Journalist

Lee Hugh
  • Special Prosecutors Office Marks 75 Days of Investigation with Limited Progress
    Special Prosecutor's Office Marks 75 Days of Investigation with Limited Progress The second comprehensive special prosecutor team, led by Kwon Chang-young, marked its 75th day of investigation on May 11. As the investigation period, set for a maximum of 150 days, reaches its halfway point, search and seizure operations and witness interrogations continue. However, the team has yet to secure the detention of key suspects or move to the indictment stage. The special prosecutor is focusing on the investigation into the alleged conspiracy to commit murder for rebellion related to the 'Noh Sang-won notebook' in hopes of finding a breakthrough. Since its launch on February 25, the special prosecutor's office announced its first investigation results last week. It cleared Kim Kwan-young, the former governor of North Jeolla Province, and Oh Young-hoon, the governor of Jeju Province, of charges related to the martial law situation on December 3, citing a lack of evidence to support the allegations. The case against Kim was initiated following a complaint from the Justice Innovation Party, but the special prosecutor determined there was insufficient evidence to substantiate the claims. Similarly, the case against Oh was closed without further judgment, as no new evidence emerged since the previous investigation into the rebellion last year. While these two cases were deemed to have relatively limited issues compared to other major allegations under investigation, it took nearly two months to reach a conclusion. Legal experts note that although forced investigations and data collection are ongoing, there has been little clear progress toward interrogating key suspects or moving toward indictments. Some observers have pointed out that this contrasts with the earlier special investigation teams, which sought to secure the detention of key suspects, including former President Yoon Suk-yeol and Kim Geon-hee, from the outset. The comprehensive special prosecutor's office has also been investigating allegations of complicity in rebellion involving the Joint Chiefs of Staff leadership and claims of covering up the investigation into Kim Geon-hee, but has not yet moved to request arrest warrants or indictments against major suspects. During a briefing on the same day, the special prosecutor's office stated that related investigations are ongoing. They are continuing searches at the Gwangju Center of the National Intelligence Resource Management Agency related to former Prosecutor General Shim Woo-jung's allegations of important duties in rebellion and abuse of power. Additionally, after the Supreme Prosecutors' Office refused to submit materials for a constitutional respect task force, they executed a search warrant to secure relevant documents. In connection with the allegations of covering up the Deutsche Motors stock manipulation case, the prosecutor's office is also conducting witness interrogations of the prosecutors involved in the investigation at that time. Furthermore, searches have been conducted regarding the allegations of Kim Geon-hee receiving a Dior bag. The special prosecutor's office is also pursuing allegations of complicity in rebellion within the Joint Chiefs of Staff. They reported conducting the first suspect interrogation of a Joint Chiefs of Staff official last week. In relation to the blacklist allegations involving the Military Counterintelligence Command, they executed a verification warrant to check personnel information databases. Recently, the focus has shifted significantly to the investigation related to the 'Noh Sang-won notebook.' Following verification at facilities in Yeonpyeong on May 6 and in Gwanak-gu, Seoul, on May 8, the special prosecutor's office is examining whether these locations could have served as detention sites for key figures listed in the notebook. The special prosecutor's office explained that the verification aims to confirm whether the facilities have the structure and environment suitable for use as detention sites. This is part of their efforts to substantiate the allegations against former Intelligence Commander Noh Sang-won regarding conspiracy to commit murder for rebellion. The investigation has also expanded to include charges against former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun and Noh for organizing a criminal group. In the legal community, opinions are divided on the effectiveness of applying additional charges to already indicted facts related to rebellion. Given the broad scope of the investigation, there are calls for focused efforts in the remaining time. Additionally, the special prosecutor's office is looking into allegations of preferential treatment in the Yangpyeong Expressway project, the cover-up of gambling investigations involving the Unification Church, and illegal budget execution related to the relocation of the presidential office. Kim O-jin, former first vice minister of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, is scheduled to be investigated on May 13, followed by Yoon Jae-soon, former chief secretary to the president, on May 14, and Kim Dae-ki, former head of the presidential office, on May 15, all for abuse of power. However, it is anticipated that investigations involving related parties and data collection will take considerable time, raising concerns about the potential for prolonged investigations.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-11 16:45:08
