TMC Secures $8.3 Million Contract for Fiber Optic Cables with U.S. Data Center TMC shares surged after the company announced a significant contract with a U.S. data center and artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure firm for fiber optic cables. The news has positively influenced investor sentiment. According to the Korea Exchange, as of 10:14 a.m. on May 19, TMC's stock rose by 6,900 won (29.81%) to 30,050 won compared to the previous trading day. TMC confirmed that it has signed a supply contract worth 11 billion won (approximately $8.3 million) for fiber optic cables intended for data centers. The company stated, "This contract represents the largest single fiber optic cable supply agreement secured in the North American data center market." The supplied product is a single-mode MPO-8 backbone cable designed to enable long-distance, high-speed connections of 400G and above in AI and hyperscale data centers. It serves as a critical infrastructure material for ultra-fast data transmission between servers and switches within data centers, essential for next-generation AI training and inference traffic processing. A TMC representative noted, "The total supply volume amounts to 25,000 kilometers of fiber optic cable," adding that the client is a U.S. data center and AI infrastructure specialist, with the end user confirmed to be a global cloud and data center company.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-19 11:48:22

LS Cable & System and LS Marine Solutions Selected for 1GW Offshore Wind Project LS Cable & System and LS Marine Solutions have been chosen as the preferred bidders for the supply and installation of underwater cables for the 1GW Haesong offshore wind project in Jeonnam, South Korea. On May 19, the companies announced their plans to execute the project using a turnkey system that encompasses everything from production to installation. They will supply and install all underwater cables for both external and internal networks, contributing to the establishment of a large-scale offshore wind infrastructure. The Haesong offshore wind project aims to develop two 504MW complexes near Heuksando Island in Jeonnam, totaling 1GW. Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP), a global green energy investment and development firm, oversees the entire project, while its subsidiary, Copenhagen Offshore Partners (COP), is responsible for development. Industry experts note that collaboration experience with global developers and a proven track record in project execution are critical factors for the stability of large-scale underwater cable projects. LS Cable & System and LS Marine Solutions have built their capabilities in underwater cable supply and installation through various domestic and international projects in partnership with global developers, including CIP. The choice of a domestic supply and installation system by a global developer is seen as significant for the localization of key offshore wind infrastructure and the strengthening of supply chain stability. In offshore wind projects, the ability to connect turbines to the land-based power grid reliably through underwater cables has emerged as a key competitive advantage that affects the overall project credibility. Before the final contract, the two companies plan to detail the supply schedule and technical requirements to ensure a stable supply chain for key materials, enhancing the overall project stability and predictability. This project also represents a practical application of a collaborative model between LS Cable & System's underwater cable technology and Korea Electric Power Technology's power system and EPC design capabilities. LS Cable & System, Korea Electric Power Technology, and CIP will pursue joint research and development for underwater cable operation and maintenance, localization expansion, and supply chain collaboration. Park Seung-ki, head of the domestic sales division at LS Cable & System, stated, "Underwater cables are becoming increasingly important infrastructure for national power grids and energy security. We will leverage our turnkey competitiveness with LS Marine Solutions to ensure stable project execution and enhance the competitiveness of the domestic offshore wind supply chain."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-19 11:45:55

Hyundai Motor Struggles to Maintain 600,000 Won Amid Three-Day Decline Hyundai Motor's stock price has dropped for three consecutive trading days, falling below the 600,000 won mark. This decline is attributed to a weak robotics theme and growing concerns over labor disputes. On May 19, the Korea Exchange reported that Hyundai Motor's shares were trading at 612,000 won at 10:10 a.m., down 7.69% from the previous trading day. The stock has continued to weaken, with losses of 5.29% and 1.69% in the prior two sessions, marking a rapid decline over the last three days. The stock has plummeted from around 700,000 won to the low 600,000s, indicating increased pressure at its peak. Market analysts suggest that profit-taking following a recent surge in stock prices and the associated price pressures have led to this adjustment. Additionally, labor disputes surrounding the sale of Hyundai Mobis's lamp division are escalating. The Hyundai Motor Group union has labeled the sale as a "destruction of labor relations" and is pushing back against it. Following a joint solidarity declaration from the unions of affiliated companies, the Hyundai Motor and Kia unions have issued a supportive statement, strengthening their collective stance. This has raised concerns about potential strikes, further dampening investor sentiment. Despite these challenges, the securities industry maintains a positive outlook for Hyundai Motor. Hyundai Securities has raised its target price for the company from 660,000 won to 950,000 won, an increase of 47%. Analyst Jang Mun-soo cited the expected visibility of achievements in the robotics sector and advancements in autonomous driving technology, as well as anticipated strategic collaborations with companies like NVIDIA and Google, as reasons for the optimistic forecast.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-19 11:43:43

