Healthcare-themed event kicks off in central Seoul SEOUL, June 9 (AJP) - A healthcare-themed event kicked off in central Seoul on Tuesday, bringing together industry workers and health-conscious visitors. Now in its fourth year, the three-day event at Seoul Plaza showcases the latest trends in health-related industries and displays of medical devices, wellness equipment, and other smart technologies. The event also offers a wide range of health-related programs, exhibitions, and hands-on experiences, allowing visitors to explore various healthcare products and services, as well as take part in health checkups and workouts. Highlights of the opening day included various programs such as a jazz concert and jump rope activities, while a special session on Thursday will provide information on diabetes and other topics related to disease prevention and health management. 2026-06-09 16:57:48

Bank of Japan Expected to Raise Interest Rate to 1% This Month, Highest in 31 Years The Bank of Japan is set to raise its policy interest rate to 1.0% during its monetary policy meeting this month. According to the Nihon Keizai Shimbun (Nikkei) on June 9, the Bank plans to make this decision at its monetary policy meeting scheduled for June 15-16, increasing the current rate from 0.75%. If approved, this would be the first rate hike since December of last year and the highest level since 1995. Nikkei reports that Governor Kazuo Ueda and the executive board are expected to propose the rate hike during the meeting, with the nine-member policy committee likely to approve it with a majority vote. Concerns are rising within the Bank regarding the potential for increased oil prices due to tensions in the Middle East, which could lead to broader price hikes across various goods. There is also an expectation that the underlying inflation rate, excluding temporary fluctuations, may rise. Excluding the impact of government subsidies for electricity and gas, the Bank's consumer price index (CPI) rose 2.8% in April compared to the same month last year, up from a 2.5% increase in March. A Bank official told Nikkei, "The pace at which companies are passing on costs is accelerating. If we miss the timing, we may be forced into a significant rate hike later on." Nikkei also noted that the assessment of limited economic downside risks from Middle East tensions is bolstering the case for a rate increase. There is a growing sentiment within the Bank that proactive measures are needed to address inflationary pressures. Earlier, Governor Ueda indicated the need to discuss the appropriateness of a rate hike even amid uncertainties in the Middle East during a speech on June 3, hinting at the possibility of an increase this month. However, in light of instability in the bond market, plans to reduce government bond purchases are expected to be moderated. The Bank is coordinating to halt its current quarterly reduction of bond purchases after April 2027. Under the current plan, the Bank will continue to reduce its bond purchases by 200 billion yen (approximately $1.9 billion) each quarter until January-March 2027, and then maintain monthly purchases of 2.1 trillion yen (approximately $19.9 billion) starting in April of that year. Recently, the Japanese bond market has shown instability due to concerns over inflation and fiscal expansion. In May, the yield on newly issued 10-year government bonds, a key indicator of long-term rates, briefly rose to around 2.8%, marking the highest level in 29 and a half years. Additionally, the yen has continued to weaken, surpassing the 160 yen per dollar mark for the first time in a month. If the Bank of Japan proceeds with the rate hike, it is expected to create policy friction with the government of Sanae Takaichi, which is pursuing an expansionary fiscal policy.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-09 16:57:00

Global scholars gather in Gochang for annual conference to discuss longevity SEOUL, June 9 (AJP) - Global scholars and researchers from about a dozen countries on Tuesday gathered in South Korea's southwestern town of Gochang to discuss longevity and healthy aging as the world becomes increasingly toward a super-aged society. About 50 global scholars and researchers from a dozen countries gathered in South Korea's southwestern town on Tuesday to discuss longevity and healthy aging as the world increasingly moves toward a super-aged society. Their gathering includes research teams from Australia, Belgium, Brazil, China, Egypt, France, Japan, the Netherlands, and the U.S. and comes as the 30th annual meeting of the International Centenarian Consortium (ICC) began its four-day run in Gochang, North Jeolla Province. The ICC is a global academic network of research groups studying centenarians, aging and life expectancy. This year's host venue of Gochang is known as one of South Korea's areas with the highest longevity, as the small county has a population of just 50,148, with people aged 60 or older accounting for 50.3 percent, while 6,927 residents are octogenarians and 1,220 are nonagenarians. Among the highlights of the meeting will be findings from South Korean researchers who have conducted a long-term study of the country's centenarians over the past 25 years, examining various factors including genetic traits, diseases, living environments, eating patterns, diet and nutrition, and social networks. They have also studied the area's so-called "longevity belt," which covers Damyang, Gurye, Gokseong, and Sunchang to assess relative longevity among residents there, citing factors such as strong community life and social solidarity, as well as the frequent consumption of fermented foods such as kimchi and soybean paste. Yousin Suh, a professor from Columbia University known for her work on aging and longevity, is set to deliver her keynote speech, while French demographer Jean-Marie Robine will discuss global trends in human longevity. Researchers from Japan, which is known for the longest longevity in Asia, are also expected to present long-term follow-up research on those aged 105 and older. "The life stories of centenarians and relevant longevity data compiled by Chonnam National University Hospital would offer valuable insights for super-aged societies around the world," said Park Sang-chul, vice chairman of Genosis AI Healthcare, who serves as advisory chair of this year's ICC. 2026-06-09 16:51:28