  • Hanwha Aerospace to supply additional Chunmoo launchers to Estonia
    Hanwha Aerospace to supply additional Chunmoo launchers to Estonia SEOUL, May 11 (AJP) - Hanwha Aerospace will supply three additional Chunmoo multiple rocket launchers to Estonia, the company said Monday, marking a follow-up deal just five months after its first contract with the Baltic nation. The latest purchase reflects the growing defense partnership between South Korea and Estonia, which began with Estonia’s acquisition of K9 self-propelled howitzers and has since expanded to include precision-guided multiple rocket launchers. Hanwha Aerospace said the additional supply was confirmed after the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) and the Estonian Centre for Defence Investments (ECDI) signed a government-to-government export contract earlier in the day. The deal follows a contract signed in December last year, worth about 290 million euros, or around $336 million based on the exchange rate at the time. The initial agreement included six Chunmoo launchers, three types of missiles — the CGR-080, CTM-MR and CTM-290 — as well as operational and training support. Estonia is currently moving quickly to acquire and modernize a multiple rocket launcher capability under its National Defence Development Plan 2031, known as RKAK 2031. The follow-up contract is seen as a result of Hanwha’s ability to meet Estonia’s delivery requirements and the trust built between the two sides during the implementation of the first contract. “The additional purchase of three Chunmoo launchers is highly significant for strengthening Estonia’s defense capabilities,” Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur said. “It also shows that our cooperation with Hanwha continues to deepen.” “We are pleased to further contribute to strengthening Estonia’s national defense and defense industry ecosystem through this additional supply,” Hanwha Aerospace CEO Son Jae-il said. “We will continue to introduce Hanwha’s defense solutions across the Baltic region and strengthen our position as Estonia’s trusted strategic partner.” 2026-05-11 16:44:04
  • How to Win Against Narcissists: New Book Offers Insights
    How to Win Against Narcissists: New Book Offers Insights Safe Breakup with X = Written by Rebecca Jung, translated by Ko Young-hoon, published by Think Station. The author, an American lawyer and negotiation expert, has developed the "Safe Breakup Formula (SLAY Method)" to help individuals win against narcissists. A mixed-race individual of Chinese descent, he overcame childhood experiences of racism but later fell into despair after encountering a narcissistic business partner. This experience led him to delve deeply into the nature of narcissists, resulting in his own "Narcissist Defeating Formula." Narcissists typically approach their victims with excessive praise and affection, a tactic known as "love bombing." They then employ a "hot and cold" strategy, ridiculing their victims behind their backs or humiliating them in public. They also use "flying monkeys"—people around them—to demonize their victims. Narcissists employ various strategies, such as emotional invalidation and projection, to crush their opponents. The author asserts that narcissists are not ordinary people, and conventional methods will not work against them. He advises maintaining composure, focusing on written communication, and keeping records of texts and emails. Phrases like "I will not respond to that" can disarm narcissists. Keeping a detailed daily log and creating a timeline of events can help individuals avoid being manipulated in future confrontations. "I loved the movie . Looking back, Oz shares many traits with narcissists. Behind the curtain, he was actually a cowardly and pathetic little man. Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion believed he was all-knowing and could provide everything, but they ultimately realized they needed to find the answers within themselves. At the end of the movie, Dorothy clicks the heels of her red shoes to return home, symbolizing her return to her true self. The Safe Breakup Formula reveals the narcissist by pulling back that curtain or threatening to do so." (p. 41) The Land That Deceived Three Times = Written by Je Yun-kyung, published by Icon. The author, a former finance professional and civic activist, has woven the structures of failure and accountability he witnessed in finance, politics, and civic movements into a novel. The book realistically depicts why development projects and public policies often fail and the lack of accountability in these processes. It is an engaging read for those curious about the reasons behind the frequent failures of major development projects and public policies reported in the news or for readers seeking to understand politics and administration through real-life narratives rather than theory. This novel, described as a "hyper-realistic black comedy," traces how a local development project culminated in failure over 15 years. Set in the fictional coastal city of "Reed Bay," it repeatedly presents rosy promises of