Hyundai Mobis hosts Silicon Valley robotics forum with record turnout SEOUL, May 19 (AJP) - Hyundai Mobis held its fifth annual Mobis Mobility Day in Sunnyvale, California, drawing a record crowd of about 400 attendees as the South Korean auto parts maker pushes into robotics and physical AI amid a broader shift away from its traditional mobility focus. The event, held Monday local time, drew more than double the turnout of the previous year, reflecting mounting interest from local startups, automakers, and investors in the company's expanding technology agenda. Robotics and physical AI dominated the agenda, with presentations from staff at Hyundai Mobis' North American research center covering autonomous driving, software-defined vehicles, and electrification. The company also shared its robotics investment and R&D strategy, while holding in-depth discussions with automaker representatives on the back of recent order wins tied to Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America coming online. The event also served as a barometer of shifting sentiment in Silicon Valley, where investor attention has moved beyond IT and semiconductors toward companies with core technologies in emerging sectors such as robotics and AI hardware. Hyundai Mobis said it plans to host an additional Mobis Mobility Day in Asia in the second half of this year, extending its open innovation program — previously focused on North America and Europe — to scout promising startups in robotics and automotive semiconductors across the region. 2026-05-19 11:43:02

Japan's Q1 Economic Growth Rate Hits 0.5%, Exceeding Expectations Japan's real gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate for the first quarter of this year was 0.5%, marking the second consecutive quarter of growth despite risks from the Middle East. According to Nikkei Asia, the Japanese Cabinet Office announced that real GDP increased by 0.5% from the previous quarter and by an annualized rate of 2.1% from January to March. This figure surpasses the market forecast of 1.6% compiled by QUICK, a subsidiary of the Nikkei Group. Consequently, Japan's economy has continued to expand following a 0.8% annualized growth in the fourth quarter of last year. Private consumption, which accounts for more than half of GDP, led the growth with a 0.3% increase from the previous quarter. Business investment in equipment also rose by 0.3%. Exports grew by 1.7%, while imports increased by 0.5%. However, the larger increase in exports boosted net exports, contributing positively to the growth rate. Private residential investment also saw a 0.5% rise. Nonetheless, the GDP figures reflect only limited impacts from the conflict in the Middle East, which was triggered by the U.S. and Israel's attacks on Iran at the end of February. With rising raw material prices due to instability in the region, there are concerns that inflation and consumer spending may face increasing pressure on the Japanese economy in the future. Other economic indicators are already showing the effects of the conflict. Household consumption in Japan fell by 1.3% in March compared to the previous month, and government surveys indicated weakened consumer sentiment in March and April. Industrial production also decreased by 0.5% in March from the previous month, significantly impacted by concerns over the supply of key raw materials like naphtha, which affected the chemical sector's output. Experts predict that Japan's economic growth is likely to slow in the latter half of this year. A survey conducted by the Japan Economic Research Center among economists projected a growth rate of only 0.45% for the April to June period. The impact of rising raw material prices is expected to be reflected in various product prices after summer, potentially fueling inflation and constraining the growth of real wages, which could hinder consumer recovery. As a result, the Bank of Japan's monetary policy decisions are expected to become more complex. Nikkei Asia reports that the Bank of Japan may consider raising interest rates as early as June, but it faces the challenge of balancing concerns over slowing growth and inflationary pressures.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-19 11:41:03

