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SK hynix scraps degree requirements in major hiring push for AI era SEOUL, June 17 (AJP) - South Korean chipmaker SK hynix said on Wednesday it has completely abolished educational requirements for its new recruitment drive, shifting its focus to practical skills and growth potential as it gears up for the artificial intelligence era. Starting with its latest rolling recruitment that opened Wednesday, the world's second-largest memory chipmaker has removed the traditional prerequisite of a "four-year bachelor's degree or higher" from its job postings. Under the new system, applicants will be evaluated purely on their experience, job competency, and cultural fit, allowing anyone to apply and be hired regardless of their academic background, the company said in a statement. The structural shift aligns with SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won's recent vision for talent in the AI era. Chey recently emphasized the importance of three core "muscles" for future employees: a "thinking muscle" to ask questions and probe the essence of problems, an "adaptability muscle" to respond agilely to technological shifts, and an "empathy muscle" for flexible collaboration and understanding diversity. A company official explained that conventional degrees and standard resumes are no longer sufficient to gauge a candidate's potential in the fast-evolving AI sector, prompting the company to revamp its recruitment criteria to find creative problem solvers. In an unusually large move for a rolling recruitment period, SK hynix plans to hire hundreds of new employees for key engineering positions, including semiconductor design, to lead next-generation chip development. The company aims to aggressively recruit high-potential talent to secure future growth engines and solidify its competitive edge in the global AI semiconductor market, while also contributing to broader youth employment. Applications for the current hiring round will be accepted through June 23 via the company's recruitment portal. 2026-06-17 10:38:16 -
CJ CheilJedang Launches 'Sobaba' as Independent Chicken Brand to Meet Dining and Delivery Demand CJ CheilJedang announced on June 17 that it has launched its flagship frozen chicken product, 'Sobaba Chicken,' as an independent chicken specialty brand. The company aims to attract dining and delivery chicken demand into the home meal replacement (HMR) market by emphasizing taste quality comparable to dining out, reasonable pricing, and convenience. Sobaba Chicken was first introduced in 2023 under the premium HMR brand 'Gourmet' and has since become one of CJ CheilJedang's top-selling products. As of the first quarter of this year, cumulative sales reached 250 billion won, with total sales volume hitting 25 million units. With the launch of the independent brand, CJ CheilJedang has added a new lineup called 'Sobaba Goldenholic' targeting the fried chicken market, alongside existing products such as soy honey, seasoned honey, and Massokick. The 'Sobaba Goldenholic Fried Boneless Chicken,' released at the end of March, surpassed 6 billion won in sales within three months, with sales volume approaching 1 million units. The newly launched 'Sobaba Goldenholic Fried Bone-in Chicken' can be cooked in an air fryer in just 14 minutes. It features a unique 'culinary making method' that creates a thin, crispy coating and enhances flavor with olive oil. Each pack contains half a chicken, including thighs, wings, and breast. A digital marketing campaign celebrating the brand launch is currently underway. A campaign video released on June 12 across YouTube and Instagram has garnered over 14 million views within three days. Inspired by the theme 'A Unique Bird Among Chickens,' this campaign is notable for being the first in South Korea to simultaneously produce animated and live-action content, showcasing a distinct identity. The video tells the story of the protagonist, 'Chris P,' rediscovering the romance of warm, crispy chicken, featuring singer and actor Hwang Min-hyun to enhance viewer engagement. CJ CheilJedang will operate a pop-up store titled 'Sobaba with Hwang Min-hyun' in Seongsu-dong, Seoul, from June 19 to 21. The venue will offer dine-in, takeout, and delivery options, with experience zones and photo spots available. On the opening day, brand model Hwang Min-hyun will make an appearance. Additionally, a special booth at Incheon Munhak Baseball Stadium will sell the 'Sobaba Set,' which includes chicken and beer, throughout the remainder of the baseball regular season. A CJ CheilJedang representative stated, "Sobaba started as a single product and has gained significant consumer love, leading to its launch as an independent chicken specialty brand. We will continue to introduce various flavors and types of chicken, expanding consumer choices and growing the brand to encompass the dining and delivery market." According to the Korea Rural Economic Institute, the domestic HMR market has grown from 3.4 trillion won in 2017 to over 6 trillion won in 2023, with estimates nearing 7 trillion won last year.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-17 10:36:00 -