wealth through land reclamation, plans to attract large corporations and global universities, and investment agreements worth trillions of won. However, the reality left behind is one of construction halts, lawsuits, and massive debts, with no one taking responsibility. The novel also reflects the author's hometown story. Returning to his hometown of Hadong, the author witnessed a series of absurd scams and remarked, "It was such an unbelievable reality that I had no choice but to write it as a novel. The landscape I faced upon returning home was too absurd to be a tragedy and too tragic to be a comedy, making it impossible to comprehend with a sane mind." "There are people who are deceived, but those who deceive are nowhere to be found." Duri slowly walked along the embankment, separating the land and marine departments of Reed Bay. The once-praised "artery of industry" was now overgrown with reeds beside the drainage ditch. Whenever the wind blew, the reeds seemed to nod to each other, as if holding a secret meeting." (p. 10) * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-11 16:42:25
  • People Power Party Launches Election Campaign in Ulsan, Targets Yeongnam Region
    People Power Party Launches Election Campaign in Ulsan, Targets Yeongnam Region People Power Party held a campaign launch event in Ulsan on May 11, aiming to secure votes in the Yeongnam region. The party called for overwhelming support for its Ulsan mayoral candidate Kim Du-gyeom and National Assembly candidate Kim Tae-kyu while also countering Democratic Party candidate Kim Sang-wook, who switched parties after leaving People Power Party.At the event, Jang Dong-hyuk, the party leader, stated, "This local election is a war to protect Ulsan and South Korea. I urge you to judge the forces that ignore the people and trample on the Constitution, which are destroying the roots of our nation, in this election."Jang criticized the current state of law enforcement and media, saying, "The prosecution has been dismantled, the police have become slaves to power, and now the media can no longer represent the people freely. The judiciary has also been seized. Now, they are even considering a special investigation to erase the president's crimes. This is unimaginable."He added, "If a special investigation to dismiss charges against the president passes, this will not be a country anymore. We must secure victory in Ulsan to resume Lee Jae-myung's trial and send him to prison."Jang praised Kim Du-gyeom, saying, "He has extensive political experience and administrative expertise. No matter how difficult it gets, he has stood by People Power Party and protected Ulsan."In contrast, he targeted Kim Sang-wook, stating, "Can someone who set fire to the boat they were on during a storm and escaped in a lifeboat be responsible for the citizens of Ulsan? Show with your votes what the price of betraying the citizens who elected you is in this election."Floor leader Song Eon-seok emphasized, "One must not forget their roots. It is unacceptable to spit on the party that nurtured you and the residents who elected you. Allowing such betrayal would tarnish the pride of Ulsan citizens."He expressed confidence in Kim Tae-kyu's victory, stating, "I believe the victory for Ulsan mayor is already secured. To restore the National Assembly's Science, Technology, Information, and Broadcasting Committee, we need someone who is well-versed in that work."Jang Dong-hyuk and the party leadership are continuing their regional campaign schedule, having visited Busan and Daegu the previous day, and are now focusing on solidifying their support in conservative strongholds. Jang plans to expand his outreach by visiting the Chungnam and Gyeongbuk party offices on May 12.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-11 16:40:14
  • Democratic Party Launches Candidate Selection Events in Gangwon and Seoul
    Democratic Party Launches Candidate Selection Events in Gangwon and Seoul The Democratic Party of Korea declared its transition to a local election system on May 11 by launching its Central Election Committee and holding candidate selection events in Gangwon and Seoul, reinforcing its commitment to resolving the rebellion and securing voter support. During a meeting of the Central Election Committee in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, and subsequent candidate selection events in both regions, the party reaffirmed its determination to achieve victory in the June 3 local elections, focusing on resolving the rebellion and ensuring the success of the Lee Jae-myung administration. Jung Cheong-rae, the party's representative, called for support for Woo Sang-ho, the candidate for Gangwon governor, during the committee meeting, emphasizing the importance of overcoming the rebellion and normalizing the country to support the success of the Lee administration. "The citizens' efforts allowed us to lift the state of emergency, and we are on the path to overcoming the rebellion and normalizing the country," Jung stated. "This election is a golden opportunity for the success of the Lee Jae-myung administration. Woo will be a strong partner in realizing the government's philosophy in the region." At the Gangwon candidate selection event held in Chuncheon, Jung reiterated the need to rally support for Woo's election