today. Yoon, who oversaw the practical aspects of the presidential residence's relocation in 2022, is accused of illegally reallocating 2.8 billion won from the Ministry of the Interior and Safety's budget to pay an unqualified contractor, 21 Gram. The special prosecutor's team believes that despite objections from relevant departments, Yoon and other officials from the Yoon Suk-yeol administration, including former chief of staff Kim Dae-ki, directed the illegal reallocation of the budget from the Ministry of the Interior and Safety's Government Building Management Headquarters. They are currently under investigation and detention. Additionally, the special prosecutor's team has determined that former Interior Minister Lee Sang-min was also involved in the process, questioning him as a suspect for abuse of power the day before. They have gathered testimonies indicating that Lee retaliated against employees who opposed the budget reallocation by excluding them from promotions and applying pressure. Furthermore, the special prosecutor's team is continuing its investigation into potential involvement from higher-ups, including former President Yoon Suk-yeol, during the relocation process. The detention period for Yoon and Kim is set to expire on June 10. The special prosecutor's team plans to conclude its investigation and decide on charges before this deadline. Given the urgency of the matter, a direct investigation into former President Yoon is expected to take place soon.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-05 11:18:00

KOSPI slides on semiconductor-led broad sell-off SEOUL, June 5 (AJP) - South Korean stocks fell sharply on Friday as investors took profits from a recent rally, with heavyweight semiconductor shares leading declines after an overnight sell-off in U.S. chipmakers. The benchmark KOSPI fell 6.26 percent to 8,098.52 in early trade, while the junior KOSDAQ dropped 4.65 percent to 1,000.9. The won also weakened further, trading at 1,531.70 against the dollar, compared with a previous close of 1,529.70. Semiconductor-related shares remained under heavy selling pressure despite expectations surrounding Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang's visit to Seoul later in the day and potential cooperation with local tech firms. Samsung Electronics fell 7.18 percent to 326,250 won and SK Hynix dropped 8.83 percent to 209,500 won, with Samsung's preferred shares losing 5.45 percent to 208,000 won and SK Square sliding 9.40 percent to 123,300 won. Samsung Electro-Mechanics slipped 4.37 percent to 1,641,000 won, LG Energy Solution fell 2.96 percent to 409,500 won, Samsung Life Insurance lost 9.02 percent to 398,500 won, Samsung C&T tumbled 16.73 percent to 445,500 won and Doosan Enerbility declined 6.15 percent to 93,100 won. Samsung Biologics was relatively resilient, edging down 0.74 percent to 1,340,000 won. Automakers also came under pressure. Hyundai Motor fell 6.00 percent to 658,000 won, Kia declined 4.93 percent to 156,200 won and Hyundai Mobis dropped 9.22 percent to 679,000 won. Among the gainers, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries rose 0.61 percent to 655,000 won, and KB Financial Group gained 3.59 percent to 170,100 won, bucking the broader market downturn. The retreat came despite another record-setting session for major U.S. equity benchmarks. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.73 percent to close at an all-time high of 51,561.93, and the S&P 500 gained 0.41 percent. The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite, however, slipped 0.09 percent as investors rotated out of high-flying semiconductor names and into sectors that had lagged the broader rally. The biggest losses were seen in semiconductor stocks. Broadcom plunged 12.59 percent after its quarterly results failed to meet investors' high expectations. Memory-chip maker Micron Technology dropped 7.74 percent, and SanDisk lost 3.92 percent. The Philadelphia Semiconductor Index fell 2.15 percent. But easing geopolitical concerns over the prolonged Middle East conflict helped cushion broader market losses, as lower oil prices would ease inflationary pressures and support equities outside the technology sector. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures fell 3.1 percent to $93.04 a barrel, and Brent crude declined 2.8 percent to $95.03. U.S. Treasury yields edged lower, with the benchmark 10-year yield slipping to 4.47 percent as weaker economic data and falling oil prices eased inflation concerns. Meanwhile, Asian markets were mostly lower. Japan's Nikkei 225 dropped 1.43 percent to 66,505.61, Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index lost 0.41 percent to 25,148.76, while China's Shanghai Composite bucked the trend, rising 0.17 percent to 4,064.85. 2026-06-05 11:12:07

