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Ballet Star Jeon Min-cheol to Perform in 'Swan Lake' This August World-renowned ballet dancer Jeon Min-cheol will take the stage at the Seoul Arts Center this August. The Seoul Arts Center and the Universal Ballet Company announced on June 16 that they will perform 'Swan Lake' at the Seoul Arts Center Opera Theater from August 14 to 23. This production of 'Swan Lake' is expected to be a captivating experience, featuring Jeon Min-cheol alongside a stellar cast from the Universal Ballet Company and live music from the National Symphony Orchestra. Notably, Jeon Min-cheol, a ballet star recognized worldwide, will perform the role of Siegfried in 'Swan Lake.' Currently a first soloist with the Mariinsky Ballet, he has a special connection with the Universal Ballet Company and will reunite with principal dancer Hong Hyang-ki, a prominent star of the company. The two previously collaborated in 'La Bayadère' and 'Giselle,' leading to sold-out performances. This will mark their third full-length collaboration, showcasing Jeon's stable technique and deep expressiveness to enchant audiences this summer. 'Swan Lake' is a classic ballet renowned for Tchaikovsky's majestic music and the brilliant choreography of Petipa and Ivanov. It is considered one of the three great masterpieces of classical ballet, featuring the enchanting swan corps de ballet, opulent stage sets and costumes, the jester's challenging techniques, and the dual role of the ballerina, along with 32 fouettés and character dances from various countries, embodying the timeless appeal of ballet. Seoul Arts Center President Jang Han-na stated, "This performance is a representative work of the summer season created by our two institutions, and I hope it provides an opportunity for more audiences to experience high-quality classical ballet. The Seoul Arts Center will continue to expand opportunities for more audiences to easily and accessibly engage with performing arts." Universal Ballet Company Director Moon Hoon-sook remarked, "With Jeon Min-cheol's participation, who is drawing attention from ballet fans worldwide, along with principal dancers and next-generation talents, we aim to present a rich stage. The Universal Ballet Company seeks to convey the essence of classical ballet by adding the diverse charm of our six-color casting to the depth of traditional classics." Tickets will go on pre-sale for paid members of the Seoul Arts Center starting at 3 PM on June 25. Prices are 140,000 KRW for R seats, 120,000 KRW for S seats, 90,000 KRW for A seats, 60,000 KRW for B seats, and 30,000 KRW for C seats. Early bird discounts will be available for purchases made by July 12. Tickets can be purchased through the Seoul Arts Center website, call center, and NOL Ticket. Additionally, Jeon Min-cheol will perform the role of the prince in the original ballet 'The Little Mermaid' at the Hwaseong Arts Center on July 11 and 12.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-16 15:20:00 -
EU Confirms Reports of Chinese Military Training Russian Troops for Ukraine War The European Union (EU) has officially confirmed allegations that the Chinese military has been training Russian troops for the Ukraine war, intensifying EU pressure on China regarding the conflict. On June 15, following a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Luxembourg, Josep Borrell, the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs, stated, "Reports that the Chinese military has been training Russian soldiers who will be deployed in the Ukraine war have been confirmed as true. We are carefully assessing the implications of this information." However, Borrell did not disclose specific details or sources. Previously, Reuters reported, citing European intelligence sources, that the Chinese military secretly trained about 200 Russian soldiers in China at the end of last year, some of whom later returned to the battlefield in Ukraine. The training reportedly focused on drone operations and was conducted under an agreement signed by senior military officials from Russia and China in July of the previous year in Beijing. China has maintained that it is neutral regarding Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The Chinese Foreign Ministry has previously denied allegations, claiming they are attempts to shift the blame for the Ukraine war onto China. However, both the EU and the United States believe that China has been providing Russia with economic support and dual-use technologies, including drone components that could be used for military purposes. Chinese companies are already subject to sanctions from the U.S. and the EU. On the same day, the EU added two mainland Chinese manufacturers and two