and solidify the party's commitment to resolving the rebellion through local election victories. He remarked, "This local election is about overcoming the abnormal state characterized by political oppression and attempts to undermine Lee Jae-myung, as well as the state of emergency and rebellion, and striving for national normalization." While mentioning Woo, he added, "Woo will follow the path and direction set by the citizens, ensuring he does not go alone but walks alongside the people of Gangwon. He understands the president's thoughts and governance philosophy better than anyone and will be the key to unlocking a great leap for Gangwon." Woo also emphasized the importance of the upcoming local elections, stating, "Through this election, we must fulfill President Lee's governance philosophy of transitioning to a local era." He urged the nominated candidates, saying, "Your victory is the victory of the Democratic Party. If you lose, both the Democratic Party and the president will lose." In the afternoon, the Democratic Party held a candidate selection event in Seoul, where Jung again stressed the necessity of winning local elections, including reclaiming Seoul. He noted, "The spirit of the times in 2026 is national normalization. Overcoming the state of emergency and rebellion and restoring normalcy under the Yoon Seok-yeol administration's prosecutorial dictatorship is the spirit of the times." He urged candidates to wear their blue jackets with pride and carry the mission of supporting local election victories and the success of the Lee administration. Jung Won-o, the candidate for Seoul mayor, asserted, "The spirit of the times for this Seoul election is to replace the local government with capable leadership. We must change the ineffective current mayoral system and create an efficient Seoul administration." He warned that if Oh Se-hoon, the candidate from the People Power Party, were to win, it would lead to ongoing political conflict with President Lee for four years. "Only by electing Jung Won-o, who stands at the center of life, can Seoul's citizens be happy and the city develop. We will ensure that we replace the administrative power of Seoul to create a city where residents feel the effectiveness of governance."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-11 16:37:54
  • Middle East Risks Cause Volatile Exchange Rates Ahead of Ceasefire Agreement
    Middle East Risks Cause Volatile Exchange Rates Ahead of Ceasefire Agreement The won-dollar exchange rate has been experiencing significant fluctuations as negotiations for a ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran continue to stall and resume. Analysts predict that volatility will persist until a final agreement is reached. On May 11, the exchange rate in the Seoul foreign exchange market closed at 1,472.4 won per dollar, up 0.7 won from the previous trading day. The rate opened at 1,466.0 won, down 5.7 won from the prior day, but surged to over 1,476 won at one point during the day. Recently, the foreign exchange market has been reacting sharply to news related to U.S.-Iran negotiations. Until early last month, the exchange rate was threatening the 1,500 won mark, but it quickly declined as negotiations began. However, every time the possibility of a breakdown in talks and renewed geopolitical tensions arises, the rate has spiked again, indicating high volatility. On May 6, the won-dollar exchange rate dipped below 1,440 won during the day due to significant foreign buying of domestic stocks and optimism surrounding U.S.-Iran ceasefire expectations. Conversely, on May 8, as geopolitical tensions escalated, the rate rebounded nearly 20 won in a single day, reflecting market anxiety. The potential for an all-out war in the Middle East remains limited. The U.S. and Iran are maintaining negotiation channels, and with a U.S.-China summit scheduled for May 14, analysts believe the U.S. will seek to avoid escalating Middle East risks. A prolonged conflict could weaken U.S. negotiating power with China, as China may leverage the Iran issue in negotiations. Additionally, the recent strengthening of the yen is seen as a factor that alleviates some downward pressure on the won. The yen has been gaining strength amid concerns over potential market interventions by the Japanese government and expectations of changes in monetary policy. Market observers note that the yen's strength is encouraging a broader appreciation of Asian currencies, positively impacting the won. External supply conditions are also favorable for the won. According to the Bank of Korea, the current account surplus reached a record $37.33 billion in March, marking the largest surplus ever recorded for two consecutive months, following February's $23.19 billion. The expansion of the current account surplus increases domestic dollar supply, helping to buffer upward pressure on the exchange rate. However, the market does not rule out the possibility that the exchange rate could threaten the 1,500 won mark again if Middle East risks escalate. Given the history of repeated negotiations and ceasefire discussions, high volatility is expected to continue until a final agreement is reached. Analysts also warn that a sharp rise in international oil prices could lead to increased import costs and heightened risk-averse sentiment, further exerting downward pressure on the won. Park Sang-hyun, a researcher at iM Securities, stated, "It is essential to monitor the potential for further appreciation of the yuan and yen around the U.S.-China summit. The high oil prices and volatility stemming from the stalled ceasefire negotiations between the U.S. and Iran are the most significant variables in the global foreign exchange market, but if the situation does not change rapidly, the impact of the dollar may be limited." * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-11 16:35:44