April Current Account Surplus Reaches $28.29 Billion, Yearly Total Exceeds $100 Billion Strong semiconductor exports have propelled South Korea to record a current account surplus of over $28.29 billion in April. The cumulative surplus for the year has now surpassed $100 billion through April. According to preliminary statistics released by the Bank of Korea on June 5, the current account for April was recorded at a surplus of $28.29 billion (approximately 43.37 trillion won). This marks the second-largest surplus on record, following March's surplus of $37.93 billion. The country has maintained a current account surplus for 36 consecutive months, the second-longest streak since the 2000s. Notably, the cumulative current account surplus for the first four months of this year reached $102.67 billion, which is 4.3 times higher than the $24 billion recorded during the same period last year. Additionally, the annual surplus for 2024 has already been surpassed within just four months. Yoo Sung-wook, head of the Bank of Korea's Financial Statistics Department, stated, "The current account surplus for April is the largest ever recorded for that month, exceeding $20 billion for three consecutive months for the first time in history." He added, "In comparison with major countries, our surplus of $74.4 billion in the first quarter was the second highest after China. Last year, we ranked fifth behind China, Germany, Japan, and Taiwan, but in the first quarter of this year, we surpassed Japan, Taiwan, and Germany." On an annual basis, Taiwan has had a larger surplus than South Korea since 2019. Last year, Taiwan's surplus exceeded South Korea's by about $57 billion, but in the first quarter of this year, South Korea's surplus was approximately $12 billion higher. In April, the surplus in goods was recorded at $33.88 billion, marking the second highest ever, following March's $35.68 billion. Exports totaled $90.59 billion, a 54.5% increase from a year earlier, also ranking as the second highest after March's $94.9 billion. The information technology (IT) sector, particularly semiconductors and computer peripherals, continued to perform well, while non-IT items were influenced by rising oil product prices. Notable increases were seen in computer peripherals (411.3%), semiconductors (171.4%), oil products (39.4%), and chemical products (10.7%). Imports also rose by 16.1% to $56.7 billion. Capital goods imports increased by 27.7%, driven by semiconductor manufacturing equipment (55.5%), semiconductors (52.8%), and information and communication devices (23.8%). Raw material imports rose by 12.3%, led by coal (26.7%), chemical products (21.3%), and crude oil (13.1%), while consumer goods imports increased by 4.9%. The services account recorded a deficit of $2.42 billion. Although this was an improvement from a deficit of $2.7 billion in April of last year, it was larger than the previous month's deficit of $1.31 billion. Within the services account, the travel balance showed a deficit of $30 million, reverting to a deficit after a surplus of $14 million in March, the first in 11 months. However, the number of inbound travelers exceeded 2 million in both March and April, reducing the deficit compared to April of last year, which was $530 million. The primary income account shifted from a surplus of $3.59 billion in March to a deficit of $2.53 billion in April. This change was attributed to seasonal dividend payments and an increase in the dividend payout ratio among major companies, resulting in a shift from a surplus of $2.71 billion in dividend income to a deficit of $3.02 billion. The financial account recorded a net increase of $25.46 billion in assets (assets minus liabilities), a decrease from the previous month's increase of $36.99 billion. Direct investment saw an increase of $6.24 billion in domestic investments abroad, while foreign investments in South Korea decreased by $1.36 billion. In securities investment, domestic investments abroad increased by $8.22 billion, primarily in stocks, while foreign investments in South Korea rose by $3.51 billion, mainly in bonds. Foreign investments in domestic stocks, which saw a record decline of $29.33 billion in March, decreased by $1.24 billion in April, indicating a reduction in the rate of decline. Improved investor sentiment, due to easing tensions in the Middle East and positive earnings reports from domestic semiconductor companies, contributed to the weakening of the sell-off. Foreign investments in debt securities turned around from a decrease of $4.72 billion in March to an increase of $4.75 billion in April, aided by the inclusion in the World Government Bond Index (WGBI).* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-05 11:12:00