Game Industry Expands AI Frontiers, Reassessing Technological Assets in the Physical AI Era The South Korean gaming industry is reassessing its technological assets, which have been developed for enhancing game creation and in-game experiences, in light of the emerging era of physical artificial intelligence (AI) represented by robotics and autonomous driving. According to the gaming and information technology sectors on June 9, the recent visit of Jensen Huang, CEO of NVIDIA, has sparked discussions about how the virtual world implementation technologies possessed by domestic game companies could serve as key infrastructure in the physical AI era. While companies in manufacturing, robotics, and automotive sectors are typically recognized as physical AI enterprises, experts believe that gaming companies are poised to become significant technological partners in this ecosystem. This is due to their ability to create virtual environments and behavioral models for AI agents to learn and validate before being deployed in real-world physical settings. Another advantage is the extensive use of various AI technologies. In the game development process, AI is utilized to enhance productivity in coding, translation, quality assurance, and the creation of graphics, sound, and animations. Within games, technologies are advancing to improve player experiences through non-player characters (NPCs), AI companions, real-time interactive characters, user behavior analysis, and matchmaking. Additionally, game developers possess unique expertise in creating real-time 3D spaces where characters and objects move, as well as in developing game engines that adhere to realistic physical laws. They are optimized for implementing digital twins. Online gaming companies can leverage vast amounts of user behavior data and live service operation experience, which can serve as key assets for virtual environments used in robotic learning. NCSOFT has been enhancing its AI research capabilities alongside game development and content services since 2011. This has led to the introduction of technologies for content video production and summarization. Last year, the company launched its AI subsidiary, NC AI, and plans to expand its collaboration with NVIDIA to include sophisticated physics-based computing, AI-driven interaction technologies, and real-time simulations. NC AI is developing a physical AI solution for autonomous welding in collaboration with Hanwha Ocean and is jointly developing a robot foundation model (RFM) for cognitive and decision-making tasks with POSCO DX. Additionally, it is working with Hyundai Rotem on a digital twin simulator and world model for multi-robot control in defense applications, broadening the scope of physical AI in industrial and defense settings. Krafton's partnership with NVIDIA includes discussions on game title optimization and robotics. Earlier this year, Krafton established a physical AI subsidiary, Ludo Robotics, to focus on humanoid robot AI research. The CPC (AI NPCs or AI companions within games) and multimodal reinforcement learning technologies being researched by Krafton aim to enable AI characters to understand situations and act alongside users. While they are not directly manufacturing robots, they are designing the situational awareness and decision-making structures necessary for physical AI. Nexon has also expanded its organization, Intelligence Labs, to focus on AI, big data, and machine learning technologies since 2017, accumulating extensive user behavior data and operational automation techniques for in-game interactions. A representative from the gaming industry stated, "The recent attention on domestic gaming companies in physical AI stems from their experience in implementing virtual environments and behavioral simulations, rather than direct robot manufacturing. The technologies accumulated during the game development process, such as real-time 3D spaces and user behavior data, are being reassessed as possessing differentiated capabilities in robotic learning simulations and digital twin applications."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-09 16:51:00

Coupang Aids Small Businesses with AI and Big Data Coupang announced on June 9 that it is recruiting participants for its '2026 Digital Jump-Up Academy.' This program aims to assist local small businesses with limited digital capabilities by providing online sales training and tailored mentoring to help them enter the online market and boost sales. The training will be conducted through a combination of in-person and remote sessions, considering the sales environment of small businesses. Key lectures and mentoring will be held online via video conferencing to reduce the burden on participants from rural areas, while the kickoff event and product review will take place in person. Participants will engage in a four-month program covering topics such as AI and big data-based product planning, online sales strategies, brand marketing, and sales enhancement strategies. There will also be special lectures from current Coupang brand managers with online sales experience. Coupang plans to assess product competitiveness through a product review session, which will help improve products and evaluate market potential. Outstanding participants will have the opportunity to take part in Coupang's promotional events, supporting the goal of translating educational outcomes into actual sales growth. Applications for the program can be submitted from June 8 to June 19 on the website of the training organization, Sapiens 4.0. A representative from Coupang's social contribution department stated, "The growth of local small businesses directly contributes to the vitality of the local economy, and we will continue to expand our collaborative initiatives with the community." Additionally, Coupang operates a permanent promotional section called 'Good Store' to help rural areas and small businesses develop digital sales channels. This section features local specialties and products from small businesses, with cumulative sales exceeding 5 trillion won as of February.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-09 16:51:00