  • Korean AI Safety Institute Partners with Anthropic on AI Security Initiative
    Korean AI Safety Institute Partners with Anthropic on AI Security Initiative The Korea Artificial Intelligence Safety Institute (AISI) is emerging as a global partner for AI safety and security with the American AI company Anthropic. The Ministry of Science and ICT has proposed establishing a security cooperation framework centered on AISI, suggesting that South Korea's AI safety policies and cybersecurity responses may soon align with global AI safety governance. According to the Ministry of Science and ICT on May 11, the government has suggested a plan to build an AI safety and cybersecurity cooperation system centered on AISI to Anthropic. AISI, which was launched in November 2024 as an organization under the Korea Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI), is South Korea's sixth dedicated AI safety agency established after the AI Seoul Summit held in May of the same year. It is responsible for AI risk assessment, policy research, and building global cooperation systems, and is currently working towards gradual independence from ETRI. This proposal is gaining attention as it aligns with Anthropic's global security partnership initiative, Project Glasswing. Project Glasswing is a collaborative security initiative in the industry that uses AI to detect and patch software security vulnerabilities worldwide. Led by Anthropic, the initiative reportedly includes participation from major global tech companies such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google, Microsoft, Apple, and NVIDIA. Among foreign public institutions, the UK AI Safety Institute is the only one involved. Additionally, companies in security, infrastructure, and finance, including Cisco, CrowdStrike, Broadcom, Palo Alto Networks, Cloudflare, and JPMorgan Chase, are also listed as partners. At the core of the project is Anthropic's proprietary AI model, Claude Mythos. Anthropic has stated that this model outperforms most humans, except for top security experts, in vulnerability detection. Mythos has reportedly identified vulnerabilities in OpenBSD that had gone undetected for 27 years and in the open-source video processing software FFmpeg that had persisted for 16 years. Notably, the FFmpeg vulnerability was not discovered despite over 5 million automated security tests. Experts believe that South Korea's participation in Project Glasswing could enhance its integration into the global AI security cooperation framework, thereby accelerating its response to vulnerabilities. Eom Heung-yeol, a professor in the Department of Information Security at Soonchunhyang University, stated, "The key to AI-based security is ultimately a race against time in detecting and patching vulnerabilities. By participating in Glasswing, we can receive advance information on vulnerabilities and patches from global tech giants, significantly shortening our domestic response time." He added, "Given the likelihood that North Korea and others will develop AI-based security and attack models, the nation that discovers vulnerabilities first and establishes a defense system will gain an advantage. It is crucial to reduce the current vulnerability sharing and patch response time from months to a matter of days or weeks."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-11 16:33:23
  • North Korean march in Russias Victory Day parade sends message on new alliance
    North Korean march in Russia's Victory Day parade sends message on new alliance SEOUL, May 11 (AJP) - Missing were the regular VIPs from China and Iran at this year's Victory Day in Russia, while the military hardware usually showcased along Red Square was notably scaled back amid the ongoing wars in Ukraine and the Middle East. What stood out instead during the 45-minute spectacle was the march of North Korean servicemen fighting alongside Russian troops in Ukraine. The message came across clear. The spectacle was intended to “show off the military alliance relationship between North Korea and Russia at home and abroad,” said Yoon Min Ho, spokesman for Seoul’s Unification Ministry. The parade, commemorating the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War II, was held under heavy security amid concerns over possible Ukrainian attacks. Russian President Vladimir Putin used the occasion to draw parallels between the sacrifices of the 1940s and Russia’s current war in Ukraine. The legacy of the wartime generation inspired Russian soldiers in the “special military operation,” he said. “They stand against an aggressive force armed and supported by the entire NATO bloc,” Putin said. “And despite this, our heroes move forward. Victory has always been and will always be ours.” This year’s event