South Korea and Serbia Finalize First Free Trade Agreement in the Balkans South Korea has reached an agreement with Serbia on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), marking the first free trade agreement (FTA) in the Balkans. This deal is expected to enhance opportunities for South Korean companies in the Western Balkans and European markets, while expanding the foundation for cooperation in supply chains and future industries such as minerals. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced that Yeo Han-goo, head of the Trade Negotiation Headquarters, officially declared the conclusion of the CEPA negotiations with Serbia's Minister of Internal and Foreign Trade, Jagoda Lazarević, in Belgrade on June 5 (local time). The CEPA negotiations were initiated during the 2023 Korea-Serbia summit. Following the start of negotiations in September 2024, the first official talks were held in December of the same year, culminating in the completion of discussions across 12 chapters. Serbia, emerging as a manufacturing hub in Europe, boasts an extensive network of FTAs and is gaining attention as a new partner amid rising costs in major Eastern European production centers. The agreement is expected to foster collaboration in various sectors, including automotive, information technology, renewable energy, and nuclear power. South Korean mobility companies, including domestic auto parts manufacturers, have already been actively entering the Serbian market. Additionally, there are expectations for expanded cooperation in advanced industry supply chains utilizing lithium and other materials. Serbia is home to the Zadar project, one of Europe's largest lithium deposits. As China weaponizes key minerals like rare earth elements, the need for supply chain diversification through collaboration with Serbia is becoming increasingly important. The Korea-Serbia CEPA is based on a high level of market openness. Both parties agreed to eliminate tariffs on over 90.2% of items by number and over 96% by import value. Furthermore, Serbia, which is not a member of the World Trade Organization's Information Technology Agreement (ITA), has committed to abolishing tariffs of up to 25% on semiconductor and electronic products. The agreement opens the market for eco-friendly vehicles, including electric and hybrid cars, and eliminates tariffs on all automotive parts immediately. With expectations for growth in exports of consumer goods like K-food and K-beauty to Europe, tariffs on these items will also be removed. Moreover, tariffs on Serbian lithium, cobalt, nickel, graphite, and rare earth elements will be eliminated immediately or within five years. This is anticipated to stabilize the supply chain for key raw materials in South Korea's advanced industries, such as batteries and semiconductors. Tariffs on feed and processed corn, which account for over 40% of Serbia's exports to Korea, will be eliminated immediately and over ten years, respectively. However, market access for sensitive agricultural products like rice, natural honey, strawberries, and other fruits, meat, and dairy products will be minimized to achieve a balance of mutual benefits. Additionally, agreements were reached on origin rules, expedited customs and trade facilitation, intellectual property protection, technical regulations (TBT), and sanitary and phytosanitary measures (SPS), as well as economic cooperation. The government plans to swiftly proceed with follow-up procedures for formal signing, including legal reviews and translations of the agreement, and to ensure a smooth process for economic impact assessments and parliamentary ratification. Yeo Han-goo stated, "The conclusion of the Korea-Serbia CEPA will serve as a stepping stone to elevate economic cooperation with Serbia, a key partner in the Western Balkans. In the rapidly changing trade environment marked by the spread of protectionism and the restructuring of global supply chains, this agreement is significant not only for market openness but also for building a cooperative platform in future industries such as supply chains, energy and minerals, AI, and biotechnology."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-05 11:03:00

Government to Create 'Vault' for Manufacturing Data Management for M.AX The government is establishing a secure infrastructure for storing and managing manufacturing data to facilitate the transition to manufacturing artificial intelligence (M.AX). A key component of this initiative is the creation of a 'manufacturing data library' and the establishment of a 'clean room' to prevent external data leaks. On June 5, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy held the '3rd M.AX Expert Conference' with industry, academia, and research experts to announce these plans. Amid the global AI competition, the government is promoting the advancement of the manufacturing sector, where South Korea has a competitive edge. High-quality manufacturing data held by companies is seen as a strategic asset essential for the country’s goal of becoming a