shipping companies based in Hong Kong to its sanctions list. Shenzhen Minghua New Materials and Xinxiang Richful Lube Additives are accused of supplying drone components and chemical additives for lubricants to the Russian military. Hong Kong shipping companies Glory Shipping HK Limited and Nord Axis are included for allegedly supporting the export of Russian crude oil. Allegations of Chinese support for Russia have been a significant factor in deteriorating EU-China relations since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Additionally, concerns over China's large trade surplus and industrial overcapacity have led to increased calls within Brussels for further restrictions on China. EU leaders are set to discuss China's industrial overcapacity issues on June 18. Valdis Dombrovskis, the EU's trade commissioner, is also expected to meet with Wang Wentao, China's Minister of Commerce, later this month in Brussels to discuss trade imbalances and strategies for addressing challenges posed by China. 2026-06-16 15:20:00 -
Fire Breaks Out at Yeongcheon Market in Seoul's Seodaemun District A fire broke out at Yeongcheon Market in Seoul's Seodaemun District, prompting firefighting efforts from local authorities. According to Yonhap News, the fire started around 2:34 p.m. in a temporary structure on the roof of a building within the market, producing significant smoke. Firefighters were dispatched to the scene and began extinguishing the flames with equipment and personnel. So far, no injuries have been reported. Once the fire is fully extinguished, authorities plan to investigate the cause of the blaze and assess the extent of property damage. Yeongcheon Market, located near the Independence Gate subway station in Seodaemun District, has been a central hub for local commerce since its establishment in the 1960s. The market's name is derived from the local area, Yeongcheon-dong, and is believed to have originated from a nearby spring known as 'Yeongcheon' (靈泉). Historically, Yeongcheon Market gained fame as a leading wholesale market for rice cakes in Seoul. Today, it hosts over 200 shops selling agricultural products, meat, side dishes, rice cakes, fruits, and household goods. It is particularly popular among residents of the nearby Independence Gate and Seodaemun areas. Additionally, due to its historical ties with the Seodaemun Prison, the market was known as a 'care market' where families of prisoners during the Japanese occupation and military dictatorship would buy food and necessities. Recognizing its historical and local significance, the market has been designated as a future heritage site by the Seoul city government.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-16 15:16:00 -
Education Ministry Designates Six New Meister High Schools Focused on AI and Semiconductors The South Korean government has designated six specialized high schools across the country as Meister high schools to secure future talent in advanced strategic industries such as semiconductors and artificial intelligence (AI). The new designations include schools in Yongin, Busan, Iksan in North Jeolla, Mokpo and Haenam in South Jeolla, and Mungyeong in North Gyeongsang. On June 16, the Ministry of Education announced that it had selected these six schools following a review by a designation committee. This initiative aligns with the national agenda to strengthen AI education in primary and secondary schools and build a data-driven future education system. Four schools were chosen for AI convergence (AI+X) and two for semiconductors. These schools will undergo a process of curriculum enhancement and innovation, with the first cohort of Meister students expected to enroll in March 2028. During the 20th designation review, three schools received immediate approval: Busan Electronics High School (semiconductors, 96 students), the yet-to-be-named Yongin Semiconductor Meister High School (semiconductors, 96 students), and Iri Technical High School (AI and secondary batteries, 96 students). These schools were recognized for their tailored educational programs designed in close collaboration with industry. In light of concerns about a shortage of talent in advanced technology fields, three additional schools received conditional approval: Mokpo Technical High School (AI energy, 128 students), Haenam Technical High School (AI industrial infrastructure, 80 students), and Mungyeong Technical High School (AI robotics, 60 students). These schools will undergo a review of their compliance with conditions by July 28, with final designation approval expected in September. The Ministry of Education plans to provide substantial administrative and financial support to ensure the six newly designated schools become world-class