was notably more restrained than previous years. Instead of the customary display of missiles and armored vehicles, spectators were shown video presentations highlighting Russia’s drone capabilities and nuclear arsenal. A column of North Korean soldiers marched across Red Square as Pyongyang and Moscow deepen military cooperation. North Korean troops have reportedly been deployed alongside Russian forces, particularly in Russia’s Kursk region. The ceremony lasted about 45 minutes, roughly half the length of past Victory Day events. Russian authorities acknowledged tightened security measures were intended to protect Putin amid fears of possible Ukrainian strikes on Moscow. In a congratulatory message to Putin, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un emphasized the countries’ “comprehensive strategic partnership.” An estimated 14,000 North Koreans have been dispatched to the frontlines of Russia since October 2024, with 2,251 presumed to be killed. North Korea’s state-run Rodong Sinmun prominently featured the parade on its front pages. According to the newspaper, a combined column of the Korean People’s Army’s ground, naval and air forces was led by Army Col. Choe Yong-hun. “It was a display to the world of the closeness of North Korea-Russia relations at a time when North Korean troops are participating in the Ukraine war and fighting Ukrainian forces in Kursk,” said Kim Yong-hyun, professor of North Korean studies at Dongguk University. Kim said deepening ties between Pyongyang and Moscow could also encourage China to move closer to North Korea. He added that relations between Pyongyang and Moscow were likely to remain close for a considerable period because a quick end to the war appeared unlikely. 2026-05-11 16:31:08
  • Government Sells NXC Shares for 1 Trillion Won to Stabilize Currency and Bond Markets
    Government Sells NXC Shares for 1 Trillion Won to Stabilize Currency and Bond Markets The South Korean government has sold part of its NXC shares, which it had held for three years, at a price higher than the book value to stabilize the currency and secure non-tax revenue. Koo Yun-cheol, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, announced this during a press conference at the Government Sejong Center on May 11. The shares were sold at 555,800 won each, exceeding the book value of 553,400 won per share, reducing the government's stake from 30.6% to 25.7%. Previously, the government attempted to sell the shares through public bidding and the selection of a sale manager after receiving them from NXC in 2023, but repeated failures occurred due to the large scale of 4.7 trillion won. NXC has initiated a stock buyback based on investment returns from domestic and international corporations. This sale marks the first instance of asset disposal exceeding 30 billion won since the government improved its asset sale system last December, completing the necessary procedures including meetings of the National Property Policy Review Committee, cabinet approval, and reporting to the National Assembly. Koo stated, "Although the government had tried to sell the shares until last year without success, this time, Nexon purchased the shares with foreign currency. We view this positively as the sale price exceeds the book value we received." The Ministry of Economy and Finance expects this sale to have several benefits, including an influx of foreign currency and securing non-tax revenue. By utilizing some of the foreign currency funds for the buyback, the government aims to contribute to currency stability. Additionally, the successful sale of previously stagnant shares is expected to contribute to fiscal management. The government plans to include the 1 trillion won from the NXC share sale in this year's non-tax revenue budget. Meanwhile, due to recent amendments to the Commercial Act mandating the retirement of treasury shares, NXC is expected to retire the shares it has purchased. Koo also mentioned that the government is working on legislation related to the 'Korean version of the sovereign wealth fund,' which would address the transfer of the NXC shares to the fund. Under current law, proceeds from the sale of Nexon shares cannot be transferred to the sovereign wealth fund. He added, "If a sovereign wealth fund is established, we could place the shares received into the fund, allowing it to determine the timing and method of sale to maximize profits. I believe that if the fund is established quickly, it could greatly benefit the nation." The government has assessed that the inclusion in the World Government Bond Index (WGBI) has positively impacted the foreign exchange market, leading to a significant influx of foreign capital, primarily from Japanese investors, into the domestic bond market. From March 30 to May 8, foreign investors purchased a total of 14.6 trillion won in government bonds based on transaction standards, with net purchases amounting to approximately 10 trillion won. The government analyzed that the WGBI inclusion is expanding the investor base in the medium to long term, improving the supply and demand conditions in the bond market. It also expects that the stability of the South Korean economy, policy reliability, and the level of financial market development will enhance the country's credibility internationally. In