Hanyuwon Hosts First Home Shopping Consultation for Small Businesses The Korea Small and Medium Enterprises and Startups Agency (KOSME) is set to hold the "2026 First Home Shopping Consultation Meeting" to assist small businesses in entering the home shopping market. According to Hanyuwon on June 9, the consultation will take place on June 10 at the Peace and Park Convention Center in Yongsan, Seoul, as part of the Ministry of SMEs and Startups' "Online Sales Support Project for Small Businesses." The project aims to help small businesses become competitive and self-sufficient in the online market. In the first round held in March, over 12,000 small businesses participated, and 6,410 companies applied during the second recruitment on May 27. The consultation will feature 20 merchandise directors from six home shopping channels, including NS Home Shopping and Home & Shopping, along with 76 small businesses. Participating small businesses will receive free one-on-one consultations with merchandise directors, focusing on product competitiveness analysis, home shopping entry strategies, and QA coaching. A second consultation meeting is scheduled for August. Lee Tae-sik, CEO of Hanyuwon, stated, "While entering the home shopping market can be challenging, it is an attractive channel that allows businesses to promote and sell their products to consumers nationwide through the powerful medium of television. I hope the small businesses participating in this event can gain their own insights into entering the home shopping market through consultations with the merchandise directors."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-09 16:51:00

Korean Innovative Companies Hold Investment Roadshow in Chengdu, China Korean innovative companies held an investment roadshow in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, to engage with local businesses and investors for potential collaborations. The "Korean Innovation Companies Roadshow K-Demo Day" took place on June 9, co-hosted by the Global Innovation Center (KIC China), KIST Innovation, the Chengdu High-tech Zone Science and Technology Innovation Bureau, and the National Technology Transfer Center of Southwest China. Twelve domestic innovative companies from the bio, medical device, semiconductor, and artificial intelligence sectors participated in the event. The participating companies included Alt Medical, Ready Cure, Near Brain, True Pixel, Gopher Soft, Cross Hub, Depot Lab, Gensel Med, Dayton, Aid All, EMS, and Megazone. These firms introduced their core technologies and business models to investors and industry stakeholders, exploring opportunities for technological exchange and collaboration between Korea and China. The event attracted over 180 attendees, including government officials, academics, and industry representatives. Chinese participants included officials from the Chengdu city government, local businesses, and investment institutions, who engaged in business consultations and networking with the Korean companies. Attendees shared insights on the technological competitiveness of the bio and medical device sectors and discussed collaboration strategies for clinical and regulatory approvals. They also explored the market expansion potential of the semiconductor and ultra-precision component industries, which are expected to lead the AI and metaverse era, as well as future strategies for information and communication technology (ICT) development. Kim Jong-moon, head of KIC China, stated, "To address the complex challenges in the bio and semiconductor fields, collaboration that combines the excellent technological capabilities and market accessibility of both countries is essential. KIC China plans to expand technological business in the Chengdu-Chongqing economic zone and support technology cooperation between Korean and Chinese innovative companies through both online and offline channels."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-09 16:48:00

Panic Over Forced Liquidation Grows as Margin Debt Reaches 64 Trillion Won Amid Market Volatility As the domestic stock market experiences a sharp decline, concerns over forced liquidations are rapidly increasing. Recent official statistics indicate that the amount of forced liquidations from margin trading has reached 305.3 billion won, and when considering the historically high margin debt levels, the actual pressure for forced liquidations in the market could be significantly greater than the statistics suggest. According to the Korea Financial Investment Association, as of June 7-8, the actual amount of forced liquidations compared to margin trading debts was recorded at 305.3 billion won. The proportion of forced liquidations to margin debts was notably high, reaching 9.1% on June 5 and 8.2% on June 8, compared to the usual range of 1-2%. However, this figure does not represent the total amount of forced liquidations in the market. The statistics compiled by the Korea Financial Investment Association are limited to margin trading. The scale of forced liquidations arising from margin loans, where investors borrow funds from brokerage firms to purchase stocks, is not disclosed separately. Margin trading is a common leverage investment tool that allows investors to borrow money from brokerage firms to buy stocks. While rising stock prices can amplify profits, falling prices can quickly lead to significant losses. If the value of collateral falls below a certain level, investors must deposit additional margin, and failure to do so results in brokerage firms forcibly liquidating their holdings. Currently, the amount of margin loans in the domestic stock market is at a historic high. As of June 8, the total balance of margin trading loans stood at 37.779 trillion won, with the securities market accounting for 28.3265 trillion won and the KOSDAQ market for 9.4639 trillion won. Additionally, the balance of collateralized securities loans was recorded at 26.5509 trillion won. Combined, the total margin debt reaches an unprecedented 64.3413 trillion won. This indicates that if stock prices continue to decline and investors fail to meet additional margin requirements, a large volume of forced liquidations could occur. Notably, individual investors have net purchased about 17 trillion won in the KOSPI market this month, which means that if market volatility increases sharply, the value of collateral for margin traders could deteriorate rapidly. While analysts believe that the long-term upward trend of the stock market has not been compromised, they anticipate continued high volatility in the short term. Han Ji-young, a researcher at Kiwoom Securities, stated, "Given the significant shock from the two-day plunge, there will be a struggle between investors looking to reduce their positions and those seeking new entry opportunities during this rebound. There is a possibility that high volatility will persist for the remainder of the week." She added, "As we process the U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI) announcement for May, Oracle's earnings, and the SpaceX listing event, the KOSPI may temporarily dip below the 7,400 level, but this is likely to be a short-term undershooting."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-09 16:45:00