technical institutions. Each school will receive a total of 5 billion won over two years for the establishment of advanced laboratories, dormitories, tailored teacher training, and curriculum development. Additionally, a dedicated consulting team composed of industry, academia, and research experts will be established to closely coordinate the preparation for the schools' opening. With this new designation, the total number of Meister high schools in South Korea has increased from 59 (58 operational and one preparing to open) to 65. Meanwhile, existing Meister high schools have completed adjustments to their specialized programs in response to changing industrial demands. Changes approved for Incheon Electronics Meister High School (from electronics and telecommunications to electronics, telecommunications, and AI), Gunsan Mechanical Technical High School (from shipbuilding and machinery to AI and robotics), and Gyeongbuk Bio Meister High School (from food quality management to bio) have broadened the scope of advanced talent development. Education Minister Lee Gyo-jin stated, "The foundation of South Korea's rise as a global technology powerhouse is due to skilled craftsmen in the industrial field. Training talent for advanced industries is an urgent task for the nation's future survival. We will work closely with local education offices and relevant ministries to provide unwavering support for the six newly designated schools to become top technical institutions."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-16 15:16:00 -
Toyota Launches Next-Gen RAV4, Enters Software-Defined Vehicle Market Toyota Korea has officially entered the competition for software-defined vehicles (SDVs) with the launch of its flagship SUV, the 'RAV4.' The new model features a next-generation software platform for the first time, signaling Toyota's commitment to accelerating its transition to SDVs as part of its electrification strategy.On June 16, Toyota unveiled the sixth-generation 'All-New RAV4' at a media conference held at Paradise City Grand Ballroom in Incheon. Since pre-orders began on May 4, the model has garnered significant attention, with over 1,500 units contracted within just a month.Notably, the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) variant, which includes the newly introduced 'GR SPORT' model, accounts for approximately 30% of total pre-orders. The GR SPORT model emphasizes driving enjoyment, featuring dedicated tuning and stable cornering performance.The All-New RAV4 is available in four trims: Hybrid (HEV) XLE, HEV Limited, PHEV XSE, and PHEV GR SPORT. All trims are equipped with Toyota's independently developed next-generation software development platform, 'Arene.' This marks the first application of Arene, which also enables the new connected service 'Toyota Connect.'With this technology, owners can easily access key functions such as remote start, climate control, and vehicle status checks through the 'Toyota Remote' app. Additionally, the vehicle supports 24-hour emergency call services and theft tracking features to enhance safety.Manabu Konyama, President of Toyota Korea, stated, "The RAV4, introduced to the Korean market in 2009, has become Toyota's representative SUV. The GR SPORT embodies our philosophy that driving an SUV can be enjoyable."With the addition of the GR SPORT trim, Toyota is expanding its 'Multi-PathWay' strategy. Konyama explained, "We have been implementing a Multi-PathWay strategy that considers infrastructure, energy conditions, customer lifestyles, and vehicle usage to provide various options. Given the characteristics of the RAV4, the HEV and PHEV powertrains will enhance its appeal."Toyota is also preparing to launch a battery electric vehicle (BEV). Konyama expressed optimism, saying, "We expect to announce a model that maximizes the advantages of EVs in the near future." According to sources, the launch is anticipated by the end of this year. 2026-06-16 15:16:00 -
Orion Holdings and Orion to Incinerate All Treasury Shares Orion Holdings and Orion have decided to incinerate all of their treasury shares. On June 16, the Financial Supervisory Service's electronic disclosure system reported that both companies held board meetings on the same day and voted to proceed with the incineration of their entire treasury stock. This decision is part of a plan announced in March to enhance corporate value and is seen as a measure to strengthen shareholder returns in line with the revised Commercial Act. The shares to be incinerated include 2,488,770 treasury shares held by Orion Holdings, which represents 3.97% of the total issued shares. Orion will incinerate 7,344 shares (0.02%). Based on the previous day's closing prices, the incineration amounts to approximately 66.5 billion won for Orion Holdings and about 1 billion won for Orion. The incineration is scheduled for June 23. An Orion official stated, "Following the expansion of dividends this year, we are continuously strengthening our shareholder return policy by deciding to incinerate treasury shares. We plan to establish a virtuous cycle where the results of growth lead to increased shareholder value." 2026-06-16 15:12:00 -