particular, the influx of new foreign capital is anticipated to lower government bond yields and reduce corporate financing costs, positively affecting the real economy and encouraging investment. The government also noted that the WGBI inclusion, along with the new framework for the National Pension Service and the introduction of domestic stock return accounts (RIA), is contributing to the stability of foreign exchange supply and demand. Following the announcement of the National Pension Service's new framework on April 14, expectations for expanded currency hedging have alleviated speculative dollar buying in the offshore market. Amid a favorable domestic capital market, the number of RIA accounts and the amount deposited are rapidly increasing. As of May 8, the number of RIA accounts reached 212,000, with deposits exceeding 1.6 trillion won. The government anticipates continued capital inflows, as investors can receive a 100% tax exemption on capital gains from the sale of overseas stocks until the end of this month. 2026-05-11 16:30:33
  • AI Hacking Era Triggered by Anthropics Mythos: Security Industry Focuses on Encryption and Zero Trust
    AI Hacking Era Triggered by Anthropic's Mythos: Security Industry Focuses on Encryption and Zero Trust Anthropic's next-generation artificial intelligence (AI) model, Mythos, has revealed its potential for detecting software vulnerabilities and automating attacks, prompting the domestic security industry to enhance its response strategies. Industry experts note that while AI is not creating new hacking methods, it is significantly accelerating the speed of vulnerability exploration and attack execution. As a result, there is a shift from a preemptive security framework to one that emphasizes automated detection and response, data encryption, and zero trust-based security. On May 11, Ryu Je-myung, the Second Vice Minister of Science and ICT, met with Michael Selitto, Global Policy Lead at Anthropic, to discuss collaboration in the AI and cybersecurity sectors. The government is reportedly exploring the possibility of securing access to Mythos and participating in Project Glasswing. Mythos is a high-performance AI model capable of understanding and analyzing complex software to identify vulnerabilities. Its ability to detect vulnerabilities has raised global concerns about AI security, especially as the potential for exploitation becomes apparent. The government is considering applying Mythos to real systems and infrastructure to identify vulnerabilities and validate defense mechanisms as part of its interest in Project Glasswing. The domestic security industry views the concerns surrounding AI security as a foreseeable issue. They have been preparing for hacking scenarios resulting from AI advancements, and the recent Mythos shock has heightened awareness of AI security threats. Experts analyze that new attack techniques have not emerged due to Mythos; rather, the speed and level of automation in exploring and attacking vulnerabilities have significantly increased through AI. The methods of exploiting vulnerabilities, executing malware, and carrying out commands remain largely unchanged from traditional hacking techniques. However, the speed, repetitiveness, and sophistication of attackers' explorations have risen, necessitating a shift in corporate response strategies. Consequently, security strategies are evolving from a focus on preemptive blocking to prioritizing rapid detection, analysis, response, data encryption, and zero trust principles. AhnLab views the Mythos shock as a pivotal moment for the security industry to transition to new defense systems. The ability to quickly identify and analyze emerging threats for swift response has become crucial, rather than attempting to block all attacks in advance. The industry believes that AI should be recognized not just as a tool but as an active agent, and that AI security must expand to encompass the identification and control of AI actions in the future. Fasoo AI emphasizes minimizing damage after data breaches. As AI-based attacks become more sophisticated, it is increasingly unrealistic to prevent all breaches. Therefore, encryption is vital to ensure that even if data is leaked, attackers cannot access or exploit its contents. A Fasoo AI representative stated, "We protect data itself through our enterprise document and data encryption solution, FED (Fasoo Enterprise DRM), and our data identification and classification solution, FDR (Fasoo Data Radar)." SGA Solutions explains that AI-based attacks often target data theft, making database access management and control, as well as preventing lateral movement between servers, essential. An SGA Solutions representative noted, "To achieve this, it is important to strengthen micro-segmentation in server security and expand security frameworks based on zero trust architecture." However, there are concerns that the domestic security industry faces limitations in verifying actual threat levels and enhancing response systems. This is due to the difficulty in gaining direct access to restricted AI security research projects like Mythos. Consequently, domestic security companies must focus on strengthening their own AI security capabilities and automation systems.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-11 16:27:26