Labor Minister Kim Young-hoon: Safe Workplaces Require Government and Corporate Commitment Kim Young-hoon, the Minister of Employment and Labor, stated on June 17 that "a safe workplace will be achieved when government policies and corporate sincerity are implemented together on the ground." He expressed hope that a collaborative model for protecting mobile workers would spread nationwide. Minister Kim made these remarks during the "2026 Mobile Workers Water Distribution Campaign" held at Jangtong Bridge in Jung-gu, Seoul. The event aims to prevent heat-related illnesses among mobile workers who operate outdoors for extended periods and to establish a culture of safe breaks in the field. In March, the Ministry of Labor announced it would provide 500,000 bottles of Jeju Samdasoo water free of charge to 152 mobile worker rest areas across the country. This water distribution system is set to operate until the end of August. Last month, the ministry signed an agreement with eight major delivery platform companies to promote a safe and healthy work environment for delivery workers, aiming to foster a culture of taking breaks while delivering across local jurisdictions. Additionally, labor authorities have developed a "heat stress management system" using advanced technology to address heat exposure in vulnerable worker groups, including mobile workers, through public-private partnerships. Minister Kim described the water distribution campaign as an extension of two significant social commitments made by the government, public institutions, and private companies, emphasizing it as a prompt response to the voices from the field and an expansion of the value of "safety" that prioritizes people. He added, "A refreshing sip of water under the blazing sun and the shade to escape the heat are the most effective preventive measures against accidents and symbolize respect for labor for mobile workers." He noted that the government is undertaking a 28 billion won initiative to provide preventive equipment aimed at eliminating heat exposure in industrial workplaces. He urged, "Even if you are busy, please make sure to take breaks and enjoy a cool sip of water while delivering. I sincerely hope that all mobile workers can work safely and healthily without injuries this summer."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-17 10:32:00 -
Minister Kim Seong-hwan Inspects Flood Response and Ecological Conservation in Seomjin River Basin The government conducted an on-site inspection of the Seomjin River basin ahead of the summer flood season, which begins on June 21. On June 17, the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment reported that Minister Kim Seong-hwan traveled along the main river from the Seomjin River Dam in Jeonbuk to the estuary in Gwangyang, Jeonnam, to assess dam operations, river management, and the conservation of wetlands and brackish ecosystems. The government has designated the period from June 21 to September 20 as the summer flood season and plans to implement a response system for heavy rainfall. Minister Kim first visited the Seomjin River Dam to review the status of water supply and quality management, flood season dam operation strategies, and measures against algal blooms. The Seomjin River Dam, constructed in 1965, is the country's first multipurpose dam, supplying water to the Dongjin River basin and the lower Seomjin River. The government aims to secure a flood control capacity of approximately 300 million tons in preparation for the flood season. Minister Kim urged relevant agencies, including the Yeongsan River Flood Control Center, Korea Water Resources Corporation, Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, and Korea Rural Community Corporation, to establish a rapid response system linking dams, agricultural reservoirs, and rivers in the basin. He also called for enhanced preventive measures against major pollution sources, such as managing compost piles, in anticipation of algal blooms during the rainy season. He then visited the Seomjin River Flood Control Office in Namwon, Jeonbuk, to inspect the status of river management and flood response systems. The Seomjin River basin experienced significant damage during heavy rains in 2020, resulting in 400.8 billion won in property damage and eight fatalities. Minister Kim requested that relevant agencies ensure thorough responses and prioritize public safety. Minister Kim also toured key ecological conservation areas in the Seomjin River basin. He checked the status of wetland conservation and management at the Jimsil Wetland in Gokseong, Jeonnam, and assessed the habitat conditions for the endangered otter, classified as a first-grade endangered species, at the Gurye Otter Ecological Park. Additionally, he visited the confluence of the Seomjin River and Boseong River to listen to local environmental activists and examined the habitat of the freshwater clam and the management of brackish ecosystems at Songnim Park in Hadong and Baedaldo Waterfront Park in Gwangyang. Minister Kim emphasized the need to strengthen monitoring of environmental factors such as water flow and salinity changes and to continue efforts to conserve the ecosystem at the estuary of the Seomjin River. "The Seomjin River is the fourth longest river in our country and has the healthiest aquatic ecosystem among the five major rivers," Minister Kim stated. "We will strengthen integrated management of the basin to create a sustainable Seomjin River where nature and people coexist." * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-17 10:32:00 -
Hana Bank to Lead Financing for Wando Geumil Offshore Wind Farm Hana Bank is set to provide financial support for the Wando Geumil Offshore Wind Farm project. The bank plans to actively participate throughout the entire process, including direct investments during the development phase in addition to financial investments.On June 17, Hana Bank announced that it has signed a financing agreement for the Wando Geumil Offshore Wind Farm, which is the largest eco-friendly infrastructure project in South Korea.This agreement is part of a memorandum of understanding signed in February with Korea Southern Power for the Wando Geumil Offshore Wind Project. The project aims to establish a 600-megawatt offshore wind farm in Geumil-eup, Wando-gun, Jeollanam-do.The project company, Wando Geumil Offshore Wind, and Hana Bank plan to collaborate throughout the entire process, from the pre-project financing phase to development, construction, and operation.Additionally, Hana Bank will pursue direct investments using the Hana All Growth Infrastructure Fund, established through Hana Alternative Investment Asset Management in March. This initiative aims to support the project during the challenging funding phase of development, ensuring its stable progress.A representative from Hana Bank stated, "We will continue to actively serve as a financial platform connecting public institutions, private companies, and institutional investors, leading the expansion of domestic eco-friendly and renewable energy infrastructure."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-17 10:28:00 -