Future of gaming in AI era, not new releases, dominates Nexon Developers Conference SEONGNAM, June 16 (AJP) - Thousands of South Korean game developers flocked to Nexon's annual developers conference on Tuesday not to preview upcoming titles, but to confront a far more pressing question: what role humans will play as artificial intelligence increasingly learns to build games itself. At the 19th Nexon Developers Conference (NDC), which opened a three-day run at Nexon's Pangyo campus in Seongnam, discussions centered less on new releases than on how AI is reshaping one of the country's most important creative industries. The international conference hall across the road at the Gyeonggi Center for Creative Economy and Innovation was packed beyond capacity, with roughly a quarter of attendees standing throughout several sessions after seats ran out. The mood was both curious and uneasy. "Implementation is getting easier, but it is not only getting easier for us — it is getting easier for everyone," said Kang Dae-hyun, co-chief executive of Nexon Korea. As AI lowers technical barriers to game development, competitive advantages will increasingly come from human judgment and contextual depth that prompts alone cannot generate, he said. "A user's day is still 24 hours," Kang added, underscoring that the ultimate constraint is not technology but consumers' limited time and attention. The numbers illustrate the challenge. About 2,800 games were launched on Steam in 2015. By 2025, that number had surged to around 20,000. Yet only 608 titles released last year received more than 1,000 user reviews. As AI writes more code and accelerates production, developers argued that human curation may become more valuable, not less. For many attendees, however, the concern was immediate and personal. South Korea's gaming industry is posting record profits while simultaneously shrinking its workforce, with AI sitting at the center of employee anxieties. A survey of 1,078 unionized employees at major publishers, including Nexon, NC and Netmarble, presented at a National Assembly forum in April found that 77.3 percent felt anxious about job security. While roughly two-thirds said they already use AI tools regularly and 80.3 percent acknowledged productivity gains, only 26.7 percent said management and labor had formally discussed how those gains should be shared. Their anxiety stands in sharp contrast to the industry's strongest earnings in years, particularly among publishers built around proprietary intellectual property. Nexon posted record first-quarter revenue of 1.42 trillion won ($938 million) and operating profit of 542.6 billion won, both quarterly highs, lifted by franchises including MapleStory and Arc Raiders. Krafton also logged record results, with revenue jumping 56.9 percent to 1.37 trillion won and operating profit rising 22.8 percent to 561.6 billion won as its PUBG franchise generated more than 1 trillion won in quarterly sales. The prosperity, however, has become increasingly concentrated. Studios with strong in-house intellectual property have widened their lead, while many mid-sized publishers lacking fresh hits have drifted toward losses, deepening the industry's reliance on a handful of blockbuster franchises. At the same time, companies have aggressively trimmed payrolls. NC reduced its workforce by 35.1 percent, from roughly 4,886 employees to 3,170, between 2024 and late 2025. Krafton accepted about 200 voluntary resignations since last November, while Nexon has largely frozen new hiring, according to industry observers. Research and development spending has also declined. Many visitors came precisely to navigate that uncertainty. Hwang Ji-gang, a 21-year-old game designer, said he attended to study live-service development strategies and was waiting for an afternoon panel featuring Kim Yong-ha, known among fans as the creative force behind Blue Archive. "AI often shows a lack of consistency in development," Hwang said. "I came to learn what improvements or countermeasures there are." Another attendee, Kim Jong-uk, 23, an aspiring developer, said he wanted to understand Nexon's long-term vision. "I came today to see Nexon's vision through the presentation sessions," he said. The conference reflected the industry's changing priorities. Sessions covered