Boston Dynamics' Atlas Robot Successfully Moves 23kg Refrigerator Boston Dynamics' humanoid robot, Atlas, has demonstrated its ability to lift and move a heavy refrigerator. As the company prepares for the robot's deployment at Hyundai Motor Group's new factory in Georgia in 2028, Atlas has showcased both its full-body control capabilities and its ability to handle external objects. In a video released on May 19 on Boston Dynamics' YouTube channel, Atlas is seen bending its knees slightly to lift a 23kg (50lb) refrigerator. While carrying the refrigerator, it maintained its balance as it moved to a table behind it, then executed a 180-degree turn to safely place the refrigerator on the table. Performing this task requires advanced full-body control technology that allows the robot to maintain a balanced posture while lifting objects of varying sizes and weights. This marks a significant milestone, indicating that Atlas is moving beyond laboratory demonstrations to operate in more variable industrial environments. A Boston Dynamics representative stated, "The ability to estimate its state using sensors in the absence of external information and to integrate a continuous series of movements, as shown in the video, proves that Atlas can perform high-level tasks in real industrial settings. Atlas quickly learned these movements through large-scale simulation-based reinforcement learning and implemented them in real environments within weeks." Atlas has successfully transported not only the 23kg refrigerator but also a refrigerator weighing up to 45kg (100lb). The successful movements highlight Atlas's high performance and compatibility as a developmental model. For instance, the actuators used in Atlas are standardized into two types, and both arms and legs are designed with the same structure to facilitate easy parts replacement. This approach is expected to enhance cost efficiency based on economies of scale. Boston Dynamics also released behind-the-scenes training footage of Atlas, showcasing the robot performing a 360-degree turn while lifting one leg and executing backflips. The ability to control the upper and lower body separately requires advanced control technology that minimizes interference between joints while maintaining movement continuity. Movements like handstands and backflips are crucial for assessing Atlas's flexibility and balance, as well as for teaching it how to recover from slips or falls. Meanwhile, Hyundai Motor Group announced its vision at CES 2026 in January, stating its goal to expand robotics in everyday life and industry to drive human progress. The company plans to strengthen strategic partnerships with leading global AI firms and collaborate with Google DeepMind to accelerate the development of future humanoid technologies.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-19 11:39:00

KT Implements Quantum-Resistant Security System for Defense KT announced on May 19 that it will apply quantum-resistant encryption (PQC) to key defense systems as part of the "2026 Quantum-Resistant Encryption Pilot Transition Support Project" organized by the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Korea Internet & Security Agency (KISA). The company is conducting a PQC demonstration project in collaboration with the Ministry of National Defense and the Army Information and Communications School, forming a consortium with Daeyoung S-Tech and ESI. In this project, KT will implement quantum-resistant encryption modules across critical infrastructure segments, including the smart unit platform (edge) to user PCs, CCTV to network video recorders (NVR), drones to ground control systems (GCS), and 5G routers to core networks. The performance and applicability of these systems will be validated in real battlefield environments. The smart unit platform is a crucial area for PQC transition, as it integrates equipment from different manufacturers and multi-layered network structures. KT plans to apply and validate quantum-resistant encryption throughout the entire lifecycle of defense data from end to end. Based on the verification results and operational experience gained from this project, KT aims to expand the application of quantum-resistant encryption beyond defense to public and private sectors. The company will also continue to develop next-generation security service models that meet global security standards. Jeon Myung-jun, Executive Vice President of KT's Enterprise Services Division, stated, "By carrying out pilot projects in the defense sector, we will enhance the reliability of South Korea's communication and security technologies and lead the establishment of a secure AX environment." Meanwhile, according to global market research firm IQT, the global quantum technology market is expected to grow to 135.8885 trillion won by 2030, with quantum cryptography projected to achieve an average annual growth rate of 59%.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-19 11:36:24