Stock Market Rebounds, But Forced Liquidations Hit 3-Year High The stock market has experienced unprecedented volatility. After a drop of over 8% the previous day, the KOSPI surged more than 8% on June 9, reclaiming the 8,000-point mark. Despite the index's sharp rise, the impact of the recent market downturn has led to forced liquidations exceeding 300 billion won. Analysts suggest that individual investors who engaged in leveraged trading are facing significant losses.According to the Korea Financial Investment Association, as of June 8, the actual amount of forced liquidations due to margin calls was recorded at 139.1 billion won. When combined with the 166.2 billion won recorded on June 5, the total forced liquidation amount over the past two trading days reached 305.3 billion won.Forced liquidations occur when investors fail to repay borrowed funds used to purchase stocks or cannot maintain the required collateral ratio due to falling stock prices. As stock prices decline, losses increase, and the likelihood of forced liquidations rises. The scale of forced liquidations has surged in tandem with the recent market downturn. The KOSPI fell 1.84% on June 4, followed by a 5.54% drop on June 5. Consequently, the actual forced liquidation amount jumped from 24.3 billion won on June 4 to nearly seven times that amount the following day. On June 8, the KOSPI plummeted by 8.29%, leading to forced liquidations exceeding 100 billion won on that day alone.Notably, the forced liquidation amount on June 5 was the highest since October 24, 2023, when it reached 548.7 billion won, marking the fifth-largest figure since records began in 2006. Given that the top four records were linked to issues such as the Youngpoong Paper incident in October 2023, the recent forced liquidation pressure due to the index's decline is considered unusual. The cumulative forced liquidation amount over the past two trading days is also at its highest level since October 2023.While the stock market rebounded by 8.18% on June 9, concerns about volatility remain. In particular, the level of individual investors' leveraged investments is nearing an all-time high, raising the possibility of further forced liquidations. As of June 8, the balance of margin trading loans stood at 37.779 trillion won, and the balance of securities collateral loans reached 26.5509 trillion won, both at record levels.A financial industry official stated, "In a highly volatile environment, the scale of investors' leveraged investments is also at unprecedented levels. If the market correction continues, the pressure for forced liquidations will inevitably increase."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-09 16:45:00

Controversy Over 'Anti-American Aid' Expression in War Memorial Program The War Memorial Foundation, under the Ministry of National Defense, has initiated an investigation after including China's claim that the Korean War is an 'Anti-American Aid' war in an educational program for the Month of National Defense and Veterans. According to the foundation on June 9, the program titled 'Korean War: Different Interpretations' has been accepting participants through its website since May 30. The foundation explained that the program aims to compare the perspectives of South Korea and China on the Korean War, allowing for a multifaceted understanding of the conflict. Promotional materials for the program featured the phrase 'Korean War: Different Interpretations' alongside the South Korean flag and the Chinese flag, with the term 'Anti-American Aid' presented in parallel with 'Korean War.' 'Anti-American Aid' refers to China's propaganda term justifying its military intervention in the Korean War, portraying the conflict as a response to American aggression. This contrasts with the South Korean government's emphasis on the war being initiated by North Korea's illegal invasion, hence the use of the term 'Korean War.' The program's presentation has sparked controversy, as it appeared to suggest that China's narrative is one of several acceptable perspectives. A foundation official stated, "The intent of this education is to critically view China's distorted claim that the Korean War is an Anti-American Aid war. It is not accurate to say we are teaching from China's perspective." A Ministry of National Defense official explained that the program was designed to clarify that the Korean War began with North Korea's illegal invasion. The official added, "The War Memorial Foundation has determined that the expression used in the related promotional materials was inappropriate and has deleted the post today. The foundation will investigate the circumstances and take necessary actions according to relevant regulations and procedures."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-09 16:45:00