live-service operations, workplace AI agents and case studies on developing Arc Raiders, while speakers came not only from Nexon but also from Krafton, Roblox, NC AI, Google DeepMind and Snowflake. Their presence underscored how gaming is increasingly becoming a test bed for AI development itself. The industry is already producing both cautionary tales and success stories. Players discovered AI-generated artwork in Pearl Abyss's Crimson Desert, prompting an apology from the developer. At the same time, Nexon's Arc Raiders has earned praise for using procedural AI to enrich virtual environments. "AI output still reaches only about 90 percent of human quality," said Jung Nae-hun, a professor at the Tech University of Korea. "Studios tend to avoid using it for visible elements like characters or interfaces. When it slips through, it invites backlash." The expertise accumulated by Korean game studios is also attracting attention beyond entertainment. During a recent visit to Seoul, Jensen Huang met executives from Krafton and NC at gaming venues in Gangnam to explore how gaming engines and virtual-world technologies could help train so-called physical AI systems and humanoid robots. For Korean developers, the courtship offered a glimpse into a future where decades of game-building expertise may find applications far beyond games themselves. Back inside the conference halls, the NEXTAGE exhibition displayed sculptures, figurines and embroidered dolls inspired by MapleStory, Blue Archive and Mabinogi, returning offline for the first time in seven years. Nearby, in a darkened soundproof room, footage from The First Berserker: Khazan played through surround-sound speakers — a reminder that despite AI's rapid advance, some aspects of game-making still depend on human imagination. And that, perhaps, was the question hanging over NDC: not whether AI will build more games, but what kinds of creativity will remain uniquely human once it does. 2026-06-16 15:08:02 -
SK AX Unveils Vision for 'Agentic Enterprise' Powered by AI SK AX has announced its commitment to usher in an era of 'Agentic Enterprise,' where businesses will be fundamentally redesigned around AI. The company aims to innovate business models and create a virtuous cycle of growth through enhanced human-AI collaboration. On June 16, SK AX held the 'IMAGINE AX 2026' conference at the Grand InterContinental Parnas Hotel in Seoul. The event focused on the theme 'Beyond AI: The Agentic Enterprise.' During the conference, SK AX showcased its 'Being AX' experience, which highlights the transformation of corporate operations through AI. In his keynote address, President Kim Wan-jong emphasized that a company's competitiveness lies in creating new growth value through enterprise-wide optimization via AI. He noted that disparities in operational efficiency and augmentation through AI are increasingly reflected in business performance, predicting that these gaps will widen in the future. Kim stated that achieving AX innovation requires more than just adopting AI; it necessitates developing core competencies in strategy, technology, data, operational systems, talent, and change management. He remarked, "We consider ourselves the first customer and have validated our capabilities through practice." He stressed the importance of clearly defining the objectives and expected outcomes of AI implementation as the foundation for achieving results. SK AX believes that an integrated platform is essential for companies to achieve 'total optimization' through AI. The Being AX strategy is based on the Agentic AI platform 'Xgentic Wire NPO,' which connects numerous agents, orchestrates their collaboration, and manages issues such as security, quality variation, and cost increases. Kim emphasized that AX involves redesigning work processes and corporate operational systems to enable the entire organization to work alongside AI. He stated that fostering talent capable of collaborating with AI and creating an organizational culture and systems that support this collaboration are crucial for achieving enterprise integration and synergy through AI augmentation. The conference also featured real-world collaboration examples from SK AX's major clients and partners across various sectors, including manufacturing, semiconductors, finance, and HR. As SK AX transitions to 'Harness Engineering,' a technology designed to ensure AI agents can perform tasks reliably, the company is focusing on redesigning corporate operations to be AI-driven. It anticipates that human roles will evolve to supervision and decision-making, thus achieving a higher level of augmentation. OpenAI is advancing its AX innovation model to accurately understand system contexts and enhance actual business