US approves $4 billion arms sales to South Korea SEOUL, May 19 (AJP) - The U.S. State Department has approved potential arms sales to South Korea worth over $4 billion, including upgrade programs for Apache attack helicopters. The department’s Bureau of Political-Military Affairs said Monday that it approved a possible Foreign Military Sale requested by the South Korean government for 24 MH-60R helicopters, along with related weapons and equipment. The estimated cost of the helicopter package is $3 billion. The State Department said the proposed sale would improve South Korea’s capability “to meet current and future threats” by strengthening “the multi-mission helicopter capability of its Navy.” It separately approved a $1.2 billion AH-64E Apache upgrade program, saying it would strengthen the South Korean Army’s attack helicopter capability. The department said the proposed sales would support U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives by improving the security of a major ally that is “a force for political stability and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific region.” It added that the sales would not alter the basic military balance in the region and would have no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness. The approvals do not mean final contracts have been signed. Under the U.S. Foreign Military Sales process, the proposed sales must go through congressional notification procedures before any deal is finalized. The approvals also come days after Trump left open questions over U.S. arms sales to Taiwan following his recent summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping last week. 2026-05-19 11:35:58

Han Byeong-do Urges Cooperation for National Assembly Session Amid Tensions Han Byeong-do, the floor leader of the Democratic Party, emphasized the need for a National Assembly session on May 19, urging the People Power Party to cooperate in electing the next leadership. "The clock of the National Assembly must not stop. I call for significant cooperation," he stated, reiterating the importance of convening the session.During a meeting at the National Assembly, Han noted, "We must complete the election of the leadership before the local election campaign period from May 21 to June 2," and requested the People Power Party to assist in holding the session on May 20.He added, "The new leadership must be in place by May 30 to begin their duties normally. The National Assembly Act stipulates that the new leadership should be elected five days before the expiration of the previous leadership's term. The People Power Party is violating the law," he said.Han further stressed the urgency of preparing emergency measures for the prolonged situation in the Middle East and expediting legislation to support the KOSPI 8000 era. He also called for the completion of prosecutorial reforms and the normalization of the real estate market.In response to Jang Dong-hyuk's criticism of the upcoming Japan-Korea summit, Han remarked, "It is clear what the intention is behind holding a summit right before the elections. The level of awareness from the leader of the main opposition party is truly disheartening."He added, "It seems he has quickly forgotten the international embarrassment of returning empty-handed from his visit to the U.S., where he couldn't even meet with a minister or vice minister. The Yoon Suk-yeol administration is doing its utmost to restore South Korea's international standing, which was undermined by his administration. I hope he will exercise restraint."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-19 11:34:03

Close Race in Pyeongtaek: Jo Guk Leads with 29.3%, Kim Yong-nam at 25.5% A recent poll indicates a tight race among candidates for the Pyeongtaek by-election, coinciding with local elections. Jo Guk of the Jo Guk Innovation Party leads with 29.3%, followed by Kim Yong-nam of the Democratic Party at 25.5%, and Yoo Yi-dong of the People Power Party at 22.4%. The poll, conducted by Ace Research from May 16 to 17, surveyed 504 adults aged 18 and older residing in Pyeongtaek. Other candidates, including Hwang Kyo-ahn of the Liberty and Innovation Party at 9.4% and Kim Jae-yeon of the Progressive Party at 6%, trailed behind. In hypothetical matchups, the progressive candidates showed stronger support. In a head-to-head scenario, Kim Yong-nam garnered 45.5% against Yoo Yi-dong's 29.1%, with 11.6% undecided and 7.4% unsure. In another matchup, Jo Guk received 44.9% compared to Yoo Yi-dong's 30.7%, with 10.1% undecided, 7.7% unsure, and 6.5% opting for none. This survey utilized a wireless virtual number system provided by three telecommunications companies, employing an automated response system (100% wireless) with a response rate of 7.8%. The margin of error is ±4.4 percentage points at a 95% confidence level. For more details, please refer to the Central Election Poll Review Committee's website.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-19 11:30:47