Korean researchers develop AI-driven process for next-gen 2D chips SEOUL, June 17 (AJP) - South Korean researchers have developed a system that lets artificial intelligence diagnose and control the manufacturing of next-generation two-dimensional semiconductors as thin as a single atomic layer, a breakthrough that could ease one of the industry's persistent production hurdles. The Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM) said Wednesday that a team led by senior researcher Kim Hyeong-woo had combined low-temperature plasma processing with machine-learning analysis to synthesize and etch six-inch wafers of 2D semiconductors such as molybdenum disulfide and tungsten disulfide. Conventional 2D chip fabrication relies on high-temperature methods that strain substrates, limit compatibility with existing production lines and make uniform large-area output difficult. KIMM's approach operates at about 150 degrees Celsius, minimizing thermal damage while enabling single-step, atomic-layer etching that lifts both efficiency and yield. The team captured real-time optical and gas-mass data using diagnostic tools including optical emission spectroscopy and time-of-flight mass spectrometry, then fed the readings into machine-learning models to predict film thickness down to the atomic layer. The sensors tap into existing equipment view ports, allowing the technology to be deployed without modifying production machinery. "This research is meaningful in that it implemented a six-inch wafer-scale 2D semiconductor process at the atomic-layer level in a low-temperature environment," Kim said, adding that the data-driven method had markedly improved process reproducibility and productivity. The institute said the technology could be applied across AI chips, next-generation electronic devices and displays, and may evolve into a core tool for autonomous, intelligent semiconductor manufacturing as process data accumulates. 2026-06-17 10:26:00 -
Korea Electric Power Corp. Rises on Peace Deal Hopes with Iran Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) is showing strong performance early in the trading session, buoyed by expectations of improved earnings following peace prospects between the U.S. and Iran. The easing of geopolitical risks in the Middle East is believed to be stimulating investor sentiment by potentially stabilizing energy prices. According to the Korea Exchange, as of 10:11 a.m. on June 17, KEPCO's stock was trading at 41,150 won, up 1,350 won (3.39%) from the previous trading day. The stock opened at 40,800 won and rose to as high as 43,100 won during the session. Market attention is focused on the upcoming official signing ceremony for a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the U.S. and Iran, scheduled for June 19 in Switzerland. Should peace be realized, there are expectations for reduced fuel costs due to stabilized international oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) prices, which would enhance KEPCO's earnings outlook. LS Securities maintained a 'Buy' rating on KEPCO and raised its target price from 50,000 won to 62,000 won. The firm believes that as the conflict in the Middle East approaches resolution, the investment appeal that existed before the war will be highlighted once again. Seong Jong-hwa, a researcher at LS Securities, stated, "As we enter a phase of peace in the Middle East, we expect a recovery of investment momentum and normalization of value that existed prior to the war. There is a possibility that the stock, which plummeted due to the conflict, could recover rapidly." In the medium to long term, an increase in the share of nuclear power generation is also expected to contribute to improved earnings. Seong noted, "In the second half of the year, nuclear plants that have completed scheduled maintenance will gradually return to operation, and commercial operations of the Shin Kori Units 3 and 4 are also planned. We anticipate profitability improvements due to the increased share of nuclear power generation." LS Securities estimates KEPCO's revenue for this year at 98.715 trillion won and operating profit at 9.5 trillion won. They project that by 2027, revenue will reach 102.906 trillion won, with operating profit increasing to 14.966 trillion won, indicating a continued improvement in performance.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-17 10:20:00 -
Jensen Huang Calls for New Social Norms in AI Era Jensen Huang, CEO of NVIDIA, emphasized the need for new social norms to adapt to the era of artificial intelligence (AI). Amid growing concerns about job losses and community opposition to data center construction, he advocates for individuals to engage directly with AI technology. In an interview with The Associated Press on June 16, Huang stated, "We need to create new social norms. I encourage everyone to use AI. Just try it out yourself." Huang likened the rise of AI to the introduction of automobiles, which were initially seen as a threat to child safety. He explained that society adapted by creating sidewalks and crosswalks to protect children from traffic. His comments come as communities express resistance to the expansion of AI data centers and fears about job reductions due to AI adoption. Huang argued that AI enables ordinary people to perform advanced tasks, such as creating websites and analyzing complex documents, without needing programming knowledge, thus helping to bridge the technology gap. Regarding President Donald