performance and return on investment. SK hynix has expanded the precision of its manufacturing processes and data utilization in collaboration with SK AX, accelerating its transition to an autonomous factory model aimed at maximizing yield. CS Wind, a wind tower manufacturing company, is applying a global manufacturing AX model. In partnership with Shinhan Financial Group, they are developing a work innovation model based on 'one financial agent per person' that meets data security, access management, and regulatory compliance requirements. Additionally, HR consulting firm Mercer is collaborating with SK AX to design an organizational operating system that facilitates cooperation between humans and AI. Son Geon-il, Chief Customer Officer of SK AX, stated, "Redesigning existing processes with agent members in mind, capitalizing on tacit knowledge within the organization, and achieving success through these efforts are crucial. Understanding current systems and on-the-ground operations, along with efforts to reconnect tasks through AI technology, must accompany this process." Cha Ji-won, Chief AI Innovation Officer of SK AX, noted, "The criteria for technology selection are shifting toward 'how to make AI work.' For AI to deliver actual business results, internal data, systems, processes, and industry-specific domain knowledge must be intricately aligned." 2026-06-16 15:04:00 -
Deputy Prime Minister Koo Yoon-cheol Pledges Full Mobilization of Resources to Stabilize Prices Koo Yoon-cheol, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, stated on June 16 that the government will fully mobilize available resources to stabilize prices for the public. Koo made these remarks during a Cabinet meeting and an emergency economic headquarters meeting held at the Government Complex in Seoul. He emphasized that stabilizing prices will be the government's top priority, and he announced plans for fiscal and tax support measures. Despite previous agreements between the United States and Iran, the South Korean economy is expected to continue feeling the effects in the near term. In response, Koo revealed plans to implement discount support and reduce delivery prices, as well as to introduce emergency tariff allocations in the second half of the year. Furthermore, the impact of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East is also affecting the job market. The government is considering measures such as employment retention subsidies. Koo stated, "We will designate special employment support sectors in areas facing employment crises and promote key initiatives for job stability, including employment retention subsidies. We will also expedite the implementation of youth New Deal policies, such as the K-New Deal Academy." He added that the effects of the transition to artificial intelligence (AI) and the green transition are also impacting employment, and he pledged to develop a basic plan for employment security in collaboration with relevant ministries. Support measures for vulnerable groups were also discussed. Koo mentioned, "We will establish support measures for companies affected by high oil prices and work to alleviate the living cost burden on low-income households. We will do our utmost to manage prices through coordination among relevant ministries regarding factors contributing to price increases in processed foods." Finally, he concluded, "We will thoroughly manage key indicators related to the public's livelihood, including prices, employment, exchange rates, and interest rates." 2026-06-16 14:52:00 -
SK Square Hits Record High Amid Strong Demand for SK Hynix SK Square has surged to a record high during trading hours, driven by strong demand for its subsidiary SK Hynix amid a robust semiconductor sector. As of 2:40 PM on June 16, SK Square was trading at 1,490,000 won, up 77,000 won (5.45%) from the previous day. The stock reached an intraday high of 1,497,000 won, marking a new all-time high. The rise in SK Square's stock price is attributed to institutional funds reallocating to the holding company after reaching the investment limit for SK Hynix. At this time, institutions have net purchased 210.3 billion won worth of SK Square shares, while foreign investors have net sold 22.3 billion won. According to Kim Hoi-jae, a researcher at Daishin Securities, in a report dated May 27, "The 10% limit on single stock holdings for equity funds, which has been in effect since October of last year, continues to enhance the investment appeal of SK Square as it applies to SK Hynix." Meanwhile, SK Hynix shares rose by 81,000 won (3.54%) to 2,369,000 won. The stock briefly hit 2,400,000 won during trading. The highest price for SK Hynix was recorded at 2,407,000 won on June 2. 2026-06-16 14:52:00