leader in M.AX. The government believes that creating an environment and infrastructure where both manufacturing and AI companies can thrive is crucial for the success of M.AX. To this end, the Ministry is working with over 1,500 manufacturing and AI companies, as well as academic and research institutions, to build an ecosystem for securing and utilizing manufacturing data through the M.AX Alliance, which consists of 11 sectors. However, companies are understandably concerned about the potential leakage of their manufacturing data, which includes intellectual property such as core technologies and production know-how. For companies to provide data for subsequent research and development projects, a secure data storage and management infrastructure must be established first. The government plans to create a 'manufacturing data library' to systematically manage the data provided by companies. This library will house high-quality manufacturing data and will implement specific devices and procedures to prevent data leaks and ensure security. Data will only be accessible within the clean room, which is isolated from external access, and external transfers will be prohibited. Access to the data will also require a separate review process. This approach stems from the understanding that the key to AI competitiveness lies not in simple algorithms, but in high-quality training data. Recent analyses in the generative AI market indicate that differences in model performance are largely determined by the quality and scale of data, intensifying the competition for industrial data acquisition. As the establishment of the library will take time, the Ministry has been using the 'Manufacturing AI Solution Development Support Center' operated by the Korea Electronics Technology Institute since May as a temporary base to store data acquired from AI factory projects. By the end of the year, the Ministry plans to develop a prototype of a manufacturing AI foundation model using this data and will conduct field applications and performance validations with participating companies in the M.AX Alliance. Kim Sung-yeol, Director of the Ministry's Industrial Growth Office, stated, "The core of our industrial competitiveness in the AI era lies in manufacturing data and AI models tailored to specific industries. To collect and utilize high-quality manufacturing data, we must create an environment where both data-holding companies and AI firms can benefit mutually."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-05 11:03:00

South Korea Discusses Resource Security Cooperation with Aramco Amid ongoing uncertainties from the Middle East conflict, the South Korean government has engaged in discussions with Saudi Arabia's state-owned oil company, Aramco, regarding resource security cooperation. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced that Deputy Minister Moon Shin-hak met with Mohammed Y. Al-Qahtani, President of Aramco's Downstream sector, in Seoul on June 5. This meeting was held during Al-Qahtani's visit to South Korea, where both sides focused on long-term resource security cooperation, including stable supply of crude oil and naphtha, as well as expanding collaboration in plant construction. Since the onset of the Middle East conflict, the South Korean government has been working diligently to address supply challenges caused by the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. It has strengthened cooperation with major oil-producing countries, including Oman and Saudi Arabia, to secure crude oil and naphtha. Ensuring a stable supply of naphtha, a key raw material for the petrochemical industry, is crucial for maintaining the competitiveness of South Korea's petrochemical sector. Deputy Minister Moon expressed gratitude for Aramco's active cooperation in securing stable supplies of key resources such as crude oil and naphtha since his visit to Saudi Arabia as a special envoy for strategic economic cooperation in April. He also requested Aramco's continued interest and proactive collaboration to ensure access to necessary energy resources for South Korea in the event of supply chain disruptions. Both parties discussed the potential for collaboration through the utilization of strategic petroleum reserves and oil storage infrastructure to enhance their resource security capabilities. They agreed to continue exploring areas of cooperation, particularly to facilitate collaboration between Aramco, which plays a key role in major energy projects, and South Korean companies with the necessary execution capabilities. The Ministry stated, "We will maintain close communication channels with Aramco to solidify cooperation on resource security, including oil supply, and actively support our companies' efforts to secure plant contracts in the Middle East."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-05 11:03:00