Trump's proposal for the government to hold equity in AI companies to share the benefits of industry growth with the public, Huang expressed skepticism. He remarked, "I’m not sure what they are trying to achieve. We haven’t discussed that issue." He added, "These are American companies, and their success leads to rising stock prices for many Americans, generating tax revenue and creating jobs." Huang acknowledged the necessity of regulations and safety standards for AI. He commented on Trump's recent executive order requiring voluntary government review of new AI models, stating, "National security should always be the top priority in any technology." However, he pointed out the need for clearer guidelines regarding export controls on the latest AI models from Anthropic, saying, "Before establishing export control policies, we need to specifically define what risks we are concerned about." To enhance the U.S. competitiveness in AI, Huang argued for the expansion of energy infrastructure, noting that AI data centers require substantial power. He stated, "The U.S. is seriously lagging in energy production, and we have suppressed energy production for too long." When asked about his close relationship with President Trump, Huang responded that he hopes for the success of American presidents and officials, regardless of political affiliation. He said, "We may have differing political opinions, but we should hope for his success because if President Trump succeeds, America succeeds." 2026-06-17 10:16:00 -
GC Green Cross and AppClone Collaborate on In Vivo CAR-T Development GC Green Cross and AppClone, a company specializing in cancer treatments, are collaborating on the development of a next-generation cancer therapy known as in vivo CAR-T. This initiative aims to overcome the limitations of existing chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapies and reshape the landscape of the cell therapy market. On June 17, GC Green Cross announced that it has signed a strategic memorandum of understanding (MOU) with AppClone to jointly research and develop the in vivo CAR-T treatment. The partnership will combine GC Green Cross's mRNA-LNP-based cell-specific expression and delivery technology, along with its GMP production capabilities, with AppClone's CAR-T technology, T-cell specific antibody assets, and clinical experience in CAR-T therapies. Together, the companies aim to derive candidate substances targeting various indications, including hematologic cancers, accelerate non-clinical and clinical entry, and expand their global partnerships. Currently, commercially available CAR-T therapies involve extracting a patient's T-cells, introducing genes that recognize cancer cells, and then expanding these cells for re-administration in a personalized (ex vivo) manner. However, this approach is limited by high costs and complex manufacturing processes, which restrict treatment accessibility. The in vivo CAR-T therapy being developed by the two companies will directly deliver genetic information to T-cells in the body via messenger RNA (mRNA), allowing for cell generation. This method enables mass production and immediate administration without the need for separate cell extraction, enhancing treatment accessibility and scalability. As a result, interest from global pharmaceutical companies and biotech firms in this area is rapidly increasing. Jung Jae-wook, head of R&D at GC Green Cross, stated, "By combining our technologies, we will overcome the limitations of existing CAR-T therapies and provide innovative treatment options."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-17 10:16:00 -
Jung Cheong-rae Calls Out Malicious Factionalism Within Democratic Party Jung Cheong-rae, the leader of the Democratic Party, characterized the recent factional conflicts between the Pro-Jung (Pro-Jung Cheong-rae) and Pro-Lee (Pro-Lee Jae-myung) groups as "malicious divisiveness" ahead of the party's convention scheduled for August. He emphasized that all members of the Democratic Party are aligned in wishing for the success of the Lee administration. During a Supreme Council meeting held on the morning of June 17 at the National Assembly, Jung sought to quell the controversy sparked by his earlier remarks about the brevity of political power. With the party convention approaching, tensions have risen between Jung, who is likely to challenge for party leadership, and Kim Min-seok, the party's secretary-general, reflecting deeper factional divides. "Some media outlets are obsessively focusing on the distinctions between the Pro-Jung and Pro-Kim factions, which I find to be a malicious attempt to divide us," Jung stated. "If there must be a distinction, I consider myself a party member and a reformist." He added, "The Democratic Party is united in its desire for the success of the Lee administration. In that sense, all Democratic Party members and supporters who wish for the success of the Lee government and the restoration of our party's power are party members and reformists. We must raise the banner of party sovereignty and unite around President Lee to move forward." Previously, on June 10, Jung had remarked during a Supreme Council meeting that "the people are eternal, but political power is short-lived," which led to speculation that his comments were directed at President Lee. Additionally, Jung addressed the claims of election fraud raised by the People Power Party regarding the shortage of ballots during the June 3 local elections. He condemned these allegations as unconstitutional and undemocratic, stating, "The refusal to accept election results is a violation of the constitution and democratic principles. What is needed now is a thorough investigation, accountability for those responsible, and measures to prevent recurrence and reform. Attempts to incite unnecessary social conflict will not be tolerated."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-17 10:08:00